A randomized, double‐blind trial demonstrating bioequivalence of the current recombinant activated factor VII formulation and a new robust 25°C stable formulation

Summary. Recombinant activated factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is a well‐established treatment for bleeding episodes in patients with congenital or acquired haemophilia A or B with inhibitors to factors VIII and IX and patients with FVII deficiency. The aim of this trial was to demonstrate bioequivalence between the currently marketed (rFVIIa/NovoSeven ® ) and a new rFVIIa formulation (VII25) stable at up to 25°C. Furthermore, short‐term safety and tolerability of VII25 and pharmacokinetics of both formulations were investigated. In this single‐centre, randomized, double‐blind, two‐way cross‐over trial, healthy male subjects received one intravenous bolus injection of rFVIIa and one of VII25, both at 90 μg kg −1 , in a randomized order 2–3 weeks apart. Mean VII25/rFVIIa ratio for area under the plasma activity‐time curve from time 0 to last quantifiable activity (primary bioequivalence endpoint), was 0.93, 90% confidence interval (CI) (0.89–0.96), within the predefined bioequivalence range (0.80–1.25). Secondary pharmacokinetic parameters were comparable between formulations. No serious adverse events were observed. Six mild or moderate treatment‐emergent adverse events were reported in five subjects. Coagulation‐related parameter profiles were similar between rFVIIa and VII25. No clinically abnormal changes were observed for laboratory parameters and no subjects developed FVIIa antibodies. This trial demonstrated bioequivalence between the currently available rFVIIa and VII25 stable at up to 25°C. VII25’s ‘user‐friendly’ formulation removes the inconvenience of storing/transporting at 2–8°C, and as the drug substance is the same, the activity and safety established for rFVIIa is maintained.