COVID-19

• Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of new infections during treatment with OLUMIANT. The risks and benefits of treatment with OLUMIANT in COVID-19 patients with other concurrent infections should be considered [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
• Dosage modifications for patients with COVID-19 and cytopenias are described in Table 2.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Renal Impairment

Dosage modifications for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and renal impairment are described in Table 3.

Hepatic Impairment

• OLUMIANT is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
• Interrupt OLUMIANT, if increases in ALT or AST are observed and drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is suspected, until the diagnosis of DILI is excluded [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

COVID-19

Renal Impairment

• Dosage modifications for patients with COVID-19 and renal impairment are described in Table 4.

Hepatic Impairment

• It is not known if dosage adjustment is needed in patients with COVID-19 and severe hepatic impairment. OLUMIANT should only be used in patients with COVID-19 and severe hepatic impairment if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk.
• Interrupt OLUMIANT, if increases in ALT or AST are observed and DILI is suspected, until the diagnosis of DILI is excluded [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

Alopecia Areata

Renal Impairment

Dosage modifications for patients with alopecia areata and renal impairment are described in Table 5.

Hepatic Impairment

• OLUMIANT is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
• Interrupt OLUMIANT, if increases in ALT or AST are observed and DILI is suspected, until the diagnosis of DILI is excluded [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

Rheumatoid Arthritis, COVID-19 or Alopecia Areata

The recommended dosage of OLUMIANT in patients taking strong Organic Anion Transporter 3 (OAT3) inhibitors, such as probenecid, are shown in Table 6 [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Preparation Instructions for Alternative Administration:

• Oral administration of dispersed tablets in water: For patients who are unable to swallow whole tablets, 1-mg, 2-mg, or 4-mg baricitinib tablet(s), or any combination of tablets necessary to achieve the desired dose up to 4-mg may be placed in a container with approximately 10 mL (5 mL minimum) of room temperature water, dispersed by gently swirling the tablet(s) and immediately taken orally. The container should be rinsed with an additional 10 mL (5 mL minimum) of room temperature water and the entire contents swallowed by the patient (Table 7).
• Administration via G tube: For patients with a G tube, 1-mg, 2-mg, or 4-mg baricitinib tablet(s), or any combination of tablets necessary to achieve the desired dose up to 4-mg may be placed in a container with approximately 15 mL (10 mL minimum) of room temperature water and dispersed with gentle swirling. Ensure the tablet(s) are sufficiently dispersed to allow free passage through the tip of the syringe. Withdraw entire contents from the container into an appropriate syringe and immediately administer through the gastric feeding tube. Rinse container with approximately 15 mL (10 mL minimum) of room temperature water, withdraw the contents into the syringe, and administer through the tube (Table 7).
• Administration via NG or OG tube: For patients with a NG or OG tube, 1-mg, 2-mg, or 4-mg baricitinib tablet(s), or a combination of tablets necessary to achieve the desired dose up to 4-mg may be placed into a container with approximately 30 mL of room temperature water and dispersed with gentle swirling. Ensure the tablet(s) are sufficiently dispersed to allow free passage through the tip of the syringe. Withdraw the entire contents from the container into an appropriate syringe and immediately administer through the enteral feeding tube. To avoid clogging of small diameter tubes (smaller than 12 Fr), the syringe can be held horizontally and shaken during administration. Rinse container with a sufficient amount (minimum of 15 mL) of room temperature water, withdraw the contents into the syringe, and administer through the tube (Table 7).

Tuberculosis

Evaluate patients for active infection prior to administration of OLUMIANT. OLUMIANT should not be given to patients with active TB.

Test patients with rheumatoid arthritis or alopecia areata for latent tuberculosis. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis or alopecia areata and latent tuberculosis (TB) should be treated with standard antimycobacterial therapy before initiating OLUMIANT. Consider anti-TB therapy prior to initiation of OLUMIANT in patients with a history of latent or active TB in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with a negative test for latent TB but who have risk factors for TB infection. Consultation with a physician with expertise in the treatment of TB is recommended to aid in the decision about whether initiating anti-TB therapy is appropriate for an individual patient.

During OLUMIANT use, monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of TB, including patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy.

Viral Reactivation

Viral reactivation, including cases of herpes virus reactivation (e.g., herpes zoster), were reported in clinical studies with OLUMIANT. If a patient develops herpes zoster, interrupt OLUMIANT treatment until the episode resolves.

The impact of OLUMIANT on chronic viral hepatitis reactivation is unknown. Patients with evidence of active hepatitis B or C infection were excluded from clinical trials. In clinical trials in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or alopecia areata, patients who were positive for hepatitis C antibody but negative for hepatitis C virus RNA were permitted to enroll. Patients with positive hepatitis B surface antibody and hepatitis B core antibody, without hepatitis B surface antigen, were permitted to enroll; such patients should be monitored for expression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA. Should HBV DNA be detected, consult with a hepatologist. Perform screening for viral hepatitis in accordance with clinical guidelines before starting therapy with OLUMIANT.

Non-melanoma skin cancers

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) have been reported in patients treated with OLUMIANT. Periodic skin examination is recommended for patients who are at increased risk for skin cancer.

Neutropenia – Treatment with OLUMIANT was associated with an increased incidence of neutropenia (ANC less than 1000 cells/mm³) compared to placebo.

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis or alopecia areata, avoid initiation or interrupt OLUMIANT treatment in patients with an ANC less than 1000 cells/mm³.

In patients with COVID-19, there is limited information regarding use of OLUMIANT in patients with ANC less than 1000 cells/mm³. Avoid initiation or interrupt OLUMIANT treatment in patients with COVID-19 and an ANC less than 500 cells/mm³.

Evaluate at baseline and thereafter according to routine patient management. Adjust dosing based on ANC [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.5) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Lymphopenia – ALC less than 500 cells/mm³ were reported in OLUMIANT clinical trials. Lymphocyte counts less than the lower limit of normal were associated with infection in patients treated with OLUMIANT, but not placebo.

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis or alopecia areata, avoid initiation or interrupt OLUMIANT treatment in patients with an ALC less than 500 cells/mm³.

In patients with COVID-19, there is limited information regarding use of OLUMIANT in patients with ALC less than 200 cells/mm³. Avoid initiation or interrupt OLUMIANT treatment in patients with COVID-19 and an ALC less than 200 cells/mm³.

Evaluate at baseline and thereafter according to routine patient management. Adjust dosing based on ALC [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.5)].

Anemia – Decreases in hemoglobin levels to less than 8 g/dL were reported in OLUMIANT clinical trials. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis or alopecia areata, avoid initiation or interrupt OLUMIANT treatment in patients with hemoglobin less than 8 g/dL. Evaluate at baseline and thereafter according to routine patient management. Adjust dosing based on hemoglobin levels [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.5)].

In patients with COVID-19, there is limited information regarding use of OLUMIANT in patients with hemoglobin less than 8 g/dL.

Liver Enzyme Elevations – Treatment with OLUMIANT was associated with increased incidence of liver enzyme elevation compared to placebo. Increases of ALT ≥5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) and increases of AST ≥10 times the ULN were observed in patients in OLUMIANT clinical trials. Evaluate at baseline and thereafter according to routine patient management. Prompt investigation of the cause of liver enzyme elevation is recommended to identify potential cases of drug-induced liver injury. If increases in ALT or AST are observed and drug-induced liver injury is suspected, interrupt OLUMIANT until this diagnosis is excluded [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Lipid Elevations – Treatment with OLUMIANT was associated with increases in lipid parameters, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Assessment of lipid parameters should be performed approximately 12 weeks following OLUMIANT initiation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or alopecia areata [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Manage patients according to clinical guidelines for the management of hyperlipidemia.

Adverse Reactions in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

The safety of OLUMIANT was evaluated in six randomized double-blind placebo-controlled studies (three Phase 2, three Phase 3) and a long-term extension study in patients with moderately to severely active RA. Patients were randomized to placebo (1070 patients), OLUMIANT 2 mg (479 patients), or baricitinib 4 mg (997 patients).

Patients could be switched to baricitinib 4 mg from placebo or OLUMIANT 2 mg from as early as Week 12 depending on the study design. All patients initially randomized to placebo were switched to baricitinib 4 mg by Week 24.

During the 16-week treatment period, adverse events leading to discontinuation of treatment were reported by 35 patients (11.4 per 100 patient-years) treated with placebo, 17 patients (12.1 per 100 patient-years) with OLUMIANT 2 mg, and 40 patients (13.4 per 100 patient-years) treated with baricitinib 4 mg.

During 0 to 52-week exposure, adverse events leading to discontinuation of treatment were reported by 31 patients (9.2 per 100 patient-years) with OLUMIANT 2 mg, and 92 patients (10.2 per 100 patient-years) treated with baricitinib 4 mg.

Overall Infections – During the 16-week treatment period, infections were reported by 253 patients (82.1 per 100 patient-years) treated with placebo, 139 patients (99.1 per 100 patient-years) treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg, and 298 patients (100.1 per 100 patient-years) treated with baricitinib 4 mg.

During 0 to 52-week exposure, infections were reported by 200 patients (59.6 per 100 patients-years) treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg, and 500 patients (55.3 per 100 patient-years) treated with baricitinib 4 mg.

In the 0 to 52-week exposure population, the most commonly reported infections with OLUMIANT were viral upper respiratory tract infection, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, and bronchitis.

Serious Infections – During the 16-week treatment period, serious infections were reported in 13 patients (4.2 per 100 patient-years) treated with placebo, 5 patients (3.6 per 100 patient-years) treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg, and 11 patients (3.7 per 100 patient-years) treated with baricitinib 4 mg.

During 0 to 52-week exposure, serious infections were reported in 14 patients (4.2 per 100 patient-years) treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg and 32 patients (3.5 per 100 patient-years) treated with baricitinib 4 mg.

In the 0 to 52-week exposure population, the most commonly reported serious infections with OLUMIANT were pneumonia, herpes zoster, and urinary tract infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Tuberculosis – During the 16-week treatment period, no events of tuberculosis were reported.

During 0 to 52-week exposure, events of tuberculosis were reported in 0 patients treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg and 1 patient (0.1 per 100 patient-years) treated with baricitinib 4 mg [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Cases of disseminated tuberculosis were also reported.

Opportunistic Infections (excluding tuberculosis) – During the 16-week treatment period, opportunistic infections were reported in 2 patients (0.6 per 100 patient-years) treated with placebo, 0 patients treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg and 2 patients (0.7 per 100 patient-years) treated with baricitinib 4 mg. During 0 to 52-week exposure, opportunistic infections were reported in 1 patient (0.3 per 100 patient-years) treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg and 5 patients (0.6 per 100 patient-years) treated with baricitinib 4 mg [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Malignancies

During the 16-week treatment period, malignancies excluding non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) were reported in 0 patients treated with placebo, 1 patient (0.7 per 100 patient-years) treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg, and 1 patient (0.3 per 100 patient-years) treated with baricitinib 4 mg.

During the 0 to 52-week treatment period, malignancies excluding NMSC were reported in 2 patients (0.6 per 100 patient-years) treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg and 6 patients (0.7 per 100 patient-years) treated with baricitinib 4 mg [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Thrombosis

Venous Thrombosis – During the 16-week treatment period, venous thromboses (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) were reported in 0 patients treated with placebo, 0 patients treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg, and 5 patients (1.7 per 100 patient-years) treated with baricitinib 4 mg. During the 0 to 52-week treatment period, venous thromboses were reported in 2 patients (0.6 per 100 patient-years) treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg and 7 patients (0.8 per 100 patient-years) treated with baricitinib 4 mg.

Arterial Thrombosis – During the 16-week treatment period, arterial thromboses were reported in 1 patient treated with placebo (0.3 per 100 patient-years), 2 patients (1.4 per 100 patient-years) treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg, and 2 patients (0.7 per 100 patient-years) treated with baricitinib 4 mg. During the 0 to 52-week treatment period, arterial thromboses were reported in 3 patients (0.9 per 100 patient-years) treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg and 3 patients (0.3 per 100 patient-years) treated with baricitinib 4 mg.

Laboratory Abnormalities

Neutropenia – During the 16-week treatment period, neutrophil counts below 1000 cells/mm³ occurred in 0% of patients treated with placebo, 0.6% of patients treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg, and 0.3% of patients treated with baricitinib 4 mg. There were no neutrophil counts below 500 cells/mm³ observed in any treatment group [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.8)].

Platelet Elevations – During the 16-week treatment period, increases in platelet counts above 600,000 cells/mm³ occurred in 1.1% of patients treated with placebo, 1.1% of patients treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg, and 2.0% of patients treated with baricitinib 4 mg. Mean platelet count increased by 3000 cells/mm³ at 16 weeks in patients treated with placebo, by 15,000 cells/mm³ at 16 weeks in patients treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg and by 23,000 cells/mm³ in patients treated with baricitinib 4 mg.

Liver Enzyme Elevations – Events of increases in liver enzymes ≥3 times the ULN were observed in patients treated with OLUMIANT [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

• During the 16-week treatment period, ALT elevations ≥3 times the ULN occurred in 1.0% of patients treated with placebo, 1.7% of patients treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg, and 1.4% of patients treated with baricitinib 4 mg.
• During the 16-week treatment period, AST elevations ≥ 3 times the ULN occurred in 0.8% of patients treated with placebo, 1.3% of patients treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg, and 0.8% of patients treated with baricitinib 4 mg.
• In a phase 3 study of DMARD naive patients, during the 24-week treatment period, ALT and AST elevations ≥3 times the ULN occurred in 1.9% and 0% of patients treated with methotrexate monotherapy, 1.9% and 1.3% of patients treated with baricitinib 4 mg monotherapy, and 4.7% and 1.9% of patients treated with baricitinib 4 mg plus methotrexate.

Lipid Elevations – In controlled clinical trials, OLUMIANT treatment was associated with dose-related increases in lipid parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol. Elevations were observed at 12 weeks and remained stable thereafter. During the 12-week treatment period, changes in lipid parameters are summarized below:

• Mean LDL cholesterol increased by 8 mg/dL in patients treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg and by 14 mg/dL in patients treated with baricitinib 4 mg.
• Mean HDL cholesterol increased by 7 mg/dL in patients treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg and by 9 mg/dL in patients treated with baricitinib 4 mg.
• The mean LDL/HDL ratio remained stable.
• Mean triglycerides increased by 7 mg/dL in patients treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg and by 15 mg/dL in patients treated with baricitinib 4 mg.

[See Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) – OLUMIANT treatment was associated with increases in CPK within one week of starting OLUMIANT and plateauing after 8 to 12 weeks. At 16 weeks, the mean change in CPK for OLUMIANT 2 mg and baricitinib 4 mg was 37 IU/L and 52 IU/L, respectively.

Creatinine – In controlled clinical trials, dose-related increases in serum creatinine were observed with OLUMIANT treatment. At 52 weeks, the mean increase in serum creatinine was less than 0.1 mg/dL with baricitinib 4 mg. The clinical significance of the observed serum creatinine increases is unknown.

Other Adverse Reactions

Other adverse reactions are summarized in Table 8.

Additional adverse drug reactions occurring in fewer than 1% of patients: acne.

Adverse Reactions in Patients with COVID-19

The safety of OLUMIANT was evaluated in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials of hospitalized adults with COVID-19 for up to 29 days, in which 1307 patients received at least one dose of OLUMIANT 4 mg once daily, and 1310 patients received placebo, for up to 14 days or until hospital discharge, whichever occurred first. In these studies, prophylaxis for venous thromboembolic event (VTEs) was recommended or required for all patients unless a major contraindication was noted.

Overall, the safety profile observed in patients with COVID-19 treated with OLUMIANT was consistent with the safety profile in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Overall Infections – During the first 29 days of the randomized clinical trials, infections were reported in 194 patients (14.8%) treated with OLUMIANT 4 mg and by 219 patients (16.7%) treated with placebo. The most commonly reported infection with OLUMIANT was pneumonia (3.1%).

Serious Infections – During the first 29 days of the randomized clinical trials, serious infections were reported in 98 patients (7.5%) treated with OLUMIANT 4 mg and 120 patients (9.2%) treated with placebo. The most commonly reported serious infections with OLUMIANT were COVID-19 pneumonia (2.1%) and septic shock (2.1%).

Opportunistic Infections – During the first 29 days of the randomized clinical trials, opportunistic infections were reported in 12 patients (0.9%) treated with OLUMIANT 4 mg and 14 patients (1.1%) treated with placebo. Tuberculosis was reported in 1 patient (0.1%) treated with OLUMIANT 4 mg and 0 patients treated with placebo.

Venous Thrombosis Events - During the first 29 days of the randomized clinical trials, pulmonary embolism was reported in 20 patients (1.5%) treated with OLUMIANT 4 mg and 11 patients (0.8%) treated with placebo. Deep vein thrombosis was reported in 20 patients (1.5%) treated with OLUMIANT 4 mg and 18 patients (1.4%) treated with placebo.

Adverse drug reactions in greater than or equal to 1% of patients in trials for COVID-19 are summarized in Table 9.

Adverse Reactions in Patients with Alopecia Areata

The safety of OLUMIANT was evaluated in two placebo-controlled trials in patients with severe alopecia areata. Patients were randomized to placebo (371 patients), OLUMIANT 2 mg (365 patients), or OLUMIANT 4 mg (540 patients). Of these, a total of 845 patients were treated with OLUMIANT for at least 1 year.

Table 10 summarizes adverse reactions that occurred at a frequency of at least 1% in patients treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg once daily or OLUMIANT 4 mg once daily and more frequently than in patients treated with placebo during the 36-week placebo-controlled period of the alopecia areata clinical trials.

In patients treated with any dose of baricitinib, adverse reactions that occurred in fewer than 1% of patients include arterial thrombosis, B cell lymphoma, lymphopenia, and fungal skin infections.

Additional adverse reactions observed after Week 52: venous thromboembolic events (VTE), including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and malignancy including non-melanoma skin cancer.

Overall, the adverse reactions observed in patients with alopecia areata treated with OLUMIANT were consistent with the adverse reactions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Risk Summary

Based on the findings from animal reproduction studies, OLUMIANT may cause fetal harm during pregnancy. Available data from clinical trials and postmarketing case reports with OLUMIANT exposure in pregnancy are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are no human data on chronic baricitinib exposure throughout pregnancy. There are risks to the mother and the fetus associated with rheumatoid arthritis in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). Consider the risks and benefits with chronic use of OLUMIANT during pregnancy.

In animal embryo-fetal development studies, oral baricitinib administration to pregnant rats and rabbits at exposures equal to and greater than approximately 11 and 46 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 4 mg/day, respectively, resulted in reduced fetal body weights, increased embryolethality (rabbits only), and dose-related increases in skeletal malformations. No developmental toxicity was observed in pregnant rats and rabbits treated with oral baricitinib during organogenesis at approximately 2 and 7 times the exposure at the MRHD, respectively. In a pre- and post-natal development study in pregnant female rats, oral baricitinib administration at exposures approximately 24 times the MRHD resulted in reduction in pup viability (increased incidence of stillborn pups and early neonatal deaths), decreased fetal birth weight, reduced fetal body weight gain, decreased cytotoxic T cells on post-natal day (PND) 35 with evidence of recovery by PND 65, and developmental delays that might be attributable to decreased body weight gain. No developmental toxicity was observed at an exposure approximately 5 times the exposure at the MRHD (see Data).

The background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population(s) are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Report pregnancies to Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979).

Clinical Considerations

Data

Risk Summary

No information is available on the presence of OLUMIANT in human milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Baricitinib is present in the milk of lactating rats (see Data). Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with OLUMIANT and for 4 days after the last dose (approximately 5 to 6 elimination half-lives).

Data

A single oral dose of 25 mg/kg radiolabeled baricitinib was administered to lactating female Sprague-Dawley rats on post-partum day 13. Drug exposure was approximately 45-fold greater in milk than in plasma based on AUC_0-t values.

Contraception

Based on animal studies, OLUMIANT may cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Consider pregnancy planning and prevention for females of reproductive potential.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Alopecia Areata - The recommended dosage of OLUMIANT in patients with moderate renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between 30 and <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) should be reduced by half the recommended dose. OLUMIANT is not recommended for use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or alopecia areata and severe renal impairment (estimated GFR of less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

COVID-19 - The recommended dosage of OLUMIANT in patients with moderate renal impairment (estimated GFR between 30 and <60 mL/min/1.73²) or severe renal impairment (estimated GFR between 15 and <30 mL/min/1.73 m²) is 2 mg once daily and 1 mg once daily, respectively. OLUMIANT is not recommended for use in patients who are on dialysis, have end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or with estimated GFR of <15 mL/min/1.73 m² [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Baricitinib inhibition of IL-6 induced STAT3 phosphorylation – Baricitinib administration resulted in a dose dependent inhibition of IL-6 induced STAT3 phosphorylation in whole blood from healthy subjects with maximal inhibition observed approximately 1 hour after dosing, which returned to near baseline by 24 hours. Similar levels of inhibition were observed using either IL-6 or TPO as the stimulus.

Immunoglobulins – Mean serum IgG, IgM, and IgA values decreased by 12 weeks after starting treatment with OLUMIANT, and remained stable through at least 52 weeks. For most patients, changes in immunoglobulins occurred within the normal reference range.

C-reactive protein – In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, decreases in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were observed as early as one week after starting treatment with OLUMIANT and were maintained throughout dosing.

Cardiac Electrophysiology – At a dose 10 times the maximum recommended dose, baricitinib does not prolong the QT interval to any clinically relevant extent.

Absorption – The absolute bioavailability of baricitinib is approximately 80%. An assessment of food effects in healthy subjects showed that a high-fat meal decreased the mean AUC and C_max of baricitinib by approximately 11% and 18%, respectively, and delayed the t_max by 0.5 hours. Administration with meals is not associated with a clinically relevant effect on exposure. In clinical studies, OLUMIANT was administered without regard to meals.

Distribution – After intravenous administration, the volume of distribution is 76 L, indicating distribution of baricitinib into tissues. Baricitinib is approximately 50% bound to plasma proteins and 45% bound to serum proteins. Baricitinib is a substrate of the Pgp, BCRP, OAT3 and MATE2-K transporters, which play roles in drug distribution.

Elimination

Metabolism – Approximately 6% of the orally administered baricitinib dose is identified as metabolites (three from urine and one from feces), with CYP3A4 identified as the main metabolizing enzyme. No metabolites of baricitinib were quantifiable in plasma.

Excretion – Renal elimination is the principal clearance mechanism for baricitinib through filtration and active secretion as baricitinib is identified as a substrate of OAT3, Pgp, BCRP and MATE2-K from in vitro studies. In a clinical pharmacology study, approximately 75% of the administered dose was eliminated in the urine, while about 20% of the dose was eliminated in the feces. Baricitinib was excreted predominately as unchanged drug in urine (69%) and feces (15%).

Specific Populations

Effects of Body Weight, Gender, Race, and Age

Body weight, gender, race, ethnicity, and age did not have a clinically relevant effect on the PK (AUC and C_max) of baricitinib (Figure 1). The mean effects of intrinsic factors on PK parameters (AUC and C_max) were generally within the inter-subject PK variability of baricitinib. The inter-subject variabilities (% coefficients of variation) in AUC and C_max of baricitinib are approximately 41% and 22%, respectively, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

Patients with Renal Impairment

Baricitinib systemic exposure in AUC was increased by 1.41-, 2.22-, 4.05- and 2.41-fold for mild, moderate, severe, and ESRD (with hemodialysis) renal impairment sub-groups, respectively, compared to subjects with normal renal function. The corresponding values for increase in C_max were 1.16-, 1.46-, 1.40- and 0.88-fold, respectively (Figure 1) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].

Patients with Hepatic Impairment

Baricitinib systemic exposure and C_max increased by 1.19- and 1.08-fold for the moderate hepatic impairment group, respectively, compared to subjects with normal hepatic function (Figure 1) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

Figure 1: Impact of Intrinsic Factors on Baricitinib Pharmacokinetics ^{a, b}

Figure 1

^a Reference values for weight, age, gender, and race comparisons are 70 kg, 54 years, male, and white, respectively; reference groups for renal and hepatic impairment are subjects with normal renal and hepatic function, respectively.

^b Effects of renal and hepatic impairment on baricitinib exposure were summarized from dedicated renal and hepatic impairment studies, respectively. Effects of other intrinsic factors on baricitinib exposure were summarized from population PK analysis.

^c The recommended dose for patients with COVID-19 and severe renal impairment (eGFR 15 - <30 mL/min/1.73m²) is 1 mg once daily. OLUMIANT is not recommended for use in patients with COVID-19 who are on dialysis, have end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or acute kidney injury (eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73m²). [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)]

Drug Interactions

Potential for Baricitinib to Influence the PK of Other Drugs

In vitro, baricitinib did not significantly inhibit or induce the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs 3A, 1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, and 2D6). In clinical pharmacology studies, there were no clinically meaningful changes in the pharmacokinetics (PK) of simvastatin, ethinyl estradiol, or levonorgestrel (CYP3A substrates) when co-administered with baricitinib.

In vitro studies suggest that baricitinib is not an inhibitor of the transporters, P-glycoprotein (Pgp) or Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide (OATP) 1B1. In vitro data indicate baricitinib does inhibit organic anionic transporter (OAT) 1, OAT2, OAT3, organic cationic transporter (OCT) 1, OCT2, OATP1B3, Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP) and Multidrug and Toxic Extrusion Protein (MATE) 1 and MATE2-K, but clinically meaningful changes in the pharmacokinetics of drugs that are substrates for these transporters are unlikely. In clinical pharmacology studies there were no clinically meaningful effects on the PK of digoxin (Pgp substrate) or methotrexate (substrate of several transporters) when co-administered with baricitinib.

Exposure changes of drugs following co-administration with baricitinib are shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Impact of Baricitinib on the Pharmacokinetics of Other Drugs ^a

Figure 2

^a Reference group is administration of concomitant drug alone.

Potential for Other Drugs to Influence the PK of Baricitinib

In vitro studies suggest that baricitinib is a CYP3A4 substrate. In clinical pharmacology studies there was no effect on the PK of baricitinib when co-administered with ketoconazole (CYP3A inhibitor). There were no clinically meaningful changes in the PK of baricitinib when co-administered with fluconazole (CYP3A/CYP2C19/CYP2C9 inhibitor) or rifampicin (CYP3A inducer).

In vitro studies suggest that baricitinib is a substrate for OAT3, Pgp, BCRP and MATE2-K. In a clinical study, probenecid administration (strong OAT3 inhibitor) resulted in an approximately 2-fold increase in baricitinib AUC_0-∞ with no effect on C_max and t_max [see Dosage and Administration (2.2, 2.3) and Drug Interactions (7.1)]. However, simulations with diclofenac and ibuprofen (OAT3 inhibitors with less inhibition potential) predicted minimal effect on the PK of baricitinib. In clinical pharmacology studies there was no clinically meaningful effect on the PK of baricitinib when co-administered with cyclosporine (Pgp and BCRP inhibitor). Co-administration with methotrexate (substrate of several transporters) did not have a clinically meaningful effect on the PK of baricitinib.

Exposure changes of baricitinib following co-administration with CYP inhibitors or inducers, transporter inhibitors, as well as methotrexate and the proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole, are shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Impact of Other Drugs on the Pharmacokinetics of Baricitinib ^b

Figure 3

^a Values are based on simulated studies.

^b Reference group is administration of baricitinib alone.

Dose-Ranging Studies

The dose-ranging studies RA-1 (NCT01185353) and RA-2 (NCT01469013) included a 12-week randomized comparison of baricitinib 1, 2, 4, and 8 mg orally once daily versus placebo in 301 and 145 patients, respectively.

The results from the dose-ranging studies are shown in Table 11. In dose-ranging Study RA-1, the observed ACR response was similar for baricitinib 1 and 2 mg daily and for baricitinib 4 and 8 mg daily, with the highest response for baricitinib 8 mg daily. In dose-ranging Study RA-2, there was not a clear trend of dose response, with similar response rates for 1 mg and 4 mg and 2 mg and 8 mg.

Confirmatory Studies

The efficacy and safety of OLUMIANT 2 mg once daily was assessed in two confirmatory phase 3 trials. These trials were randomized, double-blind, multicenter studies in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism 2010 criteria. Patients over 18 years of age were eligible if at least 6 tender and 6 swollen joints were present at baseline. The two studies (Studies RA-3 and RA-4) evaluated OLUMIANT 2 mg and baricitinib 4 mg.

Study RA-3 (NCT01721057) was a 24-week trial in 684 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who had an inadequate response or intolerance to conventional DMARDs (cDMARDs). Patients received OLUMIANT 2 mg or 4 mg once daily or placebo added to existing background cDMARD treatment. From Week 16, non-responding patients could be rescued to receive baricitinib 4 mg once daily. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response at Week 12.

Study RA-4 (NCT01721044) was a 24-week trial in 527 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who had an inadequate response or intolerance to 1 or more TNF inhibitor therapies with or without other biologic DMARDs (TNFi-IR). Patients received OLUMIANT 2 mg or baricitinib 4 mg once daily or placebo added to background cDMARD treatment. From Week 16, non-responding patients could be rescued to receive baricitinib 4 mg once daily. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response at Week 12.

Clinical Response

The percentages of OLUMIANT-treated patients achieving ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 responses, and Disease Activity Score (DAS28-CRP) <2.6 in Studies RA-3 and RA-4 are shown in Table 8.

Patients treated with OLUMIANT had higher rates of ACR response and DAS28-CRP <2.6 versus placebo-treated patients at Week 12 (Studies RA-3 and RA-4) (Table 12).

In Study RA-4, higher ACR20 response rates (Figure 4) were observed as early as 1 week with OLUMIANT 2 mg versus placebo.

In Study RA-4, the proportions of patients achieving DAS28-CRP <2.6 who had at least 3 active joints at the end of Week 24 were 18.2% and 10.5%, in the placebo and OLUMIANT 2 mg arms, respectively.

The effects of OLUMIANT treatment on the components of the ACR response criteria for Studies RA-3 and RA-4 are shown in Table 13.

Figure 4: Percent of RA Patients Achieving ACR20 in Study RA-4

Figure 4

Physical Function Response

Improvement in physical function was measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Patients receiving OLUMIANT 2 mg demonstrated greater improvement from baseline in physical functioning compared to placebo at Week 24. The mean difference (95% CI) from placebo in HAQ-DI change from baseline at Week 24 was -0.24 (-0.35, -0.14) in Study RA-3 and -0.23 (-0.35, -0.12) in Study RA-4.

Other Health Related Outcomes

General health status was assessed by the Short Form health survey (SF-36). In Studies RA-3 and RA-4, compared to placebo, patients treated with OLUMIANT 2 mg demonstrated greater improvement from baseline in the physical component summary (PCS) score and the physical function, role physical, bodily pain, vitality, and general health domains at Week 12, with no consistent improvements in the mental component summary (MCS) scores or the role emotional, mental health, and social functioning domains.

COVID I

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (NCT04401579) of hospitalized adults with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection compared treatment with baricitinib plus remdesivir (n = 515) with placebo plus remdesivir (n = 518). Patients had to have laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as at least one of the following to be enrolled in the trial: radiographic infiltrates by imaging, SpO₂ ≤94% on room air, a requirement for supplemental oxygen, or a requirement for mechanical ventilation or ECMO. Patients treated with the combination received the following regimen:

• Baricitinib 4 mg once daily (orally) for up to 14 days or until hospital discharge, whichever came first
• Remdesivir 200 mg on Day 1 and 100 mg once daily (via intravenous infusion) on subsequent days for a total treatment duration of 10 days or until hospital discharge

In this study prophylaxis for venous thromboembolic event (VTEs) was recommended for all patients unless a major contraindication was noted.

For the overall population (N = 1033 patients) at randomization, mean age was 55 years (with 30% of patients aged 65 or older); 63% of patients were male, 51% were Hispanic or Latino, 48% were White, 15% were Black or African American, and 10% were Asian; 14% did not require supplemental oxygen, 55% required supplemental oxygen, 21% required non-invasive ventilation or high-flow oxygen, and 11% required invasive mechanical ventilation or ECMO. The most common comorbidities were obesity (56%), hypertension (52%), and type 2 diabetes (37%). Demographics and disease characteristics were balanced across the combination group and the placebo group.

The primary endpoint, for the intent to treat population, was time to recovery within 29 days after randomization. Recovery was defined as being discharged from the hospital without limitations on activities, being discharged from the hospital with limitations on activities and/or requiring home oxygen or hospitalized but not requiring supplemental oxygen and no longer requiring medical care. The key secondary endpoint was clinical status on Day 15 assessed on an 8-point ordinal scale (OS) consisting of the following categories:

• Not hospitalized, no limitations on activities [OS-1];
• Not hospitalized, limitation on activities and/or requiring home oxygen [OS-2];
• Hospitalized, not requiring supplemental oxygen - no longer requires ongoing medical care [OS-3];
• Hospitalized, not requiring supplemental oxygen - requiring ongoing medical care (COVID-19 related or otherwise) [OS 4];
• Hospitalized, requiring supplemental oxygen [OS 5];
• Hospitalized, on non-invasive ventilation or high-flow oxygen devices [OS 6];
• Hospitalized, on invasive mechanical ventilation or ECMO [OS 7]; and
• Death [OS 8]

For the overall population, the median time to recovery (defined as discharged from hospital or hospitalized but not requiring supplemental oxygen or ongoing medical care) was 7 days for baricitinib + remdesivir compared to 8 days for placebo + remdesivir [hazard ratio: 1.16 (95% CI 1.01, 1.33); p = 0.035].

Patients assigned to baricitinib + remdesivir were more likely to have a better clinical status (according to an 8-point ordinal scale) at Day 15 compared to patients assigned to placebo + remdesivir [odds ratio: 1.26 (95% CI 1.01, 1.57); p = 0.044].

The proportion of patients who died or progressed to non-invasive ventilation/high-flow oxygen or invasive mechanical ventilation by Day 29 was lower in baricitinib + remdesivir (23%) compared to placebo + remdesivir (28%) [odds ratio: 0.74 (95% CI 0.56, 0.99); p = 0.039]. Patients who required non-invasive ventilation/high-flow oxygen or invasive mechanical ventilation (including ECMO) at baseline needed to worsen by at least 1 point on an 8-point ordinal scale to progress.

The proportion of patients who died by Day 29 was 4.7% (24/515) for baricitinib + remdesivir compared to 7.1% (37/518) for placebo + remdesivir [Kaplan Meier estimated difference in Day 29 probability of mortality: -2.6% (95% CI: -5.8%, 0.5%); hazard ratio = 0.65 (95% CI: 0.39, 1.09)].

COVID II

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (NCT04421027) of hospitalized adults with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection compared treatment with baricitinib 4mg once daily (n = 764) with placebo (n = 761) for 14 days or hospital discharge, whichever came first. Patients could remain on background standard of care, as defined per local guidelines, including antimalarials, antivirals, corticosteroids, and/or azithromycin. In this study prophylaxis for venous thromboembolic event (VTE) was required for all patients unless contraindicated.

The most frequently used therapies at baseline were:

• corticosteroids (79% of patients, mostly dexamethasone)
• remdesivir (19% of patients)

Patients had to have laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, at least one instance of elevation in at least one inflammatory marker above the upper limit of normal according to local laboratory ranges (CRP, D-dimer, LDH, ferritin), and at least one of the following to be enrolled in the trial: radiographic infiltrates by imaging, SpO₂ <94% on room air, evidence of active COVID infection (with clinical symptoms including any of the following: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dry cough, tachypnea defined as respiratory rate >24 breaths/min) or requirement for supplemental oxygen.

For the overall population (N = 1525 patients) at randomization, mean age was 58 years (with 33% of patients aged 65 or older); 63% of patients were male, 60% were White, 5% were Black or African American, 11% were Asian; 12% did not require supplemental oxygen (OS 4), 63% required supplemental oxygen (OS 5), 24% required non-invasive ventilation or high-flow oxygen (OS 6). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (48%), obesity (33%), and type 2 diabetes (29%). Demographics and disease characteristics were balanced across the baricitinib and placebo groups.

The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who died or progressed to non-invasive ventilation/high-flow oxygen or invasive mechanical ventilation within the first 28-days of the study. Patients who required non-invasive ventilation/high-flow oxygen at baseline needed to worsen by at least 1 point on an 8-point OS to progress (refer to the description of COVID I for the definition of the 8-point OS). A key secondary endpoint was all-cause mortality by Day 28.

The estimated proportion of patients who died or progressed to non-invasive ventilation/high-flow oxygen or invasive mechanical ventilation was lower in patients treated with baricitinib (27.8%) compared to placebo (30.5%), but this effect was not statistically significant [odds ratio: 0.85 (95% CI 0.67, 1.08); p = 0.180].

The proportion of patients who died by Day 28 was 8.1% (62/764) for baricitinib compared to 13.3% (101/761) for placebo [estimated difference in Day 28 probability of mortality = -4.9% (95% CI: -8.0%, -1.9%); hazard ratio = 0.56 (95% CI: 0.41, 0.77)].

COVID II Exploratory Sub-Study

In a separate group of patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation or ECMO at baseline and enrolled in an addendum to COVID II, a pre-specified exploratory analysis showed that the proportion who died by Day 28 was 39.2% (20/51) for baricitinib compared to 58.0% (29/50) for placebo [estimated difference in Day 28 risk of mortality = -18.8% (95% CI: -36.3%, 0.6%); hazard ratio = 0.54 (95% CI: 0.31, 0.96)].

Clinical Response

The results of the OLUMIANT trials (AA-1 and AA-2) are provided in Table 14 and Figure 5.

Among patients with substantial eyebrow and eyelash hair loss at baseline, an improvement in eyebrow and eyelash coverage was observed on OLUMIANT 4 mg once daily dosage at Week 36.

Figure 5: Percent of Patients Achieving SALT ≤20

Figure 5

Analyses by age, gender, race, and body weight did not identify differences in response to 36-weeks of treatment with OLUMIANT among these subgroups. SALT ≤20 response rates were higher in all dose groups in patients with baseline SALT 50 to 94 versus SALT 95 to 100. See Table 15.

In AA-2, patients who achieved adequate response (SALT ≤20) to OLUMIANT 4 mg once daily at 52 weeks of treatment entered a randomized down-titration period and received OLUMIANT 2 mg once daily or remained on OLUMIANT 4 mg once daily. After an additional 24 weeks of treatment (76 weeks total), 75% (30/40) of patients randomized to OLUMIANT 2 mg once daily maintained response and 98% (41/42) of patients who remained on OLUMIANT 4 mg once daily maintained response.