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OPZELURA is indicated for the topical short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable.

Limitations of Use: Use of OPZELURA in combination with therapeutic biologics, other JAK inhibitors, or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine is not recommended.

trial overview

Evaluated in 2 identical
Phase 3 trials1,2

STUDIED FOR SHORT-TERM USE AND LONG-TERM FOR MANAGEMENT OF AD FLARE-UPS1,2

 

1249 adult and adolescent patients were included in 2 identically designed double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled trials.1,2

In both studies, patients were randomized to monotherapy with OPZELURA, ruxolitinib cream 0.75%, or vehicle twice daily for 8 weeks.1

key inclusion criteria1,3:

  • Affected BSA of 3% to 20%
  • ≥12 years of age
  • IGA score of 2 or 3*
  • Diagnosis of AD ≥2 years
TRIAL ENDPOINTS INCLUDED KEY OUTCOMES IN AD1,3
 
Primary endpoint
Skin clearance
IGA-TSProportion of patients who achieved clear (IGA 0) or almost clear (IGA 1) skin with at least a 2-point improvement from baseline
Key secondary endpoints
Itch relief
Itch NRS4Proportion of patients with a ≥4-point improvement in itch on a 0- to 10-point scale
Reduction in lesion extent and severity
EASI-75Proportion of patients who achieved ≥75% improvement from baseline in their EASI score
Other secondary endpoints
EASI percent change from baselineMean percent change in lesion extent and severity (EASI) score
Itch NRS change from baselineMean change in self-reported Itch

*Severity scale of 0 to 4.1

AD, atopic dermatitis; BID, twice daily; BSA, body surface area; EASI, Eczema Area and Severity Index; IGA, Investigator's Global Assessment; IGA-TS, Investigator’s Global Assessment treatment success; NRS, numerical rating scale.

 
Patient experiencing redness and itching on the neck

In the clinical trials, which included patients ≥12 years of age1,3:

  • Affected BSA was 3% to 20% (mean ≈10%)1,3
  • 39% of patients had facial involvement at baseline1
  • 75% of the patients had an IGA score of 3 (moderate)1

BSA, body surface area; IGA, Investigator's Global Assessment.

BASELINE PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS1

 Study Participants (N = 1249)
Age, y
12-1720%
19-6471%
≥659%
Race
White70%
Black23%
Asian4%
Other3%
Lession appearance (IGA*)
Score of 225%
Score of 375%
BSA %
Mean≈10%
Worst Itch Intensity (Itch NRS)
Mean score5

*Patients had a baseline IGA score of 2 to 3 on a severity scale of 0 to 4.1          
Itch NRS is defined as a 7-day average of the worst level of itch intensity in the last 24 hours, measured on a scale of 0 to 10.          
Patients in the analysis had an NRS score ≥4 at baseline.1,3

BSA, body surface area; IGA, Investigator's Global Assessment; NRS, numerical rating scale; y, years.

 
IN THE 44-WEEK EXTENSION PERIOD2
  • Patients initially randomized to OPZELURA in the TRuE-AD clinical trials remained on their regimen2
  • Patients initially randomized to vehicle were rerandomized 1:1 to ruxolitinib cream 0.75% or OPZELURA2
  • Patients self-evaluated active AD lesions and treated as needed (up to 20% BSA)2
  • Patients were instructed to stop treatment 3 days after lesion clearance and restart treatment at the first sign of recurrence2
  • If new lesions were extensive or appeared in new areas, patients were instructed to contact the investigator to determine if an unscheduled additional visit was needed. Rescue treatment was not permitted2
  • Patients initially randomized to OPZELURA in the TRuE-AD clinical trials remained on their regimen2
  • Patients initially randomized to vehicle were rerandomized 1:1 to ruxolitinib cream 0.75% or OPZELURA2
  • Patients self-evaluated active AD lesions and treated as needed (up to 20% BSA)2
  • Patients were instructed to stop treatment 3 days after lesion clearance and restart treatment at the first sign of recurrence2
  • If new lesions were extensive or appeared in new areas, patients were instructed to contact the investigator to determine if an unscheduled additional visit was needed. Rescue treatment was not permitted2

The graphic above shows the study design for OPZELURA, which was studied in 2 identically designed, double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled trials (TRuE-AD1 and TRuE-AD2). The 2 studies included 1249 adult and pediatric patients ≥12 years of age with an affected BSA of 3% to 20% and an IGA score of 2 to 3 on a severity scale of 0 to 4. Patients were randomized to monotherapy with OPZELURA, ruxolitinib cream 0.75%, or vehicle twice daily for 8 weeks.1

In a 44-week extension study, patients initially randomized to OPZELURA in the TRuE-AD clinical trials remained on their regimen. Patients initially randomized to vehicle were rerandomized 1:1 to ruxolitinib cream 0.75% or OPZELURA. Patients self-evaluated active AD lesions and treated as needed BID (up to 20% BSA). Study visits in the extension period occurred every 4 weeks.2

AD, atopic dermatitis; BID, twice daily.

PATIENT DISPOSITION IN THE EXTENSION PERIOD2
 TRuE-AD1TRuE-AD2
Patients entering extension period542530
Completed the study430(79.3%)401(75.7%)
Discontinued112(20.7%)129(24.3%)
Withdrew49(9.0%)78(14.7%)
Lost to follow-up41(7.6%)25(4.7%)
Discontinued (other)22(4.1%)26(4.9%)

Safety and tolerability assessments included the frequency of reported TEAEs, treatment-related AEs, and AEs leading to discontinuation2

Disease control assessed by2:

  • Proportion of patients with clear (IGA 0) or almost clear (IGA 1) skin
  • Mean total affected BSA

AD, atopic dermatitis; AE, adverse event; BID, twice daily; BSA, body surface area; IGA, Investigator’s Global Assessment; TEAE, treatment-emergent adverse event.

Important Safety Information and indication

 

INDICATION

OPZELURA is indicated for the topical short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable.

Limitations of Use: Use of OPZELURA in combination with therapeutic biologics, other JAK inhibitors, or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine is not recommended.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

SERIOUS INFECTIONS
Patients treated with oral Janus kinase inhibitors for inflammatory conditions are at risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Reported infections include:
  • Active tuberculosis, which may present with pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease.
  • Invasive fungal infections, including cryptococcosis and pneumocystosis.
  • Bacterial, viral, including herpes zoster, and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens.
Avoid use of OPZELURA in patients with an active, serious infection, including localized infections. If a serious infection develops, interrupt OPZELURA until the infection is controlled. Carefully consider the benefits and risks of treatment prior to initiating OPZELURA in patients with chronic or recurrent infection. Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with OPZELURA.

Serious lower respiratory tract infections were reported in the clinical development program with topical ruxolitinib.

No cases of active tuberculosis (TB) were reported in clinical trials with OPZELURA. Cases of active TB were reported in clinical trials of oral Janus kinase inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. Consider evaluating patients for latent and active TB infection prior to administration of OPZELURA. During OPZELURA use, monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of TB.

Viral reactivation, including cases of herpes virus reactivation (e.g., herpes zoster), were reported in clinical trials with Janus kinase inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions including OPZELURA. If a patient develops herpes zoster, consider interrupting OPZELURA treatment until the episode resolves.

Hepatitis B viral load (HBV-DNA titer) increases, with or without associated elevations in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, have been reported in patients with chronic HBV infections taking oral ruxolitinib. OPZELURA initiation is not recommended in patients with active hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

MORTALITY

In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety study in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor comparing an oral JAK inhibitor to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker treatment, a higher rate of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death, was observed with the JAK inhibitor. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with OPZELURA.

MALIGNANCIES

Malignancies were reported in patients treated with OPZELURA. Lymphoma and other malignancies have been observed in patients receiving JAK inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. In RA patients treated with an oral JAK inhibitor, a higher rate of malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)) was observed when compared with TNF blockers. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk.

Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with OPZELURA, particularly in patients with a known malignancy (other than successfully treated non-melanoma skin cancers), patients who develop a malignancy when on treatment, and patients who are current or past smokers.

Non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, have occurred in patients treated with OPZELURA. Perform periodic skin examinations during OPZELURA treatment and following treatment as appropriate. Exposure to sunlight and UV light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using broad-spectrum sunscreen.

MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS (MACE)

In RA patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor treated with an oral JAK inhibitor, a higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke), was observed when compared with TNF blockers. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk. Discontinue OPZELURA in patients who have experienced a myocardial infarction or stroke.

Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with OPZELURA, particularly in patients who are current or past smokers and patients with other cardiovascular risk factors. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of serious cardiovascular events and the steps to take if they occur. Discontinue OPZELURA in patients that have experienced a myocardial infarction or stroke.

THROMBOSIS
Thromboembolic events were observed in trials with OPZELURA. Thrombosis, including pulmonary embolism (PE), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and arterial thrombosis have been reported in patients receiving JAK inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. Many of these adverse reactions were serious and some resulted in death. In RA patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor treated with an oral JAK inhibitor, a higher rate of thrombosis was observed when compared with TNF blockers. Avoid OPZELURA in patients at risk. If symptoms of thrombosis occur, discontinue OPZELURA and treat appropriately.
Thrombocytopenia, Anemia, and Neutropenia

Thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia were reported in the clinical trials with OPZELURA. Consider the benefits and risks for individual patients who have a known history of these events prior to initiating therapy with OPZELURA. Perform CBC monitoring as clinically indicated. If signs and/or symptoms of clinically significant thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia occur, patients should discontinue OPZELURA.

Lipid Elevations

Treatment with oral ruxolitinib has been associated with increases in lipid parameters including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Adverse Reactions

In atopic dermatitis, the most common adverse reactions (≥1%) are nasopharyngitis (3%), diarrhea (1%), bronchitis (1%), ear infection (1%), eosinophil count increased (1%), urticaria (1%), folliculitis (1%), tonsillitis (1%), and rhinorrhea (1%).

Pregnancy

There is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in pregnant persons exposed to OPZELURA during pregnancy. Pregnant persons exposed to OPZELURA and healthcare providers should report OPZELURA exposure by calling 1-855-463-3463.

Lactation

Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with OPZELURA and for approximately four weeks after the last dose (approximately 5-6 elimination half-lives).

Please see Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, and Medication Guide for OPZELURA.

Indication

OPZELURA is indicated for the topical short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic

Important Safety Information

Important Safety Information and indication

Serious Infections

Patients treated with oral Janus kinase inhibitors for inflammatory conditions are at risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Reported infections include:

Patients treated with oral Janus kinase inhibitors for inflammatory conditions are at risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Reported infections include:

REFERENCES: 1. OPZELURA [Prescribing information]. Wilmington, DE: Incyte Corporation; 2023. 2. Papp K, Szepietowski JC, Kircik L, et al. Long-term safety and disease control with ruxolitinib cream in atopic dermatitis: results from two phase 3 studies. Presented at the Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Virtual Conference; June 13, 2021. 3. Papp K, Szepietowski JC, Kircik L, et al. Efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib cream for the treatment of atopic dermatitis: results from 2 phase 3, randomized, double-blind studies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021;85(4):863-872. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2021.04.085