Nulojix
(belatacept)Dosage & Administration
Dosing for Initial Phase | Dose |
Day 1 (day of transplantation, prior to implantation) and Day 5 (approximately 96 hours after Day 1 dose) | 10 mg per kg |
End of Week 2 and Week 4 after transplantation | 10 mg per kg |
End of Week 8 and Week 12 after transplantation | 10 mg per kg |
Dosing for Maintenance Phase | Dose |
End of Week 16 after transplantation and every 4 weeks (plus or minus 3 days) thereafter | 5 mg per kg |
Nulojix Prescribing Information
Increased risk for developing post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), predominantly involving the central nervous system (CNS). Recipients without immunity to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are at a particularly increased risk; therefore, use in EBV seropositive patients only. Do not use NULOJIX in transplant recipients who are EBV seronegative or with unknown EBV serostatus [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of kidney transplant patients should prescribe NULOJIX. Patients receiving the drug should be managed in facilities equipped and staffed with adequate laboratory and supportive medical resources. The physician responsible for maintenance therapy should have complete information requisite for the follow-up of the patient [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Increased susceptibility to infection and the possible development of malignancies may result from immunosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5)].
Use in liver transplant patients is not recommended due to an increased risk of graft loss and death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients
NULOJIX® (belatacept) is indicated for prophylaxis of organ rejection in adult patients receiving a kidney transplant. NULOJIX is to be used in combination with basiliximab induction, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids.
Limitations of Use
Use NULOJIX only in patients who are EBV seropositive [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Use of NULOJIX for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in transplanted organs other than kidney has not been established [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Preparation for Administration
- 1.
- Calculate the number of NULOJIX vials required to provide the total infusion dose. Each vial contains 250 mg of belatacept lyophilized powder.
- 2.
- Reconstitute the contents of each vial of NULOJIX with 10.5 mL of a suitable diluent using the silicone-free disposable syringe provided with each vial and an 18- to 21-gauge needle. Suitable diluents include: sterile water for injection (SWFI), 0.9% sodium chloride (NS), or 5% dextrose in water (D5W).
Note: If the NULOJIX powder is accidentally reconstituted using a different syringe than the one provided, the solution may develop a few translucent particles. Discard any solutions prepared using siliconized syringes. - 3.
- To reconstitute the NULOJIX powder, remove the flip-top from the vial and wipe the top with an alcohol swab. Insert the syringe needle into the vial through the center of the rubber stopper and direct the stream of diluent (10.5 mL of SWFI, NS, or D5W) to the glass wall of the vial.
- 4.
- To minimize foam formation, rotate the vial and invert with gentle swirling until the contents are completely dissolved. Avoid prolonged or vigorous agitation. Do not shake.
- 5.
- The reconstituted solution contains a belatacept concentration of 25 mg/mL and should be clear to slightly opalescent and colorless to pale yellow. Do not use if opaque particles, discoloration, or other foreign particles are present.
- 6.
- Calculate the total volume of the reconstituted 25 mg/mL NULOJIX solution required to provide the total infusion dose.
Volume of 25 mg/mL NULOJIX solution (in mL) = Prescribed Dose (in mg) ÷ 25 mg/mL - 7.
- Prior to intravenous infusion, the required volume of the reconstituted NULOJIX solution must be further diluted with a suitable infusion fluid (NS or D5W). NULOJIX reconstituted with:
- •
- SWFI should be further diluted with either NS or D5W
- •
- NS should be further diluted with NS
- •
- D5W should be further diluted with D5W
- 8.
- From the appropriate size infusion bag or bottle, withdraw a volume of infusion fluid that is equal to the volume of the reconstituted NULOJIX solution required to provide the prescribed dose. With the same silicone-free disposable syringe used for reconstitution, withdraw the required amount of belatacept solution from the vial, inject it into the infusion bag or bottle, and gently rotate the infusion bag or bottle to ensure mixing.
The final belatacept concentration in the infusion bag or bottle should range from 2 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL. Typically, an infusion volume of 100 mL will be appropriate for most patients and doses, but total infusion volumes ranging from 50 mL to 250 mL may be used. Any unused solution remaining in the vials must be discarded. - 9.
- Prior to administration, the NULOJIX infusion should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration. Discard the infusion if any particulate matter or discoloration is observed.
- 10.
- The entire NULOJIX infusion should be administered over a period of 30 minutes and must be administered with an infusion set and a sterile, non-pyrogenic, low-protein-binding filter (with a pore size of 0.2 to 1.2 µm).
- •
- The reconstituted solution should be transferred from the vial to the infusion bag or bottle immediately. The NULOJIX infusion must be completed within 24 hours of reconstitution of the NULOJIX lyophilized powder. If not used immediately, the infusion solution may be stored under refrigeration conditions: 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and protected from light for up to 24 hours (a maximum of 4 hours of the total 24 hours can be at room temperature: 20°C to 25°C [68°F to 77°F] and room light).
- •
- Infuse NULOJIX in a separate line from other concomitantly infused agents. NULOJIX should not be infused concomitantly in the same intravenous line with other agents. No physical or biochemical compatibility studies have been conducted to evaluate the coadministration of NULOJIX with other agents [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
Lyophilized powder for injection: 250 mg per vial.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
To monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women who have received immunosuppressants including NULOJIX or whose partners have received NULOJIX, healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to register pregnant patients in the Transplant Pregnancy Registry International (TPR) by calling 1-877-955-6877.
Risk Summary
The data with NULOJIX use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform on drug-associated risk. Belatacept is known to cross the placenta of animals. Administration of belatacept to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis was not teratogenic at exposures approximately 16 and 19 times greater than that observed at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 10 mg per kg body weight administered over the first month of treatment, based on area under the concentration-time curve (AUC). In a pre- and postnatal development study in rats, treatment-related infections in dams were associated with increased pup mortality, presumably secondary to deteriorating maternal health, at exposures 3 times higher than that observed at MRHD [see Animal Data].
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown; however, in the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects is 2 to 4% and of miscarriage is 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
Data
Animal Data
In embryo-fetal development studies, daily intravenous administration of belatacept to pregnant rats and rabbits throughout the period of organogenesis did not produce adverse fetal effects at doses up to 200 mg per kg and 100 mg per kg, respectively (16 and 19 times the MRHD exposure, based on AUC). In a pre- and postnatal development study, daily intravenous administration of belatacept to rats from Day 6 of gestation through Day 20 of the lactation period was associated with maternal toxicity (infections) in a small percentage of dams at doses ≥20 mg per kg (3 times the MRHD exposure, based on AUC) resulting in increased pup mortality (up to 100% pup mortality in some dams). In pups that survived, there were no abnormalities or malformations at doses up to 200 mg per kg (19 times the MRHD exposure, based on AUC).
In vitro data indicate that belatacept has lower binding affinity to CD80/CD86 and lower potency in rodents than in humans. Although the rat toxicity studies with belatacept were done at pharmacologically saturating doses, the in vivo difference in potency between rats and humans is unknown. Therefore, the relevance of the rat toxicities to humans and the significance of the magnitude of the relative exposures (rats:humans) are unknown.
Abatacept, a fusion protein that differs from belatacept by two amino acids, binds to the same ligands (CD80/CD86) and blocks T cell costimulation like belatacept, but is more active than belatacept in rodents. Therefore, toxicities identified with abatacept in rodents, including infections and autoimmunity, may be predictive of adverse effects in humans treated with belatacept [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)].
Autoimmunity was observed in 1 rat offspring exposed to abatacept in utero and/or during lactation and in juvenile rats after treatment with abatacept. However, the clinical relevance of autoimmunity in rats to patients or a fetus exposed in utero is unknown [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)].
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of NULOJIX in human milk or the effects of NULOJIX on breastfed infants or human milk production to inform risk of NULOJIX to an infant during lactation. Belatacept is excreted in rat milk after intravenous administration, and it is possible that the drug will be present in human milk. However, absorption of intact belatacept from the nursing infant’s gastrointestinal tract has not been studied. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for NULOJIX and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from NULOJIX or from the underlying maternal conditions.
Pediatric Use
The safety and efficacy of NULOJIX in patients under 18 years of age have not been established. Because T cell development continues into the teenage years, the potential concern for autoimmunity in neonates applies to pediatric use as well [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Geriatric Use
Of 401 patients treated with the recommended dosage regimen of NULOJIX, 15% were 65 years of age and older, while 3% were 75 and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, but greater sensitivity or less efficacy in older individuals cannot be ruled out.
NULOJIX is contraindicated in transplant recipients who are Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) seronegative or with unknown EBV serostatus due to the risk of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), predominantly involving the central nervous system (CNS) [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder
NULOJIX-treated patients have an increased risk for developing post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), predominantly involving the CNS, compared to patients on a cyclosporine-based regimen [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Studies (14.2)]. As the total burden of immunosuppression is a risk factor for PTLD, higher than the recommended doses or more frequent dosing of NULOJIX and higher than recommended doses of concomitant immunosuppressive agents are not recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. Physicians should consider PTLD in patients reporting new or worsening neurological, cognitive, or behavioral signs or symptoms.
EBV Serostatus
The risk of PTLD was higher in EBV seronegative patients compared to EBV seropositive patients. EBV seropositive patients are defined as having evidence of acquired immunity shown by the presence of IgG antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA) and EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA).
Epstein-Barr virus serology should be ascertained before starting administration of NULOJIX, and only patients who are EBV seropositive should receive NULOJIX. Transplant recipients who are EBV seronegative, or with unknown serostatus, should not receive NULOJIX [see Boxed Warning and Contraindications (4)].
Other Risk Factors
Other known risk factors for PTLD include cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and T cell-depleting therapy. T cell-depleting therapies to treat acute rejection should be used cautiously. CMV prophylaxis is recommended for at least 3 months after transplantation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Patients who are EBV seropositive and CMV seronegative may be at increased risk for PTLD compared to patients who are EBV seropositive and CMV seropositive [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Since CMV seronegative patients are at increased risk for CMV disease (a known risk factor for PTLD), the clinical significance of CMV serology for PTLD remains to be determined; however, these findings should be considered when prescribing NULOJIX.
Management of Immunosuppression
Only physicians experienced in management of systemic immunosuppressant therapy in transplantation should prescribe NULOJIX. Patients receiving the drug should be managed in facilities equipped and staffed with adequate laboratory and supportive medical resources. The physician responsible for the maintenance therapy should have complete information requisite for the follow-up of the patient [see Boxed Warning].
Other Malignancies
Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including NULOJIX, are at increased risk of developing malignancies, in addition to PTLD, including the skin [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is an often rapidly progressive and fatal opportunistic infection of the CNS that is caused by the JC virus, a human polyoma virus. In clinical trials with NULOJIX, two cases of PML were reported in patients receiving NULOJIX at higher cumulative doses and more frequently than the recommended regimen, along with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids; one case occurred in a kidney transplant recipient and the second case occurred in a liver transplant recipient [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Studies (14.2)]. As PML has been associated with high levels of overall immunosuppression, the recommended doses and frequency of NULOJIX and concomitant immunosuppressives, including MMF, should not be exceeded.
Physicians should consider PML in the differential diagnosis in patients with new or worsening neurological, cognitive, or behavioral signs or symptoms. PML is usually diagnosed by brain imaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing for JC viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and/or brain biopsy. Consultation with a specialist (eg, neurologist and/or infectious disease) should be considered for any suspected or confirmed cases of PML.
If PML is diagnosed, consideration should be given to reduction or withdrawal of immunosuppression taking into account the risk to the allograft.
Other Serious Infections
Patients receiving immunosuppressants, including NULOJIX, are at increased risk of developing bacterial, viral (cytomegalovirus [CMV] and herpes), fungal, and protozoal infections, including opportunistic infections. These infections may lead to serious, including fatal, outcomes [see Boxed Warning and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus is recommended for at least 3 months after transplantation. Prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jiroveci is recommended after transplantation.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis was more frequently observed in patients receiving NULOJIX than cyclosporine in clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis and tested for latent infection prior to initiating NULOJIX. Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection should be initiated prior to NULOJIX use.
Polyoma Virus Nephropathy
In addition to cases of JC virus-associated PML [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)], cases of polyoma virus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), mostly due to BK virus infection, have been reported. PVAN is associated with serious outcomes; including deteriorating renal function and kidney graft loss [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Patient monitoring may help detect patients at risk for PVAN. Reductions in immunosuppression should be considered for patients who develop evidence of PVAN. Physicians should also consider the risk that reduced immunosuppression represents to the functioning allograft.
Liver Transplant
Use of NULOJIX in liver transplant patients is not recommended [see Boxed Warning]. In a clinical trial of liver transplant patients, use of NULOJIX regimens with more frequent administration of belatacept than any of those studied in kidney transplant, along with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids, was associated with a higher rate of graft loss and death compared to the tacrolimus control arms. In addition, two cases of PTLD involving the liver allograft (one fatal) and one fatal case of PML were observed among the 147 patients randomized to NULOJIX. The two cases of PTLD were reported among the 140 EBV seropositive patients (1.4%). The fatal case of PML was reported in a patient receiving higher than recommended doses of NULOJIX and MMF [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Acute Rejection and Graft Loss with Corticosteroid Minimization
In postmarketing experience, use of NULOJIX in conjunction with basiliximab induction, MMF, and corticosteroid minimization to 5 mg per day between Day 3 and Week 6 post-transplant was associated with an increased rate and grade of acute rejection, particularly Grade III rejection. These Grade III rejections occurred in patients with 4 to 6 HLA mismatches. Graft loss was a consequence of Grade III rejection in some patients.
Corticosteroid utilization should be consistent with the NULOJIX clinical trial experience [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Clinical Studies (14.1)].
Immunizations
The use of live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with NULOJIX, including but not limited to the following: intranasal influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, oral polio, BCG, yellow fever, varicella, and TY21a typhoid vaccines.
Coadministration with Anti-Thymocyte Globulin
In postmarketing experience in de novo kidney transplant recipients, some with other predisposing risk factors for venous thrombosis of the renal allograft, venous thrombosis of the renal allograft has occurred when the initial dose of anti-thymocyte globulin, as immunosuppressive induction, was coadministered (at the same or nearly the same time) with the first dose of belatacept. In such patients, the coadministration (at the same or nearly the same time) of anti-thymocyte globulin and belatacept may pose a risk for venous thrombosis of the renal allograft. If anti-thymocyte globulin (or any other cell-depleting induction treatment) and belatacept will be administered concomitantly, a twelve-hour interval between the two administrations is suggested.
5.10 Risk of Rejection with Conversion From a CNI Based Maintenance Regimen
Conversion of patients receiving a CNI based maintenance regimen to a NULOJIX based maintenance regimen increases the risk of acute rejection. In two randomized controlled studies, kidney transplant recipients at least six months post-transplant and stable on a CNI based regimen who were converted to a belatacept based regimen experienced higher rejection rates mostly during the first year post-conversion than patients maintained on their CNI based regimens. Conversion of stable kidney transplant recipients from a CNI based maintenance therapy to a belatacept based maintenance therapy is not recommended unless the patient is CNI intolerant.
The most serious adverse reactions reported with NULOJIX are:
- •
- PTLD, predominantly CNS PTLD, and other malignancies [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3)]
- •
- Serious infections, including JC virus-associated PML and polyoma virus nephropathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4, 5.5, 5.6)]
Clinical Studies Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the adverse reaction rates observed cannot be directly compared to rates in other trials and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
The data described below primarily derive from two randomized, active-controlled three-year trials of NULOJIX in de novo kidney transplant patients. In Study 1 and Study 2, NULOJIX was studied at the recommended dose and frequency [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] in a total of 401 patients compared to a cyclosporine control regimen in a total of 405 patients. These two trials also included a total of 403 patients treated with a NULOJIX regimen of higher cumulative dose and more frequent dosing than recommended [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. All patients also received basiliximab induction, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids. Patients were treated and followed for three years.
CNS PTLD, PML, and other CNS infections were more frequently observed in association with a NULOJIX regimen of higher cumulative dose and more frequent dosing compared to the recommended regimen; therefore, administration of higher than the recommended doses and/or more frequent dosing of NULOJIX is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.1), Clinical Studies (14.2)].
The average age of patients in Studies 1 and 2 in the NULOJIX recommended dose and cyclosporine control regimens was 49 years, ranging from 18 to 79 years. Approximately 70% of patients were male; 67% were white, 11% were black, and 22% other races. About 25% of patients were from the United States and 75% from other countries.
The most commonly reported adverse reactions occurring in ≥20% of patients treated with the recommended dose and frequency of NULOJIX were anemia, diarrhea, urinary tract infection, peripheral edema, constipation, hypertension, pyrexia, graft dysfunction, cough, nausea, vomiting, headache, hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, and leukopenia.
The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions was 13% for the recommended NULOJIX regimen and 19% for the cyclosporine control arm through three years of treatment. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in NULOJIX-treated patients were cytomegalovirus infection (1.5%) and complications of transplanted kidney (1.5%).
Information on selected significant adverse reactions observed during clinical trials is summarized below.
Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder
Reported cases of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) up to 36 months post-transplant were obtained for NULOJIX by pooling both dosage regimens of NULOJIX in Studies 1 and 2 (804 patients) with data from a third study in kidney transplantation (Study 3, 145 patients) which evaluated two NULOJIX dosage regimens similar, but slightly different, from those of Studies 1 and 2 (see Table 2). The total number of NULOJIX patients from these three studies (949) was compared to the pooled cyclosporine control groups from all three studies (476 patients).
Among 401 patients in Studies 1 and 2 treated with the recommended regimen of NULOJIX and the 71 patients in Study 3 treated with a very similar (but non-identical) NULOJIX regimen, there were 5 cases of PTLD: 3 in EBV seropositive patients and 2 in EBV seronegative patients. Two of the 5 cases presented with CNS involvement.
Among the 477 patients in Studies 1, 2, and 3 treated with the NULOJIX regimen of higher cumulative dose and more frequent dosing than recommended, there were 8 cases of PTLD: 2 in EBV seropositive patients and 6 in EBV seronegative or serostatus unknown patients. Six of the 8 cases presented with CNS involvement. Therefore, administration of higher than the recommended doses or more frequent dosing of NULOJIX is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
One of the 476 patients treated with cyclosporine developed PTLD, without CNS involvement.
All cases of PTLD reported up to 36 months post-transplant in NULOJIX- or cyclosporine-treated patients presented within 18 months of transplantation.
Overall, the rate of PTLD in 949 patients treated with any of the NULOJIX regimens was 9-fold higher in those who were EBV seronegative or EBV serostatus unknown (8/139) compared to those who were EBV seropositive (5/810 patients). Therefore NULOJIX is recommended for use only in patients who are EBV seropositive [see Boxed Warning and Contraindications (4)].
| NULOJIX Nonrecommended Regimena (N=477) | NULOJIX Recommended Regimenb (N=472) | Cyclosporine (N=476) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trial | EBV Positive (n=406) | EBV Negative (n=43) | EBV Unknown (n=28) | EBV Positive (n=404) | EBV Negative (n=48) | EBV Unknown (n=20) | EBV Positive (n=399) | EBV Negative (n=57) | EBV Unknown (n=20) |
| a Regimen with higher cumulative dose and more frequent dosing than the recommended NULOJIX regimen. b In Studies 1 and 2 the NULOJIX regimen is identical to the recommended regimen, but is slightly different in Study 3. | |||||||||
Study 1 | |||||||||
CNS PTLD | 1 | 1 |
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Non-CNS |
| 1 |
| 2 |
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| 1 |
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Study 2 | |||||||||
CNS PTLD | 1 | 1 |
| 1 | 1 |
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Non-CNS |
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| 1 |
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Study 3 | |||||||||
CNS PTLD |
| 2 |
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Non-CNS |
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| 1 |
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Total (%) | 2 (0.5) | 5 (11.6) | 1 (3.6) | 3 (0.7) | 2 (4.1) | 0 | 0 | 1 (1.8) | 0 |
PTLD in EBV Seropositive Subpopulation
Among the 806 EBV seropositive patients with known CMV serostatus treated with either NULOJIX regimen in Studies 1, 2, and 3, 2% (4/210) of CMV seronegative patients developed PTLD compared to 0.2% (1/596) of CMV seropositive patients. Among the 404 EBV seropositive recipients treated with the recommended dosage regimen of NULOJIX, 3 PTLD cases were detected among 99 CMV seronegative patients (3%) and there was no case detected among 303 CMV seropositive patients. The clinical significance of CMV serology as a risk factor for PTLD remains to be determined; however, these findings should be considered when prescribing NULOJIX [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Other Malignancies
Malignancies, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer and PTLD, were reported in Study 1 and Study 2 in 3.5% (14/401) of patients treated with the recommended NULOJIX regimen and 3.7% (15/405) of patients treated with the cyclosporine control regimen. Non-melanoma skin cancer was reported in 1.5% (6/401) of patients treated with the recommended NULOJIX regimen and in 3.7% (15/405) of patients treated with cyclosporine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
Two fatal cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported among 1096 patients treated with a NULOJIX-containing regimen: 1 patient in clinical trials of kidney transplant (Studies 1, 2, and 3 described above) and 1 patient in a trial of liver transplant (trial of 250 patients). No cases of PML were reported in patients treated with the recommended NULOJIX regimen or the control regimen in these trials.
The kidney transplant recipient was treated with the NULOJIX regimen of higher cumulative dose and more frequent dosing than recommended, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and corticosteroids for two years. The liver transplant recipient was treated with 6 months of a NULOJIX dosage regimen that was more intensive than that studied in kidney transplant recipients, MMF at doses higher than the recommended dose, and corticosteroids [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Bacterial, Mycobacterial, Viral, and Fungal Infections
Adverse reactions of infectious etiology were reported based on clinical assessment by physicians. The causative organisms for these reactions are identified when provided by the physician. The overall number of infections, serious infections, and select infections with identified etiology reported in patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen or the cyclosporine control in Studies 1 and 2 are shown in Table 3. Fungal infections were reported in 18% of patients receiving NULOJIX compared to 22% receiving cyclosporine, primarily due to skin and mucocutaneous fungal infections. Tuberculosis and herpes infections were reported more frequently in patients receiving NULOJIX than cyclosporine. Of the patients who developed tuberculosis through three years, all but one NULOJIX patient lived in countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
| Up to Year 1 | Up to Year 3b | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NULOJIX Recommended Regimen N=401 n (%) | Cyclosporine N=405 n (%) | NULOJIX Recommended Regimen N=401 n (%) | Cyclosporine N=405 n (%) | |
| a Studies 1 and 2 were not designed to support comparative claims for NULOJIX for the adverse reactions reported in this table. b Median exposure in days for pooled studies: 1203 for NULOJIX recommended regimen and 1163 for cyclosporine in Studies 1 and 2. c All infections include bacterial, viral, fungal, and other organisms. For infectious adverse reactions, the causative organism is reported if specified by the physician in the clinical trials. d A medically important event that may be life-threatening or result in death or hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization. Infections not meeting these criteria are considered non-serious. e BK virus-associated nephropathy was reported in 6 NULOJIX patients (4 of which resulted in graft loss) and 6 cyclosporine patients (none of which resulted in graft loss) by Year 3. f Most herpes infections were non-serious and 1 led to treatment discontinuation. | ||||
All infectionsc | 287 (72) | 299 (74) | 329 (82) | 327 (81) |
Serious infectionsd | 98 (24) | 113 (28) | 144 (36) | 157 (39) |
CMV | 44 (11) | 52 (13) | 53 (13) | 56 (14) |
Polyoma viruse | 10 (3) | 23 (6) | 17 (4) | 27 (7) |
Herpesf | 27 (7) | 26 (6) | 55 (14) | 46 (11) |
Tuberculosis | 2 (1) | 1 (<1) | 6 (2) | 1 (<1) |
Infections Reported in the CNS
Following three years of treatment in Studies 1 and 2, cryptococcal meningitis was reported in 1 patient out of 401 patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen (0.2%) and 1 patient out of the 405 treated with the cyclosporine control (0.2%).
Six patients out of the 403 who were treated with the NULOJIX regimen of higher cumulative dose and more frequent dosing than recommended in Studies 1 and 2 (1.5%) were reported to have developed CNS infections, including 2 cases of cryptococcal meningitis, 1 case of Chagas encephalitis with cryptococcal meningitis, 1 case of cerebral aspergillosis, 1 case of West Nile encephalitis, and 1 case of PML (discussed above).
Infusion Reactions
There have been no reports of anaphylaxis or drug hypersensitivity in patients treated with NULOJIX in Studies 1 and 2 with up to three years of follow-up. However, milder infusion-related reactions within one hour of infusion were reported in 5% of patients treated with the recommended dose of NULOJIX, similar to the placebo rate. The most frequent reactions were hypotension and hypertension. A case of anaphylaxis was reported in the postmarketing experience [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
Proteinuria
At Month 1 after transplantation in Studies 1 and 2, the frequency of 2+ proteinuria on urine dipstick in patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen was 33% (130/390) and 28% (107/384) in patients treated with the cyclosporine control regimen. The frequency of 2+ proteinuria was similar between the two treatment groups between one and three years after transplantation (<10% in both studies). There were no differences in the occurrence of 3+ proteinuria (<4% in both studies) at any time point, and no patients experienced 4+ proteinuria. The clinical significance of this increase in early proteinuria is unknown.
Immunogenicity
Antibodies directed against the belatacept molecule were assessed in 398 patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen in Studies 1 and 2 (212 of these patients were treated for at least two years). Of the 372 patients with immunogenicity assessment at baseline (prior to receiving belatacept treatment), 29 patients tested positive for anti-belatacept antibodies; 13 of these patients had antibodies to the modified cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4). Anti-belatacept antibody titers did not increase during treatment in these 29 patients.
Eight (2%) patients developed antibodies during treatment with the NULOJIX recommended regimen. In the patients who developed antibodies during treatment, the median titer (by dilution method) was 8, with a range of 5 to 80. Of 56 patients who tested negative for antibodies during treatment and reassessed approximately 7 half-lives after discontinuation of NULOJIX, 1 tested antibody positive. Anti-belatacept antibody development was not associated with altered clearance of belatacept.
Samples from 6 patients with confirmed binding activity to the modified cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) region of the belatacept molecule were assessed by an in vitro bioassay for the presence of neutralizing antibodies. Three of these 6 patients tested positive for neutralizing antibodies. However, the development of neutralizing antibodies may be underreported due to lack of assay sensitivity.
The clinical impact of anti-belatacept antibodies (including neutralizing anti-belatacept antibodies) could not be determined in the studies.
The data reflect the percentage of patients whose test results were positive for antibodies to belatacept in specific assays. The observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay sensitivity and specificity, assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to belatacept with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading.
New-Onset Diabetes After Transplantation
The incidence of new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) was defined in Studies 1 and 2 as use of an antidiabetic agent for ≥30 days or ≥2 fasting plasma glucose values ≥126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) post-transplantation. Of the patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen, 5% (14/304) developed NODAT by the end of one year compared to 10% (27/280) of patients on the cyclosporine control regimen. However, by the end of the third year, the cumulative incidence of NODAT was 8% (24/304) in patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen and 10% (29/280) in patients treated with the cyclosporine regimen.
Hypertension
Blood pressure and use of antihypertensive medications were reported in Studies 1 and 2. By Year 3, one or more antihypertensive medications were used in 85% of NULOJIX-treated patients and 92% of cyclosporine-treated patients. At one year after transplantation, systolic blood pressures were 8 mmHg lower and diastolic blood pressures were 3 mmHg lower in patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen compared to the cyclosporine control regimen. At three years after transplantation, systolic blood pressures were 6 mmHg lower and diastolic blood pressures were 3 mmHg lower in NULOJIX-treated patients compared to cyclosporine-treated patients. Hypertension was reported as an adverse reaction in 32% of NULOJIX-treated patients and 37% of cyclosporine-treated patients (see Table 4).
Dyslipidemia
Mean values of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides were reported in Studies 1 and 2. At one year after transplantation these values were 183 mg/dL, 50 mg/dL, 102 mg/dL, and 151 mg/dL, respectively, in 401 patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen and 196 mg/dL, 48 mg/dL, 108 mg/dL, and 195 mg/dL, respectively, in 405 patients treated with the cyclosporine control regimen. At three years after transplantation, the total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides were 176 mg/dL, 49 mg/dL, 100 mg/dL, and 141 mg/dL, respectively, in NULOJIX-treated patients compared to 193 mg/dL, 48 mg/dL, 106 mg/dL, and 180 mg/dL in cyclosporine-treated patients.
The clinical significance of the lower mean triglyceride values in NULOJIX-treated patients at one and three years is unknown.
Other Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions that occurred at a frequency of ≥10% in patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen or cyclosporine control regimen in Studies 1 and 2 through three years are summarized by preferred term in decreasing order of frequency within Table 4.
| Adverse Reaction | NULOJIX Recommended Regimen N=401 % | Cyclosporine N=405 % |
|---|---|---|
| a All randomized and transplanted patients in Studies 1 and 2. b Studies 1 and 2 were not designed to support comparative claims for NULOJIX for the adverse reactions reported in this table. | ||
Infections and Infestations |
|
|
Urinary tract infection | 37 | 36 |
Upper respiratory infection | 15 | 16 |
Nasopharyngitis | 13 | 16 |
Cytomegalovirus infection | 12 | 12 |
Influenza | 11 | 8 |
Bronchitis | 10 | 7 |
Gastrointestinal Disorders |
|
|
Diarrhea | 39 | 36 |
Constipation | 33 | 35 |
Nausea | 24 | 27 |
Vomiting | 22 | 20 |
Abdominal pain | 19 | 16 |
Abdominal pain upper | 9 | 10 |
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders |
|
|
Hyperkalemia | 20 | 20 |
Hypokalemia | 21 | 14 |
Hypophosphatemia | 19 | 13 |
Dyslipidemia | 19 | 24 |
Hyperglycemia | 16 | 17 |
Hypocalcemia | 13 | 11 |
Hypercholesterolemia | 11 | 11 |
Hypomagnesemia | 7 | 10 |
Hyperuricemia | 5 | 12 |
Procedural Complications |
|
|
Graft dysfunction | 25 | 34 |
General Disorders |
|
|
Peripheral edema | 34 | 42 |
Pyrexia | 28 | 26 |
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders |
|
|
Anemia | 45 | 44 |
Leukopenia | 20 | 23 |
Renal and Urinary Disorders |
|
|
Hematuria | 16 | 18 |
Proteinuria | 16 | 12 |
Dysuria | 11 | 11 |
Renal tubular necrosis | 9 | 13 |
Vascular Disorders |
|
|
Hypertension | 32 | 37 |
Hypotension | 18 | 12 |
Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders |
|
|
Cough | 24 | 18 |
Dyspnea | 12 | 15 |
Investigations |
|
|
Blood creatinine increased | 15 | 20 |
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders |
|
|
Arthralgia | 17 | 13 |
Back pain | 13 | 13 |
Nervous System Disorders |
|
|
Headache | 21 | 18 |
Dizziness | 9 | 10 |
Tremor | 8 | 17 |
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders |
|
|
Acne | 8 | 11 |
Psychiatric Disorders |
|
|
Insomnia | 15 | 18 |
Anxiety | 10 | 11 |
Selected adverse reactions occurring in <10% from NULOJIX-treated patients in either regimen through three years in Studies 1 and 2 are listed below:
Immune System Disorders: Guillain-Barré syndrome
Infections and Infestations: see Table 3
Gastrointestinal Disorders: stomatitis, including aphthous stomatitis
Injury, Poisoning, and Procedural Complications: chronic allograft nephropathy, complications of transplanted kidney, including wound dehiscence, arteriovenous fistula thrombosis
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: neutropenia
Renal and Urinary Disorders: renal impairment, including acute renal failure, renal artery stenosis, urinary incontinence, hydronephrosis
Vascular Disorders: hematoma, lymphocele
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: musculoskeletal pain
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: alopecia, hyperhidrosis
Cardiac Disorders: atrial fibrillation
Postmarketing Experience
Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Immune System Disorder: Anaphylaxis
Spontaneous reports during the postmarketing experience included a case of anaphylaxis, which was observed in a kidney transplant patient whose belatacept therapy had been interrupted for two months during treatment of a systemic varicella infection. When belatacept therapy was resumed, within five minutes after the start of the belatacept infusion the patient developed a generalized rash, pruritus, hypotension, atrial fibrillation, respiratory distress, and syncope, requiring medical treatment. Another belatacept infusion was attempted one month later, but was terminated when the patient experienced more pronounced symptoms of anaphylaxis and required medical treatment.
Vascular Disorder: Venous Thrombosis of the Renal Allograft
In postmarketing experience in de novo kidney transplant recipients, some with other predisposing risk factors for venous thrombosis of the renal allograft, venous thrombosis of the renal allograft has occurred when the initial dose of anti-thymocyte globulin, as immunosuppressive induction, was coadministered (at the same or nearly the same time) with the first dose of belatacept [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
Long-Term Extension Studies
After completion of the 36-month studies, patients remaining on randomized therapy in Study 1 and Study 2 were eligible for enrollment in the long-term extension studies [see Clinical Studies (14.2, 14.3)]. No new adverse reactions were observed in the extension studies.
Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF)
Monitor for a need to adjust concomitant mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dosage when a patient’s therapy is switched between cyclosporine and NULOJIX, as cyclosporine decreases mycophenolic acid (MPA) exposure by preventing enterohepatic recirculation of MPA while NULOJIX does not [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]:
- •
- A higher MMF dosage may be needed after switching from NULOJIX to cyclosporine, since this may result in lower MPA concentrations and increase the risk of graft rejection.
- •
- A lower MMF dosage may be needed after switching from cyclosporine to NULOJIX, since this may result in higher MPA concentrations and increase the risk for adverse reactions related to MPA (review the Full Prescribing Information for MMF).
Cytochrome P450 Substrates
No dosage adjustments are needed for drugs metabolized via CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP3A, and CYP2C19 when coadministered with NULOJIX [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Anti-Thymocyte Globulin
Coadministration (at the same or nearly the same time) of anti-thymocyte globulin (or any other cell-depleting induction treatment) and belatacept in de novo kidney transplant recipients, especially those with other predisposing risk factors for venous thrombosis of the renal allograft, may pose a risk for venous thrombosis of the renal allograft [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
NULOJIX® (belatacept), a selective T cell costimulation blocker, is a soluble fusion protein consisting of the modified extracellular domain of CTLA-4 fused to a portion (hinge-CH2-CH3 domains) of the Fc domain of a human immunoglobulin G1 antibody. Belatacept is produced by recombinant DNA technology in a mammalian cell expression system. Two amino acid substitutions (L104 to E; A29 to Y) were made in the ligand binding region of CTLA-4. As a result of these modifications, belatacept binds CD80 and CD86 more avidly than abatacept, the parent CTLA4-Immunoglobulin (CTLA4-Ig) molecule from which it is derived. The molecular weight of belatacept is approximately 90 kilodaltons.
NULOJIX is supplied as a sterile, white or off-white lyophilized powder for intravenous administration. Prior to use, the lyophile is reconstituted with a suitable fluid to obtain a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale yellow solution, with a pH in the range of 7.2 to 7.8. Suitable fluids for constitution of the lyophile include SWFI, 0.9% NS, or D5W [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. Each 250 mg single-use vial of NULOJIX also contains: monobasic sodium phosphate (34.5 mg), sodium chloride (5.8 mg), and sucrose (500 mg).
Mechanism of Action
Belatacept, a selective T cell (lymphocyte) costimulation blocker, binds to CD80 and CD86 on antigen-presenting cells thereby blocking CD28 mediated costimulation of T lymphocytes. In vitro, belatacept inhibits T lymphocyte proliferation and the production of the cytokines interleukin-2, interferon-γ, interleukin-4, and TNF-α. Activated T lymphocytes are the predominant mediators of immunologic rejection.
In non-human primate models of renal transplantation, belatacept monotherapy prolonged graft survival and decreased the production of anti-donor antibodies, compared to vehicle.
Pharmacodynamics
Belatacept-mediated costimulation blockade results in the inhibition of cytokine production by T cells required for antigen-specific antibody production by B cells. In clinical trials, greater reductions in mean immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, and IgA) concentrations were observed from baseline to Month 6 and Month 12 post-transplant in belatacept-treated patients compared to cyclosporine-treated patients. In an exploratory subset analysis, a trend of decreasing IgG concentrations with increasing belatacept trough concentrations was observed at Month 6. Also in this exploratory subset analysis, belatacept-treated patients with CNS PTLD, CNS infections including PML, other serious infections, and malignancies were observed to have a higher incidence of IgG concentrations below the lower limit of the normal range (<694 mg/dL) at Month 6 than those patients who did not experience these adverse events. This observation was more pronounced with the higher than recommended dose of belatacept. A similar trend was also observed for cyclosporine-treated patients with serious infections and malignancies.
However, it is unclear whether any causal relationship between an IgG concentration below the lower level of normal and these adverse events exists, as the analysis may have been confounded by other factors (eg, age greater than 60 years, receipt of an extended criteria donor kidney, exposure to lymphocyte-depleting agents) which were also associated with IgG below the lower level of normal at Month 6 in these trials.
Pharmacokinetics
Table 5 summarizes the pharmacokinetic parameters of belatacept in healthy adult subjects after a single 10 mg per kg intravenous infusion; and in kidney transplant patients after the 10 mg per kg intravenous infusion at Week 12, and after 5 mg per kg intravenous infusion every four weeks at Month 12 post-transplant or later.
| Pharmacokinetic Parameter | Healthy Subjects (After 10 mg per kg Single Dose) N=15 | Kidney Transplant Patients (After 10 mg per kg Multiple Doses) N=10 | Kidney Transplant Patients (After 5 mg per kg Multiple Doses) N=14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| a AUC=AUC (INF) after single dose and AUC (TAU) after multiple dose, where TAU=4 weeks | |||
Peak concentration (Cmax) [µg/mL] | 300±77 | 247±68 | 139±28 |
AUCa | 26398±5175 | 22252±7868 | 14090±3860 |
Terminal half-life (t1/2) [days] | 9.8±2.8 | 9.8±3.2 | 8.2±2.4 |
Systemic clearance (CL) [mL/h/kg] | 0.39±0.07 | 0.49±0.13 | 0.51±0.14 |
Volume of distribution (Vss) [L/kg] | 0.09±0.02 | 0.11±0.03 | 0.12±0.03 |
In healthy subjects, the pharmacokinetics of belatacept was linear and the exposure to belatacept increased proportionally after a single intravenous infusion dose of 1 to 20 mg per kg. The pharmacokinetics of belatacept in de novo kidney transplant patients and healthy subjects are comparable. Following the recommended regimen, the mean belatacept serum concentration reached steady-state by Week 8 in the initial phase following transplantation and by Month 6 during the maintenance phase. Following once monthly intravenous infusion of 10 mg per kg and 5 mg per kg, there was about 20% and 10% systemic accumulation of belatacept in kidney transplant patients, respectively.
Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis of 924 kidney transplant patients up to one year post-transplant, the pharmacokinetics of belatacept were similar at different time periods post-transplant. In clinical trials, trough concentrations of belatacept were consistently maintained from Month 6 up to three years post-transplant. Population pharmacokinetic analyses in kidney transplant patients revealed that there was a trend toward higher clearance of belatacept with increasing body weight. Age, gender, race, renal function (measured by calculated glomerular filtration rate [GFR]), hepatic function (measured by albumin), diabetes, and concomitant dialysis did not affect the clearance of belatacept.
Drug Interactions
Mycophenolate Mofetil
In a pharmacokinetic substudy of Studies 1 and 2, the plasma concentrations of MPA were measured in 41 patients who received fixed MMF doses of 500 to 1500 mg twice daily with either 5 mg per kg of NULOJIX or cyclosporine. The mean dose-normalized MPA Cmax and AUC0-12 were approximately 20% and 40% higher, respectively, with NULOJIX coadministration than with cyclosporine coadministration [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Cytochrome P450 Substrates
The potential of NULOJIX to alter the systemic concentrations of drugs that are CYP450 substrates was investigated in healthy subjects following administration of a cocktail of probe drugs given concomitantly with, and at three days and at seven days following a single intravenous 10 mg per kg dose of NULOJIX. NULOJIX did not alter the pharmacokinetics of drugs that are substrates of CYP1A2 (caffeine), CYP2C9 (losartan), CYP2D6 (dextromethorphan), CYP3A (midazolam), and CYP2C19 (omeprazole) [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
A carcinogenicity study was not conducted with belatacept. However, a murine carcinogenicity study was conducted with abatacept (a more active analog in rodents) to determine the carcinogenic potential of CD28 blockade. Weekly subcutaneous injections of 20, 65, or 200 mg per kg of abatacept were associated with increases in the incidence of malignant lymphomas (all doses) and mammary gland tumors (intermediate- and high-dose in females) at clinically relevant exposures. The mice in this study were infected with endogenous murine leukemia and mouse mammary tumor viruses which are associated with an increased incidence of lymphomas and mammary gland tumors, respectively, in immunosuppressed mice. Although the precise relevance of these findings to the clinical use of NULOJIX is unknown, cases of PTLD (a premalignant or malignant proliferation of B lymphocytes) were reported in clinical trials.
Genotoxicity testing is not required for protein therapeutics; therefore, no genotoxicity studies were conducted with belatacept.
Belatacept had no adverse effects on male or female fertility in rats at doses up to 200 mg per kg daily (25 times the MRHD exposure).
Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology
Abatacept, a fusion protein that differs from belatacept by two amino acids, binds to the same ligands (CD80/CD86) and blocks T cell costimulation like belatacept, but is more active than belatacept in rodents. Therefore, toxicities identified with abatacept in rodents may be predictive of adverse effects in humans treated with belatacept.
Studies in rats exposed to abatacept have shown immune system abnormalities including a low incidence of infections leading to death (observed in juvenile rats and pregnant rats), as well as autoimmunity of the thyroid and pancreas (observed in rats exposed in utero, as juveniles or as adults). Studies of abatacept in adult mice and monkeys, as well as belatacept in adult monkeys, have not demonstrated similar findings.
The increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections observed in juvenile rats is likely associated with the exposure to abatacept before the complete development of memory immune responses. In pregnant rats, the increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections may be due to the inherent lapses in immunity that occur in rats during late pregnancy/lactation. Infections related to NULOJIX have been observed in human clinical trials [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Administration of abatacept to rats was associated with a significant decrease in T regulatory cells (up to 90%). Deficiency of T regulatory cells in humans has been associated with autoimmunity. The occurrence of autoimmune events across the core clinical trials was infrequent. However, the possibility that patients administered NULOJIX could develop autoimmunity (or that fetuses exposed to NULOJIX in utero could develop autoimmunity) cannot be excluded.
In a 6-month toxicity study with belatacept in cynomolgus monkeys administered weekly doses up to 50 mg per kg (6 times the MRHD exposure) and in a 1-year toxicity study with abatacept in adult cynomolgus monkeys administered weekly doses up to 50 mg per kg, no significant drug-related toxicities were observed. Reversible pharmacological effects consisted of minimal transient decreases in serum IgG and minimal to severe lymphoid depletion of germinal centers in the spleen and/or lymph nodes.
Following 5 doses (10 mg per kg or 50 mg per kg, once a week for five weeks) of systemic administration, belatacept was not detected in brain tissue of normal healthy cynomolgus monkeys. The number of cells expressing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-II antigens (potential marker of immune cell activation) in the brain were increased in monkeys administered belatacept compared to vehicle control. However, distribution of some other cells expressing CD68, CD20, CD80, and CD86, typically expressed on MHC class II-positive cells, was not altered and there were no other histological changes in the brain. The clinical relevance of the findings is unknown.
Prevention of Organ Rejection in Kidney Transplant Recipients
The efficacy and safety of NULOJIX in de novo kidney transplantation were assessed in two open-label, randomized, multicenter, active-controlled trials (Study 1 and Study 2). These trials evaluated two dose regimens of NULOJIX, the recommended dosage regimen [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] and a regimen with higher cumulative doses and more frequent dosing than the recommended dosage regimen, compared to a cyclosporine control regimen. All treatment groups also received basiliximab induction, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and corticosteroids.
Treatment Regimen
The NULOJIX recommended regimen consisted of a 10 mg per kg dose administered on Day 1 (the day of transplantation, prior to implantation), Day 5 (approximately 96 hours after the Day 1 dose), end of Weeks 2 and 4; then every four weeks through Week 12 after transplantation. Starting at Week 16 after transplantation, NULOJIX was administered at the maintenance dose of 5 mg per kg every four weeks (plus or minus three days). NULOJIX was administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
Basiliximab 20 mg was administered intravenously on the day of transplantation and four days later.
The initial dose of MMF was 1 gram twice daily and was adjusted as needed, based on clinical signs of adverse events or efficacy failure.
The protocol-specified dosing of corticosteroids in Studies 1 and 2 at Day 1 was methylprednisolone (as sodium succinate) 500 mg IV on arrival in the operating room, Day 2, methylprednisolone 250 mg IV, and Day 3, prednisone 100 mg orally. Actual median corticosteroid doses used with the NULOJIX recommended regimen from Week 1 through Month 6 are summarized in the table below (Table 6).
| Day of Dosing | Median (Q1–Q3) Daily Doseb,c | |
|---|---|---|
| Study 1 | Study 2 | |
| a Corticosteroid = prednisone or prednisolone. b The protocols allowed for flexibility in determining corticosteroid dose and rapidity of taper after Day 15. It is not possible to distinguish corticosteroid doses used to treat acute rejection versus doses used in a maintenance regimen. c Q1 and Q3 are the 25th and 75th percentiles of daily corticosteroid doses, respectively. | ||
Week 1 | 31.7 mg (26.7-50 mg) | 30 mg (26.7-50 mg) |
Week 2 | 25 mg (20-30 mg) | 25 mg (20-30 mg) |
Week 4 | 20 mg (15-20 mg) | 20 mg (15-22.5 mg) |
Week 6 | 15 mg (10-20 mg) | 16.7 mg (12.5-20 mg) |
Month 6 | 10 mg (5-10 mg) | 10 mg (5-12.5 mg) |
Study 1 enrolled recipients of living donor and standard criteria deceased donor organs and Study 2 enrolled recipients of extended criteria donor organs. Standard criteria donor organs were defined as organs from a deceased donor with anticipated cold ischemia time of <24 hours and not meeting the definition of extended criteria donor organs. Extended criteria donors were defined as deceased donors with at least one of the following: (1) donor age ≥60 years; (2) donor age ≥50 years and other donor comorbidities (≥2 of the following: stroke, hypertension, serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dL); (3) donation of organ after cardiac death; or (4) anticipated cold ischemia time of the organ of ≥24 hours. Study 1 excluded recipients undergoing a first transplant whose current Panel Reactive Antibodies (PRA) were ≥50% and recipients undergoing a retransplantation whose current PRA were ≥30%; Study 2 excluded recipients with a current PRA ≥30%. Both studies excluded recipients with HIV, hepatitis C, or evidence of current hepatitis B infection; recipients with active tuberculosis; and recipients in whom intravenous access was difficult to obtain.
Efficacy data are presented for the NULOJIX recommended regimen and cyclosporine regimen in Studies 1 and 2.
The NULOJIX regimen with higher cumulative doses and more frequent dosing of belatacept was associated with more efficacy failures. Higher doses and/or more frequent dosing of NULOJIX are not recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.1), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Study 1: Recipients of Living Donor and Standard Criteria Deceased Donor Kidneys
In Study 1 (NCT00256750), 666 patients were enrolled, randomized, and transplanted: 226 to the NULOJIX recommended regimen, 219 to the NULOJIX regimen with higher cumulative doses and more frequent dosing than recommended, and 221 to cyclosporine control regimen. The median age was 45 years; 58% of organs were from living donors; 3% were re-transplanted; 69% of the study population was male; 61% of patients were white, 8% were black/African-American, 31% were categorized as of other races; 16% had PRA ≥10%; 41% had 4 to 6 HLA mismatches; and 27% had diabetes prior to transplant. The incidence of delayed graft function was similar in all treatment arms (14% to 18%).
Premature discontinuation from treatment at the end of the first year occurred in 19% of patients receiving the NULOJIX recommended regimen and 19% of patients on the cyclosporine regimen. Among the patients who received the NULOJIX recommended regimen, 10% discontinued due to lack of efficacy, 5% due to adverse events, and 4% for other reasons. Among the patients who received the cyclosporine regimen, 9% discontinued due to adverse events, 5% due to lack of efficacy, and 5% for other reasons.
At the end of three years, 25% of patients receiving the NULOJIX recommended regimen and 34% of patients receiving the cyclosporine regimen had discontinued from treatment. Among the patients who received the NULOJIX recommended regimen, 12% discontinued due to lack of efficacy, 7% due to adverse events, and 6% for other reasons. Among the patients who received the cyclosporine regimen, 15% discontinued due to adverse events, 8% due to lack of efficacy, and 11% for other reasons.
Assessment of Efficacy
Table 7 summarizes the results of Study 1 following one and three years of treatment with the NULOJIX recommended dosage regimen and the cyclosporine control regimen. Efficacy failure at one year was defined as the occurrence of biopsy proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft loss, death, or lost to follow-up. BPAR was defined as histologically confirmed acute rejection by a central pathologist on a biopsy done for any reason, whether or not accompanied by clinical signs of rejection. Patient and graft survival was also assessed separately.
| Parameter | NULOJIX Recommended Regimen N=226 n (%) | Cyclosporine (CSA) N=221 n (%) | NULOJIX-CSA (97.3% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| a Patients may have experienced more than one event. b Patients known to be alive with a functioning graft. | |||
Efficacy Failure by Year 1 | 49 (21.7) | 37 (16.7) | 4.9 (−3.3, 13.2) |
Components of Efficacy Failurea | |||
Biopsy Proven Acute Rejection | 45 (19.9) | 23 (10.4) |
|
Graft Loss | 5 (2.2) | 8 (3.6) |
|
Death | 4 (1.8) | 7 (3.2) |
|
Lost to follow-up | 0 | 1 (0.5) |
|
Efficacy Failure by Year 3 | 58 (25.7) | 57 (25.8) | −0.1 (−9.3, 9) |
Components of Efficacy Failurea | |||
Biopsy Proven Acute Rejection | 50 (22.1) | 31 (14) |
|
Graft Loss | 9 (4) | 10 (4.5) |
|
Death | 10 (4.4) | 15 (6.8) |
|
Lost to follow-up | 2 (0.9) | 5 (2.3) |
|
Patient and graft survivalb |
|
|
|
Year 1 | 218 (96.5) | 206 (93.2) | 3.2 (−1.5, 8.4) |
Year 3 | 206 (91.2) | 192 (86.9) | 4.3 (−2.2, 10.8) |
In Study 1, the rate of BPAR at one year and three years was higher in patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen than the cyclosporine regimen. Of the patients who experienced BPAR with NULOJIX, 70% experienced BPAR by Month 3, and 84% experienced BPAR by Month 6. By three years, recurrent BPAR occurred with similar frequency across treatment groups (<3%). The component of BPAR determined by biopsy only (subclinical protocol-defined acute rejection) was 5% in both treatment groups.
Patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen experienced episodes of BPAR classified as Banff grade IIb or higher (6% [14/226] at one year and 7% [15/226] at three years) more frequently compared to patients treated with the cyclosporine regimen (2% [4/221] at one year and 2% [5/221] at three years). Also, T cell-depleting therapy was used more frequently to treat episodes of BPAR in NULOJIX-treated patients (10%; 23/226) compared to cyclosporine-treated patients (2%; 5/221). At Month 12, the difference in mean calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between patients with and without history of BPAR was 19 mL/min/1.73 m2 among NULOJIX-treated patients compared to 7 mL/min/1.73 m2 among cyclosporine-treated patients. By three years, 22% (11/50) of NULOJIX-treated patients with a history of BPAR experienced graft loss and/or death compared to 10% (3/31) of cyclosporine-treated patients with a history of BPAR; at that time point, 10% (5/50) of NULOJIX-treated patients experienced graft loss and 12% (6/50) of NULOJIX-treated patients had died following an episode of BPAR, whereas 7% (2/31) of cyclosporine-treated patients experienced graft loss and 7% (2/31) of cyclosporine-treated patients had died following an episode of BPAR. The overall prevalence of donor-specific antibodies was 5% and 11% for the NULOJIX recommended regimen and cyclosporine, respectively, up to 36 months post-transplant.
While the difference in GFR in patients with BPAR versus those without BPAR was greater in patients treated with NULOJIX than cyclosporine, the mean GFR following BPAR was similar in NULOJIX (49 mL/min/1.73 m2) and cyclosporine treated patients (43 mL/min/1.73 m2) at one year. The relationship between BPAR, GFR, and patient and graft survival is unclear due to the limited number of patients who experienced BPAR, differences in renal hemodynamics (and, consequently, GFR) across maintenance immunosuppression regimens, and the high rate of switching treatment regimens after BPAR.
Assessment of Efficacy in the EBV Seropositive Subpopulation
NULOJIX is recommended for use only in EBV seropositive patients [see Indications and Usage (1.2)].
In Study 1, approximately 87% of patients were EBV seropositive prior to transplant. Efficacy results in the EBV seropositive subpopulation were consistent with those in the total population studied.
By one year, the efficacy failure rate in the EBV seropositive population was 21% (42/202) in patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen and 17% (31/184) in patients treated with cyclosporine (difference=4%, 97.3% CI [−4.8, 12.8]). Patient and graft survival was 98% (198/202) in NULOJIX-treated patients and 92% (170/184) in cyclosporine-treated patients (difference=5.6%, 97.3% CI [0.8, 10.4]).
By three years, efficacy failure was 25% in both treatment groups and patient and graft survival was 94% (187/202) in NULOJIX-treated patients compared with 88% (162/184) in cyclosporine-treated patients (difference=4.6%, 97.3% CI [−2.1, 11.3]).
Assessment of Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) was measured at one and two years and was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula at one, two, and three years after transplantation. As shown in Table 8, both measured and calculated GFR was higher in patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen compared to patients treated with the cyclosporine control regimen at all time points. As shown in Figure 1, the differences in GFR were apparent in the first month after transplant and were maintained up to three years (36 months). An analysis of change of calculated mean GFR between three and 36 months demonstrated an increase of 0.8 mL/min/year (95% CI [−0.2, 1.8]) for NULOJIX-treated patients and a decrease of 2.2 mL/min/year (95% CI [−3.2, −1.2]) for cyclosporine-treated patients.
| Parameter | NULOJIX Recommended Regimen N=226 | Cyclosporine (CSA) N=221 | NULOJIX-CSA (97.3% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| a GFR was measured using the cold-iothalamate method. b Measured GFR was not assessed at Year 3. c GFR was calculated using the MDRD formula. | |||
Measured GFRa mL/min/1.73 m2 mean (SD) |
|
|
|
Year 1 | 63.4 (27.7) | 50.4 (18.7) | 13.0 (7.3, 18.7) |
| (n=206) | (n=199) |
|
Year 2b | 67.9 (29.9) | 50.5 (20.5) | 17.4 (11.5, 23.4) |
| (n=199) | (n=185) |
|
Calculated GFRc mL/min/1.73 m2 mean (SD) |
|
|
|
Year 1 | 65.4 (22.9) | 50.1 (21.1) | 15.3 (10.3, 20.3) |
| (n=200) | (n=199) |
|
Year 2 | 65.4 (25.2) | 47.9 (23) | 17.5 (12, 23.1) |
| (n=201) | (n=182) |
|
Year 3 | 65.8 (27) | 44.4 (23.6) | 21.4 (15.4, 27.4) |
| (n=190) | (n=171) |
|
Figure 1: Calculated (MDRD) GFR Through Month 36; Study 1: Recipients of Living and Standard Criteria Deceased Donor Kidneys
Assessment of Chronic Allograft Nephropathy (CAN)
The prevalence of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) at one year, as defined by the Banff ’97 classification system, was 24% (54/226) in patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen and in 32% (71/219) of patients treated with the cyclosporine control regimen. CAN was not evaluated after the first year following transplantation. The clinical significance of this finding is unknown.
Study 2: Recipients of Extended Criteria Donor Kidneys
In Study 2 (NCT00114777), 543 patients were enrolled, randomized, and transplanted: 175 to the NULOJIX recommended regimen, 184 to the NULOJIX regimen with higher cumulative doses and more frequent dosing than recommended, and 184 to the cyclosporine control regimen. The median age was 58 years; 67% of the study population was male; 75% of patients were white, 13% were black/African-American, 12% were categorized as of other races; 3% had PRA ≥10%; 53% had 4 to 6 HLA mismatches; and 29% had diabetes prior to transplantation. The incidence of delayed graft function was similar in all treatment arms (47% to 49%).
Premature discontinuation from treatment at the end of the first year occurred in 25% of patients receiving the NULOJIX recommended regimen and 30% of patients receiving the cyclosporine control regimen. Among the patients who received the NULOJIX recommended regimen, 14% discontinued due to adverse events, 9% due to lack of efficacy, and 2% for other reasons. Among the patients who received the cyclosporine regimen, 17% discontinued due to adverse events, 7% due to lack of efficacy, and 6% for other reasons.
At the end of three years, 35% of patients receiving the NULOJIX recommended regimen and 44% of patients receiving the cyclosporine regimen had discontinued from treatment. Among the patients who received the NULOJIX recommended regimen, 20% discontinued due to adverse events, 9% due to lack of efficacy, and 6% for other reasons. Among the patients who received the cyclosporine regimen, 25% discontinued due to adverse events, 10% due to lack of efficacy, and 10% for other reasons.
Assessment of Efficacy
Table 9 summarizes the results of Study 2 following one and three years of treatment with the NULOJIX recommended dosage regimen and the cyclosporine control regimen. Efficacy failure at one year was defined as the occurrence of biopsy proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft loss, death, or lost to follow-up. BPAR was defined as histologically confirmed acute rejection by a central pathologist on a biopsy done for any reason, whether or not accompanied by clinical signs of rejection. Patient and graft survival was also assessed.
| Parameter | NULOJIX Recommended Regimen N=175 n (%) | Cyclosporine (CSA) N=184 n (%) | NULOJIX-CSA (97.3% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| a Patients may have experienced more than one event. b Patients known to be alive with a functioning graft. | |||
Efficacy Failure by Year 1 | 51 (29.1) | 52 (28.3) | 0.9 (−9.7, 11.5) |
Components of Efficacy Failurea |
|
|
|
Biopsy Proven Acute Rejection | 37 (21.1) | 34 (18.5) |
|
Graft Loss | 16 (9.1) | 20 (10.9) |
|
Death | 5 (2.9) | 8 (4.3) |
|
Lost to follow-up | 0 | 2 (1.1) |
|
Efficacy Failure by Year 3 | 63 (36) | 68 (37) | −1.0 (−12.1, 10.3) |
Components of Efficacy Failurea |
|
|
|
Biopsy Proven Acute Rejection | 42 (24) | 42 (22.8) |
|
Graft Loss | 21 (12) | 23 (12.5) |
|
Death | 15 (8.6) | 17 (9.2) |
|
Lost to follow-up | 1 (0.6) | 5 (2.7) |
|
Patient and graft survivalb |
|
|
|
Year 1 | 155 (88.6) | 157 (85.3) | 3.2 (−4.8, 11.3) |
Year 3 | 143 (81.7) | 143 (77.7) | 4.0 (−5.4, 13.4) |
In Study 2, the rate of BPAR at one year and three years was similar in patients treated with NULOJIX and cyclosporine. Of the patients who experienced BPAR with NULOJIX, 62% experienced BPAR by Month 3, and 76% experienced BPAR by Month 6. By three years, recurrent BPAR occurred with similar frequency across treatment groups (<3%). The component of BPAR determined by biopsy only (subclinical protocol-defined acute rejection) was 5% in both treatment groups.
A similar proportion of patients in the NULOJIX recommended regimen group experienced BPAR classified as Banff grade IIb or higher (5% [9/175] at one year and 6% [10/175] at three years) compared to patients treated with the cyclosporine regimen (4% [7/184] at one year and 5% [9/184] at three years). Also, T cell-depleting therapy was used with similar frequency to treat any episode of BPAR in NULOJIX-treated patients (5% or 9/175) compared to cyclosporine-treated patients (4% or 7/184). At Month 12, the difference in mean calculated GFR between patients with and without a history of BPAR was 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 among NULOJIX-treated patients compared to 14 mL/min/1.73 m2 among cyclosporine-treated patients. By three years, 24% (10/42) of NULOJIX-treated patients with a history of BPAR experienced graft loss and/or death compared to 31% (13/42) of cyclosporine-treated patients with a history of BPAR; at that time point, 17% (7/42) of NULOJIX-treated patients experienced graft loss and 14% (6/42) of NULOJIX-treated patients had died following an episode of BPAR, whereas 19% (8/42) of cyclosporine-treated patients experienced graft loss and 19% (8/42) of cyclosporine-treated patients had died following an episode of BPAR. The overall prevalence of donor-specific antibodies was 6% and 15% for the NULOJIX recommended regimen and cyclosporine, respectively, up to 36 months post-transplant.
The mean GFR following BPAR was 36 mL/min/1.73 m2 in NULOJIX patients and 24 mL/min/1.73 m2 in cyclosporine-treated patients at one year. The relationship between BPAR, GFR, and patient and graft survival is unclear due to the limited number of patients who experienced BPAR, differences in renal hemodynamics (and, consequently, GFR) across maintenance immunosuppression regimens, and the high rate of switching treatment regimens after BPAR.
Assessment of Efficacy in the EBV Seropositive Subpopulation
NULOJIX is recommended for use only in EBV seropositive patients [see Indications and Usage (1.2)].
In Study 2, approximately 91% of the patients were EBV seropositive prior to transplant. Efficacy results in the EBV seropositive subpopulation were consistent with those in the total population studied.
By one year, the efficacy failure rate in the EBV seropositive population was 29% (45/156) in patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen and 28% (47/168) in patients treated with cyclosporine (difference=0.8%, 97.3% CI [−10.3, 11.9]). Patient and graft survival rate in the EBV seropositive population was 89% (139/156) in the NULOJIX-treated patients and 86% (144/168) in cyclosporine-treated patients (difference=3.4%, 97.3% CI [−4.7, 11.5]).
By three years, efficacy failure was 35% (54/156) in NULOJIX-treated patients and 36% (61/168) in cyclosporine-treated patients. Patient and graft survival was 83% (130/156) in NULOJIX-treated patients compared with 77% (130/168) in cyclosporine-treated patients (difference=5.9%, 97.3% CI [−3.8, 15.6]).
Assessment of Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) was measured at one and two years and was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula at one, two, and three years after transplantation. As shown in Table 10, both measured and calculated GFR was higher in patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen compared to patients treated with the cyclosporine control regimen at all time points. As shown in Figure 2, the differences in GFR were apparent in the first month after transplant and were maintained up to three years (36 months). An analysis of change of calculated mean GFR between Month 3 and Month 36 demonstrated a decrease of 0.8 mL/min/year (95% CI [−1.9, 0.3]) for NULOJIX-treated patients and a decrease of 2.0 mL/min/year (95% CI [−3.1, −0.8]) for cyclosporine-treated patients.
| Parameter | NULOJIX Recommended Regimen N=175 | Cyclosporine (CSA) N=184 | NULOJIX-CSA (97.3% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| a GFR was measured using the cold-iothalamate method. b Measured GFR was not assessed at Year 3. c GFR was calculated using the MDRD formula. | |||
Measured GFRa mL/min/1.73 m2 mean (SD) |
|
|
|
Year 1 | 49.6 (25.8) | 45.2 (21.1) | 4.3 (−1.5, 10.2) |
| (n=151) | (n=154) |
|
Year 2b | 49.7 (23.7) | 45.0 (27.2) | 4.7 (−1.8, 11.3) |
| (n=139) | (n=136) |
|
Calculated GFRc mL/min/1.73 m2 mean (SD) |
|
|
|
Year 1 | 44.5 (21.8) | 36.5 (21.1) | 8.0 (2.5, 13.4) |
| (n=158) | (n=159) |
|
Year 2 | 42.8 (24.1) | 34.9 (21.6) | 8.0 (1.9, 14) |
| (n=158) | (n=154) |
|
Year 3 | 42.2 (25.2) | 31.5 (22.1) | 10.7 (4.3, 17.2) |
| (n=154) | (n=143) |
|
Figure 2: Calculated (MDRD) GFR Through Month 36; Study 2: Recipients of Extended Criteria Donor Kidneys
Assessment of Chronic Allograft Nephropathy (CAN)
The prevalence of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) at one year, as defined by the Banff ’97 classification system, was 46% (80/174) in patients treated with the NULOJIX recommended regimen and 52% (95/184) of patients treated with the cyclosporine control regimen. CAN was not evaluated after the first year following transplantation. The clinical significance of this finding is unknown.
Long-Term Extension (LTE) of Study 1 and Study 2
Although initially designed as three-year studies, Studies 1 and 2 were subsequently extended to seven years to provide descriptive long-term safety and efficacy data. Only patients who completed the assigned treatment for three years and consented to remain on the assigned treatment from three to seven years were eligible for the long-term extension (LTE) studies.
Long-Term Extension of Study 1
In the LTE of Study 1, of the 666 originally randomized and transplanted patients, 457 (69%) patients enrolled into the LTE study: 73% (166/226) in the NULOJIX recommended regimen group, 71% (155/219) in the NULOJIX nonrecommended regimen group, and 62% (136/221) in the cyclosporine group. Fourteen (2%) patients who completed the assigned treatment at the end of Year 3 did not enroll into the LTE study: 4 in the NULOJIX recommended regimen group, 3 in the NULOJIX nonrecommended regimen group, and 7 in the cyclosporine group.
Of the 457 patients enrolled in the LTE study, 356 (79%) patients completed the assigned treatment at the end of Year 7: 82% (136/166) in the NULOJIX recommended regimen group, 83% (128/155) in the NULOJIX nonrecommended regimen group, and 68% (92/136) in the cyclosporine group. The most common reasons for discontinuation from the LTE study included adverse events and death.
Seven (4.2%) deaths and 2 (1.2%) graft losses were reported in the NULOJIX recommended regimen group while 7 (4.5%) deaths and no graft loss were reported in the NULOJIX nonrecommended regimen group, and 10 (7.4%) deaths and 6 (4.4%) graft losses were reported in the cyclosporine group.
No PTLD was reported in the NULOJIX groups while 1 case of non-CNS PTLD was reported in the cyclosporine group, in a patient who was EBV seropositive at the time of transplant.
No PML was reported in the NULOJIX groups while 1 case of PML was reported in the cyclosporine group at 82 months post-transplant (56 days after discontinuing therapy).
The higher calculated GFR observed in NULOJIX-treated patients compared to cyclosporine-treated patients during the first three years was maintained during the LTE period.
| NULOJIX Recommended Regimen N=166 n (%) | NULOJIX Nonrecommended Regimen N=155 n (%) | Cyclosporine N=136 n (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| a This patient was EBV seropositive at the time of transplant. | |||
Death | 7 (4.2) | 7 (4.5) | 10 (7.4) |
Graft Loss | 2 (1.2) | 0 (0) | 6 (4.4) |
Death or Graft Loss | 9 (5.4) | 7 (4.5) | 14 (10.3) |
PTLD | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 1a (0.7) |
PML | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 1 (0.7) |
Long-Term Extension of Study 2
In the LTE of Study 2, of the 543 originally randomized and transplanted patients, 304 (56%) patients enrolled into the LTE study: 65% (113/175) in the NULOJIX recommended regimen group, 57% (104/184) in the NULOJIX nonrecommended regimen group, and 47% (87/184) in the cyclosporine group. Nineteen (3.5%) patients who completed the assigned treatment at the end of Year 3 did not enroll into the LTE study: 1 in the NULOJIX recommended regimen group, 5 in the NULOJIX nonrecommended regimen group, and 13 in the cyclosporine group.
Of the 304 patients enrolled in the LTE study, 215 (71%) patients completed the assigned treatment at the end of Year 7: 74% (84/113) in the NULOJIX recommended regimen group, 71% (74/104) in the NULOJIX nonrecommended regimen group, and 66% (57/87) in the cyclosporine group. The most common reasons for discontinuation from the LTE study included adverse events and death.
Twenty-one (18.6%) deaths and 1 (0.9%) graft loss were reported in the NULOJIX recommended regimen group while 14 (13.5%) deaths and 2 (1.9%) graft losses were reported in the NULOJIX nonrecommended regimen group, and 9 (10.3%) deaths and 6 (6.9%) graft losses were reported in the cyclosporine group.
Six cases of PTLD were reported among the three treatment groups: 4 in the NULOJIX recommended regimen group, 1 in the NULOJIX nonrecommended regimen group, and 1 in the cyclosporine group. Three of these cases (1 in each treatment group) occurred in patients who were EBV seropositive at the time of transplant and the other 3 cases (in NULOJIX recommended regimen) occurred in patients who were EBV seronegative. No case of PML was reported among the three treatment groups.
The higher mean calculated GFR observed in NULOJIX-treated patients compared to cyclosporine-treated patients during the first three years was maintained during the LTE period.
| NULOJIX Recommended Regimen N=113 n (%) | NULOJIX Nonrecommended Regimen N=104 n (%) | Cyclosporine N=87 n (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| a Three of these patients were EBV seronegative at the time of transplant. | |||
Death | 21 (18.6) | 14 (13.5) | 9 (10.3) |
Graft Loss | 1 (0.9) | 2 (1.9) | 6 (6.9) |
Death or Graft Loss | 22 (19.5) | 16 (15.4) | 14 (16.1) |
PTLD | 4a (3.6) | 1 (1.0) | 1 (1.2) |
PML | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) |
Follow-Up Data of Patients with Complete 7-Year Patient and Graft Survival
In Study 1, of the original intention-to-treat (ITT) population (N=666), 72% (163/226) of patients in the NULOJIX recommended regimen group, 70% (153/219) of patients in the NULOJIX nonrecommended regimen group and 60% (132/221) of patients in the cyclosporine group had complete 7-year patient and graft survival follow-up data. Among these completers, the proportion of patients who died or had graft loss was 17% (27/163) in the NULOJIX recommended regimen group, 16% (25/153) in the NULOJIX nonrecommended regimen group and 30% (40/132) in the cyclosporine group.
In Study 2, of the original ITT population (N=543), 79% (138/175) of patients in the NULOJIX recommended regimen group, 128/184 (70%) of patients in the NULOJIX nonrecommended regimen group and 59% (108/184) of patients in the cyclosporine group had complete 7-year patient and graft survival follow-up data. Among these completers, the proportion of patients who died or had graft loss was 39% (54/138) in the NULOJIX recommended regimen group, 42% (54/128) in the NULOJIX nonrecommended regimen group and 48% (52/108) in the cyclosporine group.
| NULOJIX Recommended Regimen n (%) | NULOJIX Nonrecommended Regimen n (%) | Cyclosporine n (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Study 1 | N=163 | N=153 | N=132 |
Death | 17 (10%) | 17 (11%) | 26 (20%) |
Graft Loss | 11 (7%) | 10 (7%) | 17 (13%) |
Death or Graft Loss | 27 (17%) | 25 (16%) | 40 (30%) |
Study 2 | N=138 | N=128 | N=108 |
Death | 37 (27%) | 37 (29%) | 29 (27%) |
Graft Loss | 23 (17%) | 21 (16%) | 29 (27%) |
Death or Graft Loss | 54 (39%) | 54 (42%) | 52 (48%) |
NULOJIX® (belatacept) lyophilized powder for intravenous infusion is supplied as a single-use vial with a silicone-free disposable syringe in the following packaging configuration:
Description | NDC Number | |
One 250-mg vial | One 12 mL Syringe | 0003-0371-13 |
Storage
NULOJIX lyophilized powder is stored refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Protect NULOJIX from light by storing in the original package until time of use.
The reconstituted solution should be transferred from the vial to the infusion bag or bottle immediately. The NULOJIX infusion must be completed within 24 hours of constitution of the NULOJIX lyophilized powder. If not used immediately, the infusion solution may be stored under refrigeration conditions: 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and protected from light for up to 24 hours (a maximum of 4 hours of the total 24 hours can be at room temperature: 20°C to 25°C [68°F to 77°F] and room light) [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
Mechanism of Action
Belatacept, a selective T cell (lymphocyte) costimulation blocker, binds to CD80 and CD86 on antigen-presenting cells thereby blocking CD28 mediated costimulation of T lymphocytes. In vitro, belatacept inhibits T lymphocyte proliferation and the production of the cytokines interleukin-2, interferon-γ, interleukin-4, and TNF-α. Activated T lymphocytes are the predominant mediators of immunologic rejection.
In non-human primate models of renal transplantation, belatacept monotherapy prolonged graft survival and decreased the production of anti-donor antibodies, compared to vehicle.
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Nulojix retails for $1,031 per dose without insurance or financial assistance.
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