Get your patient on Yescarta (Axicabtagene Ciloleucel)

YESCARTA is indicated for the treatment of:

• Adult patients with large B-cell lymphoma that is refractory to first-line chemoimmunotherapy or that relapses within 12 months of first-line chemoimmunotherapy.
• Adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, high grade B-cell lymphoma, and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma.

YESCARTA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after two or more lines of systemic therapy.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).

For autologous use only. For intravenous use only.

Each single infusion bag of YESCARTA contains a suspension of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-positive T cells in approximately 68 mL. The target dose is 2 × 10 ⁶ CAR-positive viable T cells per kg body weight, with a maximum of 2 × 10 ⁸ CAR-positive viable T cells.

YESCARTA is for autologous use only. The patient's identity must match the patient identifiers on the YESCARTA cassette and infusion bag. Do not infuse YESCARTA if the information on the patient-specific label does not match the intended patient.

The safety and efficacy of YESCARTA have not been established in pediatric patients.

Of the 422 patients with NHL who received YESCARTA in clinical trials, 127 patients (30%) were 65 years of age and older. No clinically important differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between patients aged 65 years and older and younger patients.

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with YESCARTA. CRS occurred in 90% (379/422) of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) receiving YESCARTA, including ≥ Grade 3 (Lee grading system ¹ ) CRS in 9%. CRS occurred in 93% (256/276) of patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), including ≥ Grade 3 CRS in 9% [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Among patients with LBCL who died after receiving YESCARTA, four had ongoing CRS events at the time of death. For patients with LBCL in Study 2, the median time to onset of CRS was 2 days following infusion (range: 1 to 12 days) and the median duration of CRS was 7 days (range: 2 to 58 days). For patients with LBCL in Study 1, the median time to onset of CRS was 3 days following infusion (range: 1 to 10 days) and the median duration was 7 days (range: 2 to 43 days).

CRS occurred in 84% (123/146) of patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL) in Study 3, including ≥ Grade 3 CRS in 8% [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Among patients with iNHL who died after receiving YESCARTA, one patient had an ongoing CRS event at the time of death. The median time to onset of CRS was 4 days (range: 1 to 20 days) and the median duration was 6 days (range: 1 to 27 days) for patients with iNHL.

Key manifestations of CRS (≥ 10%) in all patients combined included fever (85%), hypotension (40%), tachycardia (32%), chills (22%), hypoxia (20%), headache (15%), and fatigue (12%). Serious events that may be associated with CRS include cardiac arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia), renal insufficiency, cardiac failure, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, capillary leak syndrome, multi-organ failure, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome (HLH/MAS) [see Adverse Reactions (6) ].

The impact of tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids on the incidence and severity of CRS was assessed in two subsequent cohorts of LBCL patients in Study 2. Among patients who received tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids for ongoing Grade 1 events (see Table 1 ) [see Clinical Trials Experience (6.1) ] , CRS occurred in 93% (38/41), including 2% (1/41) with Grade 3 CRS; no patients experienced a Grade 4 or 5 event. The median time to onset of CRS was 2 days (range: 1 to 8 days) and the median duration of CRS was 7 days (range: 2 to 16 days).

Prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids was administered to a cohort of 39 patients for 3 days beginning on the day of infusion of YESCARTA [see Clinical Trials Experience (6.1) ] . Thirty-one of the 39 patients (79%) developed CRS at which point the patients were managed with tocilizumab and/or therapeutic doses of corticosteroids with no patients developing Grade 3 or higher CRS. The median time to onset of CRS was 5 days (range: 1 to 15 days) and the median duration of CRS was 4 days (range: 1 to 10 days). Although there is no known mechanistic explanation, consider the risk and benefits of prophylactic corticosteroids in the context of pre-existing comorbidities for the individual patient and the potential for the risk of Grade 4 and prolonged neurologic toxicities [See Neurologic Toxicities (5.2) ] .

Confirm that 2 doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of YESCARTA. Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days following infusion for signs and symptoms of CRS. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS for 2 weeks after infusion. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time [see Patient Counseling Information (17) ] . At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids as indicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] .

Neurologic toxicities (including ICANS) that were fatal or life-threatening occurred following treatment with YESCARTA. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 78% (330/422) of patients with NHL (excluding central nervous system lymphoma) receiving YESCARTA, including ≥ Grade 3 cases in 25% in Study 1, Study 2, and Study 3.

Neurologic toxicities occurred in 87% (94/108) of patients with LBCL in Study 2, including ≥ Grade 3 cases in 31% and in 74% (124/168) of patients in Study 1 including ≥ Grade 3 cases in 25%. The median time to onset was 4 days (range: 1 to 43 days) and the median duration was 17 days in patients with LBCL in Study 2. The median time to onset for neurologic toxicity was 5 days (range:1 to 133 days) and median duration was 15 days in patients with LBCL in Study 1. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 77% (112/146) of patients with iNHL, including ≥ Grade 3 in 21%. The median time to onset was 6 days (range: 1 to 79 days) and the median duration was 16 days. Ninety-eight percent of all neurologic toxicities in patients with LBCL and 99% of all neurologic toxicities in patients with iNHL occurred within the first 8 weeks of YESCARTA infusion. Neurologic toxicities occurred within the first 7 days of YESCARTA infusion in 87% of affected patients with LBCL and 74% of affected patients with iNHL.

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

The impact of tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids on the incidence and severity of neurologic toxicities was assessed in two subsequent cohorts of LBCL patients in Study 2. Among patients who received corticosteroids at the onset of Grade 1 toxicities (see Table 2 ), neurologic toxicities occurred in 78% (32/41) and 20% (8/41) had Grade 3 neurologic toxicities; no patients experienced a Grade 4 or 5 event. The median time to onset of neurologic toxicities was 6 days (range: 1 to 93 days) with a median duration of 8 days (range: 1 to 144 days). Prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids was administered to a cohort of 39 patients for 3 days beginning on the day of infusion of YESCARTA [see Clinical Trials Experience (6.1) ] . Of these 39 patients, 85% (33/39) developed neurologic toxicities; 8% (3/39) developed Grade 3 and 5% (2/39) developed Grade 4 neurologic toxicities. The median time to onset of neurological toxicities was 6 days (range: 1 to 274 days) with a median duration of 12 days (range: 1 to 107 days). Prophylactic corticosteroids for management of CRS and neurologic toxicities may result in higher grade of neurologic toxicities or prolongation of neurologic toxicities, delay the onset and decrease the duration of CRS [See Cytokine Release Syndrome (5.1) ] .

Neurologic toxicities occurred in 85% (11/13) of patients with relapsed or refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) in Study 4. Thirty-one percent (4/13) of patients had Grade 3 neurologic toxicities. The median time to onset of first neurologic toxicity was 3 days (range: 1 to 9 days) and the median time to onset of first Grade ≥ 3 neurologic toxicity was 9.5 days (range: 5 to 158 days). The median duration of neurologic toxicities was 59 days (range: 52 to 87 days) while 45% (5/11) of patients had ongoing neurological toxicities at the time of study withdrawal, death, or data cut off. The most common neurologic toxicities (≥ 10%) in patients with PCNSL included confusional state (38%), headache (31%), somnolence (31%), disturbance in attention (23%), lethargy (23%), tremor (23%), gait disturbance (15%), hypersomnia (15%), insomnia (15%), and seizures (15%).

Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days following infusion for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicities. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of neurologic toxicities for 2 weeks after infusion and treat promptly [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . Advise patients to avoid driving for at least 2 weeks following infusion.

Allergic reactions may occur with the infusion of YESCARTA. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may be due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or residual gentamicin in YESCARTA.

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

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

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

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

B-cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia can occur in patients receiving treatment with YESCARTA. Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse reaction in 14% of all patients with NHL. Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with YESCARTA and manage using infection precautions, antibiotic prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin replacement.

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

Patients treated with YESCARTA may develop secondary malignancies. T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies, including YESCARTA. Mature T cell malignancies, including CAR-positive tumors, may present as soon as weeks following infusion, and may include fatal outcomes [see Boxed Warning , Adverse Reactions (6.3) , Patient Counseling Information (17) ] .

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

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

The safety data described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and in the ADVERSE REACTIONS sections reflect exposure to a single dose of YESCARTA in four clinical studies, including 168 patients with relapsed or refractory LBCL (Study 1), 108 patients with relapsed or refractory LBCL (Study 2), 146 patients with relapsed or refractory iNHL (including 124 with FL; Study 3), and 13 patients with relapsed or refractory primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) (Study 4).

Because adverse events to marketed products 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 product exposure.

The following adverse event has been identified during postmarketing use of YESCARTA.

YESCARTA, a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy, binds to CD19-expressing cancer cells and normal B cells. Studies demonstrated that following anti-CD19 CAR T cell engagement with CD19-expressing target cells, the CD28 and CD3-zeta co-stimulatory domains activate downstream signaling cascades that lead to T cell activation, proliferation, acquisition of effector functions and secretion of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. This sequence of events leads to killing of CD19-expressing cells.

After YESCARTA infusion, pharmacodynamic responses were evaluated over a 4-week interval by measuring transient elevation of cytokines, chemokines and other molecules in blood. Levels of cytokines and chemokines such as IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and sIL2Rα were analyzed. Peak elevation was observed within the first 14 days after infusion, and levels generally returned to baseline within 28 days.

Due to the on-target effect of YESCARTA, a period of B-cell aplasia is expected.

Following infusion of YESCARTA, anti-CD19 CAR T cells exhibited an initial rapid expansion followed by a decline to near baseline levels by 3 months. Peak levels of anti-CD19 CAR T cells occurred within the first 7 - 14 days after YESCARTA infusion.

Age (range: 21 to 80 years) and gender had no significant impact on AUC Day 0 - 28 and C _max of YESCARTA.

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

YESCARTA has the potential to induce anti-product antibodies. The immunogenicity of YESCARTA has been evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of binding antibodies against FMC63, the originating antibody of the anti-CD19 CAR. Eleven patients (4%) tested positive for pre-dose anti-FMC63 antibodies at baseline in Study 1 and Study 2, and one patient (1%) who had a negative test result at baseline had a positive test result post administration of YESCARTA in the screening ELISA in Study 1. In Study 3, 19 patients (13%) were antibody-positive at baseline, and 3 patients (2%) who had negative test results at baseline had positive test results post administration of YESCARTA in the screening ELISA. Results of a confirmatory cell-based assay, leveraging a properly folded and expressed extracellular portion of the CAR (ScFv, hinge and linker) demonstrated that all patients treated with YESCARTA that had a positive result in the screening ELISA were antibody negative at all time points tested. There is no evidence that the kinetics of initial expansion and persistence of YESCARTA, or the safety or effectiveness of YESCARTA, was altered in these patients.

No carcinogenicity or genotoxicity studies have been conducted with YESCARTA. No studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of YESCARTA on fertility.

Study 3

Efficacy in FL is based on a single-arm, open-label, multicenter trial (Study 3; NCT03105336) that evaluated a single infusion of YESCARTA in adult patients with relapsed or refractory FL after two or more lines of systemic therapy, including the combination of an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody and an alkylating agent. The study excluded patients with active or serious infections, transformed lymphoma or other aggressive lymphomas, prior allogeneic HSCT, or any history of CNS lymphoma or CNS disorders. Following lymphodepleting chemotherapy, YESCARTA was administered as a single intravenous infusion with a target dose of 2 × 10 ⁶ anti-CD19 CAR T cells/kg (maximum permitted dose: 2 × 10 ⁸ cells). The lymphodepleting regimen consisted of cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m ² intravenously and fludarabine 30 mg/m ² intravenously, both given on the fifth, fourth, and third day before YESCARTA.

Of 123 patients with FL who underwent leukapheresis, 120 received YESCARTA. Of the remaining three patients (2%) who were not treated, one was ineligible due to thrombocytopenia, one went into remission prior to initiating lymphodepletion, and one died of cardiac arrest. There were no manufacturing failures. Of the 120 patients with FL infused with YESCARTA, the 81 consecutive patients included in the primary efficacy analysis had at least 9 months of potential follow-up from date of first response.

Among the 81 patients with FL included in the primary efficacy analysis, the median age was 62 years (range: 34 to 79 years), 46% were female, 93% were white, 4% were black, and 3% were Asian. The median number of prior systemic therapies was 3 (range: 2 to 9), with 32% having 2 prior lines, 22% having 3 prior lines, and 46% having ≥ 4 prior lines. Thirty-one percent had received a PI3K inhibitor, 72% had progression within 6 months of the most recent regimen, and 56% had progression within 24 months of initiating their first anti-CD20 combination therapy. Between leukapheresis and administration of YESCARTA, one patient (1%) in the primary efficacy analysis received bridging therapy.

Among the 81 patients included in the primary efficacy analysis, the median time from leukapheresis to product delivery was 17 days (range: 13 to 33 days) and leukapheresis to product infusion was 27 days (range: 19 to 250 days). The median dose of YESCARTA was 2.0 × 10 ⁶ CAR T cells/kg (range 1.3 to 2.1 × 10 ⁶ CAR T cells/kg). All treated patients received YESCARTA infusion on day 0 and were hospitalized until at least day 7.

Efficacy was established on the basis of objective response rate and DOR as determined by an independent review committee (Table 13 and Table 14). The median time to response in the primary efficacy population was 1.0 month (range: 0.8 to 3.1 months).

Each YESCARTA infusion bag is individually packed in a metal cassette (NDC 71287-119-02). YESCARTA is supplied in a liquid nitrogen dry shipper.

• Match the identity of the patient with the patient identifiers on the cassette and infusion bag upon receipt.
• Store YESCARTA frozen in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen (less than or equal to -150ºC). YESCARTA may be stored for a single time at -80°C (+/- 10°C), for up to 90 days, and not exceeding the labeled expiration date. Do not return YESCARTA to storage in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen after storage at -80°C.
• Thaw before using [see Dosage and Administration (2) ].