Yervoy

Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma

YERVOY, as a single agent or in combination with nivolumab, is indicated for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older.

Adjuvant Treatment of Melanoma

YERVOY is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with cutaneous melanoma with pathologic involvement of regional lymph nodes of more than 1 mm who have undergone complete resection, including total lymphadenectomy.

Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

YERVOY, in combination with nivolumab, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with intermediate or poor risk advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

YERVOY, in combination with nivolumab, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response [see Clinical Studies (14.4)]. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma

YERVOY, in combination with nivolumab, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response [see Clinical Studies (14.5)]. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

YERVOY, in combination with nivolumab, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)], with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.

YERVOY, in combination with nivolumab and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic or recurrent NSCLC, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

YERVOY, in combination with nivolumab, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Esophageal Cancer

YERVOY, in combination with nivolumab, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Patient Selection

Select patients with metastatic NSCLC for treatment with YERVOY in combination with nivolumab based on PD-L1 expression [see Clinical Studies (14.6)].

Information on FDA-approved tests for the determination of PD-L1 expression in NSCLC is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics.

Recommended Dosage

The recommended dosages of YERVOY as a single agent are presented in Table 1.

The recommended dosages of YERVOY in combination with other therapeutic agents are presented in Table 2. Refer to the respective Prescribing Information for each therapeutic agent administered in combination with YERVOY for recommended dosage information, as appropriate.

Recommended Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions

No dose reduction for YERVOY is recommended. In general, withhold YERVOY for severe (Grade 3) immune-mediated adverse reactions. Permanently discontinue YERVOY for life-threatening (Grade 4) immune-mediated adverse reactions, recurrent severe (Grade 3) immune-mediated reactions that require systemic immunosuppressive treatment, persistent moderate (Grade 2) or severe (Grade 3) reactions lasting 12 weeks or longer after last YERVOY dose (excluding endocrinopathy), or an inability to reduce corticosteroid dose to 10 mg or less of prednisone or equivalent per day within 12 weeks of initiating steroids. Dosage modifications for YERVOY or YERVOY in combination with nivolumab for adverse reactions that require management different from these general guidelines are summarized in Table 3.

When YERVOY is administered in combination with nivolumab, withhold or permanently discontinue both YERVOY and nivolumab for toxicity.

Preparation and Administration

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Do not shake product.

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Visually inspect for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Discard vial if solution is cloudy, there is pronounced discoloration (solution may have pale-yellow color), or there is foreign particulate matter other than translucent-to-white, amorphous particles.

Pregnancy

Lactation

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of YERVOY have been established in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older for the following indications: as a single agent and in combination with nivolumab for unresectable or metastatic melanoma, and, in combination with nivolumab for MSI-H or dMMR mCRC that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. Use of YERVOY for these indications is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults with melanoma or MSI-H or dMMR mCRC and additional pharmacokinetic data in pediatric patients. Ipilimumab exposures in pediatric patients 12 years and older are comparable to that of adults, and the courses of melanoma and MSI-H or dMMR mCRC are similar in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older to that of adults to allow extrapolation of safety and efficacy [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14.4)].

The safety and effectiveness of YERVOY have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 12 years old with unresectable or metastatic melanoma or MSI-H or dMMR mCRC.

The safety and effectiveness of YERVOY have not been established in pediatric patients for the adjuvant treatment of melanoma or for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma and esophageal cancer.

In a dose-finding trial (NCT01445379), 33 patients aged 2 to 21 years (median 13 years) with relapsed or refractory solid tumors were evaluated including unresectable stage IIIc or stage IV melanoma (12), progressive or refractory sarcomas (17), renal or bladder carcinoma (3), and neuroblastoma (1). No responses in the patients with non-melanoma solid tumors and no new safety signals were observed in pediatric patients in this study.

Geriatric Use

Single Agent

Of the 511 patients treated with YERVOY in Study MDX010-20 (unresectable or metastatic melanoma), 28% were 65 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients.

In Combination with Nivolumab

Of the 314 patients randomized to YERVOY administered with nivolumab in CHECKMATE-067, 41% were 65 years or older and 11% were 75 years or older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were reported between elderly patients and younger patients.

Of the 576 patients randomized to YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks with nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks in CHECKMATE-227 (NSCLC), 48% were 65 years or older and 10% were 75 years or older. No overall difference in safety was reported between older patients and younger patients; however, there was a higher discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions in patients aged 75 years or older (29%) relative to all patients who received YERVOY with nivolumab (18%). Of the 396 patients in the primary efficacy population (PD-L1 ≥1%) randomized to YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks with nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks in CHECKMATE-227, the hazard ratio for overall survival was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.89) in the 199 patients younger than 65 years compared to 0.91 (95% CI: 0.72, 1.15) in the 197 patients 65 years or older [see Clinical Studies (14.6)].

Of the 303 patients randomized to YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks in combination with nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks in CHECKMATE-743 (malignant pleural mesothelioma), 77% were 65 years old or older and 26% were 75 years or older. No overall difference in safety was reported between older patients and younger patients; however, there were higher rates of serious adverse reactions and discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions in patients aged 75 years or older (68% and 35%, respectively) relative to all patients who received YERVOY with nivolumab (54% and 28%, respectively). For patients aged 75 years or older who received chemotherapy, the rate of serious adverse reactions was 34% and discontinuation due to adverse reactions was 26% relative to 28% and 19% respectively for all patients. The hazard ratio for overall survival was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.52, 1.11) in the 71 patients younger than 65 years compared to 0.74 (95% CI: 0.59, 0.93) in the 232 patients 65 years or older randomized to YERVOY in combination with nivolumab.

Of the 550 patients randomized to YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab in CHECKMATE-214 (renal cell carcinoma), 38% were 65 years or older and 8% were 75 years or older. No overall difference in safety was observed between these patients and younger patients. In geriatric patients with intermediate or poor risk, no overall difference in effectiveness was observed.

Of the 49 patients who received YERVOY 3 mg/kg with nivolumab in Cohort 4 of CHECKMATE-040 (hepatocellular carcinoma), 29% were between 65 years and 74 years of age and 8% were 75 years or older. Clinical studies of YERVOY in combination with nivolumab did not include sufficient numbers of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.

Of the 325 patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks in combination with nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks in CHECKMATE-648 (ESCC), 43% were 65 years old or older and 7% were 75 years or older. No overall difference in safety was reported between older patients and younger patients; however, there was a higher discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions in patients aged 75 years or older (38%) relative to all patients who received YERVOY with nivolumab (23%). For patients aged 75 years or older who received chemotherapy, the discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was 33% relative to 23% for all patients.

Study CA184-029 (adjuvant treatment of melanoma) and CHECKMATE-142 (metastatic colorectal cancer) did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.

In Combination with Nivolumab and Platinum-Doublet Chemotherapy

Of the 361 patients randomized to YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks in combination with nivolumab 360 mg every 3 weeks and platinum-doublet chemotherapy every 3 weeks (for 2 cycles) in CHECKMATE-9LA (NSCLC), 51% were 65 years or older and 10% were 75 years or older. No overall difference in safety was reported between older patients and younger patients; however, there was a higher discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions in patients aged 75 years or older (43%) relative to all patients who received YERVOY with nivolumab and chemotherapy (24%). For patients aged 75 years or older who received chemotherapy only, the discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was 16% relative to all patients who had a discontinuation rate of 13%. Based on an updated analysis for overall survival, of the 361 patients randomized to YERVOY in combination with nivolumab and platinum-doublet chemotherapy in CHECKMATE-9LA, the hazard ratio for overall survival was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.47, 0.80) in the 176 patients younger than 65 years compared to 0.73 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.95) in the 185 patients 65 years or older.

Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

YERVOY is a fully human monoclonal antibody that blocks T-cell inhibitory signals induced by the CTLA-4 pathway, thereby removing inhibition of the immune response with the potential for induction of immune-mediated adverse reactions. Immune-mediated adverse reactions listed herein may not be inclusive of all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated reactions.

Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue. Immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur at any time after starting YERVOY. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment, immune-mediated adverse reactions can also manifest after discontinuation of YERVOY.

Early identification and management are essential to ensure safe use of YERVOY. Monitor for signs and symptoms that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate clinical chemistries including liver enzymes, creatinine, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function at baseline and before each dose. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.

Withhold or permanently discontinue YERVOY depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. In general, if YERVOY requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroid therapy.

Immune-Mediated Colitis

YERVOY can cause immune-mediated colitis, which may be fatal. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies.

YERVOY 3 mg/kg as a Single Agent

Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 12% (62/511) of patients who received YERVOY 3 mg/kg as a single agent, including Grade 3-5 (7%) and Grade 2 (5%). Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY in 4.3% and withholding of at least one dose of YERVOY in 0.2% of patients.

Systemic corticosteroids were required in 74% (46/62) of patients with immune-mediated colitis. Five patients required coadministration of another immunosuppressant with corticosteroids. Colitis resolved in 76% of the 62 patients. One patient was withheld one or more doses of YERVOY for colitis, and no patient received additional treatment after symptom improvement.

YERVOY 1 mg/kg with 3 mg/kg Nivolumab

Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 9% (60/666) of patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab for the treatment of RCC or mCRC, including Grade 3 (4.4%), and Grade 2 (3.7%). Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY and nivolumab in 3.2% and withholding of YERVOY and nivolumab in 2.7% of patients.

In patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab, use of systemic corticosteroids was one of the diagnostic criteria required to identify immune-mediated colitis. Systemic corticosteroids were therefore required in 100% (60/60) of patients with immune-mediated colitis. Approximately 23% of patients required coadministration of another immunosuppressant with corticosteroids. Colitis resolved in 95% of the 60 patients. Of the 18 patients in whom YERVOY or nivolumab was withheld for colitis, 16 received additional treatment after symptom improvement; of these, 10 had recurrence of colitis.

YERVOY 3 mg/kg with 1 mg/kg Nivolumab

Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 25% (115/456) of patients with melanoma or HCC receiving YERVOY 3 mg/kg with nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, including Grade 4 (0.4%), Grade 3 (14%), and Grade 2 (8%) adverse reactions. Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY with nivolumab in 14% and withholding of treatment in 4.4% of patients.

Systemic corticosteroids were required in 100% (115/115) of patients with colitis. Approximately 23% of patients required addition of infliximab to high-dose corticosteroids. Colitis resolved in 93% of 115 patients. Of the 20 patients in whom YERVOY with nivolumab was withheld for colitis, 16 reinitiated treatment after symptom improvement, and 9 had recurrence of colitis.

Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

YERVOY 3 mg/kg as a Single Agent

Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 4.1% (21/511) of patients who received YERVOY 3 mg/kg as a single agent, including Grade 3-5 (1.6%) and Grade 2 (2.5%). Hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY in 0.4% of patients and withholding of at least one dose of YERVOY in none of the patients.

Systemic corticosteroids were required in 29% (6/21) of patients with immune-mediated hepatitis. No patients required the coadministration of another immunosuppressant with corticosteroids. Hepatitis resolved in 86% of the 21 patients.

YERVOY 3 mg/kg with Vemurafenib

The safety and effectiveness of YERVOY in combination with vemurafenib have not been established [see Indications and Usage (1)]. In a dose-finding trial, Grade 3 increases in transaminases with or without concomitant increases in total bilirubin occurred in 6 of 10 patients who received concurrent YERVOY (3 mg/kg) and vemurafenib (960 mg or 720 mg twice daily).

YERVOY 1 mg/kg with 3 mg/kg Nivolumab

Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 7% (48/666) of patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab for the treatment of RCC or mCRC, including Grade 4 (1.2%), Grade 3 (4.9%), and Grade 2 (0.4%). Hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY and nivolumab in 3.6% and withholding of YERVOY and nivolumab in 2.6% of patients.

In patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab, use of systemic corticosteroids was one of the diagnostic criteria required to identify immune-mediated hepatitis. Systemic corticosteroids were therefore required in 100% (48/48) of patients with immune-mediated hepatitis. Approximately 19% of patients required coadministration of another immunosuppressant with corticosteroids. Hepatitis resolved in 88% of the 48 patients. Of the 17 patients in whom YERVOY or nivolumab was withheld for hepatitis, 14 received additional treatment after symptom improvement; of these, 10 had recurrence of hepatitis.

YERVOY 3 mg/kg with 1 mg/kg Nivolumab

Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 15% (70/456) of patients with melanoma or HCC receiving YERVOY 3 mg/kg with nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, including Grade 4 (2.4%), Grade 3 (11%), and Grade 2 (1.8%) adverse reactions. Immune-mediated hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY with nivolumab in 8% and withholding of treatment in 3.5% of patients.

Systemic corticosteroids were required in 100% (70/70) of patients with hepatitis. Approximately 9% of patients with immune-mediated hepatitis required addition of mycophenolic acid to high-dose corticosteroids. Hepatitis resolved in 91% of the 70 patients. Of the 16 patients in whom YERVOY with nivolumab was withheld for hepatitis, 14 reinitiated treatment after symptom improvement, and 8 had recurrence of hepatitis.

Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions

YERVOY can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis, including bullous and exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms). Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-bullous/exfoliative rashes. Withhold or permanently discontinue YERVOY depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

YERVOY 3 mg/kg as a Single Agent

Immune-mediated rash occurred in 15% (76/511) of patients who received YERVOY 3 mg/kg as a single agent, including Grade 3-5 (2.5%) and Grade 2 (12%). Rash led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY in 0.2% and withholding of at least one dose of YERVOY in 1.4% of patients.

Systemic corticosteroids were required in 43% (33/76) of patients with immune-mediated rash. Rash resolved in 71% of the 76 patients. Of the 7 patients in whom YERVOY was withheld for rash, 3 received additional treatment after symptom improvement; of these, 1 had recurrence of rash.

YERVOY 1 mg/kg with 3 mg/kg Nivolumab

Immune-mediated rash occurred in 16% (108/666) of patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab for the treatment of RCC or mCRC, including Grade 3 (3.5%) and Grade 2 (4.2%). Rash led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY and nivolumab in 0.5% of patients and withholding of YERVOY and nivolumab in 2.0% of patients.

In patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab, use of systemic corticosteroids was one of the diagnostic criteria required to identify immune-mediated rash. Systemic corticosteroids were therefore required in 100% (108/108) of patients. Rash resolved in 75% of 108 patients. Of the 13 patients in whom YERVOY or nivolumab was withheld for rash, 11 received additional treatment after symptom improvement; of these, 5 had recurrence of rash.

YERVOY 3 mg/kg with 1 mg/kg Nivolumab

Immune-mediated rash occurred in 28% (127/456) of patients with melanoma or HCC receiving YERVOY 3 mg/kg with nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, including Grade 3 (4.8%) and Grade 2 (10%) adverse reactions. Immune-mediated rash led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY with nivolumab in 0.4% and withholding of treatment in 3.9% of patients.

Systemic corticosteroids were required in 100% (127/127) of patients with immune-mediated rash. Rash resolved in 84% of the 127 of patients. Of the 18 patients in whom YERVOY with nivolumab was withheld for rash, 15 reinitiated treatment after symptom improvement, and 8 had recurrence of rash.

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

YERVOY 3 mg/kg as a Single Agent

Grade 2-5 immune-mediated endocrinopathies occurred in 4% (21/511) of patients who received YERVOY 3 mg/kg as a single agent.

Severe to life-threatening (Grade 3-4) endocrinopathies occurred in 9 patients (1.8%). All 9 of these patients had hypopituitarism with some patients having additional concomitant endocrinopathies, such as adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism, and hypothyroidism. Six of the 9 patients were hospitalized for severe endocrinopathies.

Moderate (Grade 2) endocrinopathy occurred in 12 patients (2.3%), including hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, hypopituitarism, hyperthyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome.

Of the 21 patients with moderate to life-threatening endocrinopathy, 17 required long-term hormone replacement therapy, including adrenal hormones (n=10) and thyroid hormones (n=13).

YERVOY 1 mg/kg with 3 mg/kg Nivolumab

Hypophysitis:

YERVOY can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field cuts. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism. Initiate hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue YERVOY depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Hypophysitis occurred in 4.4% (29/666) of patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab for the treatment of RCC or mCRC, including Grade 4 (0.3%), Grade 3 (2.4%), and Grade 2 (0.9%). Hypophysitis led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY and nivolumab in 1.2% and withholding of YERVOY with nivolumab in 2.1% of patients. Approximately 72% of patients with hypophysitis received hormone replacement therapy. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 72% (21/29) of patients with immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis resolved in 59% of the 29 patients. Of the 14 patients in whom YERVOY or nivolumab was withheld for hypophysitis, 11 received additional treatment after symptom improvement; of these, 2 had recurrence of hypophysitis.

Adrenal Insufficiency:

Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 7% (48/666) of patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab for the treatment of RCC or mCRC, including Grade 4 (0.3%), Grade 3 (2.5%), and Grade 2 (4.1%). Adrenal insufficiency led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY with nivolumab in 1.2% and withholding of YERVOY with nivolumab in 2.1% of patients. Approximately 94% of patients with adrenal insufficiency received hormone replacement therapy. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 94% (45/48) of patients with adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency resolved in 29% of the 48 patients. Of the 14 patients in whom YERVOY or nivolumab was withheld for adrenal insufficiency, 11 received additional treatment after symptom improvement; of these, 2 had recurrence of adrenal insufficiency.

Hyperthyroidism:

Hyperthyroidism occurred in 12% (80/666) of patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab for the treatment of RCC or mCRC, including Grade 3 (0.6%) and Grade 2 (4.5%). No patients discontinued YERVOY for hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism led to withholding of YERVOY with nivolumab in 2.3% of patients. Approximately 19% received a thyroid synthesis inhibitor. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 20% (16/80) of patients with hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism resolved in 85% of the 80 patients. Of the 15 patients in whom YERVOY or nivolumab was withheld for hyperthyroidism, 11 received additional treatment after symptom improvement; of these, 3 had recurrence of hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism:

Hypothyroidism occurred in 18% (122/666) of patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab for the treatment of RCC or mCRC, including Grade 3 (0.6%) and Grade 2 (11%). Hypothyroidism led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY with nivolumab in 0.2% and withholding of YERVOY with nivolumab in 1.4% of patients. Approximately 82% received thyroid hormone replacement. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 7% (9/122) of patients with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism resolved in 27% of the 122 patients. Of the 9 patients in whom YERVOY or nivolumab was withheld for hypothyroidism, 5 received additional treatment after symptom improvement; of these, one patient had recurrence of hypothyroidism.

Thyroiditis:

Thyroiditis occurred in 2.7% (22/666) of patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab for the treatment of RCC or mCRC, including Grade 3 (4.5%) and Grade 2 (2.2%). Thyroiditis led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY with nivolumab in 0.2% and withholding of YERVOY with nivolumab in 0.8% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 18% (4/22) of patients with thyroiditis. Thyroiditis resolved in 64% of the 22 patients. Of the 5 patients in whom YERVOY or nivolumab was withheld for thyroiditis, 5 received additional treatment after symptom improvement; of these, no patients had recurrence of thyroiditis.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus:

Diabetes occurred in 2.7% (15/666) of patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab for the treatment of RCC or mCRC, including Grade 4 (0.6%), Grade 3 (0.3%), and Grade 2 (0.9%). Diabetes led to the permanent discontinuation of YERVOY with nivolumab in 0.5% and withholding of YERVOY with nivolumab in 0.5% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 7% (1/15) of patients with diabetes. Diabetes resolved in 27% of the 15 patients. Of the 3 patients in whom YERVOY or nivolumab was withheld for diabetes, 2 received additional treatment after symptom improvement; of these, none had recurrence of diabetes.

YERVOY 3 mg/kg with 1 mg/kg Nivolumab

Hypophysitis:

Hypophysitis occurred in 9% (42/456) of patients with melanoma or HCC receiving YERVOY 3 mg/kg with nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, including Grade 3 (2.4%) and Grade 2 (6%) adverse reactions. Hypophysitis led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY with nivolumab in 0.9% and withholding of treatment in 4.2% of patients.

Approximately 86% of patients with hypophysitis received hormone replacement therapy. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 88% (37/42) of patients with hypophysitis. Hypophysitis resolved in 38% of the 42 patients. Of the 19 patients in whom YERVOY with nivolumab was withheld for hypophysitis, 9 reinitiated treatment after symptom improvement, and 1 had recurrence of hypophysitis.

Adrenal Insufficiency:

Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 8% (35/456) of patients with melanoma or HCC receiving YERVOY 3 mg/kg with nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, including Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (2.4%), and Grade 2 (4.2%) adverse reactions. Adrenal insufficiency led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY with nivolumab in 0.4% of patients and withholding of treatment in 2.0% of patients.

Approximately 71% (25/35) of patients with adrenal insufficiency received hormone replacement therapy, including systemic corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency resolved in 37% of the 35 patients. Of the 9 patients in whom YERVOY with nivolumab was withheld for adrenal insufficiency, 7 reinitiated treatment after symptom improvement, and all required hormone replacement therapy for their ongoing adrenal insufficiency.

Hypothyroidism:

Hypothyroidism occurred in 20% (91/456) of patients with melanoma or HCC receiving YERVOY 3 mg/kg with nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, including Grade 3 (0.4%) and Grade 2 (11%) adverse reactions. Hypothyroidism led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY with nivolumab in 0.9% of patients and withholding of treatment in 0.9% of patients.

Approximately 89% of patients with hypothyroidism received levothyroxine. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 2.2% (2/91) of patients with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism resolved in 41% of the 91 patients. Of the 4 patients in whom YERVOY with nivolumab was withheld for hypothyroidism, 2 reinitiated treatment after symptom improvement, and none had recurrence of hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism:

Hyperthyroidism occurred in 9% (42/456) of patients with melanoma or HCC receiving YERVOY 3 mg/kg with nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, including Grade 3 (0.9%) and Grade 2 (4.2%) adverse reactions. Hyperthyroidism led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY with nivolumab in no patients and withholding of treatment in 2.4% of patients.

Approximately 26% of patients with hyperthyroidism received methimazole and 21% received carbimazole. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 17% (7/42) of patients. Hyperthyroidism resolved in 91% of the 42 patients. Of the 11 patients in whom YERVOY with nivolumab was withheld for hyperthyroidism, 8 reinitiated treatment after symptom improvement, and 1 had recurrence of hyperthyroidism.

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

YERVOY 1 mg/kg with 3 mg/kg Nivolumab

Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.9% (26/666) of patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab for the treatment of RCC or mCRC, including Grade 3 (1.4%) and Grade 2 (2.6%). Pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY and nivolumab in 1.8% and withholding of YERVOY and nivolumab in 1.5% of patients.

In patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab, use of systemic corticosteroids was one of the diagnostic criteria required to identify immune-mediated pneumonitis. Systemic corticosteroids were therefore required in 100% (26/26) of patients with immune-mediated pneumonitis. Approximately 8% required coadministration of another immunosuppressant with corticosteroids. Pneumonitis resolved in 92% of the 26 patients. Of the 10 patients in whom YERVOY or nivolumab was withheld for pneumonitis, 10 received additional treatment after symptom improvement; of these, 4 had recurrence of pneumonitis.

In NSCLC, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 9% (50/576) of patients receiving YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks with nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks, including Grade 4 (0.5%), Grade 3 (3.5%), and Grade 2 (4.0%) immune-mediated pneumonitis. Four patients (0.7%) died due to pneumonitis. The median duration was 1.5 months (range: 5 days to 25+ months). Immune-mediated pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY with nivolumab in 5% of patients and withholding of YERVOY with nivolumab in 3.6% of patients.

Systemic corticosteroids were required in 100% of patients with pneumonitis followed by a corticosteroid taper. Pneumonitis resolved in 72% of the patients. Approximately 13% (2/16) of patients had recurrence of pneumonitis after re-initiation of YERVOY with nivolumab.

YERVOY 3 mg/kg with 1 mg/kg Nivolumab

Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 7% (31/456) of patients who received YERVOY 3 mg/kg with nivolumab for the treatment of HCC or melanoma, including Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (2.0%), and Grade 2 (4.4%). Immune-mediated pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation or withholding of treatment in 2.9% and 3.9% of patients, respectively.

Systemic corticosteroids were required in 100% of patients with pneumonitis. Pneumonitis resolved in 94% of the patients. Of the 13 patients in whom YERVOY or nivolumab was withheld for pneumonitis, 13 received additional treatment after symptom improvement, and 4 had recurrence of pneumonitis.

Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction

YERVOY 1 mg/kg with 3 mg/kg Nivolumab

Immune-mediated nephritis with renal dysfunction occurred in 4.1% (27/666) of patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab for the treatment of RCC or mCRC, including Grade 4 (0.6%), Grade 3 (1.1%), and Grade 2 (2.2%). Nephritis with renal dysfunction led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY and nivolumab in 1.2% and withholding of nivolumab and YERVOY in 1.8% of patients.

In patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab, use of systemic corticosteroids was one of the diagnostic criteria required to identify immune-mediated nephritis with renal dysfunction. Systemic corticosteroids were therefore required in 100% (27/27) of patients with immune-mediated nephritis with renal dysfunction. Nephritis with renal dysfunction resolved in 67% of the 27 patients. Of the 12 patients in whom YERVOY or nivolumab was withheld for nephritis, 10 received additional treatment after symptom improvement; of these, 4 had recurrence of nephritis.

Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Across clinical trials of YERVOY administered as a single agent or in combination with nivolumab, the following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions, some with fatal outcome, occurred in <1% of patients unless otherwise specified, as shown below:

Nervous System: Autoimmune neuropathy (2%), meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, nerve paresis, motor dysfunction

Cardiovascular: Angiopathy, myocarditis, pericarditis, temporal arteritis, vasculitis

Ocular: Blepharitis, episcleritis, iritis, orbital myositis, scleritis, uveitis. Some cases can be associated with retinal detachment. If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome, which has been observed in patients receiving YERVOY and may require treatment with systemic corticosteroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Gastrointestinal: Duodenitis, gastritis, pancreatitis (1.3%)

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue: Arthritis, myositis, polymyalgia rheumatica, polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis

Other (hematologic/immune): Aplastic anemia, conjunctivitis, cytopenias (2.5%), eosinophilia (2.1%), erythema multiforme, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), hypersensitivity vasculitis, meningitis, neurosensory hypoacusis, psoriasis, sarcoidosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and solid organ transplant rejection.

Infusion-Related Reactions

Severe infusion-related reactions can occur with YERVOY. Discontinue YERVOY in patients with severe or life-threatening infusion reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion in patients with mild or moderate infusion reactions [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. Infusion-related reactions occurred in 0.6% (3/511) of patients who received single-agent YERVOY 3 mg/kg for the unresectable or metastatic treatment of melanoma. Infusion-related reactions occurred in 5% (33/666) of patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab for the treatment of RCC or CRC. Infusion-related reactions occurred in 8% (4/49) of patients who received YERVOY 3 mg/kg with nivolumab for the treatment of HCC. Infusion-related reactions occurred in 12% (37/300) of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks with nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks.

Complications of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant after YERVOY

Fatal or serious graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) can occur in patients who receive YERVOY either before or after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between CTLA-4 receptor blocking antibody and allogeneic HSCT.

Follow patients closely for evidence of GVHD and intervene promptly [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Consider the benefit versus risks of treatment with YERVOY after allogeneic HSCT.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on its mechanism of action and findings from animal studies, YERVOY can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, administration of ipilimumab to cynomolgus monkeys from the onset of organogenesis through delivery resulted in higher incidences of abortion, stillbirth, premature delivery (with corresponding lower birth weight) and higher incidences of infant mortality in a dose-related manner. The effects of ipilimumab are likely to be greater during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with YERVOY and for 3 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations ].

Risks Associated When Administered in Combination with Nivolumab

YERVOY is indicated for use in combination with nivolumab for patients with advanced RCC, MSI-H or dMMR mCRC, HCC, and NSCLC. Refer to the nivolumab Full Prescribing Information for additional risk information that applies to the combination use treatment.

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

The data described in the Warnings and Precautions section reflect exposure to YERVOY 3 mg/kg as a single agent (or in combination with an investigational gp100 peptide vaccine) in 511 patients in Study MDX010-20; YERVOY 1 mg/kg administered with nivolumab 3 mg/kg in 1,362 patients in CHECKMATE-214, CHECKMATE-142, CHECKMATE-227, and CHECKMATE-743; YERVOY 3 mg/kg administered with nivolumab 1 mg/kg in 456 patients enrolled in CHECKMATE-067, CHECKMATE-040, and another randomized trial; and to YERVOY 1 mg/kg, administered in combination with nivolumab and platinum-doublet chemotherapy in CHECKMATE-9LA.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of YERVOY. 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.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)

Immune System: graft-versus-host disease, solid organ transplant rejection

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome)

Mechanism of Action

CTLA-4 is a negative regulator of T-cell activity. Ipilimumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to CTLA-4 and blocks the interaction of CTLA-4 with its ligands, CD80/CD86. Blockade of CTLA-4 has been shown to augment T-cell activation and proliferation, including the activation and proliferation of tumor infiltrating T-effector cells. Inhibition of CTLA-4 signaling can also reduce T-regulatory cell function, which may contribute to a general increase in T-cell responsiveness, including the anti-tumor immune response.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics (PK) of ipilimumab was studied in 785 patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma who received doses of 0.3, 3, or 10 mg/kg once every 3 weeks for 4 doses. The PK of ipilimumab is linear in the dose range of 0.3 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg. Following administration of YERVOY every 3 weeks, the systemic accumulation was 1.5-fold or less. Steady-state concentrations of ipilimumab were reached by the third dose; the mean minimum concentration (Cmin) at steady state was 19.4 mcg/mL at 3 mg/kg and 58.1 mcg/mL at 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks.

Elimination

The mean (percent coefficient of variation) terminal half-life (t1/2) was 15.4 days (34%) and then mean (percent coefficient of variation) clearance (CL) was 16.8 mL/h (38%).

The CL of ipilimumab was unchanged in presence of anti-ipilimumab antibodies.

Specific Populations

The CL of ipilimumab increased with increasing body weight supporting the recommended body weight (mg/kg) based dosing. The following factors had no clinically important effect on the CL of ipilimumab: age (range: 23 to 88 years), sex, performance status, renal impairment (glomerular filtration rate ≥15 mL/min/1.73 m2), mild hepatic impairment (total bilirubin [TB] >1 to 1.5 times the upper limit of normal [ULN] or AST > ULN), previous cancer therapy, and baseline lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. The effect of race was not examined due to limited data available in non-White racial groups. YERVOY has not been studied in patients with moderate (TB >1.5 to 3 times ULN and any AST) or severe (TB >3 times ULN and any AST) hepatic impairment.

Pediatric Patients

The exposures of ipilimumab in pediatric patients 12 years and older are comparable to those in adult patients at the recommended dosage.

Drug Interaction Studies

Ipilimumab with Nivolumab

When YERVOY 1 mg/kg was administered with nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, the CL of ipilimumab was unchanged compared to when YERVOY was administered alone.

When YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks was administered in combination with nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, the CL of ipilimumab was unchanged compared to ipilimumab administered alone and the CL of nivolumab was increased by 29% compared to nivolumab administered alone.

When YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks was administered in combination with nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks, the CL of ipilimumab increased by 30% compared to YERVOY administered alone and the CL of nivolumab was unchanged compared to nivolumab administered alone.

When YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks was administered in combination with nivolumab 360 mg every 3 weeks and chemotherapy, the CL of ipilimumab increased by 22% compared to YERVOY administered alone and the CL of nivolumab was unchanged compared to nivolumab administered alone.

Immunogenicity

The observed incidence of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Differences in assay methods preclude meaningful comparisons of the incidence of ADA in the studies described below with the incidence of ADA in other studies, including those of YERVOY or of other ipilimumab products.

Eleven (1.1%) of 1024 evaluable patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma tested positive for treatment-emergent binding antibodies against ipilimumab in an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) based assay. This assay had substantial limitations in detecting anti-ipilimumab antibodies in the presence of ipilimumab. Seven (4.9%) of 144 patients receiving ipilimumab developed anti-ipilimumab antibodies and 7 (4.5%) of 156 patients receiving placebo for the adjuvant treatment of melanoma tested positive for anti-ipilimumab antibodies using an ECL assay with improved drug tolerance. No patients tested positive for neutralizing antibodies. No infusion-related reactions occurred in patients who tested positive for anti-ipilimumab antibodies.

Of the 499 patients evaluable for anti-ipilimumab antibodies in CHECKMATE-214 and CHECKMATE-142, 27 (5.4%) were positive for anti-ipilimumab antibodies; there were no patients with neutralizing antibodies against ipilimumab. There was no evidence of increased incidence of infusion reactions to YERVOY in patients with anti-ipilimumab antibodies.

Of 483 patients evaluable for anti-ipilimumab antibodies in CHECKMATE-227 Part 1, 8.5% were positive for treatment-emergent anti-ipilimumab antibodies. No patients had neutralizing antibodies against ipilimumab. In Part 1 of the same study, of 491 patients evaluable for anti-nivolumab antibodies, 36.7% were positive for anti-nivolumab antibodies and 1.4% had neutralizing antibodies against nivolumab.

Of 305 patients evaluable for anti-ipilimumab antibodies in CHECKMATE-9LA, 8% were positive for anti-ipilimumab antibodies and 1.6% were positive for anti-ipilimumab neutralizing antibodies. There was no evidence of increased incidence of infusion reactions to YERVOY in patients with anti-ipilimumab antibodies. Of 308 patients evaluable for anti-nivolumab antibodies in CHECKMATE-9LA, 34% were positive for anti-nivolumab antibodies and 2.6% had neutralizing antibodies against nivolumab.

Of 271 patients evaluable for anti-ipilimumab antibodies in CHECKMATE-743, 13.7% were positive for anti-ipilimumab antibodies and 0.4% were positive for anti-ipilimumab neutralizing antibodies. Of 269 patients evaluable for anti-nivolumab antibodies in CHECKMATE-743, 25.7% were positive for anti-nivolumab antibodies and 0.7% had neutralizing antibodies against nivolumab.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

The carcinogenic potential of ipilimumab has not been evaluated in long-term animal studies, and the genotoxic potential of ipilimumab has not been evaluated.

Fertility studies have not been performed with ipilimumab.

Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma

The efficacy of YERVOY were investigated in a Study MDX010-20, a randomized (3:1:1), double-blind, double-dummy trial (NCT00094653) that included patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma previously treated with one or more of the following: aldesleukin, dacarbazine, temozolomide, fotemustine, or carboplatin. The trial enrolled only patients with HLA-A2*0201 genotype; this HLA genotype facilitates the immune presentation of the investigational peptide vaccine. The trial excluded patients with active autoimmune disease or those receiving systemic immunosuppression for organ transplantation. Patients were randomized to YERVOY administered at a dose of 3 mg/kg as an intravenous infusion every 3 weeks for 4 doses with an investigational peptide vaccine with incomplete Freund’s adjuvant - gp100 administered at a dose of 2 mg peptide by deep subcutaneous injection every 3 weeks for 4 doses; gp100 administered at a dose of 2 mg by deep subcutaneous injection every 3 weeks for 4 doses as a single agent with a placebo; or YERVOY administered at a dose of 3 mg/kg by intravenous infusion every 3 weeks for 4 doses with a placebo. The major efficacy outcome measure was overall survival (OS) in the YERVOY and gp100 arm compared to that in the single-agent gp100 arm. Secondary efficacy outcome measures were OS in the YERVOY and gp100 arm compared to the YERVOY arm, OS in the YERVOY arm compared to the gp100 arm, best overall response rate (BORR) as assessed by the investigator at week 24 between each of the trial arms, and duration of response. Assessment of tumor response was conducted at weeks 12 and 24, and every 3 months thereafter. Patients with evidence of objective tumor response at 12 or 24 weeks had assessment for confirmation of durability of response at 16 or 28 weeks, respectively.

A total of 676 patients were randomized, 403 to YERVOY and gp100 arm, 137 to YERVOY single agent arm and 136 to gp100 single agent arm. Of the randomized patients, 61%, 59%, and 54% in the YERVOY and gp100, YERVOY, and gp100 arms, respectively, were male. Twenty-nine percent were ≥65 years of age, the median age was 57 years, 71% had M1c stage, 12% had a history of previously treated brain metastasis, 98% had ECOG performance status of 0 and 1, 23% had received aldesleukin, and 38% had elevated LDH level. Sixty-one percent of patients randomized to either YERVOY-containing arm received all 4 planned doses. The median duration of follow-up was 8.9 months.

The efficacy results are shown in Table 22 and Figure 1.

Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Curves for Overall Survival in Study MDX010-20

Previously Untreated Metastatic Melanoma: In Combination with Nivolumab

CHECKMATE-067 (NCT01844505) was a multicenter, randomized (1:1:1), double-blind trial in which 945 patients with previously untreated, unresectable or metastatic melanoma were randomized to one of the following arms: YERVOY and nivolumab, nivolumab, or YERVOY. Patients were required to have completed adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment at least 6 weeks prior to randomization and have no prior treatment with anti-CTLA-4 antibody and no evidence of active brain metastasis, ocular melanoma, autoimmune disease, or medical conditions requiring systemic immunosuppression.

Patients were randomized to receive:

•

YERVOY 3 mg/kg with nivolumab 1 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks for 4 doses, followed by nivolumab as a single agent at a dose of 3 mg/kg by intravenous infusion every 2 weeks (YERVOY and nivolumab arm),

•

Nivolumab 3 mg/kg by intravenous infusion every 2 weeks (nivolumab arm), or

•

YERVOY 3 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks for 4 doses followed by placebo every 2 weeks (YERVOY arm)

Randomization was stratified by PD-L1 expression (≥5% vs. <5% tumor cell membrane expression) as determined by a clinical trial assay, BRAF V600 mutation status, and M stage per the AJCC staging system (M0, M1a, M1b vs. M1c). Tumor assessments were conducted 12 weeks after randomization then every 6 weeks for the first year, and every 12 weeks thereafter. The major efficacy outcome measures were investigator-assessed PFS per RECIST v1.1 and OS. Additional efficacy outcome measures were confirmed ORR and duration of response.

The trial population characteristics were: median age 61 years (range: 18 to 90); 65% male; 97% White; ECOG performance score 0 (73%) or 1 (27%). Disease characteristics were: AJCC Stage IV disease (93%); M1c disease (58%); elevated LDH (36%); history of brain metastases (4%); BRAF V600 mutation-positive melanoma (32%); PD-L1 ≥5% tumor cell membrane expression as determined by the clinical trials assay (46%); and prior adjuvant therapy (22%).

CHECKMATE-067 demonstrated statistically significant improvements in OS and PFS for patients randomized to either nivolumab-containing arm as compared with the YERVOY arm. The trial was not designed to assess whether adding YERVOY to nivolumab improves PFS or OS compared to nivolumab as a single agent. Efficacy results are shown in Table 23 and Figure 2.

Table 23: Efficacy Results - CHECKMATE-067

a   OS results are based on final OS analysis with 28 months of minimum follow-up; PFS (co-primary endpoint) and ORR (secondary endpoint) results were based on primary analysis with 9 months of minimum follow-up. b   Based on a stratified proportional hazards model. c   Based on stratified log-rank test. d   If the maximum of the two OS p-values is less than 0.04 (a significance level assigned by the Hochberg procedure), then both p-values are considered significant. e   p-value is compared with .005 of the allocated alpha for final PFS treatment comparisons. f   Based on the stratified Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. + Censored observation
	YERVOY and Nivolumab (n=314)	Nivolumab (n=316)	YERVOY (n=315)
Overall Survivala
Deaths (%)	128 (41)	142 (45)	197 (63)
Hazard ratiob (vs. YERVOY)                (95% CI)	0.55 (0.44, 0.69)	0.63 (0.50, 0.78)
p-valuec, d	<0.0001	<0.0001
Progression-free Survivala
Disease progression or death	151 (48%)	174 (55%)	234 (74%)
Median (months)                (95% CI)	11.5 (8.9, 16.7)	6.9 (4.3, 9.5)	2.9 (2.8, 3.4)
Hazard ratiob (vs. YERVOY)                (95% CI)	0.42 (0.34, 0.51)	0.57 (0.47, 0.69)
p-valuec, e	<0.0001	<0.0001
Confirmed Overall Response Ratea	50%	40%	14%
(95% CI)	(44, 55)	(34, 46)	(10, 18)
p-valuef	<0.0001	<0.0001
Complete response	8.9%	8.5%	1.9%
Partial response	41%	31%	12%
Duration of Response
Proportion ≥6 months in duration	76%	74%	63%
Range (months)	1.2+ to 15.8+	1.3+ to 14.6+	1.0+ to 13.8+

Figure 2: Overall Survival - CHECKMATE-067

Based on a minimum follow-up of 48 months, the median OS was not reached (95% CI: 38.2, NR) in the YERVOY and nivolumab arm. The median OS was 36.9 months (95% CI: 28.3, NR) in the nivolumab arm and 19.9 months (95% CI: 16.9, 24.6) in the YERVOY arm.

Based on a minimum follow-up of 28 months, the median PFS was 11.7 months (95% CI: 8.9, 21.9) in the YERVOY and nivolumab arm, 6.9 months (95% CI: 4.3, 9.5) in the nivolumab arm, and 2.9 months (95% CI: 2.8, 3.2) in the YERVOY arm. Based on a minimum follow-up of 28 months, the proportion of responses lasting ≥24 months was 55% in the YERVOY and nivolumab arm, 56% in the nivolumab arm, and 39% in the YERVOY arm.

Adjuvant Treatment of Melanoma

The efficacy of YERVOY was evaluated in Study E1609 (NCT01274338), an open-label, multicenter, randomized trial for the adjuvant treatment of cutaneous melanoma in patients with completely resected node positive disease (either clinically detectable or any size with ulceration or mitosis ≥1/mm2), in transit metastasis, satellites, or metastatic disease. The trial excluded patients with a history of prior therapy for melanoma and autoimmune disease requiring steroid treatment. Patients were randomized to receive one of the following regimens:

•

YERVOY 3 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks for 4 doses, followed by the same dose every 12 weeks for up to 4 additional doses,

•

High-dose interferon α-2b (HDI) intravenously at 20 million units/m2 per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks (induction), followed by 10 million units/m2 per day SC every other day, 3 days per week, for 48 weeks (maintenance), or

•

YERVOY 10 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks for 4 doses, followed by the same dose every 12 weeks for up to 4 additional doses.

Randomization was stratified by AJCC 7th edition stage (IIIB, IIIC, M1a, or M1b). Tumor assessments were conducted every 3 months in patients <2 years from study entry, then every 6 months in patients 2-5 years from study entry, and every 12 months in patients >5 years from study entry for up to 20 years. Treatment continued for a maximum of 60 weeks with ipilimumab or 52 weeks with HDI, or until unacceptable toxic effects, disease progression, or withdrawal of consent. The major efficacy outcome measures were investigator-assessed recurrence-free survival (RFS) by imaging (for CNS lesions) or imaging and positive cytology or histology (for non-CNS lesions) and overall survival (OS). Only the efficacy results for the recommended starting dose of 3 mg/kg YERVOY are described below.

A total of 1051 patients were randomized to YERVOY 3 mg/kg (n=523) and HDI (n=528). The median age was 54 years (range: 18 to 83), 62% were male, 97% were white, 0.3% were Asian, and 0.4% were Black. Regarding disease stage, 53% had Stage IIIB, 40% had Stage IIIC (with no in-transit metastases), and 7% had Stage IV disease.

Efficacy results can be found in Table 24.

Figure 3: Kaplan-Meier Curves for Overall Survival with Ipilimumab 3 mg/kg vs. HDI in Study E1609

Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

The efficacy of YERVOY with nivolumab was evaluated in CHECKMATE-214 (NCT02231749), a randomized (1:1), open-label study in patients with previously untreated advanced RCC. Patients were included regardless of their PD-L1 status. CHECKMATE-214 excluded patients with any history of or concurrent brain metastases, active autoimmune disease, or medical conditions requiring systemic immunosuppression. Patients were randomized to nivolumab 3 mg/kg and YERVOY 1 mg/kg administered intravenously every 3 weeks for 4 doses followed by nivolumab 3 mg/kg every two weeks or to sunitinib administered orally 50 mg daily for the first 4 weeks of each 6-week cycle. Treatment continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients were stratified by International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) prognostic score and region. The major efficacy outcome measures were OS, PFS (IRRC-assessed), and confirmed ORR (IRRC-assessed) in intermediate/poor risk patients. Intermediate/poor risk patients had at least 1 or more of 6 prognostic risk factors as per the IMDC criteria: less than one year from time of initial RCC diagnosis to randomization, Karnofsky performance status (KPS) <80%, hemoglobin less than the lower limit of normal, corrected calcium >10 mg/dL, platelet count > ULN, and absolute neutrophil count > ULN.

A total of 847 patients were randomized, 425 to YERVOY with nivolumab and 422 to sunitinib. The median age was 61 years (range: 21 to 85) with 38% ≥65 years of age and 8% ≥75 years of age. The majority of patients were male (73%) and White (87%) and 26% and 74% of patients had a baseline KPS of 70% to 80% and 90% to 100%, respectively.

Efficacy results from CHECKMATE-214 are presented in Table 25 and Figure 4. In intermediate/poor risk patients, the trial demonstrated statistically significant improvement in OS and ORR for patients randomized to YERVOY and nivolumab arm as compared with sunitinib arm. OS benefit was observed regardless of PD-L1 expression level. The trial did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in PFS.

Figure 4: Kaplan-Meier Curves for Overall Survival (Intermediate/Poor Risk Population) in CHECKMATE-214

CHECKMATE-214 also randomized 249 favorable risk patients as per IMDC criteria to nivolumab and YERVOY (n=125) or to sunitinib (n=124). These patients were not evaluated as part of the efficacy analysis population. OS in favorable risk patients receiving nivolumab and YERVOY compared to sunitinib has a hazard ratio of 1.45 (95% CI: 0.75, 2.81). The efficacy of nivolumab and YERVOY in previously untreated renal cell carcinoma with favorable risk disease has not been established.

Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

The efficacy of YERVOY with nivolumab was evaluated in CHECKMATE-142 (NCT02060188), a multicenter, non-randomized, multiple parallel-cohort, open-label study conducted in patients with locally determined dMMR or MSI-H mCRC who had disease progression during or after prior treatment with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, or irinotecan-based chemotherapy. Key eligibility criteria were at least one prior line of treatment for metastatic disease, ECOG PS 0 or 1, and absence of the following: active brain metastases, active autoimmune disease, or medical conditions requiring systemic immunosuppression. Patients enrolled in the YERVOY and nivolumab MSI-H or dMMR mCRC cohort received YERVOY 1 mg/kg and nivolumab 3 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks for 4 doses, followed by nivolumab 3 mg/kg intravenously as a single agent every 2 weeks. Efficacy outcome measures were overall response rate (ORR) as assessed by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR) using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST v1.1) and duration of response (DOR). Tumor assessments were conducted every 6 weeks for the first 24 weeks and every 12 weeks thereafter.

A total of 119 patients were enrolled in the YERVOY and nivolumab cohort. The median age was 58 years (range: 21 to 88), with 32% ≥65 years of age and 9% ≥75 years of age; 59% were male and 92% were white. Baseline ECOG PS was 0 (45%) or 1 (55%), and 29% were reported to have Lynch Syndrome. Across the cohort, 69% received prior treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan; 10%, 40%, 24%, and 15% received 1, 2, 3, or ≥4 prior lines of therapy for metastatic disease, respectively, and 29% had received an anti-EGFR antibody.

Efficacy results are shown in Table 26.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma

CHECKMATE-040 (NCT01658878) was a multicenter, multiple cohort, open-label trial conducted in patients with HCC who progressed on or were intolerant to sorafenib. Additional eligibility criteria included histologic confirmation of HCC and Child-Pugh Class A cirrhosis. The trial excluded patients with active autoimmune disease, brain metastasis, a history of hepatic encephalopathy, clinically significant ascites, infection with HIV, or active co-infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) or HBV and hepatitis D virus (HDV); however, patients with only active HBV or HCV were eligible.

The efficacy of YERVOY 3 mg/kg in combination with nivolumab 1 mg/kg was evaluated in Cohort 4 of CHECKMATE-040. A total of 49 patients received the combination regimen, which was administered every 3 weeks for four doses, followed by single-agent nivolumab at 240 mg every 2 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

The median age was 60 years (range: 18 to 80); 88% were male; 74% were Asian, and 25% were White. Baseline ECOG performance status was 0 (61%) or 1 (39%). Fifty-seven percent (57%) of patients had active HBV infection, 8% had active HCV infection, and 35% had no evidence of active HBV or HCV. The etiology for HCC was alcoholic liver disease in 16% and non-alcoholic liver disease in 6% of patients. Child-Pugh class and score was A5 for 82% and A6 for 18%; 80% of patients had extrahepatic spread; 35% had vascular invasion; and 51% had alfa-fetoprotein (AFP) levels ≥400 µg/L. Prior treatment history included surgery (74%), radiotherapy (29%), or local treatment (59%). All patients had received prior sorafenib, of whom 10% were unable to tolerate sorafenib; 29% of patients had received 2 or more prior systemic therapies.

Efficacy results are shown in Table 27.

Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

First-line Treatment of Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Expressing PD-L1 (≥1%): In Combination with Nivolumab

CHECKMATE-227 (NCT02477826) was a randomized, open-label, multi-part trial in patients with metastatic or recurrent NSCLC. The study included patients (18 years of age or older) with histologically confirmed Stage IV or recurrent NSCLC (per the 7th International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer [ASLC] classification), ECOG performance status 0 or 1, and no prior anticancer therapy. Patients were enrolled regardless of their tumor PD-L1 status. Patients with known EGFR mutations or ALK translocations sensitive to available targeted inhibitor therapy, untreated brain metastases, carcinomatous meningitis, active autoimmune disease, or medical conditions requiring systemic immunosuppression were excluded from the study. Patients with treated brain metastases were eligible if neurologically returned to baseline at least 2 weeks prior to enrolment, and either off corticosteroids, or on a stable or decreasing dose of <10 mg daily prednisone equivalents.

Primary efficacy results were based on Part 1a of the study, which was limited to patients with PD-L1 tumor expression ≥1%. Tumor specimens were evaluated prospectively using the PD-L1 IHC 28-8 pharmDx assay at a central laboratory. Randomization was stratified by tumor histology (non-squamous versus squamous). The evaluation of efficacy relied on the comparison between:

•

YERVOY 1 mg/kg administered intravenously over 30 minutes every 6 weeks in combination with nivolumab 3 mg/kg administered intravenously over 30 minutes every 2 weeks; or

•

Platinum-doublet chemotherapy

Chemotherapy regimens consisted of pemetrexed (500 mg/m2) and cisplatin (75 mg/m2) or pemetrexed (500 mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC 5 or 6) for non-squamous NSCLC or gemcitabine (1000 or 1250 mg/m2) and cisplatin (75 mg/m2) or gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC 5) (gemcitabine was administered on Days 1 and 8 of each cycle) for squamous NSCLC.

Study treatment continued until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or for up to 24 months. Treatment continued beyond disease progression if a patient was clinically stable and was considered to be deriving clinical benefit by the investigator. Patients who discontinued combination therapy because of an adverse event attributed to YERVOY were permitted to continue nivolumab as a single agent. Tumor assessments were performed every 6 weeks from the first dose of study treatment for the first 12 months, then every 12 weeks until disease progression or study treatment was discontinued. The primary efficacy outcome measure was OS. Additional efficacy outcome measures included PFS, ORR, and duration of response as assessed by BICR.

In Part 1a, a total of 793 patients were randomized to receive either YERVOY in combination with nivolumab (n=396) or platinum-doublet chemotherapy (n=397). The median age was 64 years (range: 26 to 87) with 49% of patients ≥65 years and 10% of patients ≥75 years, 76% White, and 65% male. Baseline ECOG performance status was 0 (34%) or 1 (65%), 50% with PD-L1 ≥50%, 29% with squamous and 71% with non-squamous histology, 10% had brain metastases, and 85% were former/current smokers.

The study demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in OS for PD-L1 ≥1% patients randomized to the YERVOY and nivolumab arm compared to platinum-doublet chemotherapy arm. The OS results are presented in Table 28 and Figure 5.

Table 28: Efficacy Results (PD-L1 ≥1%) - CHECKMATE-227 Part 1a

a   Kaplan-Meier estimate. b   Based on a stratified Cox proportional hazard model.
	YERVOY and Nivolumab (n=396)	Platinum-Doublet Chemotherapy (n=397)
Overall Survival
Events (%)	258 (65%)	298 (75%)
Median (months)a           (95% CI)	17.1 (15, 20.1)	14.9 (12.7, 16.7)
Hazard ratio (95% CI)b	0.79 (0.67, 0.94)
Stratified log-rank p-value	0.0066

Figure 5: Overall Survival (PD-L1 ≥1%) - CHECKMATE-227

BICR-assessed PFS showed a HR of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.69, 0.97), with a median PFS of 5.1 months (95% CI: 4.1, 6.3) in the YERVOY and nivolumab arm and 5.6 months (95% CI: 4.6, 5.8) in the platinum-doublet chemotherapy arm. The BICR-assessed confirmed ORR was 36% (95% CI: 31, 41) in the YERVOY and nivolumab arm and 30% (95% CI: 26, 35) in the platinum-doublet chemotherapy arm. Median duration of response observed in the YERVOY and nivolumab arm was 23.2 months and 6.2 months in the platinum-doublet chemotherapy arm.

First-line Treatment of Metastatic or Recurrent NSCLC: In Combination with Nivolumab and Platinum-Doublet Chemotherapy

CHECKMATE-9LA (NCT03215706) was a randomized, open-label trial in patients with metastatic or recurrent NSCLC. The trial included patients (18 years of age or older) with histologically confirmed Stage IV or recurrent NSCLC (per the 7th International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer classification [IASLC]), ECOG performance status 0 or 1, and no prior anticancer therapy (including EGFR and ALK inhibitors) for metastatic disease. Patients were enrolled regardless of their tumor PD-L1 status. Patients with known EGFR mutations or ALK translocations sensitive to available targeted inhibitor therapy, untreated brain metastases, carcinomatous meningitis, active autoimmune disease, or medical conditions requiring systemic immunosuppression were excluded from the study. Patients with stable brain metastases were eligible for enrollment.

Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either:

•

YERVOY 1 mg/kg administered intravenously over 30 minutes every 6 weeks, nivolumab 360 mg administered intravenously over 30 minutes every 3 weeks, and platinum-doublet chemotherapy administered intravenously every 3 weeks for 2 cycles, or

•

platinum-doublet chemotherapy administered every 3 weeks for 4 cycles.

Platinum-doublet chemotherapy consisted of either carboplatin (AUC 5 or 6) and pemetrexed 500 mg/m2, or cisplatin 75 mg/m2 and pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 for non-squamous NSCLC; or carboplatin (AUC 6) and paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 for squamous NSCLC. Patients with non-squamous NSCLC in the control arm could receive optional pemetrexed maintenance therapy. Stratification factors for randomization were tumor PD-L1 expression level (≥1% versus <1% or nonquantifiable), histology (squamous versus non-squamous), and sex (male versus female). Study treatment continued until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or for up to 2 years. Treatment could continue beyond disease progression if a patient was clinically stable and was considered to be deriving clinical benefit by the investigator. Patients who discontinued combination therapy because of an adverse reaction attributed to YERVOY were permitted to continue nivolumab as a single agent as part of the study. Tumor assessments were performed every 6 weeks from the first dose of study treatment for the first 12 months, then every 12 weeks until disease progression or study treatment was discontinued. The primary efficacy outcome measure was OS. Additional efficacy outcome measures included PFS, ORR, and duration of response as assessed by BICR.

A total of 719 patients were randomized to receive either YERVOY in combination with nivolumab and platinum-doublet chemotherapy (n=361) or platinum-doublet chemotherapy (n=358). The median age was 65 years (range: 26 to 86) with 51% of patients ≥65 years and 10% of patients ≥75 years. The majority of patients were White (89%) and male (70%). Baseline ECOG performance status was 0 (31%) or 1 (68%), 57% had tumors with PD-L1 expression ≥1% and 37% had tumors with PD-L1 expression that was <1%, 32% had tumors with squamous histology and 68% had tumors with non-squamous histology, 17% had CNS metastases, and 86% were former or current smokers.

The study demonstrated a statistically significant benefit in OS, PFS, and ORR. Efficacy results from the prespecified interim analysis when 351 events were observed (87% of the planned number of events for final analysis) are presented in Table 29.

Table 29: Efficacy Results - CHECKMATE-9LA

a   Based on a stratified Cox proportional hazard model. b   p-value is compared with the allocated alpha of 0.033 for this interim analysis. c   p-value is compared with the allocated alpha of 0.0252 for this interim analysis. d   Kaplan-Meier estimate. e   Confidence interval based on the Clopper and Pearson Method. f   p-value is compared with the allocated alpha of 0.025 for this interim analysis.
	YERVOY and Nivolumab and Platinum-Doublet Chemotherapy (n=361)	Platinum-Doublet Chemotherapy (n=358)
Overall Survival
Events (%)	156 (43.2)	195 (54.5)
Median (months)            (95% CI)	14.1 (13.2, 16.2)	10.7 (9.5, 12.5)
Hazard ratio (96.71% CI)a	0.69 (0.55, 0.87)
Stratified log-rank p-valueb	0.0006
Progression-free Survival per BICR
Events (%)	232 (64.3)	249 (69.6)
Hazard ratio (97.48% CI)a	0.70 (0.57, 0.86)
Stratified log-rank p-valuec	0.0001
Median (months)d            (95% CI)	6.8 (5.6, 7.7)	5.0 (4.3, 5.6)
Overall Response Rate per BICR (%)	38	25
(95% CI)e	(33, 43)	(21, 30)
Stratified CMH test p-valuef	0.0003
Duration of Response per BICR
Median (months)            (95% CI)d	10.0 (8.2, 13.0)	5.1 (4.3, 7.0)

With an additional 4.6 months of follow-up the hazard ratio for overall survival was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.80) and median survival was 15.6 months (95% CI: 13.9, 20.0) and 10.9 months (95% CI: 9.5, 12.5) for patients receiving YERVOY and nivolumab and platinum-doublet chemotherapy or platinum-doublet chemotherapy, respectively (Figure 6).

Figure 6: Overall Survival - CHECKMATE-9LA

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

CHECKMATE-743 (NCT02899299) was a randomized, open-label trial in patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma. The trial included patients with histologically confirmed and previously untreated malignant pleural mesothelioma with no palliative radiotherapy within 14 days of initiation of therapy. Patients with interstitial lung disease, active autoimmune disease, medical conditions requiring systemic immunosuppression, or active brain metastasis were excluded from the trial. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either:

•

YERVOY 1 mg/kg over 30 minutes by intravenous infusion every 6 weeks and nivolumab 3 mg/kg over 30 minutes by intravenous infusion every 2 weeks for up to 2 years, or

•

cisplatin 75 mg/m2 and pemetrexed 500 mg/m2, or carboplatin 5 AUC and pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 administered every 3 weeks for 6 cycles.

Stratification factors for randomization were tumor histology (epithelioid vs. sarcomatoid or mixed histology subtypes) and sex (male vs. female). Study treatment continued for up to 2 years, or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients who discontinued combination therapy because of an adverse reaction attributed to YERVOY were permitted to continue nivolumab as a single agent. Treatment could continue beyond disease progression if a patient was clinically stable and was considered to be deriving clinical benefit by the investigator. Tumor assessments were performed every 6 weeks from the first dose of study treatment for the first 12 months, then every 12 weeks until disease progression or study treatment was discontinued. The primary efficacy outcome measure was OS. Additional efficacy outcome measures included PFS, ORR, and duration of response as assessed by BICR utilizing modified RECIST criteria.

A total of 605 patients were randomized to receive either YERVOY in combination with nivolumab (n=303) or chemotherapy (n=302). The median age was 69 years (range: 25 to 89), with 72% of patients ≥65 years and 26% ≥75 years; 85% were White, 11% were Asian, and 77% were male. Baseline ECOG performance status was 0 (40%) or 1 (60%), 35% had Stage III and 51% had Stage IV disease, 75% had epithelioid and 25% had non-epithelioid histology, 75% had tumors with PD-L1 expression ≥1%, and 22% had tumors with PD-L1 expression <1%.

The trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in OS for patients randomized to YERVOY in combination with nivolumab compared to chemotherapy. Efficacy results from the prespecified interim analysis are presented in Table 30 and Figure 7.

Figure 7: Overall Survival - CHECKMATE-743

In a prespecified exploratory analysis based on histology, in the subgroup of patients with epithelioid histology, the hazard ratio (HR) for OS was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.68, 1.06), with median OS of 18.7 months in the YERVOY and nivolumab arm and 16.2 months in the chemotherapy arm. In the subgroup of patients with non-epithelioid histology, the HR for OS was 0.46 (95% CI: 0.31, 0.70), with median OS of 16.9 months in the YERVOY and nivolumab arm and 8.8 months in the chemotherapy arm.

Esophageal Cancer

CHECKMATE-648 (NCT03143153) was a randomized, active-controlled, open-label trial in patients with previously untreated unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic ESCC (squamous or adenosquamous histology). The trial enrolled patients whose tumor was evaluable for tumor cell (TC) PD-L1 expression [also called PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS)], which was evaluated using the PD-L1 IHC 28-8 pharmDx assay at a central laboratory. Patients were not amenable to chemoradiation or surgery with curative intent. A retrospective scoring of a patient’s tumor PD-L1 status using Combined Positive Score (CPS) was also conducted using the PD-L1-stained tumor specimens used for randomization. Prior treatment with curative intent was allowed if completed more than six months prior to trial enrollment. The trial excluded patients with brain metastasis that were symptomatic, had active autoimmune disease, used systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, or patients at high risk of bleeding or fistula due to apparent invasion of tumor to organs adjacent to the esophageal tumor. Patients were randomized to receive one of the following treatments:

•

YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks in combination with nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks.

•

Fluorouracil 800 mg/m2/day intravenously on days 1 through 5 (for 5 days), and cisplatin 80 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1 (of a 4-week cycle).

Patients were treated until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or up to 2 years. Patients who discontinued combination therapy because of an adverse reaction attributed to YERVOY were permitted to continue nivolumab as a single agent.

Randomization was stratified by TC PD-L1 expression (≥1% vs. <1% or indeterminate), region (East Asia vs. Rest of Asia vs. Rest of World), ECOG performance status (0 vs. 1), and number of organs with metastases (≤1 vs. ≥2). The major efficacy outcome measures were OS and BICR-assessed PFS in patients with TC PD-L1 expression ≥ 1%. Additional efficacy measures included OS in all randomized patients, BICR-assessed PFS in all randomized patients, and ORR assessed by BICR in TC PD-L1 expression ≥1% and in all randomized patients. The tumor assessments per RECIST v1.1 were conducted every 6 weeks up to and including week 48, then every 12 weeks thereafter.

A total of 649 patients were randomized in Arms A and C of CHECKMATE-648 study among whom 644 and 601 patients had quantifiable TC PD-L1 expression and CPS at baseline, respectively. The trial population characteristics were: median age 64 years (range: 26 to 81), 46% were ≥65 years of age, 84% were male, 71% were Asian, 25% were White, and 1.5% were Black. Patients had histological confirmation of squamous cell carcinoma (99%) or adenosquamous cell carcinoma (1.4%) in the esophagus. Baseline ECOG performance status was 0 (46%) or 1 (54%).

Efficacy results are shown in Table 31 and Figures 8 and 9.

Figure 8: Overall Survival (All Randomized) - CHECKMATE-648
(A) OS in All Randomized Patients	(B) OS in TC PD-L1 ≥1%

Figure 9: Progression-free Survival – CHECKMATE-648
(A) PFS in All Randomized Patients	(B) PFS in TC PD-L1 ≥1%

An exploratory subgroup analysis of patients with TC PD-L1 expression <1% (n=329) was conducted. The unstratified OS HR for YERVOY with nivolumab (n=164) vs. chemotherapy (n=165) was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.74, 1.26) with median OS of 12 months (95% CI: 10.1, 16.0) on the YERVOY with nivolumab arm and 12.2 months (95% CI: 10.7, 14) on the chemotherapy arm.

Exploratory subgroup analyses were also conducted by PD-L1 status per CPS (≥1 and <1) for YERVOY with nivolumab arm compared to chemotherapy. Among the 601 patients with quantifiable PD-L1 CPS at baseline, 280 in the chemotherapy arm, and 266 in the YERVOY with nivolumab arm had PD-L1 CPS ≥1. A total of 24 patients in the chemotherapy arm and 31 patients in the YERVOY with nivolumab arm had PD-L1 CPS <1. The unstratified OS HR was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.62, 0.93) for PD-L1 CPS ≥1 subgroup and 1.0 (95% CI: 0.52, 1.94) for PD-L1 CPS <1 subgroup.