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Alunbrig (Brigatinib Tablets): Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions, Warnings

Alunbrig

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Last updated on RxList: 2/9/2026

Drug Summary

What Is Alunbrig?

Alunbrig (brigatinib) is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have progressed on, or are intolerant to, crizotinib.

What Are Side Effects of Alunbrig?

Alunbrig may cause serious side effects including:

  • hives,
  • difficulty breathing,
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat,
  • cough,
  • trouble breathing,
  • chest pain,
  • fever,
  • blurred vision,
  • double vision,
  • increased sensitivity to light,
  • seeing flashes of light or “floaters” in your vision,
  • severe headache,
  • pounding in your neck or ears,
  • dizziness,
  • increased thirst,
  • increased urination,
  • hunger,
  • nausea,
  • fruity breath odor,
  • weakness,
  • confusion,
  • very slow heartbeats,
  • lightheadedness,
  • unexplained muscle pain or weakness,
  • upper stomach pain (worse with eating and may spread to your back), and
  • weight loss

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

Common side effects of Alunbrig include:

  • nausea,
  • diarrhea,
  • fatigue,
  • cough,
  • headache,
  • vomiting,
  • constipation,
  • abdominal pain,
  • fever,
  • shortness of breath,
  • interstitial lung disease,
  • oxygen deficiency,
  • numbness and tingling in extremities,
  • high blood pressure (hypertension),
  • muscle spasms,
  • muscle pain,
  • back pain,
  • joint pain,
  • pain in extremities,
  • decreased appetite,
  • vision problems,
  • pneumonia, and
  • insomnia.

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

  • Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
  • Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out;
  • Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

Dosage for Alunbrig

The dose of Alunbrig is 90 mg orally once daily for the first 7 days; if tolerated, increase to 180 mg orally once daily. Alunbrig may be taken with or without food.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Alunbrig?

Alunbrig may interact with itraconazole, boceprevir, cobicistat, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, macrolide antibiotics, antifungals, conivaptan, grapefruit or grapefruit juice, rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John's wort, and hormonal contraceptives. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Alunbrig During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Alunbrig is not recommended for use during pregnancy; it may harm a fetus. It is unknown if Alunbrig passes into breast milk. Because of the potential for adverse reactions in breastfed infants, lactating women should not breastfeed during treatment with Alunbrig and for 1 week following the final dose.

Additional Information

Our Alunbrig (brigatinib) Tablets Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Description for Alunbrig

Brigatinib is a kinase inhibitor. The chemical name for brigatinib is 5-chloro-N4-[2- (dimethylphosphoryl)phenyl]-N2-{2-methoxy-4-[4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidin-1- yl]phenyl}pyrimidine-2,4-diamine. The molecular formula is C29H39ClN7O2P which corresponds to a formula weight of 584.10 g/mol. Brigatinib has no chiral centers. The chemical structure is shown below:

structural formula of ALUNBRIG

Brigatinib is an off-white to beige/tan solid. The pKas were determined to be: 1.73 ± 0.02 (base), 3.65 ± 0.01 (base), 4.72 ± 0.01 (base), and 8.04 ± 0.01 (base).

ALUNBRIG is supplied for oral use as film-coated tablets containing 180 mg, 90 mg or 30 mg of brigatinib and the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate (Type A), magnesium stearate, and hydrophobic colloidal silica. The tablet coating consists of talc, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, and titanium dioxide.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the prescribing information:

  • Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
  • Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
  • Bradycardia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
  • Visual Disturbance [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
  • Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Elevation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
  • Pancreatic Enzymes Elevation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
  • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
  • Hyperglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
  • Photosensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Advanced ALK-positive NSCLC Without Prior ALK-targeted Therapy

In ALTA 1L, the safety of ALUNBRIG was evaluated in 136 patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC who had not previously received an ALK-targeted therapy [see Clinical Studies (14)]. The median duration of treatment with ALUNBRIG when administered as 90 mg orally once daily for the first 7 days; then increased to 180 mg orally once daily, was 24.3 months. A total of 106 (78%) patients were exposed to ALUNBRIG for greater than or equal to 6 months including 92 (68%) patients exposed for greater than or equal to 1 year. The median relative dose intensity was 97% for ALUNBRIG.

The study population (N = 275) characteristics were: median age 59 years (range: 27 to 89), age less than 65 years (68%), female (55%), White (59%), Asian (39%), Stage IV disease (93%), NSCLC adenocarcinoma histology (96%), never smoker (58%), ECOG Performance Status (PS) 0 or 1 (95%), and CNS metastases at baseline (30%) [see Clinical Studies (14)].

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 33% of patients receiving ALUNBRIG. The most common serious adverse reactions were pneumonia (4.4%), ILD/pneumonitis (3.7%), pyrexia (2.9%), dyspnea (2.2%), pulmonary embolism (2.2%), and asthenia (2.2%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 2.9% of patients and included pneumonia (1.5%), cerebrovascular accident (0.7%), and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (0.7%).

In ALTA 1L, 13% of patients receiving ALUNBRIG permanently discontinued ALUNBRIG for adverse reactions. The most frequent adverse reactions that led to discontinuation were ILD/pneumonitis (3.7%) and pneumonia (2.2%).

In ALTA 1L, 38% of patients required a dose reduction due to adverse reactions. The most common adverse reaction that led to dose reduction was increased creatine phosphokinase (15%), increased lipase (6.6%), increased amylase (4.4%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (2.2%),

ILD/pneumonitis (2.2%) and hypertension (2.2%).

Table 3 and Table 4 summarize the common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities observed in ALTA 1L.

Table 3: Adverse Reactions in =10% (All Grades*) or =2% (Grades 3-4) of Patients by Arm in ALTA 1L (N = 273)

Adverse Reactions

ALUNBRIG
N = 136

Crizotinib
N = 137

All Grades
(%)

Grades 3-4
(%)

All Grades
(%)

Grades 3-4
(%)

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Diarrhea

53

2.2

57

2.9

Nausea

30

2.2

58

2.9

Abdominal pain

24

0.7

33

3.6

Vomiting

21

0.7

44

2.2

Constipation

18

0

42

0

Stomatitis

13

0.7

8.8

0

Dyspepsia

8

0

16

0.7

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

0.7

0

11

0

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

Rash§

40

2.9

17

0

Pruritus

20

0.7

5.8

0.7

Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders

Cough

35

0

20

0

Dyspnea#

25

2.9

22Ð

3.6

ILD/Pneumonitis

5.1

2.9

2.2

0.7

Pulmonary embolism

2.2

2.2

5.8Ð

2.9

Vascular Disorders

HypertensionÞ

32

13

8

2.9

General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions

Fatigueβ

32

1.5

40

2.2

Edemaà

18

0.7

48

0.7

Pyrexia

15

0.7

15

0

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders

Myalgia?

28

0

23

0

Back pain

21

0.7

17

1.5

Arthralgia

14

0

12

0

Pain in extremity

5.1

0

15

0.7

Nervous System Disorders

Headacheð

22

2.2

17

0

Dizziness

15

0.7

20

0.7

Peripheral neuropathyø

11

0.7

18

0

Dysgeusia

2.9

0

14

0

Investigations

Increased Blood cholesterolý

13

0

0.7

0

Cardiac Disorders

Bradycardia£

12

0.7

23

0

Infections and Infestations

Pneumonia¥

15Ð

5.1

6.6Ð

2.9

Upper respiratory tract infectionOE

12

0

10

0

Nasopharyngitis

8

0

11

0

Urinary tract infection

5.9

0.7

8.8

2.2

Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders

Decreased Appetite

8.8

0.7

19

2.9

Eye Disorders

Visual Disturbanceoe

7.4

0

53

0.7

* Per National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.03
Includes abdominal discomfort, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, abdominal pain lower, abdominal pain upper, and epigastric discomfort
Includes aphthous ulcer, mouth ulceration, oral mucosal blistering and stomatitis
§ Includes dermatitis, dermatitis acneiform, dermatitis bullous, dermatitis contact, drug eruption, erythema, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, rash, rash erythematous, rash macular, rash maculo-papular, rash papular, rash pruritic, rash pustular, toxic skin eruption, urticaria
Included pruritus, allergic pruritus, and generalized pruritus
# Include dyspnea and exertional dyspnea
Þ Includes hypertension and systolic hypertension
β Includes asthenia and fatigue
à Includes angioedema, eye swelling, eyelid edema, face edema, generalized edema, lip swelling, peripheral edema, periorbital edema, peripheral swelling, skin swelling, swelling and swelling face
? Includes muscle spasms, muscle twitching, musculoskeletal discomfort, musculoskeletal pain, and myalgia
ð Includes headache and migraine
ø Includes burning sensation, dysesthesia, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, neuralgia, peripheral neuropathy, paraesthesia, peripheral sensory neuropathy and polyneuropathy
ý Includes blood cholesterol increased, hypercholesterolaemia
£ Includes bradycardia, heart rate decreased, sinus bradycardia
¥ Includes lower respiratory tract infection, lung infection, pneumonia, aspiration pneumonia, and cryptococcal pneumonia
OE Includes upper respiratory tract infection and viral upper respiratory tract infection
oe Includes cataract, glaucoma, hypermetropia, night blindness, papilloedema, photophobia, photopsia, blurred vision, reduced visual acuity, visual field defect, visual impairment, and vitreous floaters
Ð Includes Grade 5 events

Table 4: Laboratory Abnormalities in =20% (All Grades*) of Patients by Arm in ALTA 1L (N = 273)

Laboratory Abnormality

ALUNBRIG
N = 136**

Crizotinib
N = 137**

All Grades
(%)

Grades 3-4
(%)

All Grades
(%)

Grades 3-4
(%)

Chemistry

Increased creatine phosphokinase

81

24

68

4.8

Increased aspartate aminotransferase

72

4.5

70

5.2

Increased lipase

59

17

36

9.8

Hyperglycemia†

56

7.5

37

3.7

Increased alanine aminotransferase

52

5.2

77

13

Increased amylase

52

6.8

25

3

Decreased phosphorous

41

3.7

39

6

Increased alkaline phosphatase

36

3

49

1.5

Increased creatinine

25

0

33

0

Potassium increased

24

1.5

31

3.7

Increased calcium

22

0

1.5

0

Decreased magnesium

21

0

6.9

0

Decreased albumin

15

0.8

52

3.7

Decreased calcium

15

0

67

1.5

Hematology

Hemoglobin decreased

41

2.3

36

1.5

Lymphocyte count decreased

42

9.3

30

5.4

Neutrophil count decreased

12

0

34

6.8

* Per CTCAE version 4.03
** Denominator for each laboratory parameter may vary and is defined as the number of patients who had both, baseline and post-baseline test
Elevated blood insulin was also observed in both arms

Clinically relevant adverse reactions in patients who received ALUNBRIG included photosensitivity (3.7%).

ALK-positive Advanced or Metastatic NSCLC Previously Treated with Crizotinib

The safety of ALUNBRIG was evaluated in 219 patients with locally advanced or metastatic ALK- positive NSCLC who received at least 1 dose of ALUNBRIG in ALTA after experiencing disease progression on crizotinib. Patients received ALUNBRIG 90 mg once daily continuously (90 mg group) or 90 mg once daily for 7 days followed by 180 mg once daily (90→180 mg group). The median duration of treatment was 7.5 months in the 90 mg group and 7.8 months in the 90→180 mg group. A total of 150 (68%) patients were exposed to ALUNBRIG for greater than or equal to 6 months and 42 (19%) patients were exposed for greater than or equal to 1 year.

The study population (N = 222) characteristics were: median age 54 years (range: 18 to 82), age less than 65 years (77%), female (57%), White (67%), Asian (31%), Stage IV disease (98%), NSCLC adenocarcinoma histology (97%), never or former smoker (95%), ECOG Performance Status (PS) 0 or 1 (93%), and CNS metastases at baseline (69%) [see Clinical Studies (14)].

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 38% of patients in the 90 mg group and 40% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. The most common serious adverse reactions were pneumonia (5.5% overall, 3.7% in the 90 mg group, and 7.3% in the 90→180 mg group) and ILD/pneumonitis (4.6% overall, 1.8% in the 90 mg group and 7.3% in the 90→180 mg group). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.7% of patients and consisted of pneumonia (2 patients), sudden death, dyspnea, respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, bacterial meningitis and urosepsis (1 patient each).

In ALTA, 2.8% of patients in the 90 mg group and 8.2% of patients in the 90→180 mg group permanently discontinued ALUNBRIG for adverse reactions. The most frequent adverse reactions that led to discontinuation were ILD/pneumonitis (0.9% in the 90 mg group and 1.8% in the 90→180 mg group) and pneumonia (1.8% in the 90→180 mg group only).

In ALTA, 14% of patients required a dose reduction due to adverse reactions (7.3% in the 90 mg group and 20% in the 90→180 mg group). The most common adverse reaction that led to dose reduction was increased creatine phosphokinase for both regimens (1.8% in the 90 mg group and 4.5% in the 90→180 mg group).

Table 5 and Table 6 summarize the common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities observed in ALTA.

Table 5: Adverse Reactions in =10% (All Grades*) or =2% (Grades 3-4) of Patients by Dose Group in ALTA (N = 219)

Adverse Reactions

90 mg once daily
N = 109

90→180 mg once daily
N = 110

All Grades
(%)

Grades 3-4
(%)

All Grades
(%)

Grades 3-4
(%)

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Nausea

33

0.9

40

0.9

Diarrhea

19

0

38

0

Vomiting

24

1.8

23

0

Constipation

19

0.9

15

0

Abdominal Pain

17

0

10

0

General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions

Fatigue

29

1.8

36

0

Pyrexia

14

0

6.4

0.9

Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders

Cough

18

0

34

0

Dyspnea§

27

2.8

21

1.8?

ILD/Pneumonitis

3.7

1.8

9.1

2.7

Hypoxia

0.9

0

2.7

2.7

Nervous System Disorders

Headache

28

0

27

0.9

Peripheral Neuropathy#

13

0.9

13

1.8

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

RashÞ

15

1.8

24

3.6

Vascular Disorders

Hypertension

11

5.5

21

6.4

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders

Muscle Spasms

12

0

17

0

Back pain

10

1.8

15

1.8

Myalgiaβ

9.2

0

15

0.9

Arthralgia

14

0.9

14

0

Pain in extremity

11

0

3.6

0.9

Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders

Decreased Appetite

22

0.9

15

0.9

Eye Disorders

Visual Disturbanceà

7.3

0

10

0.9

Infections

Pneumonia

4.6

2.8?

10

5.5?

Psychiatric Disorders

Insomnia

11

0

7.3

0

* Per National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0
Includes abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and epigastric discomfort
Includes asthenia and fatigue
§ Includes dyspnea and exertional dyspnea
Includes headache and sinus headache
# Includes peripheral sensory neuropathy and paresthesia
Þ Includes acneiform dermatitis, exfoliative rash, rash, pruritic rash, and pustular rash
β Includes musculoskeletal pain and myalgia
à Includes diplopia, photophobia, blurred vision, reduced visual acuity, visual impairment, vitreous floaters, visual field defect, macular edema, and vitreous detachment
? Includes one Grade 5 event

Table 6: Laboratory Abnormalities in =20% (All Grades*) of Patients by Regimen in ALTA (N = 219)

Laboratory Abnormality

90 mg once daily
N = 109

90→180 mg once daily
N = 110

All Grades
(%)

Grades 3-4
(%)

All Grades
(%)

Grades 3-4
(%)

Chemistry

Increased aspartate aminotransferase

38

0.9

65

0

Hyperglycemia

38

3.7

49

3.6

Increased creatine phosphokinase

27

2.8

48

12

Increased lipase

21

4.6

45

5.5

Increased alanine aminotransferase

34

0

40

2.7

Increased amylase

27

3.7

39

2.7

Increased alkaline phosphatase

15

0.9

29

0.9

Decreased phosphorous

15

1.8

23

3.6

Prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time

22

1.8

20

0.9

Hematology

Anemia

23

0.9

40

0.9

Lymphopenia

19

2.8

27

4.5

* Per CTCAE version 4.0
Elevated blood insulin was observed in both regimens

Clinically relevant adverse reactions in patients who received ALUNBRIG included photosensitivity (0.9%).

Other Adverse Reactions from Multiple Clinical Trials

In a pooled clinical trial population consisting of three studies with 274 patients treated with ALUNBRIG at the recommended dose, the following adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities were reported: white blood cell count decreased (28%), hyponatremia (20%), hypokalemia (19%), decreased platelet count (10%), dry skin (4.7%), pain (3.3%), and musculoskeletal stiffness (1.1%).

Drug Interactions for Alunbrig

Effect of Other Drugs on ALUNBRIG

Strong or Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors

Coadministration of ALUNBRIG with a strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitor increased brigatinib plasma concentrations, which may increase the incidence of adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Avoid coadministration of ALUNBRIG with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors. If coadministration of strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors cannot be avoided, modify dose as recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].

Strong or Moderate CYP3A Inducers

Coadministration of ALUNBRIG with a strong or moderate CYP3A inducer decreased brigatinib plasma concentrations, which may decrease the efficacy of ALUNBRIG [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Avoid coadministration of ALUNBRIG with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers. If coadministration of moderate CYP3A inducers cannot be avoided, modify dose as recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

Warnings for Alunbrig

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Precautions for Alunbrig

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis

Severe, life-threatening, and fatal pulmonary adverse reactions consistent with interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis have occurred with ALUNBRIG.

In Trial ALTA 1L, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 5.1% of patients receiving ALUNBRIG. ILD/pneumonitis occurred within 8 days of initiation of ALUNBRIG in 2.9% of patients, with Grade 3 to 4 reactions occurring in 2.2% of patients.

In Trial ALTA, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.7% of patients in the 90 mg group (90 mg once daily) and 9.1% of patients in the 90→180 mg group (180 mg once daily with 7-day lead-in at 90 mg once daily). Adverse reactions consistent with possible ILD/pneumonitis occurred within 9 days of initiation of ALUNBRIG (median onset was 2 days) in 6.4% of patients, with Grade 3 to 4 reactions occurring in 2.7%.

Monitor for new or worsening respiratory symptoms (e.g., dyspnea, cough, etc.), particularly during the first week of initiating ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG in any patient with new or worsening respiratory symptoms, and promptly evaluate for ILD/pneumonitis or other causes of respiratory symptoms (e.g., pulmonary embolism, tumor progression, and infectious pneumonia). For Grade 1 or 2 ILD/pneumonitis, either resume ALUNBRIG with dose reduction according to Table 1 after recovery to baseline or permanently discontinue ALUNBRIG. Permanently discontinue ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 ILD/pneumonitis or recurrence of Grade 1 or 2 ILD/pneumonitis [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Hypertension

In ALTA 1L, hypertension was reported in 32% of patients receiving ALUNBRIG; Grade 3 hypertension occurred in 13% of patients.

In ALTA, hypertension was reported in 11% of patients in the 90 mg group who received ALUNBRIG and 21% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 hypertension occurred in 5.9% of patients overall.

Control blood pressure prior to treatment with ALUNBRIG. Monitor blood pressure after 2 weeks and at least monthly thereafter during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 hypertension despite optimal antihypertensive therapy. Upon resolution or improvement to Grade 1, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose. Consider permanent discontinuation of treatment with ALUNBRIG for Grade 4 hypertension or recurrence of Grade 3 hypertension [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Use caution when administering ALUNBRIG in combination with antihypertensive agents that cause bradycardia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Bradycardia

In ALTA 1L, heart rates less than 50 beats per minute (bpm) occurred in 8.1% of patients receiving ALUNBRIG. Grade 3 bradycardia occurred in 1 patient (0.7%).

In ALTA, heart rates less than 50 beats per minute (bpm) occurred in 5.7% of patients in the 90 mg group and 7.6% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 2 bradycardia occurred in 1 (0.9%) patient in the 90 mg group.

Monitor heart rate and blood pressure during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Monitor patients more frequently if concomitant use of drug known to cause bradycardia cannot be avoided [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

For symptomatic bradycardia, withhold ALUNBRIG and review concomitant medications for those known to cause bradycardia. If a concomitant medication known to cause bradycardia is identified and discontinued or dose adjusted, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose following resolution of symptomatic bradycardia; otherwise, reduce the dose of ALUNBRIG following resolution of symptomatic bradycardia. Discontinue ALUNBRIG for life-threatening bradycardia if no contributing concomitant medication is identified [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Visual Disturbance

In ALTA 1L, Grade 1 or 2 adverse reactions leading to visual disturbance including blurred vision, photophobia, photopsia, and reduced visual acuity were reported in 7.4% of patients receiving ALUNBRIG.

In ALTA, adverse reactions leading to visual disturbance including blurred vision, diplopia, and reduced visual acuity, were reported in 7.3% of patients receiving ALUNBRIG in the 90 mg group and 10% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 macular edema and cataract occurred in 1 patient each in the 90→180 mg group.

Advise patients to report any visual symptoms. Withhold ALUNBRIG and obtain an ophthalmologic evaluation in patients with new or worsening visual symptoms of Grade 2 or greater severity. Upon recovery of Grade 2 or Grade 3 visual disturbances to Grade 1 severity or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at a reduced dose. Permanently discontinue treatment with ALUNBRIG for Grade 4 visual disturbances [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Elevation

In ALTA 1L, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation occurred in 81% of patients who received ALUNBRIG. The incidence of Grade 3 or 4 CPK elevation was 24%. Dose reduction for CPK elevation occurred in 15% of patients.

In ALTA, CPK elevation occurred in 27% of patients receiving ALUNBRIG in the 90 mg group and 48% of patients in the 90 mg→180 mg group. The incidence of Grade 3 to 4 CPK elevation was 2.8% in the 90 mg group and 12% in the 90→180 mg group.

Dose reduction for CPK elevation occurred in 1.8% of patients in the 90 mg group and 4.5% in the 90→180 mg group.

Advise patients to report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Monitor CPK levels during ALUNBRIG treatment. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 CPK elevation with Grade 2 or higher muscle pain or weakness. Upon resolution or recovery to Grade 1 CPK elevation or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose or at a reduced dose as described in Table 2 [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Pancreatic Enzymes Elevation

In ALTA 1L, amylase elevation occurred in 52% of patients and Grade 3 or 4 amylase elevation occurred in 6.8% of patients. Lipase elevations occurred in 59% of patients and Grade 3 or 4 lipase elevation occurred in 17% of patients.

In ALTA, amylase elevation occurred in 27% of patients in the 90 mg group and 39% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Lipase elevations occurred in 21% of patients in the 90 mg group and 45% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 or 4 amylase elevation occurred in 3.7% of patients in the 90 mg group and 2.7% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 or 4 lipase elevation occurred in 4.6% of patients in the 90 mg group and 5.5% of patients in the 90→180 mg group.

Monitor lipase and amylase during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 pancreatic enzyme elevation. Upon resolution or recovery to Grade 1 or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose or at a reduced dose as described in Table 2 [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Hepatotoxicity

In ALTA 1L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevations occurred in 72% of patients and Grade 3 or 4 AST elevations occurred in 4.5% of patients. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations occurred in 52% of patients and Grade 3 or 4 ALT elevations occurred in 5.2% of patients. One patient (0.7%) had a serious adverse reaction of hepatocellular injury.

In ALTA, AST elevations occurred in 38% of patients in the 90 mg group and 65% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. ALT elevations occurred in 34% of patients in the 90 mg group and 40% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 or 4 AST elevations occurred in 0.9% of patients in the 90 mg group and did not occur in any patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 or 4 ALT elevations did not occur in any patients in the 90 mg group and in 2.7% of patients in the 90→180 mg group.

Monitor AST, ALT and total bilirubin during treatment with ALUNBRIG, especially during first 3 months. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 hepatic enzyme elevation with bilirubin less than or equal to 2 × ULN. Upon resolution or recovery to Grade 1 or less (less than or equal to 3 × ULN) or to baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at a next lower dose as described in Table 2. Permanently discontinue ALUNBRIG for Grade 2 to 4 hepatic enzyme elevation with concurrent total bilirubin elevation greater than 2 times the ULN in the absence of cholestasis or hemolysis [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Hyperglycemia

In ALTA 1L, 56% of patients who received ALUNBRIG experienced new or worsening hyperglycemia. Grade 3 hyperglycemia, based on laboratory assessment of serum fasting glucose levels, occurred in 7.5% of patients.

In ALTA, 43% of patients who received ALUNBRIG experienced new or worsening hyperglycemia. Grade 3 hyperglycemia, based on laboratory assessment of serum fasting glucose levels, occurred in 3.7% of patients. Two of 20 (10%) patients with diabetes or glucose intolerance at baseline required initiation of insulin while receiving ALUNBRIG.

Assess fasting serum glucose prior to initiation of ALUNBRIG and monitor periodically thereafter. Initiate or optimize antihyperglycemic medications as needed. If adequate hyperglycemic control cannot be achieved with optimal medical management, withhold ALUNBRIG until adequate hyperglycemic control is achieved and consider reducing the dose of ALUNBRIG as described in Table 1 or permanently discontinuing ALUNBRIG [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Photosensitivity

In ALTA 1L, photosensitivity occurred in 3.7% of patients who received ALUNBRIG, with 0.7% Grade 3 to 4.

In ALTA, 0.9% of patients who received ALUNBRIG in the 90 mg group experienced photosensitivity and 0.9% of patients in the 90 mg→180 mg group. Grade 3 to 4 photosensitivity was not reported in patients in the 90 mg group or in the 90→180 mg group.

Advise patients to limit sun exposure while taking brigatinib, and for at least 5 days after discontinuation of treatment. Advise patients, when outdoors to wear a hat and protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum Ultraviolet A (UVA)/ Ultraviolet B (UVB) sunscreen and lip balm (SPF ≥30) to help protect against sunburn. Based on the severity withhold ALUNBRIG, then resume at the same dose, or reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue as described in Table 2 [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animals, ALUNBRIG can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. There are no clinical data on the use of ALUNBRIG in pregnant women. Administration of brigatinib to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis resulted in dose-related skeletal anomalies at doses as low as 12.5 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.7 times the human exposure by AUC at 180 mg once daily), as well as increased post-implantation loss, malformations, and decreased fetal body weight at doses of 25 mg/kg/day (approximately 1.26 times the human exposure at 180 mg once daily) or higher.

Advise women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 4 months following the final dose.

Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose of ALUNBRIG [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3), Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)].

NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

Carcinogenicity studies have not been performed with brigatinib.

Mutagenesis

Treatment with brigatinib resulted in chromosomal damage in an in vivo mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus in the rat, but was not mutagenic in the Ames or in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration tests.

Impairment of Fertility

Dedicated animal fertility studies were not conducted with brigatinib. Testicular toxicity was observed in repeat-dose animal studies at doses resulting in exposure as low as 0.2 times the exposure in patients at the 180 mg dose. In rats, findings included lower weight of testes, seminal vesicles and prostate gland, and testicular tubular degeneration; these effects were not reversible during the 2 month recovery period. In monkeys, findings included reduced size of testes along with microscopic evidence of hypospermatogenesis; these effects were reversible during the recovery period.

OVERDOSES

No information provided.

Contraindications for Alunbrig

No information provided.

Clinical Pharmacology for Alunbrig

Mechanism Of Action

Brigatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with in vitro activity at clinically achievable concentrations against multiple kinases including ALK, ROS1, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and FLT-3 as well as EGFR deletion and point mutations. Brigatinib inhibited autophosphorylation of ALK and ALK-mediated phosphorylation of the downstream signaling proteins STAT3, AKT, ERK1/2, and S6 in in vitro and in vivo assays. Brigatinib also inhibited the in vitro proliferation of cell lines expressing EML4-ALK and NPM-ALK fusion proteins and demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of EML4-ALK-positive NSCLC xenograft growth in mice.

At clinically achievable concentrations (≤500 nM), brigatinib inhibited the in vitro viability of cells expressing EML4-ALK and 17 mutant forms associated with resistance to ALK inhibitors including crizotinib, as well as EGFR-Del (E746-A750), ROS1-L2026M, FLT3-F691L, and FLT3-D835Y. Brigatinib exhibited in vivo antitumor activity against 4 mutant forms of EML4-ALK, including G1202R and L1196M mutants identified in NSCLC tumors in patients who have progressed on crizotinib.

Brigatinib also reduced tumor burden and prolonged survival in mice implanted intracranially with an ALK-driven tumor cell line.

Pharmacodynamics

Brigatinib exposure-response relationships and the time course of the pharmacodynamic response are unknown.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

The QT interval prolongation potential of ALUNBRIG was assessed in 123 patients following once daily ALUNBRIG doses of 30 mg (0.16 times the recommended dose of 180 mg) to 240 mg (1.3 times the recommended dose of 180 mg). ALUNBRIG did not prolong the QT interval to a clinically relevant extent.

Pharmacokinetics

The geometric mean (CV%) steady-state maximum concentration (Cmax) of brigatinib at ALUNBRIG doses of 90 mg and 180 mg once daily was 552 (49%) ng/mL and 1452 (60%) ng/mL, respectively, and the corresponding area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0-Tau) was 8165 (45%) ng•h/mL and 20276 (62%) ng•h/mL. After a single dose and multiple dosing of ALUNBRIG, systemic exposure of brigatinib was dose proportional over the dose range of 60 mg (0.3 times the recommended dose of 180 mg) to 240 mg (1.3 times the recommended dose of 180 mg) once daily. The mean accumulation ratio after repeat dosing was 1.9 to 2.4.

Absorption

Following administration of single oral doses of ALUNBRIG of 30 mg to 240 mg, the median time to peak concentration (Tmax) ranged from 1 to 4 hours.

Effect of Food

Brigatinib Cmax was reduced by 13% with no effect on AUC in healthy subjects administered ALUNBRIG after a high fat meal (approximately 920 calories, 58 grams carbohydrate, 59 grams fat and 40 grams protein) compared to the Cmax and AUC after overnight fasting.

Distribution

Brigatinib is 91% bound to human plasma proteins and the binding is not concentration-dependent. The blood-to-plasma concentration ratio is 0.69. Following oral administration of ALUNBRIG 180 mg once daily, the mean apparent volume of distribution (Vz/F) of brigatinib at steady-state was 307 L.

Elimination

Following oral administration of ALUNBRIG 180 mg once daily, the mean apparent oral clearance (CL/F) of brigatinib at steady-state is 8.9 L/h and the mean plasma elimination half-life is 25 hours.

Metabolism

Brigatinib is primarily metabolized by CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 in vitro. Following oral administration of a single 180 mg dose of radiolabeled brigatinib to healthy subjects, N-demethylation and cysteine conjugation were the two major metabolic pathways. Unchanged brigatinib (92%) was the major circulating radioactive component.

Excretion

Following oral administration of a single 180 mg dose of radiolabeled brigatinib to healthy subjects, 65% of the administered dose was recovered in feces and 25% of the administered dose was recovered in urine. Unchanged brigatinib represented 41% and 86% of the total radioactivity in feces and urine, respectively.

Specific Populations

Age, race, sex, body weight, and albumin concentration have no clinically meaningful effect on the pharmacokinetics of brigatinib.

Patients with Hepatic Impairment

Following a single dose of ALUNBRIG 90 mg, unbound brigatinib systemic exposure (AUC0-INF) was 37% higher in subjects with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) compared to subjects with normal hepatic function. Unbound brigatinib systemic exposure (AUC0-INF) was similar between subjects with mild (Child-Pugh A) to moderate (Child-Pugh B) hepatic impairment and subjects with normal hepatic function [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)].

Patients with Renal Impairment

Following a single dose of ALUNBRIG 90 mg, unbound brigatinib systemic exposure (AUC0-INF) was 86% higher in subjects with severe renal impairment [creatinine clearance (CLcr) 15 to 29 mL/min] compared to subjects with normal renal function.

Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis, brigatinib exposures were similar among

125 subjects with mild renal impairment (CLcr 60 to 89 mL/min), 34 subjects with moderate renal impairment (CLcr 30 to 59 mL/min) and 270 subjects with normal renal function (CLcr ≥90 mL/min) [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)].

Drug Interaction Studies

Clinical Studies

Effect of Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors on Brigatinib: Coadministration of 200 mg twice daily doses of itraconazole (a strong CYP3A inhibitor) with a single 90 mg dose of ALUNBRIG increased brigatinib Cmax by 21% and AUC0-INF by 101%, relative to a 90 mg dose of ALUNBRIG administered alone [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Drug Interactions (7.1)]. A moderate CYP3A inhibitor is predicted to increase the AUC of brigatinib by approximately 40%.

Effect of Strong CYP2C8 Inhibitors on Brigatinib: Coadministration of 600 mg twice daily doses of gemfibrozil (a strong CYP2C8 inhibitor) with a single 90 mg dose of ALUNBRIG decreased brigatinib Cmax by 41% and AUC0-INF by 12%, relative to a 90 mg dose of ALUNBRIG administered alone. The effect of gemfibrozil on the pharmacokinetics of brigatinib is not clinically meaningful and the underlying mechanism for the decreased exposure of brigatinib is unknown.

Effect of Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inducers on Brigatinib: Coadministration of 600 mg daily doses of rifampin (a strong CYP3A inducer) with a single 180 mg dose of ALUNBRIG decreased brigatinib Cmax by 60% and AUC0-INF by 80%, relative to a 180 mg dose of ALUNBRIG administered alone [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Drug Interactions (7.1)]. A moderate CYP3A inducer is predicted to decrease the AUC of brigatinib by approximately 50%.

Effect of Brigatinib on CYP3A Substrates: Coadministration of 180 mg daily doses of ALUNBRIG with a single 3 mg oral dose of midazolam (a sensitive CYP3A substrate) decreased midazolam Cmax by 16% and AUC0-INF by 26%, relative to a 3 mg oral dose of midazolam administered alone. Brigatinib is considered a weak inducer of CYP3A.

In Vitro Studies

Effect of Brigatinib on CYP Enzymes: Brigatinib, at clinically relevant plasma concentrations, induced CYP3A via activation of the pregnane X receptor (PXR). Brigatinib may also induce CYP2C enzymes via the same mechanism at clinically relevant concentrations.

Brigatinib did not inhibit CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, or 3A4/5 at clinically relevant concentrations.

Effect of P-glycoprotein and BCRP Inhibitors on Brigatinib: Brigatinib is a substrate of the efflux transporters P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). Given that brigatinib exhibits high solubility and high permeability in vitro, P-gp and BCRP inhibitors are unlikely to increase plasma concentrations of brigatinib.

Effect of Other Transporters on Brigatinib: Brigatinib is not a substrate of organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP1B1, OATP1B3), organic anion transporter (OAT1, OAT3), organic cation transporter (OCT1, OCT2), multidrug and toxin extrusion protein (MATE1, MATE2K), or bile salt export pump (BSEP).

Effect of Brigatinib on Transporters: Brigatinib is an inhibitor of P-gp, BCRP, OCT1, MATE1, and MATE2K in vitro. Therefore, brigatinib may have the potential to increase concentrations of coadministered substrates of these transporters. Brigatinib at clinically relevant concentrations did not inhibit OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OAT1, OAT3, OCT2 or BSEP.

Patient Information for Alunbrig

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis

Inform patients of the symptoms and risks of serious pulmonary adverse reactions such as

ILD/pneumonitis. Advise patients to immediately report any new or worsening respiratory symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Hypertension

Advise patients of risks of hypertension and to promptly report signs or symptoms of hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Bradycardia

Advise patients to report any symptoms of bradycardia and to inform their healthcare provider about the use of heart and blood pressure medications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Visual Disturbance

Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of any new or worsening vision symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Elevation

Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation and the need for monitoring during treatment. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of any new or worsening symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Pancreatic Enzymes Elevation

Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of pancreatitis and the need to monitor for amylase and lipase elevations during treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Hepatotoxicity

Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity, and the need to monitor for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine animotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin elevations during treatment. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of any new or worsening symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Hyperglycemia

Inform patients of the risks of new or worsening hyperglycemia and the need to periodically monitor glucose levels. Advise patients with diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance that antihyperglycemic medications may need to be adjusted during treatment with ALUNBRIG [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

Photosensitivity

Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of photosensitivity. Advise patients to limit sun exposure while taking ALUNBRIG and for at least 5 days after the final dose. Advise patients to wear a hat, protective clothing, and to use a broad-spectrum Ultraviolet A (UVA)/ Ultraviolet B (UVB) sunscreen and lip balm (SPF ≥30) to protect against sunburn [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Advise females and males of reproductive potential that ALUNBRIG can cause fetal harm [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10), Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

  • Advise females of reproductive potential to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy and to use effective contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 4 months after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
  • Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 3 months after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].

Lactation

Advise females not to breastfeed during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 1 week following the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].

Infertility

Advise males of reproductive potential of the potential for reduced fertility from ALUNBRIG [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3), Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].

Drug Interactions

Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of all concomitant medications, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform patients to avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking ALUNBRIG [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Dosing and Administration

Instruct patients to start with 90 mg of ALUNBRIG once daily for the first 7 days and if tolerated, increase the dose to 180 mg once daily. Advise patients to take ALUNBRIG with or without food [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Missed Dose

Advise patients that if a dose of ALUNBRIG is missed or if the patient vomits after taking a dose of ALUNBRIG, not to take an extra dose, but to take the next dose at the regular time [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Distributed by:
Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.
Cambridge, MA 02142

ALUNBRIG and ALUNBRIG are registered trademarks of ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
©2024 ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved. ABG346 R6

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