DESCRIPTION Campath® (Alemtuzumab) is a recombinant DNA-derived humanized monoclonal antibody (Campath-1H) that is directed against the 21-28 kD cell surface glycoprotein, CD52. CD52 is expressed on the surface of normal and malignant B and T lymphocytes, NK cells, monocytes, macrophages, and tissues of the male reproductive system. The Campath-1H antibody is an IgG1 kappa with human variable framework and constant regions, and complementarity-determining regions from a murine (rat) monoclonal antibody (Campath-1G). The Campath-1H antibody has an approximate molecular weight of 150 kD. Campath is produced in mammalian cell (Chinese hamster ovary) suspension culture in a medium containing neomycin. Neomycin is not detectable in the final product. Campath is a sterile, clear, colorless, isotonic pH 6.8-7.4 solution for injection. Each single use ampoule of Campath contains 30 mg Alemtuzumab, 24.0 mg sodium chloride, 3.5 mg dibasic sodium phosphate, 0.6 mg potassium chloride, 0.6 mg monobasic potassium phosphate, 0.3 mg polysorbate 80, and 0.056 mg disodium edetate. No preservatives are added. CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY General: Alemtuzumab binds to CD52, a non-modulating antigen that is present on the surface of essentially all B and T lymphocytes, a majority of monocytes, macrophages, and NK cells, and a subpopulation of granulocytes. Analysis of samples collected from multiple volunteers has not identified CD52 expression on erythrocytes or hematopoetic stem cells. The proposed mechanism of action is antibody-dependent lysis of leukemic cells following cell surface binding. Campath-1H Fab binding was observed in lymphoid tissues and the mononuclear phagocyte system. A proportion of bone marrow cells, including some CD34+ cells, express variable levels of CD52. Significant binding was also observed in the skin and male reproductive tract (epididymis, sperm, seminal vesicle). Mature spermatozoa stain for CD52, but neither spermatogenic cells nor immature spermatozoa show evidence of staining. Human Pharmacokinetics: The pharmacokinetic profile of Alemtuzumab was studied in a multicenter rising-dose trial in non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Campath was administered once weekly for a maximum of 12 weeks. Following intravenous infusions over a range of doses, the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) and the area under the curve (AUC) showed relative dose proportionality. The overall average half-life (t1/2) over the dosing interval was about 12 days. The pharmacokinetic profile of Campath administered as a 30 mg intravenous infusion three times per week was evaluated in CLL patients. Peak and trough levels of Campath rose during the first few weeks of treatment, and appeared to approach steady state by approximately week 6, although there was marked inter-patient variability. The rise in serum Campath concentration corresponded with the reduction in malignant lymphocytosis. CLINICAL STUDIES The safety and efficacy of Campath were evaluated in a multicenter, open-label, noncomparative study (Study 1) of 93 patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) who had been previously treated with alkylating agents and had failed treatment with fludarabine. Fludarabine failure was defined as lack of an objective partial (PR) or complete (CR) response to at least one fludarabine-containing regimen, progressive disease (PD) while on fludarabine treatment, or relapse within 6 months of the last dose of fludarabine. Patients were gradually escalated to a maintenance dose of Campath 30 mg intravenously three times per week for 4 to 12 weeks. Patients received premedication prior to infusion and anti-Pneumocystis carinii and anti-herpes prophylaxis while on treatment and for at least 2 months after the last dose of Campath. Two supportive, multicenter, open-label, noncomparative studies of Campath enrolled a total of 56 patients with B-CLL (Studies 2 and 3). These patients had been previously treated with fludarabine or other chemotherapies. In Studies 2 and 3, the maintenance dose of Campath was 30 mg three times per week with treatment cycles of 8 and 6 weeks respectively. A slightly different dose escalation scheme was used in these trials. Premedication to ameliorate infusional reactions and anti-Pneumocystis carinii and anti-herpes prophylaxis were optional. Objective tumor response rates and duration of response were determined using the NCI Working Group Response Criteria (1996). A comparison of patient characteristics and the results for each of these studies is summarized in Table 1. Time to event parameters, except for duration of response, are calculated from initiation of Campath therapy. Duration of response is calculated from the onset of the response.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Campath is indicated for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) in patients who have been treated with alkylating agents and who have failed fludarabine therapy. Determination of the effectiveness of Campath is based on overall response rates. (See CLINICAL STUDIES.) Comparative, randomized trials demonstrating increased survival or clinical benefits such as improvement in disease-related symptoms have not yet been conducted. CONTRAINDICATIONS Campath is contraindicated in patients who have active systemic infections, underlying immunodeficiency (e.g., seropositive for HIV), or known Type I hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reactions to Campath or to any one of its components. WARNINGS (See BOXED WARNING.) Infusion-Related Events: Campath has been associated with infusion-related events including hypotension, rigors, fever, shortness of breath, bronchospasm, chills, and/or rash. In order to ameliorate or avoid infusion-related events, patients should be premedicated with an oral antihistamine and acetaminophen prior to dosing and monitored closely for infusion-related adverse events. In addition, Campath should be initiated at a low dose with gradual escalation to the effective dose. Careful monitoring of blood pressure and hypotensive symptoms is recommended especially in patients with ischemic heart disease and in patients on antihypertensive medications. If therapy is interrupted for 7 or more days, Campath should be reinstituted with gradual dose escalation. (See ADVERSE EVENTS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.) Immunosuppression/Opportunistic Infections: Campath induces profound lymphopenia. A variety of opportunistic infections have been reported in patients receiving Campath therapy (see ADVERSE EVENTS, Infections). If a serious infection occurs, Campath therapy should be interrupted and may be reinitiated following the resolution of the infection. Anti-infective prophylaxis is recommended upon initiation of therapy and for a minimum of 2 months following the last dose of Campath or until CD4+ counts are ³ 200 cells/mL. The median time to recovery of CD4+ counts to ³ 200/mL was 2 months, however, full recovery (to baseline) of CD4+ and CD8+ counts may take more than 12 months. (See BOXED WARNING and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Because of the potential for Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD) in severely lymphopenic patients, irradiation of any blood products administered prior to recovery from lymphopenia is recommended. Hematologic Toxicity: Severe, prolonged, and in rare instances fatal, myelosuppression has occurred in patients with leukemia and lymphoma receiving Campath. Bone marrow aplasia and hypoplasia were observed in the clinical studies at the recommended dose. The incidence of these complications increased with doses above the recommended dose. In addition, severe and fatal autoimmune anemia and thrombocytopenia were observed in patients with CLL. Campath should be discontinued for severe hematologic toxicity (see Table 3 Dose Modification and Reinitiation of Therapy for Hematologic Toxicity) or in any patient with evidence of autoimmune hematologic toxicity. Following resolution of transient, non-immune myelosuppression, Campath may be reinitiated with caution. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.) There is no information on the safety of resumption of Campath in patients with autoimmune cytopenias or marrow aplasia. (See ADVERSE REACTIONS.) PRECAUTIONS Laboratory Monitoring: Complete blood counts (CBC) and platelet counts should be obtained at weekly intervals during Campath therapy and more frequently if worsening anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia is observed on therapy. CD4+ counts should be assessed after treatment until recovery to ³ 200 cells/mL. (See WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS.) Drug/Laboratory Interactions: No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with Campath. An immune response to Campath may interfere with subsequent diagnostic serum tests that utilize antibodies. Immunization: Patients who have recently received Campath, should not be immunized with live viral vaccines, due to their immunosuppression. The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines following Campath therapy has not been studied. The ability to generate a primary or anamnestic humoral response to any vaccine following Campath therapy has not been studied. Immunogenicity: Four (1.9%) of 211 patients evaluated for development of an immune response were found to have antibodies to Campath. The data reflect the percentage of patients whose test results were considered positive for antibody to Campath in a kinetic enzyme immunoassay, and are highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. The observed incidence of antibody positivity may be influenced by several additional factors including sample handling, concomitant medications and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to Campath with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading. Patients who develop hypersensitivity to Campath may have allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to other monoclonal antibodies. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility: No long-term studies in animals have been performed to establish the carcinogenic or mutagenic potential of Campath, or to determine its effects on fertility in males or females. Women of childbearing potential and men of reproductive potential should use effective contraceptive methods during treatment and for a minimum of 6 months following Campath therapy. Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Campath. It is not known whether Campath can affect reproductive capacity or cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. However, human IgG is known to cross the placental barrier and therefore Campath may cross the placental barrier and cause fetal B and T lymphocyte depletion. Campath should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. Nursing Mothers: Excretion of Campath in human breast milk has not been studied. Because many drugs including human IgG are excreted in human milk, breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment and for at least 3 months following the last dose of Campath. Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of Campath in children have not been established. Geriatric Use: Of the 149 patients with B-CLL enrolled in the three clinical studies, 66 (44%) were 65 and over, while 15 (10%) were 75 and over. Substantial differences in safety and efficacy related to age were not observed; however the size of the database is not sufficient to exclude important differences. ADVERSE REACTIONS 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 adverse reaction information from clinical trials does, however, provide a basis for identifying the adverse events that appear to be related to drug use and for approximating rates. Safety data, except where indicated, are based on 149 patients with B-CLL enrolled in studies of Campath as a single agent administered at a maintenance dose of 30 mg intravenously three times weekly for 4 to 12 weeks. Table 2 lists adverse events including severe or life threatening (NCI-CTC Grade 3 or 4) adverse events reported in > 5% of the patients. More detailed information and follow-up were available for Study 1 (93 patients), therefore the narrative description of certain events, noted below, is based on this study. Infusion-Related Adverse Events: Infusion-related adverse events resulted in discontinuation of Campath therapy in 6% of the patients enrolled in Study 1. The most commonly reported infusion-related adverse events on this study included rigors in 89% of patients, drug-related fever in 83%, nausea in 47%, vomiting in 33%, and hypotension in 15%. Other frequently reported infusion-related events include, rash in 30% of patients, fatigue in 22%, urticaria in 22%, dyspnea in 17%, pruritus in 14%, headache in 13%, and diarrhea in 13%. Similar types of adverse events were reported on the supporting studies (see Table 2). Acute infusion-related events were most common during the first week of therapy. Antihistamines, acetaminophen, antiemetics, meperidine, and corticosteroids as well as incremental dose escalation were used to prevent or ameliorate infusion-related events. (See WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.) Infections: On Study 1, all patients were required to receive anti-herpes and anti-PCP prophylaxis (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION) and were followed for infections for 6 months. Forty (43%) of 93 patients experienced 59 infections (one or more infections per patient) related to Campath during treatment or within 6 months of the last dose. Of these, 34 (37%) patients experienced 42 infections that were of Grade 3 or 4 severity; 11 (18%) were fatal. Fifty-five percent of the Grade 3 or 4 infections occurred during treatment or within 30 days of last dose. In addition one or more episodes of febrile neutropenia (ANC £ 500 cells/mL were reported in 10% of patients. The following types of infections were reported in Study 1: Grade 3 or 4 sepsis in 12% of patients with one fatality, Grade 3 or 4 pneumonia in 15% with five fatalities, and opportunistic infections in 17% with four fatalities. Candida infections were reported in 5% of patients; CMV infections in 8% (4% of Grade 3 or 4 severity); Aspergillosis in 2% with fatal Aspergillosis in 1%; fatal Mucormycosis in 2%; fatal Cryptococcal pneumonia in 1%; Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in 1%; disseminated Herpes zoster in 1%; Grade 3 Herpes simplex in 2%; and Torulopsis pneumonia in 1%. PCP pneumonia occurred in one (1%) patient who discontinued PCP prophylaxis. On Studies 2 and 3 in which anti-herpes and anti-PCP prophylaxis was optional, 37 (66%) patients had 47 infections while or after receiving Campath therapy. In addition to the opportunistic infections reported above, the following types of related events were observed on these studies: interstitial pneumonitis of unknown etiology and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Hematologic Adverse Events: Pancytopenia/Marrow Hypoplasia: Campath therapy was permanently discontinued in six (6%) patients due to pancytopenia/marrow hypoplasia. Two (2%) cases of pancytopenia/ marrow hypoplasia were fatal. Anemia: Forty-four (47%) patients had one or more episodes of new onset NCI-CTC Grade 3 or 4 anemia. Sixty-two (67%) patients required RBC transfusions. In addition, erythropoietin use was reported in nineteen (20%) patients. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia secondary to Campath therapy was reported in 1% of patients. Positive Coombs test without hemolysis was reported in 2%. (See BOXED WARNING.) Neutropenia: Sixty-five (70%) patients had one or more episodes of NCI-CTC Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Median duration of Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was 28 days (range: 2 165 days). (See Infections.) Thrombocytopenia: Forty-eight (52%) patients had one or more episodes of new onset Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia. Median duration of thrombocytopenia was 21 days (range: 2 165 days). Thirty-five (38%) patients required platelet transfusions for management of thrombocytopenia. Autoimmune thrombocytopenia was reported in 2% of patients with one fatal case of Campath-related autoimmune thrombocytopenia. (See BOXED WARNING.) Lymphopenia: The median CD4+ count at 4 weeks after initiation of Campath therapy was 2 (two)/mL, at 2 months after discontinuation of Campath therapy, 207/mL, and 6 months after discontinuation, 470/mL. The pattern of change in median CD8+ lymphocyte counts was similar to that of CD4+ cells. In some patients treated with Campath, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte counts had not returned to baseline levels at longer than 1 year post therapy.
Serious adverse events: The following serious adverse events, defined as events which result in death, requiring or prolonging hospitalization, requiring medical intervention to prevent hospitalization, or malignancy, were reported in at least one patient treated on studies where Campath was used as a single agent (and are not reported in Table 2). These studies were conducted in patients with lymphocytic leukemia and lymphoma (N = 745) and in patients with non-malignant diseases (N =152) such as rheumatoid arthritis, solid organ transplant, or multiple sclerosis. Body As A Whole: allergic reactions, anaphylactoid reaction, ascites, hypovolemia, influenza-like syndrome, mouth edema, neutropenic fever, syncope Cardiovascular Disorders: cardiac failure, cyanosis, atrial fibrillation, cardiac arrest, ventricular arrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia, angina pectoris, coronary artery disorder, myocardial infarction, pericarditis Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders: abnormal gait, aphasia, coma, grand mal convulsions, paralysis, meningitis Endocrine Disorders: hyperthyroidism Gastrointestinal System Disorders: duodenal ulcer, esophagitis, gingivitis, gastroenteritis, GI hemorrhage, hematemesis, hemorrhoids, intestinal obstruction, intestinal perforation, melena, paralytic ileus, peptic ulcer, pseudomembranous colitis, colitis, pancreatitis, peritonitis, hyperbilirubinemia, hepatic failure, hepatocellular damage, hypoalbuminemia, biliary pain Hearing and Vestibular Disorders: decreased hearing Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: acidosis, aggravated diabetes mellitus, dehydration, fluid overload, hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, hypokalemia, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, increased alkaline phosphatase, respiratory alkalosis Musculoskeletal System Disorders: arthritis or worsening arthritis, arthropathy, bone fracture, myositis, muscle atrophy, muscle weakness, osteomyelitis, polymyositis Neoplasms: malignant lymphoma, malignant testicular neoplasm, prostatic cancer, plasma cell dyscrasia, secondary leukemia, squamous cell carcinoma, transformation to aggressive lymphoma, transformation to prolymphocytic leukemia Platelet, Bleeding, and Clotting Disorders: coagulation disorder, disseminated intravascular coagulation, hematoma, pulmonary embolism, thrombocythemia Psychiatric Disorders: confusion, hallucinations, nervousness, abnormal thinking, apathy White Cell and RES Disorders: agranulocytosis, aplasia, decreased haptoglobin, lymphadenopathy, marrow depression Red Blood Cell Disorders: hemolysis, hemolytic anemia, splenic infarction, splenomegaly Reproductive System Disorders: cervical dysplasia Resistance Mechanism Disorders: abscess, bacterial infection, Herpes zoster infection, Pneumocystis carinii infection, otitis media, Tuberculosis infection, viral infection Respiratory System Disorders: asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hemoptysis, hypoxia, pleural effusion, pleurisy, pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary infiltration, respiratory depression, respiratory insufficiency, sinusitis, stridor, throat tightness Skin and Appendages Disorders: angioedema, bullous eruption, cellulitis, purpuric rash Special Senses Disorders: taste loss Urinary System Disorders: abnormal renal function, acute renal failure, anuria, facial edema, hematuria, toxic nephropathy, ureteric obstruction, urinary retention, urinary tract infection Vascular (Extracardiac) Disorders: cerebral hemorrhage, cerebrovascular disorder, deep vein thrombosis, increased capillary fragility, intracranial hemorrhage, phlebitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, thrombophlebitis Vision Disorders: endophthalmitis OVERDOSAGE Initial doses of Campath of greater than 3 mg are not well-tolerated. One patient who received 80 mg as an initial dose by IV infusion experienced acute bronchospasm, cough, and shortness of breath, followed by anuria and death. A review of the case suggested that tumor lysis syndrome may have played a role. Single doses of Campath greater than 30 mg or a cumulative weekly dose greater than 90 mg should not be administered as higher doses have been associated with a higher incidence of pancytopenia. (See BOXED WARNING and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.) There is no known specific antidote for Campath overdosage. Treatment consists of drug discontinuation and supportive therapy. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Campath should be administered under the supervision of a physician experienced in the use of antineoplastic therapy. Dosing Schedule and Administration: Campath therapy should be initiated at a dose of 3 mg administered as a 2 hour IV infusion daily. (See ADVERSE EVENTS.) When the Campath 3 mg daily dose is tolerated (e.g., infusion-related toxicities are £ Grade 2), the daily dose should be escalated to 10 mg and continued until tolerated. When the 10 mg dose is tolerated, the maintenance dose of Campath 30 mg may be initiated. The maintenance dose of Campath is 30 mg/day administered three times per week on alternate days (i.e., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) for up to 12 weeks. In most patients, escalation to 30 mg can be accomplished in 3 - 7 days. Dose escalation to the recommended maintenance dose of 30 mg administered three times per week is required. Single doses of Campath greater than 30 mg or cumulative weekly doses of greater than 90 mg should not be administered since higher doses are associated with an increased incidence of pancytopenia. (See BOXED WARNING.) Campath should be administered intravenously only. The infusion should be administered over a 2 hour period. DO NOT ADMINISTER AS AN INTRAVENOUS PUSH OR BOLUS. Recommended Concomitant Medications: Premedication should be given prior to the first dose, at dose escalations, and as clinically indicated. The premedication used in clinical studies was diphenhydramine 50 mg and acetaminophen 650 mg administered 30 minutes prior to Campath infusion. In cases where severe infusion-related events occur, treatment with hydrocortisone 200 mg was used in decreasing the infusion-related events. Patients should receive anti-infective prophylaxis to minimize the risks of serious opportunistic infections. (See BOXED WARNING.) The anti-infective regimen used on Study 1 consisted of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole DS twice daily (BID) three times per week and famciclovir or equivalent 250 mg twice a day (BID) upon initiation of Campath therapy. Prophylaxis should be continued for 2 months after completion of Campath therapy or until the CD4+ count is ³ 200 cells/mL, whichever occurs later. Dose Modification and Reinitiation of Therapy: Campath therapy should be discontinued during serious infection, serious hematologic toxicity, or other serious toxicity until the event resolves. (See WARNINGS.) Campath therapy should be permanently discontinued if evidence of autoimmune anemia or thrombocytopenia appears. Table 3 includes recommendations for dose modification for severe neutropenia or thrombocytopenia.
Preparation for Administration: Parenteral drug products should be inspected for visible particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. If particulate matter is present or the solution is discolored, the vial should not be used. DO NOT SHAKE AMPOULE PRIOR TO USE. As with all parenteral drug products, aseptic technique should be used during the preparation and administration of Campath. Withdraw the necessary amount of Campath from the ampoule into a syringe. Filter with a sterile, low-protein binding, non-fiber releasing 5 mm filter prior to dilution. Inject into 100 mL sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride USP or 5% Dextrose in Water USP. Gently invert the bag to mix the solution. Discard syringe and any unused drug product. Campath contains no antimicrobial preservative. Campath should be used within 8 hours after dilution. Campath solutions may be stored at room temperature (15-30°C) or refrigerated. Campath solutions should be protected from light. Incompatibilities: No incompatibilities between Campath and polyvinylchloride (PVC) bags, PVC or polyethylene-lined PVC administration sets, or low-protein binding filters have been observed. No data are available concerning the incompatibility of Campath with other drug substances. Other drug substances should not be added or simultaneously infused through the same intravenous line. HOW SUPPLIED Campath (Alemtuzumab) is supplied in single-use clear glass ampoules containing 30 mg of Alemtuzumab in 3 mL of solution. Each box contains either three Campath ampoules (NDC 50419-355-10) or 12 Campath ampoules (NDC 50419-355-12). Campath should be stored at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Do not freeze. DISCARD IF AMPOULE HAS BEEN FROZEN. Protect from direct sunlight. Rx only. U.S. Patents: 5,545,403; 5,545,405; 5,654,403; 5,846,534 Other patents pending Manufactured by: Millennium and ILEX Partners, LP Cambridge, MA 02142 Distributed by: Berlex Laboratories, Richmond, CA 94804 Issued: May 2001
Last Updated: 8/30/2001
Date created: September 26, 2003
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