VABOMERE Dailymed

7 Drug Interactions

7.1Valproic Acid

Case reports in the literature have shown that co-administration of carbapenems, including meropenem, to patients receiving valproic acid or divalproex sodium results in a reduction in valproic acid concentrations. The valproic acid concentrations may drop below the therapeutic range as a result of this interaction, therefore increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. Although the mechanism of this interaction is unknown, data from in vitro and animal studies suggest that carbapenems may inhibit the hydrolysis of valproic acid's glucuronide metabolite (VPA-g) back to valproic acid, thus decreasing the serum concentrations of valproic acid. If administration of VABOMERE is necessary, then supplemental anti-convulsant therapy should be considered [seeWarnings and Precautions (5.4)].

7.2Probenecid

Probenecid competes with meropenem for active tubular secretion, resulting in increased plasma concentrations of meropenem. Co-administration of probenecid with VABOMERE is not recommended.

8 Use In Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Fetal malformations were observed in vaborbactam-treated rabbits, therefore advise pregnant women of the potential risks to the fetus. There are insufficient human data to establish whether there is a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriages with VABOMERE, meropenem, or vaborbactam in pregnant women.

Malformations (supernumerary lung lobes, interventricular septal defect) were observed in offspring from pregnant rabbits administered intravenous vaborbactam during the period of organogenesis at doses approximately equivalent to or above the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on plasma AUC comparison. The clinical relevance of the malformations is uncertain. No similar malformations or fetal toxicity were observed in offspring from pregnant rats administered intravenous vaborbactam during organogenesis or from late pregnancy and through lactation at a dose equivalent to approximately 1.6 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparison [seeData].

No fetal toxicity or malformations were observed in pregnant rats and cynomolgus monkeys administered intravenous meropenem during organogenesis at doses up to 1.6 and 1.2 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparison, respectively. In rats administered intravenous meropenem in late pregnancy and during the lactation period, there were no adverse effects on offspring at doses equivalent to approximately 1.6 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparison [seeData].

The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Data

Animal Data

8.2 Lactation

Meropenem has been reported to be excreted in human milk. It is unknown whether vaborbactam is excreted in human milk. No information is available on the effects of meropenem and vaborbactam on the breast-fed child or on milk production.

The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for VABOMERE and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from VABOMERE or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of VABOMERE in pediatric patients (younger than 18 years of age) has not been established. Studies of VABOMERE have not been conducted in patients younger than 18 years of age.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Of the 272 patients treated with VABOMERE in the Phase 3 cUTI trial, 48 (18%) patients were 65 years of age and older, while 39 (14%) patients were 75 years of age and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Meropenem, a component of VABOMERE, is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with renal impairment. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

Population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis found no clinically relevant change in pharmacokinetic parameters in elderly patients. No dosage adjustment based on age is required. Dosage adjustment for elderly patients should be based on renal function [seeDosage and Administration (2.2)andClinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.6Renal Impairment

Pharmacokinetic studies conducted with meropenem and vaborbactam in subjects with renal impairment have shown that the plasma exposures of both meropenem and vaborbactam increased with decreasing renal function [seeClinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Dosage adjustment for VABOMERE is recommended in patients with renal impairment (eGFR less than 50 mL/min/1.73m²) [seeDosage and Administration (2.2)].

For patients with changing renal function, monitor serum creatinine concentrations and eGFR at least daily and adjust the dosage of VABOMERE accordingly. Meropenem and vaborbactam are removed by hemodialysis. Following a single dose of VABOMERE, vaborbactam exposure was substantially greater when VABOMERE was administered after hemodialysis than before hemodialysis [seeClinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

VABOMERE (meropenem and vaborbactam) for injection is a combination product that contains meropenem, a synthetic penem antibacterial drug and vaborbactam, a cyclic boronic acid beta-lactamase inhibitor, for intravenous administration.

Meropenem, present as a trihydrate, is a white to light yellow crystalline powder, with a molecular weight of 437.52. The chemical name for meropenem trihydrate is (4R,5S,6S)-3-[[(3S,5S)-5-(dimethylcarbamoyl)-3-pyrrolidinyl]thio]-6-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-4-methyl-7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid, trihydrate. The empirical formula of meropenem trihydrate is C₁₇H₂₅N₃O₅S∙3H₂O and its chemical structure is:

Figure 1: Structure of Meropenem Trihydrate

Vaborbactam is a white to off-white powder, with a molecular weight of 297.14. The chemical name for vaborbactam is (3R,6S)-2-hydroxy-3-[[2-(2-thienyl)acetyl]amino]-1,2-oxaborinane-6-acetic acid. Its empirical formula is C₁₂H₁₆BNO₅S and its chemical structure is:

Figure 2: Structure of Vaborbactam

VABOMERE is supplied as a white to light yellow sterile powder for constitution that contains meropenem trihydrate, vaborbactam, and sodium carbonate. Each 50 mL glass vial contains 1 gram of meropenem (equivalent to 1.14 grams of meropenem trihydrate), 1 gram of vaborbactam, and 0.575 gram of sodium carbonate. The total sodium content of the mixture is approximately 0.25 grams (10.9 mEq)/vial.

Each vial is constituted and further diluted with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. Both the constituted solution and the diluted solution for intravenous infusion should be a colorless to light yellow solution [seeDosage and Administration (2.3)].

12 Clinical Pharmacology

12.1 Mechanism of Action

VABOMERE is an antibacterial drug [seeMicrobiology (12.4)].

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Similar to other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs, the percentage of time of a dosing interval that unbound plasma concentration of meropenem exceeds the meropenem-vaborbactam minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against the infecting organism has been shown to best correlate with efficacy in animal and in vitro models of infection. The ratio of the 24-hour unbound plasma vaborbactam AUC to meropenem-vaborbactam MIC is the index that best predicts efficacy of vaborbactam in combination with meropenem in animal and in vitro models of infection.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

At a dose of 1 and 3 times the maximum approved recommended dose, Vabomere (meropenem and vaborbactam) does not prolong the QT interval to any clinically relevant extent.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameters

The mean PK parameters of meropenem and vaborbactam in healthy adults with normal renal function after single and multiple 3-hour infusions of VABOMERE 4 grams (meropenem 2 grams and vaborbactam 2 grams) administered every 8 hours are summarized in Table 4.

The PK parameters of meropenem and vaborbactam were similar for single and multiple dose administration of VABOMERE.

Table 4: Pharmacokinetic Parameters (Mean [SD]) of Meropenem and Vaborbactam Following Administration of VABOMERE 4 grams (meropenem 2 grams and vaborbactam 2 grams) by 3-hour Infusion in Healthy Adult Subjects

Parameter	Meropenem		Vaborbactam
	Single VABOMERE 4 gramMeropenem 2 grams and vaborbactam 2 grams administered as a 3-hour infusion Dose(N=8)	Multiple VABOMERE 4 gram Doses Administered Every 8 hours for 7 Days (N=8)	Single VABOMERE 4 gram Dose(N=8)	Multiple VABOMERE 4 gram Doses Administered Every 8 hours for 7 Days (N=8)
Cmax = maximum observed concentration; CL = plasma clearance; AUC = area under the concentration time curve; T½ = half-life.
Cmax (mg/L)	46.0 (5.7)	43.4 (8.8)	50.7 (8.4)	55.6 (11.0)
CL (L/h)	14.6 (2.7)	15.1 (2.8)	12.3 (2.2)	10.9 (1.8)
AUC (mg∙h/L)AUC0-inf reported for single-dose administration; AUC0-8 reported for multiple-dose administration; AUC0 – 24 is 414 mg∙h/L for meropenem and 588 mg∙h/L for vaborbactam.	142.0 (28.0)	138.0 (27.7)	168.0 (32.2)	196.0 (36.7)
T1/2 (h)	1.50 (1.0)	1.22 (0.3)	1.99 (0.8)	1.68 (0.4)

The maximum plasma concentration (C_max) and area under the plasma drug concentration time curve (AUC) of meropenem and vaborbactam proportionally increased with dose across the dose range studied (1 gram to 2 grams for meropenem and 0.25 grams to 2 grams for vaborbactam) when administered as a single 3-hour intravenous infusion. There is no accumulation of meropenem or vaborbactam following multiple intravenous infusions administered every 8 hours for 7 days in subjects with normal renal function.

The mean population PK parameters of meropenem and vaborbactam in 295 patients (including 35 patients with reduced renal function) after 3-hour infusions of VABOMERE 4 grams (meropenem 2 grams and vaborbactam 2 grams) administered every 8 hours (or dose adjusted based on renal function) are summarized in Table 5.

Table 5: Population Pharmacokinetic Parameters (Mean [SD]) of Meropenem and Vaborbactam Following Administration of VABOMERE 4 grams (meropenem 2 grams and vaborbactam 2 grams) by 3-hour Infusion in PatientsMeropenem 2 grams and vaborbactam 2 grams administered as a 3-hour infusion.

Parameter	Meropenem	Vaborbactam
Cmax (mg/L)	57.3 (23.0)	71.3 (28.6)
AUC0-24, Day 1 (mg∙h/L)	637 (295)	821 (369)
AUC0-24, steady-state (mg∙h/L)	650 (364)	835 (508)
CL (L/h)	10.5 (6.4)	7.95 (4.3)
T1/2 (h)	2.30 (2.5)	2.25 (2.1)

Distribution

The plasma protein binding of meropenem is approximately 2%. The plasma protein binding of vaborbactam is approximately 33%.

The steady-state volumes of distribution of meropenem and vaborbactam in patients were 20.2 L and 18.6 L, respectively.

Elimination

The clearance of meropenem in healthy subjects following multiple doses is 15.1 L/h and for vaborbactam is 10.9 L/h. The t_1/2 is 1.22 hours and 1.68 hours for meropenem and vaborbactam, respectively.

Metabolism

A minor pathway of meropenem elimination is hydrolysis of the beta-lactam ring (meropenem open lactam), which accounts for 22% of a dose eliminated via the urine.

Vaborbactam does not undergo metabolism.

Excretion

Both meropenem and vaborbactam are primarily excreted via the kidneys.

Approximately 40–60% of a meropenem dose is excreted unchanged within 24-48 hours with a further 22% recovered as the microbiologically inactive hydrolysis product. The mean renal clearance for meropenem was 7.8 L/h. The mean non-renal clearance for meropenem was 7.3 L/h which comprises both fecal elimination (~2% of dose) and degradation due to hydrolysis.

For vaborbactam, 75 to 95% of the dose was excreted unchanged in the urine over a 24 to 48 hour period. The mean renal clearance for vaborbactam was 8.9 L/h. The mean non-renal clearance for vaborbactam was 2.0 L/h indicating nearly complete elimination of vaborbactam by the renal route.

Specific Populations

Patients with Renal Impairment

Following a single dose of VABOMERE, pharmacokinetic studies with meropenem and vaborbactam in subjects with renal impairment have shown that meropenem AUC_0-inf ratios to subjects with normal renal function are 1.28, 2.07, and 4.63 for subjects with mild (eGFR of 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73m²), moderate (eGFR of 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73m²), and severe (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m²) renal impairment, respectively; vaborbactam AUC_0-inf ratios to subjects with normal renal function are 1.18, 2.31, and 7.8 for subjects with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment, respectively [seeDosing and Administration (2.2)]. Hemodialysis removed 38% of the meropenem dose and 53% of the vaborbactam dose. Vaborbactam exposure was high in subjects with ESRD (eGFR <15 ml/min/1.73 m²). Vaborbactam exposure was higher when VABOMERE was administered after hemodialysis (AUC_0-inf ratio to subjects with normal renal function of 37.5) than when VABOMERE was administered before hemodialysis (AUC_0-inf ratio to subjects with normal renal function of 10.2) [seeUse in Specific Populations (8.6)andDosing and Administration (2.2)].

Patients with Hepatic Impairment

A pharmacokinetic study conducted with an intravenous formulation of meropenem in patients with hepatic impairment has shown no effects of liver disease on the pharmacokinetics of meropenem.

Vaborbactam does not undergo hepatic metabolism. Therefore, the systemic clearance of meropenem and vaborbactam is not expected to be affected by hepatic impairment.

Geriatric Patients

In elderly patients with renal impairment, plasma clearances of meropenem and vaborbactam were reduced, correlating with age-associated reduction in renal function [seeDosage and Administration (2.2)andUse in Specific Populations (8.5)].

Male and Female Patients

Meropenem and vaborbactam C_max and AUC were similar between males and females using a population pharmacokinetic analysis.

Racial or Ethnic Groups

No significant difference in mean meropenem or vaborbactam clearance was observed across race groups using a population pharmacokinetic analysis.

Drug Interactions

No drug-drug interaction was observed between meropenem and vaborbactam in clinical studies with healthy subjects.

Based upon the in vitro and in vivo data available to date, there is a low potential for clinically significant drug interactions with vaborbactam.

Vaborbactam at clinically relevant concentrations does not inhibit the cytochrome P450 isoforms CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 in vitro human liver microsomes. Vaborbactam showed no potential for in vitro induction of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 in human hepatocytes. Studies evaluating the potential for meropenem to interact with CYP450 enzymes or active transport systems have not been conducted. However, carbapenems as a class have not shown the potential for inhibition or induction CYP450 enzymes and clinical experience suggests that such effects are unlikely.

Vaborbactam does not inhibit the following hepatic and renal transporters in vitro at clinically relevant concentrations: P-gp, BCRP, OAT1, OAT3, OCT1, OCT2, OATP1B1, OATP1B3 or BSEP. Vaborbactam was not a substrate of OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, P-gp, and BCRP.

Meropenem is a substrate of OAT1 and OAT3 and as such, probenecid competes with meropenem for active tubular secretion and thus inhibits the renal excretion of meropenem. Following administration of probenecid with meropenem, the mean systemic exposure increased 56% and the mean elimination half-life increased 38% [seeDrug Interactions (7.2)].

Concomitant administration of meropenem and valproic acid has been associated with reductions in valproic acid concentrations with subsequent loss in seizure control [seeDrug Interactions (7.1)].

12.4Microbiology

Mechanism of Action

The meropenem component of VABOMERE is a penem antibacterial drug. The bactericidal action of meropenem results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis. Meropenem penetrates the cell wall of most gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria to bind penicillin-binding protein (PBP) targets. Meropenem is stable to hydrolysis by most beta-lactamases, including penicillinases and cephalosporinases produced by gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, with the exception of carbapenem hydrolyzing beta-lactamases.

The vaborbactam component of VABOMERE is a non-suicidal beta-lactamase inhibitor that protects meropenem from degradation by certain serine beta-lactamases such as Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC). Vaborbactam does not have any antibacterial activity. Vaborbactam does not decrease the activity of meropenem against meropenem-susceptible organisms.

Resistance

Mechanisms of beta-lactam resistance may include the production of beta-lactamases, modification of PBPs by gene acquisition or target alteration, up-regulation of efflux pumps, and loss of outer membrane porin. VABOMERE may not have activity against gram-negative bacteria that have porin mutations combined with overexpression of efflux pumps.

Clinical isolates may produce multiple beta-lactamases, express varying levels of beta-lactamases, or have amino acid sequence variations, and other resistance mechanisms that have not been identified.

Culture and susceptibility information and local epidemiology should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy.

VABOMERE demonstrated in vitro activity against Enterobacteriaceae in the presence of some beta-lactamases and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) of the following groups: KPC, SME, TEM, SHV, CTX-M, CMY, and ACT. VABOMERE is not active against bacteria that produce metallo-beta lactamases or oxacillinases with carbapenemase activity.

In the Phase 3 cUTI trial with VABOMERE, some isolates of E. coli, K. pneumoniae, E. cloacae, C. freundii, P. mirabilis, P. stuartii that produced beta-lactamases, were susceptible to VABOMERE (minimum inhibitory concentration ≤4 mcg /mL). These isolates produced one or more beta-lactamases of the following enzyme groups: OXA (non-carbapenemases), KPC, CTX-M, TEM, SHV, CMY, and ACT.

Some beta-lactamases were also produced by an isolate of K. pneumoniae that was not susceptible to VABOMERE (minimum inhibitory concentration ≥32 mcg/mL). This isolate produced beta-lactamases of the following enzyme groups: CTX-M, TEM, SHV, and OXA.

No cross-resistance with other classes of antimicrobials has been identified. Some isolates resistant to carbapenems (including meropenem) and to cephalosporins may be susceptible to VABOMERE.

Interaction with Other Antimicrobials

In vitro synergy studies have not demonstrated antagonism between VABOMERE and levofloxacin, tigecycline, polymyxin, amikacin, vancomycin, azithromycin, daptomycin, or linezolid.

Activity against Meropenem Non-susceptible Bacteria in Animal Infection Models

Vaborbactam restored activity of meropenem in animal models of infection (e.g., mouse thigh infection, urinary tract infection and pulmonary infection) caused by some meropenem non-susceptible KPC-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

Antimicrobial Activity

VABOMERE has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following bacteria, both in vitro and in clinical infections [seeIndications and Usage (1.1)].

Gram-negative bacteria:

• Enterobacter cloacae species complex
• Escherichia coli
• Klebsiella pneumoniae

The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. At least 90 percent of the following bacteria exhibit an in vitro MIC less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for VABOMERE against isolates of a similar genus or organism group. However, the efficacy of VABOMERE in treating clinical infections due to these bacteria has not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.

Gram-negative bacteria:

• Citrobacter freundii
• Citrobacter koseri
• Enterobacter aerogenes
• Klebsiella oxytoca
• Morganella morganii
• Proteus mirabilis
• Providencia spp.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Serratia marcescens

Susceptibility Test Methods

For specific information regarding susceptibility test interpretive criteria and associated test methods and quality control standards recognized by FDA for this drug, please see: https://www.fda.gov/STIC.