INDICATION

ABECMA (idecabtagene vicleucel) is a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after two or more prior lines of therapy, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

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A Well-established Safety Profile After a One-time Infusion* of ABECMA®1

Most common adverse reactions1

  • The most common nonlaboratory adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) include pyrexia, CRS, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections – pathogen unspecified, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, febrile neutropenia, hypotension, tachycardia, diarrhea, nausea, headache, chills, upper respiratory tract infection, encephalopathy, edema, dyspnea, and viral infections
  • The most common grade 3 or 4 laboratory adverse reactions (incidence ≥50%) include leukocyte count decreased, neutrophil count decreased, lymphocyte count decreased, platelet count decreased, and hemoglobin decreased

A well-established safety profile after a one-time infusion*

Adverse reactions observed in at least 10% of patients treated with ABECMA in the KarMMa-3 study (N=222)1

  Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
Cardiac disorders
Tachycardiaa 32 0
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrheab 31 2.3
Nausea 27 0.9
Constipation 17 0
Vomitingc 14 0
General disorders and administration site conditions
Pyrexia 91 9
Fatigued 33 1.4
Edemae 20 0.5
Immune system disorders
Cytokine release syndrome 91 4.1
Hypogammaglobulinemia 48 0.9
Infections and infestations
Infections – Pathogen unspecifiedf 35 9
Infections – Viralf 18 6
Infections – Bacterialf 15 4.5
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Decreased appetite 17 1.8
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Musculoskeletal paing 36 1.8
Nervous system disorders
Headacheh 24 0
Encephalopathyi 22 3.6
Dizzinessj 14 1.8
Psychiatric disorders
Sleep disorderk 11 0
Renal and urinary disorders
Renal failurel 13 5
Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders
Dyspneam 21 1.8
Coughn 14 0
Vascular disorders
Hypotensiono 36 2.3
Hypertension 14 7

View all

Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
Tachycardiaa
32 0
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
Diarrheab
31 2.3
Nausea
27 0.9
Constipation
17 0
Vomitingc
14 0
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
Pyrexia
91 9
Fatigued
33 1.4
Edemae
20 0.5
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
Cytokine release syndrome
91 4.1
Hypogammaglobulinemia
48 0.9
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
Infections — Pathogen unspecifiedf
35 9
Infections — Viralf
18 6
Infections — Bacterialf
15 4.5
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
Decreased appetite
17 1.8
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
Musculoskeletal painf
36 1.8
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
Headacheh
24 0
Encephalopathyi
22 3.6
Dizzinessj
14 1.8
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
Sleep disorderk
11 0
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
Renal failurel
13 5
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
Dyspneam
21 1.8
Coughn
14 0
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
Hypotensiono
36 2.3
Hypertension
14 7

Treatment process includes leukapheresis, drug manufacturing, administration, and adverse event monitoring. A single dose of ABECMA contains a cell suspension of 300 to 510 x 106 CAR-positive T cells in 1 or more infusion bags.

aTachycardia includes heart rate increased, sinus tachycardia, tachycardia.

bDiarrhea includes colitis, colitis microscopic, diarrhea, enterocolitis.

cVomiting includes retching, vomiting.

dFatigue includes asthenia, fatigue, malaise, muscle fatigue.

eEdema includes edema, edema peripheral, generalized edema, peripheral swelling, swelling, eyelid edema, face edema, fluid retention, hypervolemia, localized edema, mouth swelling, periorbital edema, periorbital swelling, swelling face.

fInfections and infestations System Organ Class Adverse Events are grouped by high level grouped term (HLGT) pathogen type.

gMusculoskeletal pain includes arthralgia, back pain, bone pain, joint stiffness, muscle strain, musculoskeletal chest pain, musculoskeletal discomfort, musculoskeletal pain, musculoskeletal stiffness, myalgia, neck pain, non-cardiac chest pain.

hHeadache includes headache, head discomfort.

iEncephalopathy includes amnesia, cognitive disorder, confusional state, depressed level of consciousness, disturbance in attention, dysgraphia, encephalopathy, Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome incoherent, lethargy, memory impairment, mental status changes, metabolic encephalopathy, somnolence, stupor, toxic encephalopathy.

jDizziness includes dizziness, presyncope, syncope, vertigo, vertigo positional, vestibular disorder.

kSleep disorder includes hypersomnia, insomnia, sleep disorder.

lRenal failure includes acute kidney injury, blood creatinine increased, chronic kidney disease, creatinine renal clearance decreased, glomerular filtration rate decreased, nephropathy toxic, oliguria, renal failure, renal impairment, urine output decreased.

mDyspnea includes dyspnea, dyspnea exertional, dyspnea paroxysmal nocturnal, tachypnea.

nCough includes cough, productive cough, upper-airway cough syndrome.

oHypotension includes hemodynamic instability, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension.

Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities worsening from baseline in ≥10% of patients treated with ABECMA in the KarMMa-3 study

 
170-529 × 106 CAR-positive T cells
(N=222)
  Grade 3 or 4 (%)
Lymphocyte decreased 98
Leukocyte decreased 96
Neutrophil decreased 96
Platelet decreased 59
Hemoglobin decreased 52
Phosphate decreased 45
Triglyceride increased 21
Alanine aminotransferase increased 13
Sodium decreased 11
Gamma-glutamyltransferase increased 10

Laboratory tests were graded according to NCI CTCAE Version 4.03. Laboratory abnormalities are sorted by decreasing frequency.

CAR=chimeric antigen receptor; CRS=cytokine release syndrome; NCI CTCAE=National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.

Adverse reactions observed in at least 10% of patients treated with ABECMA in the KarMMa study (N=127)1

  Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
 
150-450 × 106 CAR-positive T cells (N=127)
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Febrile neutropenia 16 16
Cardiac disorders
Tachycardiaa 19 0
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhea 35 1.6
Nausea 29 0
Constipation 16 0
Vomiting 15 0
Oral painb 12 0
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatiguec 45 3.1
Pyrexia 25 1.6
General physical health deterioration 11 10
Edemad 25 0
Chills 11 0
Immune system disorders
Cytokine release syndrome 85 9
Hypogammaglobulinemiae 41 0.8
Infections and infestationsf
Infections – Pathogen unspecified 51 15
Viral infections 27 9
Bacterial infections 15 3.9
Pneumoniag 17 9
Upper respiratory tract infectionh 34 1.6
Investigations
Weight decreased 13 1.6
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Decreased appetitei 22 0.8
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Musculoskeletal painj 45 3.1
Motor dysfunctionk 11 0
Nervous system disorders
Encephalopathyl 26 6
Headachem 23 0
Dizzinessn 17 0.8
Neuropathy peripheralo 17 0.8
Tremorp 10 0
Psychiatric disorders
Insomniaq 13 0
Anxietyr 12 0.8
Renal and urinary disorders
Renal failures 10 2.4
Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders
Cought 23 0
Dyspneau 13 2.4
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rashv 14 0.8
Xerosisw 11 0
Vascular disorders
Hypotensionx 17 0
Hypertension 11 3.1

View all

Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
150-450 × 106 (N=127)
Febrile neutropenia
16 16
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
150-450 × 106 (N=127)
Tachycardiaa
19 0
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
150-450 × 106 (N=127)
Diarrhea
35 1.6
Nausea
29 0
Constipation
16 0
Vomiting
15 0
Oral painb
12 0
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
150-450 × 106 (N=127)
Fatiguec
45 3.1
Pyrexia
25 1.6
General physical health deterioration
11 10
Edemad
25 0
Chills
11 0
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
150-450 × 106 (N=127)
Cytokine release syndrome
85 9
Hypogammaglobulinemiae
41 0.8
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
150-450 × 106 (N=127)
Infections — Pathogen unspecifiedf
51 15
Viral infections
27 9
Bacterial infections
15 3.9
Pneumoniag
17 9
Upper respiratory tract infectionh
34 1.6
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
150-450 × 106 (N=127)
Weight decreased
13 1.6
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
150-450 × 106 (N=127)
Decreased appetitei
22 0.8
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
150-450 × 106 (N=127)
Musculoskeletal painj
45 3.1
Motor dysfunctionk
11 0
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
150-450 × 106 (N=127)
Encephalopathyl
26 6
Headachem
23 0
Dizzinessn
17 0.8
Neuropathy peripheralo
17 0.8
Tremorp
10 0
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
150-450 × 106 (N=127)
Insomniaq
13 0
Anxietyr
12 0.8
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
150-450 × 106 (N=127)
Renal failures
10 2.4
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
150-450 × 106 (N=127)
Cought
23 0
Dyspneau
13 2.4
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
150-450 × 106 (N=127)
Rashv
14 0.8
Xerosisw
11 0
Any Grade, % Grade 3 or Higher, %
150-450 × 106 (N=127)
Hypotensionx
17 0
Hypertension
11 3.1

*Treatment process includes leukapheresis, drug manufacturing, administration, and adverse event monitoring. A single dose of ABECMA contains a cell suspension of 300 to 460 x 106 CAR-positive T cells in one or more infusion bags.

aTachycardia includes sinus tachycardia, tachycardia.

bOral pain includes oral pain, oropharyngeal pain, toothache.

cFatigue includes asthenia, fatigue, malaise.

dEdema includes edema, face edema, fluid overload, fluid retention, generalized edema, peripheral edema, peripheral swelling, scrotal swelling, swelling.

eHypogammaglobulinemia includes patients with adverse events (21%) of blood immunoglobulin G decreased, hypogammaglobulinemia, hypoglobulinemia; and/or patients with laboratory IgG levels below 500 mg/dL following ABECMA infusion (25%).

fInfections and infestations System Organ Class Adverse Events are grouped by pathogen type and selected clinical syndromes.

gPneumonia includes bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, lung infection, pneumonia, pneumonia aspiration, pneumonia cytomegaloviral, pneumonia pneumococcal, pneumonia pseudomonal. Pneumonias may also be included under pathogen categories.

hUpper respiratory tract infection includes laryngitis, nasopharyngitis, pharyngeal erythema, pharyngitis, respiratory tract congestion, respiratory tract infection, rhinitis, rhinovirus infection, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, upper respiratory tract infection bacterial. Upper respiratory tract infections may also be included under pathogen categories.

iDecreased appetite includes decreased appetite, hypophagia.

jMusculoskeletal pain includes arthralgia, back pain, bone pain, musculoskeletal chest pain, musculoskeletal discomfort, musculoskeletal pain, musculoskeletal stiffness, myalgia, neck pain, spinal pain.

kMotor dysfunction includes dysphonia, eyelid ptosis, hypotonia, motor dysfunction, muscle spasms, muscular weakness, restless legs syndrome.

lEncephalopathy includes amnesia, bradyphrenia, cognitive disorder, confusional state, depressed level of consciousness, disturbance in attention, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, encephalopathy, lethargy, memory impairment, mental status changes, metabolic encephalopathy, somnolence, toxic encephalopathy.

mHeadache includes headache, head discomfort, sinus headache.

nDizziness includes dizziness, presyncope, syncope, vertigo.

oNeuropathy peripheral includes carpal tunnel syndrome, hypoesthesia, hypoesthesia oral, neuralgia, neuropathy peripheral, paresthesia, peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy, peripheral sensory neuropathy, sciatica.

pTremor includes asterixis, tremor.

qInsomnia includes insomnia, sleep deficit, sleep disorder.

rAnxiety includes anxiety, feeling jittery, nervousness.

sRenal failure includes acute kidney injury, blood creatinine increased, chronic kidney disease, renal failure, renal impairment.

tCough includes cough, productive cough, upper-airway cough syndrome.

uDyspnea includes acute respiratory failure, dyspnea, dyspnea exertional, respiratory failure.

vRash includes acne, dermatitis, dermatitis bullous, erythema, rash, rash macular, rash papular, urticaria.

wXerosis includes dry eye, dry mouth, dry skin, lip dry, xerosis.

xHypotension includes hypotension, orthostatic hypotension.

Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities worsening from baseline in ≥10% of patients treated with ABECMA in the KarMMa study1

 
150-450 × 106 CAR-positive T cells
(N=127)
  Grade 3 or 4 (%)
Neutrophil decreased 96
Leukocyte decreased 96
Lymphocyte decreased 92
Platelet decreased 63
Hemoglobin decreased 63
Phosphate decreased 45
Sodium decreased 10
aPTT increased (seconds) 10

Laboratory tests were graded according to NCI CTCAE Version 4.03. Laboratory abnormalities are sorted by decreasing frequency.

aPTT=activated partial thromboplastin time; CAR=chimeric antigen receptor; NCI CTCAE=National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.

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INDICATION

ABECMA (idecabtagene vicleucel) is a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after two or more prior lines of therapy, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES, HLH/MAS, PROLONGED CYTOPENIA and SECONDARY HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES

  • Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with ABECMA. Do not administer ABECMA to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
  • Neurologic Toxicities, which may be severe or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with ABECMA, including concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. Monitor for neurologic events after treatment with ABECMA. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.
  • Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (HLH/MAS) including fatal and life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with ABECMA. HLH/MAS can occur with CRS or neurologic toxicities.
  • Prolonged Cytopenia with bleeding and infection, including fatal outcomes following stem cell transplantation for hematopoietic recovery, occurred following treatment with ABECMA.
  • T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies, including ABECMA
  • ABECMA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the ABECMA REMS.

Warnings and Precautions:
Early Death: In KarMMa-3, a randomized (2:1), controlled trial, a higher proportion of patients experienced death within 9 months after randomization in the ABECMA arm (45/254; 18%) compared to the standard regimens arm (15/132; 11%). Early deaths occurred in 8% (20/254) and 0% prior to ABECMA infusion and standard regimen administration, respectively, and 10% (25/254) and 11% (15/132) after ABECMA infusion and standard regimen administration, respectively. Out of the 20 deaths that occurred prior to ABECMA infusion, 15 occurred from disease progression, 3 occurred from adverse events and 2 occurred from unknown causes. Out of the 25 deaths that occurred after ABECMA infusion, 10 occurred from disease progression, 11 occurred from adverse events, and 4 occurred from unknown causes.

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): CRS, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with ABECMA. Among patients receiving ABECMA for relapsed refractory multiple myeloma in the KarMMa and KarMMa-3 studies (N=349), CRS occurred in 89% (310/349), including ≥ Grade 3 CRS (Lee grading system) in 7% (23/349) of patients and Grade 5 CRS in 0.9% (3/349) of patients. The median time-to-onset of CRS, any grade, was 1 day (range: 1 to 27 days), and the median duration of CRS was 5 days (range: 1 to 63 days). In the pooled studies, the rate of ≥Grade 3 CRS was 10% (7/71) for patients treated in dose range of 460 to 510 x 106 CAR-positive T cells and 5.4% (13/241) for patients treated in dose range of 300 to 460 x 106 CAR-positive T cells.

The most common manifestations of CRS (greater than or equal to 10%) included pyrexia (87%), hypotension (30%), tachycardia (26%), chills (19%), hypoxia (16%). Grade 3 or higher events that may be associated with CRS include hypotension, hypoxia, hyperbilirubinemia, hypofibrinogenemia, ARDS, atrial fibrillation, hepatocellular injury, metabolic acidosis, pulmonary edema, coagulopathy, renal failure, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and HLH/MAS.

Identify CRS based on clinical presentation. Evaluate for and treat other causes of fever, hypoxia, and hypotension. CRS has been reported to be associated with findings of HLH/MAS, and the physiology of the syndromes may overlap. HLH/MAS is a potentially life-threatening condition. In patients with progressive symptoms of CRS or refractory CRS despite treatment, evaluate for evidence of HLH/MAS.

Of the 349 patients who received ABECMA in clinical trials, 226 (65%) patients received tocilizumab; 39% (135/349) received a single dose, while 26% (91/349) received more than 1 dose of tocilizumab. Overall, 24% (82/349) of patients received at least 1 dose of corticosteroids for treatment of CRS. Almost all patients who received corticosteroids for CRS also received tocilizumab. For patients treated in dose range of 460 to 510 x 106 CAR-positive T cells, 76% (54/71) of patients received tocilizumab and 35% (25/71) received at least 1 dose of corticosteroids for treatment of CRS. For patients treated in dose range of 300 to 460 x 106 CAR-positive T cells, 63% (152/241) of patients received tocilizumab and 20% (49/241) received at least 1 dose of corticosteroid for treatment of CRS.

Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days following ABECMA infusion at the REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs or symptoms of CRS and monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS for at least 4 weeks after ABECMA infusion. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids as indicated. Ensure that a minimum of 2 doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of ABECMA. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time.

Neurologic Toxicities: Neurologic toxicities, including immune-effector cell-associated neurotoxicity (ICANS), which may be severe or life-threatening, occurred concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS following treatment with ABECMA.

In patients receiving ABECMA in the KarMMa and KarMMa-3 studies, CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity occurred in 40% (139/349), including Grade 3 in 4% (14/349) and Grade 4 in 0.6% (2/349) of patients. The median time to onset of neurotoxicity was 2 days (range: 1 to 148 days). The median duration of CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity was 8 days (range: 1 to 720 days) in all patients including those with ongoing neurologic events at the time of death or data cut off. CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity resolved in 123 of 139 (88%) patients and median time to resolution was 5 days (range: 1 to 245 days). One-hundred and thirty four out of 349 (38%) patients with neurotoxicity had CRS. The onset of neurotoxicity during CRS was observed in 93 patients, before the onset of CRS in 12 patients, and after the CRS event in 29 patients. The rate of Grade 3 or 4 CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity was 5.6% (4/71) and 3.7% (9/241) for patients treated in dose range of 460 to 510 x 106 CAR-positive T cells and 300 to 460 x 106 CAR-positive T cells, respectively. The most frequent (greater than or equal to 5%) manifestations of CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity include encephalopathy (21%), headache (15%), dizziness (8%), delirium (6%), and tremor (6%).

At the safety update for KarMMa-3 study, one patient developed fatal neurotoxicity 43 days after ABECMA. In KarMMa, one patient had ongoing Grade 2 neurotoxicity at the time of death. Two patients had ongoing Grade 1 tremor at the time of data cutoff.

Cerebral edema has been associated with ABECMA in a patient in another study in multiple myeloma. Grade 3 myelitis and Grade 3 parkinsonism have occurred after treatment with ABECMA in another study in multiple myeloma.

Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days following ABECMA infusion at the REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs or symptoms of neurologic toxicities and monitor patients for signs or symptoms of neurologic toxicities for at least 4 weeks after ABECMA infusion and treat promptly. Rule out other causes of neurologic symptoms. Neurologic toxicity should be managed with supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms occur at any time.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS): In patients receiving ABECMA in the KarMMa and KarMMa-3 studies, HLH/MAS occurred in 2.9% (10/349) of patients. All events of HLH/MAS had onset within 10 days of receiving ABECMA, with a median onset of 6.5 days (range: 4 to 10 days) and occurred in the setting of ongoing or worsening CRS. Five patients with HLH/MAS had overlapping neurotoxicity. The manifestations of HLH/MAS include hypotension, hypoxia, multiple organ dysfunction, renal dysfunction and cytopenia.

In KarMMa-3, one patient had Grade 5, two patients had Grade 4 and two patients had Grade 3 HLH/MAS. The patient with Grade 5 HLH/MAS also had Grade 5 candida sepsis and Grade 5 CRS. In another patient who died due to stroke, the Grade 4 HLH/MAS had resolved prior to death. Two cases of Grade 3 and one case of Grade 4 HLH/MAS had resolved.

In KarMMa, one patient treated in the 300 x 106 CAR-positive T cells dose cohort developed fatal multi-organ HLH/MAS with CRS. In another patient with fatal bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, HLH/MAS was contributory to the fatal outcome. Three cases of Grade 2 HLH/MAS resolved.

HLH/MAS is a potentially life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate if not recognized early and treated. Treatment of HLH/MAS should be administered per institutional guidelines.

ABECMA REMS: Due to the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, ABECMA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the ABECMA REMS. Further information is available at www.AbecmaREMS.com or contact Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1-866-340-7332.

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Allergic reactions may occur with the infusion of ABECMA. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may be due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in ABECMA.

Infections: ABECMA should not be administered to patients with active infections or inflammatory disorders. Severe, life-threatening, or fatal infections occurred in patients after ABECMA infusion.

In all patients receiving ABECMA in the KarMMa and KarMMa-3 studies, infections (all grades) occurred in 61% of patients. Grade 3 or 4 infections occurred in 21% of patients. Grade 3 or 4 infections with an unspecified pathogen occurred in 12%, viral infections in 7%, bacterial infections in 4.3%, and fungal infections in 1.4% of patients. Overall, 15 patients had Grade 5 infections (4.3%); 8 patients (2.3%) with infections of pathogen unspecified, 3 patients (0.9%) with fungal infections, 3 patients (0.9%) with viral infections, and 1 patient (0.3%) with bacterial infection.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after ABECMA infusion and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic, pre-emptive, and/or therapeutic antimicrobials according to standard institutional guidelines.

Febrile neutropenia was observed in 38% (133/349) of patients after ABECMA 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.

Viral Reactivation: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection resulting in pneumonia and death has occurred following ABECMA administration. Monitor and treat for CMV reactivation in accordance with clinical guidelines. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients treated with drugs directed against plasma cells. Perform screening for CMV, HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing. Consider antiviral therapy to prevent viral reactivation per local institutional guidelines/clinical practice.

Prolonged Cytopenias: In patients receiving ABECMA in the KarMMa and KarMMa-3 studies, 40% of patients (139/349) experienced prolonged Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and 42% (145/349) experienced prolonged Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia that had not resolved by Month 1 following ABECMA infusion. In 89% (123/139) of patients who recovered from Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia after Month 1, the median time to recovery from ABECMA infusion was 1.9 months. In 76% (110/145) of patients who recovered from Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia, the median time to recovery was 1.9 months. Five patients underwent stem cell therapy for hematopoietic reconstitution due to prolonged cytopenia. The rate of Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia was 62% (44/71) and 56% (135/241) for patients treated in dose range of 460 to 510 x 106 CAR-positive T cells and 300 to 460 x 106 CAR-positive T cells, respectively.

Monitor blood counts prior to and after ABECMA infusion. Manage cytopenia with myeloid growth factor and blood product transfusion support according to local institutional guidelines.

Hypogammaglobulinemia: In all patients receiving ABECMA in the KarMMa and KarMMa-3 studies, hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse event in 13% (46/349) of patients; laboratory IgG levels fell below 500 mg/dL after infusion in 37% (130/349) of patients treated with ABECMA.

Hypogammaglobulinemia either as an adverse reaction or laboratory IgG level below 500 mg/dL after infusion occurred in 45% (158/349) of patients treated with ABECMA. Forty-one percent of patients received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) post-ABECMA for serum IgG <400 mg/dL.

Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with ABECMA and administer IVIG for IgG <400 mg/dl. Manage appropriately per local institutional guidelines, including infection precautions and antibiotic or antiviral prophylaxis.

Use of Live Vaccines: The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or after ABECMA 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 ABECMA treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment with ABECMA.

Secondary Malignancies: Patients treated with ABECMA may develop secondary malignancies. In KarMMa-3, myeloid neoplasms (four cases of myelodysplastic syndrome and one case of acute myeloid leukemia) occurred in 2.2% (5/222) of patients following treatment with ABECMA compared to none in the standard regimens arm at the time of the safety update. The median time to onset of myeloid neoplasm from ide-cel infusion was 338 days (Range: 277 to 794 days). Three of these five patients have died following the development of myeloid neoplasm. One out of the five cases of myeloid neoplasm occurred after initiation of subsequent antimyeloma therapy.

T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies, including ABECMA. Mature T cell malignancies, including CAR-positive tumors, may present as soon as weeks following infusion, and may include fatal outcomes.

Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1-888-805-4555 for reporting and to obtain instructions on collection of patient samples for testing of secondary malignancy.

Effects on Ability to Drive and Operate Machinery: Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients receiving ABECMA are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following ABECMA infusion. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, during this initial period.

Adverse Reactions: The most common nonlaboratory adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 20%) include pyrexia, CRS, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections – pathogen unspecified, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, febrile neutropenia, hypotension, tachycardia, diarrhea, nausea, headache, chills, upper respiratory tract infection, encephalopathy, edema, dyspnea and viral infections.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS and Medication Guide.

Reference:
1. ABECMA [package insert], Summit, NJ: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; 2024.

Reference:
1. ABECMA [package insert], Summit, NJ: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; 2024.