Warnings for Zynyz
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Precautions for Zynyz
Severe And Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
ZYNYZ is a monoclonal antibody that belongs to a class of drugs that binds to either the programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or the PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1), blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, thereby removing inhibition of the immune response with the potential for breaking of peripheral tolerance and induction of immune-mediated adverse reactions. Important immune-mediated adverse reactions listed under Warnings and Precautions may not be inclusive of all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated reactions.
Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue. Immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur at any time after starting treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibody. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment with PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies, immune-mediated adverse reactions 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 patients closely for symptoms and signs that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function 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 ZYNYZ depending on severity [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. In general, if ZYNYZ requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (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 reactions are not controlled with corticosteroids.
Toxicity management guidelines for adverse reactions that do not necessarily require systemic steroids (e.g., endocrinopathies and dermatologic reactions) are discussed below.
Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis
ZYNYZ 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 3% (13/440) of patients receiving ZYNYZ, including 1 (0.2%) patient with fatal pneumonitis, Grade 3 (0.9%), and Grade 2 (1.4%). Pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation of ZYNYZ in 1 patient and withholding of ZYNYZ in 0.9% of patients.
Systemic corticosteroids were required in 77% (10/13) of patients with pneumonitis. Pneumonitis resolved in 10 of the 13 patients. Of the 4 patients in whom ZYNYZ was withheld for pneumonitis, 3 reinitiated ZYNYZ after symptom improvement; of these, 1 had recurrence of pneumonitis.
Immune-Mediated Colitis
ZYNYZ can cause immune-mediated colitis. Cytomegalovirus infection/reactivation have 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.
ZYNYZ as a Single Agent: Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 1.6% (7/440) of patients receiving ZYNYZ, including Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (0.2%), and Grade 2 (0.7%). Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of ZYNYZ in 1 patient and withholding of ZYNYZ in 0.9% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 71% (5/7) of patients. Colitis resolved in 4 of the 7 patients. Of the 4 patients in whom ZYNYZ was withheld for colitis, 1 reinitiated ZYNYZ after symptom improvement; this patient did not have recurrence of colitis.
ZYNYZ in Combination with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel: Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 10% (16/154) of patients receiving ZYNYZ in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, including Grade 4 (0.6%), Grade 3 (2.6%), and Grade 2 (3.2%). Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of ZYNYZ in 2 patients and withholding of ZYNYZ in 2 patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 94% (15/16) of patients. Colitis resolved in 15 of the 16 patients. Of the 2 patients in whom ZYNYZ was withheld for colitis, both reinitiated ZYNYZ after symptom improvement; neither patient had a recurrence of colitis.
Immune-Mediated Hepatitis
ZYNYZ can cause immune-mediated hepatitis.
Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 3% (13/440) of patients receiving ZYNYZ, including Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (2.3%), and Grade 2 (0.5%). Hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of ZYNYZ in 1.4% of patients and withholding of ZYNYZ in 0.9% of patients.
Systemic corticosteroids were required in 85% (11/13) of patients. Hepatitis resolved in 6 of the 13 patients. Of the 4 patients in whom ZYNYZ was withheld for hepatitis, 2 reinitiated ZYNYZ after symptom improvement; of these, 1 had recurrence of hepatitis.
Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies
Adrenal Insufficiency
ZYNYZ 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 ZYNYZ depending on severity [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
ZYNYZ as a Single Agent: Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 0.7% (3/440) of patients receiving ZYNYZ, including Grade 3 (0.5%) and Grade 2 (0.2%). Adrenal insufficiency did not lead to permanent discontinuation of ZYNYZ. ZYNYZ was withheld for 1 patient with adrenal insufficiency. All patients required systemic corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency resolved in 1 of the 3 patients.
ZYNYZ in Combination with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel: Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 5.8% (9/154) of patients receiving ZYNYZ in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, including Grade 3 and Grade 2 (1.9% each). Adrenal insufficiency led to permanent discontinuation of ZYNYZ in 1 patient and withholding of ZYNYZ in 3 patients. All patients required systemic corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency resolved in 4 of the 9 patients.
HypophysitisZYNYZ 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 ZYNYZ depending on severity [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Hypophysitis occurred in 0.5% (2/440, both Grade 2) of patients receiving ZYNYZ. No patients discontinued or withheld ZYNYZ due to hypophysitis. All patients required systemic steroids. Hypophysitis resolved in 1 of the 2 patients.
Thyroid Disorders
ZYNYZ 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 ZYNYZ depending on severity [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Thyroiditis occurred in 0.7% (3/440, all Grade 1) of patients receiving ZYNYZ. No patients discontinued or withheld ZYNYZ due to thyroiditis. Thyroiditis resolved in 1 of the 3 patients.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurred in 10% (42/440) of patients receiving ZYNYZ, including Grade 2 (4.8%). No patients discontinued ZYNYZ due to hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism led to withholding of ZYNYZ in 0.5% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required for 1 patient and 79% (33/42) of patients received endocrine therapy.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurred in 6% (24/440) of patients receiving ZYNYZ, including Grade 2 (2.5%). No patients discontinued ZYNYZ due to hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism led to withholding of ZYNYZ in 1 patient. Systemic corticosteroids were required for 13% (3/24) of patients and 46% (11/24) of patients received endocrine therapy.
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 ZYNYZ depending on severity [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Type 1 diabetes mellitus occurred in 0.2% (1/440) of patients receiving ZYNYZ, including Grade 3 (0.2%) adverse reactions. Type 1 diabetes mellitus led to withholding of ZYNYZ in 1 patient. This event led to ZYNYZ being withheld and did not lead to permanent discontinuation of ZYNYZ. The patient received insulin.
Immune-Mediated Nephritis With Renal Dysfunction
ZYNYZ can cause immune-mediated nephritis.
Immune-mediated nephritis occurred in 1.6% (7/440) of patients receiving ZYNYZ, including Grade 4 (0.5%), Grade 3 (0.7%), and Grade 2 (0.5%). Nephritis led to permanent discontinuation of ZYNYZ in 0.9% of patients and withholding of ZYNYZ in 1 patient.
Systemic corticosteroids were required in 57% (4/7) of patients. Nephritis resolved in 3 of the 7 patients. The 1 patient in whom ZYNYZ was withheld for immune-mediated nephritis had ZYNYZ reinitiated after symptom improvement and did not have recurrence of immune-mediated nephritis.
Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions
ZYNYZ can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Bullous and exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), has occurred with PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-exfoliative rashes. Withhold or permanently discontinue ZYNYZ depending on severity [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Immune-mediated skin reactions occurred in 8% (36/440) of patients receiving ZYNYZ, including Grade 3 (1.1%) and Grade 2 (7%). Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions led to permanent discontinuation of ZYNYZ in 1 patient and withholding of ZYNYZ in 2.3% of patients.
Systemic corticosteroids were required in 25% (9/36) of patients. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions resolved in 75% (27/36) of patients. Of the 10 patients in whom ZYNYZ was withheld for immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions, 7 reinitiated ZYNYZ after symptom improvement; of these, 1 had recurrence of immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions.
Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of < 1% in 440 patients who received ZYNYZ [see ADVERSE REACTIONS] or were reported with the use of other PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies, including severe or fatal cases.
Cardiac/vascular: myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis
Gastrointestinal: pancreatitis, to include increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis
Musculoskeletal: myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis (and associated sequelae, including renal failure), arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica
Neurological: meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis (including exacerbation), Guillain-Barré syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy
Ocular: uveitis, iritis, and 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.
Endocrine: hypoparathyroidism
Other (Hematologic/Immune): hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, solid organ transplant rejection, other transplant (including corneal graft) rejection.
Infusion-Related Reactions
A severe infusion-related reaction (Grade 3) occurred in 4 (0.7%) of 594 patients receiving ZYNYZ [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion or permanently discontinue ZYNYZ based on severity of reaction [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Consider premedication with an antipyretic and/or an antihistamine for patients who have had previous systemic reactions to infusions of therapeutic proteins.
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.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on its mechanism of action, ZYNYZ 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 women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZYNYZ and for 4 months after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
Advise patients that ZYNYZ can cause immune-mediated adverse reactions, including the following [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]:
- Pneumonitis: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of pneumonitis, including new or worsening symptoms of cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
- Colitis: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of colitis, including diarrhea, blood or mucus in stools, or severe abdominal pain.
- Hepatitis: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of hepatitis.
- Endocrinopathies: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, hypophysitis, or type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- Nephritis: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of nephritis.
- Dermatologic Adverse Reactions: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they develop a new rash.
- Other immune-mediated adverse reactions:
- Advise patients that immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur and may involve any organ system, and to contact their healthcare provider immediately for any new or worsening signs or symptoms [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- Advise patients of the risk of solid organ transplant rejection and other transplant (including corneal graft) rejection [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Infusion-Related Reactions
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of infusion-related reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Complications Of Allogeneic HSCT Or Solid Organ Transplant Rejection
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they develop signs or symptoms of post-allogeneic HSCT complications. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Advise females of reproductive potential that ZYNYZ can cause harm to a fetus and to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose of ZYNYZ [see Use In Specific Populations].
Lactation
Advise female patients not to breastfeed while taking ZYNYZ and for 4 months after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
No studies have been performed to assess the potential of retifanlimab-dlwr for carcinogenicity or genotoxicity.
In 1-month and 3-month repeat-dose toxicology studies in monkeys, there were no notable effects in the male and female reproductive organs; however, most animals in these studies were not sexually mature.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Based on its mechanism of action, ZYNYZ can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. There are no available data on the use of ZYNYZ 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 IgG4 immunoglobulins (IgG4) are known to cross the placenta; therefore, retifanlimab-dlwr 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 ZYNYZ 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 ZYNYZ 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 retifanlimab-dlwr may increase the risk of developing immune-mediated disorders or altering the normal immune response.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There is no information regarding the presence of retifanlimab-dlwr in human milk, or its effects on the breastfed child or on milk production. Maternal IgG is known to be present in human milk. The effects of local gastrointestinal exposure and limited systemic exposure in the breastfed child to ZYNYZ are unknown. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose of ZYNYZ.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
ZYNYZ can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Pregnancy].
Pregnancy Testing
Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating ZYNYZ [see Pregnancy].
Contraception
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZYNYZ and for 4 months after the last dose.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of ZYNYZ have not been established in pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use
In Combination With Carboplatin And Paclitaxel
Of the 154 patients with inoperable locally recurrent or metastatic SCAC treated with ZYNYZ in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel in POD1UM-303, 38% were 65 years or older, and 9% were 75 years or older [see Clinical Studies]. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients.
As a Single Agent
Of the 94 patients with locally recurrent or with metastatic SCAC treated with ZYNYZ in POD1UM-202, 49% were 65 years or older, and 11% were 75 years or older [see Clinical Studies].
Of the 65 patients with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced MCC treated with ZYNYZ in POD1UM-201, 79% were 65 years or older, and 37% were 75 years or older [see Clinical Studies].
Clinical studies of ZYNYZ as a single agent did not include sufficient numbers of younger adult patients to determine if patients 65 years of age and older respond differently than younger adult patients.