Drug Reference

Encorafenib

B-Raf serine-threonine kinase (BRAF) inhibitors

← All medicines · B-Raf serine-threonine kinase (BRAF) inhibitors

Rx only

Fact box

Therapeutic class
B-Raf serine-threonine kinase (BRAF) inhibitors
Habit forming
No
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

Braftovi

Available as

50 MG · Oral Capsule75 MG · Oral Capsule

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 BRAFTOVI is a kinase inhibitor indicated: Melanoma • in combination with binimetinib, for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600E or V600K mutation, as detected by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.1 , 2.1 ) Colorectal Cancer (CRC) • in combination with cetuximab and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy, for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA‑authorized test. ( 1.2 , 2.1 ) • in combination with cetuximab, for the treatment of adult patients with mCRC with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-authorized test, after prior therapy. ( 1.2 , 2.1 ) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) • in combination with binimetinib, for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.3 , 2.1 ) Limitations of Use BRAFTOVI is not indicated for treatment of patients with wild-type BRAF melanoma, wild-type BRAF CRC, or wild-type BRAF NSCLC. ( 1.4 , 5.2 ) 1.1 BRAF V600E or V600K Mutation–Positive Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma BRAFTOVI is indicated, in combination with binimetinib, for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600E or V600K mutation, as detected by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . 1.2 BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC) • BRAFTOVI is indicated, in combination with cetuximab and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy , for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA- authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]. • BRAFTOVI is indicated, in combination with cetuximab, for the treatment of adult patients with mCRC with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA- authorized test, after prior therapy [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]. 1.3 BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) BRAFTOVI is indicated, in combination with binimetinib, for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . 1.4 Limitations of Use BRAFTOVI is not indicated for treatment of patients with wild-type BRAF melanoma, wild-type BRAF CRC, or wild-type BRAF NSCLC [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] .
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Encorafenib is a kinase inhibitor that targets BRAF V600E, as well as wild-type BRAF and CRAF in in vitro cell-free assays with IC 50 values of 0.35, 0.47, and 0.3 nM, respectively. Mutations in the BRAF gene, such as BRAF V600E, can result in constitutively activated BRAF kinases that may stimulate tumor cell growth. Encorafenib was also able to bind to other kinases in vitro including JNK1, JNK2, JNK3, LIMK1, LIMK2, MEK4, and STK36 and reduce ligand binding to these kinases at clinically achievable concentrations (≤0.9 µM). Encorafenib inhibited in vitro growth of tumor cell lines expressing BRAF V600 E, D, and K mutations. In mice implanted with tumor cells expressing BRAF V600E , encorafenib induced tumor regressions associated with RAF/MEK/ERK pathway suppression. Encorafenib and binimetinib target two different kinases in the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. Compared with 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 encorafenib and binimetinib 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. In the setting of BRAF-mutant CRC, induction of EGFR-mediated MAPK pathway activation has been identified as a mechanism of resistance to BRAF inhibitors. Combinations of a BRAF inhibitor and agents targeting EGFR have been shown to overcome this resistance mechanism in nonclinical models. Coadministration of encorafenib and cetuximab had an anti-tumor effect greater than either drug alone, in a mouse model of colorectal cancer with mutated BRAF V600E.
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 BRAFTOVI. ( 2.1 ) • The recommended dose is 450 mg orally once daily in combination with binimetinib. ( 2.2 ) CRC • Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in plasma or tumor specimens prior to the initiation of BRAFTOVI. ( 2.1 ) • The recommended dose is 300 mg orally once daily in combination with o biweekly cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 (fluorouracil, leucovorin and oxaliplatin) or cetuximab and FOLFIRI (fluorouracil, leucovorin and irinotecan) ( 2.3 ) o weekly cetuximab ( 2.3 ) NSCLC • Confirm the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in tumor or plasma specimens prior to initiating BRAFTOVI. ( 2.1 ) • The recommended dose is 450 mg orally once daily in combination with binimetinib. ( 2.2 ) Take BRAFTOVI with or without food. ( 2.4 ) 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 BRAFTOVI [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Information on FDA-authorized 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 Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Confirm the presence of a BRAF V600E mutation in plasma or tumor tissue prior to initiating BRAFTOVI [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Clinical Studies (14.2 , 14.3) ]. If no mutation is detected in a plasma specimen, test tumor tissue. Information on FDA- authorized tests for the detection of BRAF V600E mutations in CRC 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 BRAFTOVI [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . If no mutation is detected in a plasma specimen, test tumor tissue. Information on FDA- authorized tests for the detection of BRAF V600E mutations in NSCLC is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics . 2.2 Recommended Dosage for BRAF V600E or V600K Mutation-Positive Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma and for BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) The recommended dosage of BRAFTOVI is 450 mg (six 75 mg capsules) orally once daily in combination with binimetinib until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Refer to the binimetinib prescribing information for recommended binimetinib dosing information. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (CRC) The recommended dosage of BRAFTOVI is 300 mg (four 75 mg capsules) orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity in combination with: • biweekly cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 (fluorouracil, leucovorin and oxaliplatin) or biweekly cetuximab and FOLFIRI (fluorouracil, leucovorin and irinotecan) [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] • weekly cetuximab [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. 2.4 Administration BRAFTOVI may be taken with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Do not take a missed dose of BRAFTOVI within 12 hours of the next dose of BRAFTOVI. Do not take an additional dose if vomiting occurs after BRAFTOVI administration but continue with the next scheduled dose. 2.5 Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions BRAF V600E or V600K Mutation-Positive Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma or BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Metastatic NSCLC If binimetinib is withheld, reduce BRAFTOVI to a maximum dose of 300 mg (four 75 mg capsules) once daily until binimetinib is resumed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] . Dose reductions for adverse reactions associated with BRAFTOVI are presented in Table 1. Table 1: Recommended Dose Reductions for BRAFTOVI for Adverse Reactions – Melanoma or NSCLC Action Recommended Dose F
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • New Primary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Tumor Promotion in BRAF Wild-Type Tumors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Cardiomyopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Uveitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] • Risks Associated with BRAFTOVI as a Single Agent [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Risks Associated with Combination Treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] • Melanoma : Most common adverse reactions (≥25%) for BRAFTOVI, in combination with binimetinib, are fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and arthralgia. ( 6.1 ) • CRC : Most common adverse reactions (≥25%) for BRAFTOVI, in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6, are peripheral neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, decreased appetite, rash, vomiting, hemorrhage, abdominal pain, arthralgia, pyrexia, and constipation. ( 6.1 ) • Most common adverse reactions (≥25%) for BRAFTOVI, in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI are nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, alopecia, constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and rash. ( 6.1 ) • Most common adverse reactions (≥25%) for BRAFTOVI, in combination with cetuximab, are fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, dermatitis acneiform, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, arthralgia, and rash. ( 6.1 ) • NSCLC : Most common adverse reactions (≥25%) for BRAFTOVI, in combination with binimetinib, 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. BRAF V600E or V600K Mutation-Positive Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma The safety of BRAFTOVI in combination with binimetinib is described in 192 patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma who received BRAFTOVI (450 mg once daily) in combination with binimetinib (45 mg twice daily) in a randomized open-label, active-controlled trial (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 ms), uncontrolled hypertension, and history or current evidence of retinal vein occlusion. The median duration of exposure was 11.8 months for patients treated with BRAFTOVI in combination with binimetinib and 6.2 months for patients treated with vemurafenib. The most common (≥25%) adverse reactions in patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with binimetinib were fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and arthralgia. Adverse reactions leading to dose interruptions of BRAFTOVI occurred in 30% of patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with binimetinib; the most common were nausea (7%), vomiting (7%), and pyrexia (4%). Adverse reactions leading to dose reductions of BRAFTOVI occurred in 14% of patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with binimetinib; the most common were arthralgia (2%), fatigue (2%), and nausea (2%). Five percent (5%) of patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with binimetinib experienced an adverse reaction that resulted in permanent discontinuation of BRAFTOVI; the most common were hemorrhage in 2% and headache in 1% of patients. Table 5 and Table 6 present adverse drug reactions and laboratory abnormalities, respectively, identified in

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 its mechanism of action, BRAFTOVI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] . There are no available clinical data on the use of BRAFTOVI during pregnancy. In animal reproduction studies, encorafenib produced embryo-fetal developmental changes in rats and rabbits and was an abortifacient in rabbits at doses greater than or equal to those resulting in exposures approximately 26 (in the rat) and 178 (in the rabbit) times the human exposure at the clinical dose of 450 mg, with no clear findings at lower doses (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 encorafenib to rats during the period of organogenesis resulted in maternal toxicity, decreased fetal weights, and increased incidence of total skeletal variations at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day (approximately 26 times the human exposure based on area under the concentration-time curve [AUC] at the recommended clinical dose of 450 mg once daily). In pregnant rabbits, administration of encorafenib during the period of organogenesis resulted in maternal toxicity, decreased fetal body weights, increased incidence of total skeletal variations and increased post-implantation loss, including total loss of pregnancy at a dose of 75 mg/kg/day (approximately 178 times the human exposure based on AUC at the recommended clinical dose of 450 mg once daily). While formal placental transfer studies have not been performed, encorafenib exposure in the fetal plasma of both rats and rabbits was up to 1.7% and 0.8%, respectively, of maternal exposure.
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…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.
LiverCaution
…Hepatotoxicity : Monitor liver function tests before and during treatment with BRAFTOVI and binimetinib and as clinically indicated.…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • New Primary Malignancies, cutaneous and noncutaneous : Can occur. Monitor for malignancies and perform dermatologic evaluations prior to, while on therapy, and following discontinuation of treatment. ( 5.1 ) • Tumor Promotion in BRAF Wild-Type Tumors : Increased cell proliferation can occur with BRAF inhibitors. ( 5.2 ) • Cardiomyopathy : Assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) before initiating treatment with BRAFTOVI and binimetinib, and after one month of treatment, then every 2 to 3 months thereafter. The safety of BRAFTOVI in combination with binimetinib has not been established in patients with LVEF below 50%. ( 5.3 ) • Hepatotoxicity : Monitor liver function tests before and during treatment with BRAFTOVI and binimetinib and as clinically indicated. ( 5.4 ) • Hemorrhage : Major hemorrhagic events can occur in patients receiving BRAFTOVI and binimetinib. ( 5.5 ) • Uveitis : Perform ophthalmologic evaluation at regular intervals and for any visual disturbances. ( 5.6 ) • QT Prolongation : Monitor electrolytes before and during treatment. Correct electrolyte abnormalities and control for cardiac risk factors for QT prolongation. Withhold BRAFTOVI for QTc of 500 ms or greater. ( 5.7 ) • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise females with reproductive potential of potential risk to the fetus and to use effective nonhormonal method of contraception. ( 5.8 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) • Risks Associated with BRAFTOVI as a Single Agent : If binimetinib is temporarily interrupted or permanently discontinued, reduce the dose of BRAFTOVI as recommended. ( 5.9 ) • Risks Associated with Combination Treatment : BRAFTOVI is indicated for use as part of a regimen in combination with binimetinib or cetuximab. ( 5.10 ) 5.1 New Primary Malignancies New primary malignancies, cutaneous and noncutaneous, have been observed in patients treated with BRAF inhibitors and can occur with BRAFTOVI. Cutaneous Malignancies In COLUMBUS, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cuSCC), including keratoacanthoma (KA), occurred in 2.6%, and basal cell carcinoma occurred in 1.6% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with binimetinib. Median time to first occurrence of cuSCC/KA was 5.8 months (range 1 to 9 months) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . For patients who received BRAFTOVI as a single agent, cuSCC/KA was reported in 8%, basal cell carcinoma in 1%, and a new primary melanoma in 5% of patients. In BEACON CRC, cuSCC/KA occurred in 1.4% of patients with CRC, and a new primary melanoma occurred in 1.4% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab. In PHAROS, cuSCC and skin papilloma, each occurred in 2% of patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with binimetinib. In BREAKWATER, the following cutaneous malignancies occurred in patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6: melanocytic nevus in 5.6%, skin papilloma in 3% , basal cell carcinoma in 1.3%, squamous cell carcinoma of skin in 0.9%, keratoacanthoma in 0.4% and malignant melanoma in situ in 0.4%. In patients who received BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI, skin papilloma occurred in 2.8% and keratoacanthoma in 1.4% of patients. Perform dermatologic evaluations prior to initiating treatment, every 2 months during treatment, and for up to 6 months following discontinuation of treatment. Manage suspicious skin lesions with excision and dermatopathologic evaluation. Dose modification is not recommended for new primary cutaneous malignancies. Noncutaneous Malignancies Based on its mechanism of action, BRAFTOVI may promote malignancies associated with activation of RAS through mutation or other mechanisms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Monitor patients receiving BRAFTOVI for signs and symptoms of noncutaneous malignancies. Discontinue BRAFTOVI for RAS mutation-positive noncutaneous malignancies [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . 5.2 Tumor Promotion in BRAF Wild-Type Tumors In vitro
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of BRAFTOVI 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 • Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors: Avoid coadministration. If unavoidable, reduce BRAFTOVI dosage. ( 2.6 , 7.1 ) • Strong CYP3A4 inducers: Avoid coadministration. ( 7.1 ) • Sensitive CYP3A4 substrates: Avoid coadministration with CYP3A4 substrates (including hormonal contraceptives) for which a decrease in plasma concentration may lead to reduced efficacy of the substrate. ( 7.2 ) • Transporters: Dose reductions of drugs that are substrates of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, or BCRP may be required when used concomitantly with BRAFTOVI. ( 7.2 , 12.3 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on BRAFTOVI Strong or Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors Coadministration of BRAFTOVI with a strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor increases encorafenib plasma concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] and may increase encorafenib adverse reactions. Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, including grapefruit juice. If coadministration is unavoidable, reduce the BRAFTOVI dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) ] . Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Coadministration of BRAFTOVI with a strong CYP3A4 inducer may decrease encorafenib plasma concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] and may decrease encorafenib efficacy. Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with strong CYP3A4 inducers. 7.2 Effect of BRAFTOVI on Other Drugs Sensitive CYP3A4 Substrates BRAFTOVI is a strong CYP3A4 inducer at steady-state. Concomitant use of BRAFTOVI may decrease the plasma concentrations of CYP3A4 substrates (including hormonal contraceptives), [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may reduce the efficacy of these substrates. Avoid the coadministration of BRAFTOVI with CYP3A4 substrates for which a decrease in plasma concentration may lead to reduced efficacy of the substrate. If the coadministration cannot be avoided, see the CYP3A4 substrate product labeling for recommendations. OATP1B1, OATP1B3, or BCRP Substrates Coadministration of BRAFTOVI with OATP1B1, OATP1B3, or BCRP substrates can result in increased concentrations of the substrates, and may increase toxicity of these agents. When used in combination, monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of increased exposure and consider adjusting the dose of these substrates [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.3 Drugs That Prolong the QT Interval BRAFTOVI is associated with dose-dependent QTc interval prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with drugs known to prolong the QT/QTc interval.
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE Since encorafenib is 86% bound to plasma proteins, hemodialysis is likely to be ineffective in the treatment of overdose with BRAFTOVI.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

4 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.