Yescarta

Yescarta is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL) that relapses within 12 months from completion of, or is refractory to, first-line chemoimmunotherapy.

Yescarta is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) DLBCL and primary mediastinal large B‑cell lymphoma (PMBCL), after two or more lines of systemic therapy.

Yescarta is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with r/r follicular lymphoma (FL) after three or more lines of systemic therapy.

Yescarta must be administered in a qualified treatment centre by a physician with experience in the treatment of haematological malignancies and trained for administration and management of patients treated with the medicinal product.

In the event of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), at least 1 dose of tocilizumab, and emergency equipment must be available prior to infusion. The qualified treatment centre must have access to an additional dose of tocilizumab within 8 hours of each previous dose. In the exceptional case where tocilizumab is not available due to a shortage that is listed in the MHRA Central Alerting System, suitable alternative measures to treat CRS instead of tocilizumab must be available prior to infusion.

Posology

Yescarta is intended for autologous use (see section 4.4).

Treatment consists of a single dose for infusion containing a dispersion for infusion of CAR-positive viable T cells in one infusion bag. The target dose is 2 × 10⁶ CAR-positive viable T cells per kg of body weight (within a range of 1 × 10⁶ – 2 × 10⁶ cells/kg), with a maximum of 2 × 10⁸ CAR-positive viable T cells for patients 100 kg and above.

The availability of Yescarta must be confirmed prior to starting the lymphodepleting regimen (i.e. date of product availability for shipment).

Pre-treatment (lymphodepleting chemotherapy)

• A lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m² intravenously and fludarabine 30 mg/m² intravenously must be administered prior to infusing Yescarta. The recommended days are on the 5^th, 4^th, and 3^rd day before infusion of Yescarta.

Pre-medication

• It is recommended that pre-medication with paracetamol 500‑1 000 mg given orally and diphenhydramine 12.5 to 25 mg intravenously or oral or equivalent medicinal products, be administered approximately 1 hour before the infusion of Yescarta to reduce the possibility of an infusion reaction.
• Prophylactic use of systemic corticosteroids is not recommended (see section 4.5).

Monitoring

• Patients must be monitored daily for the first 7 days following infusion for signs and symptoms of potential CRS, neurologic events and other toxicities. Physicians can consider hospitalisation for the first 7 days or at the first signs or symptoms of CRS and/or neurologic events.
• After the first 7 days following the infusion, the patient is to be monitored at the physician's discretion.
• Patients must remain within proximity of a qualified clinical facility for at least 4 weeks following infusion.

Special populations

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection

There is limited clinical experience in patients with active HIV, HBV or HCV infection.

Elderly

No dose adjustment is required in patients ≥ 65 years of age.

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of Yescarta in children and adolescents below 18 years of age have not yet been established. No data are available.

Method of administration

Yescarta is to be administered via intravenous infusion.

Yescarta must not be irradiated. A leukodepleting filter must not be used.

Before administration, it must be confirmed that the patient's identity matches the unique patient information on the Yescarta infusion bag and cassette.

Administration

• A leukodepleting filter must not be used.
• Tocilizumab and emergency equipment must be available prior to infusion and during the monitoring period. In the exceptional case where tocilizumab is not available due to a shortage that is listed in the MHRA Central Alerting System, suitable alternative measures to treat CRS instead of tocilizumab must be available prior to infusion.
• Yescarta is intended for autologous use only, it must be confirmed that the patient's identity matches the patient identifiers on the Yescarta infusion bag.
• Once the tubing has been primed, the entire content of the Yescarta infusion bag must be infused within 30 minutes by either gravity or a peristaltic pump.

For detailed instructions on preparation, administration, measures to take in case of accidental exposure and disposal of Yescarta, see section 6.6.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1 or to gentamicin (a possible trace residue).

Contraindications of the lymphodepleting chemotherapy must be considered.

Traceability

The traceability requirements of cell-based advanced therapy medicinal products must apply. To ensure traceability the name of the product, the batch number and the name of the treated patient must be kept for a period of 30 years after expiry date of the medicinal product.

Autologous use

Yescarta is intended solely for autologous use and must not, under any circumstances, be administered to other patients. Before infusion, the patient's identity must match the patient identifiers on the Yescarta infusion bag and cassette. Yescarta must not be administered if the information on the patient‑specific infusion bag and cassette label does not match the patient's identity.

General

Warnings and precautions of lymphodepleting chemotherapy must be considered.

Reasons to delay treatment

Due to the risks associated with Yescarta treatment, infusion must be delayed if a patient has any of the following conditions:
• Unresolved serious adverse reactions (especially pulmonary reactions, cardiac reactions, or hypotension) including from preceding chemotherapies.
• Active uncontrolled infection.
• Active graft-versus-host disease (GvHD).

In some cases, the treatment may be delayed after administration of the lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen. If the infusion is delayed for more than 2 weeks after the patient has received the lymphodepleting chemotherapy, lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen must be administered again (see section 4.2)

Monitoring after infusion

Patients must be monitored daily for the first 7 days following infusion for signs and symptoms of potential CRS, neurologic events and other toxicities. Physicians can consider hospitalisation for the first 7 days or at the first signs or symptoms of CRS and/or neurologic events. After the first 7 days following infusion, the patient is to be monitored at the physician's discretion.

Patients must remain within proximity of a qualified treatment centre for at least 4 weeks following infusion and seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS or neurological adverse reactions occur. Vital signs and organ function must be monitored depending on the severity of the reaction.

Transmission of an infectious agent

Although Yescarta is tested for sterility and mycoplasma, a risk of transmission of infectious agents exists. Healthcare professionals administering Yescarta must, therefore, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection after treatment and treat appropriately, if needed.

Serological testing

Screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV must be performed before collection of cells for manufacturing of Yescarta (see section 4.2).

Blood, organ, tissue and cell donation

Patients treated with Yescarta must not donate blood, organs, tissues, or cells for transplantation.

Concomitant disease

Patients with active central nervous system (CNS) disorder or inadequate renal, hepatic, pulmonary, or cardiac function are likely to be more vulnerable to the consequences of the adverse reactions described below and require special attention.

Primary CNS lymphoma

There is no experience of use of Yescarta in patients with primary CNS lymphoma. Therefore, the risk/benefit of Yescarta has not been established in this population.

Cytokine release syndrome

Nearly all patients experienced some degree of CRS. Severe CRS, including life‑threatening and fatal reactions, was very commonly observed with Yescarta with a time to onset of 1 to 12 days in ZUMA-1 and ZUMA-7, and 1 to 11 days in ZUMA-5 (see section 4.8).

Diagnosis of CRS requires excluding alternate causes of systemic inflammatory response, including infection.

Management of cytokine release syndrome associated with Yescarta

At least 1 dose per patient of tocilizumab, an interleukin 6 (IL 6) receptor inhibitor, must be on site and available for administration prior to Yescarta infusion. The qualified treatment centre must have access to an additional dose of tocilizumab within 8 hours of each previous dose. In the exceptional case where tocilizumab is not available due to a shortage that is listed in the MHRA Central Alerting System, the treatment centre must have access to suitable alternative measures instead of tocilizumab to treat CRS.

 The management of patients should be conducted based on the patient's clinical presentation and in accordance with applicable local institutional and/or national or European/international clinical guidelines. Physicians are advised to exercise clinical judgment consistent with these standards.

Yescarta must not be administered to patients with active infections or inflammatory disease until these conditions have resolved.

CRS has been known to be associated with end organ dysfunction (e.g., hepatic, renal, cardiac, and pulmonary). In addition, worsening of underlying organ pathologies can occur in the setting of CRS. Patients with medically significant cardiac dysfunction must be managed by standards of critical care and measures such as echocardiography are to be considered.

Evaluation for haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome (HLH/MAS) is to be considered in patients with severe or unresponsive CRS. HLH/MAS should be managed per local institutional and/or national or European/international clinical guidelines.

Yescarta continues to expand and persist following administration of tocilizumab and corticosteroids. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists are not recommended for management of Yescarta‑associated CRS.

Neurologic adverse reactions

Severe neurologic adverse reactions, also known as immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), have been very commonly observed in patients treated with Yescarta, which could be life-threatening or fatal. The median time to onset was 6 days (range: 1 to 133 days) in ZUMA-1 and ZUMA-7, and 7 days (range: 1 to 177 days) in ZUMA-5 following Yescarta infusion (see section 4.8). Patients with a history of CNS disorders such as seizures or cerebrovascular ischaemia may be at increased risk. Fatal and serious cases of cerebral oedema have been reported in patients treated with Yescarta with most cases occurring in patients with ICANS. The risk for cerebral oedema may be higher in PMBCL patients (section 4.8).

The management of patients should be conducted based on the patient's clinical presentation and in accordance with applicable local institutional and/or national or European/international clinical guidelines. Physicians are advised to exercise clinical judgment consistent with these standards.

Infections and febrile neutropenia

Serious infections have been very commonly observed with Yescarta (see section 4.8). In immunosuppressed patients, life-threatening and fatal opportunistic infections including disseminated fungal infections have been reported.

Patients must be monitored for signs and symptoms of infection before, during, and after Yescarta infusion and treated appropriately. Prophylactic anti‑microbials should be administered according to standard institutional guidelines.

Febrile neutropenia has been observed in patients after Yescarta infusion (see section 4.8) and may be concurrent with CRS. In the event of febrile neutropenia, infection is to be considered and managed with broad spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care as medically indicated.

Viral reactivation

HBV reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients treated with drugs directed against B-cells.

Reactivation of John Cunningham (JC) virus, leading to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), has been reported in patients treated with Yescarta who have also received prior treatment with other immunosuppressive medications. Cases with fatal outcome have been reported. The possibility of PML should be considered in immunosuppressed patients with new onset or worsening neurological symptoms and appropriate diagnostic evaluations should be performed.

Other life-threatening and fatal cases of viral reactivation with HHV-6 have been reported.

Prolonged cytopenias

Patients may exhibit cytopenias for several weeks following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and Yescarta infusion and must be managed according to standard guidelines. Grade 3 or higher prolonged cytopenias following Yescarta infusion occurred very commonly and included thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and anaemia. Patient blood counts must be monitored with Yescarta infusion.

Hypogammaglobulinaemia

B‑cell aplasia leading to hypogammaglobulinaemia can occur in patients receiving treatment with Yescarta. Hypogammaglobulinaemia predisposes patients to have infections. Hypogammaglobulinaemia has been very commonly observed in patients treated with Yescarta (see section 4.8). Immunoglobulin levels should be monitored after treatment with Yescarta and managed using infection precautions, antibiotic prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin replacement in case of recurrent infections and must be taken according to standard guidelines.

Hypersensitivity reactions

Allergic reactions may occur with the infusion of Yescarta. Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, may be due to DMSO or residual gentamicin in Yescarta.

Secondary malignancies including of T-cell and myeloid origin

Patients treated with Yescarta may develop secondary malignancies. T-cell malignancies have been reported following treatment of haematological malignancies with a BCMA- or CD19-directed CART-cell therapy, including Yescarta. T-cell malignancies, including CAR-positive malignancies, have been reported within weeks and up to several years following administration of a CD19- or BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy. There have been fatal outcomes. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, the company is to be contacted to obtain instructions on patient samples to collect for testing.

Myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukaemia, including cases with fatal outcomes, have occurred in patients following treatment with Yescarta.

Patients are to be monitored life-long for secondary malignancies.

Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS)

TLS, which may be severe, has occasionally been observed. To minimise risk of TLS, patients with elevated uric acid or high tumour burden should receive allopurinol, or an alternative prophylaxis, prior to Yescarta infusion. Signs and symptoms of TLS must be monitored and events managed according to standard guidelines.

CD19-negative disease

There is limited experience with Yescarta in patients exposed to prior CD19‑directed therapy. Yescarta is not recommended if the patient has relapsed with CD19‑negative disease after prior anti‑CD19 therapy.

There are limited data available on CD19-negative patients treated with Yescarta and it is possible that CD19-negative patients may have less benefit compared with CD19-positive patients. Patients with CD19-negative status by immunohistochemistry may still express CD19 and have been shown to benefit from treatment with Yescarta. The potential risks and benefits associated with treatment of CD19-negative patients with Yescarta should be considered.

Long-term follow-up

Patients are expected to enrol in a registry in order to better understand the long-term safety and efficacy of Yescarta.

Excipients (sodium)

This medicinal product contains 300 mg sodium per infusion bag, equivalent to 15% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.

No interaction studies have been performed with Yescarta.

Prophylactic use of systemic corticosteroids may interfere with the activity of Yescarta. Prophylactic use of systemic corticosteroids is therefore not recommended before infusion (see section 4.2).

Administration of corticosteroids as per the toxicity management guidelines does not impact the expansion and persistence of CAR T cells.

Live vaccines

The safety of immunisation with live viral vaccines during or following treatment with Yescarta has not been studied. As a precautionary measure, vaccination with live 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.

Women of childbearing potential/Contraception in males and females

The pregnancy status of women of child bearing potential must be verified before starting Yescarta treatment.

See the prescribing information for lymphodepleting chemotherapy for information on the need for effective contraception in patients who receive the lymphodepleting chemotherapy.

There are insufficient exposure data to provide a recommendation concerning duration of contraception following treatment with Yescarta.

Pregnancy

There are no available data with Yescarta use in pregnant women. No reproductive and developmental toxicity animal studies have been conducted with Yescarta to assess whether it can cause foetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman (see section 5.3).

It is not known if Yescarta has the potential to be transferred to the foetus. Based on the mechanism of action, if the transduced cells cross the placenta, they may cause foetal toxicity, including B‑cell lymphocytopenia. Therefore, Yescarta is not recommended for women who are pregnant, or for women of childbearing potential not using contraception. Pregnant women must be advised on the potential risks to the foetus. Pregnancy after Yescarta therapy must be discussed with the treating physician.

Assessment of immunoglobulin levels and B‑cells in newborns of mothers treated with Yescarta must be considered.

Breast-feeding

It is unknown whether Yescarta is excreted in human milk or transferred to the breast‑feeding child. A risk to the breast fed infant cannot be excluded. Breast‑feeding women must be advised of the potential risk to the breast‑fed child. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from Yescarta therapy taking into account the benefit of breast feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

Fertility

No clinical data on the effect of Yescarta on fertility are available. Effects on male and female fertility have not been evaluated in animal studies.

Yescarta has major influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients must refrain from driving or operating heavy or potentially dangerous machines until at least 8 weeks after infusion or until resolution of neurologic adverse reactions.

Summary of the safety profile

The safety data described in this section are from a total of 397 adult patients treated with Yescarta in three multi-centre pivotal clinical studies (ZUMA-1, ZUMA-5 and ZUMA-7) and post-marketing experience. Adverse reactions are adverse events from pivotal clinical studies and post-marketing experience medically assessed as reasonably attributed to axicabtagene ciloleucel.

Relapsed or refractory DLBCL, PMBCL and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy

Safety data from ZUMA-1 reflects exposure to Yescarta in a Phase 1/2 study in which 108 patients received CAR‑positive T cells based on a recommended dose which was weight-based. The data described are from the 54-month follow-up analysis where the median actual duration of follow-up was 23.5 months (range: 0.3 to 68.2 months).

The most significant and frequently occurring adverse reactions were CRS (93%), encephalopathy (60%), and infections (40%).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 51% of patients. The most common (≥ 5%) serious adverse reactions included encephalopathy (22%), unspecified pathogen infections (15%), bacterial infection (6%), viral infection (6%), febrile neutropenia (5%), and fever (5%).

The most common (≥ 5%) Grade 3 or higher non-haematological adverse reactions included encephalopathy (31%), unspecified pathogen infections (19%), CRS (11%), bacterial infection (9%), delirium (6%), hypertension (6%), hypotension (6%), transaminases increased (6%), and viral infection (6%). The most common Grade 3 or higher haematological adverse reactions included lymphopenia (99%), leukopenia (96%), neutropenia (94%), anaemia (65%), and thrombocytopenia (56%).

DLBCL and HGBL that relapses within 12 months from completion of, or is refractory to, first-line chemoimmunotherapy

Safety data from ZUMA-7 reflects exposure to Yescarta in a Phase 3 study in which 170 patients received CAR‑positive T cells based on a recommended dose which was weight‑based. The data described are from an analysis where the median actual duration of follow-up was 23.2 months (range: 1.5 to 41.3 months).

The most significant and frequently occurring adverse reactions were CRS (92%), encephalopathy (49%), and infections (45%).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 54% of patients. The most common (≥ 5%) serious adverse reactions included CRS (17%), encephalopathy (16%), unspecified pathogen infections (8%), fever (6%) and viral infection (5%).

The most common (≥ 5%) Grade 3 or higher non-haematological adverse reactions included encephalopathy (19%), unspecified pathogen infections (8%), CRS (6%), and bacterial infection (5%). The most common Grade 3 or higher haematological adverse reactions included lymphopenia (99%), leukopenia (95%), neutropenia (94%), anaemia (41%), and thrombocytopenia (26%).

Follicular lymphoma after three or more lines of systemic therapy

Safety data from ZUMA-5 reflects exposure to Yescarta in a Phase 2 study in which 119 patients with relapsed/refractory FL, received CAR-positive T cells based on a recommended dose which was weight-based. The data described are from the 24-month follow-up analysis where the median actual duration of follow-up was 25.9 months (range: 0.3 to 44.3 months).

The most significant and frequently occurring adverse reactions were CRS (77%), infections (59%), and encephalopathy (47%).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 45% of patients. The most common (≥ 5%) serious adverse reactions included encephalopathy (16%), unspecified pathogen infections (12%), CRS (12%), and bacterial infection (5%).

The most common (≥ 5%) Grade 3 or higher non-haematological adverse reactions included encephalopathy (14%), unspecified pathogen infections (11%), CRS (6%), and bacterial infection (5%). The most common Grade 3 or higher haematological adverse reactions included lymphopenia (99%), leukopenia (94%), neutropenia (92%), thrombocytopenia (34%), and anaemia (33%).

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Adverse reactions described in this section were identified in patients exposed to Yescarta in ZUMA-1 (n=108), ZUMA-5 (n=119), and ZUMA-7 (n=170) and from post-marketing reports. These reactions are presented by system organ class and by frequency. Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1 000 to < 1/100); rare (≥1/10 000 to < 1/1 000). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in the order of decreasing seriousness.

Table 1: Adverse drug reactions identified with Yescarta

* Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis has been reported in the setting of CRS

** Hyperuricemia was identified from a pooled analysis of 227 adult patients treated with Yescarta in ZUMA-1 and ZUMA-5

*** Dysphagia has been reported in the setting of neurologic toxicity and encephalopathy

^# Frequency based on Grade 3 or higher laboratory parameter

a. Coagulopathy includes coagulopathy, blood fibrinogen decreased, blood fibrinogen increased, disseminated intravascular coagulation, hypofibrinogenaemia, international normalized ratio increased, prothrombin level decreased, prothrombin time prolonged

b. Immunoglobulins decreased includes blood immunoglobulin G decreased, hypogammaglobulinaemia

c. Decreased appetite includes decreased appetite, hypophagia

d. Dehydration includes dehydration, hypovolaemia

e. Delirium includes delirium, agitation, delusion, disorientation, hallucination, restlessness

f. Affective disorder includes impulsive behavior, mood altered, depression, panic attack

g. Encephalopathy includes encephalopathy, agraphia, altered state of consciousness, amnesia, aphasia, aphonia, apraxia, cognitive disorder, confusional state, depressed level of consciousness, disturbance in attention, dysarthria, dysgraphia, dyskinesia, dyspraxia, hypersomnia, immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, lethargy, leukoencephalopathy, loss of consciousness, memory impairment, mental impairment, mental status changes, metabolic encephalopathy, neurotoxicity, slow speech, somnolence, speech disorder, stupor, toxic encephalopathy

h. Tremor includes tremor, head titubation

i. Headache includes headache, head discomfort, tension headache

j. Dizziness includes dizziness, dizziness postural, presyncope, syncope, vertigo

k. Ataxia includes ataxia, balance disorder, gait disturbance

l. Facial paralysis includes facial paralysis, facial paresis

m. Neuropathy peripheral includes neuropathy peripheral, allodynia, cervical radiculopathy, hyperaesthesia, hypoaesthesia, lumbar radiculopathy, paraesthesia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, peroneal nerve palsy

n. Most cases of cerebral oedema occurred in patients with ICANS

o. Visual impairment includes visual impairment, hemianopia, vision blurred, visual acuity reduced

p. Tachycardia includes tachycardia, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, sinus tachycardia

q. Arrhythmia includes arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrioventricular block, bradycardia, bundle branch block right, electrocardiogram QT prolonged, extrasystoles, heart rate increased, heart rate irregular, sinus bradycardia, supraventricular extrasystoles, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmia, ventricular extrasystoles, ventricular tachycardia

r. Cardiac failure includes cardiac failure, acute left ventricular failure, ejection fraction decreased, stress cardiomyopathy

s. Hypotension includes hypotension, capillary leak syndrome, diastolic hypotension, hypoperfusion, orthostatic hypotension

t. Thrombosis includes thrombosis, axillary vein thrombosis, brachiocephalic vein thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis, device occlusion, embolism, jugular vein thrombosis, peripheral embolism, peripheral ischaemia, pulmonary embolism, splenic vein thrombosis, thrombosis in device

u. Haemorrhage includes serious and potentially fatal haemorrhagic events such as gastrointestinal haemorrhage, pulmonary haemorrhage and intracranial haemorrhage

v. Cough includes cough, productive cough, upper-airway cough syndrome

w. Respiratory failure includes respiratory failure, acute respiratory failure

x. Hypoxia includes hypoxia, oxygen saturation decreased

y. Dyspnoea includes dyspnoea, dyspnoea exertional

z. Nasal inflammation includes rhinitis allergic, rhinorrhoea

aa. Diarrhoea includes diarrhoea, colitis, enteritis

bb. Abdominal pain includes abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain lower, abdominal pain upper, abdominal tenderness, dyspepsia, epigastric discomfort

cc. Dry mouth includes dry mouth, lip dry

dd. Transaminases increased includes transaminases increased, alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, hepatic enzyme increased, hypertransaminasaemia

ee. Hyperbilirubinaemia increased includes hyperbilirubinemia, blood bilirubin increased

ff. Rash includes rash, application site rash, dermatitis, dermatitis allergic, dermatitis bullous, erythema, pruritus, rash erythematous, rash macular, rash maculo-papular, rash pruritic, rash pustular, urticaria

gg. Motor dysfunction includes motor dysfunction, muscle contractions involuntary, muscle rigidity, muscle spasms, muscle spasticity, muscle strain, muscle tightness, muscle twitching, muscular weakness

hh. Musculoskeletal pain includes musculoskeletal pain, arthralgia, arthritis, back pain, bone pain, flank pain, groin pain, musculoskeletal chest pain, myalgia, neck pain, osteoarthritis, pain in extremity

ii. Renal impairment includes acute kidney injury, blood creatinine increased, renal failure

jj. Fever includes hyperthermia, pyrexia

kk. Oedema includes oedema, face oedema, generalized oedema, localized oedema, oedema genital, oedema peripheral, peripheral swelling, swelling

ll. Fatigue includes fatigue, asthenia, decreased activity, malaise

Description of selected adverse reactions

Cytokine release syndrome

In ZUMA-1 and ZUMA-7, CRS occurred in 92% of patients. Eight percent (8%) of patients experienced Grade 3 or higher (severe, life-threatening, and fatal) CRS. The median time to onset was 3 days (range: 1 to 12 days) and the median duration was 7 days (range: 2 to 58 days). Ninety-nine percent (99%) of patients recovered from CRS. No CRS was reported by patients treated with standard of care therapy (SOCT) in ZUMA-7.

In ZUMA-5, CRS occurred in 77% of patients. Six percent (6%) of patients experienced Grade 3 or higher (severe, life-threatening, and fatal) CRS. The median time to onset was 4 days (range: 1 to 11 days) and the median duration was 6 days (range: 1 to 27 days). Ninety-nine percent (99%) of patients recovered from CRS.

The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) that may be associated with CRS included pyrexia (89%), hypotension (50%), tachycardia (47%), chills (30%), and hypoxia (24%). Serious adverse reactions that may be associated with CRS included pyrexia (12%), hypotension (5%), hypoxia (3%), arrhythmia (3%), cardiac failure (2%), fatigue (2%), headache (2%), tachycardia (2%), cardiac arrest (1%), dyspnoea (1%), and tachypnoea (1%). See section 4.4 for monitoring and management guidance.

Neurologic adverse reactions

In ZUMA-1 and ZUMA-7, neurologic adverse reactions occurred in 63% of patients. Twenty-five percent (25%) of patients experienced Grade 3 or higher (severe or life-threatening) adverse reactions. Neurologic toxicities occurred within the first 7 days of infusion for 75% of patients. The median time to onset was 6 days (range: 1 to 133 days). The median duration was 10 days, with resolution occurring within 3 weeks for 66% of patients following infusion.

In ZUMA-5, neurologic adverse reactions occurred in 57% of patients. Sixteen percent (16%) of patients experienced Grade 3 or higher (severe or life-threatening) adverse reactions. Neurologic toxicities occurred within the first 7 days of infusion for 65% of patients. The median time to onset was 7 days (range: 1 to 177 days). The median duration was 14 days, with resolution occurring within 3 weeks for 60% of patients following infusion.

The most common (≥ 5%) neurologic adverse reactions included encephalopathy (51%), tremor (28%), and delirium (14%). Serious neurologic adverse reactions reported in patients included encephalopathy (18%), tremor (2%), delirium (2%), hemiparesis (1%) and seizure (1%). In ZUMA-7, encephalopathy and tremor were reported in 49% and 25% of patients treated with Yescarta compared to 8% and 1% treated with SOCT, respectively.

Other neurologic adverse reactions have been reported less frequently in clinical trials and included dysphagia (3%), myelitis (0.2%), and quadriplegia (0.1%).

In registries, the cerebral oedema event rate in the PMBCL indication was 1.6% overall (2 cases in 129 exposed) compared with 0.7% overall in DLBCL and other lymphoma indications (28 cases in 3876 exposed).

See section 4.4 for monitoring and management guidance.

Febrile neutropenia and infections

Febrile neutropenia was observed in 10% of patients after Yescarta infusion. Infections occurred in 48% of patients. Grade 3 or higher (severe, life-threatening, or fatal) infections occurred in 19% of patients. Grade 3 or higher unspecified pathogen, bacterial, and viral infections occurred in 12%, 6%, and 5% of patients respectively. The most common site of unspecified pathogen infection was in the respiratory tract. In ZUMA-7, febrile neutropenia and viral infection were reported in 2% and 16% of patients treated with Yescarta compared to 27% and 5% treated with SOCT, respectively. See section 4.4 for monitoring and management guidance.

Prolonged cytopenias

Grade 3 or higher neutropenia (including febrile neutropenia), anaemia, and thrombocytopenia occurred in 68%, 31%, and 23% of patients, respectively. Prolonged (still present at Day 30 or with an onset at Day 30 or beyond) Grade 3 or higher neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anaemia occurred in 26%, 12%, and 6% of patients, respectively. In ZUMA-1, at the time of the 24-month follow-up analysis, Grade 3 or higher neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anaemia present after Day 93 occurred in 11%, 7%, and 3% of patients, respectively. In ZUMA-7, Grade 3 or higher neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were reported in 94% and 26% of patients treated with Yescarta compared to 51% and 63% treated with SOCT, respectively. See section 4.4 for management guidance.

Hypogammaglobulinaemia

Hypogammaglobulinaemia was reported in 15% of patients treated with Yescarta. Cumulatively, 36 (33%) of 108 patients in ZUMA-1 received intravenous immunoglobulin therapy by the time of the 54‑month analysis, 28 (16%) of 170 patients in ZUMA‑7 received intravenous immunoglobulin therapy by the time of the 23.2 month analysis and 33 (28%) of 119 subjects in ZUMA-5 received intravenous immunoglobulin therapy at the time of the 24-month follow-up analysis. In ZUMA-7, immunoglobulins decreased was reported in 11% of patients treated with Yescarta compared to 1% of patients treated with SOCT. See section 4.4 for management guidance.

Immunogenicity

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 out of 278 patients (4%) tested positive for anti‑FMC63 antibodies prior to being treated with Yescarta in ZUMA-1 and ZUMA-7, and 1 patient (1%) in ZUMA-7 who had a negative test result prior to treatment, had a positive test result after treatment 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. In ZUMA-5, 13 out of 116 patients (11%) tested positive for antibodies in the ELISA screening assay prior to being treated with Yescarta, and 2 subjects who had negative results prior to treatment had positive test results after treatment. Results of a confirmatory cell-based assay demonstrated that all patients treated with Yescarta that had an ELISA positive result were antibody negative, before, during and after treatment.

Special population

There is limited experience with Yescarta in patients ≥ 75 years of age. Generally, safety and efficacy were similar between patients ≥ 65 years and patients < 65 years of age treated with Yescarta. Outcomes were consistent between patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) of 0 and 1 and by sex.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme, Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

No data from clinical studies are available regarding overdose of Yescarta.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antineoplastic agents, other antineoplastic agents, antineoplastic cell and gene therapy, ATC code: L01XL03

Mechanism of action

Yescarta, an engineered autologous T‑cell immunotherapy product, binds to CD19 expressing cancer cells and normal B-cells. Following anti‑CD19 CAR T-cell engagement with CD19 expressing target cells, the CD28 and CD3‑zeta co-stimulatory domains activate downstream signalling 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 apoptosis and necrosis of CD19-expressing target cells.

Pharmacodynamic effects

After Yescarta infusion, pharmacodynamic responses were evaluated by measuring transient elevation of cytokines, chemokines, and other molecules in blood over a 4‑week interval. Levels of cytokines and chemokines such as IL‑6, IL‑8, IL‑10, IL‑15, TNF‑α, IFN‑γ, and IL2Rα were analyzed. Peak elevation was observed within the first 14 days after infusion, and levels generally returned to baseline within 28 days.

Analyses performed to identify associations between cytokine levels and incidence of CRS or neurologic events showed that higher post-infusion levels (peak and AUC at 1 month) of multiple immune-modulatory and pro-inflammatory analytes were associated with Grade 3 or higher neurologic adverse reactions and Grade 3 or higher CRS in ZUMA-1, ZUMA-7 and ZUMA-5.

Due to the on-target, off-tumour effect of Yescarta, a period of B-cell aplasia is expected following treatment.

Among 73 patients in ZUMA-1 with evaluable samples at baseline, 40% had detectable B‑cells; the B‑cell aplasia observed in the majority of patients at baseline was attributed to prior therapies. Following Yescarta treatment, the proportion of patients with detectable B‑cells decreased: 20% had detectable B‑cells at Month 3, and 22% had detectable B‑cells at Month 6. The initiation of B‑cell recovery was first noted at Month 9, when 56% of patients had detectable B-cells. This trend of B-cell recovery continued over time, as 64% of patients had detectable B-cells at Month 18, and 77% of patients had detectable B-cells at Month 24. Among 141 patients in ZUMA-7 with evaluable samples at baseline, 57% had detectable B-cells. Following Yescarta treatment, the proportion of patients with detectable B-cells decreased: 38% had detectable B-cells at Month 3, and 41% had detectable B-cells at Month 6. The initiation of B‑cell recovery was apparent at Month 9, when 58% had detectable B-cells. This trend of B-cell recovery continued over time, as 64% of patients had detectable B-cells at Month 18 and 84% of patients had detectable B-cells at Month 24. Among 113 FL patients with evaluable samples at baseline in ZUMA-5, 75% of patients had detectable B-cells. Following Yescarta treatment, the proportion of patients with detectable B-cells decreased: 40% of patients had detectable B-cells at Month 3. B-cell recovery was observed over time, with 61% of patients having detectable B-cells at Month 24. Patients were not required to be followed after they progressed; thus, the majority of patients with evaluable samples were responders.

Clinical efficacy and safety

Relapsed or refractory DLBCL, PMBCL and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy (ZUMA-1)

A total of 108 patients were treated with Yescarta in a phase 1/2 open-label, multicentre, single-arm study in patients with r/r aggressive B‑cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Efficacy was based on 101 patients in phase 2, including histologically confirmed DLBCL (N = 77), PMBCL (N = 8), or DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma, (N = 16) based on the 2008 WHO‑classification. DLBCL in ZUMA‑1 included patients with DLBCL not otherwise specified (NOS), other DLBCL subtypes, and HGBL based on the 2016 WHO‑classification. Forty-seven patients were evaluable for MYC, BCL‑2, and BCL‑6 status. Thirty were found to have double expressor DLBCL (overexpression of both MYC and BCL‑2 protein); 5 were found to have HGBL with MYC, BCL‑2 or BCL‑6 gene rearrangement (double- and triple‑hit); and 2 were found to have HGBL not otherwise specified. Sixty‑six patients were evaluable for cell‑of‑origin classifications (germinal center B‑cell type [GCB] or activated B‑cell type [ABC]). Of these, 49 patients had GCB‑type and 17 patients had ABC‑type.

Eligible patients were ≥ 18 years of age with refractory disease defined as progressive disease (PD) or stable disease (SD) as best response to last line of therapy, or disease progression within 12 months after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Patients who were refractory to chemotherapy or who relapsed after two or more lines of systemic therapy were generally ineligible for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Patients must have received at least prior anti‑CD20 antibody therapy and an anthracycline containing regimen. Patients with CNS lymphoma, a history of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) or prior anti‑CD19 CAR or other genetically modified T‑cell therapy were excluded. Patients with a history of CNS disorders (such as seizures or cerebrovascular ischemia), cardiac ejection fraction of less than 50% or room air oxygen saturation of less than 92%, or autoimmune disease requiring systemic immunosuppression were ineligible. The median duration of follow-up was 63.1 months (still ongoing). A summary of the patient demographics is provided in Table 2.

Table 2: Summary of demographics for ZUMA-1 phase 2 (12 month analysis)

ASCT, autologous stem cell transplant; ECOG, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group; ITT, intention-to-treat; mITT, modified intention-to-treat.

Yescarta was administered as a single infusion at a target dose of 2 × 10⁶ anti-CD19 CAR T cells/kg after lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen of 500 mg/m² intravenous cyclophosphamide and 30 mg/m² intravenous fludarabine on the 5^th, 4^th, and 3^rd day before Yescarta. Bridging chemotherapy between leukapheresis and lymphodepleting chemotherapy was not permitted. All patients were hospitalized for observation for a minimum of 7 days after Yescarta infusion.

Of 111 patients who underwent leukapheresis, 101 received Yescarta. Nine patients were not treated, primarily due to progressive disease or serious adverse events after enrolment and prior to cell delivery. One out of 111 patients did not receive the product due to manufacturing failure. The median time from leukapheresis to product delivery was 17 days (range: 14 to 51 days), and the median time from leukapheresis to infusion was 24 days (range: 16 to 73 days). The median dose was 2.0 × 10⁶ anti‑CD19 CAR T cells/kg. ITT was defined as all patients who underwent leukapheresis; mITT was defined as all patients who received Yescarta.

The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included duration of response (DOR), overall survival (OS), and severity of adverse events. The ORR was prespecified to be tested in the first 92 treated patients and was significantly higher than the prespecified rate of 20% (P < 0.0001).

In the primary analysis, based on the mITT population (minimum follow-up of 6 months) the ORR was 72% and the complete response (CR) rate was 51%, as determined by an independent review committee. In the 12 month follow‑up analysis (Table 3), the ORR was 72% and the CR rate was 51%. The median time to response was 1.0 months (range: 0.8 to 6.3 months). The DOR was longer in patients who achieved CR, as compared to patients with a best response of partial response (PR). Of the 52 patients who achieved CR, 7 patients had SD and 9 had PR at their initial tumour assessment and converted to CR as late as 6.5 months. The ORR results within PMBCL and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma were both 88%. CR rates were 75% and 56%, respectively. Of the 111 patients in the ITT population, the ORR was 66% and the CR was 47%. Other outcomes were consistent with those of the mITT population.

In the 24-month follow-up analysis, based on the mITT population (results from an independent review committee), the ORR and the CR rate were 74% and 54%, respectively. The median time to response was 1.0 months (range: 0.8 to 12.2 months). The DOR was longer in patients who achieved CR compared to patients with a best response of PR (Table 3). Of the 55 patients who achieved CR, 7 patients had SD and 10 had PR at their initial tumour assessment and converted to CR as late as 12 months after Yescarta infusion. Median duration of response and median OS had not been reached (Table 3). In a 36-month analysis (median study follow-up of 39.1 months) the median OS was 25.8 months with 47 patients (47%*) still alive. In a 48-month analysis (median study follow-up of 51.1 months) the median OS was 25.8 months with 43 patients (44%*) still alive. In a 60-month analysis (median study follow-up of 63.1 months) the median overall survival was 25.8 months with 42 patients (43%*) still alive.

*The Kaplan-Meier estimates of the 3-year, 4-year and 5-year OS rates were 47%, 44% and 43% respectively.

In the phase 1 part of ZUMA‑1, 7 patients were treated. Five patients responded, including 4 CRs. At the 12-month follow‑up analysis, 3 patients remained in CR 24 months after Yescarta infusion. At the 24-month follow-up analysis, these 3 patients remained in CR at 30 to 35 months after Yescarta infusion.

Table 3. Summary of efficacy results for ZUMA‑1 phase 2

CI, confidence interval; CR, complete response; DOR, duration of response; ITT, intention-to-treat; mITT, modified intention-to-treat; NE= Not estimable (not reached); ORR, objective response rate; OS, overall survival.

a.Duration of response was censored at the time of SCT for patients who received SCT while in response.

Note: The 12‑month analysis had a median follow‑up of 15.1 months. The 24‑month analysis had a median follow-up of 27.1 months. Overall survival relates to the time from the leukapheresis date (ITT) or Yescarta infusion (mITT) to death from any cause.

SCHOLAR-1

A retrospective, patient-level, pooled analysis of outcomes in refractory aggressive NHL (N = 636) was conducted (Crump et al., 2017) to provide confirmation of the prespecified control response rate of 20% and historical context for interpreting the ZUMA-1 results. The analysis included patients who had not responded (SD or PD) to their last line of therapy or had relapsed within 12 months after ASCT. Response and survival after treatment with available standard-of-care therapy was evaluated. The ORR was 26% [95% CI (21, 31)] and the CR rate was 7% [95% CI (3, 15)], with a median OS of 6.3 months.

DLBCL and HGBL that relapses within 12 months from completion of, or is refractory to, first-line chemoimmunotherapy (ZUMA-7)

The efficacy and safety of Yescarta in adult patients with r/r large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) was demonstrated in a Phase 3 randomised, open-label, multicenter study (ZUMA-7). Enrolled patients were predominantly diagnosed with DLBCL and HGBL disease subtypes based on the 2016 WHO‑classification and all patients had received first-line rituximab and anthracycline-based chemotherapy. In total, 359 patients were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive a single infusion of Yescarta or to receive SOCT (defined as 2 to 3 cycles of standard chemoimmunotherapy [R-ICE, R-DHAP or R-DHAX, R-ESHAP, or R-GDP] followed by high-dose therapy [HDT] and ASCT in those with disease response). Randomisation was stratified by response to first-line therapy (primary refractory, vs relapse ≤ 6 months of first-line therapy vs relapse > 6 and ≤ 12 months of first-line therapy) and second-line age-adjusted International Prognostic Index (IPI) (0 to 1 vs 2 to 3) as assessed at the time of screening. The study excluded prior HSCT, detectable cerebrospinal fluid malignant cells or brain metastases, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 2 or greater, and any history of central nervous system lymphoma. Patients with active or serious infections were excluded, however patients with simple urinary tract infection and uncomplicated bacterial pharyngitis were permitted if responding to active treatment.

Following lymphodepleting chemotherapy, Yescarta was administered as a single intravenous infusion at a target dose of 2 × 10⁶ anti-CD19 CAR T cells/kg (maximum dose: 2 × 10⁸ cells). The lymphodepleting regimen consisted of cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m² intravenously and fludarabine 30 mg/m² intravenously, both given on the 5^th, 4^th, and 3^rd day before Yescarta. Nondisease modifying bridging therapy limited to corticosteroids, could be administered between leukapheresis and lymphodepleting chemotherapy for patients with high disease burden at screening.

In the overall study population, the median age was 59 years (range: 21 to 81 years); 66% were male, and 83% were white. Seventy-four percent of patients had primary refractory LBCL and 26% of patients had relapsed within 12 months of first-line therapy. Patients had a second-line age-adjusted IPI score of 0-1 (55%) or 2‑3 (45%) and an ECOG performance status of 0 (54%) or 1 (46%).

Patients in the Yescarta and SOCT arms were categorized as DLBCL NOS/without further classification possible (126 patients and 120 patients, respectively); DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma (19 patients and 27 patients, respectively); HGBL with MYC, BCL2, and/or BCL6 (double- and triple‑hit) rearrangements (31 patients and 25 patients, respectively) or HGBL NOS, (1 patient in the SOCT arm); the remaining subjects were categorized under not confirmed, missing, or other.

Of the 180 patients randomised to receive Yescarta, 178 underwent leukapheresis and 170 were treated with Yescarta. Of the patients treated, 60 (33%) received bridging corticosteroid therapy. There were no manufacturing failures. Eight patients (4%) were not treated following leukapheresis, primarily due to progressive disease, serious adverse events, or death. The median time from leukapheresis to product release was 13 days (range: 10 to 24 days), and leukapheresis to Yescarta infusion was 26 days (range: 16 to 52 days). The median dose was 2.0 × 10⁶ anti-CD19 CAR T cells/kg. All 170 patients who received Yescarta were monitored at a healthcare facility for a minimum of 7 days. Of the 179 patients randomised to receive SOCT, 64 patients (36%) received HDT-ASCT.

The primary endpoint was event-free survival (EFS) as determined by blinded central review. Key secondary endpoints were ORR and OS. The summary of efficacy results in the overall population is shown in Table 4 and the Kaplan-Meier curves for EFS and OS are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 respectively. The 24-month EFS was 40.5% [95% CI: 33.2, 47.7] in the Yescarta arm and 16.3% [95% CI: 11.1, 22.2] in the SOCT arm. At the time of the primary EFS analysis, the median progression free survival (PFS) per central assessment in the Yescarta arm was 14.7 months (95% CI: 5.4, NE) compared with 3.7 months (95% CI: 2.9, 5.3) in the SOCT arm (HR: 0.490 [95% CI: 0.368, 0.652]). The median study duration was 24.9 months at the time of the primary EFS analysis and 47.2 months at the time of the primary OS analysis. The primary analysis of OS was performed at the protocol-specified timepoint of 5 years from the first subject enrolled. A statistically significant improvement in OS in favour of Yescarta was demonstrated (see Table 4). The estimated 48-month OS rates were 54.6% in the Yescarta arm and 46.0% in the SOCT arm. Fifty-seven percent of patients received cellular immunotherapy after no response to or relapse after randomisation to SOCT.

Consistent efficacy favouring Yescarta was generally observed across selected subgroups including response to first-line therapy, second-line age-adjusted IPI score, ECOG performance status, age, double expressor lymphoma status and HGBL disease subtype (see Figure 3). Among patients with HGBL per central laboratory, Yescarta demonstrated an improvement in EFS compared to SOCT (HR: 0.285 [95% CI: 0.137, 0.594]). The ORR was 81% (95% CI: 62.5%, 92.5%) and CR rate was 68% (95% CI: 48.6%, 83.3%) in patients treated with Yescarta compared with 42% (95% CI: 23.4%, 63.1%) and 23% (95% CI: 9.0%, 43.6%) respectively in the SOCT arm. The OS HR for Yescarta versus SOCT was 0.735 [95% CI: 0.338, 1.600] for patients with HGBL per central laboratory.

Table 4. Summary of Efficacy Results for ZUMA-7

CI, confidence interval; CMH, Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel; EFS, event-free survival; NE, not estimable; NR, not reached; ORR, objective response rate; OS, overall survival.

a. Per central assessment performed at the time of primary EFS analysis

b. Kaplan-Meier method

c. The p values are two-sided. Stratified log-rank test or stratified CMH adjusted for response to first-line therapy (primary refractory versus relapse ≤ 6 months of first-line therapy versus relapse > 6 and ≤ 12 months of first-line therapy) and second-line age-adjusted International Prognostic Index (0 to 1 versus 2 to 3)

d. Per assessment performed at the time of primary analysis of OS (five years from the first subject enrolled)

e. p-value is compared with 0.0482, the two-sided efficacy boundary (significance level) for the primary OS analysis

Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier Plot of Event-Free Survival in ZUMA-7

CI, confidence interval; HR, hazard ratio; SOCT, standard of care treatment.

Figure 2. Kaplan-Meier Plot of Overall Survival in ZUMA-7

CI, confidence interval; HR, hazard ratio; NE, not estimable; SOCT, standard of care treatment.

Note: Subjects who did not respond to SOCT could receive subsequent treatment for lymphoma including anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy outside the requirement of the protocol.

Figure 3. Forest Plot of Event-Free Survival in Selected Subgroups in ZUMA-7

CI, confidence interval; HR, hazard ratio; IxRS, interactive voice/web response system; SOCT, standard of care.

Note: At the time of the primary EFS analysis, disease type by central laboratory was confirmed in 303 of 359 patients, the remaining patients were categorised by the central laboratory as not confirmed, missing or other.

The OS benefit with Yescarta is consistent across clinically relevant subgroups.

Relapsed or refractory FL after three or more lines of systemic therapy (ZUMA-5)

The efficacy and safety of Yescarta in adult patients with FL, were evaluated in a phase 2 single-arm, open-label, multicentre study in patients with r/r FL based on 2016 WHO-classification.

Eligible patients were ≥ 18 years of age with refractory disease after 2 or more prior lines of therapy. Prior therapy must have included an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody combined with an alkylating agent (single-agent anti-CD20 antibody did not count as line of therapy for eligibility). Patients with SD (without relapse) > 1 year from completion of last therapy were not considered eligible. Patients with CNS lymphoma, a history of allogeneic SCT or prior anti-CD19 CAR or other genetically modified T-cell therapy were excluded. Patients with a history of CNS disorders (such as seizures or cerebrovascular ischemia), left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 50% or room air oxygen saturation of less than 92%, or autoimmune disease requiring systemic immunosuppression were ineligible. The study excluded patients with active or serious infections and patients with FL Grade 3b. The actual duration of follow-up was 25.9 months (range: 0.3 to 44.3 months, still ongoing). A summary of the patient demographics is provided in Table 5.

At the time of the primary analysis, a total of 122 FL patients were enrolled (i.e. leukapheresed), including 75 patients who had received 3 or more lines of previous therapy. In the period between the primary analysis data cut-off date and the 24-month follow-up analysis data cut-off date, no additional patients with FL were enrolled or treated with Yescarta.

Table 5: Summary of demographics for ZUMA-5 FL patients (24-month analysis)

ECOG, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group; GELF, Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes Folliculaires.

* All patients with locally confirmed diagnosis, including 60 patients with centralised confirmed diagnosis. Number of leukapheresed (n=75) and treated (n=73) patients.

Yescarta was administered as a single intravenous infusion at a target dose of 2 × 10⁶ anti-CD19 CAR T cells/kg after lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen of cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m² intravenously and fludarabine 30 mg/m² intravenously, both given on the 5^th, 4^th, and 3^rd day before Yescarta. All patients were hospitalized for observation for a minimum of 7 days after Yescarta infusion. The administration and monitoring of Yescarta is consistent between ZUMA-5 and ZUMA-1.

The primary analysis was performed, when at least 80 consecutively enrolled FL patients had a minimum follow-up of 12 months from first response assessment. The primary endpoint was ORR. Secondary endpoints included CR rate, ORR and CR in patients who received 3 or more lines of prior therapy, DOR, OS and PFS and incidence of adverse events. Three out of the 122 FL patients enrolled at the time of the primary analysis were not treated, primarily due to ineligibility, experiencing CR prior or death prior to the treatment. A 24-month follow-up analysis was performed, when at least 80 FL patients had a minimum follow-up of 24 months after infusion.

As of the 24-month follow-up analysis, no additional patients underwent leukapheresis nor were treated with Yescarta. No manufacturing failures occurred. The median time from leukapheresis to product release was 12 days (range: 10 to 37 days), leukapheresis to product delivery was 17 days (range: 13 to 72 days) and leukapheresis to Yescarta infusion was 27 days (range: 19 to 330 days). The median dose was 2.0 × 10⁶ anti-CD19 CAR T cells/kg.

At the time of the primary analysis data cut, 122 FL patients were enrolled. Among the 75 enrolled FL patients who had 3 or more lines of prior therapy, the ORR was 91% and the CR rate was 77%.

The 24-month follow-up analysis was performed on the 122 enrolled FL patients, and 119 of these patients were treated with Yescarta. Among the 122 enrolled FL patients, 75 had 3 or more lines of prior therapy, resulting in an ORR of 91% and CR rate of 77%. The median time to response was 1 month (range: 0.8 to 3.1 months), the median DOR was 38.6 months and the proportion of responders who remained in response was 62% at Month 24. Twenty nine out of 75 FL patients who had 3 or more prior lines of therapy initially achieved a PR, 19 of whom later achieved CR. Subgroup analysis included ORR in patients who were refractory (88%), FLIPI score ≥ 3 (94%), high tumour burden (91%), progression of disease within 24 months of first immunotherapy (89%) and prior treatment with PI3K inhibitor (90%). Key efficacy results for FL patients with 3 or more prior lines of therapy are summarized in Table 6.

Table 6. Summary of Efficacy Results for all enrolled ZUMA-5 FL patients with 3 or more prior lines of therapy (24-month analysis)

CI, confidence interval; CR, complete response; DOR, duration of response; ITT, intention-to-treat; NE, not estimable; ORR, objective response; PR, partial response

a. Per the International Working Group Lugano Classification (Cheson 2014), as assessed by the Independent Radiology Review Committee

b. Measured from the date of first objective response to the date of progression or death

* All patients with locally confirmed diagnosis, including 60 patients with centralized confirmed diagnosis. Number of leukapheresed (n=75) and treated (n=73) patients.

Figure 4 Kaplan Meier DOR in the all leukapheresed set, patients with objective response (FL patients with 3 or more lines of prior therapy, 24-month analysis, independent review committee)

CI, confidence interval; NE, not estimable.

Paediatric population

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with Yescarta in all subsets of the paediatric population for the treatment of mature B-cell neoplasms (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use).

Yescarta comprises human autologous T cells. The anticipated residual products are typical cellular degradation products resulting from normal cellular clearance mechanisms. Thus, the infused CAR T cells are expected to be cleared over time.

Cellular kinetics

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 to 14 days after the day of Yescarta infusion. Age (range: 21 to 80 years) and sex had no significant impact on AUC and peak levels of Yescarta.

Among patients in ZUMA-1, the median peak level of anti‑CD19 CAR T cells in the blood was 38.3 cells/µL (range: 0.8 to 1513.7 cells/μL), which decreased to a median of 2.1 cells/µL by 1 month (range: 0 to 167.4 cells/μL) and to a median of 0.4 cells/µL by 3 months (range: 0 to 28.4 cells/μL) after Yescarta infusion. Among patients in ZUMA-7 the median peak level of anti‑CD19 CAR T cells in the blood was 25.84 cells/μL (range: 0.04 to 1173.25 cells/μL), which decreased towards baseline in evaluable patients by 3 months (0.35 cells/μL; range: 0.00 to 28.44 cells/μL), but were still detectable in 12 out of 30 evaluable patients until 24 months post-treatment.

Among patients in ZUMA-5 with FL, the median peak level of anti-CD19 CAR T cells in the blood was 37.6 cells/μL (range: 0.5 to 1415.4 cells/μL). The median time to peak of anti-CD19 CAR T cells in the blood was 8 days after infusion (range: 8 to 371 days). By 3 months, anti-CD19 CAR T cell levels decreased to near baseline levels to a median of 0.3 cells/μL (range: 0 to 15.8 cells/μL).

Among patients in ZUMA-1, the number of anti‑CD19 CAR T cells in the blood was positively associated with objective response (CR or PR). The median anti‑CD19 CAR T cell peak level in responders (N = 71) was 216% higher compared to the corresponding level in nonresponders (N = 25) (43.6 cells/μL versus 20.2 cells/μL). Median AUC_0-28 in responding patients (N = 71) was 253% of the corresponding level in nonresponders (N = 25) (562 days × cells/μL versus 222 days × cells/μL).

Among patients in ZUMA-7 the number of anti‑CD19 CAR T cells in the blood was positively associated with objective response (CR or PR). The median anti-CD19 CAR T cell peak levels in responders (n=142) were about 275% higher compared to the corresponding level in nonresponders (n=20) (28.9 cells/μL versus 10.5 cells/μL). Median AUC_0-28 in responding patients (n=142) was about 417% higher compared to the corresponding level in nonresponders (n=20) (292.9 days × cells/μL versus 70.1 days × cells/μL).

Among patients with FL in ZUMA-5, the median peak anti-CD19 CAR T-cell levels in responders (n=112) versus nonresponders (n=5) were 38.0 cells/μL and 31.3 cells/μL, respectively. The median AUC_0-28 in responders versus nonresponders were 454.8 cells/μL•days and 247.1 cells/μL•days, respectively.

Studies of Yescarta in patients with hepatic and renal impairment were not conducted.

Yescarta comprises engineered human T cells, therefore there are no representative in vitro assays, ex vivo models, or in vivo models that can accurately address the toxicological characteristics of the human product. Hence, traditional toxicology studies used for drug development were not performed.

No carcinogenicity or genotoxicity studies have been conducted with Yescarta.

No studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of Yescarta on fertility, reproduction, and development.

Cryostor CS10 (contains DMSO)

Sodium chloride

Human albumin

In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.

1 year.

The stability of Yescarta upon completion of thawing is up to 3 hours at room temperature (20 °C to 25 °C). However, Yescarta infusion must begin within 30 minutes of thaw completion and the total infusion time should not exceed 30 minutes.

Yescarta must be stored in the vapour phase of liquid nitrogen (≤ -150 ˚C) and must remain frozen until the patient is ready for treatment to ensure viable live autologous cells are available for patient administration.

Yescarta may be stored a single time at -80 °C (± 10 °C), for up to 90 days. After storage at -80 °C (± 10 °C), the product must be used within the 90-day period or the labelled expiration date, whichever comes first. After these dates, the product must not be used and must be discarded.

Thawed medicinal product should not be refrozen.

For storage conditions after thawing of the medicinal product, see section 6.3.

Ethylene‑vinyl acetate cryostorage bag with sealed addition tube and two available spike ports, containing approximately 68 mL of cell dispersion.

One cryostorage bag is individually packed in a shipping cassette.

Irradiation could lead to inactivation of the product.

Precautions to be taken before handling or administering the medicinal product

Yescarta must be transported within the facility in closed, break-proof, leak-proof containers.

This medicinal product contains human blood cells. Healthcare professionals handling Yescarta must take appropriate precautions (wearing gloves and eye protection) to avoid potential transmission of infectious diseases.

Preparation prior to administration
• Verify that the patient's identity (ID) matches the patient identifiers on the Yescarta cassette.
• The Yescarta infusion bag must not be removed from the metal cassette if the information on the patient-specific label does not match the intended patient.
• Once the patient ID is confirmed, remove the Yescarta infusion bag from the metal cassette.
• Check that the patient information on the metal cassette label matches that on the infusion bag label.
• Inspect the infusion bag for any breaches of container integrity before thawing. If the infusion bag is compromised, follow the local guidelines for the handling of waste of human-derived material (or immediately contact Kite).

Thawing

• Place the infusion bag inside a second bag.
• Thaw Yescarta at approximately 37 °C using either a water bath or dry thaw method until there is no visible ice in the infusion bag. Gently mix the contents of the infusion bag to disperse clumps of cellular material. If visible cell clumps remain, continue to gently mix the contents of the infusion bag. Small clumps of cellular material should disperse with gentle manual mixing. Yescarta must not be washed, spun down, and/or re‑suspended in new medium prior to infusion. Thawing takes approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
• Once thawed, Yescarta is stable at room temperature (20 °C‑25 °C) for up to 3 hours. However, Yescarta infusion must begin within 30 minutes of thaw completion.

Administration

• A leukodepleting filter must not be used.
• Tocilizumab and emergency equipment must be available prior to infusion and during the monitoring period. In the exceptional case where tocilizumab is not available due to a shortage that is listed in the MHRA Central Alerting System, suitable alternative measures to treat CRS instead of tocilizumab must be available prior to infusion.
• Yescarta is for autologous use only.
• The patient's identity must be matched with the patient identifiers on the Yescarta infusion bag.
• Central venous access is recommended for the administration of Yescarta.
• The tubing must be primed with sterile sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) (0.154 mmol sodium per mL) solution for injection prior to infusion.
• The entire content of the Yescarta infusion bag must be infused within 30 minutes by either gravity or a peristaltic pump.
• Gently agitate the infusion bag during Yescarta infusion to prevent cell clumping.
• After the entire content of the infusion bag is infused, the infusion bag and the tubing must be rinsed at the same infusion rate with 10 to 30 mL sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection by back priming to ensure all Yescarta is delivered.

Measures to take in case of accidental exposure

In case of accidental exposure local guidelines on handling of human‑derived materials must be followed. Work surfaces and materials which have potentially been in contact with Yescarta must be decontaminated with appropriate disinfectant.

Precautions to be taken for the disposal of the medicinal product

Unused medicinal product and all material that has been in contact with Yescarta (solid and liquid waste) must be handled and disposed of as potentially infectious waste in accordance with local guidelines on the handling of waste of human-derived material.