MAVENCLAD® (cladribine) tablets Mechanism of Action | HCP
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MAVENCLAD proposed mechanism of action

MAVENCLAD is thought to preferentially target B and T lymphocytes, and is associated with a reduction and subsequent recovery in lymphocyte count.1-3

In RMS, there are multiple treatment approaches to consider

IMMUNOMODULATION4
Visual showing immunomodulation
  • Continuous administration
  • Ongoing modulation of immune function during active treatment without immunodepletion
CHRONIC IMMUNOSUPPRESSION4,5
Visual showing chronic immunosuppression
  • Continuous administration
  • Ongoing suppression of immune function during active treatment

The treatment approach of MAVENCLAD is associated with a reduction and subsequent recovery in lymphocyte count, or immunodepletion followed by repopulation.3,4,6

IMMUNODEPLETION FOLLOWED BY REPOPULATION5,6
Visual showing immunodepletion followed by repopulation
  • Therapy administered intermittently as a short course
  • Dosing followed by depletion and repopulation

Effect of MAVENCLAD on total lymphocytes

Lymphocyte counts were measured as part of routine clinical laboratory evaluations in patients in clinical studies.7 MAVENCLAD causes a dose-dependent reduction in lymphocyte count. In clinical studies, 87% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients experienced lymphopenia. The lowest absolute lymphocyte counts occurred approximately 2 to 3 months after the start of each treatment course and were lower with each additional treatment course.6

In patients treated with MAVENCLAD as monotherapy, lymphopenia observed was transient and mostly mild to moderate.7 The median duration of severe lymphopenia was 6.0 weeks to improvement to Grade ≤2 and 28.1 weeks to recovery to Grade ≤1.7 26% and 1% of patients had nadir absolute lymphocyte counts less than 500 and less than 200 cells/μL, respectively.6 At the end of the second treatment course, 2% of clinical study patients had lymphocyte counts less than 500 cells/μL.6

Chart indicating the effects of MAVENCLAD® on total lymphocyte counts

Post hoc analysis, percentage of patients who had median ALC at Grade 1 lymphopenia or within normal limits3:

Chart indicating the effects of MAVENCLAD® on total lymphocyte counts

Due to the post hoc nature of this analysis, no statistical significance between treatment groups can be drawn.

Chart indicating the effects of MAVENCLAD® on total lymphocyte counts

MAVENCLAD is thought to preferentially target B and T lymphocytes1,2

MAVENCLAD is a prodrug that is preferentially activated in B and T lymphocytes1

MAVENCLAD® mechanism of action

  • MAVENCLAD is a prodrug that is activated by specific kinases and deactivated by specific phosphatases. Cladribine becomes active in the cells upon phosphorylation to its 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine triphosphate (cd-ATP) metabolite6
  • Activated MAVENCLAD accumulates in B and T lymphocytes because they have a higher kinase-to-phosphatase ratio than other cells1 

Image is for illustrative purposes only.

MAVENCLAD is associated with a reduction and subsequent recovery in lymphocyte count

Reduction of B and T lymphocytes

Reduction arrow icon

  • The mechanism by which MAVENCLAD exerts its therapeutic effects in MS is not fully elucidated but is thought to involve cytotoxic effects on B and T lymphocytes through impairment of DNA synthesis, resulting in depletion of lymphocytes by apoptosis or programmed cell death6
  • Its targeted effect on B and T lymphocytes is thought to interrupt the cascade of immune events central to MS1
  • In addition to lymphopenia, decreases in other blood cells and hematological parameters (neutrophils, hemoglobin, and platelets) have been reported with MAVENCLAD in clinical studies6
  • Pooled clinical trial data: MAVENCLAD treatment resulted in sharper depletion, followed by recovery of CD19+ B cells, compared to T cells3,9

Recovery of B and T lymphocytes

Recovery arrow icon

  • Lymphocytes generally recovered over several months or more. Lymphocyte reduction and recovery is shown above6

MAVENCLAD has an estimated terminal half-life of approximately 24 hours and is eliminated from the body in ~1 week1,6,10

Learn more about MS and the immune system →

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: MALIGNANCIES and RISK OF TERATOGENICITY

  • Treatment with MAVENCLAD may increase the risk of malignancy. MAVENCLAD is contraindicated in patients with current malignancy. In patients with prior malignancy or with increased risk of malignancy, evaluate the benefits and risks of the use of MAVENCLAD on an individual patient basis. Follow standard cancer screening guidelines in patients treated with MAVENCLAD
  • MAVENCLAD is contraindicated for use in pregnant women and in women and men of reproductive potential who do not plan to use effective contraception because of the potential for fetal harm. Malformations and embryolethality occurred in animals. Exclude pregnancy before the start of treatment with MAVENCLAD in females of reproductive potential. Advise females and males of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during MAVENCLAD dosing and for 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course. Stop MAVENCLAD if the patient becomes pregnant

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Patients with current malignancy.
  • Pregnant women, and women and men of reproductive potential who do not plan to use effective contraception during and for 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course. May cause fetal harm.
  • Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • Patients with active chronic infections (e.g., hepatitis or tuberculosis).
  • Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cladribine.
  • Women intending to breastfeed while taking MAVENCLAD tablets and for 10 days after the last dose.

 

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

  • Malignancies: Treatment with MAVENCLAD may increase the risk of malignancy. After the completion of 2 treatment courses, do not administer additional MAVENCLAD treatment during the next 2 years. In clinical studies, patients who received additional MAVENCLAD treatment within 2 years after the first 2 treatment courses had an increased incidence of malignancy. The risk of malignancy with reinitiating MAVENCLAD more than 2 years after the completion of 2 treatment courses has not been studied. Follow standard cancer screening guidelines in patients treated with MAVENCLAD.
  • Risk of Teratogenicity: MAVENCLAD may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. In females of reproductive potential, exclude pregnancy before initiation of each treatment course of MAVENCLAD and prevent by the use of effective contraception during MAVENCLAD dosing and for at least 6 months after the last dose of each treatment course. Women who become pregnant during treatment with MAVENCLAD should discontinue treatment.
  • Lymphopenia: MAVENCLAD causes a dose-dependent reduction in lymphocyte count. In clinical studies, 87% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients experienced lymphopenia. The lowest absolute lymphocyte counts occurred approximately 2 to 3 months after the start of each treatment course and were lower with each additional treatment course. Concomitant use of MAVENCLAD with hematotoxic drugs may increase the risk of adverse reactions because of the additive hematological effects. Monitor lymphocyte counts before and during treatment, periodically thereafter, and when clinically indicated.
  • Infections: MAVENCLAD can reduce the body's immune defense and may increase the likelihood of infections. Infections occurred in 49% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients compared to 44% of patients treated with placebo in clinical studies. The most frequent serious infections included herpes zoster and pyelonephritis. Single fatal cases of tuberculosis and fulminant hepatitis B were reported in the clinical program. Screen patients for latent infections; consider delaying treatment until infection is fully controlled. Administer live-attenuated or live vaccines at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to starting MAVENCLAD. Vaccinate patients who are seronegative for varicella zoster virus (VZV) prior to treatment. Vaccinate patients who are seropositive to VZV with recombinant, adjuvanted zoster vaccine either prior to or during treatment, including when their lymphocyte counts are less than or equal to 500 cells per microliter. Administer anti-herpes prophylaxis in patients with lymphocyte counts less than 200 cells per microliter. Monitor for infections. In patients treated with parenteral cladribine for oncologic indications, cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported. No case of PML has been reported in clinical studies of cladribine in patients with MS. Administer all immunizations (except as noted for VZV) according to immunization guidelines prior to starting MAVENCLAD.
  • Hematologic Toxicity: In addition to lymphopenia, decreases in other blood cells and hematological parameters have been reported with MAVENCLAD in clinical studies. In general, mild to moderate decreases in neutrophil counts, hemoglobin levels, and platelet counts were observed. Severe decreases in neutrophil counts were observed in 3.6% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients, compared to 2.8% of placebo patients. Obtain complete blood count (CBC) with differential including lymphocyte count before and during treatment, periodically thereafter, and when clinically indicated.
  • Risk of Graft-versus-Host Disease With Blood Transfusions: Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease has been observed rarely after transfusion of nonirradiated blood in patients treated with cladribine for non-MS treatment indications.
  • Liver Injury: In clinical studies, 0.3% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients had liver injury (serious or causing treatment discontinuation) compared to 0 placebo patients. Obtain serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels prior to treatment. Discontinue if clinically significant injury is suspected.
  • Hypersensitivity: In clinical studies, 11% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients had hypersensitivity reactions, compared to 7% of placebo patients. Hypersensitivity reactions that were serious and/or led to discontinuation of MAVENCLAD, occurred in 0.5% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients, compared to 0.1% of placebo patients. If a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, discontinue MAVENCLAD therapy. Do not use MAVENCLAD in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cladribine.
  • Cardiac Failure: In clinical studies, one MAVENCLAD-treated patient experienced life-threatening acute cardiac failure with myocarditis, which improved after approximately one week. Cases of cardiac failure have also been reported with parenteral cladribine used for treatment indications other than multiple sclerosis. 

Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions with an incidence of >20% for MAVENCLAD are upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and lymphopenia.

Drug Interactions/Concomitant Medication: Concomitant use of MAVENCLAD with immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive drugs and some immunomodulatory drugs (e.g., interferon beta) is not recommended and may increase the risk of adverse reactions. Acute short-term therapy with corticosteroids can be administered.

Avoid concomitant use of certain antiviral and antiretroviral drugs. Avoid concomitant use of BCRP or ENT/CNT inhibitors as they may alter bioavailability of MAVENCLAD.

Use in Specific Populations: Studies have not been performed in pediatric or elderly patients, pregnant or breastfeeding women. Use in patients with moderate to severe renal or hepatic impairment is not recommended.

Please see the full Prescribing Information, including boxed WARNING for additional information.

INDICATION

MAVENCLAD® (cladribine) tablets is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. Because of its safety profile, use of MAVENCLAD is generally recommended for patients who have had an inadequate response to, or are unable to tolerate, an alternate drug indicated for the treatment of MS.

Limitations of Use: MAVENCLAD is not recommended for use in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) because of its safety profile.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: MALIGNANCIES and RISK OF TERATOGENICITY

  • Treatment with MAVENCLAD may increase the risk of malignancy. MAVENCLAD is contraindicated in patients with current malignancy. In patients with prior malignancy or with increased risk of malignancy, evaluate the benefits and risks of the use of MAVENCLAD on an individual patient basis. Follow standard cancer screening guidelines in patients treated with MAVENCLAD
  • MAVENCLAD is contraindicated for use in pregnant women and in women and men of reproductive potential who do not plan to use effective contraception because of the potential for fetal harm. Malformations and embryolethality occurred in animals. Exclude pregnancy before the start of treatment with MAVENCLAD in females of reproductive potential. Advise females and males of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during MAVENCLAD dosing and for 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course. Stop MAVENCLAD if the patient becomes pregnant

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Patients with current malignancy.
  • Pregnant women, and women and men of reproductive potential who do not plan to use effective contraception during and for 6 months after the last dose in each treatment course. May cause fetal harm.
  • Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • Patients with active chronic infections (e.g., hepatitis or tuberculosis).
  • Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cladribine.
  • Women intending to breastfeed while taking MAVENCLAD tablets and for 10 days after the last dose.

 

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

  • Malignancies: Treatment with MAVENCLAD may increase the risk of malignancy. After the completion of 2 treatment courses, do not administer additional MAVENCLAD treatment during the next 2 years. In clinical studies, patients who received additional MAVENCLAD treatment within 2 years after the first 2 treatment courses had an increased incidence of malignancy. The risk of malignancy with reinitiating MAVENCLAD more than 2 years after the completion of 2 treatment courses has not been studied. Follow standard cancer screening guidelines in patients treated with MAVENCLAD.
  • Risk of Teratogenicity: MAVENCLAD may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. In females of reproductive potential, exclude pregnancy before initiation of each treatment course of MAVENCLAD and prevent by the use of effective contraception during MAVENCLAD dosing and for at least 6 months after the last dose of each treatment course. Women who become pregnant during treatment with MAVENCLAD should discontinue treatment.
  • Lymphopenia: MAVENCLAD causes a dose-dependent reduction in lymphocyte count. In clinical studies, 87% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients experienced lymphopenia. The lowest absolute lymphocyte counts occurred approximately 2 to 3 months after the start of each treatment course and were lower with each additional treatment course. Concomitant use of MAVENCLAD with hematotoxic drugs may increase the risk of adverse reactions because of the additive hematological effects. Monitor lymphocyte counts before and during treatment, periodically thereafter, and when clinically indicated.
  • Infections: MAVENCLAD can reduce the body's immune defense and may increase the likelihood of infections. Infections occurred in 49% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients compared to 44% of patients treated with placebo in clinical studies. The most frequent serious infections included herpes zoster and pyelonephritis. Single fatal cases of tuberculosis and fulminant hepatitis B were reported in the clinical program. Screen patients for latent infections; consider delaying treatment until infection is fully controlled. Administer live-attenuated or live vaccines at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to starting MAVENCLAD. Vaccinate patients who are seronegative for varicella zoster virus (VZV) prior to treatment. Vaccinate patients who are seropositive to VZV with recombinant, adjuvanted zoster vaccine either prior to or during treatment, including when their lymphocyte counts are less than or equal to 500 cells per microliter. Administer anti-herpes prophylaxis in patients with lymphocyte counts less than 200 cells per microliter. Monitor for infections. In patients treated with parenteral cladribine for oncologic indications, cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported. No case of PML has been reported in clinical studies of cladribine in patients with MS. Administer all immunizations (except as noted for VZV) according to immunization guidelines prior to starting MAVENCLAD.
  • Hematologic Toxicity: In addition to lymphopenia, decreases in other blood cells and hematological parameters have been reported with MAVENCLAD in clinical studies. In general, mild to moderate decreases in neutrophil counts, hemoglobin levels, and platelet counts were observed. Severe decreases in neutrophil counts were observed in 3.6% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients, compared to 2.8% of placebo patients. Obtain complete blood count (CBC) with differential including lymphocyte count before and during treatment, periodically thereafter, and when clinically indicated.
  • Risk of Graft-versus-Host Disease With Blood Transfusions: Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease has been observed rarely after transfusion of nonirradiated blood in patients treated with cladribine for non-MS treatment indications.
  • Liver Injury: In clinical studies, 0.3% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients had liver injury (serious or causing treatment discontinuation) compared to 0 placebo patients. Obtain serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels prior to treatment. Discontinue if clinically significant injury is suspected.
  • Hypersensitivity: In clinical studies, 11% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients had hypersensitivity reactions, compared to 7% of placebo patients. Hypersensitivity reactions that were serious and/or led to discontinuation of MAVENCLAD, occurred in 0.5% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients, compared to 0.1% of placebo patients. If a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, discontinue MAVENCLAD therapy. Do not use MAVENCLAD in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cladribine.
  • Cardiac Failure: In clinical studies, one MAVENCLAD-treated patient experienced life-threatening acute cardiac failure with myocarditis, which improved after approximately one week. Cases of cardiac failure have also been reported with parenteral cladribine used for treatment indications other than multiple sclerosis. 

Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions with an incidence of >20% for MAVENCLAD are upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and lymphopenia.

Drug Interactions/Concomitant Medication: Concomitant use of MAVENCLAD with immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive drugs and some immunomodulatory drugs (e.g., interferon beta) is not recommended and may increase the risk of adverse reactions. Acute short-term therapy with corticosteroids can be administered.

Avoid concomitant use of certain antiviral and antiretroviral drugs. Avoid concomitant use of BCRP or ENT/CNT inhibitors as they may alter bioavailability of MAVENCLAD.

Use in Specific Populations: Studies have not been performed in pediatric or elderly patients, pregnant or breastfeeding women. Use in patients with moderate to severe renal or hepatic impairment is not recommended.

Please see the full Prescribing Information, including boxed WARNING for additional information.

References

Expand all Collapse all
  1. Leist TP, Weissert R. Cladribine: mode of action and implications for treatment of multiple sclerosis. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2011;34(1):28-35.
  2. Soelberg-Sorensen P, et al. Innate immune cell counts in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis treated with cladribine tablets 3.5 mg/kg in CLARITY and CLARITY EXT. Poster presented at: Third Annual Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum 2018 [P061]; February 1-3, 2018; San Diego, CA.
  3. Comi G, Cook S, Giovannoni G, et al. Effect of cladribine tablets on lymphocyte reduction and repopulation dynamics in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2019;29:168-174.
  4. Giovannoni G. Disease-modifying treatments for early and advanced multiple sclerosis: a new treatment paradigm. Curr Opin Neurol. 2018;31(3):233-243.
  5. Klotz, L. Havla J, Schwab N, et al. Risks and risk management in modern multiple sclerosis immunotherapeutic treatment. Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2019;12:1-31.
  6. MAVENCLAD [prescribing information]. Rockland, MA: EMD Serono, Inc; 2022.
  7. Data on file (NDA, Summary of clinical safety).
  8. CTCAE Version 5, November 17, 2017.
  9. Baker D, Herrod SS, Alvarez-Gonzalez C, Zalewski L, Albor C, Schmierer K. Both cladribine and alemtuzumab may effect MS via B-cell depletion. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2017;4(4):e360.
  10. Benet LZ, Zia-Amirhosseini P. Basic principles of pharmacokinetics. Toxicol Pathol. 1995;23(2):115-123.
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