UNLOXCYT Solution for injection Ref.[115485] Active ingredients: Cosibelimab

5.1. Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

UNLOXCYT is a monoclonal antibody that belongs to a class of drugs that bind to either the programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1), blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, thereby removing inhibition of the immune response, potentially breaking peripheral tolerance and inducing immune-mediated adverse reactions. Important immune-mediated adverse reactions listed in WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated reactions.

Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which can be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue. Immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur at any time after starting a PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibody. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment with PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies, they can also manifest after discontinuation of PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. Immune-mediated adverse reactions affecting more than one body system can occur simultaneously.

Early identification and management of immune-mediated adverse reactions are essential to ensure safe use of PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. Monitor closely for symptoms and signs that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function tests at baseline and periodically during treatment. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.

Withhold or permanently discontinue UNLOXCYT depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. In general, if UNLOXCYT requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroids (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 reaction is not controlled with corticosteroids.

Toxicity management guidelines for adverse reactions that do not necessarily require systemic steroids (e.g., endocrinopathies, dermatologic reactions) are discussed below.

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

UNLOXCYT can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. In patients treated with other PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies, the incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation.

Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 1% (3/223, Grade 2) of patients receiving UNLOXCYT. Pneumonitis led to withholding of UNLOXCYT in 0.4% (1/223) of patients. All 3 patients required systemic corticosteroids and pneumonitis did not resolve. One patient in whom UNLOXCYT was withheld for pneumonitis, had UNLOXCYT reinitiated after symptom improvement and had recurrence of pneumonitis.

Immune-Mediated Colitis

UNLOXCYT can cause immune-mediated colitis, which may present with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Cytomegalovirus infection/reactivation has occurred in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis treated with PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies.

Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 0.4% (1/223, Grade 1) of patients receiving UNLOXCYT. Systemic corticosteroids were required in the patient experiencing colitis. The event of colitis did not resolve, and UNLOXCYT was not reinitiated.

Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

UNLOXCYT can cause immune-mediated hepatitis, defined as requiring the use of systemic corticosteroids and the absence of a clear alternate etiology.

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

Adrenal Insufficiency:

UNLOXCYT can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment per institutional guidelines, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue UNLOXCYT depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 0.9% (2/223) of patients receiving UNLOXCYT, including Grade 2 in 0.4% (1/223) of patients. UNLOXCYT was withheld for adrenal insufficiency in one of these patients and was reinitiated after symptom improvement. Systemic corticosteroids were required in both patients with adrenal insufficiency.

Hypophysitis:

UNLOXCYT 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 UNLOXCYT depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Thyroid Disorders:

UNLOXCYT can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism. Initiate hormone replacement or medical management of hyperthyroidism as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue UNLOXCYT depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurred in 10% (22/223) of patients receiving UNLOXCYT, including Grade 2 in 5% (10/223) of patients. Hypothyroidism resolved in 7 of the 22 patients.

Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism occurred in 5% (12/223) of patients receiving UNLOXCYT, including Grade 2 in 0.4% (1/223) of patients. Hyperthyroidism resolved in 10 of the 12 patients.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, which can present with diabetic ketoacidosis:

UNLOXCYT can cause type 1 diabetes mellitus, which can present with diabetic ketoacidosis. Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue UNLOXCYT depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction

UNLOXCYT can cause immune-mediated nephritis, defined as the required use of systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants and the absence of a clear alternate etiology.

Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions

UNLOXCYT can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Bullous and exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), have occurred with PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-bullous/exfoliative rashes. Withhold or permanently discontinue UNLOXCYT depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions occurred in 7% (15/223) of patients receiving UNLOXCYT, including Grade 3 in 0.9% (2/223) of patients and Grade 2 in 4% (9/223) of patients. Dermatologic adverse reactions led to permanent discontinuation of UNLOXCYT in 0.4% (1/223) of patients and withholding of UNLOXCYT in 0.9% (2/223) of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 33% (5/15) of patients with dermatologic adverse reactions. Dermatologic adverse reactions resolved in 7 of the 15 patients. Of the 2 patients in whom UNLOXCYT was withheld for dermatologic adverse reactions, 1 patient reinitiated UNLOXCYT after symptom improvement and had recurrence of the dermatologic adverse reaction, which resolved after UNLOXCYT was withheld a second time.

Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred in <1% of the 223 patients who received UNLOXCYT [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] or were reported with the use of other PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. Severe or fatal cases have been reported for some of these adverse reactions.

Cardiac/Vascular: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis.

Nervous System: Meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis (including exacerbation), Guillain-Barre syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy.

Ocular: Uveitis, iritis, other ocular inflammatory toxicities. Some cases can be associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment to include blindness can occur. If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada–like syndrome, as this may require treatment with systemic steroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis, including increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis.

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue: Myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis and associated sequelae including renal failure, arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica.

Endocrine: Hypoparathyroidism.

Other (Hematologic/Immune): Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenia, solid organ transplant rejection, other transplant (including corneal graft) rejection.

5.2. Infusion-Related Reactions

UNLOXCYT can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions. Infusion-related infusion reactions were reported in 11% (24/223) of patients, including Grade 2 in 5.8% (13/223) of patients receiving UNLOXCYT.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion or permanently discontinue UNLOXCYT based on severity of reaction [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. Consider premedication with an antipyretic and/or an antihistamine for patients who have had previous systemic reactions to infusions of therapeutic proteins.

5.3. Complications of Allogeneic HSCT

Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after being treated with a PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibody. Transplant-related complications include hyperacute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, hepatic veno-occlusive disease after reduced intensity conditioning, and steroid-requiring febrile syndrome (without an identified infectious cause). These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT.

Follow patients closely for evidence of transplant-related complications and intervene promptly. Consider the benefit versus risks of treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibody prior to or after an allogeneic HSCT.

5.4. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on its mechanism of action, UNLOXCYT can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Animal studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can lead to increased risk of immune-mediated rejection of the developing fetus, resulting in fetal death. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with UNLOXCYT and for 4 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

• Severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Infusion-related reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Complications of Allogeneic HSCT [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

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 practice.

The pooled safety population described in WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflects exposure to UNLOXCYT as a single agent in 223 patients in two open-label, single-arm, multicohort studies, including 141 patients with advanced CSCC and 82 patients with other solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. UNLOXCYT was administered intravenously at doses of 800 mg every 2 weeks (n=174), 1,200 mg every 3 weeks (n=35), or other doses (n=14). Among the 223 patients, 54% were exposed for ≥24 weeks and 17% were exposed for ≥72 weeks.

The safety of UNLOXCYT was evaluated in Study CK-301-101 in 141 patients with metastatic or locally advanced disease CSCC [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Patients received UNLOXCYT 800 mg every 2 weeks (n=115) or 1,200 mg every 3 weeks (n=26) as an intravenous infusion until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The median duration of exposure was 36 weeks (2 weeks to 3.7 years).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 31% of advanced patients with CSCC who received UNLOXCYT. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (≥ 2% of patients) were sepsis (2.8%), pneumonia (2.8%) and pyrexia (2.1%).

Permanent discontinuation of UNLOXCYT due to an adverse reaction occurred in 8% of patients. Adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of UNLOXCYT were COVID-19, COVID-19 pneumonia, sepsis, ulcerative keratitis, tumor thrombosis, axillary pain, paresthesia, cholestasis, hepatic cytolysis, wound hemorrhage, neck pain, pemphigoid, and eye pain (1 patient each).

Dosage interruptions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 36% of patients who received UNLOXCYT. The adverse reaction that required dosage interruption in ≥2% of patients who received UNLOXCYT was COVID-19 (2%).

The most common (≥10%) adverse reactions were fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, rash, diarrhea, hypothyroidism, constipation, nausea, headache, pruritus, edema, localized infection, and urinary tract infection.

Table 2 and Table 3 summarize adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, respectively in CK-301-101.

Table 2. Adverse Reactions in ≥10% of Patients with Metastatic or Locally Advanced CSCC Receiving UNLOXCYT in Study CK-301-101:

Toxicity was graded per National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE) v.4.03 (or later version)
^* Represents a composite of multiple related terms

Table 3. Laboratory Abnormalities that Worsened from Baseline to Grade 3 or 4 Occurring in ≥1% of Patients with Metastatic or Locally Advanced CSCC Receiving UNLOXCYT in Study CK-301-101:

Toxicity graded per NCI CTCAE v5
^* The denominator used to calculate the rate varied from 122-140 based on the number of patients with a baseline value and at least one post-treatment value.

Risk Summary

Based on its mechanism of action, UNLOXCYT can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)]. There are no available data on the use of UNLOXCYT in pregnant women. Animal studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can lead to increased risk of immune-mediated rejection of the developing fetus resulting in fetal death (see Data). Human IgG1 immunoglobulins (IgG1) are known to cross the placental barrier; therefore, cosibelimab-ipdl has the potential to be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus. Advise women of the potential risk to a fetus.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Data

Animal Data

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with cosibelimab-ipdl to evaluate its effect on reproduction and fetal development. A central function of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is to preserve pregnancy by maintaining maternal immune tolerance to the fetus. In murine models of pregnancy, blockade of PD-L1 signaling has been shown to disrupt tolerance to the fetus and to result in an increase in fetal loss; therefore, potential risks of administering UNLOXCYT during pregnancy include increased rates of abortion or stillbirth. As reported in the literature, there were no malformations related to the blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in the offspring of these animals; however, immune-mediated disorders occurred in PD-1 and PD-L1 knockout mice. Based on its mechanism of action, fetal exposure to UNLOXCYT may increase the risk of developing immune-mediated disorders or altering the normal immune response.

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of cosibelimab-ipdl in human milk or its effects on the breastfed child or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose of UNLOXCYT.

UNLOXCYT can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Pregnancy Testing

Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating UNLOXCYT [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Contraception

Females

Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with UNLOXCYT and for 4 months after the last dose.

The safety and effectiveness of UNLOXCYT have not been established in pediatric patients.

Of the 141 patients treated with UNLOXCYT as a single agent, 21% (29) were younger than 65 years, 31% (44) were aged 65 through 75 years, and 48% (68) were 75 years or older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients.