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Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitors
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Prescription (Rx)
Available as
15 MG · Oral Tablet
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE MEKTOVI is a kinase inhibitor indicated: • in combination with encorafenib, for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600E or V600K mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test. ( 1.1 , 2.1 ) • in combination with encorafenib, for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test. ( 1.2 , 2.1 ) 1.1 BRAF V600E or V600K Mutation-Positive Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma MEKTOVI is indicated, in combination with encorafenib, for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600E or V600K mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . 1.2 BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) MEKTOVI is indicated, in combination with encorafenib, for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test. [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] .
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Binimetinib is a reversible inhibitor of mitogen-activated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1 (MEK1) and MEK2 activity. MEK proteins are upstream regulators of the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway. In vitro, binimetinib inhibited extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in cell-free assays as well as viability and MEK-dependent phosphorylation of BRAF-mutant human melanoma cell lines. Binimetinib also inhibited in vivo ERK phosphorylation and tumor growth in BRAF-mutant murine xenograft models. Binimetinib and encorafenib target two different kinases in the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. Compared to either drug alone, coadministration of encorafenib and binimetinib resulted in greater anti-proliferative activity in vitro in BRAF mutation-positive cell lines and greater anti-tumor activity with respect to tumor growth inhibition in BRAF V600E mutant human melanoma xenograft studies in mice. Additionally, the combination of binimetinib and encorafenib delayed the emergence of resistance in BRAF V600E mutant human melanoma xenografts in mice compared to either drug alone. In a BRAF V600E mutant NSCLC patient-derived xenograft model in mice, coadministration of encorafenib and binimetinib resulted in greater anti-tumor activity compared to binimetinib alone, with respect to tumor growth inhibition. Increased tumor growth delay after dosing cessation was also observed with the coadministration compared to either drug alone.
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Melanoma • Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E or V600K mutation in tumor specimens prior to the initiation of MEKTOVI. ( 2.1 ) • The recommended dose is 45 mg orally twice daily in combination with encorafenib. Take MEKTOVI with or without food. ( 2.2 ) • For patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment the recommended dose is 30 mg orally twice daily. ( 2.4 , 8.6 ) NSCLC • Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor or plasma specimens prior to initiating MEKTOVI. ( 2.1 ) • The recommended dose is 45 mg orally twice daily in combination with encorafenib. Take MEKTOVI with or without food. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Patient Selection BRAF V600E or V600K Mutation-Positive Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma Confirm the presence of a BRAF V600E or V600K mutation in tumor specimens prior to initiating MEKTOVI [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of BRAF V600E and V600K mutations in melanoma is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics . BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Confirm the presence of a BRAF V600E mutation in tumor or plasma specimens prior to initiating MEKTOVI [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . If no mutation is detected in a plasma specimen, test tumor tissue. Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of BRAF V600E mutations in NSCLC is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics . 2.2 Recommended Dosage and Administration The recommended dosage of MEKTOVI is 45 mg orally taken twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart, in combination with encorafenib until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Refer to the encorafenib prescribing information for recommended encorafenib dosing information. MEKTOVI may be taken with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Do not take a missed dose of MEKTOVI within 6 hours of the next dose of MEKTOVI. Do not take an additional dose if vomiting occurs after MEKTOVI administration but continue with the next scheduled dose. 2.3 Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions If encorafenib is permanently discontinued, discontinue MEKTOVI. Dose reductions for adverse reactions associated with MEKTOVI are presented in Table 1. Table 1: Recommended Dose Reductions for MEKTOVI for Adverse Reactions Action Recommended Dose First Dose Reduction 30 mg orally twice daily Subsequent Modification Permanently discontinue if unable to tolerate MEKTOVI 30 mg orally twice daily Dosage modifications for adverse reactions associated with MEKTOVI are presented in Table 2. Table 2: Recommended Dosage Modifications for MEKTOVI for Adverse Reactions Severity of Adverse Reaction National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE) version 4.03. Dose Modification for MEKTOVI Cardiomyopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Asymptomatic, absolute decrease in LVEF of greater than 10% from baseline that is also below lower limit of normal (LLN) Withhold MEKTOVI for up to 4 weeks, evaluate LVEF every 2 weeks. Resume MEKTOVI at a reduced dose if the following are present: • LVEF is at or above the lower limit of normal and • Absolute decrease from baseline is 10% or less and • Patient is asymptomatic. If the LVEF does not recover within 4 weeks permanently discontinue MEKTOVI. • Symptomatic congestive heart failure or absolute decrease in LVEF of greater than 20% from baseline that is also below LLN Permanently discontinue MEKTOVI. Venous Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Uncomplicated deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) Withhold MEKTOVI. • If improves to Grade 0-1, resume at a reduced dose. • If no improvement, permanently discontinue MEKTOVI. • Life threatening PE Permanently discontinue MEKTOVI. Serous Retinopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Symptomatic serous retinopathy/Retinal pigment epithelial detachments Withhold MEKTOVI for up to 10 days. • If improves an
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • New Primary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Cardiomyopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Venous Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Ocular Toxicities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Interstitial Lung Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Risks Associated with Combination Treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Melanoma: Most common adverse reactions (≥25%) for MEKTOVI, in combination with encorafenib, are fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. ( 6.1 ) NSCLC: Most common adverse reactions (≥25%) for MEKTOVI, in combination with encorafenib, are fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, vomiting, abdominal pain, visual impairment, constipation, dyspnea, rash, and cough. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer Inc. at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data described in WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflect exposure of 192 patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma to MEKTOVI 45 mg twice daily in combination with encorafenib 450 mg once daily in a randomized open-label, active-controlled trial (COLUMBUS) [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] or, for rare events, exposure of 690 patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive melanoma to MEKTOVI 45 mg twice daily in combination with encorafenib once daily across multiple clinical trials (NCT03915951, NCT01909453). The pooled safety population described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS also reflect exposure of 98 patients with BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer to MEKTOVI 45 mg twice daily and encorafenib 450 mg once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity in PHAROS [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . BRAF V600E or V600K Mutation-Positive Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma The data described below reflect exposure of 192 patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma to MEKTOVI (45 mg twice daily) in combination with encorafenib (450 mg once daily) in COLUMBUS. The COLUMBUS trial [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] excluded patients with a history of Gilbert's syndrome, abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction, prolonged QTc (>480 msec), uncontrolled hypertension, and history or current evidence of retinal vein occlusion. The median duration of exposure was 11.8 months for patients treated with MEKTOVI in combination with encorafenib and 6.2 months for patients treated with vemurafenib. The most common (≥25%) adverse reactions in patients receiving MEKTOVI in combination with encorafenib were fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Adverse reactions leading to dose interruptions of MEKTOVI occurred in 33% of patients receiving MEKTOVI in combination with encorafenib; the most common were left ventricular dysfunction (6%) and serous retinopathy (5%). Adverse reactions leading to dose reductions of MEKTOVI occurred in 19% of patients receiving MEKTOVI in combination with encorafenib; the most common were left ventricular dysfunction (3%), serous retinopathy (3%), and colitis (2%). Five percent (5%) of patients receiving MEKTOVI in combination with encorafenib experienced an adverse reaction that resulted in permanent discontinuation of MEKTOVI. The most common adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal reproduction studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] , MEKTOVI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available clinical data on the use of MEKTOVI during pregnancy. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of binimetinib during the period of organogenesis was embryotoxic and an abortifacient in rabbits at doses greater than or equal to those resulting in exposures approximately 5 times the human exposure at the clinical dose of 45 mg twice daily (see Data ) . Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In reproductive toxicity studies, administration of binimetinib to rats during the period of organogenesis resulted in maternal toxicity, decreased fetal weights and increased variations in ossification at doses ≥30 mg/kg/day (approximately 37 times the human exposure based on AUC at the recommended clinical dose of 45 mg twice daily). In pregnant rabbits, administration of binimetinib during the period of organogenesis resulted in maternal toxicity, decreased fetal body weights, an increase in malformations, and increased post-implantation loss, including total loss of pregnancy at doses ≥10 mg/kg/day (approximately 5 times the human exposure based on AUC at the recommended clinical dose of 45 mg twice daily). There was a significant increase in fetal ventricular septal defects and pulmonary trunk alterations at 20 mg/kg/day of binimetinib (less than 8 times the human exposure at the recommended clinical dose of 45 mg twice daily).
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverConsult your doctor
…For patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment the recommended dose is 30 mg orally twice daily.…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • New Primary Malignancies, Cutaneous and Non-cutaneous: Can occur when MEKTOVI is used in combination with encorafenib. Monitor patients for new malignancies prior to initiation of treatment, during treatment, and after discontinuation of treatment. ( 5.1 ) • Cardiomyopathy: Assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) before initiating treatment, after one month of treatment, then every 2 to 3 months thereafter. The safety of MEKTOVI has not been established in patients with LVEF below 50%. ( 5.2 ) • Venous Thromboembolism: Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism can occur. ( 5.3 ) • Ocular Toxicities: Serous retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and uveitis have occurred. Perform an ophthalmologic evaluation at regular intervals and for any visual disturbances. ( 5.4 ) • Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): Assess new or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms or findings for possible ILD. ( 5.5 ) • Hepatotoxicity: Monitor liver function tests before and during treatment with MEKTOVI and encorafenib and as clinically indicated. ( 5.6 ) • Rhabdomyolysis: Monitor creatine phosphokinase and creatinine periodically and as clinically indicated. ( 5.7 ) • Hemorrhage: Major hemorrhagic events can occur in patients receiving MEKTOVI and encorafenib. ( 5.8 ) • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females with reproductive potential of potential risk to the fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.9 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 New Primary Malignancies New primary malignancies, cutaneous and non-cutaneous, can occur when MEKTOVI is used in combination with encorafenib. In PHAROS, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and skin papilloma each occurred in 2% of patients who received MEKTOVI in combination with encorafenib. Monitor patients for new malignancies prior to initiation of treatment, while on treatment, and after discontinuation of treatment [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.2 Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy, manifesting as left ventricular dysfunction associated with symptomatic or asymptomatic decreases in ejection fraction, has been reported in patients treated with MEKTOVI in combination with encorafenib. In COLUMBUS, evidence of cardiomyopathy (decrease in LVEF below the institutional LLN with an absolute decrease in LVEF ≥10% below baseline as detected by echocardiography or MUGA) occurred in 7% of patients receiving MEKTOVI plus encorafenib. Grade 3 left ventricular dysfunction occurred in 1.6% of patients. The median time to first occurrence of left ventricular dysfunction (any grade) in patients receiving MEKTOVI in combination with encorafenib was 3.6 months (range 0 to 21 months). Cardiomyopathy resolved in 87% of patients receiving MEKTOVI plus encorafenib. In PHAROS, evidence of cardiomyopathy (decrease in LVEF below the institutional LLN with an absolute decrease in LVEF ≥10% below baseline as detected by echocardiography or MUGA) occurred in 11% of patients receiving MEKTOVI in combination with encorafenib. Grade 3 left ventricular dysfunction occurred in 1% of patients. Cardiomyopathy resolved in 82% of patients receiving MEKTOVI plus encorafenib. Assess ejection fraction by echocardiogram or MUGA scan prior to initiating treatment, one month after initiating treatment, and then every 2 to 3 months during treatment. The safety of MEKTOVI in combination with encorafenib has not been established in patients with a baseline ejection fraction that is either below 50% or below the institutional lower limit of normal (LLN). Patients with cardiovascular risk factors should be monitored closely when treated with MEKTOVI. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . 5.3 Venous Thromboembolism In COLUMBUS, venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurred in 6% of patients receiving MEKTOVI in combination with encorafenib, including 3.1% of patients who developed pulmonary em
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )
Pediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of MEKTOVI have not been established in pediatric patients.
⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.
Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS No clinically important drug interactions have been observed with MEKTOVI.
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE Since binimetinib is 97% bound to plasma proteins, hemodialysis is likely to be ineffective in the treatment of overdose with MEKTOVI.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
2 marketed products on record (RxNorm)
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.