Overview
- Active ingredient
- Elinzanetant
- Route
- Oral
- Label date
- 2026-06-16
Indications and usage
LYNKUET is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) due to menopause. LYNKUET is a neurokinin 1 (NK1) and neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause. ( 1 )
Dosage and administration
The recommended dosage is 120 mg (two 60 mg capsules) orally once daily at bedtime with or without food. ( 2.2 ) Swallow capsules whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew capsules. ( 2.2 ) See full prescribing information for LYNKUET dosage modification due to drug interactions. ( 2.3 )
2.1 Recommended Evaluation and Testing Before Initiation of LYNKUET Exclude pregnancy in females of reproductive potential [see Contraindications (4) ], Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , and Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ]. Perform baseline hepatic laboratory tests to evaluate for hepatic function and injury [including serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and serum bilirubin (total and direct)] before initiating treatment with LYNKUET. Do not start LYNKUET if ALT or AST is ≥ 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) or if the total bilirubin is ≥ 2 times ULN [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ] .
2.2 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage of LYNKUET is 120 mg (two 60 mg capsules) orally once daily at bedtime at about the same time each day. If a dose is missed at bedtime, take the next dose as scheduled on the following day. Do not take two doses on the same day to make up for a missed dose. Take LYNKUET with or without food. Take LYNKUET with water and swallow capsules whole. Do not cut, crush or chew capsules.
2.3 Dosage Modifications for Drug Interactions Dosage modifications for concomitant use with specific drugs are provided in Table 1 [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ]. Table 1: Dosage Modifications for Drug Interactions Concomitant Drug LYNKUET Dosage Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and grapefruit (juice) Avoid concomitant use Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors 60 mg (one capsule) orally once daily at bedtime [see Storage and Handling (16.2) ]. After discontinuation of the moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor (after 3 to 5 half-lives of the inhibitor), LYNKUET should be used at the usual dosage of 120 mg once daily. Strong and Moderate CYP3A4 inducers Avoid concomitant use
Dosage forms and strengths
Capsules: 60 mg, opaque red, oblong, soft, gelatin capsules, with white printing of "EZN60". Capsules: 60 mg ( 3 )
Contraindications
LYNKUET is contraindicated in pregnancy. Exposure to LYNKUET may cause pregnancy loss or stillbirth when administered during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ] . Pregnancy. ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS CNS Depressant Effect and Daytime Impairment: Advise patients about the potential for somnolence and other nervous system effects. Advise patients who experience these effects to refrain from driving or engaging in hazardous occupations or activities until the effects have resolved ( 5.1 ) Hepatic Transaminase Elevations: Perform bloodwork prior to initiation of LYNKUET to evaluate for hepatic function and injury. Do not start therapy if serum transaminase concentration is equal to or exceeds two times the upper limit of normal (ULN) or if the total bilirubin is equal to or exceeds two times the ULN. Perform follow-up evaluations of hepatic transaminase concentration 3 months after initiation. Advise patients to discontinue LYNKUET immediately in case of signs or symptoms suggesting liver injury. ( 5.2 ) Risk of pregnancy loss: May cause pregnancy loss or stillbirth when administered during pregnancy. Exclude pregnancy in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating LYNKUET. Discontinue if pregnancy is confirmed ( 5.3 ) Risk of seizure ( 5.4 )
5.1 Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressant Effect and Daytime Impairment In the three OASIS trials, nervous system effects (including somnolence, fatigue, vertigo, dizziness and presyncope) occurred in 11.9% of patients on LYNKUET compared to 3.5% on placebo. [see also Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Advise patients about the potential for somnolence and other nervous system effects. Advise patients who experience these effects to refrain from driving or engaging in hazardous occupations or activities until the effects have resolved [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ].
5.2 Hepatic Transaminase Elevations Elevations in serum transaminase (ALT and/or AST) concentrations equal to or greater than three times the ULN occurred in 0.6% of patients receiving LYNKUET and 0.4% of patients receiving placebo up to 12 weeks in three clinical trials. Perform baseline bloodwork (including ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and total and direct bilirubin) prior to initiation of LYNKUET to evaluate for hepatic function and injury. Do not start therapy if serum transaminase concentration is equal to or exceeds two times the ULN or if the total bilirubin is equal to or exceeds two times the ULN. Perform follow-up evaluations of hepatic transaminase concentration 3 months after initiation of therapy. Advise patients to discontinue LYNKUET immediately and seek medical attention including hepatic laboratory tests if they experience signs or symptoms that may suggest liver injury (new onset fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, pruritus, jaundice, pale feces, dark urine, or abdominal pain). Discontinue LYNKUET if transaminase elevations exceed five times the ULN or if transaminase elevations exceed three times the ULN and total bilirubin exceeds two times the ULN. Exclude alternative causes of hepatic laboratory test elevations.
5.3 Risk of Pregnancy Loss LYNKUET is contraindicated for use in pregnancy [see Contraindications (4) ]. Findings from animal studies suggest that LYNKUET can cause pregnancy loss or stillbirth. Exclude pregnancy in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating LYNKUET. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LYNKUET and for 2 weeks after stopping LYNKUET [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ] .
5.4 Risk of Seizure Seizure was reported in patients taking LYNKUET [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1 , 6.2) ]. In addition, convulsions were observed in studies conducted in male and female rats [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2) ]. Advise patients about the potential risk of seizure. Use LYNKUET with caution in patients with a history of seizures or with conditions that potentially lower the seizure threshold.
Drug interactions
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors and grapefruit (juice): Avoid concomitant use with LYNKUET. ( 7.1 ) Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Reduce LYNKUET dosage to 60 mg once daily. ( 2.3 , 7.1 )21 Strong and Moderate CYP3A4 Inducers: Avoid concomitant use with LYNKUET. ( 7.1 )
7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on LYNKUET Elinzanetant is primarily metabolized via CYP3A4 enzyme. Table 3 describes drug interactions where concomitant use of another drug affects LYNKUET. Table 3: Drug Interactions: Concomitant Use of Other Drugs Affect the Use of LYNKUET Strong and Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors See www.fda.gov/CYPandTransporterInteractingDrugs for examples of strong and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, and CYP3A4 inducers. Prevention or Management Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors and grapefruit (juice): Avoid concomitant use. Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Reduce the LYNKUET dosage [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]. Clinical Effect(s) Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors increase elinzanetant exposure, which may increase the risk of LYNKUET-associated adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Strong and Moderate CYP3A4 Inducers Prevention or Management Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers: Avoid concomitant use. Clinical Effect(s) Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers decrease elinzanetant exposure, which may reduce the effectiveness of LYNKUET.
7.2 Effects of LYNKUET on Other Drugs CYP3A4 Substrates Avoid concomitant use unless otherwise recommended in the Prescribing Information for CYP3A4 substrates where minimal concentration changes may lead to serious adverse reactions. See www.fda.gov/CYPandTransporterInteractingDrugs for examples of CYP3A4 substrates. Elinzanetant is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4. Concomitant use of LYNKUET increases exposure of CYP3A4 substrates [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to these substrates.
Adverse reactions
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressant Effect and Daytime Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hepatic Transaminase Elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Risk of Seizure [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] The most frequently reported (≥5%) adverse reactions were headache, fatigue, dizziness and somnolence. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-888-842-2937 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 clinical practice. The safety of LYNKUET was evaluated in three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trials (OASIS 1, OASIS 2, OASIS 3 ) in 1420 women . In OASIS 1 and OASIS 2 combined, 793 women received LYNKUET or placebo for 12 weeks. After the first 12 weeks, 341 women randomized to LYNKUET continued to receive LYNKUET for another 14 weeks, with a total treatment duration of up to 26 weeks. In OASIS 1 and OASIS 2 combined, 349 women received placebo for the first 12 weeks and 348 women switched to LYNKUET for the next 14 weeks. In OASIS 3, 627 women received LYNKUET or placebo for up to 52 weeks to evaluate long-term safety [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Common Adverse Reactions In OASIS 1 and 2 combined, through the first 12 weeks, commonly reported adverse reactions in the LYNKUET group (≥2% and greater than in placebo) were headache, fatigue, gastroesophageal reflux disease, dizziness, nausea, and somnolence. Similar adverse reactions were seen in OASIS 3. Table 2 shows adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of women and more commonly in women taking LYNKUET than placebo in OASIS 3. Table 2: Common Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 2% in LYNKUET and Greater than Placebo, Weeks 1-52 (OASIS 3) Adverse Reaction LYNKUET N=313 n (%) Placebo N=314 n (%) Headache 30 (9.6) 22 (7.0) Fatigue Includes asthenia. 23 (7.3) 9 (2.9) Dizziness Includes balance disorder, presyncope, vertigo, vertigo CNS origin, vertigo positional, and vestibular neuronitis. 19 (6.1) 6 (1.9) Somnolence Includes lethargy. 16 (5.1) 4 (1.3) Abdominal pain Includes abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain lower/upper. 14 (4.5) 8 (2.5) Rash Includes dermatitis, urticaria. 13 (4.2) 5 (1.6) Diarrhea 12 (3.8) 3 (1.0) Muscle spasms Includes muscle tightness. 10 (3.2) 2 (0.6) Other clinically important adverse reactions: Seizure was reported in one patient (<0.1%) with a history of seizures in the clinical trials of LYNKUET. Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation In OASIS 3, adverse reactions leading to treatment discontinuation (≥1% in LYNKUET and greater than placebo) were abdominal pain (1.6%), fatigue (1.6%), depression (1.6%) and headache (1.3%). Photosensitivity In the OASIS trials, mild to moderate events of photosensitivity occurred in 0.5% of patients receiving LYNKUET and 0.1% of patients receiving placebo. Onset of photosensitivity reactions ranged from day 1 to day 290. While discontinuation occurred in one patient, photosensitivity events in other patients resolved under continued treatment with LYNKUET [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2) ].
6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of LYNKUET. 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. Postmarketing cases of seizure have been reported in patients treated with LYNKUET.
Overdosage
There is no specific antidote for LYNKUET. In the case of overdose, the individual should be closely monitored, and supportive treatment should be considered based on signs and symptoms.
Use in specific populations
End Stage Renal Disease with or without hemodialysis: Not recommended. ( 8.6 ) Moderate to Severe Hepatic Impairment: Not recommended. ( 8.7 )
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary LYNKUET is contraindicated in pregnancy [see Contraindications (4) ]. If pregnancy occurs during the use of LYNKUET, discontinue treatment. Based on findings from animal reproduction studies, LYNKUET may cause pregnancy loss or stillbirth but not fetal malformations when administered during pregnancy. There are no data on the use of LYNKUET in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies in rats, an increase in total litter loss or stillbirth and a decrease of neonatal pup viability was observed within the range of human therapeutic exposure when dams were treated orally throughout gestation and lactation [i.e., gestation day 6 to lactation day 21]. There was an increase in percentage of pre- and post-implantation embryo loss and decrease in fetal body weights at 16-fold the human therapeutic exposure when rat dams were treated orally prior to mating and through the early embryonic period [i.e., 22 days before mating to post-coitum day 6]. In rabbits, there was marked body weight loss and decreased food consumption in dams treated orally during gestation day 7 to 19 at doses equivalent to human therapeutic exposure (see Data ). Data Animal Data In a fertility and early embryonic development study in female rats, once daily oral doses of elinzanetant were administered 22 days before mating through post-coitum day 6. Increased percentage of pre-implantation and post-implantation embryo loss, resulting in reduced litter size, and lower fetal body weights were seen at the dose of 100 mg/kg/day (14-fold the AUC (0-24) at the human therapeutic dose). These effects were not observed following dosing at 25 mg/kg/day (3-fold the AUC (0-24) at the human therapeutic dose). In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rats, once daily oral doses of elinzanetant were administered throughout organogenesis from gestation day 6 to 17. No evidence of embryo-fetal lethality or teratogenicity occurred at doses ≤100 mg/kg/day (23-fold the AUC (0-24) at the human therapeutic dose) and no maternal toxicity occurred at doses ≤25 mg/kg/day (7-fold the AUC (0-24) at the human therapeutic dose). In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rabbits, twice daily oral doses of elinzanetant were administered throughout organogenesis from gestation day 7 to 19. Maternal toxicity in the form of marked body weight loss and decreased food consumption leading to early sacrifice in 4 out of 27 females was observed at the highest tested dose of 140 mg/kg/day (equivalent to the AUC (0-24) at the human therapeutic dose). No evidence of embryo-fetal lethality or teratogenicity occurred in fetuses of surviving dams at doses ≤140 mg/kg/day (equivalent to the AUC (0-24) at the human therapeutic dose). In a pre- and post-natal development study in rats, once daily oral doses of elinzanetant were administered from gestation day 6 to lactation day 21. A higher incidence of still born pups, an increase in total litter loss, a decrease in pup viability between postnatal days 0 and 4, and an increase in the number of neonatal pups without milk in the stomach were observed at a dose of ≥5 mg/kg/day (equivalent to the AUC (0-24) at the human therapeutic dose).
8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of elinzanetant or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Elinzanetant is present in animal milk. When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk (see Data ). Data Animal Data Following administration of radiolabeled elinzanetant to lactating rats, approximately 6% of the elinzanetant dose was excreted in the milk. Principle human metabolites of elinzanetant were also detected in the plasma of pups from rat dams that were dosed once daily orally during pregnancy and lactation at ≥1.5 mg/kg/day (elinzanetant AUC (0-24) below the range of human therapeutic exposure).
8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Based on findings from animal reproduction studies, LYNKUET may cause pregnancy loss or stillbirth when administered during pregnancy. Fetal malformations were not observed in those studies [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. Pregnancy Testing Exclude pregnancy before initiating treatment with LYNKUET. Perform pregnancy testing if pregnancy is suspected during treatment with LYNKUET, and discontinue treatment if pregnancy is confirmed [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Contraception Females Pregnancy should be prevented in women of reproductive potential by using effective contraception during and for 2 weeks after stopping treatment because LYNKUET can cause pregnancy loss or stillbirth [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ].
8.4 Pediatric Use The efficacy and safety of LYNKUET in pediatric patients have not been established, and LYNKUET is not indicated in this population.
8.5 Geriatric Use There have not been sufficient numbers of geriatric women involved in clinical trials utilizing LYNKUET to determine whether those over 65 years of age differ from younger women in their response to LYNKUET.
8.6 Renal Impairment No dose adjustment is required for patients with mild to severe [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 15 to < 90 mL/min] renal impairment. The effect of end-stage renal disease (eGFR <15 mL/min) (with or without hemodialysis) on the pharmacokinetics of LYNKUET has not been studied [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
8.7 Hepatic Impairment No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild (Child-Pugh A) hepatic impairment. Moderate (Child-Pugh B) hepatic impairment increased the exposure of LYNKUET. LYNKUET has not been studied in individuals with severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment. LYNKUET is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Pregnancy
Risk Summary LYNKUET is contraindicated in pregnancy [see Contraindications (4) ]. If pregnancy occurs during the use of LYNKUET, discontinue treatment. Based on findings from animal reproduction studies, LYNKUET may cause pregnancy loss or stillbirth but not fetal malformations when administered during pregnancy. There are no data on the use of LYNKUET in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies in rats, an increase in total litter loss or stillbirth and a decrease of neonatal pup viability was observed within the range of human therapeutic exposure when dams were treated orally throughout gestation and lactation [i.e., gestation day 6 to lactation day 21]. There was an increase in percentage of pre- and post-implantation embryo loss and decrease in fetal body weights at 16-fold the human therapeutic exposure when rat dams were treated orally prior to mating and through the early embryonic period [i.e., 22 days before mating to post-coitum day 6]. In rabbits, there was marked body weight loss and decreased food consumption in dams treated orally during gestation day 7 to 19 at doses equivalent to human therapeutic exposure (see Data ). Data Animal Data In a fertility and early embryonic development study in female rats, once daily oral doses of elinzanetant were administered 22 days before mating through post-coitum day 6. Increased percentage of pre-implantation and post-implantation embryo loss, resulting in reduced litter size, and lower fetal body weights were seen at the dose of 100 mg/kg/day (14-fold the AUC (0-24) at the human therapeutic dose). These effects were not observed following dosing at 25 mg/kg/day (3-fold the AUC (0-24) at the human therapeutic dose). In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rats, once daily oral doses of elinzanetant were administered throughout organogenesis from gestation day 6 to 17. No evidence of embryo-fetal lethality or teratogenicity occurred at doses ≤100 mg/kg/day (23-fold the AUC (0-24) at the human therapeutic dose) and no maternal toxicity occurred at doses ≤25 mg/kg/day (7-fold the AUC (0-24) at the human therapeutic dose). In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rabbits, twice daily oral doses of elinzanetant were administered throughout organogenesis from gestation day 7 to 19. Maternal toxicity in the form of marked body weight loss and decreased food consumption leading to early sacrifice in 4 out of 27 females was observed at the highest tested dose of 140 mg/kg/day (equivalent to the AUC (0-24) at the human therapeutic dose). No evidence of embryo-fetal lethality or teratogenicity occurred in fetuses of surviving dams at doses ≤140 mg/kg/day (equivalent to the AUC (0-24) at the human therapeutic dose). In a pre- and post-natal development study in rats, once daily oral doses of elinzanetant were administered from gestation day 6 to lactation day 21. A higher incidence of still born pups, an increase in total litter loss, a decrease in pup viability between postnatal days 0 and 4, and an increase in the number of neonatal pups without milk in the stomach were observed at a dose of ≥5 mg/kg/day (equivalent to the AUC (0-24) at the human therapeutic dose).
Pediatric use
The efficacy and safety of LYNKUET in pediatric patients have not been established, and LYNKUET is not indicated in this population.
Geriatric use
There have not been sufficient numbers of geriatric women involved in clinical trials utilizing LYNKUET to determine whether those over 65 years of age differ from younger women in their response to LYNKUET.
Description
LYNKUET is an NK1 and NK3 receptor antagonist. The chemical name of elinzanetant is 2-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-N-{4-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenyl)-6-[(7S,9aS)-7-(hydroxymethyl)hexahydropyrazino[2,1-c][1,4]oxazin-8(1H)-yl]pyridin-3-yl}-N,2-dimethylpropanamide having a molecular formula of C 33 H 35 F 7 N 4 O 3 and a molecular weight of 668.7. The structural formula of elinzanetant is: Elinzanetant is a white to yellowish powder and is practically insoluble in water and slightly soluble under acidic conditions. Each LYNKUET (elinzanetant) capsule for oral use contains 60 mg of elinzanetant and the following inactive ingredients: all-rac-α-Tocopherol, caprylocaproyl macrogolglycerides, glycerol monocaprylocaprate, glycerol mono-oleate, and polysorbate 80. The capsule is composed of edible ink, ferric oxide red, ferric oxide yellow, gelatin, sorbitol special-glycerin, and titanium dioxide. Chemical Structure
Clinical pharmacology
12.1 Mechanism of Action LYNKUET is a neurokinin 1 (NK1) and neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist. Inhibition of Substance P and Neurokinin B through antagonism of NK1 and NK3 receptor signaling on kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin (KNDy) neurons can modulate neuronal activity in thermoregulation associated with hot flashes. Elinzanetant has higher affinity for human NK1 receptors (pKi values of 8.7 to 10.2) and NK3 receptors (pKi values of 8.0 to 8.8) than for human NK2 receptors (pKi values of approximately 6.0).
12.2 Pharmacodynamics Cardiac Electrophysiology No clinically relevant prolongation of the QTc interval was observed after single oral administration of elinzanetant at doses up to 5 times the maximum recommended dose. However, QTc prolongation effect of elinzanetant when co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors has not been sufficiently characterized.
12.3 Pharmacokinetics Elinzanetant C max and AUC increased in a greater than dose-proportional manner (20% to 50%) over the dose range from 40 to 160 mg once daily (0.33 to 1.33 times the highest recommended dose). Elinzanetant steady state plasma concentrations were reached in 5 to 14 days after daily dosing. Elinzanetant accumulation is <2-fold at the approved recommended dosage. Absorption Elinzanetant median (min-max) time to maximum plasma concentration (T max ) is 1.0 hours (1-2.5 hours) at steady state. Elinzanetant absolute bioavailability is 52% following oral administration. Effect of Food No clinically significant differences in elinzanetant pharmacokinetics were observed following administration with a high-calorie, high-fat meal containing approximately 1000 calories (500-600 calories from fat, 250 calories from carbohydrates, and 150 calories from protein). Distribution The mean volume of distribution after intravenous administration at steady state of elinzanetant is 137 L. The plasma protein binding of elinzanetant is 99.7%. The blood-to-plasma ratio is between 0.6 and 0.7. Elimination Elinzanetant elimination half-life was approximately 45 hours in women with vasomotor symptoms. The clearance of elinzanetant after a single intravenous dose was 8.77 L/h. Metabolism Elinzanetant is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 to yield three major active metabolites, M18/21, M27, and M30/34. These metabolites have similar potency for the human NK1 and NK3 receptors as compared to elinzanetant. The ratio of these metabolites to parent in plasma is approximately 0.39. Excretion Following a single oral dose of radiolabeled elinzanetant in healthy subjects, approximately 90% of the dose was recovered in feces (50% unchanged) and less than 1% with urine. Specific Populations No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of LYNKUET were observed based on race. Patients with Renal Impairment In patients with mild (eGFR 60 to <90 mL/min) renal impairment, mean elinzanetant C max increased 1.9-fold and AUC increased 1.6-fold. In patients with moderate (eGFR 30 to <60 mL/min) renal impairment, mean elinzanetant C max increased 1.8-fold and AUC increased 1.7-fold. In patients with severe (eGFR< 30 mL/min) renal impairment, mean elinzanetant C max increased 1.2-fold and AUC increased 1.1-fold. Population pharmacokinetic analysis of the clinical trial data indicate similar exposure of elinzanetant in patients with mild and moderate renal impairment compared to patients with normal renal function. Elinzanetant has not been studied in patients with end-stage renal disease (eGFR <15 mL/min) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ]. Patients with Hepatic Impairment In patients with Child-Pugh Class A (mild) hepatic impairment, mean elinzanetant C max increased 1.2-fold and AUC (0-24) increased 1.5-fold. In patients with Child-Pugh Class B (moderate) hepatic impairment, mean elinzanetant C max and AUC (0-24) increased by 2.3-fold. Elinzanetant has not been studied in patients with Child-Pugh Class C (severe) hepatic impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ]. Drug Interaction Studies Clinical Studies and Model-Informed Approaches No clinically significant differences in elinzanetant pharmacokinetics were observed when used concomitantly with esomeprazole (proton pump inhibitor). No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of the following oral drugs were observed when used concomitantly with elinzanetant: tamoxifen (substrate of CYP2D6, CYP3A4 and P-gp) and rosuvastatin (substrate of BCRP, OATP1B1/OATP1B3, and OAT3). Strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors: Elinzanetant C max increased approximately 3.3-fold and AUC increased 6.3-fold following concomitant use with itraconazole 200 mg (strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitor). Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Elinzanetant C max and AUC are predicted to increase 2.0-fold and 3.0-fold, respectively, following concomitant use of elinzanetant 120 mg with erythromycin (moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor). PBPK predictions after co-administration of 60 mg elinzanetant [ ( see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] with the moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor erythromycin showed a 1.4-fold increase of elinzanetant AUC and no increase for C max when compared to 120 mg, the regular recommended elinzanetant dosage. Weak CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Elinzanetant C max is predicted to increase 1.3-fold and AUC increase 1.5-fold following concomitant use with cimetidine (weak CYP3A4 inhibitor). Moderate to Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: Elinzanetant C max reduced by 44% and AUC reduced by 64% following concomitant use with carbamazepine (moderate to strong CYP3A4 inducer) 600 mg administered twice daily. Sensitive CYP3A4 Substrates: Elinzanetant increased midazolam (sensitive CYP3A4 substrate) C max 1.5-fold and AUC 1.8-fold. In Vitro Studies Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) Enzymes: Elinzanetant and its metabolites M18/21, M27, and M30/M34 inhibited CYP3A4 but did not inhibit CYP1A1, 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, or 2J2, or induce CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C19, or 3A4 at clinically relevant concentrations. Transporter systems: Elinzanetant is a substrate for P-gp but not for OATP1A2, OATP2B1, BCRP, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, or MRP4. Elinzanetant and its metabolites M18/21, M27, and M30/M34 inhibited P-gp, BCRP, and BSEP in vitro but did not inhibit OAT1, OAT3, OCT1, OCT2, MATE2-K, or MRP2.
Mechanism of action
LYNKUET is a neurokinin 1 (NK1) and neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist. Inhibition of Substance P and Neurokinin B through antagonism of NK1 and NK3 receptor signaling on kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin (KNDy) neurons can modulate neuronal activity in thermoregulation associated with hot flashes. Elinzanetant has higher affinity for human NK1 receptors (pKi values of 8.7 to 10.2) and NK3 receptors (pKi values of 8.0 to 8.8) than for human NK2 receptors (pKi values of approximately 6.0).
Pharmacodynamics
Cardiac Electrophysiology No clinically relevant prolongation of the QTc interval was observed after single oral administration of elinzanetant at doses up to 5 times the maximum recommended dose. However, QTc prolongation effect of elinzanetant when co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors has not been sufficiently characterized.
Pharmacokinetics
Elinzanetant C max and AUC increased in a greater than dose-proportional manner (20% to 50%) over the dose range from 40 to 160 mg once daily (0.33 to 1.33 times the highest recommended dose). Elinzanetant steady state plasma concentrations were reached in 5 to 14 days after daily dosing. Elinzanetant accumulation is <2-fold at the approved recommended dosage. Absorption Elinzanetant median (min-max) time to maximum plasma concentration (T max ) is 1.0 hours (1-2.5 hours) at steady state. Elinzanetant absolute bioavailability is 52% following oral administration. Effect of Food No clinically significant differences in elinzanetant pharmacokinetics were observed following administration with a high-calorie, high-fat meal containing approximately 1000 calories (500-600 calories from fat, 250 calories from carbohydrates, and 150 calories from protein). Distribution The mean volume of distribution after intravenous administration at steady state of elinzanetant is 137 L. The plasma protein binding of elinzanetant is 99.7%. The blood-to-plasma ratio is between 0.6 and 0.7. Elimination Elinzanetant elimination half-life was approximately 45 hours in women with vasomotor symptoms. The clearance of elinzanetant after a single intravenous dose was 8.77 L/h. Metabolism Elinzanetant is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 to yield three major active metabolites, M18/21, M27, and M30/34. These metabolites have similar potency for the human NK1 and NK3 receptors as compared to elinzanetant. The ratio of these metabolites to parent in plasma is approximately 0.39. Excretion Following a single oral dose of radiolabeled elinzanetant in healthy subjects, approximately 90% of the dose was recovered in feces (50% unchanged) and less than 1% with urine. Specific Populations No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of LYNKUET were observed based on race. Patients with Renal Impairment In patients with mild (eGFR 60 to <90 mL/min) renal impairment, mean elinzanetant C max increased 1.9-fold and AUC increased 1.6-fold. In patients with moderate (eGFR 30 to <60 mL/min) renal impairment, mean elinzanetant C max increased 1.8-fold and AUC increased 1.7-fold. In patients with severe (eGFR< 30 mL/min) renal impairment, mean elinzanetant C max increased 1.2-fold and AUC increased 1.1-fold. Population pharmacokinetic analysis of the clinical trial data indicate similar exposure of elinzanetant in patients with mild and moderate renal impairment compared to patients with normal renal function. Elinzanetant has not been studied in patients with end-stage renal disease (eGFR <15 mL/min) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ]. Patients with Hepatic Impairment In patients with Child-Pugh Class A (mild) hepatic impairment, mean elinzanetant C max increased 1.2-fold and AUC (0-24) increased 1.5-fold. In patients with Child-Pugh Class B (moderate) hepatic impairment, mean elinzanetant C max and AUC (0-24) increased by 2.3-fold. Elinzanetant has not been studied in patients with Child-Pugh Class C (severe) hepatic impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ]. Drug Interaction Studies Clinical Studies and Model-Informed Approaches No clinically significant differences in elinzanetant pharmacokinetics were observed when used concomitantly with esomeprazole (proton pump inhibitor). No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of the following oral drugs were observed when used concomitantly with elinzanetant: tamoxifen (substrate of CYP2D6, CYP3A4 and P-gp) and rosuvastatin (substrate of BCRP, OATP1B1/OATP1B3, and OAT3). Strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors: Elinzanetant C max increased approximately 3.3-fold and AUC increased 6.3-fold following concomitant use with itraconazole 200 mg (strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitor). Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Elinzanetant C max and AUC are predicted to increase 2.0-fold and 3.0-fold, respectively, following concomitant use of elinzanetant 120 mg with erythromycin (moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor). PBPK predictions after co-administration of 60 mg elinzanetant [ ( see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] with the moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor erythromycin showed a 1.4-fold increase of elinzanetant AUC and no increase for C max when compared to 120 mg, the regular recommended elinzanetant dosage. Weak CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Elinzanetant C max is predicted to increase 1.3-fold and AUC increase 1.5-fold following concomitant use with cimetidine (weak CYP3A4 inhibitor). Moderate to Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: Elinzanetant C max reduced by 44% and AUC reduced by 64% following concomitant use with carbamazepine (moderate to strong CYP3A4 inducer) 600 mg administered twice daily. Sensitive CYP3A4 Substrates: Elinzanetant increased midazolam (sensitive CYP3A4 substrate) C max 1.5-fold and AUC 1.8-fold. In Vitro Studies Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) Enzymes: Elinzanetant and its metabolites M18/21, M27, and M30/M34 inhibited CYP3A4 but did not inhibit CYP1A1, 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, or 2J2, or induce CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C19, or 3A4 at clinically relevant concentrations. Transporter systems: Elinzanetant is a substrate for P-gp but not for OATP1A2, OATP2B1, BCRP, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, or MRP4. Elinzanetant and its metabolites M18/21, M27, and M30/M34 inhibited P-gp, BCRP, and BSEP in vitro but did not inhibit OAT1, OAT3, OCT1, OCT2, MATE2-K, or MRP2.
Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, fertility
, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Carcinogenesis In a 2-year carcinogenicity study in female rats, oral doses of elinzanetant ≥60 mg/kg/day (29-fold the total AUC (0-24) at the human therapeutic dose) increased the incidence of endometrial adenocarcinoma, the combination of malignant and benign endometrial tumors and squamous cell carcinoma of the uterus, and lymphomas of the hematolymphoid system. These effects were not observed at a dose representing 7-fold the total AUC (0-24) at the human therapeutic dose. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown. In a 26-week carcinogenicity study in rasH2 transgenic mice, there was no evidence of drug-related carcinogenicity at 85 or 70 mg/kg/day in males or females, respectively. Mutagenesis Elinzanetant showed no genotoxic potential in bacterial mutation assay (Ames test), mouse lymphoma assay, and in-vivo bone marrow micronucleus test in rats. Additionally, the principal human metabolites of elinzanetant were negative for genotoxicity in vitro in the Ames and micronucleus test.
Information for patients
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information). CNS Depressant Effect and Daytime Impairment Advise patients who experience somnolence and other nervous system effects to refrain from driving or engaging in hazardous occupations or activities until the effects have resolved [see Warnings and precaution (5.1) and Clinical Studies (14.3) ]. Hepatic Transaminase Elevations Advise patients that bloodwork to evaluate for hepatic functions and injury will be obtained at baseline and three months after initiating therapy. Advise patients to discontinue LYNKUET immediately and seek medical attention including hepatic laboratory tests if they experience signs or symptoms that may suggest liver injury (new onset fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, pruritus, jaundice, pale feces, dark urine, or abdominal pain). [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Females of Reproductive Potential Exclude pregnancy in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating LYNKUET. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LYNKUET and for two weeks after discontinuing treatment and to discontinue LYNKUET if pregnancy is confirmed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ]. Risk of Seizure Advise patients about the potential risk of seizure. Advise patients to report any history of seizures or conditions that potentially lower the seizure threshold. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Important Administration Instructions Advise patients to take LYNKUET once daily at bedtime with water and swallow capsules whole. Advise patients not to cut, crush or chew capsules [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]. Instruct patients requiring a dosage modification (i.e., one 60 mg capsule once daily) to partially peel back the foil covering the blister cell to expose only one of the two capsules. Instruct patients to store the remaining capsule in the original blister card in the carton until the next dose [see Storage and Handling (16.2) ]. Drug Interactions Advise patients to report their use of any other prescription or nonprescription medications or dietary supplements [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ].
Storage and handling
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) with excursions permitted from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. For patients requiring a dosage modification (i.e., one 60 mg capsule once daily), instruct them to partially peel back the foil covering the blister cell exposing only one of the two capsules. Store the remaining capsule in the original blister card in the carton until the next dose.