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Axicabtagene Ciloleucel

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Yescarta

Brand Names
Yescarta
Drug Class
CD19-directed Chimeric Antigen Receptor [EPC], Genetically-modified Autologous T Cells [EPC]
Route
INTRAVENOUS
Dosage Form
SUSPENSION
Product Type
CELLULAR THERAPY

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES and SECONDARY HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving YESCARTA. Do not administer YESCARTA to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 , 2.3) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Neurologic toxicities, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving YESCARTA, including concurrently with CRS or after CRS resolution. Monitor for neurologic toxicities after treatment with YESCARTA. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 , 2.3) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies, including YESCARTA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES and SECONDARY HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving YESCARTA. Do not administer YESCARTA to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids ( 2.2 , 2.3 , 5.1 ). Neurologic toxicities, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving YESCARTA, including concurrently with CRS or after CRS resolution. Monitor for neurologic toxicities after treatment with YESCARTA. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids, as needed ( 2.2 , 2.3 , 5.2 ). T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies, including YESCARTA ( 5.7 ).

Description

11 DESCRIPTION YESCARTA (axicabtagene ciloleucel) is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy. To prepare YESCARTA, a patient's own T cells are harvested and genetically modified ex vivo by retroviral transduction to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising a murine anti-CD19 single chain variable fragment (scFv) linked to CD28 and CD3-zeta co-stimulatory domains. The anti-CD19 CAR T cells are expanded and infused back into the patient, where they can recognize and eliminate CD19-expressing target cells. YESCARTA is prepared from the patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which are obtained via a standard leukapheresis procedure. The mononuclear cells are enriched for T cells and activated with anti-CD3 antibody in the presence of IL-2, then transduced with the replication incompetent retroviral vector containing the anti-CD19 CAR transgene. The transduced T cells are expanded in cell culture, washed, formulated into a suspension, and cryopreserved. The product must pass a sterility test before release for shipping as a frozen suspension in a patient-specific infusion bag. The product is thawed prior to infusion [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16) ]. In addition to T cells, YESCARTA may contain NK and NK-T cells. The formulation contains 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 2.5% albumin (human).

What Is Axicabtagene Ciloleucel Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE YESCARTA is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of: Adult patients with large B-cell lymphoma that is refractory to first-line chemoimmunotherapy or that relapses within 12 months of first-line chemoimmunotherapy. ( 1.1 ) Adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, high grade B-cell lymphoma, and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma. ( 1.1 ) Adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after two or more lines of systemic therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s). ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Large B-cell Lymphoma YESCARTA is indicated for the treatment of: Adult patients with large B-cell lymphoma that is refractory to first-line chemoimmunotherapy or that relapses within 12 months of first-line chemoimmunotherapy. Adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, high grade B-cell lymphoma, and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma. 1.2 Follicular Lymphoma YESCARTA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after two or more lines of systemic therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For autologous use only. For intravenous use only. Do NOT use a leukodepleting filter. ( 2.2 ) Administer a lymphodepleting regimen of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine before infusion of YESCARTA. ( 2.2 ) Verify the patient's identity prior to infusion. ( 2.2 ) Premedicate with acetaminophen and an H1-antihistamine. ( 2.2 ) Confirm availability of tocilizumab prior to infusion. ( 2.2 , 5.1 ) Dosing of YESCARTA is based on the number of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-positive viable T cells. ( 2.1 ) The target YESCARTA dose is 2 × 10 6 CAR-positive viable T cells per kg body weight, with a maximum of 2 × 10 8 CAR-positive viable T cells. ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Dose For autologous use only. For intravenous use only. Each single infusion bag of YESCARTA contains a suspension of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-positive T cells in approximately 68 mL. The target dose is 2 × 10 6 CAR-positive viable T cells per kg body weight, with a maximum of 2 × 10 8 CAR-positive viable T cells. 2.2 Administration YESCARTA is for autologous use only. The patient's identity must match the patient identifiers on the YESCARTA cassette and infusion bag. Do not infuse YESCARTA if the information on the patient-specific label does not match the intended patient. Preparing Patient for YESCARTA Infusion Confirm availability of YESCARTA prior to starting the lymphodepleting regimen. Pre-treatment Administer a lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen of cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m 2 intravenously and fludarabine 30 mg/m 2 intravenously on the fifth, fourth, and third day before infusion of YESCARTA. Premedication Administer acetaminophen 650 mg PO and diphenhydramine 12.5 mg intravenously or PO approximately 1 hour before YESCARTA infusion. Consider the use of prophylactic corticosteroid in patients after weighing the potential benefits and risks [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 and 5.2) ] . Preparation of YESCARTA for Infusion Coordinate the timing of YESCARTA thaw and infusion. Confirm the infusion time in advance, and adjust the start time of YESCARTA thaw such that it will be available for infusion when the patient is ready. Confirm patient identity: Prior to YESCARTA preparation, match the patient's identity with the patient identifiers on the YESCARTA cassette. Do not remove the YESCARTA product bag from the cassette if the information on the patient-specific label does not match the intended patient. Once patient identification is confirmed, remove the YESCARTA product bag from the cassette and check that the patient information on the cassette label matches the bag label. Inspect the product bag for any breaches of container integrity such as breaks or cracks before thawing. If the bag is compromised, follow the local guidelines (or call Kite at 1-844-454-KITE). Place the infusion bag inside a second sterile bag per local guidelines. Thaw YESCARTA at approximately 37°C using either a water bath or dry thaw method until there is no visible ice in the...

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 30%), excluding laboratory abnormalities, in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma are CRS, fever, hypotension, encephalopathy, fatigue, tachycardia, headache, nausea, febrile neutropenia, diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, infections with pathogen unspecified, chills and decreased appetite. ( 6.1 ) The most common Grade 3-4 laboratory abnormalities (≥ 30%) are leukopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hypophosphatemia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Kite at 1-844-454-KITE (5483) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety data described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and in the ADVERSE REACTIONS sections reflect exposure to a single dose of YESCARTA in four clinical studies, including 168 patients with relapsed or refractory LBCL (Study 1), 108 patients with relapsed or refractory LBCL (Study 2), 146 patients with relapsed or refractory iNHL (including 124 with FL; Study 3), and 13 patients with relapsed or refractory primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) (Study 4). Relapsed or Refractory Large B-cell Lymphoma Study 1 The safety of YESCARTA was evaluated in Study 1, a randomized, open-label, multicenter study in which patients with primary refractory LBCL or first relapse of LBCL received YESCARTA (N = 168) or standard therapy (N = 168) [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Patients had not yet received treatment for relapsed or refractory lymphoma and were potential candidates for autologous HSCT. The trial excluded patients who were not deemed candidates for transplant or who had a history of central nervous system (CNS) disorders (such as seizures or cerebrovascular ischemia), serious or uncontrolled infection, or autoimmune disease requiring systemic immunosuppression. The study required ANC ≥ 1000/mm 3 , platelet count ≥ 75,000/mm 3 , creatinine clearance ≥ 60 ml/min, AST/ALT ≤ 2.5 × ULN, and total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 mg/dL. The median age of the YESCARTA-treated safety population was 59 years (range: 21 to 80 years); 62% were male. The baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status was 0 in 54% of patients and 1 in 46%. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 50% of patients. The most common serious adverse reactions (> 5%) included CRS, fever, encephalopathy, hypotension, infection with unspecified pathogen, and pneumonia. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 2% of patients. Sixty-seven percent (112/168) of patients received tocilizumab after infusion of YESCARTA. Table 3 summarizes selected non-laboratory adverse reactions in patients treated with YESCARTA, and Table 4 summarizes selected new or worsening Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities. Table 3. Adverse Reactions in ≥ 10% of Patients with Relapsed or Refractory LBCL in Study 1 Adverse Reaction YESCARTA N = 168 Any Grade (%) Grade 3 or Higher (%) Blood and Lymphatic System Disorder Febrile neutropenia 31 31 Cardiac Disorders Tachycardia Represents a composite of multiple, related preferred terms. 43 2 Arrhythmia 14 3 Gastrointestinal Disorders Diarrhea Diarrhea includes diarrhea, colitis. 42 3 Nausea 40 2 Abdominal pain 20 4 Constipation 20 0 Vomiting 20 0 Dry Mouth 10 0 General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Fever 93 9 Fatigue 52 7 Chills 28 1 Edema 23 1 Immune System Disorders Cytokine release syndrome CRS includes coagulopathy, tachycardia, arrhythmia, cardiac failure, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, chills, edema, decreased appetite, musculoskeletal pain, headache, tremor, dizziness, renal insufficiency, cough, hypoxia, dyspnea, pleural effusion, respiratory failure, rash, hypotension, and hypertension. 92 7...

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data with YESCARTA use in pregnant women. No animal reproductive and developmental toxicity studies have been conducted with YESCARTA to assess whether it can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. It is not known if YESCARTA has the potential to be transferred to the fetus. Based on the mechanism of action, if the transduced cells cross the placenta, they may cause fetal toxicity, including B-cell lymphocytopenia. Therefore, YESCARTA is not recommended for women who are pregnant, and pregnancy after YESCARTA infusion should be discussed with the treating physician. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% – 4% and 15% – 20%, respectively.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING YESCARTA is supplied in an infusion bag (NDC 71287-119-01) containing approximately 68 mL of frozen suspension of genetically modified autologous T cells in 5% DMSO and 2.5% albumin (human). Each YESCARTA infusion bag is individually packed in a metal cassette (NDC 71287-119-02). YESCARTA is supplied in a liquid nitrogen dry shipper. Match the identity of the patient with the patient identifiers on the cassette and infusion bag upon receipt. Store YESCARTA frozen in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen (less than or equal to -150ºC). YESCARTA may be stored for a single time at -80°C (+/- 10°C), for up to 90 days, and not exceeding the labeled expiration date. Do not return YESCARTA to storage in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen after storage at -80°C. Thaw before using [see Dosage and Administration (2) ].

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.