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Afamitresgene Autoleucel

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Habit forming
No
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Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

Tecelra

Available as

250 ML · Injection

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

⚠ Boxed warning
WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), which may be severe or life-threatening, occurred in patients receiving TECELRA. At the first sign of CRS, immediately evaluate patient for hospitalization and institute treatment with supportive care. Ensure that healthcare providers administering TECELRA have immediate access to medications and resuscitative equipment to manage CRS [see Preparation and Administration (2.2) , and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), which may be severe or life-threatening, occurred in patients receiving TECELRA. At the first sign of CRS, immediately evaluate patient for hospitalization and institute treatment with supportive care. Ensure that healthcare providers administering TECELRA have immediate access to medications and resuscitative equipment to manage CRS ( 2.2 , 5.1 ).
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE TECELRA is indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with unresectable or metastatic synovial sarcoma who have received prior chemotherapy, are HLA-A*02:01P, -A*02:02P, -A*02:03P, or -A*02:06P positive and whose tumor expresses the MAGE-A4 antigen as determined by FDA-approved or cleared companion diagnostic devices. TECELRA is a melanoma-associated antigen A4 (MAGE-A4)-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with unresectable or metastatic synovial sarcoma who have received prior chemotherapy, are HLA-A*02:01P, -A*02:02P, -A*02:03P, or -A*02:06P positive and whose tumor expresses the MAGE-A4 antigen as determined by FDA-approved or cleared companion diagnostic devices.
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action TECELRA is a genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy consisting of CD4 and CD8 positive T cells transduced with a self-inactivating LV to express an affinity-enhanced TCR specific for human MAGE-A4 on the cell surface. The TCR recognizes an HLA-A*02 restricted MAGE-A4 peptide. MAGE-A4 is an intracellular cancer-testis antigen that has restricted expression in normal tissues and is expressed in synovial sarcoma. Antigen-specific activation of TECELRA via TCR-peptide-HLA-A*02 complex results in T cell proliferation, cytokine secretion, and killing of MAGE-A4/HLA-A*02 expressing synovial sarcoma cells.
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For autologous use only. For intravenous use only. For autologous use only. For intravenous use only. Prior to infusion Verify patient's identity prior to infusion ( 2.2 ). Administer a lymphodepleting regimen of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine ( 2.2 ). Premedicate with acetaminophen and an H1-antihistamine ( 2.2 ). TECELRA Dose and Administration The recommended dose is between 1.62 × 10 9 to 10 × 10 9 MAGE-A4 T cell receptor (TCR) positive T cells ( 2.1 ). Administer each infusion bag within one hour of thawing. DO NOT USE a leukodepleting filter ( 2.2 ). DO NOT USE prophylactic systemic corticosteroids ( 2.2 ). 2.1 Recommended Dose The recommended dose is between 1.62 × 10 9 to 10 × 10 9 MAGE-A4 T cell receptor (TCR) positive T cells administered as a single intravenous infusion. TECELRA is provided as a single dose for infusion in one or more infusion bag(s). Verify the number of bags received for the indicated dose prior to preparation for infusion. 2.2 Preparation and Administration Receipt of TECELRA Plan for TECELRA to arrive prior to beginning lymphodepleting chemotherapy. Ensure storage conditions in vapor phase of liquid nitrogen (≤ -130°C). TECELRA is shipped directly to the healthcare facility in the vapor phase of a liquid nitrogen shipper. Upon receipt of TECELRA confirm the patient's identifiers on the metal cassette and product bag. Inspect the product for obvious signs of damage and contact 1-855-246-9232 if any anomalies are identified at the time of receipt. Transfer TECELRA in the original packaging, containing the cassette(s) protecting the infusion bag(s), to onsite storage at ≤ -130°C before the shipper expires. Store TECELRA in a manner that is consistent with How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16) . If unforeseen circumstances prevent proper storage of TECELRA consistent with How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16) , contact 1-855-246-9232 to arrange for return shipment. Preparing Patient for TECELRA Administration Pretreatment Confirm availability of TECELRA at the healthcare facility prior to starting the lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen. Match the patient's identity with the patient identifiers on the TECELRA cassette(s) and infusion bag(s). Do not infuse TECELRA if the information on the patient-specific label(s) does not match the intended patient. Administer a lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen of fludarabine 30 mg/m 2 /day intravenously for 4 days starting on the seventh day before TECELRA infusion (Day-7 to Day -4) and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m 2 /day intravenously for 3 days starting the seventh day before TECELRA infusion (Day -7 to Day -5). Refer to fludarabine prescribing for information on fludarabine dosage in patients with renal impairment. Short-acting or pegylated granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) may be administered at the discretion of the physician, and according with institutional standards, from 24 hours after last day of lymphodepleting chemotherapy (from Day -3) until resolution of neutropenia. Premedication Premedicate with an H1-antihistamine and acetaminophen according to institutional standard practice, approximately 30-60 minutes prior to TECELRA infusion. Avoid prophylactic systemic corticosteroids, as it may interfere with the activity of TECELRA. Preparation of TECELRA for Administration Do not thaw the product until it is ready to be used. Coordinate the timing of TECELRA thaw and infusion. Confirm infusion time in advance and adjust the start time of TECELRA thaw such that it will be available for infusion when the patient is ready. A TECELRA dose may be contained in one or more infusion bag(s). Verify the number of bags received for the indicated dose prior to preparation of TECELRA for infusion. If more than one bag will be infused for the treatment dose, thaw and administer the contents of each infusion bag completely before proceeding to thaw and infuse the contents of the next infusion bag. 1. Confirm patient identity
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) were, cytokine release syndrome, nausea, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, infections, pyrexia, constipation, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, cough, tachycardia, edema, dyspnea, and rash. ( 6.1 ) Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥20%) were lymphocyte count decreased, white blood cell count decreased, neutrophil count decreased and red blood cell count decreased ( 6.1 ). The most common serious adverse reactions (≥ 5%) were cytokine release syndrome and infections ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact USWM CT, LLC at 1-855-246-9232 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of TECELRA was evaluated in the SPEARHEAD-1 study (Cohorts 1, 2, 3) in which 137 patients with advanced synovial sarcoma received TECELRA across a dose of 1.01 × 10 9 to 10 × 10 9 MAGE-A4 TCR positive T cells [see Clinical Studies (14) ]. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 35% of patients with synovial sarcoma. The most common serious adverse reactions (occurring in ≥ 5%) were CRS (7%) and infections (8%). Table 1 summarizes adverse reactions that occurred in at least 10% of patients. Table 1. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥10% of Patients in SPEARHEAD-1 (Cohorts 1, 2, 3) SOC Grouped Term (N=137) All Grades n (%) Grade ≥ 3 n (%) a Includes all adverse reactions reported following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and TECELRA, regardless of attribution to TECELRA Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea 88 (64) 5 (4) Vomiting 38 (28) 2 (2) Constipation 40 (29) 1 (1) Diarrhea 34 (25) 0 (0) Abdominal pain Is a composite that includes multiple related terms. 25 (18) 5 (4) General disorders and administration site conditions Fatigue 72 (53) 2 (2) Pyrexia 41 (30) 5 (4) Edema Edema includes ascites, fluid retention, hypervolemia, edema peripheral, pleural effusion, face edema, localized edema, peripheral swelling, and swelling. 29 (21) 3 (2) Chills 21 (15) 0 (0) Immune system disorders Cytokine Release Syndrome As per American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) criteria 1 98 (72) 3 (2) Infections and infestations Any infection Any infection includes all infection terms under the 'Infections and infestations' System Organ Class 48 (35) 16 (12) Nervous system disorders Headache 36 (26) 2 (2) Dizziness 22 (16) 0 (0) Encephalopathy Encephalopathy includes confusional state, dysgeusia, cognitive disorder, somnolence, aphasia, dysarthria, and amnesia. 17 (12) 0 (0) Neuropathy peripheral 14 (10) 0 (0) Metabolism and nutrition disorders Decreased appetite 25 (18) 3 (2) Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders Musculoskeletal pain 60 (44) 5 (4) Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders Cough 34 (25) 0 (0) Dyspnea 27 (20) 5 (4) Renal and urinary disorders Renal insufficiency 15 (11) 1 (1) Vascular disorders Hemorrhage 26 (19) 2 (2) Hypotension 25 (18) 2 (2) Hypertension 15 (11) 3 (2) Cardiac disorders Tachycardia 30 (22) 0 (0) Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Rash 28 (20) 3 (2) Alopecia 17 (12) 0 (0) Psychiatric disorders Insomnia 16 (12) 0 (0) Other clinically important adverse reactions occurring in patients receiving TECELRA include Grade 1 and Grade 2 ICANS reported in six patients (4%). Table 2. Laboratory Abnormalities Abnormalities are laboratory values that were considered an adverse event Worsened from Baseline in ≥10% of Patients in SPEARHEAD-1 (Cohorts 1, 2, 3) N=137 Laboratory Abnormalities All Grades n (%) Grade 3 or 4 n (%) Grading based on NCI CTCAE version 5.0. Lymphocyte count decreased 137 (100) 137 (100) Neutrophil count decreased 132 (96) 122 (89) White blood cell decreased 134 (98) 121 (88) Red blood cell decreased 130 (95) 33 (24) Platel

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are limited available data with TECELRA use in pregnant women. In the SPEARHEAD-1 clinical trial, there were two pregnancies in patients treated with TECELRA. One patient became pregnant 6 months following treatment with TECELRA and the outcome of this pregnancy was premature birth (30 weeks gestation) with healthy infant. A second patient was found to be pregnant two months following treatment with TECELRA and the pregnancy was electively terminated. No animal reproductive and developmental toxicity studies have been conducted with TECELRA to assess whether it can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. It is not known if TECELRA has the potential to be transferred to the fetus and cause fetal toxicity. Therefore, TECELRA is not recommended for women who are pregnant, and pregnancy after TECELRA administration should be discussed with the treating physician. Report all pregnancies following treatment with TECELRA to 1-855-246-9232. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
BreastfeedingCaution
…8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of TECELRA in human milk, the effect on the breastfed infant, and the effects on milk production.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingCaution
…Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, for at least 2 weeks after receiving TECELRA ( 5.2 ).…
KidneyCaution
…prescribing for information on fludarabine dosage in patients with renal impairment.…
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS): Monitor for ICANS events for at least 2 weeks after treatment with TECELRA. Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, for at least 2 weeks after receiving TECELRA ( 5.2 ). Prolonged Severe Cytopenia: Patients may exhibit severe cytopenia (hemoglobin < 8.0 g/dL, neutrophils < 1,000/mm 3 , platelets < 50,000/mm 3 ) for several weeks following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and TECELRA infusion. Monitor blood counts prior to and after TECELRA infusion ( 5.3 ). Infections: Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection; treat appropriately ( 5.4 ). Secondary Malignancies: In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs after treatment with TECELRA, contact 1-855-246-9232 ( 5.5 ). Hypersensitivity Reactions: Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions during infusion ( 5.6 ). 5.1 Cytokine Release Syndrome Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), including potentially life-threatening reaction has been observed following administration of TECELRA. CRS occurred in 72% of patients, including Grade ≥ 3 CRS in 2% patients. The median time to onset was 2 days (range: 1 to 7 days) and the median time to resolution was 3 days (range: 1 to 14 days). The most common symptoms were fever (97%), tachycardia (58%), hypotension (31%), nausea/vomiting (26%) and headache (21%) [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Management for CRS (including Grade 1) was tocilizumab (40%) and siltuximab (1 patient). Eight participants also required corticosteroids for CRS management. Ensure that healthcare providers administering TECELRA have immediate access to medications and resuscitative equipment to manage CRS. Ensure patients are euvolemic prior to initiating the infusions. During and following TECELRA administration, closely monitor patients for signs and symptoms of CRS. Following treatment with TECELRA, monitor patients for at least 7 days at the healthcare facility for CRS. Continue to monitor patients for CRS for at least 2 weeks following treatment with TECELRA. Counsel patients to seek medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur. At the first sign of CRS, immediately evaluate patient for hospitalization and institute treatment with supportive care based on severity and consider further management per current practice guidelines. 5.2 Immune Effector Cell-associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome Immune Effector Cell-associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS) has been observed following administration of TECELRA. Six patients (4%) had ICANS; five Grade 1 and one Grade 2. Time to onset was 2 to 8 days and time to resolution was 1 to 7 days. Symptoms included mild mental status changes. Other symptoms may include disorientation to time and place, mild drowsiness, mild inattention. Severe symptoms may include altered level of consciousness, seizures, cerebral edema, impairment of cognitive skills, progressive aphasia, motor weakness. Ensure that healthcare providers administering TECELRA have immediate access to medications and resuscitative equipment to manage ICANS. During and following TECELRA administration, closely monitor patients for signs and symptoms of ICANS. Following treatment with TECELRA, monitor patients for at least 7 days at the healthcare facility for ICANS. Continue to monitor patients for ICANS for at least 2 weeks following treatment with TECELRA. Counsel patients to seek medical attention should signs or symptoms of ICANS occur. At the first sign of ICANS, immediately evaluate patients for hospitalization and institute treatment with supportive care based on severity and consider further management per current practice guidelines. Effect on Ability to Drive and Use Machines Due to the potential for neurologic events, including dizziness and presyncope, patients receiving TECELRA are at risk for altered
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS DO NOT use TECELRA in patients who are heterozygous or homozygous for HLA-A*02:05P. DO NOT use TECELRA in patients who are heterozygous or homozygous for HLA-A*02:05P ( 4 ).

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of TECELRA have been established in pediatric patients 12 years and older. Use of TECELRA is supported by a single arm trial of TECELRA (SPEARHEAD-1) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older, which enrolled 6 pediatric patients aged 13 years to less than 17 years. TECELRA exposure in pediatric patients 12 years and older is comparable to that of adults and the courses of unresectable or metastatic synovial sarcoma is sufficiently similar in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older to that of adults to allow extrapolation of safety and efficacy. [ See Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12) , and Clinical Studies (14) ] The safety and effectiveness of TECELRA in pediatric patients aged less than 12 years have not been established.

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS None
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

2 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.