Sandoz Galantamine ER Product Monograph

SUMMARY PRODUCT INFORMATION

INDICATIONS AND CLINICAL USE

Sandoz Galantamine ER (galantamine hydrobromide) is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of patients with mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Galantamine has not been studied in controlled clinical trials for longer than 6 months.

Sandoz Galantamine ER should only be prescribed by (or following consultation with) clinicians who are experienced in the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer’s disease.

Geriatrics (≥ 85 years of age):

There is limited safety information for galantamine in this patient population (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Special Populations).

Pediatrics (< 18 years of age):

No data are available in children. Therefore, the use of galantamine is not recommended in children under 18 years of age.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Galantamine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to galantamine hydrobromide, other tertiary alkaloid derivatives or to any excipients used in the formulation. For a complete listing, see the DOSAGE FORMS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING section of the product monograph.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis

See Product Monograph Part II: TOXICOLOGY, Mutagenicity, Carcinogenicity for discussion on animal data.

Cardiovascular

Because of their pharmacological action, cholinesterase inhibitors have vagotonic effects on the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes, leading to bradycardia and all types of atrioventricular node block (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). These actions may be particularly important to patients with “sick sinus syndrome” or other supraventricular cardiac conduction disorders, or to patients taking other drugs concomitantly which significantly slow heart rate. In clinical trials, patients with serious cardiovascular disease were excluded. Caution should be exercised in treating patients with active coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure. It is recommended that galantamine not be used in patients with cardiac conduction abnormalities (except for right bundle branch block) including “sick sinus syndrome” and those with unexplained syncopal episodes.

In randomized controlled trials, bradycardia was reported at 2-3% for galantamine doses up to 24 mg/day compared with <1% for placebo, but was rarely severe and rarely led to treatment discontinuation. No increased incidence of heart block was observed at the recommended doses. Patients treated with galantamine up to 24 mg/day at the recommended dosing schedule showed a dose-related increase in risk of syncope (placebo, 0.7% [2/286]; 4 mg twice a day (BID), 0.4% [3/692]; 8 mg BID, 1.3% [7/552]; 12 mg BID, 2.2% [6/273]).

A 6-week cardiovascular safety clinical trial (GAL-USA-16; n=139) was performed to investigate the effect of galantamine at doses up to 32 mg/day. This dosing regimen was: 8 mg/day in Week 1, 16 mg/day in Week 2, 24 mg/day in Weeks 3 and 4, and 32 mg/day in Weeks 5 and 6. Heart block/pauses greater than two seconds were more common in galantamine-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients. It should be noted that a forced one-week dose escalation was used in this study, which is not recommended. Whether these cardiac effects are attenuated by slower titration rates is not known. Particular caution is warranted during titration where the majority of pauses occurred in the above study.

Metabolism

Weight Monitoring

Cholinesterase inhibitors as well as Alzheimer’s disease can be associated with significant weight loss. In controlled clinical trials, the use of galantamine was associated with weight loss. Weight decrease occurred early during treatment and was related to dose. Weight loss of ≥ 7% occurred more frequently in patients treated with galantamine and in female patients than in patients receiving placebo. Where weight loss may be of clinical concern, body weight should be monitored.

Gastrointestinal

Through their primary action, cholinesterase inhibitors may be expected to increase gastric acid secretion due to increased cholinergic activity. Therefore, patients should be monitored closely for symptoms of active or occult gastrointestinal bleeding, especially those with an increased risk for developing ulcers, e.g., those with a history of ulcer disease or patients using concurrent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In controlled clinical studies with galantamine, patients with symptomatic peptic ulceration were excluded. Clinical studies of galantamine have shown no increase, relative to placebo, in the incidence of either peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding (see ADVERSE REACTIONS).

Galantamine, as a predictable consequence of its pharmacological properties, has been shown to produce nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, anorexia and weight loss. These effects appeared more frequently at higher doses (see ADVERSE REACTIONS), with nausea and vomiting being more prevalent in women and patients with lower body weight and correspondingly higher plasma drug concentrations. Females are more sensitive to the cholinergic adverse effects associated with cholinesterase inhibitors and in general are more likely to experience nausea and vomiting than are males. In most cases, these effects were of mild to moderate intensity and transient and have resolved during continued galantamine treatment or upon treatment discontinuation.

Genitourinary

Although not observed in clinical trials of galantamine, cholinomimetics may cause bladder outflow obstruction.

Neurologic

Seizures: In placebo-controlled trials with galantamine, cases of seizure were reported; there was no increase in incidence compared with placebo. Convulsions have been reported with galantamine (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). Seizure activity may also be a manifestation of Alzheimer’s disease. The risk/benefit of galantamine treatment for patients with a history of seizure disorder must therefore be carefully evaluated.

Galantamine has not been studied in patients with moderately severe or severe Alzheimer’s disease, non-Alzheimer dementias or individuals with Parkinsonian features. The efficacy and safety of galantamine in these patient populations is unknown.

Peri-Operative Considerations

Anesthesia: Galantamine, as a cholinesterase inhibitor, is likely to exaggerate succinylcholine-type muscle relaxation during anesthesia.

Respiratory

Like other cholinomimetic drugs, galantamine should be prescribed with care for patients with a history of asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease.

Skin

Serious skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis), and other less serious skin reactions (e.g. erythema multiforme), have been reported in patients receiving galantamine (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Post-Market Adverse Drug Reactions). Patients or caregivers should be instructed to inform their health care provider of any skin reactions that occur during treatment with Sandoz Galantamine ER. It is recommended that treatment should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash.

Special Populations

Hepatic Impairment: There is limited information on the pharmacokinetics of galantamine in hepatically impaired patients (see ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Special Populations and Conditions, Hepatic Impairment). It is therefore recommended that dose escalation with galantamine in Alzheimer’s disease patients with hepatic impairment be undertaken with caution and under conditions of close monitoring for adverse effects (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Hepatic Impairment). Since no data are available on the use of galantamine in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score of 10-15), galantamine is not recommended for this population.

Renal Impairment: There is limited information on the pharmacokinetics of galantamine in renally impaired patients (see ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Special Populations and Conditions, Renal Impairment). It is therefore recommended that dose escalation with galantamine in Alzheimer’s disease patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 9 to 60 mL/min) be undertaken with caution and under conditions of close monitoring for adverse effects (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Renal Impairment). Since no data are available on the use of galantamine in patients with a creatinine clearance of less than 9 mL/min, galantamine is not recommended for this population.

Geriatrics (≥ 85 years of age): In controlled clinical studies, the number of patients aged 85 years or over who received galantamine at therapeutic doses of 16 or 24 mg/day was 123. Of these patients, 70 received the maximum recommended dose of 24 mg/day. There is limited safety information for galantamine in this patient population.

Since cholinomimetics as well as Alzheimer’s disease can be associated with significant weight loss, caution is advised regarding the use of galantamine in elderly patients with low body weight, especially in those ≥ 85 years old.

Use in Elderly Patients with Serious Comorbid Disease

There is limited information on the safety of galantamine treatment in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease and serious/significant comorbidity. The use of galantamine in Alzheimer’s disease patients with chronic illnesses common among the geriatric population, should be considered only after careful risk/benefit assessment and include close monitoring for adverse events. Dose escalation in this patient population should proceed with caution.

Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI):

Mortality in Investigational Trials in MCI

Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled efficacy and safety studies of two years’ duration were completed in non-demented subjects with MCI. Individuals with MCI demonstrate isolated memory impairment greater than expected for their age and education, but do not meet current diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease. In these trials, galantamine was not shown to be effective in patients with MCI. In the double-blind portion of these two trials, a total of 13 deaths in subjects on galantamine (n=1026) were recorded and 1 death in subjects on placebo (n=1022); the reason for this difference is currently unknown. This difference in mortality has not been observed in galantamine studies in Alzheimer’s disease. Approximately half of the galantamine deaths appeared to have resulted from various vascular causes (myocardial infarction, stroke, and sudden death); other deaths appeared to have resulted from infection, suicide and cancer. There is no evidence of an increased risk of mortality when galantamine is used in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

Pregnant Women: In a teratology study in which rats were dosed from Day 14 (females) or Day 60 (males) prior to mating through the period of organogenesis, a slightly increased incidence of skeletal variations was observed at doses of 8 mg/kg/day (3 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis) and 16 mg/kg/day. In a study in which pregnant rats were dosed from the beginning of organogenesis through day 21 post-partum, pup weights were decreased at 8 and 16 mg/kg/day, but no adverse effects on other postnatal developmental parameters were seen. The doses causing the above effects in rats produced slight maternal toxicity. No major malformations were caused in rats given up to 16 mg/kg/day. No drug-related teratogenic effects were observed in rabbits given up to 40 mg/kg/day (32 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis) during the period of organogenesis.

The safety of galantamine in pregnant women has not been established. Galantamine should not be used in women of childbearing potential unless, in the opinion of the physician, the potential benefit to the patient justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nursing Women: It is not known whether galantamine is excreted in human breast milk and therefore galantamine should not be used in nursing mothers.

Pediatrics: The safety and effectiveness of galantamine in any illness occurring in pediatric patients have not been established.

Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

Galantamine may cause adverse reactions (such as dizziness and somnolence), which could affect the ability to drive or use machines, especially during the first weeks after initiation of treatment (see ADVERSE REACTIONS).

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Clinical Trial Adverse Drug Reactions

Because clinical trials are conducted under very specific conditions the adverse drug reaction rates observed in the clinical trials may not reflect the rates observed in practice and should not be compared to the rates in the clinical trials of another drug. Adverse drug reaction information from clinical trials is useful for identifying drug-related adverse events and for approximating rates.

A total of 2287 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease were treated with galantamine in Phase III controlled clinical studies using either a 1-week or 4-week dose-escalation period, and 761 patients received galantamine 24 mg/day, the maximum recommended maintenance dose. The number of patients who completed the studies was 1686 (72%). The mean duration of treatment for all galantamine groups was 130 days

(range 1- 214 days).

Adverse Events Leading to Discontinuation

Overall, 19% (441/2287) of patients treated with galantamine discontinued from Phase III controlled clinical trials due to adverse events compared to 8% (98/1159) in the placebo group. For patients treated with galantamine, the rate of discontinuation due to adverse events was 14% for males and 22% for females.

In the 4-week dose-escalation fixed-dose study (GAL-USA-10), 8% (55/692) of patients treated with galantamine withdrew due to adverse events compared to 7% (20/286) in the placebo group. During the dose-escalation phase of this study the incidence of discontinuations due to adverse events was 4% for placebo, 5% for galantamine 16 mg/day and 6% for galantamine 24 mg/day. During the maintenance phase, 4% of patients who received placebo, 3% of patients who received galantamine 16 mg/day and 4% of patients who received galantamine 24 mg/day withdrew from this study due to adverse events.

Table 1.1 shows the most frequent adverse events leading to discontinuation for study

GAL-USA-10, in which the recommended 4-week dose-escalation schedule was used.

Table 1.1: Most frequent adverse events leading to discontinuation in a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with a 4-week dose-escalation schedule (GAL-USA-10)

Most Frequent Adverse Clinical Events Seen in Association with the Use of Galantamine

The most frequent adverse events, defined as those occurring at a frequency of at least 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo in study GAL-USA-10, in which the recommended 4-week dose-escalation schedule was used are shown in Table 1.2.

These events were primarily gastrointestinal and tended to occur at a lower rate with 16 mg/day, the initial recommended maintenance dose. Administration of galantamine with food, the use of anti-emetic medication and ensuring adequate fluid intake may reduce the impact of these events.

Table 1.2: Most frequent adverse events in a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial with a 4-week dose increment during dose-escalation and maintenance phases (GAL-USA-10)

^†Dose escalation occurred with 4 weeks per dose increment.

The majority of these adverse events occurred during the dose-escalation period. Nausea and vomiting, the most frequent adverse events, occurred more frequently at higher doses, lasted

5 - 7 days in most cases, and the majority of patients had one episode. The incidence of weight loss in this study was, during dose escalation (Weeks 1-12): placebo, 1%; 16 mg/day, 3%; 24 mg/day, 2%; and during the maintenance phase (Weeks 13-21): placebo, < 1%; 16 mg/day, 3%; 24 mg/day, 3%.

Dose-escalation should be cautious and maintenance dosing should remain flexible and be adjusted according to individual needs.

Adverse Events Reported in Controlled Trials

The reported adverse events in galantamine trials reflect experience gained under closely monitored conditions in a highly selected patient population. In actual practice or in other clinical trials, these frequency estimates may not apply, as the conditions of use, reporting behaviour and the types of patients treated may differ.

Table 1.3 lists the most common adverse events (adverse events occurring with an incidence of 2% with galantamine treatment and in which the incidence was greater than with placebo treatment) for four placebo-controlled trials for patients treated with 16 or 24 mg/day of galantamine. The combined values presented in Table 1.3 were derived from trials using a

1-week or the recommended 4-week dose-escalation period.

Table 1.3: Adverse events reported in at least 2% of patients with Alzheimer’s disease administered galantamine and at a frequency greater than with placebo (combined 1- and 4-week dose-escalation data)

^† Adverse events in patients treated with 16 or 24 mg/day of galantamine in three placebo-controlled trials with a

1-week dose-escalation period and a 26-week fixed-dose galantamine treatment, and one placebo-controlled trial with the recommended 4-week dose-escalation period and a 21-week fixed-dose galantamine treatment are included.

No clinically relevant abnormalities in laboratory values were observed. In a cardiovascular safety clinical trial (GAL-USA-16), pauses greater than two seconds were more common in galantamine-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients during the dose-escalation period (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Cardiovascular).

Most Frequent Adverse Clinical Events Seen in Association with the Use of Galantamine Extended Release

Adverse reactions in clinical trials of once-daily treatment with galantamine extended release capsules were similar to those seen with galantamine immediate release tablets (see Table 1.4).

Table 1.4: Adverse events reported in at least 2% of patients with Alzheimer’s disease administered galantamine immediate release tablets or galantamine extended release capsules and at a frequency greater than placebo

^a not otherwise specified

Other galantamine Clinical Trial Adverse Drug Reactions:

Additional adverse drug reactions that do not appear in Table 1.4, and that occurred in at least 2% of patients with Alzheimer’s disease administered galantamine and at a frequency greater than placebo, are listed below by system organ class:

Injury, Poisoning and Procedural Complications: fall, laceration

Adverse Events Observed During the GAL-INT-6 Study

The frequencies of certain cardiovascular-related adverse events, including syncope, hypertension, arrhythmia and bundle branch block were increased in patients treated with galantamine compared to placebo. The increase was due primarily to events that occurred in the subgroup of Alzheimer’s patients with concomitant cerebrovascular disease. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease and concomitant cerebrovascular disease who were treated with galantamine experienced syncope (3%), hypertension (4%), arrhythmia (3%) and bundle branch block (2%), but these events were not reported in the placebo group.

In the vascular dementia subgroup syncope was reported for 2% of patients treated with galantamine and 2% of patients treated with placebo; hypertension was reported for 5% of patients treated with galantamine and 2% of patients treated with placebo. Arrhythmia and bundle branch block adverse events were not reported in the vascular dementia subgroup.

In the entire study population the most common treatment-emergent adverse events (nausea, dizziness, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue and upper respiratory tract infection) were consistent with what has been observed in previous galantamine studies involving Alzheimer’s disease patients (see ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Special Populations and Conditions).

Other Adverse Events Observed During Clinical Trials

Galantamine has been administered to 3055 patients with Alzheimer’s disease during clinical trials worldwide.

A total of 2357 patients received galantamine in placebo-controlled trials and 761 patients with Alzheimer’s disease received galantamine 24 mg/day, the maximum recommended maintenance dose. About 1000 patients received galantamine for at least one year and approximately 200 patients received galantamine for two years. To establish the rate of adverse events, data from all patients for any dose of galantamine in 8 placebo-controlled trials and 6 open-label extension trials were pooled. The methodology to gather and codify these adverse events was standardized across trials, using WHO terminology. All events occurring in approximately 0.1% of patients are included, except for those already listed elsewhere in labelling, WHO terms too general to be informative, or relatively minor events. Events are classified by body system and listed using the following definitions: frequent adverse events - those occurring in at least 1/100 patients; infrequent adverse events - those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 patients; rare - those occurring in 1/1000 to 1/10000 patients; very rare - those occurring in fewer than 1/10000 patients. These adverse events are not necessarily related to galantamine treatment and in most cases were observed at a similar frequency in placebo-treated patients in the controlled studies.

Body as a Whole - General Disorders: Frequent: chest pain, asthenia, fever, malaise.

Cardiovascular System Disorders: Frequent: hypertension; Infrequent: postural hypotension, hypotension, dependent edema, cardiac failure, myocardial ischemia or infarction, flushing, supraventricular extrasystoles.

Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders: Frequent: lethargy; Infrequent: vertigo, hypertonia, convulsions, involuntary muscle contractions, paresthesia, ataxia, hypokinesia, hyperkinesia, apraxia, aphasia, leg cramps, tinnitus, transient ischemic attack or cerebrovascular accident, dysgeusia, hypersomnia.

Eye Disorders: Infrequent: vision blurred.

Gastrointestinal System Disorders: Frequent: flatulence, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain upper, stomach discomfort; Infrequent: gastritis, melena, dysphagia, rectal hemorrhage, dry mouth, saliva increased, diverticulitis, gastroenteritis, hiccup, retching; Rare: esophageal perforation.

Heart Rate and Rhythm Disorders: Infrequent: AV block, palpitation, atrial arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia, QTc prolonged, bundle branch block, T-wave inversion, ventricular tachycardia; Rare: severe bradycardia.

Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: Frequent: decreased appetite; Infrequent: hyperglycemia, alkaline phosphatase increased, NPN increased.

Musculoskeletal System Disorders: Frequent: muscle spasms; Infrequent: muscular weakness.

Platelet, Bleeding and Clotting Disorders: Infrequent: purpura, epistaxis, thrombocytopenia.

Psychiatric Disorders: Infrequent: apathy, paroniria, paranoid reaction, libido increased, delirium; Rare: suicidal ideation, suicide attempt.

Skin and Appendages Disorders: Frequent: hyperhidrosis.

Urinary System Disorders: Frequent: incontinence; Infrequent: hematuria, micturition frequency, cystitis, urinary retention, nocturia, renal calculi.

Hepatobiliary: There have been reports of hepatic-related adverse reactions including elevated liver enzymes and hepatitis, from both open-label studies of galantamine (duration up to 4 years) and post-marketing experience (see Post-Market Adverse Drug Reactions).

Post-Market Adverse Drug Reactions

Other adverse events from post-approval controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials and post-marketing experience observed in patients treated with galantamine include:

Body as a Whole - General Disorders: dehydration (including rare, severe cases leading to renal insufficiency and renal failure).

Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders: behavioural disturbances including agitation, aggression, hallucination, hallucination visual and hallucination auditory.

Gastrointestinal: upper and lower GI bleeding.

Hepatobiliary: elevated liver enzymes, hepatitis.

Immune System Disorders: hypersensitivity.

Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: hypokalemia.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, erythema multiforme.

Cardiac Disorders: Atrioventricular block complete

Some of these adverse events may be attributable to cholinomimetic properties of galantamine or in some cases may represent manifestations or exacerbations of the underlying disease processes common in the elderly population.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Overview

Multiple metabolic pathways and renal excretion are involved in the elimination of galantamine so no single pathway appears predominant. Based on in vitro studies, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 were the major enzymes involved in the metabolism of galantamine. CYP2D6 was involved in the formation of O-desmethyl-galantamine, whereas CYP3A4 mediated the formation of galantamine-N-oxide.

Use with Anticholinergics

Because of their mechanism of action, cholinesterase inhibitors have the potential to interfere with the activity of anticholinergic medications.

Use with Cholinomimetics and Other Cholinesterase Inhibitors

A synergistic effect may be expected when cholinesterase inhibitors are given concurrently with succinylcholine, similar neuromuscular blocking agents or cholinergic agonists such as bethanechol.

Use with other Psychoactive Drugs

Few patients in the clinical trials received neuroleptics, antidepressants or anticonvulsants, thus, there is limited information concerning the interaction of galantamine with these drugs.

Drug-Drug Interactions

Effect of Other Drugs on the Metabolism of Galantamine

Pharmacokinetic studies to assess the potential of galantamine for interaction with cimetidine, ranitidine, ketoconazole, erythromycin, paroxetine, warfarin and digoxin were limited to short-term, mostly single-dose studies in young healthy volunteers. Similar studies in elderly patients were not done.

In vitro

CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 are the major enzymes involved in the metabolism of galantamine. CYP3A4 mediates the formation of galantamine-N-oxide, whereas CYP2D6 is involved in the formation of O-desmethyl-galantamine. Because galantamine is also glucuronidated and excreted unchanged in urine, no single pathway appears predominant.

In vivo

Cimetidine and Ranitidine: Galantamine was administered as a single dose of 4 mg on Day 2 of a three-day treatment with either cimetidine (800 mg daily; n=6 males and 6 females) or ranitidine (300 mg daily; n=6 males and 6 females). Cimetidine increased the bioavailability of galantamine by approximately 16%. Ranitidine had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of galantamine.

Ketoconazole: Ketoconazole, a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4 and an inhibitor of CYP2D6, at a dose of 200 mg BID for 4 days, increased the AUC of galantamine by 30% when subjects were treated with galantamine 4 mg BID for 8 days (n=8 males and 8 females).

Erythromycin: Erythromycin, a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4 at a dose of 500 mg q.i.d. for 4 days increased the AUC of galantamine by 10% when subjects received galantamine 4 mg BID for 6 days (n=8 males and 8 females).

Paroxetine: Paroxetine, a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6, increased the AUC of 4 mg BID, 8 mg BID and 12 mg BID galantamine by 40%, 45% and 48 %, respectively, in 16 healthy volunteers (8 males and 8 females) who received galantamine together with 20 mg/day paroxetine.

Memantine: In a multiple dose pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers (n=15, age range

21-55 years), concurrent administration of memantine at a dose of 10 mg BID did not affect the pharmacokinetic profile of galantamine (16 mg daily) at steady state.

The safety of co-administering memantine and galantamine in patients with Alzheimer’s disease has not been studied in clinical trials.

Effect of Galantamine on the Metabolism of Other Drugs

In vitro

Galantamine did not inhibit the metabolic pathways catalyzed by CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP3A4,

CYP4A, CYP2C, CYP2D6 or CYP2E1. This indicates that the inhibitory potential of galantamine towards the major forms of cytochrome P450 is very low.

In vivo

Warfarin: Galantamine at 12 mg BID had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of R- and

S-warfarin (25 mg single dose) or on the prothrombin time (n=16 males). The protein binding of warfarin was unaffected by galantamine.

Digoxin: Galantamine at 12 mg BID had no effect on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of digoxin (0.375 mg once daily) when they were co-administered. In this study, however, one healthy subject was hospitalized for second- and third- degree heart block and bradycardia (n=8 males and 8 females).

Nicotinic Receptor Modulation

Single in vitro applications of galantamine dose-dependently modulate the effect on nicotinic receptors, having a positive allosteric (sensitizing) effect at concentrations below 0.28 mcg/mL (1 mcM) and an inhibitory effect at higher concentrations. Chronic in vitro or in vivo studies on nicotinic receptor modulation have not been conducted.

It is unknown whether galantamine has an effect on the pharmacodynamic action of other drugs that act on cholinergic nicotinic receptors (see ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).

Drug-Food Interactions

Interactions with food have not been established.

Drug-Herb Interactions

Interactions with herbal products have not been established.

Drug-Laboratory Interactions

Interactions with laboratory tests have not been established.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Sandoz Galantamine ER is not indicated for use in patients with mild cognitive impairment (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Special Populations, Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): Mortality in Investigational Trials in MCI).

Sandoz Galantamine ER should only be prescribed by (or following consultation with) clinicians who are experienced in the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer’s disease.

Sandoz Galantamine ER extended release capsules should be administered once daily in the morning, preferably with food. Patients and caregivers should be advised to ensure adequate fluid intake during treatment.

Dosing Considerations

• Concomitant Treatment: In patients treated with potent CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 inhibitors, dose reductions can be considered.
• Special Populations: Dosage adjustments may be required for elderly patients (> 85 years old) with low body weight (especially females), and patients with hepatic and/or renal impairment.
• Missed Dose: The missed dose should be taken at the next scheduled dose. Doses should not be doubled. If therapy has been interrupted for several days or longer, the patient should be restarted at the lowest dose and the dose escalated to the current dose.

Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment

The dosage of galantamine shown to be effective in controlled clinical trials is 16-32 mg/day given as twice daily dosing. As the dose of 32 mg/day is less well tolerated than lower doses and does not provide increased effectiveness, the recommended dose range is 16-24 mg/day. The dose of 24 mg/day did not provide a statistically significant greater clinical benefit than 16 mg/day. It is possible, however, that a daily dose of 24 mg of galantamine might provide additional benefit for some patients.

The recommended starting dose is 8 mg/day for 4 weeks. The dose should be increased to the initial maintenance dose of 16 mg/day after 4 weeks. If this initial maintenance dose is well tolerated, a further increase to 24 mg/day may be considered only after a minimum of 4 weeks at 16 mg/day.

The abrupt withdrawal of galantamine in those patients who had been receiving doses in the effective range was not associated with an increased frequency of adverse events in comparison with those continuing to receive the same doses of that drug. The beneficial effects of galantamine are lost, however, when the drug is discontinued.

Geriatrics

Dose escalation for elderly patients (> 85 years old) with low body weight (especially females) or serious comorbid diseases should be undertaken with particular caution.

Hepatic Impairment

Galantamine plasma concentrations may be increased in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment. In patients with moderately impaired hepatic function (Child-Pugh score of 7–9), based on pharmacokinetic modelling, dosing with Sandoz Galantamine ER extended release capsules should begin with 8 mg every other day in the morning, preferably with food, for at least 1 week. Then the dosage should be increased to 8 mg once daily for at least 4 weeks. In these patients, daily doses should not exceed a total of 16 mg/day. Since no data are available on the use of Sandoz Galantamine ER in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score of 10–15), Sandoz Galantamine ER is not recommended for this population (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS).

Renal Impairment

For patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 9 to 60 mL/min), dose escalation should proceed cautiously and the maintenance dose should generally not exceed 16 mg/day. Since no data are available on the use of galantamine in patients with a creatinine clearance less than 9 mL/min, Sandoz Galantamine ER is not recommended for this population (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS).

In a population of cognitively-impaired individuals, safe use of this and all other medications may require supervision.

OVERDOSAGE

Symptoms

Overdosage with cholinesterase inhibitors can result in cholinergic crisis characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, gastro-intestinal cramping, salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory depression, collapse and convulsions. Increasing muscle weakness together with tracheal hypersecretion and bronchospasm, may lead to vital airway compromise.

There have been post-marketing reports of torsade de pointes, QT prolongation, bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia and brief loss of consciousness in association with inadvertent overdoses of galantamine. In one case where the dose was known, eight 4 mg tablets (32 mg total) were ingested on a single day. Two additional cases of accidental ingestion of 32 mg (nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth; nausea, vomiting, and substernal chest pain) and one of 40 mg (vomiting), resulted in brief hospitalizations for observation with full recovery. One patient, who was prescribed 24 mg/day and had a history of hallucinations over the previous two years, mistakenly received 24 mg twice daily for 34 days and developed hallucinations requiring hospitalization. Another patient, who was prescribed 16 mg/day, inadvertently ingested 160 mg and experienced sweating, vomiting, bradycardia, and near-syncope one hour later, which necessitated hospital treatment. His symptoms resolved within 24 hours.

Treatment

Galantamine has a plasma half-life of approximately 7-8 hours. It is recommended that, in case of asymptomatic overdose, no further dose of galantamine should be administered and the patient should be monitored.

As in any case of overdose, general supportive measures should be utilized. Signs and symptoms of significant overdosing of galantamine are predicted to be similar to those of overdosing of other cholinomimetics. These effects generally involve the central nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system, and the neuromuscular junction. In addition to muscle weakness or fasciculations, some or all of the following signs of cholinergic crisis may develop: severe nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal cramping, salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory depression, collapse and convulsions. Increasing muscle weakness is a possibility and may result in death if respiratory muscles are involved.

Tertiary anticholinergics such as atropine may be used as an antidote for galantamine overdosage. Intravenous atropine sulphate titrated to effect is recommended at an initial dose of 0.5 to 1.0 mg intravenously (IV) with subsequent doses based upon clinical response. Atypical responses in blood pressure and heart rate have been reported with other cholinomimetics when co-administered with quaternary anticholinergics. It is not known whether galantamine and/or its metabolites can be removed by dialysis (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or hemofiltration). Dose-related signs of toxicity in animals included hypoactivity, tremors, clonic convulsions, salivation, lacrimation, chromodacryorrhea, mucoid feces, and dyspnea.

ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Mechanism of Action

Although the etiology of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood, it has been reported that acetylcholine-producing neurons degenerate in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The degree of this cholinergic loss has been correlated with degree of cognitive impairment and density of amyloid plaques (a neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease).

Galantamine, a tertiary alkaloid, is a competitive and reversible cholinesterase inhibitor. While the precise mechanism of galantamine’s action is unknown, it is postulated to exert its therapeutic effect by enhancing cholinergic function. This is accomplished by increasing the concentration of acetylcholine through reversible cholinesterase inhibition. It has also been postulated, based on in vitro data, that galantamine enhances the action of acetylcholine through binding to an allosteric site on the nicotinic receptors. The clinical relevance to humans of these in vitro findings is unknown.

If these mechanisms are correct, galantamine’s effect may lessen as the disease process advances and fewer cholinergic neurons remain functionally intact. There is no evidence that galantamine alters the course of the underlying dementing process.

Pharmacokinetics

The summary of related pharmacokinetic parameters in healthy subjects is presented in Table 1.5.

Table 1.5: Pharmacokinetic parameters of galantamine after single or multiple dose administration

^† AUC = AUC_∞ after single dose and AUC = AUC_τ after multiple dose

Absorption: After oral intake of a single 8 mg galantamine solution in 12 healthy males, absorption is rapid, with a peak plasma concentration (C_max) of 43 ± 13 ng/mL, which is reached after 1.2 hours (T_max), and a mean AUC_∞ of 427 ± 102 ng^.h/mL.

The absolute oral bioavailability of galantamine is 88.5%. Bioavailability of the tablet was the same as the bioavailability of an oral solution in 27 healthy males. Food did not affect the AUC of galantamine but C_max decreased by 25% and T_max was delayed by 1.5 hours after repeated oral dosing of 12 mg galantamine BID in 24 healthy elderly subjects.

The maximum inhibition of cholinesterase activity of about 40% was achieved about one hour after a single oral dose of 8 mg galantamine in healthy male subjects.

In a steady-state bioavailability study, galantamine hydrobromide extended release capsules, 24 mg once daily, were shown to be bioequivalent to the 12 mg twice-daily galantamine tablets with respect to AUC_24h and C_min. The C_max value of the 24 mg once-daily extended release capsule, which is reached after 4.4 hours, was about 24% lower than that of the 12 mg twice-daily tablet. Food had no effect on the steady-state bioavailability of the 24 mg extended release capsules. In a dose-proportionality study of galantamine extended release capsules in healthy elderly and young subjects, steady-state plasma concentrations were achieved within 6 days at all doses (8 mg, 16 mg, and 24 mg) in both age groups. Steady-state pharmacokinetics were dose-proportional within the studied dose range of 8 mg to 24 mg in both age groups.

Distribution: Galantamine is a low-clearance drug (plasma clearance of approximately 300 mL/min) with a moderate volume of distribution (average V_dss of 175 L) after a one-hour IV infusion of 8 mg galantamine in 12 healthy males.

The plasma protein binding of galantamine is 18% at therapeutically relevant concentrations. In whole blood, galantamine is mainly distributed to blood cells (52.7%) and plasma water (39.0%), whereas the fraction of galantamine bound to plasma proteins is only 8.4%. The blood-to-plasma concentration ratio of galantamine is 1.2.

Metabolism: Galantamine is metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, glucuronidated and excreted unchanged in the urine. In vitro studies indicate that cytochrome CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 are the major cytochrome P450 isoenzymes involved in the metabolism of galantamine, and inhibitors of both pathways increase oral bioavailability of galantamine modestly (see DRUG INTERACTIONS, Drug-Drug Interactions). O-demethylation, mediated by CYP2D6 is greater in extensive metabolizers of CYP2D6 than in poor metabolizers. In plasma from both poor and extensive metabolizers, however, unchanged galantamine and its glucuronide accounted for most of the sample radioactivity.

Excretion: The elimination of galantamine is bi-phasic, with a terminal half-life in the order of 7-8 hours in young healthy subjects (n=4 males). Two studies in healthy elderly subjects indicated that the terminal half-life of galantamine is 8.5 hours (n=13 males and 16 females) and 9.7 hours (n=10 males and 14 females) after administering a single oral dose of 10 mg galantamine. Up to 8 hours post-dose, unchanged galantamine accounted for 39-77% of the total radioactivity in the plasma, and galantamine glucuronide accounted for 14-24%. Seven days after a single oral dose of 4 mg 3H-galantamine, 93-99% of the radioactivity had been recovered, with about 95% in urine and about 5% in feces. Total urinary recovery of unchanged galantamine accounted for, on average, 32% of the dose, and that of galantamine glucuronide for another 12% on average.

After IV and oral administration, about 20% of the dose was excreted as unchanged galantamine in the urine in 24 hours, with a renal clearance of about 65 mL/min, which represents 20-25% of the total plasma clearance of about 300 mL/min.

Special Populations and Conditions

Patients with Alzheimer’s disease: Data from clinical trials in patients indicate that there is a difference in total clearance after oral administration between patients with Alzheimer’s disease and healthy subjects (13.2 L/h versus 19.4 L/h) based on pooled population analysis. Therefore, the plasma concentrations of galantamine in elderly patients (median age 75) with Alzheimer’s disease are 30-40% higher than in healthy young subjects (median age 28).

Patients with Alzheimer's disease and concomitant cerebrovascular disease and patients with vascular dementia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

(GAL-INT-6) was conducted in a study population consisting of two different types of dementia patients: patients with vascular dementia (VaD) and patients with Alzheimer’s disease and concomitant cerebrovascular disease (AD+CVD).

Trial Design

VaD patients (n=282) were diagnosed according to NINDS-AIREN criteria for probable vascular dementia. Patients with AD+CVD (n=255) were required to meet NINCDS-ADRDA criteria for possible Alzheimer’s disease and have radiological evidence (CAT or MRI) of relevant cerebrovascular disease for inclusion in the study. Patients were treated for 26 weeks with galantamine 12 mg BID (VaD n=173; AD+CVD n=186) or placebo (VaD n=82; AD+CVD n=86).

Safety Results

The frequencies of certain cardiovascular-related adverse events, including syncope, hypertension, arrhythmia and bundle branch block, were increased in patients treated with galantamine compared to placebo. Analyses of treatment-emergent adverse events by diagnostic subgroup indicated that the increase was due primarily to events that occurred in the subgroup of patients with AD+CVD (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Adverse Events observed during the GAL-INT-6 Study).

Efficacy Results

Efficacy results for the entire study population showed that there were statistically significant treatment effects on both primary endpoints (ADAS-cog and CIBIC-Plus) for galantamine-treated patients compared to placebo. Because the study population consisted of two different types of dementia patients, these results cannot be extrapolated to either patient population. Pre-specified analyses, conducted on the two subgroups for exploratory purposes, indicated that for both primary endpoints treatment differences for galantamine compared to placebo were not statistically significant for patients with VaD (galantamine n=171, placebo n=81), but were statistically significant for patients with AD+CVD (galantamine n=188, placebo n=97).

Confounding factors that preclude regulatory endorsement of an indication for either of the two dementia patient populations include:

1. 1.

   Trial design

   • a. The study population consisted of two clinically different dementia patient populations, included in a ratio of approximately 1:1. Separate exploratory analyses of efficacy data from the diagnostic subgroups were pre-specified in the study statistical analysis plan but exploratory analyses are not regarded as confirmatory and therefore are not supportive of an indication.
   • b. The validity of the assessment scales used in this study (ADAS-cog and CIBIC-Plus) has not been established for evaluating treatment effects in VaD, but has been established for Alzheimer’s disease.
   • c. There are no established diagnostic criteria in clinical practice for the identification of patients with AD+CVD. In the primary care setting, without the use of radiological imaging (CAT or MRI), these patients may be difficult to distinguish from Alzheimer’s disease patients.
2. 2.

   Data analyses

   • a. The overall positive efficacy results for the entire study population cannot be extrapolated to either of the two patient subgroups.
   • b. The significance of the negative outcome from the exploratory analysis of the VaD patient subgroup is not known, in view of the unconfirmed validity of these assessment scales for evaluating efficacy in VaD.

   • c. Positive results from the exploratory analysis of the subgroup of patients with

     • AD+CVD, in a single study, are not sufficient to support a claim of efficacy for these patients.

Conclusion

The results of this single study do not support regulatory endorsement of an indication for either VaD or AD+CVD patient populations.

There are no criteria established for making a differential diagnosis between patients with Alzheimer’s disease and patients with concomitant cerebrovascular disease in clinical practice. Under the currently approved Canadian indication, galantamine is available for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, which in clinical practice is likely to also include the treatment of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and concomitant cerebrovascular disease.

Gender: No specific pharmacokinetic study was performed to investigate the gender differences. A population pharmacokinetic analysis (n=539 males and 550 females) suggests that galantamine clearance is about 20% lower in females than in males, which is explained by lower body weight in females.

Race: Pharmacokinetic differences due to race have not been identified in a population pharmacokinetic analysis (n=1029 White, 24 Black, 13 Asian and 23 other).

Hepatic Impairment: Following a single 4 mg dose of galantamine, the pharmacokinetics of galantamine in subjects with mild hepatic impairment (n=8; Child-Pugh score of 5-6) were similar to those in healthy subjects. In patients with moderate hepatic impairment (n=8; Child-Pugh score of 7-9), AUC and half-life of galantamine were increased by about 30% compared to normal subjects (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Renal Impairment: In patients with renal insufficiency, elimination of galantamine decreases with decreasing creatinine clearance. Following a single 8 mg dose of galantamine, AUC increased by 37% and 67% in moderately (n=8; creatinine clearance of 30 to

60 mL/min/1.73 m²) and severely (n=9; creatinine clearance of 5 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m²)

renal-impaired patients compared to normal volunteers (n=8) (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

CYP2D6 Poor Metabolizers: Approximately 7% of the normal population has a genetic variation that leads to reduced levels of activity of the CYP2D6 isozyme. Such individuals have been referred to as poor metabolizers. After a single oral dose of 4 mg or 8 mg galantamine, CYP2D6 poor metabolizers demonstrated a similar C_max and about 35% AUC_∞ increase of unchanged galantamine compared to extensive metabolizers.

A total of 356 patients with Alzheimer’s disease enrolled in two Phase III studies were genotyped with respect to CYP2D6 (n=210 hetero-extensive metabolizers, 126 homo-extensive metabolizers, and 20 poor metabolizers). Population pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that there was a 25% decrease in median clearance in poor metabolizers compared to extensive metabolizers. Dosage adjustment is not necessary in patients identified as poor metabolizers as the dose of drug is individually titrated to tolerability due to observed inter-patient variability.

STORAGE AND STABILITY

Sandoz Galantamine ER extended release capsules should be stored between 15°C-30°C.

DOSAGE FORMS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING

Dosage Forms

Sandoz Galantamine ER (galantamine hydrobromide) extended release capsules contain white to off-white pellets. The following strengths are available:

8 mg galantamine as buff opaque cap and body printed with “Logo (S in triangle)”, “SANDOZ” and “510” in black ink;

16 mg galantamine as light turquoise cap and blue opaque body printed with “Logo (S in triangle)”, “SANDOZ” and “511” in black ink;

24 mg galantamine as Light gray opaque cap and body printed with “Logo (S in triangle)”, “SANDOZ” and “512” in black ink.

Composition

Sandoz Galantamine ER extended release capsules: Each extended release capsule contains 8, 16 or 24 mg of galantamine as galantamine hydrobromide. Inactive ingredients include black ink (D&C yellow #10, FD&C blue #1, FD&C blue #2, FD&C red #40, iron oxide black, propylene glycol, shellac), ethylcellulose, gelatin, hydromellose, medium chain trigycerides, oleic acid, sugar spheres (sucrose and starch), talc, titanium dioxide.

The 8 mg capsule also contains FD&C yellow #6.

Packaging

Sandoz Galantamine ER is available in bottles of 30 and 1000.

PART II: SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

PHARMACEUTICAL INFORMATION

Drug Substance

Proper name: galantamine hydrobromide

Chemical name: (4aS,6R,8aS)-4a,5,9,10,11,12-hexahydro-3-methoxy-11-methyl-6H-benzofuro[3a,3,2-ef][2]benzazepin-6-ol hydrobromide

Molecular formula: C₁₇H₂₁NO₃HBr

Molecular mass: 368.27 g/mol

Structural formula:

Physicochemical properties: Galantamine hydrobromide is a white to almost white powder. It is freely soluble in water (pH=5.2), 0.1 N hydrochloric acid (pH=1.0) and 0.1 N sodium hydroxide (pH=8.3).

Ionization Constant: pKa=8.2 (azepine moiety)

Partition Coefficient: log P=1.09, between n-octanol and an aqueous buffer solution at pH=12.0

Melting Point: 253.5 – 254.3 °C

CLINICAL TRIALS

Comparative Bioavailability Studies

A blinded, single-dose, randomized, two-way crossover comparative bioavailability study of Galantamine Hydrobromide 8 mg Extended-Release Capsule and Reminyl ER (Janssen-Ortho Inc., Canada) following a single 8 mg dose in healthy male (8) and female (10) subjects, 24 to 54 years of age, under fasting conditions.

^* Galantamine Hydrobromide Extended Release capsules (manufactured for Sandoz Canada Inc.)

^† Reminyl™ ER 8 mg capsules (manufactured by Janssen-Ortho Inc. and purchased in Canada)

^§ Expressed as the arithmetic mean (CV%)

A blinded, single-dose, randomized, two-way crossover comparative bioavailability study of Galantamine Hydrobromide 8 mg Extended-Release Capsule and Reminyl ER (Janssen-Ortho Inc., Canada) following a single 8 mg dose in healthy male (11) and female (7) subjects, 19 to 51 years of age, under fed conditions.

^* Galantamine Hydrobromide Extended Release capsules (manufactured for Sandoz Canada Inc.)

^† Reminyl™ ER 8 mg capsules (manufactured by Janssen-Ortho Inc. and purchased in Canada)

^§ Expressed as the arithmetic mean (CV%)

Study demographics and trial design

Efficacy data for galantamine in the symptomatic treatment of patients with Alzheimer’s disease were derived from 4 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with probable Alzheimer’s disease [diagnosed by NINCDS-ADRDA criteria, with Mini-Mental State Examination Scores that were ≥ 10 and ≤ 24]. Doses studied were 8-32 mg/day given as twice daily doses. In 3 of the 4 studies, patients were started on a low dose of 8 mg, then titrated weekly by 8 mg/day to 24 or 32 mg as assigned (GAL-USA-1, GAL-INT-1, GAL-INT-2). In the fourth study (U.S. 4-week Dose-Escalation Fixed-Dose Study, GAL-USA-10) dose escalation of 8 mg/day occurred over 4 week intervals. The mean age of patients participating in the 4 galantamine trials was 75 years with a range of 41 to 100. Approximately 62% of patients were women and 38% were men. The racial distribution was White 94%, Black 3% and other races 3%. Two other studies examined a three times daily dosing regimen; these also showed or suggested benefit but did not suggest an advantage over twice daily dosing.

Study results

Results for 2 of these studies are presented in this section. The data shown below were obtained from the Intent-To-Treat population (ITT analysis, i.e. all patients who were randomized to treatment, regardless of whether or not they were able to complete the study. For patients unable to complete the study, their last observation while on treatment was carried forward and used at endpoint).

Study Outcome Measures: In each study, the primary efficacy of galantamine was evaluated using a dual outcome assessment strategy as measured by the Alzheimer’s disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog) and the Clinician’s Interview Based Impression of Change (CIBIC-plus).

The ability of galantamine to improve cognitive performance was assessed with the cognitive sub-scale of the Alzheimer’s disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog), a multi-item instrument that has been extensively validated in longitudinal cohorts of Alzheimer’s disease patients. The ADAS-cog examines selected aspects of cognitive performance including elements of memory, orientation, attention, reasoning, language and praxis.

The patients recruited as participants in each study had mean scores on the ADAS-cog of approximately 27 units, with a range from 5 to 69. Experience gained in longitudinal studies of ambulatory patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease suggests that they gain 6 to 12 units a year on the ADAS-cog. Lesser degrees of change, however, are seen in patients with very mild or very advanced disease because the ADAS-cog is not uniformly sensitive to change over the course of the disease. The annualized rate of decline in the placebo patients participating in galantamine trials was approximately 4.5 units per year.

The ability of galantamine to produce an overall clinical effect was assessed using a Clinician’s Interview Based Impression of Change that required the use of caregiver information, the CIBIC-plus. The CIBIC-plus used in the trials was a semi-structured instrument based on a comprehensive evaluation at baseline and subsequent time-points of 4 major areas of patient function: general, cognitive, behavioural and activities of daily living. Clinical trials for investigational drugs have used a variety of CIBIC formats, each different in terms of depth and structure. As such, results from a CIBIC-plus reflect clinical experience from the trial or trials in which it was used and cannot be compared directly with the results of CIBIC-plus evaluations from other clinical trials.

Among the secondary measures of efficacy, the Alzheimer’s disease Cooperative Study, Activities of Daily Living Inventory (ADCS/ADL) was used. The ADCS/ADL is a caregiver-rated evaluation which yields a compound score derived from a categorical scale of 23 items concerning participation in activities of daily living.

U.S. Twenty-One-Week Fixed-Dose Study (GAL-USA-10)

In a study of twenty-one weeks’ duration, 978 patients were randomized to doses of 8, 16, or 24 mg of galantamine per day, or to placebo, each given in 2 divided doses. Treatment was initiated at 8 mg/day for all patients randomized to galantamine, and increased by 8 mg/day every 4 weeks. Therefore, the maximum dose-escalation phase was 8 weeks and the minimum maintenance phase was 13 weeks (in patients randomized to 24 mg/day of galantamine).

Effects on the ADAS-cog: Figure 2.1 illustrates the time course for the change from baseline in ADAS-cog scores for all four dose groups over the 21 weeks of the study. At 21 weeks of treatment, the mean differences in the ADAS-cog change scores for the galantamine-treated patients compared to the patients on placebo were 0.8, 2.9 and 2.9 units for the 8, 16 and 24 mg/day treatments, respectively. The 16 mg/day and 24 mg/day treatments were statistically significantly superior to placebo and to the 8 mg/day treatment. There was no statistically significant difference between the 16 mg/day and 24 mg/day dose groups.

Figure 2.1: Time-course of the Changes from Baseline in ADAS-cog Score (ITT Population)

Figure 2.2 illustrates the cumulative percentages of patients from each of the four treatment groups who had attained at least the measure of improvement in ADAS-cog score shown on the X-axis. Three change scores (10-point, 7-point and 4-point reductions) and no change in score from baseline have been identified for illustrative purposes, and the percent of patients in each group achieving that result is shown in the inset table.

The curves demonstrate that both patients assigned to galantamine and placebo have a wide range of responses, but that the galantamine groups are more likely to show the greater improvements.

Figure 2.2: Cumulative Percentage of Patients with Specified Changes from Baseline in ADAS-cog Scores (ITT Population)

Effects on the CIBIC-plus: Figure 2.3 is a histogram of the percentage distribution of CIBIC-plus scores attained by patients assigned to each of the four treatment groups. The galantamine-placebo differences for these groups of patients in the mean rating were 0.10, 0.32 and 0.38 units for the 8, 16 and 24 mg/day treatments, respectively. The 16 mg/day and 24 mg/day treatments were statistically significantly superior to placebo. The differences vs. the 8 mg/day treatment for the 16 and 24 mg/day treatments were 0.22 and 0.28, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the 16 mg/day and 24 mg/day dose groups.

Figure 2.3: Distribution of CIBIC-plus Ratings at Week 21 (ITT Population)

Effects on ADCS/ADL Inventory: The Alzheimer’s disease Cooperative Study, Activities of Daily Living Inventory was used as a secondary efficacy measure. At baseline, mean ADCS/ADL scores (mean ± SE) were for the placebo group: 52.3 ± 0.89 units; for the 16 mg/day group: 51.6 ± 0.93 units; for the 24 mg/day group: 51.9 ± 0.98 units. At Week 21, the placebo group declined an average of 3.9 ± 0.55 units, and the 16 mg/day and 24 mg/day groups deteriorated minimally at 1.0 ± 0.51 units and 1.6 ± 0.56 units, respectively. The difference between the placebo group and the galantamine treatment groups (16 mg/day or 24 mg/day) was statistically significant.

U.S. Twenty-Six-Week Fixed-Dose Study (GAL-USA-1)

In a study of 26 weeks’ duration, 636 patients were randomized to either a dose of 24 mg or 32 mg of galantamine per day, or to placebo, each given in two divided doses. The 26-week study was divided into a 3-week dose-escalation phase and a 23-week maintenance phase.

Effects on the ADAS-cog: Figure 2.4 illustrates the time course for the change from baseline in ADAS-cog score for all three dose groups over the 26 weeks of the study. At 26 weeks of treatment, the mean difference in the ADAS-cog change scores for the galantamine-treated patients compared to the patients on placebo were 3.2 and 2.8 units for the 24 mg/day and 32 mg/day treatments, respectively. Both treatments were statistically significantly superior to placebo, but were not statistically significantly different from each other.

Figure 2.4: Time-course of the Changes from Baseline in ADAS-cog Score (ITT Population)

Figure 2.5 illustrates the cumulative percentages of patients from each of the three treatment groups who had attained at least the measure of improvement in ADAS-cog score shown on the X-axis. Three change scores (10-point, 7-point and 4-point reductions) and no change in score from baseline have been identified for illustrative purposes, and the percent of patients in each group achieving that result is shown in the inset table.

The curves demonstrate that both patients assigned to galantamine and placebo have a wide range of responses, but that the galantamine groups are more likely to show the greater improvements. Curve for an effective treatment would be shifted to the left of the curve for placebo, while an ineffective or deleterious treatment would be superimposed upon, or shifted to the right of the curve for placebo, respectively.

Figure 2.5: Cumulative Percentage of Patients with Specified Changes from Baseline in ADAS-cog Scores (ITT Population)

Effects on the CIBIC-plus: Figure 2.6 is a histogram of the percentage distribution of CIBIC-plus scores attained by patients assigned to each of the three treatment groups. The mean galantamine-placebo differences for these groups of patients in the mean rating were 0.22 and 0.17 units for 24 and 32 mg/day of galantamine, respectively. The mean ratings for both groups were statistically significantly superior to placebo, but were not significantly different from each other.

Figure 2.6: Distribution of CIBIC-plus Ratings Week 26 (ITT Population)

Age, gender and race: Patient’s age, gender or race did not predict outcome of treatment.

Extended Release Capsules (Study GAL-INT-10)

The efficacy of galantamine extended release capsules was studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial using a 4-week dose escalation, flexible dosing regimen of 16 or 24 mg/day for a treatment duration of 6 months. Galantamine immediate release tablets served as an active control arm in this study. Primary efficacy endpoints in this study were ADAS-cog/11 and CIBIC-plus. At Month 6, galantamine extended release capsules showed a statistically significant improvement over placebo for ADAS-cog/11 but not for CIBIC-Plus. Galantamine extended release capsules were statistically significantly better than placebo on the Alzheimer’s disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living scale (ADCS-ADL), a secondary efficacy endpoint. Similar efficacy results were obtained for the galantamine immediate release treatment arm of this study.

DETAILED PHARMACOLOGY

Galantamine is a selective, reversible and competitive cholinesterase inhibitor. The predominant pharmacological mechanism of action is the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. It has been established in in vitro studies, that galantamine has a selectivity for acetylcholinesterase over butyrylcholinesterase.

Overall, the pharmacological effects of galantamine on overt behaviour, and on the gastrointestinal, urinary, cardiovascular, respiratory and central nervous systems can be explained by its anticholinesterase activity.

Single applications of galantamine dose-dependently modulate the effect on nicotinic receptors, having a positive allosteric (sensitizing) effect at concentrations below 0.28 mcg/mL (1 mcM) and an inhibitory effect at higher concentrations. Chronic in vitro or in vivo studies on nicotinic receptor modulation have not been conducted.

Because of its structure, the potential effect of galantamine on opioid receptors has been investigated. Evidence regarding interaction of galantamine with these receptors is inconsistent. Functional tests related to neurotransmitters and neuromodulators revealed that any observed effect is likely to be either a direct or an indirect consequence of the property of galantamine to potentiate cholinergic neurotransmission at sites where acetylcholine is actively released by nerve impulses.

Pharmacokinetics

The plasma kinetics and tissue distribution of galantamine after single oral administration were studied in rats. After a 2.5 mg/kg oral dose, maximal plasma and brain levels of unchanged galantamine in male rats were approximately 211 ng/mL and 348 ng/g, respectively. In female rats, maximal plasma and brain levels were approximately 348 ng/mL and 491 ng/g, respectively. These studies showed that the brain to plasma C_max ratio of unchanged galantamine is in the range of 1.4 to 1.6. Tissue concentrations of galantamine declined at a similar rate to corresponding plasma levels. There was no undue retention or accumulation in any tissues.

TOXICOLOGY

The potential toxicity of galantamine has been evaluated in acute, sub-chronic, chronic, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and reproduction studies.

Acute (Single Dose) Toxicity

The acute toxicity of galantamine was studied following oral and intravenous administration to adult mice, rats and dogs. A summary of the acute toxicity studies is presented in Table 2.1.

Oral single doses with galantamine up to 36 mg/kg (mice), 40 mg/kg (rats) and 8 mg/kg (dogs) were given to laboratory animals. Mortality was noted in mice at 36 mg/kg and in rats from 36 mg/kg onwards. All dogs survived the study.

Intravenous single escalation doses up to 10 mg/kg in rats and dogs did not lead to mortality. In both oral and intravenous studies, clinical effects mainly involved the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems.

Additional studies were conducted to compare the acute toxicity of batches of different sources and that of norgalantamine, the major impurity. The comparative single-dose studies indicate that there is no relevant difference in the acute toxicity profile between both galantamine batches, while norgalantamine showed a similar, but less pronounced, toxicity profile.

Table 2.1: Acute (Single-Dose) Toxicity Studies with Galantamine

1. a) Galantamine base equivalents.
2. b) Dose-range-finding study.
3. c) Doses are listed as galantamine (0.8% impurities), galantamine (2% impurities) and norgalantamine, respectively.

Table 2.1 (Cont’d): Acute (Single-Dose) Toxicity Studies with Galantamine

1. a) Galantamine base equivalents.
2. b) Dose-range-finding study.
3. c) Doses are listed as galantamine (0.8% impurities), galantamine (2% impurities) and norgalantamine, respectively.
4. d) As a result of unexpected mortality at 8 mg/kg, the original doses for galantamine (0.8%) and galantamine (2.0%) were amended to 1.6, 3.2, 6.4 and 8 mg/kg and 0.8, 1.6, 2.4, 3.2 and 8 mg/kg, respectively.

Table 2.1 (Cont’d): Acute (Single-Dose) Toxicity Studies with Galantamine

1. a) Galantamine base equivalents.
2. b) Dose-range-finding study.
3. c) Doses are listed as galantamine (0.8% impurities), galantamine (2% impurities) and norgalantamine, respectively.

Sub-Chronic (Repeated-Dose) Toxicity

Subchronic (1-month) and chronic (6- to 12-month) studies were performed in rats and dogs. In the two species, the dose of 1.6 mg/kg was considered non-toxic in the 6- to 12-month studies. Most of the effects observed were related to an exaggerated pharmacological action of galantamine and were general manifestations of cholinergic stimulation.

An overview of the repeated dose toxicity studies is given in Table 2.2.

Table 2.2: Sub-Chronic (Repeated-Dose) Toxicity Studies with Galantamine

1. a) Galantamine in base-mg base equivalents/kg body weight.

Table 2.2 (Cont’d): Sub-Chronic (Repeated-Dose) Toxicity Studies with Galantamine

1. a) Galantamine in base-mg base equivalents/kg body weight.

MTD: Maximum Tolerated Dose.

Table 2.2 (Cont’d): Sub-Chronic (Repeated-Dose) Toxicity Studies with Galantamine

1. a) Galantamine in base-mg base equivalents/kg body weight.

Reproduction and Teratology

No impairment of fertility was seen in rats given up to 16 mg/kg/day (7 times the Maximum Recommended Human Dose [MRHD] on a mg/m² basis) for 14 days prior to mating in females and for 60 days prior to mating in males.

In a teratology study in which rats were dosed from Day 14 (females) or Day 60 (males) prior to mating through the period of organogenesis, a slightly increased incidence of skeletal variations was observed at doses of 8 mg/kg/day (3 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis) and 16 mg/kg/day. In a study in which pregnant rats were dosed from the beginning of organogenesis through Day 21 post-partum, pup weights were decreased at 8 and 16 mg/kg/day, but no adverse effects on other postnatal developmental parameters were seen. The doses causing the above effects in rats produced slight maternal toxicity. No major malformations were caused in rats given up to 16 mg/kg/day. No drug-related teratogenic effects were observed in rabbits given up to 40 mg/kg/day (32 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis) during the period of organogenesis.

A summary of the reproductive studies is presented in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3: Reproduction Studies with Galantamine

Table 2.3 (Cont’d): Reproduction Studies with Galantamine

Mutagenicity

Galantamine was investigated for its potential to induce point and/or gene mutations and chromosome aberrations in in vitro and in vivo tests systems. In addition, mutagenicity studies were conducted with norgalantamine, the major impurity. The results of the mutagenicity studies indicate that galantamine as well as norgalantamine have no mutagenic potential.

Galantamine produced no evidence of genotoxic potential when evaluated in the in vitro Ames S. typhimurium or E. coli reverse mutation assay, in vitro mouse lymphoma assay, in vivo micronucleus test in mice, or in vitro chromosome aberration assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

The results of these studies are presented in detail in Table 2.4.

Table 2.4: Mutagenicity Studies with Galantamine

Carcinogenicity

In a 24-month oral carcinogenicity study in rats, a slight increase in endometrial adenocarcinomas was observed at 10 mg/kg/day (4 times the Maximum Recommended Human Dose [MRHD] on a mg/m² basis or 6 times on an exposure [AUC] basis) and 30 mg/kg/day (12 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis or 19 times on an AUC basis). No increase in neoplastic changes was observed in females at 2.5 mg/kg/day (equivalent to the MRHD on a mg/m² basis or 2 times on an AUC basis) or in males up to the highest dose tested of 30 mg/kg/day (12 times the MRHD on a mg/m² and AUC basis.)

Galantamine was not carcinogenic in a 6-month oral carcinogenicity study in transgenic

(P 53- deficient) mice up to 20 mg/kg/day, or in a 24-month oral carcinogenicity study in male and female mice up to 10 mg/kg/day (2 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis and equivalent on an AUC basis).

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