Nektar and Collaborators Present Preclinical Data on NKTR-255 Combined with Obinutuzumab in Poster Presentation at the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting

On December 11, 2023 Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NKTR) reported that collaborators from the Cairo Laboratory at New York Medical College presented a poster highlighting new preclinical data on NKTR-255 at the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting demonstrating that NKTR-255 significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of expanded Natural Killer (NK) cells when combined with obinutuzumab against rituximab-resistant BL cells and significantly improved the survival of mice xenografted with Raji-4RH compared to controls (Press release, Nektar Therapeutics, DEC 11, 2023, View Source [SID1234638452]).

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NKTR-255 is a novel polymer-conjugated human IL-15 receptor agonist currently being studied in three separate clinical studies in combination with cell therapies and immunotherapies. Preclinical and early clinical data suggest that NKTR-255 can improve proliferation and persistence of NK and CD8+ T cells to enhance specific anti-tumor activity.

"Both in vitro and in vivo data show the promising synergistic potential of combining NKTR-255 with an anti-CD20 antibody, obinutuzumab, in enhancing anti-tumor immune response, particularly in an aggressive tumor model like Burkitt lymphoma," said Jonathan Zalevsky, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Research & Development Officer at Nektar. "Results like these confirm our belief that NKTR-255 could become a valuable addition to current standard of care across multiple oncology indications, particularly in hematologic malignancies."

2023 ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) presentations are available for download at www.nektar.com/science/scientific-posters-and-presentations.

Key details and takeaways from the presentation are as follows:

Abstract 2063: "Optimizing Ex-Vivo Expanded NK Cell- Mediated Cellular Cytotoxicity By Obinutuzumab Combined with NKTR-255 in Burkitt Lymphoma (BL)", Chu YY, et al.

NKTR-255 significantly promoted NK cell proliferation, and significantly enhanced the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of expanded NK cells when combined with obinutuzumab against rituximab-resistant BL cells in vitro.
NKTR-255 significantly enhanced the release of interferon-gamma (IFNγ) and granzyme B, proinflammatory cytokines with multiple functions including enhancing anti-tumor immune response, by NK cells when combined with obinutuzumab against BL cells in vitro.
NKTR-255 combined with obinutuzumab and NK cells significantly extended survival, compared to NK cells alone, in humanized rituximab-resistant BL cells xenografted mouse models.
About NKTR-255

NKTR-255 is a biologic that targets the IL-15 pathway in order to activate the body’s innate and adaptive immunity. Through optimal engagement of the IL-15 receptor complex, NKTR-255 is designed to enhance functional NK cell populations and formation of long-term immunological memory, which may lead to sustained and durable anti-tumor immune response.

NKTR-255 is currently being studied in three separate clinical studies in combination with cell therapies and immunotherapy. A Phase 2/3 study is underway that combines NKTR-255 with approved CAR-T cell therapies in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, which is currently recruiting (NCT05664217). NKTR-255 is also being studied in a Phase 2 study in combination with avelumab as a maintenance treatment in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma in the Merck KGaA-sponsored JAVELIN Bladder Medley trial (NCT05327530). In September, the company announced a new clinical collaboration whereby CBMG will be adding NKTR-255 to its ongoing CBMG-sponsored Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating C-TIL051, a tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy, in anti-PD1 resistant metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, which is being conducted at Duke Cancer Institute (NCT05676749).

In addition, there are two ongoing investigator sponsored trials (ISTs) evaluating NKTR-255 as adjunct therapy following a CAR-T cell therapy and one study evaluating NKTR-255 in combination with PD-1 immunotherapy. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is conducting a Phase 1 study evaluating NKTR-255 following lisocabtagene maraleucel treatment in patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (NCT05359211), and Stanford University is conducting a Phase 1 study evaluating NKTR-255 following an investigational CD19/22 CAR-T cell therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (NCT03233854). M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is conducting a Phase 1 study evaluating NKTR-255 in combination with durvalumab in patients with locally advanced NSCLC (NCT05632809).

Treatment with CARVYKTI® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) Resulted in Clinically Meaningful Improvements in Health-Related Quality of Life and Reductions in Disease-Specific Symptoms in Patients with Earlier-Line Multiple Myeloma

On December 11, 2023 Johnson & Johnson reported new patient-reported outcomes (PRO) from the Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 study of CARVYKTI (ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel) demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in health-related quality of life and meaningful reductions in disease-specific symptoms according to multiple PRO measures in the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma who received one to three prior lines of therapy (LOT) (Press release, Johnson & Johnson, DEC 11, 2023, View Source [SID1234638451]). These data were featured as an oral presentation at the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (Abstract #1063).

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"These results from the CARTITUDE-4 study showed the potential of cilta-cel to significantly improve health-related quality of life measures for patients, including pain, fatigue and emotional functioning," said Roberto Mina, Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.‡ "Cilta-cel has demonstrated deep and durable responses in later lines of therapy, and these results show the potential of cilta-cel for patients with lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma as early as after first relapse."

In this analysis of the Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 study, patients in the CARVYKTI arm reported improved functioning and symptom reduction from baseline, while PRO scores in the standard of care (SOC) regimens, pomalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (PVd) or daratumumab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone (DPd) arm trended toward worsening or lower degrees of improvement from baseline for most domains and symptoms.1 CARVYKTI exceeded clinically meaningful thresholds for average improvement in global health status (10.1 points), pain (–10.2 points) and the visual analogue scale (8.0 points) from baseline to month 12; improvements in fatigue (–9.1 points) and emotional functioning (9.5 points) neared clinically meaningful thresholds.1 Using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30; 100-point scale), a 30-item instrument designed to measure quality of life in all cancer patients, the analysis showed that results numerically favored CARVYKTI for all other domains.1,2 The median time until multiple myeloma symptom worsening in the CARVYKTI arm was 23.7 months compared to 18.9 months in the SOC arm (Hazard Ratio [HR]= 0.42; 95 percent Confidence Interval [CI], 0.26–0.68; p value p0.003), measured with the Multiple Myeloma Symptom and Impact Questionnaire (MySIm-Q; 5-point scale).1

The CARTITUDE-4 study enrolled 419 patients with lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma and one to three prior LOT.1 At clinical cut-off, 99 patients in the CARVYKTI arm and 66 in the SOC arm had both baseline and 12-month PRO assessments, representing data prior to progression.1 PRO compliance was 100 percent at baseline and decreased with subsequent visits to 74 percent in the CARVYKTI and 81 percent in the SOC arm at month 12.1 Patients were administered EORTC QLQ-C30, EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L; 100-point scale) and MySIm-Q questionnaires throughout the course of the study.1 In the primary analysis of CARTITUDE-4 presented at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, CARVYKTI reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 74 percent (Hazard Ratio [HR]=0.26; 95 percent Confidence Interval [CI], 0.18–0.38; p value p<0.0001) compared to two SOC regimens, PVd or DPd, in adults with relapsed and lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma who received one to three prior LOT.3

CARTITUDE-2: Updated CARVYKTI Results in Earlier Lines of Treatment

Longer-term efficacy and safety data from CARTITUDE-2 cohorts A and B were also presented in an oral presentation at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) (Abstract #1021). At a median follow-up of approximately 29 months, patients treated with CARVYKTI in earlier LOT, both those with lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma after one to three LOT (cohort A) and those with early relapse (cohort B), experienced deep and durable responses.4 In the 20 patients in cohort A and 19 in cohort B, treatment with CARVYKTI resulted in overall response rates of 95 percent (complete response or better [≥CR], 90 percent) and 100 percent (≥CR, 90 percent), respectively. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached in either cohort, and 24-month PFS rates were 75 percent in cohort A and 73 percent in cohort B; respective 24-month overall survival rates were 75 percent and 84 percent.

No new CAR-T-related safety signals were observed; one additional CAR-T cell neurotoxicity of sensory loss (grade 2) which resolved was reported in cohort B.3 Cohort A provides insight into potential longer-term survival outcomes that may be expected in the Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 study, which enrolled the same patient population.

"The data presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) highlight our commitment to pursue the development of cutting-edge therapies with the intent of providing clinically meaningful real-life benefits for patients, in addition to robust efficacy and safety data," said Jordan Schecter, M.D., Vice President, Clinical Development Cellular Therapy Program, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. "These analyses add to the continued evidence from the CARTITUDE-4 study and build our confidence in the profile of CARVYKTI as a potential and promising treatment option for patients with multiple myeloma whose disease recurs early."

About CARTITUDE-4

CARTITUDE-4 (NCT04181827) is the first international, randomized, open-label Phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of cilta-cel versus pomalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (PVd) or daratumumab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone (DPd) in adult patients with relapsed and lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma who received one to three prior lines of therapy.

About CARTITUDE-2

CARTITUDE-2 (NCT04133636) is an ongoing, multi-cohort Phase 2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of cilta-cel in patients with multiple myeloma. Cohort B evaluates patients who received one line of prior therapy including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD), and had disease progression per IMWG criteria within 12 months after treatment with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) or from the start of anti-myeloma therapy for participants who have not had an ASCT. Cohort A evaluates patients who had progressive multiple myeloma after 1–3 prior lines of therapy including a PI and an IMiD, were lenalidomide refractory, and had no prior exposure to BCMA-targeting agents.

About CARVYKTI (ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel)

CARVYKTI received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in February 2022 for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after four or more prior lines of therapy, including a PI, an IMiD agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.5 In May 2022, the European Commission granted conditional marketing authorization of CARVYKTI for the treatment of adults with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior therapies, including an IMiD agent, a PI and an anti-CD38 antibody, and have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy.

CARVYKTI is a BCMA-directed, genetically modified autologous T-cell immunotherapy, which involves reprogramming a patient’s own T-cells with a transgene encoding chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that directs the CAR positive T-cells to eliminate cells that express BCMA. BCMA is primarily expressed on the surface of malignant multiple myeloma B-lineage cells, as well as late-stage B cells and plasma cells. The CARVYKTI CAR protein features two BCMA-targeting single domains designed to confer high avidity against human BCMA. Upon binding to BCMA-expressing cells, the CAR promotes T-cell activation, expansion, and elimination of target cells.

In December 2017, Janssen Biotech, Inc. entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Legend Biotech USA, Inc. to develop and commercialize CARVYKTI.

For more information, visit www.CARVYKTI.com.

About multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.6 In multiple myeloma, these plasma cells change, spread rapidly and replace normal cells in the bone marrow with tumors.7 Multiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer and remains an incurable disease.8,9 In 2023, it is estimated that more than 35,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the U.S. and more than 12,000 people will die from the disease.10 People living with multiple myeloma have a 5-year relative survival rate of 59.8 percent.11 While some people diagnosed with multiple myeloma initially have no symptoms, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels and kidney problems or infections.12,13

CARVYKTI IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES, HLH/MAS, and PROLONGED and RECURRENT CYTOPENIA

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with CARVYKTI. Do not administer CARVYKTI to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.

Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS), which may be fatal or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI, including before CRS onset, concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. Monitor for neurologic events after treatment with CARVYKTI. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.

Parkinsonism and Guillain-Barré syndrome and their associated complications resulting in fatal or life-threatening reactions have occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (HLH/MAS), including fatal and life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with CARVYKTI. HLH/MAS can occur with CRS or neurologic toxicities.

Prolonged and/or recurrent cytopenias with bleeding and infection and requirement for stem cell transplantation for hematopoietic recovery occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI.

CARVYKTI is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the CARVYKTI REMS Program.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI in 95% (92/97) of patients receiving ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Grade 3 or higher CRS (2019 ASTCT grade) occurred in 5% (5/97) of patients, with Grade 5 CRS reported in 1 patient. The median time to onset of CRS was 7 days (range: 112 days). The most common manifestations of CRS included pyrexia (100%), hypotension (43%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (22%), chills (15%), increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (14%) and sinus tachycardia (11%). Grade 3 or higher events associated with CRS included increased AST and ALT, hyperbilirubinemia, hypotension, pyrexia, hypoxia, respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation and hemorrhage, HLH/MAS, angina pectoris, supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia, malaise, myalgias, increased C-reactive protein, ferritin, blood alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase.

Identify CRS based on clinical presentation. Evaluate for and treat other causes of fever, hypoxia, and hypotension. CRS has been reported to be associated with findings of HLH/MAS, and the physiology of the syndromes may overlap. HLH/MAS is a potentially life-threatening condition. In patients with progressive symptoms of CRS or refractory CRS despite treatment, evaluate for evidence of HLH/MAS. One patient with CRS and suspected HLH/MAS developed a fatal retroperitoneal hemorrhage in the setting of thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy and anticoagulation.

Sixty-nine of 97 (71%) patients received tocilizumab and/or a corticosteroid for CRS after infusion of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Forty-four (45%) patients received only tocilizumab, of whom 33 (34%) received a single dose and 11 (11%) received more than one dose; 24 patients (25%) received tocilizumab and a corticosteroid, and one patient (1%) received only corticosteroids. Ensure that a minimum of two doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of CARVYKTI.

Monitor patients at least daily for 10 days following CARVYKTI infusion at a REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs and symptoms of CRS. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS for at least 4 weeks after infusion. At the first sign of CRS, immediately institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.

Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time.

Neurologic toxicities, which may be severe, life-threatening or fatal, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI. Neurologic toxicities included ICANS, neurologic toxicity with signs and symptoms of parkinsonism, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, immune mediated myelitis, peripheral neuropathies, and cranial nerve palsies. Counsel patients on the signs and symptoms of these neurologic toxicities, and on the delayed nature of onset of some of these toxicities. Instruct patients to seek immediate medical attention for further assessment and management if signs or symptoms of any of these neurologic toxicities occur at any time.

Overall, one or more subtypes of neurologic toxicity described below occurred following ciltacabtagene autoleucel in 26% (25/97) of patients, of which 11% (11/97) of patients experienced Grade 3 or higher events. These subtypes of neurologic toxicities were also observed in two ongoing studies.

Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS): Patients may experience fatal or life-threatening ICANS following treatment with CARVYKTI, including before CRS onset, concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. ICANS occurred in 23% (22/97) of patients receiving ciltacabtagene autoleucel including Grade 3 or 4 events in 3% (3/97) and Grade 5 (fatal) events in 2% (2/97). The median time to onset of ICANS was 8 days (range 1-28 days). All 22 patients with ICANS had CRS. The most frequent (≥5%) manifestation of ICANS included encephalopathy (23%), aphasia (8%) and headache (6%).

Monitor patients at least daily for 10 days following CARVYKTI infusion at the REMS certified healthcare facility for signs and symptoms of ICANS. Rule out other causes of ICANS symptoms. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of ICANS for at least 4 weeks after infusion and treat promptly. Neurologic toxicity should be managed with supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.

Parkinsonism: Of the 25 patients in the CARTITUDE-1 study experiencing any neurotoxicity, five male patients had neurologic toxicity with several signs and symptoms of parkinsonism, distinct from immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Neurologic toxicity with parkinsonism has been reported in other ongoing trials of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Patients had parkinsonian and non-parkinsonian symptoms that included tremor, bradykinesia, involuntary movements, stereotypy, loss of spontaneous movements, masked facies, apathy, flat affect, fatigue, rigidity, psychomotor retardation, micrographia, dysgraphia, apraxia, lethargy, confusion, somnolence, loss of consciousness, delayed reflexes, hyperreflexia, memory loss, difficulty swallowing, bowel incontinence, falls, stooped posture, shuffling gait, muscle weakness and wasting, motor dysfunction, motor and sensory loss, akinetic mutism, and frontal lobe release signs. The median onset of parkinsonism in the 5 patients in CARTITUDE-1 was 43 days (range 15-108) from infusion of ciltacabtagene autoleucel.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of parkinsonism that may be delayed in onset and managed with supportive care measures. There is limited efficacy information with medications used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, for the improvement or resolution of parkinsonism symptoms following CARVYKTI treatment.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A fatal outcome following Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has occurred in another ongoing study of ciltacabtagene autoleucel despite treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Symptoms reported include those consistent with Miller-Fisher variant of GBS, encephalopathy, motor weakness, speech disturbances and polyradiculoneuritis.

Monitor for GBS. Evaluate patients presenting with peripheral neuropathy for GBS. Consider treatment of GBS with supportive care measures and in conjunction with immunoglobulin and plasma exchange, depending on severity of GBS.

Immune Mediated Myelitis: Grade 3 myelitis has occurred 25 days following treatment in another ongoing study. Symptoms reported included hypoesthesia of the lower extremities and the lower abdomen with impaired sphincter control. Symptoms improved with the use of corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin. Myelitis was ongoing at the time of death from other cause.

Peripheral Neuropathy: Six patients in CARTITUDE-1 developed peripheral neuropathy. These neuropathies presented as sensory, motor or sensorimotor neuropathies. Median time of onset of symptoms was 62 days (range 4-136 days), median duration of peripheral neuropathies was 256 days (range 2-465 days) including those with ongoing neuropathy. Patients who experienced peripheral neuropathy also experienced cranial nerve palsies or GBS in other ongoing trials of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathies.

Cranial Nerve Palsies: Three patients (3.1%) experienced cranial nerve palsies in CARTITUDE-1. All three patients had 7th cranial nerve palsy; one patient had 5th cranial nerve palsy as well. Median time to onset was 26 days (range 21-101 days) following infusion of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Occurrence of 3rd and 6th cranial nerve palsy, bilateral 7th cranial nerve palsy, worsening of cranial nerve palsy after improvement, and occurrence of peripheral neuropathy in patients with cranial nerve palsy have also been reported in ongoing trials of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of cranial nerve palsies. Consider management with systemic corticosteroids, depending on the severity and progression of signs and symptoms.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS): Fatal HLH occurred in one patient (1%), 99 days after ciltacabtagene autoleucel. The HLH event was preceded by prolonged CRS lasting 97 days. The manifestations of HLH/MAS include hypotension, hypoxia with diffuse alveolar damage, coagulopathy, cytopenia, and multi-organ dysfunction, including renal dysfunction.

One patient with Grade 4 HLH/MAS developed fatal intracerebral and gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the setting of coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia 12 days after treatment in another ongoing study. Patients who develop HLH/MAS have an increased risk of severe bleeding. Monitor hematological parameters in patients with HLH/MAS and transfuse per institutional guidelines.

HLH is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate if not recognized and treated early. Treatment of HLH/MAS should be administered per institutional standards.

CARVYKTI REMS: Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, CARVYKTI is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the CARVYKTI REMS.

Further information is available at View Source or 1-844-672-0067.

Prolonged and Recurrent Cytopenias: Patients may exhibit prolonged and recurrent cytopenias following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and CARVYKTI infusion. One patient underwent autologous stem cell therapy for hematopoietic reconstitution due to prolonged thrombocytopenia.

In CARTITUDE-1, 30% (29/97) of patients experienced prolonged Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and 41% (40/97) of patients experienced prolonged Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia that had not resolved by Day 30 following ciltacabtagene autoleucel infusion.

Recurrent Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia and anemia were seen in 63% (61/97), 18% (17/97), 60% (58/97), and 37% (36/97) after recovery from initial Grade 3 or 4 cytopenia following infusion. After Day 60 following ciltacabtagene autoleucel infusion, 31%, 12% and 6% of patients had a recurrence of Grade 3 or higher lymphopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, respectively, after initial recovery of their Grade 3 or 4 cytopenia. Eighty-seven percent (84/97) of patients had one, two, or three or more recurrences of Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias after initial recovery of Grade 3 or 4 cytopenia. Six and 11 patients had Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, respectively, at the time of death.

Monitor blood counts prior to and after CARVYKTI infusion. Manage cytopenias with growth factors and blood product transfusion support according to local institutional guidelines.

Infections: CARVYKTI should not be administered to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Severe, life-threatening or fatal infections occurred in patients after CARVYKTI infusion.

Infections (all grades) occurred in 57 (59%) patients. Grade 3 or 4 infections occurred in 23% (22/97) of patients; Grade 3 or 4 infections with an unspecified pathogen occurred in 17%, viral infections in 7%, bacterial infections in 1%, and fungal infections in 1% of patients. Overall, four patients had Grade 5 infections: lung abscess (n=1), sepsis (n=2) and pneumonia (n=1).

Grade 5 infections reported in other studies include bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, and CMV colitis (with HSV-1 hepatitis). Another patient developed mycotic aneurysm due to cerebral aspergillosis and died of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after CARVYKTI infusion and treat patients appropriately. Administer prophylactic, pre-emptive and/or therapeutic antimicrobials according to the standard institutional guidelines. Febrile neutropenia was observed in 10% of patients after ciltacabtagene autoleucel infusion, and may be concurrent with CRS. In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids and other supportive care, as medically indicated.

In a randomized controlled study of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (CARTITUDE-4), patients treated with ciltacabtagene autoleucel had an increased rate of fatal COVID-19 infections compared to the standard therapy arm. Counsel patients on the importance of prevention measures. Follow institutional guidelines for the vaccination and management of immunocompromised patients with COVID-19.

Viral Reactivation: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure and death, can occur in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia. Perform screening for Cytomegalovirus (CMV), HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or any other infectious agents if clinically indicated in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing. Consider antiviral therapy to prevent viral reactivation per local institutional guidelines/clinical practice.

Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse event in 12% (12/97) of patients; laboratory IgG levels fell below 500 mg/dL after infusion in 92% (89/97) of patients. Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with CARVYKTI and administer IVIG for IgG <400 mg/dL. Manage per local institutional guidelines, including infection precautions and antibiotic or antiviral prophylaxis.

Use of Live Vaccines: The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following CARVYKTI treatment has not been studied. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during CARVYKTI treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment with CARVYKTI.

Hypersensitivity Reactions have occurred in 5% (5/97) of patients following ciltacabtagene autoleucel infusion. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may be due to the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in CARVYKTI. Patients should be carefully monitored for 2 hours after infusion for signs and symptoms of severe reaction. Treat promptly and manage appropriately according to the severity of the hypersensitivity reaction.

Secondary Malignancies: Patients may develop secondary malignancies. Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Janssen Biotech, Inc., at 1-800-526-7736 for reporting and to obtain instructions on collection of patient samples for testing of secondary malignancy of T cell origin.

Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status, seizures, neurocognitive decline, or neuropathy, patients are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following CARVYKTI infusion. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery during this initial period, and in the event of new onset of any neurologic toxicities.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence greater than 20%) are pyrexia, cytokine release syndrome, hypogammaglobulinemia, hypotension, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, infections of unspecified pathogen, cough, chills, diarrhea, nausea, encephalopathy, decreased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, tachycardia, dizziness, dyspnea, edema, viral infections, coagulopathy, constipation, and vomiting. The most common laboratory adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 50%) include thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia, aminotransferase elevation, and hypoalbuminemia.

Please read full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, for CARVYKTI.

New Analyses Demonstrate Versatility and Continued Efficacy of TALVEY™ in the Treatment of Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma

On December 11, 2023 Johnson & Johnson reported an analysis from the Phase 1/2 MonumenTAL-1 study of TALVEY (talquetamab-tgvs) in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) showed that patients treated with TALVEY were subsequently treated effectively with several classes of therapy, including anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy as well as BCMA and anti-Fc receptor-like protein 5 (FcRH5) bispecific antibodies, after TALVEY treatment (Press release, Johnson & Johnson, DEC 11, 2023, View Source [SID1234638450]). These data, featured in a poster presentation at the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (Abstract #2007), highlight the versatility of TALVEY when used before or after BCMA-directed CAR-T and bispecifics in triple-class exposed patients with RRMM.1 Additional results from the MonumenTAL-1 study, also featured in a poster presentation, support the overall versatility of TALVEY by showing continued strong efficacy among patients with prior exposure to T-cell redirection therapy (TCR) (Abstract #3377).2

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In MonumenTAL-1, 297 patients with no prior exposure to TCR received TALVEY at the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) of 0.8 mg/kg biweekly (Q2W) [n=154] or 0.4 mg/kg weekly (QW) [n=143].1 Patients in the study received a median of five prior lines of therapy; 75 percent of patients were triple-class refractory; 29 percent were penta-drug refractory; and 12 percent had prior belantamab mafodotin exposure.1 Overall, 162 patients received at least one subsequent antimyeloma therapy (SAT) after TALVEY discontinuation, including chemotherapy-based regimens (n=48); a proteasome inhibitor- (PI), an immunomodulatory drug- (IMiD), or other anti-neoplastic–containing regimen (n=44); anti-CD38 mAb-containing regimens (n=27); bispecific antibodies (n=23; n=19 anti–BCMA; n=4 anti–FcRH5); CAR-T therapy (n=17; including n=9 anti–BCMA-targeting CAR-T); or anti-BCMA antibody-drug conjugates (n=9).1

Results show that patients who discontinued TALVEY were able to achieve a response with SATs, including 65 percent (11/17) of patients who received subsequent CAR-T cell therapy, of whom 35 percent achieved a complete response (CR) or better.1 Patients treated with anti-BCMA bispecific antibodies as the first SAT achieved an overall response rate (ORR) of 58 percent (11/19), and 75 percent (3/4) responded to anti-FcRH5 bispecific antibody therapy as the first SAT.1

A separate updated analysis of the MonumenTAL-1 study, focused on safety and efficacy of TALVEY in patients with RRMM after prior TCRs (n=70), showed continued strong efficacy of TALVEY across populations exposed to TCR (predominantly anti-BCMA), with an ORR of 73 percent and median duration of response (mDOR) of more than 1 year in the post–CAR-T cell therapy setting.2 More than 56 percent of patients exposed to prior bispecific antibody responded.2

"Results from the MonumenTAL-1 analyses support the versatility of talquetamab either before or after BCMA-directed CAR-T and bispecifics in patients with triple-class exposed relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma," said Ajai Chari, M.D., Director of Multiple Myeloma Program, Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.‡ "Talquetamab presents a new treatment option for patients and physicians who want to save BCMA-directed for later lines of therapy."

Data from the Pivotal Phase 1/2 MonumenTAL-1 Study Highlight Reported Continued Efficacy of TALVEY with Reduced Intensity Dosing

An oral presentation at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2023 highlighted results from 50 patients in the Phase 1/2 MonumenTAL-1 study who were switched to reduced intensity dosing based on meeting specific response criteria or to mitigate treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) such as oral-, nail- and/or skin-related TEAEs, which may be related to expression of GPRC5D (Abstract #1010).3 Patients whose dose was reduced maintained durable responses to TALVEY treatment.3 Two additional cohorts, which were conducted to examine the impact of prospective reduction in dosing intensity after response was achieved, included 24 patients with a median follow-up of 13.2 months.3 In total, 79 percent (19/24) of patients achieved a partial response (PR) or better and switched from 0.8 mg/kg Q2W to either 0.4 mg/kg Q2W or 0.8 mg/kg Q4W.3 Following the change in dosing, at six months, mDOR was not reached.3

Patients who prospectively switched to reduced dosing intensity trended towards improved resolution of GPRC5D-related TEAEs, except for weight loss (prospective: 12.5 percent resolved and without dose reduction: 18.9 percent resolved).3 Resolution of TEAEs occurred for oral-toxicities (33.3 percent and 26.9 percent); nail-toxicities (11.1 percent and 12.0 percent) and non-rash skin-toxicities (50.0 percent and 15.3 percent), in the prospective and without dose reduction cohorts, respectivly.3 Thus, improvement or resolution of oral-, nail-, and skin-related TEAEs was observed over time in some patients in the prospective reduced and less frequent dosing cohorts.3

These results show the potential of modifying the TALVEY dose, after a response is achieved, as a strategy to manage oral-, nail-, and skin-related TEAEs and improve patient experience without compromising efficacy.3

First-ever Results from Study of TALVEY and IMiD Combination Show Promising Overall Response Rate in Patients with RRMM

Results from the Phase 1b MonumenTAL-2 study of TALVEY and pomalidomide for the treatment of patients with RRMM highlight the potential to combine TALVEY with other anti-myeloma therapies.4 These data, from the first-ever study of a regimen combining a GPRC5D-targeted therapy and an immunomodulatory agent, were featured as an oral presentation at the 2023 ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (Abstract #1014).4

Patients in the Phase 1b MonumenTAL-2 study (n=35) were treated with subcutaneous (SC) TALVEY at the RP2D of 0.8 mg/kg Q2W (n=19) or 0.4 mg/kg QW (n=16) with step-up doses, plus two milligrams of oral pomalidomide daily.4 With a median follow-up of 15 months in the QW cohort (n=16), the overall response rate was 94 percent among response-evaluable patients, 63 percent achieved a CR or better, and 88 percent of responders achieved a very good partial response (VGPR) or better.4 With a median follow-up of 11.1 months in the Q2W cohort (n=19), the ORR was 84 percent in response-evaluable patients, with 37 percent achieving a CR or better and 68 percent achieving a VGPR or better.4 Overall response rates were consistent across patient subgroups, including patients treated with prior pomalidomide or CAR-T cell therapy.4

Responses in both patient cohorts were rapid, with a median time to first response of 1.7 months (range, 0.9–3.3) in the QW cohort and 1.2 months (range, 0–4.8) in the Q2W cohort.4 At nine months, 100 percent of responders maintained their response in the QW cohort and 84 percent maintained response in the Q2W cohort.4 mDOR and progression-free survival (PFS) were not reached, and 9-month PFS rates observed in the QW and Q2W cohorts were 94 percent and 76 percent, respectively.4

"Findings from the MonumenTAL-2 and MonumenTAL-1 studies demonstrate the versatility of TALVEY across patient subgroups, showing the efficacy, manageable safety profile and effect of TALVEY on B-cell preservation," said Christoph Heuck, M.D., Vice President, Hematology Clinical Development, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. "The promising early results observed with the combination of TALVEY and pomalidomide, even in patients who had previously received pomalidomide or CAR-T cell therapy, reinforce our scientific strategy in focusing on improving upon and deepening responses through combination regimens."

The most common adverse events across both cohorts were oral related (86 percent); cytokine release syndrome (CRS; 74 percent; 3 percent Grade 3/4); neutropenia (63 percent).4 Most common grade 3/4 hematologic AEs were neutropenia (54 percent), anemia (26 percent), and thrombocytopenia (20 percent).4 Nail, skin, and rash toxicities occurred in 69 percent, 74 percent, and 20 percent of patients, respectively; the majority were Grade 1/2 with no discontinuations.4 Grade 1 immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome occurred in three patients.4 Infections occurred in 80 percent of patients (23 percent Grade 3/4); most common were pneumonia (23 percent) and upper respiratory tract infection (23 percent).4 Adverse events led to TALVEY dose reduction or schedule change in 34 percent of patients and dose reduction of pomalidomide in 46 percent of patients.4 In total, four patients discontinued treatment. One patient died due to pulmonary embolism.4

About TALVEY
TALVEY (talquetamab-tgvs) received approval from the U.S. FDA in August 2023 as a first-in-class GPRC5D-targeting bispecific antibody for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 antibody.5 The European Commission (EC) granted conditional marketing authorization (CMA) of TALVEY ▼ (talquetamab) in August 2023 as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least three prior therapies, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 antibody and have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy.6

TALVEY is a bispecific T-cell engaging antibody that binds to the CD3 receptor expressed on the surface of T-cells and G protein-coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D), a novel multiple myeloma target which is highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells and non-malignant plasma cells, as well as some healthy tissues such as epithelial cells of the skin and tongue.

For more information, visit www.TALVEY.com.

About MonumenTAL-1

MonumenTAL-1 (Phase 1: NCT03399799, Phase 2: NCT04634552) is a Phase 1/2 single-arm, open-label, multicohort, multicenter dose-escalation study involving more than 300 patients.7,8 Phase 1 evaluated the safety and efficacy of TALVEY in adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who received three or more prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.1,2 The study excluded patients who experienced T-cell redirection therapy within 3 months, prior Grade 3 or higher CRS related to any T-cell redirection therapy, an autologous stem cell transplant within the 12 weeks, an allogenic stem cell transplant within the 6 months, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score of 3 or higher, stroke or seizure within 6 months, CNS involvement or clinical signs of meningeal involvement of multiple myeloma, plasma cell leukemia, or active or documented history of autoimmune disease (exception of vitiligo, resolved childhood atopic dermatitis or resolved Grave’s Disease that is euthyroid based on clinical and laboratory testing).7,8

Phase 2 of the study evaluated the efficacy of TALVEY in participants with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma at the recommended Phase 2 dose(s) (RP2Ds), established as SC 0.4 mg/kg weekly and 0.8 mg/kg every two weeks, respectively. Efficacy was based on overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR) as assessed by an Independent Review Committee using the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria.3

About MonumenTAL-2

The MonumenTAL-2 (NCT05050097) study is an ongoing Phase 1 study of subcutaneous talquetamab in combination with carfilzomib, daratumumab SC, lenalidomide or pomalidomide for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma. The primary objective of the MonumenTAL-2 study is to identify and characterize the safety of the treatment combinations. Secondary objectives of the MonumenTAL-2 study include overall response rates, duration of response and time to response.

About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.9 In multiple myeloma, these plasma cells change, spread rapidly and replace normal cells in the bone marrow with tumors.10 Multiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer and remains an incurable disease.11 In 2023, it is estimated that more than 35,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the U.S. and more than 12,000 people will die from the disease.12 People living with multiple myeloma have a five-year relative survival rate of 59.8 percent.13 While some people diagnosed with multiple myeloma initially have no symptoms, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels and kidney problems or infections.14,15

TALVEY IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATION AND USAGE

TALVEY (talquetamab-tgvs) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME and NEUROLOGIC TOXICITY, including IMMUNE EFFECTOR CELL-ASSOCIATED NEUROTOXICITY SYNDROME

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), including life-threatening or fatal reactions, can occur in patients receiving TALVEY. Initiate TALVEY treatment with step-up dosing to reduce the risk of CRS. Withhold TALVEY until CRS resolves or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Neurologic toxicity, including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), and serious and life-threatening or fatal reactions, can occur with TALVEY. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity including ICANS during treatment. Withhold or discontinue TALVEY based on severity.

Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicity, including ICANS, TALVEY is available only through a restricted program called the TECVAYLI and TALVEY Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS).

CONTRAINDICATIONS: None.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): TALVEY can cause cytokine release syndrome, including life-threatening or fatal reactions. In the clinical trial, CRS occurred in 76% of patients who received TALVEY at the recommended dosages, with Grade 1 CRS occurring in 57% of patients, Grade 2 in 17%, and Grade 3 in 1.5%. Recurrent CRS occurred in 30% of patients. CRS occurred in 33% of patients with step-up dose 3 in the biweekly dosing schedule (N=153). CRS occurred in 30% of patients with the first 0.4 mg/kg treatment dose and in 12% of patients treated with the first 0.8 mg/kg treatment dose. The CRS rate for both dosing schedules combined was less than 3% for each of the remaining doses in Cycle 1 and less than 3% cumulatively from Cycle 2 onward. The median time to onset of CRS was 27 (range: 0.1 to 167) hours from the last dose, and the median duration was 17 (range: 0 to 622) hours. Clinical signs and symptoms of CRS include but are not limited to pyrexia, hypotension, chills, hypoxia, headache, and tachycardia. Potentially life-threatening complications of CRS may include cardiac dysfunction, acute respiratory distress syndrome, neurologic toxicity, renal and/or hepatic failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Initiate therapy with step-up dosing and administer pre-treatment medications (corticosteroids, antihistamine, and antipyretics) prior to each dose of TALVEY in the step-up dosing schedule to reduce the risk of CRS. Monitor patients following administration accordingly. In patients who experience CRS, pre-treatment medications should be administered prior to the next TALVEY dose.

Counsel patients to seek medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur. At the first sign of CRS, immediately evaluate patient for hospitalization and institute treatment with supportive care based on severity, and consider further management per current practice guidelines. Withhold TALVEY until CRS resolves or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Neurologic Toxicity including ICANS: TALVEY can cause serious or life-threatening neurologic toxicity, including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), including fatal reactions. In the clinical trial, neurologic toxicity occurred in 55% of patients who received the recommended dosages, with Grade 3 or 4 neurologic toxicity occurring in 6% of patients. The most frequent neurologic toxicities were headache (20%), encephalopathy (15%), sensory neuropathy (14%), and motor dysfunction (10%).

ICANS was reported in 9% of 265 patients where ICANS was collected and who received the recommended dosages. Recurrent ICANS occurred in 3% of patients. Most patients experienced ICANS following step-up dose 1 (3%), step-up dose 2 (3%), step-up dose 3 of the biweekly dosing schedule (1.8%), or the initial treatment dose of the weekly dosing schedule (2.6%) (N=156) or the biweekly dosing schedule (3.7%) (N=109). The median time to onset of ICANS was 2.5 (range: 1 to 16) days after the most recent dose with a median duration of 2 (range: 1 to 22) days. The onset of ICANS can be concurrent with CRS, following resolution of CRS, or in the absence of CRS. Clinical signs and symptoms of ICANS may include but are not limited to confusional state, depressed level of consciousness, disorientation, somnolence, lethargy, and bradyphrenia.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity during treatment. At the first sign of neurologic toxicity, including ICANS, immediately evaluate the patient and provide supportive care based on severity; withhold or permanently discontinue TALVEY based on severity and consider further management per current practice guidelines. [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

Due to the potential for neurologic toxicity, patients receiving TALVEY are at risk of depressed level of consciousness. Advise patients to refrain from driving or operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery during the step-up dosing schedule and for 48 hours after completion of the step-up dosing schedule, and in the event of new onset of any neurological symptoms, until symptoms resolve.

TECVAYLI and TALVEY REMS: TALVEY is available only through a restricted program under a REMS, called the TECVAYLI and TALVEY REMS because of the risks of CRS and neurologic toxicity, including ICANS.

Further information about the TECVAYLI and TALVEY REMS program is available at www.TEC-TALREMS.com or by telephone at 1-855-810-8064.

Oral Toxicity and Weight Loss: TALVEY can cause oral toxicities, including dysgeusia, dry mouth, dysphagia, and stomatitis. In the clinical trial, 80% of patients had oral toxicity, with Grade 3 occurring in 2.1% of patients who received the recommended dosages. The most frequent oral toxicities were dysgeusia (49%), dry mouth (34%), dysphagia (23%), and ageusia (18%). The median time to onset of oral toxicity was 15 (range: 1 to 634) days, and the median time to resolution to baseline was 43 (1 to 530) days. Oral toxicity did not resolve to baseline in 65% of patients.

TALVEY can cause weight loss. In the clinical trial, 62% of patients experienced weight loss of 5% or greater, regardless of having an oral toxicity, including 28% of patients with Grade 2 (10% or greater) weight loss and 2.7% of patients with Grade 3 (20% or greater) weight loss. The median time to onset of Grade 2 or higher weight loss was 67 (range: 6 to 407) days, and the median time to resolution was 50 (range: 1 to 403) days. Weight loss did not resolve in 57% of patients who reported weight loss.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of oral toxicity. Counsel patients to seek medical attention should signs or symptoms of oral toxicity occur and provide supportive care as per current clinical practice, including consultation with a nutritionist. Monitor weight regularly during therapy. Evaluate clinically significant weight loss further. Withhold TALVEY or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Infections: TALVEY can cause infections, including life-threatening or fatal infections. Serious infections occurred in 16% of patients, with fatal infections in 1.5% of patients. Grade 3 or 4 infections occurred in 17% of patients. The most common serious infections reported were bacterial infection (8%), which included sepsis and COVID-19 (2.7%).

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection prior to and during treatment with TALVEY and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to local guidelines. Withhold or consider permanently discontinue TALVEY as recommended, based on severity.

Cytopenias: TALVEY can cause cytopenias, including neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. In the clinical trial, Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophils occurred in 35% of patients, and Grade 3 or 4 decreased platelets occurred in 22% of patients who received TALVEY. The median time to onset for Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was 22 (range: 1 to 312) days, and the median time to resolution to Grade 2 or lower was 8 (range: 1 to 79) days. The median time to onset for Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia was 12 (range: 2 to 183) days, and the median time to resolution to Grade 2 or lower was 10 (range: 1 to 64) days. Monitor complete blood counts during treatment and withhold TALVEY as recommended, based on severity.

Skin Toxicity: TALVEY can cause serious skin reactions, including rash, maculo-papular rash, erythema, and erythematous rash. In the clinical trial, skin reactions occurred in 62% of patients, with grade 3 skin reactions in 0.3%. The median time to onset was 25 (range: 1 to 630) days. The median time to improvement to grade 1 or less was 33 days.

Monitor for skin toxicity, including rash progression. Consider early intervention and treatment to manage skin toxicity. Withhold TALVEY as recommended based on severity.

Hepatotoxicity: TALVEY can cause hepatotoxicity. Elevated ALT occurred in 33% of patients, with grade 3 or 4 ALT elevation occurring in 2.7%; elevated AST occurred in 31% of patients, with grade 3 or 4 AST elevation occurring in 3.3%. Grade 3 or 4 elevations of total bilirubin occurred in 0.3% of patients. Liver enzyme elevation can occur with or without concurrent CRS.

Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin at baseline and during treatment as clinically indicated. Withhold TALVEY or consider permanent discontinuation of TALVEY, based on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action, TALVEY may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TALVEY and for 3 months after the last dose.

Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) are pyrexia, CRS, dysgeusia, nail disorder, musculoskeletal pain, skin disorder, rash, fatigue, weight decreased, dry mouth, xerosis, dysphagia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, hypotension, and headache.

The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥30%) are lymphocyte count decreased, neutrophil count decreased, white blood cell decreased, and hemoglobin decreased.

Please read full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, for TALVEY.

Qilu Pharmaceutical Announces Results from Phase I Clinical Study for Its Novel Bispecific Antibody QLS31905 at ESMO Immuno-Oncology Congress

On December 11, 2023 During the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Immuno-Oncology Congress 2023 held in Geneva, Switzerland, from December 6th to 8th, Qilu Pharmaceutical reported the latest results of the Phase I clinical trial for QLS31905 in patients with advanced solid tumors through a poster presentation (Poster No. 132P) (Press release, Qilu Pharmaceutical, DEC 11, 2023, View Source [SID1234638449]). The leading investigator of the study is Professor Lin Shen from the Peking University Cancer Hospital.

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QLS31905, developed by Qilu Pharmaceutical, is a bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) that targets Claudin18.2. The primary objective of this trial was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary antitumor activity of QLS31905 in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Study Background and Design

Claudin18.2 is a highly specific cell surface molecule that is often abnormally expressed in primary gastric cancer as well as in other solid tumors such as pancreatic and esophageal cancers1,2. QLS31905 was designed to bind to Claudin18.2 on the surface of tumor cells and CD3 on the surface of T cells, leading to the sustained killing and lysis of tumor cells through the recruitment and activation of T cells near the tumor. This study enrolled patients with advanced solid tumors who had either failed standard treatments or for whom no standard treatment options were applicable or available. The trial consisted of two phases: dose escalation and dose expansion. In the dose-escalation phase, the accelerated titration and i3+3 designs were used. The dose levels of QLS31905 were incrementally increased, starting from 0.5 μg/kg once-weekly (QW), and escalated through 1.5 μg/kg QW, 5 μg/kg QW, 15 μg/kg QW, 45 μg/kg QW, 100 μg/kg QW, 200 μg/kg QW, 350 μg/kg QW, and up to 500 μg/kg biweekly (Q2W). The primary endpoints of this stage were the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), while secondary endpoints included safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and immunogenicity. The dose-expansion phase focused on the objective response rate (ORR) as its primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints in this stage were the disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Study Results

As of July 17, 2023, a total of 52 patients had been enrolled in the clinical trial, including 31 patients with gastric cancer and 12 with pancreatic cancer. During the dose-escalation phase, 22 participants received QLS31905 at 0.5 μg/kg QW to 350 μg/kg QW. The administration of the 500 μg/kg Q2W dose level is currently ongoing. In the dose-expansion phase, 30 patients had been enrolled and received QLS31905 at dose levels of 200 μg/kg QW and 350 μg/kg Q2W.

In terms of safety, no DLTs occurred, and the MTD had not been determined yet. Among all the participants, 21 (40.4%) experienced grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), 10 (19.2%) experienced serious TRAEs, and two (3.8%) experienced TRAEs leading to the discontinuation of the treatment. The most common TRAEs included fever, which was observed in 30 patients (57.7%), nausea in 26 (50.0%), and a decrease in white blood cell counts in 18 (34.6%). Notably, grade 3 or higher cytokine release syndrome was reported in two patients in the 350 μg/kg QW cohort.

Regarding efficacy, out of the 27 participants who were evaluable for efficacy, the ORR was 11.1%, and the DCR reached 63.0%. Three patients achieved partial response (PR) and exhibited moderate to high levels of Claudin18.2 expression, including two patients with pancreatic cancer and one with gallbladder cancer. Furthermore, among the 14 patients who experienced stable disease, 8 reported a reduction in the size of target lesions, and 7 showed moderate to high Claudin18.2 expression.

In summary, QLS31905 has demonstrated favorable safety, tolerability, and preliminary antitumor activity in patients with advanced solid tumors. The Phase II clinical trial are now in progress to further assess the efficacy and safety of QLS31905.

Analyses Of Kite’s Yescarta®CAR T-Cell Therapy Support Curative Potential In Patients With Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

On December 11, 2023 Kite, a Gilead Company (Nasdaq: GILD), reported data from follow-up analyses of three studies of Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) that demonstrate the long-term survival potential for patients living with several sub-types of relapsed or refractory (R/R) non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which were presented at the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting & Exposition (Press release, Gilead Sciences, DEC 11, 2023, View Source [SID1234638447]). This included ZUMA-1 (Abstract #4864) showing that patients with refractory large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) who maintained a complete response (CR) at 12- and 24-months following treatment with Yescarta had a 72-month estimated disease-specific survival (DSS) of 94.4% and 100%, respectively. Long-term data from the ZUMA-5 (Abstract #4868) and ZUMA-7 (Abstract #1761) studies were also presented.

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"As we continue to follow up with patients living with difficult-to-treat types of lymphomas, we are witnessing a pattern of longer-term survival with a one-time treatment with Yescarta," said Frank Neumann, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Clinical Development, Kite. "The results of these studies, coupled with our rapid and reliable manufacturing, add to our body of knowledge on the benefits and utility of Yescarta as a treatment with curative intent, changing the way these cancers are treated and providing hope to thousands of lymphoma patients."

Detailed Information on Yescarta Abstracts:

Abstract #4864
Curative Potential of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-Cel): an Exploratory Long-Term Survival Assessment in Patients with Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma from ZUMA-1

ZUMA-1 is an ongoing, multicenter, single-arm, open-label Phase 1/2 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of Yescarta CAR T-cell therapy in adult patients with refractory LBCL. In this post hoc analysis of ZUMA-1, with up to six years of follow-up, the five-year long-term lymphoma-related event-free survival (LREFS) was used as a measure to explore Yescarta’s curative potential. Yescarta had long-term LREFS in a substantial proportion of patients, with a five-year rate of 34% (57% among patients who achieved a CR). Additionally, this exploratory analysis found that, at six years, median overall survival (OS) remained consistent with prior analyses at 25.8 months (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 12.8-63.7) and patients who had a CR at 12 and 24 months had a 72-month DSS of 94.4% and 100%, respectively, which may be predictive of extended OS. Among patients who had a CR to therapy, the leading risks of death were reasons other than progression or adverse events after month 24 post-infusion.

Abstract #4868
Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-Cel) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Indolent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: 4-Year Follow-Up from the Phase 2 ZUMA-5 Trial

ZUMA-5 is an ongoing, single-arm, open-label, international, multicenter Phase 2 trial evaluating 122 adult patients with R/R indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL; follicular lymphoma [FL] and marginal zone lymphoma [MZL]). In this study, at a median follow-up of 52.5 months (range, 20.3-69.4; FL: 53.7, MZL: 43.8), the overall response rate (ORR) remained consistent with prior analyses (90% ORR, 75% CR rate) and the median duration of response (DOR) was 55.5 months (95% CI, 38.6-not estimable [NE]; FL: 55.5, MZL: not reached). At data cutoff, four years of follow-up, median progression free survival (PFS) was 57.3 months (95% CI, 34.9-NE; FL: 57.3, MZL: 46.9) and the 48-month OS rate was 72% (FL: 72%, MZL: 68%). No new neurologic events, hypogammaglobulinemia cases, Grade ≥3 cytopenias or Grade ≥3 infections occurred in the four-year analysis compared to the three-year analysis.

"Taken together with other studies, the results we saw in our four-year analysis from the ZUMA-5 trial and up to six years of follow-up from the ZUMA-1 trial support the durability and safety of axi-cel in patients with follicular lymphoma and large B-cell lymphoma who have progressed following previous lines of therapy," said Dr. Sattva S. Neelapu, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "We are encouraged by these data, particularly the continued durable response and long-term survival in these patient populations that speak to the potentially curative benefit of this therapy. As we continue to follow these patients, our hope is that these positive survival trends are sustained."

Abstract #1761
Improved Overall Survival With Axicabtagene Ciloleucel vs Standard of Care in Second-Line Large B-Cell Lymphoma Among the Elderly: A Subgroup Analysis of ZUMA-7

ZUMA-7 is a randomized, open-label, global, multicenter, Phase 3 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of Yescarta versus standard of care (SOC; [chemoimmunotherapy followed by HDT-ASCT in patients who had a response]) for treatment of adult patients with refractory LBCL or relapse within 12 months of first-line therapy. In this analysis, investigators reported updated efficacy and safety results from the primary OS analysis among ZUMA-7 patients aged ≥65 years and ≥70 years. At a median follow-up of 46.6 months, OS was prolonged in the Yescarta vs. SOC arm in patients aged ≥65 years (HR, 0.691; 95% CI, 0.401-1.190) and for those ≥70 y (HR, 0.330; 95% CI, 0.135-0.809). PFS assessed by investigator confirmed benefit of Yescarta over SOC in patients aged ≥65 years (HR, 0.406; 95% CI, 0.230‑0.715) and in patients aged ≥70 years (HR, 0.206; 95% CI, 0.078‑0.547). No new treatment-related deaths occurred since the primary event-free survival (EFS) analysis for ZUMA-7.

Yescarta Age 65+

SOC Age 65+

Yescarta Age 70+

SOC Age 70+

Median OS (months)

43.5 (95% CI, 20.9-NE)

19.5 (95% CI, 12.3-NE)

24.7 (95% CI, 12.8-NE)

11.2 (95% CI, 6.1-NE)

Median PFS (months)

28.6 (95% CI, 5.1-NE)

5.0 (95% CI, 2.8-7.3)

11.4 (95% CI, 4.1-NE)

2.7 (95% CI, 1.7-5.0)

"Traditionally, older patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma have not been able to access some treatments due to presumed concerns regarding increased toxicity related to their age and comorbidities," said Professor Marie José Kersten, Amsterdam University Medical Centers. "However, what we’re seeing with this subgroup analysis from the landmark ZUMA-7 trial, is that the data clearly support the consideration of axi-cel also for older patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma. As more data become available, my hope is that patients can receive the therapies that offer them the greatest chance for response and prolonged survival, regardless of age."

The Yescarta U.S. Prescribing Information has a BOXED WARNING for the risks of CRS and neurologic toxicities, and Yescarta is approved with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) due to these risks; see below for Important Safety Information.

About Follicular Lymphoma

FL is a form of iNHL in which malignant tumors slowly grow but can become more aggressive over time.

FL is the most common form of indolent lymphoma and the second most common type of lymphoma globally. It accounts for approximately 22 percent of all lymphomas diagnosed worldwide.

Despite advances in management and substantial improvements in long-term survival, patients living with FL have varied outcomes. Currently, there are no standard of care treatments for relapsed and refractory FL after two or more lines of therapy.

About Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Globally, LBCL is the most common type of NHL. In the United States, more than 18,000 people are diagnosed with LBCL each year. About 30-40% of patients with LBCL will need second-line treatment, as their cancer will either relapse (return) or become refractory (not respond) to initial treatment.

About Yescarta

Please see full US Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

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.
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.
Limitations of Use: YESCARTA is not indicated for the treatment of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma.
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 the response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trial(s).
U.S. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME AND NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES

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.
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.
YESCARTA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the YESCARTA and TECARTUS REMS Program.
CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME (CRS)

CRS, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred. CRS occurred in 90% (379/422) of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including ≥ Grade 3 in 9%. CRS occurred in 93% (256/276) of patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), including ≥ Grade 3 in 9%. Among patients with LBCL who died after receiving YESCARTA, 4 had ongoing CRS events at the time of death. For patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1, the median time to onset of CRS was 2 days following infusion (range: 1-12 days) and the median duration was 7 days (range: 2-58 days). For patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7, the median time to onset of CRS was 3 days following infusion (range: 1-10 days) and the median duration was 7 days (range: 2-43 days). CRS occurred in 84% (123/146) of patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL) in ZUMA-5, including ≥ Grade 3 in 8%. Among patients with iNHL who died after receiving YESCARTA, 1 patient had an ongoing CRS event at the time of death. The median time to onset of CRS was 4 days (range: 1-20 days) and the median duration was 6 days (range: 1-27 days) for patients with iNHL.

Key manifestations of CRS (≥ 10%) in all patients combined included fever (85%), hypotension (40%), tachycardia (32%), chills (22%), hypoxia (20%), headache (15%), and fatigue (12%). Serious events that may be associated with CRS include cardiac arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia), renal insufficiency, cardiac failure, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, capillary leak syndrome, multi-organ failure, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome.

The impact of tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids on the incidence and severity of CRS was assessed in 2 subsequent cohorts of LBCL patients in ZUMA-1. Among patients who received tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids for ongoing Grade 1 events, CRS occurred in 93% (38/41), including 2% (1/41) with Grade 3 CRS; no patients experienced a Grade 4 or 5 event. The median time to onset of CRS was 2 days (range: 1-8 days) and the median duration of CRS was 7 days (range: 2-16 days). Prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids was administered to a cohort of 39 patients for 3 days beginning on the day of infusion of YESCARTA. Thirty-one of the 39 patients (79%) developed CRS and were managed with tocilizumab and/or therapeutic doses of corticosteroids with no patients developing ≥ Grade 3 CRS. The median time to onset of CRS was 5 days (range: 1-15 days) and the median duration of CRS was 4 days (range: 1-10 days). Although there is no known mechanistic explanation, consider the risk and benefits of prophylactic corticosteroids in the context of pre-existing comorbidities for the individual patient and the potential for the risk of Grade 4 and prolonged neurologic toxicities.

Ensure that 2 doses of tocilizumab are available prior to YESCARTA infusion. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of CRS at least daily for 7 days at the certified healthcare facility, and for 4 weeks thereafter. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids as indicated.

NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES

Neurologic toxicities (including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome) that were fatal or life-threatening occurred. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 78% (330/422) of all patients with NHL receiving YESCARTA, including ≥ Grade 3 in 25%. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 87% (94/108) of patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1, including ≥ Grade 3 in 31% and in 74% (124/168) of patients in ZUMA-7 including ≥ Grade 3 in 25%. The median time to onset was 4 days (range: 1-43 days) and the median duration was 17 days for patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1. The median time to onset for neurologic toxicity was 5 days (range: 1- 133 days) and the median duration was 15 days in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 77% (112/146) of patients with iNHL, including ≥ Grade 3 in 21%. The median time to onset was 6 days (range: 1-79 days) and the median duration was 16 days. Ninety-eight percent of all neurologic toxicities in patients with LBCL and 99% of all neurologic toxicities in patients with iNHL occurred within the first 8 weeks of YESCARTA infusion. Neurologic toxicities occurred within the first 7 days of infusion for 87% of affected patients with LBCL and 74% of affected patients with iNHL.

The most common neurologic toxicities (≥ 10%) in all patients combined included encephalopathy (50%), headache (43%), tremor (29%), dizziness (21%), aphasia (17%), delirium (15%), and insomnia (10%). Prolonged encephalopathy lasting up to 173 days was noted. Serious events, including aphasia, leukoencephalopathy, dysarthria, lethargy, and seizures occurred. Fatal and serious cases of cerebral edema and encephalopathy, including late-onset encephalopathy, have occurred.

The impact of tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids on the incidence and severity of neurologic toxicities was assessed in 2 subsequent cohorts of LBCL patients in ZUMA-1. Among patients who received corticosteroids at the onset of Grade 1 toxicities, neurologic toxicities occurred in 78% (32/41), and 20% (8/41) had Grade 3 neurologic toxicities; no patients experienced a Grade 4 or 5 event. The median time to onset of neurologic toxicities was 6 days (range: 1-93 days) with a median duration of 8 days (range: 1-144 days). Prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids was administered to a cohort of 39 patients for 3 days beginning on the day of infusion of YESCARTA. Of those patients, 85% (33/39) developed neurologic toxicities, 8% (3/39) developed Grade 3, and 5% (2/39) developed Grade 4 neurologic toxicities. The median time to onset of neurologic toxicities was 6 days (range: 1-274 days) with a median duration of 12 days (range: 1-107 days). Prophylactic corticosteroids for management of CRS and neurologic toxicities may result in a higher grade of neurologic toxicities or prolongation of neurologic toxicities, delay the onset of and decrease the duration of CRS.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicities at least daily for 7 days at the certified healthcare facility, and for 4 weeks thereafter, and treat promptly.

REMS

Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, YESCARTA is available only through a restricted program called the YESCARTA and TECARTUS REMS Program which requires that: Healthcare facilities that dispense and administer YESCARTA must be enrolled and comply with the REMS requirements and must have on-site, immediate access to a minimum of 2 doses of tocilizumab for each patient for infusion within 2 hours after YESCARTA infusion, if needed for treatment of CRS. Certified healthcare facilities must ensure that healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense, or administer YESCARTA are trained in the management of CRS and neurologic toxicities. Further information is available at www.YescartaTecartusREMS.com or 1-844-454-KITE (5483).

HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS

Allergic reactions, including serious hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis, may occur with the infusion of YESCARTA.

SERIOUS INFECTIONS

Severe or life-threatening infections occurred. Infections (all grades) occurred in 45% of patients with NHL; ≥ Grade 3 infections occurred in 17% of patients, including ≥ Grade 3 infections with an unspecified pathogen in 12%, bacterial infections in 5%, viral infections in 3%, and fungal infections in 1%. YESCARTA should not be administered to patients with clinically significant active systemic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after infusion and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to local guidelines.

Febrile neutropenia was observed in 36% of all patients with NHL and may be concurrent with CRS. In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care as medically indicated.

In immunosuppressed patients, including those who have received YESCARTA, life-threatening and fatal opportunistic infections including disseminated fungal infections (e.g., candida sepsis and aspergillus infections) and viral reactivation (e.g., human herpes virus-6 [HHV-6] encephalitis and JC virus progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [PML]) have been reported. The possibility of HHV-6 encephalitis and PML should be considered in immunosuppressed patients with neurologic events and appropriate diagnostic evaluations should be performed.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients treated with drugs directed against B cells, including YESCARTA. Perform screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing.

PROLONGED CYTOPENIAS

Patients may exhibit cytopenias for several weeks following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and YESCARTA infusion. ≥ Grade 3 cytopenias not resolved by Day 30 following YESCARTA infusion occurred in 39% of all patients with NHL and included neutropenia (33%), thrombocytopenia (13%), and anemia (8%). Monitor blood counts after infusion.

HYPOGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA

B-cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia can occur. Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse reaction in 14% of all patients with NHL. Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment and manage using infection precautions, antibiotic prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin replacement. The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following YESCARTA treatment has not been studied. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during YESCARTA treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment.

SECONDARY MALIGNANCIES

Secondary malignancies may develop. Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that one occurs, contact Kite at 1-844-454-KITE (5483) to obtain instructions on patient samples to collect for testing.

EFFECTS ON ABILITY TO DRIVE AND USE MACHINES

Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following YESCARTA infusion. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, during this initial period.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7 included fever, CRS, fatigue, hypotension, encephalopathy, tachycardia, diarrhea, headache, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, febrile neutropenia, chills, cough, infection with an unspecified pathogen, dizziness, tremor, decreased appetite, edema, hypoxia, abdominal pain, aphasia, constipation, and vomiting.

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1 included CRS, fever, hypotension, encephalopathy, tachycardia, fatigue, headache, decreased appetite, chills, diarrhea, febrile neutropenia, infections with an unspecified, nausea, hypoxia, tremor, cough, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, and cardiac arrhythmias.

The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in patients with iNHL in ZUMA-5 included fever, CRS, hypotension, encephalopathy, fatigue, headache, infections with an unspecified, tachycardia, febrile neutropenia, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, tremor, chills, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, cough, vomiting, hypoxia, arrhythmia, and dizziness.