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POLIVY™
(polatuzumab vedotin-piiq) for Injection
Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq is a CD79b-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) consisting of three components: 1) the humanized immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody specific for human CD79b; 2) the small molecule anti-mitotic agent MMAE; and 3) a protease-cleavable linker maleimidocaproyl-valine-citrulline-p-aminobenzyloxycarbonyl (mc-vc-PAB) that covalently attaches MMAE to the polatuzumab antibody.
 |
Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq has an approximate molecular weight of 150 kDa. An average of 3.5 molecules of MMAE are attached to each antibody molecule. Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq is produced by chemical conjugation of the antibody and small molecule components. The antibody is produced by mammalian (Chinese hamster ovary) cells, and the small molecule components are produced by chemical synthesis.
POLIVY (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq) for injection is supplied as a sterile, white to grayish-white, preservative-free, lyophilized powder, which has a cake-like appearance, for intravenous infusion after reconstitution and dilution. After reconstitution with 7.2 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP, the final concentration is 20 mg/mL with a pH of approximately 5.3. Each single-dose vial delivers 140 mg of polatuzumab vedotin-piiq, polysorbate-20 (8.4 mg), sodium hydroxide (3.80 mg), succinic acid (8.27 mg), sucrose (288 mg).
The POLIVY vial stoppers are not made with natural rubber latex.
POLIVY in combination with bendamustine and a rituximab product is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified, after at least two prior therapies.
Accelerated approval was granted for this indication based on complete response rate [see Clinical Studies]. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
The recommended dose of POLIVY is 1.8 mg/kg administered as an intravenous infusion every 21 days for 6 cycles in combination with bendamustine and rituximab product. Administer POLIVY, bendamustine, and rituximab product in any order on Day 1 of each cycle. The recommended dose of bendamustine is 90 mg/m²/day on Day 1 and 2 when administered with POLIVY and a rituximab product. The recommended dose of rituximab product is 375 mg/m² intravenously on Day 1 of each cycle.
If not already premedicated, administer an antihistamine and antipyretic at least 30 minutes prior to POLIVY. Administer the initial dose of POLIVY over 90 minutes. Monitor patients for infusion-related reactions during the infusion and for a minimum of 90 minutes following completion of the initial dose. If the previous infusion was well tolerated, the subsequent dose of POLIVY may be administered as a 30-minute infusion and patients should be monitored during the infusion and for at least 30 minutes after completion of the infusion.
If a planned dose of POLIVY is missed, administer as soon as possible. Adjust the schedule of administration to maintain a 21-day interval between doses.
Table 1 provides management guidelines for peripheral neuropathy, infusion-related reaction, and myelosuppression.
Table 1 : Management of Peripheral Neuropathy,
Infusion-Related Reaction, and Myelosuppression
| Event | Dose Modification |
| Grade 2-3 Peripheral Neuropathy | Hold POLIVY dosing until improvement to Grade 1 or lower. If recovered to Grade 1 or lower on or before Day 14, restart POLIVY with the next cycle at a permanently reduced dose of 1.4 mg/kg. If a prior dose reduction to 1.4 mg/kg has occurred, discontinue POLIVY. If not recovered to Grade 1 or lower on or before Day 14, discontinue POLIVY. |
| Grade 4 Peripheral Neuropathy | Discontinue POLIVY. |
| Grade 1-3 Infusion-Related Reaction | Interrupt POLIVY infusion and give supportive treatment. For the first instance of Grade 3 wheezing, bronchospasm, or generalized urticaria, permanently discontinue POLIVY. For recurrent Grade 2 wheezing or urticaria, or for recurrence of any Grade 3 symptoms, permanently discontinue POLIVY. Otherwise, upon complete resolution of symptoms, infusion may be resumed at 50% of the rate achieved prior to interruption. In the absence of infusion related symptoms, the rate of infusion may be escalated in increments of 50 mg/hour every 30 minutes. For the next cycle, infuse POLIVY over 90 minutes. If no infusion-related reaction occurs, subsequent infusions may be administered over 30 minutes. Administer premedication for all cycles. |
| Grade 4 Infusion-Related Reaction | Stop POLIVY infusion immediately. Give supportive treatment. Permanently discontinue POLIVY. |
| Grade 3-4 Neutropeniaa,b | Hold all treatment until ANC recovers to greater than 1000/microliter. If ANC recovers to greater than 1000/microliter on or before Day 7, resume all treatment without any additional dose reductions. Consider granulocyte colony stimulating factor prophylaxis for subsequent cycles, if not previously given. If ANC recovers to greater than 1000/microliter after Day 7:
|
| Grade 3-4 Thrombocytopeniaa,b | Hold all treatment until platelets recover to greater than 75,000/microliter. If platelets recover to greater than 75,000/microliter on or before Day 7, resume all treatment without any additional dose reductions. If platelets recover to greater than 75,000/microliter after Day 7:
|
| a Severity on Day 1 of any cycle. b If primary cause is due to lymphoma, dose delay or reduction may not be needed. |
|
If not already premedicated for rituximab product, administer an antihistamine and antipyretic at least 30 to 60 minutes prior to POLIVY for potential infusion-related reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Administer prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and herpesvirus throughout treatment with POLIVY.
Consider prophylactic granulocyte colony stimulating factor administration for neutropenia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Administer tumor lysis syndrome prophylaxis for patients at increased risk of tumor lysis syndrome [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Reconstitute and further dilute POLIVY prior to intravenous infusion.
POLIVY is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures.1
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
Table 2 : Diluted POLIVY Solution Storage Conditions
| Diluent Used to Prepare Solution for Infusion | Diluted POLIVY Solution Storage Conditions* |
| 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP | Up to 24 hours at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) or up to 4 hours at room temperature (9 to 25°C, 47 to 77°F) |
| 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP | Up to 18 hours at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) or up to 4 hours at room temperature (9 to 25°C, 47 to 77°F) |
| 5% Dextrose Injection, USP | Up to 36 hours at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) or up to 6 hours at room temperature (9 to 25°C, 47 to 77°F) |
| * To ensure product stability, do not exceed specified storage durations. | |
For Injection: 140 mg of polatuzumab vedotin-piiq as a white to grayish-white lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial for reconstitution and further dilution.
POLIVY (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq) for injection is a preservative-free, white to grayish-white lyophilized powder, which has a cake-like appearance, supplied in a single-dose vial. Each carton (NDC 50242-105-01) contains one 140 mg single-dose vial.
Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in original carton to protect from light. Do not use beyond the expiration date shown on the carton. Do not freeze. Do not shake.
POLIVY is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures.1
REFERENCES
1. “OSHA Hazardous Drugs.” OSHA. http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardousdrugs/index.html]
Manufactured by: Genentech, Inc. A Member of the Roche Group 1 DNA Way South San Francisco, CA 94080-4990. Revised: Jun 2019
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:
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 data described in this section reflect exposure to POLIVY in Study GO29365, a multicenter clinical trial for adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphomas [see Clinical Studies]. In patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL, the trial included a single-arm safety evaluation of POLIVY in combination with bendamustine and a rituximab product (BR) (n = 6), followed by an open-label randomization to POLIVY in combination with BR versus BR alone (n = 39 treated per arm).
Following premedication with an antihistamine and antipyretic, POLIVY 1.8 mg/kg was administered by intravenous infusion on Day 2 of Cycle 1 and on Day 1 of Cycles 2-6, with a cycle length of 21 days. Bendamustine 90 mg/m² daily was administered intravenously on Days 2 and 3 of Cycle 1 and on Days 1 and 2 of Cycles 2-6. A rituximab product dosed at 375 mg/m² was administered intravenously on Day 1 of each cycle. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor primary prophylaxis was optional and administered to 42% of recipients of POLIVY plus BR.
In POLIVY treated patients (n = 45), the median age was 67 years (range 33 - 86) with 58% being ≥ age 65, 69% were male, 69% were white, and 87% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1. The trial required an absolute neutrophil count ≥1500/μL, platelet count ≥75/μL, creatinine clearance (CLcr) ≥40 mL/min, hepatic transaminases ≤2.5 times ULN, and bilirubin <1.5 times ULN, unless abnormalities were from the underlying disease. Patients with Grade 2 or higher peripheral neuropathy or prior allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) were excluded.
Patients treated with POLIVY plus BR received a median of 5 cycles, with 49% receiving 6 cycles. Patients treated with BR alone received a median of 3 cycles, with 23% receiving 6 cycles.
Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 7% of recipients of POLIVY plus BR within 90 days of last treatment. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 64%, most often from infection. Serious adverse reactions in ≥5% of recipients of POLIVY plus BR included pneumonia (16%), febrile neutropenia (11%), pyrexia (9%), and sepsis (7%).
In recipients of POLIVY plus BR, adverse reactions led to dose reduction in 18%, dose interruption in 51%, and permanent discontinuation of all treatment in 31%. The most common adverse reactions leading to treatment discontinuation were thrombocytopenia and/or neutropenia.
Table 3 summarizes commonly reported adverse reactions. In recipients of POLIVY plus BR, adverse reactions in ≥20% of patients included neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, diarrhea, pyrexia, decreased appetite, and pneumonia.
Table 3 : Adverse Reactions Occurring in >10% of
Patients with Relapsed or Refractory DLBCL and ≥5% More in the POLIVY
Plus Bendamustine and Rituximab Product Group
| Adverse Reactions by Body System | POLIVY + BR n = 45 |
BR n = 39 |
||
| All Grades, % | Grade 3 or Higher, % | All Grades, % | Grade 3 or Higher, % | |
| Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders | ||||
| Neutropenia | 49 | 42 | 44 | 36 |
| Thrombocytopenia | 49 | 40 | 33 | 26 |
| Anemia | 47 | 24 | 28 | 18 |
| Lymphopenia | 13 | 13 | 8 | 8 |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||||
| Peripheral neuropathy | 40 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Dizziness | 13 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||||
| Diarrhea | 38 | 4.4 | 28 | 5 |
| Vomiting | 18 | 2.2 | 13 | 0 |
| General Disorders | ||||
| Infusion-related reaction | 18 | 2.2 | 8 | 0 |
| Pyrexia | 33 | 2.2 | 23 | 0 |
| Decreased appetite | 27 | 2.2 | 21 | 0 |
| Infections | ||||
| Pneumonia | 22 | 16a | 15 | 2.6b |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 13 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Investigations | ||||
| Weight decreased | 16 | 2.2 | 8 | 2.6 |
| Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders | ||||
| Hypokalemia | 16 | 9 | 10 | 2.6 |
| Hypoalbuminemia | 13 | 2.2 | 8 | 0 |
| Hypocalcemia | 11 | 2.2 | 5 | 0 |
| The table includes a combination of grouped and ungrouped
terms. Events were graded using NCI CTCAE version 4. a Includes 2 events with fatal outcome. b Includes 1 event with fatal outcome. |
||||
Other clinically relevant adverse reactions (<10% or with a <5% difference) in recipients of POLIVY plus BR included:
Selected treatment-emergent laboratory abnormalities are summarized in Table 4. In recipients of POLIVY plus BR, >20% of patients developed Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia, and >10% developed Grade 4 neutropenia (13%) or Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (11%).
Table 4 : Selected
Laboratory Abnormalities Worsening from Baseline in Patients with Relapsed or
Refractory DLBCL and ≥5% More in the POLIVY Plus Bendamustine and
Rituximab Product Group
| Laboratory Parametera | POLIVY + BR n = 45 |
BR n= 39 |
||
| All Grades, (%) | Grade 3-4, (%) | All Grades, (%) | Grade 3-4, (%) | |
| Hematologic | ||||
| Lymphocyte count decreased | 87 | 87 | 90 | 82 |
| Neutrophil count decreased | 78 | 61 | 56 | 33 |
| Hemoglobin decreased | 78 | 18 | 62 | 10 |
| Platelet count decreased | 76 | 31 | 64 | 26 |
| Chemistry | ||||
| Creatinine increased | 87 | 4.4 | 77 | 5 |
| Calcium decreased | 44 | 9 | 26 | 0 |
| SGPT/ALT increased | 38 | 0 | 8 | 2.6 |
| SGOT/AST increased | 36 | 0 | 26 | 2.6 |
| Lipase increased | 36 | 9 | 13 | 5 |
| Phosphorus decreased | 33 | 7 | 28 | 8 |
| Amylase increased | 24 | 0 | 18 | 2.6 |
| Potassium decreased | 24 | 11 | 28 | 5 |
| a Includes laboratory abnormalities that are new or worsening in grade or with worsening from baseline unknown. | ||||
Safety was also evaluated in 173 adult patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma who received POLIVY, bendamustine, and either a rituximab product or obinutuzumab in Study GO29365, including the 45 patients with DLBCL described above. In the expanded safety population, the median age was 66 years (range 27 - 86), 57% were male, 91% had an ECOG performance status of 0-1, and 32% had a history of peripheral neuropathy at baseline.
Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4.6% of recipients of POLIVY within 90 days of last treatment, with infection as a leading cause. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 60%, most often from infection.
Table 5 summarizes the most common adverse reactions in the expanded safety population. The overall safety profile was similar to that described above. Adverse reactions in ≥20% of patients were diarrhea, neutropenia, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, pyrexia, decreased appetite, anemia, and vomiting. Infection-related adverse reactions in >10% of patients included upper respiratory tract infection, febrile neutropenia, pneumonia, and herpesvirus infection.
Table 5 : Most Common Adverse Reactions (≥20%
Any Grade or ≥5% Grade 3 or Higher) in Recipients of POLIVY and
Chemoimmunotherapy for Relapsed or Refractory Lymphoma
| Adverse Reaction by Body System | POLIVY + Bendamustine + Rituximab Product or Obinutuzumab n = 173 |
|
| All Grades, % | Grade 3 or Higher, % | |
| Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders | ||
| Neutropenia | 44 | 39 |
| Thrombocytopenia | 31 | 23 |
| Anemia | 28 | 14 |
| Febrile neutropeniaa | 13 | 13 |
| Leukopenia | 13 | 8 |
| Lymphopenia | 12 | 12 |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||
| Peripheral neuropathy | 40 | 2.3 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||
| Diarrhea | 45 | 8 |
| Vomiting | 27 | 2.9 |
| General Disorders | ||
| Fatigue | 40 | 5 |
| Pyrexia | 30 | 2.9 |
| Decreased appetite | 29 | 1.7 |
| Infections | ||
| Pneumonia | 13 | 10b |
| Sepsis | 6 | 6c |
| Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders | ||
| Hypokalemia | 18 | 6 |
| The table includes a combination of grouped and ungrouped
terms. a Primary prophylaxis with granulocyte colony stimulating factor was given to 46% of all patients. b Includes 5 events with fatal outcome. c Includes 4 events with fatal outcome. |
||
Other clinically relevant adverse reactions (<20% any grade) included:
As with all therapeutic proteins, there is a potential for immunogenicity. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to polatuzumab vedotin-piiq in the studies described below with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other products may be misleading.
Across all arms of Study GO29365, 8/134 (6%) patients tested positive for antibodies against polatuzumab vedotin-piiq at one or more post-baseline time points. Across clinical trials, 14/536 (2.6%) evaluable POLIVY-treated patients tested positive for such antibodies at one or more post-baseline time points. Due to the limited number of patients with antibodies against polatuzumab vedotin-piiq, no conclusions can be drawn concerning a potential effect of immunogenicity on efficacy or safety.
Concomitant use with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor may increase unconjugated MMAE AUC [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], which may increase POLIVY toxicities. Monitor patients for signs of toxicity.
Concomitant use with a strong CYP3A4 inducer may decrease unconjugated MMAE AUC [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
POLIVY can cause peripheral neuropathy, including severe cases. Peripheral neuropathy occurs as early as the first cycle of treatment and is a cumulative effect [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. POLIVY may exacerbate pre-existing peripheral neuropathy.
In Study GO29365, of 173 patients treated with POLIVY, 40% reported new or worsening peripheral neuropathy, with a median time to onset of 2.1 months. The peripheral neuropathy was Grade 1 in 26% of cases, Grade 2 in 12%, and Grade 3 in 2.3%. Peripheral neuropathy resulted in POLIVY dose reduction in 2.9% of treated patients, dose delay in 1.2%, and permanent discontinuation in 2.9%. Sixty-five percent of patients reported improvement or resolution of peripheral neuropathy after a median of 1 month, and 48% reported complete resolution.
The peripheral neuropathy is predominantly sensory; however, motor and sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy also occur. Monitor for symptoms of peripheral neuropathy such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, dysesthesia, neuropathic pain, burning sensation, weakness, or gait disturbance. Patients experiencing new or worsening peripheral neuropathy may require a delay, dose reduction, or discontinuation of POLIVY [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
POLIVY can cause infusion-related reactions, including severe cases. Delayed infusion-related reactions as late as 24 hours after receiving POLIVY have occurred. With premedication, 7% of patients (12/173) in Study GO29365 reported infusion-related reactions after the administration of POLIVY. The reactions were Grade 1 in 67%, Grade 2 in 25%, and Grade 3 in 8%. Symptoms included fever, chills, flushing, dyspnea, hypotension, and urticaria.
Administer an antihistamine and antipyretic prior to the administration of POLIVY, and monitor patients closely throughout the infusion. If an infusion-related reaction occurs, interrupt the infusion and institute appropriate medical management [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Treatment with POLIVY can cause serious or severe myelosuppression including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. In patients treated with POLIVY plus BR (n = 45), 42% received primary prophylaxis with granulocyte colony stimulating factor. Grade 3 or higher hematologic adverse reactions included neutropenia (42%), thrombocytopenia (40%), anemia (24%), lymphopenia (13%), and febrile neutropenia (11%) [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Grade 4 hematologic adverse reactions included neutropenia (24%), thrombocytopenia (16%), lymphopenia (9%), and febrile neutropenia (4.4%). Cytopenias were the most common reason for treatment discontinuation (18% of all patients).
Monitor complete blood counts throughout treatment. Cytopenias may require a delay, dose reduction, or discontinuation of POLIVY [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Consider prophylactic granulocyte colony stimulating factor administration.
Fatal and/or serious infections, including opportunistic infections such as sepsis, pneumonia (including Pneumocystis jiroveci and other fungal pneumonia), herpesvirus infection, and cytomegalovirus infection have occurred in patients treated with POLIVY [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Grade 3 or higher infections occurred in 32% (55/173) of patients treated with POLIVY. Infection-related deaths were reported in 2.9% of patients within 90 days of last treatment.
Closely monitor patients during treatment for signs of infection. Administer prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and herpesvirus.
PML has been reported after treatment with POLIVY (0.6%, 1/173). Monitor for new or worsening neurological, cognitive, or behavioral changes. Hold POLIVY and any concomitant chemotherapy if PML is suspected, and permanently discontinue if the diagnosis is confirmed.
POLIVY may cause tumor lysis syndrome. Patients with high tumor burden and rapidly proliferative tumor may be at increased risk of tumor lysis syndrome. Monitor closely and take appropriate measures, including tumor lysis syndrome prophylaxis.
Serious cases of hepatotoxicity that were consistent with hepatocellular injury, including elevations of transaminases and/or bilirubin, have occurred in patients treated with POLIVY.
In recipients of POLIVY in Study GO29365 (n = 173), Grade 3 and 4 transaminase elevations developed in 1.9% and 1.9%, respectively. Laboratory values suggestive of drug-induced liver injury (both an ALT or AST greater than 3 times upper limit of normal [ULN] and total bilirubin greater than 2 times ULN) occurred in 2.3% of patients.
Preexisting liver disease, elevated baseline liver enzymes, and concomitant medications may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity. Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin level.
Based on the mechanism of action and findings from animal studies, POLIVY can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. The small molecule component of POLIVY, MMAE, administered to rats caused adverse developmental outcomes, including embryo-fetal mortality and structural abnormalities, at exposures below those occurring clinically at the recommended dose.
Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with POLIVY and for at least 3 months after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with POLIVY and for at least 5 months after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Carcinogenicity studies in animals have not been performed with polatuzumab vedotin-piiq or MMAE.
MMAE was positive for genotoxicity in the in vivo rat bone marrow micronucleus study through an aneugenic mechanism. MMAE was not mutagenic in the bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay or the L5178Y mouse lymphoma forward mutation assay.
Fertility studies in animals have not been performed with polatuzumab vedotin-piiq or MMAE. However, results of repeat-dose toxicity in rats indicate the potential for polatuzumab vedotinpiiq to impair male fertility. In the 4-week repeat-dose toxicity study in rats with weekly dosing of 2, 6, and 10 mg/kg, dose-dependent testicular seminiferous tubule degeneration with abnormal lumen contents in the epididymis was observed. Findings in the testes and epididymis did not reverse and correlated with decreased testes weight and gross findings of small and/or soft testes at recovery necropsy in males given doses ≥2 mg/kg (below the exposure at the recommended dose based on unconjugated MMAE AUC).
Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], POLIVY can cause fetal harm. There are no available data in pregnant women to inform the drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, administration of the small molecule component of POLIVY, MMAE, to pregnant rats during organogenesis at exposures below the clinical exposure at the recommended dose of 1.8 mg/kg POLIVY every 21 days resulted in embryo-fetal mortality and structural abnormalities (see Data). Advise a pregnant woman of the potential risks to a fetus.
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. 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.
Animal Data
No embryo-fetal development studies in animals have been performed with polatuzumab vedotin-piiq. In an embryo-fetal developmental study in pregnant rats, administration of two intravenous doses of MMAE, the small molecule component of POLIVY, on gestational days 6 and 13 caused embryo-fetal mortality and structural abnormalities including protruding tongue, malrotated limbs, gastroschisis, and agnathia compared to controls at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg (approximately 0.5-fold the human area under the curve [AUC] at the recommended dose).
There is no information regarding the presence of polatuzumab vedotin-piiq in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with POLIVY and for at least 2 months after the last dose.
Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating POLIVY [see Use In Specific Populations].
Females
POLIVY can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to pregnant women [see Use In Specific Populations]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with POLIVY and for 3 months after the final dose [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Males
Based on genotoxicity findings, advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with POLIVY and for at least 5 months after the final dose [see Nonclinical Toxicity].
Based on findings from animal studies, POLIVY may impair male fertility. The reversibility of this effect is unknown [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Safety and effectiveness of POLIVY have not been established in pediatric patients.
Among 173 patients treated with POLIVY in Study GO29365, 95 (55%) were ≥65 years of age. Patients aged ≥65 had a numerically higher incidence of serious adverse reactions (64%) than patients aged <65 (53%). Clinical studies of POLIVY did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged ≥65 to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.
Avoid the administration of POLIVY in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (bilirubin greater than 1.5 × ULN). Patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment are likely to have increased exposure to MMAE, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions. POLIVY has not been studied in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
No adjustment in the starting dose is required when administering POLIVY to patients with mild hepatic impairment (bilirubin greater than ULN to less than or equal to 1.5 × ULN or AST greater than ULN).
No Information provided
None.
Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq is a CD79b-directed antibody-drug conjugate with activity against dividing B cells. The small molecule, MMAE is an anti-mitotic agent covalently attached to the antibody via a cleavable linker. The monoclonal antibody binds to CD79b, a B-cell specific surface protein, which is a component of the B-cell receptor. Upon binding CD79b, polatuzumab vedotin-piiq is internalized, and the linker is cleaved by lysosomal proteases to enable intracellular delivery of MMAE. MMAE binds to microtubules and kills dividing cells by inhibiting cell division and inducing apoptosis.
Over polatuzumab vedotin-piiq dosages of 0.1 to 2.4 mg/kg (0.06 to 1.33 times the approved recommended dosage), a higher exposure was associated with higher incidence of some adverse reactions (e.g., ≥Grade 2 peripheral neuropathy, ≥Grade 3 anemia) and a lower exposure was associated with lower efficacy.
Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq did not prolong the mean QTc interval to any clinically relevant extent based on ECG data from two open-label studies in patients with previously treated B-cell malignancies at the recommended dosage.
The exposure parameters of antibody-conjugated MMAE (acMMAE) and unconjugated MMAE (the cytotoxic component of polatuzumab vedotin-piiq) are summarized in Table 6. The plasma exposure of acMMAE and unconjugated MMAE increased proportionally over a polatuzumab vedotin-piiq dose range from 0.1 to 2.4 mg/kg (0.06 to 1.33 times the approved recommended dosage). Cycle 3 acMMAE AUC were predicted to increase by approximately 30% over Cycle 1 AUC, and achieved more than 90% of the Cycle 6 AUC. Unconjugated MMAE plasma exposures were <3% of acMMAE exposures and the AUC and Cmax were predicted to decrease after repeated every-3-week dosing.
Table 6 : Exposure Parameters of acMMAE and
Unconjugated MMAEa
| acMMAE Mean (± SD) | Unconjugated MMAE Mean (± SD) | |
| Cmax (ng/mL) | 803 (± 233) | 6.82 (± 4.73) |
| AUCinf (day*ng/mL) | 1860 (± 966) | 52.3 (± 18.0) |
| Cmax=maximum concentration, AUCinf = area under the
concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity a After the first polatuzumab vedotin-piiq dose of 1.8 mg/kg. |
||
The acMMAE central volume of distribution estimated based on population PK analysis is 3.15 L. For human, MMAE plasma protein binding is 71% to 77% and the blood to plasma ratio is 0.79 to 0.98, in vitro.
The acMMAE terminal half-life is approximately 12 days (95% CI: 8.1 to 19.5 days) at Cycle 6 with predicted clearance of 0.9 L/day. The unconjugated MMAE terminal half-life is approximately 4 days after the first polatuzumab vedotin-piiq dose.
Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq catabolism has not been studied in humans; however, it is expected to undergo catabolism to small peptides, amino acids, unconjugated MMAE, and unconjugated MMAE-related catabolites. MMAE is a substrate for CYP3A4.
No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of polatuzumab vedotin-piiq were observed based on age (20 to 89 years), sex, or race/ethnicity (Asian and non-Asian). No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of acMMAE or unconjugated MMAE were observed based on mild to moderate renal impairment (CLcr 30 to 89 mL/min). In mild hepatic impairment (AST or ALT >1.0 to 2.5 × ULN or total bilirubin >1.0 to 1.5 × ULN), there was a 40% increase in MMAE exposure, which was not deemed clinically significant.
The effect of severe renal impairment (CLcr 15 to 29 mL/min), end-stage renal disease with or without dialysis, moderate to severe hepatic impairment (AST or ALT >2.5 × ULN or total bilirubin >1.5 × ULN), or liver transplantation on the pharmacokinetics of acMMAE or unconjugated MMAE is unknown.
No dedicated clinical drug–drug interaction studies with POLIVY in humans have been conducted.
Strong CYP3A Inhibitor: Concomitant use of polatuzumab vedotin-piiq with ketoconazole (strong CYP3A inhibitor) is predicted to increase unconjugated MMAE AUC by 45%.
Strong CYP3A Inducer: Concomitant use of polatuzumab vedotin-piiq with rifampin (strong CYP3A inducer) is predicted to decrease unconjugated MMAE AUC by 63%.
Sensitive CYP3A substrate: Concomitant use of polatuzumab vedotin-piiq is predicted not to affect exposure to midazolam (a sensitive CYP3A substrate).
Bendamustine or Rituximab: No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of acMMAE or unconjugated MMAE when polatuzumab vedotin-piiq is used concomitantly with bendamustine or rituximab.
Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Enzymes: MMAE does not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, or CYP2D6. MMAE does not induce major CYP enzymes.
Transporter Systems: MMAE does not inhibit P-gp. MMAE is a P-gp substrate.
The efficacy of POLIVY was evaluated in Study GO29365 (NCT02257567), an open-label, multicenter clinical trial that included a cohort of 80 patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL after least one prior regimen. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either POLIVY in combination with bendamustine and a rituximab product (BR) or BR alone for six 21-day cycles. Randomization was stratified by duration of response (DOR) to last therapy. Eligible patients were not candidates for autologous HSCT at study entry. The study excluded patients with Grade 2 or higher peripheral neuropathy, prior allogeneic HSCT, active central nervous system lymphoma, or transformed lymphoma.
Following premedication with an antihistamine and antipyretic, POLIVY was given by intravenous infusion at 1.8 mg/kg on Day 2 of Cycle 1 and on Day 1 of Cycles 2–6. Bendamustine was administered at 90 mg/m² intravenously daily on Days 2 and 3 of Cycle 1 and on Days 1 and 2 of Cycles 2–6. A rituximab product was administered at a dose of 375 mg/m² intravenously on Day 1 of Cycles 1–6. The cycle length was 21 days.
Of the 80 patients randomized to receive POLIVY plus BR (n = 40) or BR alone (n = 40), the median age was 69 years (range: 30–86 years), 66% were male, and 71% were white. Most patients (98%) had DLBCL not otherwise specified. The primary reasons patients were not candidates for HSCT included age (40%), insufficient response to salvage therapy (26%), and prior transplant failure (20%). The median number of prior therapies was 2 (range: 1–7), with 29% receiving one prior therapy, 25% receiving 2 prior therapies, and 46% receiving 3 or more prior therapies. Eighty percent of patients had refractory disease to last therapy.
In the POLIVY plus BR arm, patients received a median of 5 cycles, with 49% receiving 6 cycles. In the BR arm, patients received a median of 3 cycles, with 23% receiving 6 cycles.
Efficacy was based on complete response (CR) rate at the end of treatment and DOR, as determined by an independent review committee (IRC). Other efficacy measures included IRC-assessed best overall response.
Response rates are summarized in Table 7.
Table 7 : Response Rates in Patients with Relapsed or
Refractory DLBCL
| Response per IRC, n (%)a | POLIVY + BR n = 40 |
BR n = 40 |
| Objective Response at End of Treatmentb | 18 (45) | 7 (18) |
| (95% CI) | (29, 62) | (7, 33) |
| CR | 16 (40) | 7 (18) |
| (95% CI) | (25, 57) | (7, 33) |
| Difference in CR rates, % (95% CI)c | 22 (3, 41) | |
| Best Overall Response of CR or PRd | 25 (63) | 10 (25) |
| (95% CI) | (46, 77) | (13, 41) |
| Best Response of CR | 20 (50) | 9 (23) |
| (95% CI) | (34, 66) | (11, 38) |
| PR = partial remission. a PET-CT based response per modified Lugano 2014 criteria. Bone marrow confirmation of PET-CT CR was required. PET-CT PR required meeting both PET criteria and CT criteria for PR. b End of treatment was defined as 6 - 8 weeks after Day 1 of Cycle 6 or last study treatment. c Miettinen-Nurminen method d PET-CT results were prioritized over CT results. |
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In the POLIVY plus BR arm, of the 25 patients who achieved a partial or complete response, 16 (64%) had a DOR of at least 6 months, and 12 (48%) had a DOR of at least 12 months. In the BR arm, of the 10 patients who achieved a partial or complete response, 3 (30%) had a DOR lasting at least 6 months, and 2 (20%) had a DOR lasting at least 12 months.
Advise patients that POLIVY can cause peripheral neuropathy. Advise patients to report to their healthcare provider any numbness or tingling of the hands or feet or any muscle weakness [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they experience signs and symptoms of infusion reactions including fever, chills, rash or breathing problems within 24 hours of infusion [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to report signs or symptoms of bleeding or infection immediately. Advise patients of the need for periodic monitoring of blood counts [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or greater or other evidence of potential infection such as chills, cough, or pain on urination develops. Advise patients of the need for periodic monitoring of blood counts [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention for new or changes in neurological symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, or loss of balance; difficulty talking or walking; or changes in vision [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms of tumor lysis syndrome such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to report symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or jaundice [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females to contact their healthcare provider if they become pregnant, or if pregnancy is suspected, during treatment with POLIVY [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
Advise females of reproductive potential, and males with female partners of reproductive potential, to use effective contraception during treatment with POLIVY and for at least 3 months and 5 months after the last dose, respectively [see Use In Specific Populations].
Advise women not to breastfeed while receiving POLIVY and for at 2 months after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
