2.1 Dosage

Treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride should be directed by physicians knowledgeable in the management of PKU.

All patients with PKU who are being treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride should also be treated with a Phe-restricted diet, including dietary protein and Phe restriction.

Starting Dosage

Pediatric Patients 1 month to 6 years: The recommended starting dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride is 10 mg/kg taken once daily.

Patients 7 years and older: The recommended starting dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride is 10 to 20 mg/kg taken once daily.

Dosage Adjustment (Evaluation Period)

Existing dietary protein and Phe intake should not be modified during the evaluation period.

If a 10 mg/kg per day starting dose is used, then response to therapy is determined by change in blood Phe following treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride at 10 mg/kg per day for a period of up to 1 month. Blood Phe levels should be checked after 1 week of sapropterin dihydrochloride treatment and periodically for up to a month. If blood Phe does not decrease from baseline at 10 mg/kg per day, the dose may be increased to 20 mg/kg per day. Patients whose blood Phe does not decrease after 1 month of treatment at 20 mg/kg per day do not show a biochemical response and treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution should be discontinued in these patients.

If a 20 mg/kg per day starting dose is used, then response to therapy is determined by change in blood Phe following treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride at 20 mg/kg per day for a period of 1 month. Blood Phe levels should be checked after 1 week of sapropterin dihydrochloride treatment and periodically during the first month. Treatment should be discontinued in patients who do not show a biochemical response (blood Phe does not decrease) after 1 month of treatment at 20 mg/kg per day [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Once responsiveness to sapropterin dihydrochloride has been established, the dosage may be adjusted within the range of 5 to 20 mg/kg per day according to biochemical response to therapy (blood Phe). Periodic blood Phe monitoring is recommended to assess blood Phe control, especially in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

2.2 Preparation and Administration Instructions 

Take Sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution orally with a meal, preferably at the same time each day [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible, but two doses should not be taken on the same day.

Sapropterin Dihydrochloride Powder for Oral Solution

Patients weighing greater than 10 kg

Sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution should be dissolved in 120 to 240 mL of water or apple juice and taken orally within 30 minutes of dissolution. Sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution may also be stirred in a small amount of soft foods such as apple sauce or pudding. Empty the contents of the packet(s) in water, apple juice, or a small amount of soft foods and mix thoroughly. The powder should dissolve completely.  

Patients weighing 10 kg or less (use 100 mg packets)

For infants weighing 10 kg or less, sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution can be dissolved in as little as 5 mL of water or apple juice and a portion of this solution corresponding to a 10 mg/kg dose may be administered orally via an oral dosing syringe. Table 1 provides dosing information for infants at the recommended starting dose of 10 mg/kg per day. Refer to Table 2 for dosing information at 20 mg/kg per day if dosage adjustment is needed.

Table 1: 10 mg/kg per day Dosing Table for Infants Weighing 10 kg or less

*Starting dose for infants is 10 mg/kg per day. Dosing information for 20 mg/kg per day is provided in Table 2.   

† Powder for oral solution provided in single use packets containing 100 mg sapropterin dihydrochloride powder per packet 

‡ Volume of water or apple juice to dissolve Sapropterin Dihydrochloride Powder for Oral Solution.

§ Discard remainder of mixture after volume to be administered is drawn.

Table 2: 20 mg/kg per day Dosing Table for Infants Weighing 10 kg or less

*Powder for oral solution provided in single use packets containing 100 mg sapropterin dihydrochloride powder per packet

†Volume of water or apple juice to dissolve Sapropterin Dihydrochloride Powder for Oral Solution.

§ Discard remainder of mixture after volume to be administered is drawn.

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis

Sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution is not recommended in patients with a history of anaphylaxis to sapropterin dihydrochloride. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and rash, have occurred [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]. Signs of anaphylaxis include wheezing, dyspnea, coughing, hypotension, flushing, nausea, and rash. Discontinue treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride in patients who experience anaphylaxis and initiate appropriate medical treatment. Continue dietary protein and Phe restriction in patients who experience anaphylaxis.

5.2 Upper Gastrointestinal Mucosal Inflammation

Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse reactions suggestive of upper GI mucosal inflammation have been reported with sapropterin dihydrochloride. Serious adverse reactions included esophagitis and gastritis[see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. If left untreated, these could lead to severe sequelae including esophageal stricture, esophageal ulcer, gastric ulcer, and bleeding and such complications have been reported in patients receiving sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of upper GI mucosal inflammation.

5.3 Hypophenylalaninemia

In clinical trials of sapropterin dihydrochloride, some PKU patients experienced hypophenylalaninemia (low blood Phe) during treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride. In a clinical study of pediatric patients younger than 7 years old treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride 20 mg/kg per day, the incidence of hypophenylalaninemia was higher than in clinical trials of older patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

5.4 Monitoring Blood Phe Levels During Treatment

Prolonged elevations of blood Phe levels in patients with PKU can result in severe neurologic damage, including severe intellectual disability, developmental delay, microcephaly, delayed speech, seizures, and behavioral abnormalities. Conversely, prolonged levels of blood Phe that are too low have been associated with catabolism and endogenous protein breakdown, which has been associated with adverse developmental outcomes. Active management of dietary Phe intake while taking sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution is required to ensure adequate Phe control and nutritional balance. Monitor blood Phe levels during treatment to ensure adequate blood Phe level control. Frequent blood monitoring is recommended in the pediatric population [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

5.5 Lack of Biochemical Response to Sapropterin Dihydrochloride

Some patients with PKU do not show biochemical response (reduction in blood Phe) with treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride. In two clinical trials at a sapropterin dihydrochloride dose of 20 mg/kg per day, 56% to 75% of pediatric PKU patients showed a biochemical response to sapropterin dihydrochloride, and in one clinical trial at a dose of 10 mg/kg per day, 20% of adult and pediatric PKU patients showed a biochemical response to  sapropterin dihydrochloride [see Clinical Studies (14)].

Biochemical response to sapropterin dihydrochloride treatment cannot generally be pre-determined by laboratory testing (e.g., molecular testing), and should be determined through a therapeutic trial (evaluation) of sapropterin dihydrochloride response [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

5.6 Interaction with Levodopa

In a 10-year post-marketing safety surveillance program for a non-PKU indication using another sapropterin product, 3 patients with underlying neurological disorders experienced seizures, exacerbation of seizures, over-stimulation, and irritability during co-administration of levodopa and sapropterin. Monitor patients who are receiving levodopa for changes in neurological status during treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride [see Drug Interactions (7)].

5.7 Hyperactivity

In the sapropterin dihydrochloride post-marketing safety surveillance program, 2 patients with PKU experienced hyperactivity when treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Monitor patients for hyperactivity.

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 the rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.  

 PKU Clinical Studies 

The safety of sapropterin dihydrochloride was evaluated in 7 clinical studies in patients with  PKU (aged 1 month to 50 years) [see Clinical Studies (14)] .

In Studies1 to 4 (controlled and uncontrolled studies), 579 patients with PKU aged 4 to 49 years received sapropterin dihydrochloride in doses ranging from 5 to 20 mg/kg per day, for lengths of treatment ranging from 1 to 164 weeks. The patient population was evenly distributed in gender, and approximately 95% of patients were Caucasian. The most common adverse reactions (≥4% of patients) were headache, rhinorrhea, pharyngolaryngeal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, and nasal congestion.

The data described in Table 3 reflect exposure of 74 patients with PKU to sapropterin dihydrochloride at doses of 10 to 20 mg/kg per day for 6 to 10 weeks in two double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials (Studies 2 and 4). 

Table 3 enumerates adverse reactions occurring in at least 4% of patients treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride in the double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials described above.

Table 3: Summary of Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥4% of Patients in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Studies with Sapropterin Dihydrochloride

In open-label, uncontrolled clinical trials (Studies 1 and 3)  all patients received sapropterin dihydrochloride in doses of 5 to 20 mg/kg per day, and adverse reactions were similar in type and frequency to those reported in the  double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] .

In Study 5, 65 pediatric patients with PKU aged 1 month to 6 years received sapropterin dihydrochloride 20 mg/kg per day for 6 months. Adverse reactions in these patients were similar in frequency and type as those seen in other sapropterin dihydrochloride clinical trials except for an increased incidence of low Phe levels. Twenty-five percent (16 out of 65) of patients developed Phe levels below normal for age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Pediatric Use (8.4), and Clinical Studies (14)].

In Study 6, a long term, open-label, extension study of 111 patients aged 4 to 50 years, receiving sapropterin dihydrochloride in doses ranging from 5 to 20 mg/kg per day, adverse reactions were similar in type and frequency to those reported in the previous clinical studies. Fifty-five patients received sapropterin dihydrochloride both as dissolved and intact tablets. There were no notable differences in the incidence or severity of adverse reactions between the two methods of administration. The mean (± SD) exposure to sapropterin dihydrochloride for the entire study population was 659 ± 221 days (maximum 953 days).

In Study 7, 27 pediatric patients with PKU aged 0 to 4 years received sapropterin dihydrochloride 10 mg/kg per day or 20 mg/kg per day. Adverse reactions were similar in type and frequency to those observed in other clinical trials, with the addition of rhinitis, which was reported in 2 subjects (7.4%).

Safety Experience From Clinical Studies for Non-PKU Indications

Approximately 800 healthy subjects and patients with disorders other than PKU, some of whom had underlying neurologic disorders or cardiovascular disease, have been administered a different formulation of the same active ingredient (sapropterin) in approximately 19 controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials. In these clinical trials, subjects were administered sapropterin at doses ranging from 1 to 100 mg/kg per day for lengths of exposure from 1 day to 2 years. Serious and severe adverse reactions (regardless of causality) during sapropterin administration were seizures, exacerbation of seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)], dizziness, gastrointestinal bleeding, post-procedural bleeding, headache, irritability, myocardial infarction, overstimulation, and respiratory failure. Common adverse reactions were headache, peripheral edema, arthralgia, polyuria, agitation, dizziness, nausea, pharyngitis, abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain, and upper respiratory tract infection.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been reported during post-approval use of sapropterin dihydrochloride. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and rash: Most hypersensitivity reactions occurred within several days of initiating treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Gastrointestinal reactions: esophagitis, gastritis, oropharyngeal pain, pharyngitis, esophageal pain, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea, and vomiting [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Hyperactivity: Two cases have been reported. In one case, the patient received an accidental overdosage of sapropterin dihydrochloride [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Overdosage (10)].

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary 

An embryo-fetal development study with sapropterin dihydrochloride in rats using oral doses up to 3 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) given during the period of organogenesis showed no effects. In a rabbit study using oral administration of sapropterin dihydrochloride during the period of organogenesis, a rare defect, holoprosencephaly, was noted at 10 times the MRHD.

All pregnancies have a background risk of major birth defects, pregnancy loss, or other adverse pregnancy outcomes. 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. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in pregnant women with PKU who maintain blood phenylalanine concentrations greater than 600 micromol/L during pregnancy is greater than the corresponding background risk for pregnant women without PKU.

Clinical Considerations 

Disease-associated maternal and/or embryofetal risk

Uncontrolled blood phenylalanine concentrations before and during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and fetal adverse effects. To reduce the risk of hyperphenylalaninemia-induced fetal adverse effects, blood phenylalanine concentrations should be maintained between 120 and 360 micromol/L during pregnancy and during the 3 months before conception [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

Data

Human Data

Uncontrolled Maternal PKU

Available data from the Maternal Phenylketonuria Collaborative Study on 468 pregnancies and 331 live births in PKU-affected women demonstrated that uncontrolled Phe levels above 600 micromol/L are associated with a very high incidence of neurological, cardiac, facial dysmorphism, and growth anomalies. Control of blood phenylalanine during pregnancy is essential to reduce the incidence of Phe-induced teratogenic effects.  

Animal Data 

No effects on embryo-fetal development were observed in a reproduction study in rats using oral doses of up to 400 mg/kg per day sapropterin dihydrochloride (about 3 times the MRHD of 20 mg/kg per day, based on body surface area) administered during the period of organogenesis. However, in a rabbit reproduction study, oral administration of a maximum dose of 600 mg/kg per day (about 10 times the MRHD, based on body surface area) during the period of organogenesis was associated with a non-statistically significant increase in the incidence of holoprosencephaly in two high dose-treated litters (4 fetuses), compared to one control-treated litter (1 fetus).

8.2 Lactation 

Risk Summary

There are insufficient data to assess the presence of sapropterin in human milk and no data on the effects on milk production. In postmarketing pregnancy registries, a total of 16 women from both registries were identified as breastfeeding for a mean of 3.5 months. No lactation-related safety concerns were reported in infants of mothers nursing during maternal treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride. Sapropterin is present in the milk of lactating rats following intravenous administration, but not following oral administration.

The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for sapropterin dihydrochloride and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from sapropterin dihydrochloride or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients with PKU, ages 1 month to 16 years, have been treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14)]. 

The efficacy and safety of sapropterin dihydrochloride have not been established in neonates. The safety of sapropterin dihydrochloride has been established in children younger than 4 years in trials of 6 months duration and in children 4 years and older in trials of up to 3 years in length [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

In children aged 1 month and older, the efficacy of sapropterin dihydrochloride has been demonstrated in trials of 6 weeks or less in duration [see Clinical Studies (14)] . 

In a multicenter, open-label, single arm study, 57 patients aged 1 month to 6 years who were defined as sapropterin dihydrochloride responders after 4 weeks of sapropterin dihydrochloride treatment and Phe dietary restriction were treated for 6 months with sapropterin dihydrochloride at 20 mg/kg per day. The effectiveness of sapropterin dihydrochloride alone on reduction of blood Phe levels beyond 4 weeks could not be determined due to concurrent changes in dietary Phe intake during the study. Mean (±SD) blood Phe values over time for patients aged 1 month to <2 years and 2 to <7 years are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Mean Blood Phe Level Over Time by Age (years) (N=57)

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of sapropterin dihydrochloride in patients with PKU did not include patients aged 65 years and older. It is not known whether these patients respond differently than younger patients.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Sapropterin dihydrochloride is a synthetic form of BH4, the cofactor for the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). PAH hydroxylates Phe through an oxidative reaction to form tyrosine. In patients with PKU, PAH activity is absent or deficient. Treatment with BH4 can activate residual PAH enzyme activity, improve the normal oxidative metabolism of Phe, and decrease Phe levels in some patients.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

In PKU patients who are responsive to BH4 treatment, blood Phe levels decrease within 24 hours after a single administration of sapropterin dihydrochloride, although maximal effect on Phe level may take up to a month, depending on the patient. A single daily dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride powder for oral solution is adequate to maintain stable blood Phe levels over a 24-hour period. Twelve patients with blood Phe levels ranging from 516 to 986 μmol/L (mean 747 ± 153 μmol/L) were assessed with 24-hour blood Phe level monitoring following a daily morning dose of 10 mg/kg per day. The blood Phe level remained stable during a 24-hour observation period. No substantial increases in blood Phe levels were observed following food intake throughout the 24-hour period.

Sapropterin dihydrochloride dose-response relationship was studied in an open-label, forced titration study at doses of 5 mg/kg per day, then 20 mg/kg per day, and then 10 mg/kg per day (Study 3) [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Individual blood Phe levels were highly variable among patients. The mean blood Phe level observed at the end of each 2-week dosing period decreased as the dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride increased, demonstrating an inverse relationship between the dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride and mean blood Phe levels. 

Cardiac Electrophysiology 

A thorough QTc study was performed in 56 healthy adults. This randomized, placebo and active controlled crossover study was conducted to determine if a single supra-therapeutic (100 mg/kg) dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride, or a single therapeutic dose (20 mg/kg) of sapropterin dihydrochloride had an effect on cardiac repolarization. In this study, sapropterin dihydrochloride was administered after dissolving tablets in water under fed condition. This study demonstrated a dose-dependent shortening of the QT interval. The maximum placebo-subtracted mean change from baseline of the QTc interval was -3.69 and -8.32 ms (lower bound of 90% CI: -5.3 and -10.6 ms) at 20 and 100 mg/kg, respectively.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Studies in healthy subjects have shown comparable absorption of sapropterin when tablets are dissolved in water or orange juice and taken under fasted conditions. Administration of dissolved tablets after a high-fat/high-calorie meal resulted in mean increases in Cmax of 84% and AUC of 87% (dissolved in water). However, there was extensive variability in individual subject values for Cmax and AUC across the different modes of administration and meal conditions. In the clinical trials of sapropterin dihydrochloride, drug was administered in the morning as a dissolved tablet without regard to meals. The mean elimination half-life in PKU patients was approximately 6.7 hours (range 3.9 to 17 hours), comparable with values seen in healthy subjects (range 3 to 5.3 hours). 

A study in healthy adults with 10 mg/kg of sapropterin dihydrochloride demonstrated that the absorption via intact tablet administration was 40% greater than via dissolved tablet administration under fasted conditions based on AUC0-t. The administration of intact tablets under fed conditions resulted in an approximately 43% increase in the extent of absorption compared to fasted conditions based on AUC0-t[see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Population pharmacokinetic analysis of sapropterin including patients from 1 month to 49 years of age showed that body weight is the only covariate substantially affecting clearance or distribution volume (see Table 5). Pharmacokinetics in patients >49 years of age have not been studied.

Table 5. Apparent Plasma Clearance by Age

*Evaluated at 20 mg/kg per day dose

†Evaluated at 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg per day doses

Metabolism

Sapropterin dihydrochloride is a synthetic form of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and is expected to be metabolized and recycled by the same endogenous enzymes. In vivo endogenous BH4 is converted to quinoid dihydrobiopterin and is metabolized to dihydrobiopterin and biopterin. The enzymes dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteridine reductase are responsible for the metabolism and recycling of BH4.

Drug Interactions Studies

Clinical Studies

In healthy subjects, administration of a single dose of sapropterin dihydrochloride at the maximum therapeutic dose of 20 mg/kg had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of digoxin (P-gp substrate) administered concomitantly.

In Vitro Studies Where Drug Interaction Potential Was Not Further Evaluated Clinically

The potential for sapropterin to induce or inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes was evaluated in in vitro studies which showed sapropterin did not inhibit CYP 1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, or3A4/5, nor induce CYP 1A2, 2B6, or 3A4/5.

In vitro sapropterin did not inhibit OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, MATE1, and MATE2-K transporters. The potential for sapropterin to inhibit OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 has not been adequately studied. In vitro, sapropterin inhibits breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) but the potential for a clinically significant increase in systemic exposure of BCRP substrates by sapropterin dihydrochloride appears to be low.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

A 2-year carcinogenicity study was conducted in F-344 rats, and a 78-week carcinogenicity study was conducted in CD-1 mice. In the 104-week oral carcinogenicity study in rats, sapropterin dihydrochloride doses of 25, 80, and 250 mg/kg per day (0.2, 0.7, and 2 times the maximum recommended human dose of 20 mg/kg per day, respectively, based on body surface area) were used. In the 78-week oral carcinogenicity study in mice, sapropterin dihydrochloride doses of 25, 80, and 250 mg/kg per day (0.1, 0.3, and 2 times the recommended human dose, respectively, based on body surface area) were used. In the 2-year rat carcinogenicity study, there was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of benign adrenal pheochromocytoma in male rats treated with the 250 mg/kg per day (about 2 times the maximum recommended human dose, based on body surface area) dose, as compared to vehicle treated rats. The mouse carcinogenicity study showed no evidence of a carcinogenic effect, but the study was not ideal due to its duration of 78 instead of 104 weeks. 

Sapropterin dihydrochloride was genotoxic in the in vitro Ames test at concentrations of 625 mcg (TA98) and 5,000 mcg (TA100) per plate, without metabolic activation. However, no genotoxicity was observed in the in vitro Ames test with metabolic activation. Sapropterin dihydrochloride was genotoxic in the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster lung cells at concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5 mM. Sapropterin dihydrochloride was not mutagenic in the in vivo micronucleus assay in mice at doses up to 2,000 mg/kg per day (about 8 times the maximum recommended human dose of 20 mg/kg per day, based on body surface area). Sapropterin dihydrochloride, at oral doses up to 400 mg/kg per day (about 3 times the maximum recommended human dose, based on body surface area) was found to have no effect on fertility and reproductive function of male and female rats.