Jazz Pharmaceuticals Announces SLEEP Publication of Phase 3 Xywav™ (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates) Oral Solution Study in Cataplexy or Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Patients with Narcolepsy

Rhea-AI Summary

Jazz Pharmaceuticals announced the publication of a Phase 3 study on Xywav, an oral solution for treating cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy patients. The study demonstrated statistically significant improvements (p<0.0001) in the frequency of cataplexy attacks and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores compared to placebo. Xywav has FDA approval and features a formulation with 92% less sodium than traditional treatments. Jazz plans to launch Xywav in Q4 2020, enhancing treatment options for narcolepsy patients.

Positive

• Publication of Phase 3 study results confirms efficacy of Xywav.
• FDA approval for Xywav enhances treatment options for narcolepsy.
• Xywav provides a formulation with 92% less sodium compared to sodium oxybate.

Negative

• Common adverse reactions reported include headache, nausea, and dizziness.

DUBLIN, Oct. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) today announced the publication of the global Phase 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized-withdrawal, multicenter study of Xywav™ (calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium oxybates) oral solution, for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adults with narcolepsy. The results were published in SLEEP, the peer-reviewed, international journal of the Sleep Research Society.

In the trial, Xywav achieved the primary and key secondary endpoints demonstrating highly statistically significant differences (p<0.0001) in median change in weekly number of cataplexy attacks and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores compared to placebo. Results of the study were previously presented in an oral presentation at World Sleep 2019.¹

"This publication reinforces the option Xywav provides for those living with cataplexy or EDS associated with narcolepsy," said Robert Iannone, M.D., M.S.C.E., executive vice president, research and development of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. "Xywav was approved in July by the FDA as a new treatment option indicated for both cataplexy and EDS in people living with narcolepsy and I am proud to be part of the organization that developed this groundbreaking therapy for people living with this debilitating neurological disorder."

This Phase 3 study served as the basis of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of Xywav for the treatment of cataplexy or EDS in patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy.^1,2 Xywav is an oxybate product with a unique composition of cations resulting in 92 percent less sodium – or approximately 1,000 to 1,500 mg/night less – than sodium oxybate at the recommended dosage range of 6 to 9 grams.² Meaningfully lowering the level of sodium ingested by patients taking oxybate therapy may help patients align with American Heart Association recommended levels of daily sodium intake.³

The study enrolled 201 participants and randomized 134 participants, which included those previously treated with sodium oxybate and naïve to sodium oxybate, with or without other anticataplectic treatments. During the two week double-blind randomized withdrawal period, there was a significant increase in median weekly number of cataplexy attacks in participants randomized to take placebo compared with participants randomized to continue Xywav treatment (median [Q1, Q3]: 2.35 [0.00, 11.61] vs 0.00 [−0.49, 1.75], respectively; treatment difference, P<0.0001).¹

At the end of the double-blind randomized-withdrawal period, there was a significant increase in median ESS scores in participants randomized to take placebo compared with participants randomized to continue Xywav (median [Q1, Q3]: 2.0 [0.0, 5.0] vs 0.0 [−1.0, 1.0], respectively; treatment difference, P<0.0001).¹ The most common adverse reactions reported by participants (≥5%) were headache, nausea, dizziness, decreased appetite, parasomnia, diarrhea, hyperhidrosis, anxiety and vomiting.²

The company plans to launch Xywav in the fourth quarter of this year, following Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) implementation. Jazz is committed to ensuring access to our medicines and will work to secure the broadest access possible for appropriate patients.

About Xywav™ (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates) oral solution
Xywav (JZP-258) oral solution, 0.5 g/mL total salts (equivalent to 0.413 g/mL of oxybate), is approved by the FDA for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy. It is also being studied and developed for the treatment of idiopathic hypersomnia in adult patients. Xywav is comprised of a unique composition of cations resulting in 92 percent less sodium, or approximately 1,000 to 1,500 mg/night less, than sodium oxybate at the recommended dosage range of 6 to 9 grams. Xywav has the same oxybate concentration as sodium oxybate and includes a mix of calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium cations. While the exact mechanism of action of Xywav is unknown, it is hypothesized that the therapeutic effects of Xywav on cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness are mediated through GABA_B actions during sleep at noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurons, as well as at thalamocortical neurons.²

Important Safety Information

WARNING: Taking XYWAV with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as medicines used to make you or your child fall asleep, including opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, sedating antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedating anti-epileptic medicines, general anesthetics, muscle relaxants, alcohol, or street drugs, may cause serious medical problems, including trouble breathing (respiratory depression), low blood pressure (hypotension), changes in alertness (drowsiness), fainting (syncope), and death.

The active ingredient of XYWAV is a form of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Abuse or misuse of illegal GHB alone or with other drugs that cause changes in alertness (or consciousness) has caused serious side effects. These effects include seizures, trouble breathing (respiratory depression), changes in alertness (drowsiness), coma, and death. Call your doctor right away if you or your child has any of these serious side effects.

Because of these risks, you have to go through the XYWAV and XYREM REMS Program to have your or your child's prescription for XYWAV filled.

Do not take XYWAV if you take or your child takes other sleep medicines or sedatives (medicines that cause sleepiness), drinks alcohol, or has a rare problem called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency.

Keep XYWAV in a safe place to prevent abuse and misuse. Selling or giving away XYWAV may harm others, and is against the law. Tell your doctor if you have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.

Anyone who takes XYWAV should not do anything that requires them to be fully awake or is dangerous, including driving a car, using heavy machinery, or flying an airplane, for at least 6 hours after taking XYWAV. Those activities should not be done until you know how XYWAV affects you or your child.

XYWAV can cause serious side effects, including the following:

• Breathing problems, including slower breathing, trouble breathing, and/or short periods of not breathing while sleeping (sleep apnea). People who already have breathing or lung problems have a higher chance of having breathing problems when they use XYWAV.
• Mental health problems, including confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations), unusual or disturbing thoughts (abnormal thinking), feeling anxious or upset, depression, thoughts of killing yourself or trying to kill yourself, increased tiredness, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, or difficulty concentrating. Tell your doctor if you or your child have or had depression or have tried to harm yourself or themselves. Call your doctor right away if you have or your child has symptoms of mental health problems or a change in weight or appetite.
• Sleepwalking. Sleepwalking can cause injuries. Call your doctor if you or your child starts sleepwalking. Your doctor should check you or your child.

The most common side effects of XYWAV in adults include headache, nausea, dizziness, decreased appetite, parasomnia (a sleep disorder that can include abnormal dreams, abnormal rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, sleep paralysis, sleep talking, sleep terror, sleep-related eating disorder, sleep walking, and other abnormal sleep-related events), diarrhea, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), anxiety and vomiting.

The most common side effects of XYWAV in children include bedwetting, nausea, headache, vomiting, weight decrease, decreased appetite, and dizziness.

XYWAV can cause physical dependence and craving for the medicine when it is not taken as directed. These are not all the possible side effects of XYWAV.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please find full prescribing information here: https://pp.jazzpharma.com/pi/xywav.en.USPI.pdf

About Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic, debilitating neurological disorder characterized by EDS and the inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles normally.^4,5,6 It affects an estimated one in 2,000 people in the United States, with symptoms typically appearing in childhood or adolescence.^7,8,9 Studies have shown it may take 10 years or more for people with narcolepsy to receive a diagnosis.^10,11 There are five main symptoms of narcolepsy, including EDS, cataplexy, disrupted nighttime sleep, sleep-related hallucinations, and sleep paralysis.¹² While all people with narcolepsy experience EDS, not all individuals with narcolepsy experience all five symptoms.^5,11 EDS is the primary symptom of narcolepsy and is present in all people with the disorder.^9,13 EDS is characterized by the inability to stay awake and alert during the day resulting in drowsiness and unplanned lapses into sleep.^7,9,10 Narcolepsy is associated with an increased prevalence of cardiometabolic comorbidities, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia.^14,15,16,17

About Cataplexy
Cataplexy, the most specific symptom of narcolepsy, is the sudden, generally brief (<2 minutes) loss of muscle tone with retained consciousness. It is usually triggered by strong emotions, such as laughter, surprise, or anger.^7,9 Although many emotions can potentially trigger cataplexy, those associated with mirth are usually the most potent.⁹ Cataplexy occurs in about 70 percent of people with narcolepsy.¹⁸ Presentation differs widely among people with narcolepsy, ranging from sporadic partial attacks triggered by laughter to frequent complete collapse brought about by a variety of emotions.^7,9 Complete collapse is less common.^7,9 More commonly, episodes of cataplexy involve only certain muscle groups, such as arms and legs (e.g., knees buckling), the head and neck (e.g., head dropping), or the face and jaw (e.g., sagging, slurred speech, eyelid drooping).^7,9,18,19

About Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing life-changing medicines that transform the lives of patients with serious diseases - often with limited or no options. We have a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines and novel product candidates, from early- to late-stage development, in key therapeutic areas. Our focus is in neuroscience, including sleep and movement disorders, and in oncology, including hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. We actively explore new options for patients including novel compounds, small molecule advancements, biologics and innovative delivery technologies. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland and has employees around the globe, serving patients in more than 90 countries. For more information, please visit www.jazzpharmaceuticals.com and follow @JazzPharma on Twitter.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements related to Jazz Pharmaceuticals' plans to launch Xywav following REMS implementation and the timing; statements related to ensuring access to medicines and securing the broadest access possible for appropriate patients; and other statements that are not historical facts.  These forward-looking statements are based on Jazz Pharmaceuticals' current plans, objectives, estimates, expectations and intentions and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties.  Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with effectively launching and commercializing Xywav and other risks and uncertainties affecting the company, including those described from time to time under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports (Commission File No. 001-33500), including Jazz Pharmaceuticals' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and future filings and reports by Jazz Pharmaceuticals.  Other risks and uncertainties of which Jazz Pharmaceuticals is not currently aware may also affect Jazz Pharmaceuticals' forward-looking statements and may cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from those anticipated.  The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date hereof or as of the dates indicated in the forward-looking statements, even if they are subsequently made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals on its website or otherwise.  Jazz Pharmaceuticals undertakes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information, future events, changes in its expectations or other circumstances that exist after the date as of which the forward-looking statements were made.

Media Contact:
Jacqueline Kirby, Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Government Relations
Ireland +353 1 697 2141         U.S. +1 215 867 4910

Investor Contact:
Kathee Littrell, Vice President, Investor Relations
Ireland +353 1 634 7887         U.S. +1 650 496 2717

References:

1. Bogan R. Efficacy and Safety of JZP-258 in a Phase 3 Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomised Withdrawal Study in Adults With Narcolepsy With Cataplexy. Oral presentation at World Sleep 2019; September 2019; Vancouver, CA.
2. Xywav (calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium oxybates) oral solution Prescribing Information. Palo Alto, CA: Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
3. American Heart Association. 2018, May 23. How much sodium should I eat per day?. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/how-much-sodium-should-i-eat-per-day. Accessed May 2020.
4. Thorpy MJ. Recently Approved and Upcoming Treatments for Narcolepsy. CNS Drugs. 2020;34(1):9-27. doi:10.1007/s40263-019-00689-1.
5. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). 2020, October 16. Narcolepsy Fact Sheet. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/fact-sheets/narcolepsy-fact-sheet. Accessed March 2020.
6. Thorpy MJ, Bogan RK. Update on the pharmacologic management of narcolepsy: mechanisms of action and clinical implications. Sleep Med. 2020;68:97-109. Doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2019.09.001.
7. Ahmed I, Thorpy M. Clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of narcolepsy. Clin Chest Med. 2010;31(2):371-381.
8. Plazzi G, Clawges HM, Owens JA. Clinical Characteristics and Burden of Illness in Pediatric Patients with Narcolepsy. Pediatr Neurol. 2018;85:21-32. doi:10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2018.06.008.
9. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The International Classification of Sleep Disorders. Third Edition (ICSD-3). 2014.
10. Morrish E, King M, et al. Factors associated with a delay in the diagnosis of narcolepsy. Sleep Medicine. 2004;5(1):37-41.
11. Thorpy M, Krieger A. Delayed diagnosis of narcolepsy: characterization and impact. Sleep Medicine. 2014;15(5):502–507.
12. Pelayo R, Lopes MC. Narcolepsy. In: Lee-Chiong TL, ed. Sleep: A Comprehensive Handbook. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley and Sons, Inc.; 2006:145-149.
13. Zhang J, Han F. Sleepiness in Narcolepsy. Sleep Med Clin. 2017;12(3):323-330. doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2017.03.008.
14. Black J, Reaven NL, Funk SE, et al. Medical comorbidity in narcolepsy: findings from the Burden of Narcolepsy Disease (BOND) study. Sleep Med. 2017;33:13-18. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2016.04.004.
15. Ohayon MM. Narcolepsy is complicated by high medical and psychiatric comorbidities: a comparison with the general population. Sleep Med. 2013;14(6):488-492. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2013.03.002.
16. Cohen A, Mandrekar J, St Louis EK, Silber MH, Kotagal S. Comorbidities in a community sample of narcolepsy. Sleep Med. 2018;43:14-18. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2017.11.1125.
17. Jennum P, Ibsen R, Knudsen S, Kjellberg J. Comorbidity and mortality of narcolepsy: a controlled retro- and prospective national study. Sleep. 2013;36(6):835-840. Published 2013 Jun 1. doi:10.5665/sleep.2706.
18. Overeem S. The clinical features of cataplexy. In: Baumann CR, Bassetti CL, Scammell TE, eds. Narcolepsy: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. New York, NY: Springer Science+Business Media; 2011:283-290.
19. Overeem S, van Nues SJ, van der Zande WL, et al. The clinical features of cataplexy: a questionnaire study in narcolepsy patients with and without hypocretin-1 deficiency. Sleep Med. 2011;12(1):12-18.

 

 

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FAQ

What are the results of the Phase 3 study for JAZZ's Xywav?

The Phase 3 study demonstrated significant reductions in cataplexy attacks and improved daytime sleepiness scores, with p-values below 0.0001.

When is JAZZ planning to launch Xywav?

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plans to launch Xywav in the fourth quarter of 2020.

How does Xywav differ from sodium oxybate?

Xywav has 92% less sodium than sodium oxybate, providing a safer option for patients regarding sodium intake.

What are the side effects associated with JAZZ's Xywav?

Common side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness, decreased appetite, and anxiety.

What is the significance of the peer-reviewed publication of the Xywav study?

The publication supports Xywav's efficacy and safety, reinforcing its position as a treatment for narcolepsy.