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WINREVAIR targets a key driver of PAH—imbalanced proliferative signaling—through activin signaling inhibition1,2

Diagram of the Mechanism of Action for WINREVAIR

WINREVAIR is the first and only PAH treatment to target the activin signaling pathway3

Diagram of PAH Therapeutic Targets: Activin Signaling Pathway, Endothelin Pathway, NO-sGC-cGMP Pathway, and Prostacyclin Pathway

ActRIIA = activin receptor type IIA; BMP = bone morphogenetic protein; BMPRII = bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II; cGMP = cyclic guanosine monophosphate; NO = nitric oxide; PDE5i = phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor; sGC = soluble guanylate cyclase.

WINREVAIR targets a novel pathway involved in regulating proliferative signaling, which is thought to be a key driver of pulmonary vascular remodeling2

References:
1. Hoeper MM, Badesch DB, Ghofrani HA, et al; STELLAR Trial Investigators. Phase 3 trial of sotatercept for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. N Engl J Med. 2023;388(16):1478-1490.


2. Humbert M, McLaughlin V, Gibbs JSR, et al; PULSAR Trial Investigators. Sotatercept for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(13):1204-1215. 


3. DailyMed database. Advanced search: “activin signaling inhibitor” in Mechanism of Action section. National Library of Medicine. Accessed February 10, 2025. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/advanced-search.cfm

4. Sahay S, Chakinala MM, Kim NH, et al. Contemporary treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension: a US perspective. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2024;210(5):581-592.

Report exposure during pregnancy or lactation to the Merck Sharp & Dohme, LLC Adverse Event reporting line at 1-877-888-4231

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Preparation and administration
FAQs

INDICATION

WINREVAIR is an activin signaling inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, World Health Organization [WHO] Group 1) to increase exercise capacity, improve WHO functional class (FC), and reduce the risk of clinical worsening events.

SELECTED SAFETY INFORMATION

Erythrocytosis: WINREVAIR may increase hemoglobin (Hgb). Severe erythrocytosis may increase the risk of thromboembolic events or hyperviscosity syndrome. Monitor Hgb before each dose for the first 5 doses, or longer if values are unstable, and periodically thereafter, to determine if dose adjustments are required.

 

Severe Thrombocytopenia: WINREVAIR may decrease platelet count. Severe thrombocytopenia may increase the risk of bleeding. Thrombocytopenia occurred more frequently in patients also receiving prostacyclin infusion. Do not initiate treatment if platelet count is <50,000/mm3. Monitor platelets before each dose for the first 5 doses, or longer if values are unstable, and periodically thereafter to determine whether dose adjustments are required.

 

Serious Bleeding: In clinical studies, serious bleeding (eg, gastrointestinal, intracranial hemorrhage) was reported in 4% of patients taking WINREVAIR and 1% of patients taking placebo. Patients with serious bleeding were more likely to be on prostacyclin background therapy and/or antithrombotic agents, or have low platelet counts. Advise patients about signs and symptoms of blood loss. Do not administer WINREVAIR if the patient is experiencing serious bleeding.

 

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: WINREVAIR may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use an effective method of contraception during treatment with WINREVAIR and for at least 4 months after the final dose. Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential before starting WINREVAIR treatment.

 

Impaired Fertility: Based on findings in animals, WINREVAIR may impair female and male fertility. Advise patients on the potential effects on fertility.

 

Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions occurring in the phase 3 clinical trial (≥10% for WINREVAIR and at least 5% more than placebo) were headache (24.5% vs 17.5%), epistaxis (22.1% vs 1.9%), rash (20.2% vs 8.1%), telangiectasia (16.6% vs 4.4%), diarrhea (15.3% vs 10.0%), dizziness (14.7% vs 6.2%), and erythema (13.5% vs 3.1%).

 

Lactation: Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed child, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with WINREVAIR, and for 4 months after the final dose.

 

Before prescribing WINREVAIR, please read the accompanying Prescribing Information. The Patient Information and Instructions for Use (1-vial kit, 2-vial kit) also are available.

INDICATION
SELECTED SAFETY INFORMATION

WINREVAIR is an activin signaling inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, World Health Organization [WHO] Group 1) to increase exercise capacity, improve WHO functional class (FC), and reduce the risk of clinical worsening events.

SELECTED SAFETY INFORMATION

Erythrocytosis: WINREVAIR may increase hemoglobin (Hgb). Severe erythrocytosis may increase the risk of thromboembolic events or hyperviscosity syndrome. Monitor Hgb before each dose for the first 5 doses, or longer if values are unstable, and periodically thereafter, to determine if dose adjustments are required.

 

Severe Thrombocytopenia: WINREVAIR may decrease platelet count. Severe thrombocytopenia may increase the risk of bleeding. Thrombocytopenia occurred more frequently in patients also receiving prostacyclin infusion. Do not initiate treatment if platelet count is <50,000/mm3. Monitor platelets before each dose for the first 5 doses, or longer if values are unstable, and periodically thereafter to determine whether dose adjustments are required.

 

Serious Bleeding: In clinical studies, serious bleeding (eg, gastrointestinal, intracranial hemorrhage) was reported in 4% of patients taking WINREVAIR and 1% of patients taking placebo. Patients with serious bleeding were more likely to be on prostacyclin background therapy and/or antithrombotic agents, or have low platelet counts. Advise patients about signs and symptoms of blood loss. Do not administer WINREVAIR if the patient is experiencing serious bleeding.

 

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: WINREVAIR may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use an effective method of contraception during treatment with WINREVAIR and for at least 4 months after the final dose. Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential before starting WINREVAIR treatment.

 

Impaired Fertility: Based on findings in animals, WINREVAIR may impair female and male fertility. Advise patients on the potential effects on fertility.

 

Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions occurring in the phase 3 clinical trial (≥10% for WINREVAIR and at least 5% more than placebo) were headache (24.5% vs 17.5%), epistaxis (22.1% vs 1.9%), rash (20.2% vs 8.1%), telangiectasia (16.6% vs 4.4%), diarrhea (15.3% vs 10.0%), dizziness (14.7% vs 6.2%), and erythema (13.5% vs 3.1%).

 

Lactation: Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed child, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with WINREVAIR, and for 4 months after the final dose.

 

Before prescribing WINREVAIR, please read the accompanying Prescribing Information. The Patient Information and Instructions for Use (1-vial kit, 2-vial kit) also are available.