Actavis Affirms Commitment To Advancing Antibiotic Stewardship At White House Forum

DUBLIN, June 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Actavis plc (NYSE: ACT) is proud to participate in today's White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship, which assembles key Federal and private sector constituencies involved in the development, promotion, and implementation of antibiotic stewardship activities to ensure the responsible use of antibiotics nationwide. Actavis is dedicated to helping to bridge the gap between existing treatment options for serious infections caused by difficult-to-treat pathogens and the development of new agents that may help address the urgent threat of antibiotic resistance.

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As part of the company's commitment to antibiotic stewardship, Actavis recently launched SHARE ID™ (Sharing Hospital data to Advance Research and Enhance patient care in Infectious Diseases), a collaborative program to leverage real-world data to accelerate efforts to address antibiotic resistant infections and advance the delivery and effectiveness of care for patients with serious infections due to antibiotic-resistant pathogens. SHARE ID is building a robust and collaborative research platform that will apply state-of-the art analytics to real-world data from participating healthcare institutions. SHARE ID intends to quantify the burden of illness associated with infections due to antibiotic-resistant pathogens, develop decision support tools to assist healthcare decision makers, and conduct comparative effectiveness research to identify optimal treatment strategies. To learn more about the SHARE ID initiative, please visit www.share-ID.com.

"Actavis was honored to be asked to participate in the White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship given our commitment to protecting people from the serious impact of antibiotic resistant infections," said Gavin R. Corcoran, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Actavis. "As a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company committed to infectious disease treatment innovation, we have a portfolio of therapies that provide some of the newest tools to help to treat a number of the most serious infections, with a focus on enhancing patient care and outcomes for areas of greatest medical need."

The Actavis anti-infective portfolio includes three of the six therapies that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as part of the Infectious Disease Society of America's 10x20 initiative – AVYCAZ^™ (ceftazidime-avibactam), DALVANCE^® (dalbavancin) and TEFLARO^® (ceftaroline fosamil).

• AVYCAZ is approved for the treatment of adult patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) (in combination with metronidazole) and complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) including pyelonephritis caused by designated susceptible bacteria, including certain Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. AVYCAZ received a priority review and fast-track approval based on Phase II data from the company's clinical development program and supporting in vitro data, and as such should be reserved for use in patients who have limited or no alternative treatment options. AVYCAZ is contraindicated in patients with known serious hypersensitivity to AVYCAZ, avibactam containing products, ceftazidime, or other members of the cephalosporin class. Please see additional important safety information below.
• DALVANCE is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It is the first and only IV antibiotic approved for the treatment of ABSSSI with a two-dose regimen of 1000 mg followed one week later by 500 mg, each administered over 30 minutes, and is the first drug designated as a Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) to receive FDA approval, as it is intended to treat serious or life-threatening infections. DALVANCE is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dalbavancin. Please see additional important safety information below.
• TEFLARO is indicated for the treatment of ABSSSI and community acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) caused by designated susceptible Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates. It is the first and only IV cephalosporin with MRSA activity in ABSSSI and the first antibiotic to be approved by the FDA for ABSSSI with clinical response data at 48-72 hours after treatment. TEFLARO was the first antibiotic to receive approval following the launch of the IDSA 10x20 initiative. Known serious hypersensitivity to TEFLARO or other members of the cephalosporin class. Anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions have been reported with ceftaroline. Please see additional important safety information below.

About AVYCAZ™

INDICATIONS AND USAGE
As only limited clinical safety and efficacy data for AVYCAZ^™ (ceftazidime-avibactam) are currently available, reserve AVYCAZ for use in patients who have limited or no alternative treatment options.

Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections (cIAI)
AVYCAZ, in combination with metronidazole, is indicated for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) caused by the following susceptible microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia stuartii, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients 18 years or older.

Complicated Urinary Tract Infections (cUTI), including Pyelonephritis
AVYCAZ is indicated for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) including pyelonephritis caused by the following susceptible microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter koseri, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundii, Proteus spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients 18 years or older.

Usage
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of AVYCAZ and other antibacterial drugs, AVYCAZ should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS
AVYCAZ is contraindicated in patients with known serious hypersensitivity to AVYCAZ, avibactam‑containing products, ceftazidime, or other members of the cephalosporin class. 

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

• In a Phase 3 complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) trial, clinical cure rates were lower in a subgroup of patients with baseline creatinine clearance (CrCL) of 30 to 50 mL/min compared to those with CrCL greater than 50 mL/min. The reduction in clinical cure rates was more marked in patients treated with AVYCAZ plus metronidazole compared to meropenem-treated patients. Clinical cure rates in patients with normal renal function/mild renal impairment (CrCL greater than 50 mL/min) was 85% (322/379) with AVYCAZ plus metronidazole vs 86% (321/373) with meropenem, and clinical cure rates in patients with moderate renal impairment (CrCL 30 to 50 mL/min) was 45% (14/31) with AVYCAZ plus metronidazole vs 74% (26/35) with meropenem. Within this subgroup, patients treated with AVYCAZ received a 33% lower daily dose than is currently recommended for patients with CrCL 30 to 50 mL/min. Monitor CrCL at least daily in patients with changing renal function and adjust the dosage of AVYCAZ accordingly.
• Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions and serious skin reactions have been reported in patients receiving beta-lactam antibacterial drugs. Before therapy with AVYCAZ is instituted, careful inquiry about previous hypersensitivity reactions to other cephalosporins, penicillins, or carbapenems should be made.  Exercise caution if this product is to be given to a penicillin or other beta-lactam-allergic patient because cross sensitivity among beta-lactam antibacterial drugs has been established. Discontinue the drug if an allergic reaction to AVYCAZ occurs.
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported for nearly all systemic antibacterial drugs, including AVYCAZ, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Careful medical history is necessary because CDAD has been reported to occur more than 2 months after the administration of antibacterial drugs. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, antibacterials not directed against C. difficile should be discontinued, if possible.
• Seizures, nonconvulsive status epilepticus, encephalopathy, coma, asterixis, neuromuscular excitability, and myoclonia have been reported in patients treated with ceftazidime, particularly in the setting of renal impairment. Adjust dosing based on creatinine clearance.
• Prescribing AVYCAZ in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

• The most common adverse reactions (incidence of ≥10% in either indication) were vomiting (14%), nausea (10%), constipation (10%), and anxiety (10%).

About DALVANCE^®
DALVANCE^® for injection is a second generation, semi-synthetic lipoglycopeptide, which consists of a lipophilic side-chain added to an enhanced glycopeptide backbone.  DALVANCE^™ is the first and only IV antibiotic approved for the treatment of ABSSSI with a two-dose regimen of 1000 mg followed one week later by 500 mg, each administered over 30 minutes.  DALVANCE^™ demonstrates bactericidal activity in vitro against a range of Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant, also known as MRSA, strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes, as well as certain other streptococcal species.  On May 23, 2014 the FDA approved DALVANCE^™ for the treatment of adult patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

INDICATION AND USAGE
DALVANCE^® (dalbavancin) for injection is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) caused by susceptible isolates of the following Gram-positive microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant strains), Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus anginosus group (including S. anginosus, S. intermedius, S. constellatus).

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of DALVANCE and other antibacterial agents, DALVANCE should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS
DALVANCE is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dalbavancin. 

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hypersensitivity Reactions
Serious hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) and skin reactions have been reported with glycopeptide antibacterial agents, including DALVANCE. Exercise caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to glycopeptides due to the possibility of cross-sensitivity. If an allergic reaction occurs, treatment with DALVANCE should be discontinued.

Infusion-related Reactions
Rapid intravenous infusion of DALVANCE can cause reactions, including flushing of the upper body, urticaria, pruritus, and rash.

Hepatic Effects
ALT elevations with DALVANCE treatment were reported in clinical trials.

Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with nearly all systemic antibacterial agents, including DALVANCE, with severity ranging from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Evaluate if diarrhea occurs.

Development of Drug Resistant Bacteria
Prescribing DALVANCE in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions in patients treated with DALVANCE were nausea (5.5%), headache (4.7%), and diarrhea (4.4%).

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

• There have been no adequate and well-controlled studies with DALVANCE in pregnant or nursing women. DALVANCE should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk in these populations.
• In patients with renal impairment whose known creatinine clearance is less than 30 mL/min and who are not receiving regularly scheduled hemodialysis, the recommended two-dose regimen for DALVANCE is 750 mg followed one week later by 375 mg. No dosage adjustment is recommended for patients receiving regularly scheduled hemodialysis, and DALVANCE can be administered without regard to the timing of hemodialysis.
• Caution should be exercised when prescribing DALVANCE to patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B or C) as no data are available to determine the appropriate dosing in these patients.

Please see full prescribing information for DALVANCE.

About TEFLARO^® (ceftaroline fosamil)
TEFLARO^® is a broad-spectrum bactericidal cephalosporin with activity against both gram-positive pathogens and gram-negative pathogens. TEFLARO is indicated for the treatment of CABP, including cases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia, and ABSSSI, including cases caused by MRSA. In clinical trials, TEFLARO was generally well-tolerated with an adverse event profile consistent with the cephalosporin class of antibiotics.

Forest obtained the worldwide rights (excluding Japan, where Takeda Pharmaceuticals holds rights) to TEFLARO in 2007 when it acquired Cerexa, Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company. In August 2009, Forest Laboratories and AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) entered into a definitive collaboration agreement to co-develop and commercialize ceftaroline fosamil in all markets outside the U.S., Canada and Japan.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE
TEFLARO is indicated for the treatment of acute ABSSSI caused by susceptible bacterial isolates of the following Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-susceptible and -resistant isolates), Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Klebsiella oxytoca

TEFLARO is also indicated for the treatment of CABP caused by susceptible bacterial isolates of the following Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms: Streptococcus pneumoniae (including cases with concurrent bacteremia), Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible isolates only), Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Escherichia coli.

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of TEFLARO and other antibacterial drugs, TEFLARO should be used to treat only ABSSSI or CABP that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. Appropriate specimens for microbiological examination should be obtained in order to isolate and identify the causative pathogens and to determine their susceptibility to ceftaroline. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS
TEFLARO is contraindicated in patients with known serious hypersensitivity to ceftaroline or other members of the cephalosporin class. Anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions have been reported with ceftaroline.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hypersensitivity Reactions

• Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions and serious skin reactions have been reported with beta-lactam antibacterials. Before therapy with TEFLARO is instituted, careful inquiry about previous hypersensitivity reactions to other cephalosporins, penicillins, or carbapenems should be made. If this product is to be given to a penicillin- or other beta-lactam-allergic patient, caution should be exercised because cross sensitivity among beta-lactam antibacterial agents has been clearly established.
• If an allergic reaction to TEFLARO occurs, the drug should be discontinued. Serious acute hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions require emergency treatment with epinephrine and other emergency measures that may include airway management, oxygen, intravenous fluids, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and vasopressors as clinically indicated.

Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea

• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported for nearly all systemic antibacterial agents, including TEFLARO, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Careful medical history is necessary because CDAD has been reported to occur more than 2 months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, antibacterials not directed against C. difficile should be discontinued, if possible.            

Direct Coombs' Test Seroconversion

• Seroconversion from a negative to a positive direct Coombs' test result occurred in 120/1114 (10.8%) of patients receiving TEFLARO and 49/1116 (4.4%) of patients receiving comparator drugs in the four pooled Phase 3 trials. No adverse reactions representing hemolytic anemia were reported in any treatment group. If anemia develops during or after treatment with TEFLARO, drug-induced hemolytic anemia should be considered. If drug-induced hemolytic anemia is suspected, discontinuation of TEFLARO should be considered and supportive care should be administered to the patient if clinically indicated.

Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria

• Prescribing TEFLARO in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

• In the four pooled Phase 3 clinical trials, serious adverse events occurred in 98/1300 (7.5%) of patients receiving TEFLARO and 100/1297 (7.7%) of patients receiving comparator drugs. Treatment discontinuation due to adverse events occurred in 35/1300 (2.7%) of patients receiving TEFLARO and 48/1297 (3.7%) of patients receiving comparator drugs with the most common adverse events leading to discontinuation being hypersensitivity for both treatment groups at a rate of 0.3% in the TEFLARO group and 0.5% in the comparator group.
• No adverse reactions occurred in greater than 5% of patients receiving TEFLARO. The most common adverse reactions occurring in >2% of patients receiving TEFLARO in the pooled Phase 3 clinical trials were diarrhea, nausea, and rash.

Drug Interactions

• No clinical drug-drug interaction studies have been conducted with TEFLARO. There is minimal potential for drug-drug interactions between TEFLARO and CYP450 substrates, inhibitors, or inducers; drugs known to undergo active renal secretion; and drugs that may alter renal blood flow.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

• TEFLARO has not been studied in pregnant women. Therefore, TEFLARO should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
• It is not known whether ceftaroline is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when TEFLARO is administered to a nursing woman.
• Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
• Because elderly patients, those ≥65 years of age, are more likely to have decreased renal function and ceftaroline is excreted primarily by the kidney, care should be taken in dose selection in this age group and it may be useful to monitor renal function. Dosage adjustment for elderly patients should therefore be based on renal function.
• Dosage adjustment is required in patients with moderate (CrCl >30 to ≤50 mL/min) or severe (CrCl ≥15 to ≤30 mL/min) renal impairment and in patients with end-stage renal disease (CrCl <15 mL/min).
• The pharmacokinetics of ceftaroline in patients with hepatic impairment have not been established.

Please also see the full Prescribing Information for TEFLARO.

About Actavis
Actavis plc (NYSE: ACT), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a unique, global pharmaceutical company and a leader in a new industry model – Growth Pharma.  Actavis is focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative branded pharmaceuticals, high-quality generic and over-the-counter medicines and biologic products for patients around the world. 

Actavis markets a portfolio of best-in-class products that provide valuable treatments for the central nervous system, eye care, medical aesthetics, gastroenterology, women's health, urology, cardiovascular and anti-infective therapeutic categories, and operates the world's third-largest global generics business, providing patients around the globe with increased access to affordable, high-quality medicines. Actavis is an industry leader in research and development, with one of the broadest development pipelines in the pharmaceutical industry and a leading position in the submission of generic product applications globally.

With commercial operations in approximately 100 countries, Actavis is committed to working with physicians, healthcare providers and patients to deliver innovative and meaningful treatments that help people around the world live longer, healthier lives.

Actavis intends to adopt a new global name – Allergan – pending shareholder approval in 2015.

For more information, visit Actavis' website at www.actavis.com.

CONTACTS:

Investors:
Lisa DeFrancesco
(862) 261-7152

Media:
David Belian
(862) 261-8141

 

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SOURCE Actavis plc