Consumer medicine information

Blincyto

Blinatumomab

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Blincyto

Active ingredient

Blinatumomab

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Blincyto.

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about Blincyto. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you or your child taking Blincyto against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.

What Blincyto is used for

The active ingredient in Blincyto is blinatumomab. This belongs to a group of medicines called antineoplastic agents which target cancer cells.

Blincyto is used to treat adults, adolescents, and children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is a cancer of the blood in which a particular type of white blood cell is growing out of control. This medicine works by enabling your immune system to attack and destroy these abnormal white blood cancer cells.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why it has been prescribed for you.

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.

Before you are given Blincyto

When you must not be given it

Do not receive Blincyto if you have an allergy to:

  • any medicine containing blinatumomab.
  • any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
  • any medicines that are produced using Chinese Hamster Ovary cells.

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

  • shortness of breath
  • wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
  • rash, itching or hives on the skin.

Do not use it after the expiry date printed on the pack. If you use it after the expiry date has passed it may not work as well.

Do not use it if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Before you are given it

Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.

Tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions:

  • if you have ever had neurological problems (such as seizures, memory loss, confusion, disorientation, loss of balance or difficulty in speaking)
  • an active infection.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an infusion reaction after previously using Blincyto.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. The effects of Blincyto in pregnant women are not known.

Women who are able to become pregnant should use contraception during treatment. You must also do this for 48 hours after your last treatment.

Talk to your doctor or nurse about suitable methods of contraception.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breast feed. It is not known whether Blincyto passes into breast milk.

You should not breast-feed during treatment with Blincyto and for at least 48 hours after your last treatment.

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you are given Blincyto.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor or nurse if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you get without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop. These medicines may be affected by Blincyto or may affect how well it works. You may need to use different amounts of your medicines or take different medicines. Your doctor will advise you.

Tell your doctor or nurse if you think you may need any vaccinations in the near future, including those needed to travel to other countries. Some vaccines must not be given within two weeks before, at the same time as or in the months after you receive treatment with Blincyto.

Your doctor will check if you should have the vaccination.

How Blincyto is given

Blincyto is given to you through a vein (intravenous) continuously for 4 weeks by an infusion pump. This is followed by a 2-week break during which you will not be given the infusion. Each treatment cycle is 6 weeks. After this 2-week break, your doctor will determine if you will be given additional treatment cycles.

Your doctor or nurse will give you the infusion.

Detailed instructions for your doctor, nurse and pharmacist on how to prepare Blincyto are included in the Product Information. Your doctor will determine when your Blincyto infusion bag or cassette will be changed, which may range from every day to every 4 days. The infusion rate may be faster or slower depending on how often the bag or cassette is changed.

Medicines given before each treatment cycle

Before your treatment with Blincyto, you will be given other medicines (pre-medication) to help reduce reactions to the medication and a potentially life-threatening complication known as tumour lysis syndrome, which is caused by chemical disturbances in the blood due to the breakdown of dying cancer cells. These medicines may include corticosteroids.

Treatment of relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

It is recommended that the first 9 days of your first treatment cycle and the first 2 days of your second cycle with Blincyto are given to you in a hospital or clinic. This will allow you to be under the supervision of a doctor or nurse who can check you for side effects.

Patients greater than or equal to 45 kg body weight

  • Your first cycle
    For the first week of Blincyto treatment, your infusion pump will be set to deliver a dose of 9 micrograms per day. Your dose of Blincyto should be increased to 28 micrograms per day for weeks 2, 3 and 4 of your treatment depending on how you respond to treatment with Blincyto.
  • Your next cycles
    If your doctor determines that more cycles of Blincyto should be given, your pump will be set to deliver a dose of 28 micrograms per day.
    You may not be able to tell the difference between the 9 micrograms per day and 28 micrograms per day infusion bags.

Patients less than 45 kg body weight

The dose that your pump will be set to deliver is based on your weight.

  • Your first cycle
    After the first week of Blincyto treatment, the dose of Blincyto should be increased for weeks 2, 3, and 4 of your first cycle depending on how you respond to treatment with Blincyto.
  • Your next cycles
    Your doctor will determine if more cycles of Blincyto should be given.
    You may not be able to tell the difference between the dose delivered during the first week of your first cycle and the increased dose delivered for the remainder of the first cycle and for the subsequent cycles.

Treatment of Minimal Residual Disease positive ALL

It is recommended that the first 3 days of your first treatment cycle and the first two days of your second treatment cycle with Blincyto be given to you in a hospital or clinic. This will allow you to be under the supervision of a doctor or nurse who can check you for side effects.

Patients greater than or equal to 45 kg body weight

  • All treatment cycles
    Your doctor will determine the number of cycles of Blincyto that should be given. Your pump will be set to deliver a dose of 28 micrograms per day.

Infusion pump and intravenous tubing

Your doctor or nurse will advise you on how to manage your daily activities around your infusion pump.

How long to take it

The number of treatment cycles and the dose that you will be given will depend on how well you tolerate and respond to Blincyto. Your doctor will discuss with you how long your treatment will last. Your treatment may be interrupted depending on how well you tolerate Blincyto.

While you are using Blincyto

Things you must do

Keep the area around the catheter clean if you have a catheter for infusion. This is very important, otherwise you could get an infection.

Your doctor or nurse will show you how to care for your catheter site.

If there is a problem with the infusion pump or the pump alarm sounds, do not adjust the settings on the pump. Any changes to the pump settings may result in a dose that is too high or too low.

Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if:

  • there is a problem with the pump or if the pump alarm sounds
  • the infusion bag empties before the scheduled bag change
  • the infusion pump stops unexpectedly.

Do not try to restart the pump.

Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist that you are taking Blincyto before you start any new medicine.

Tell any other doctors who treat you that you are taking this medicine.

Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist immediately if you experience any of the following while being treated with Blincyto:

  • seizures, difficulty in speaking or slurred speech, confusion and disorientation, or loss of balance
  • chills or shivering, or feel warm
    Take your temperature as you may have a fever - these may be symptoms of an infection.
  • a reaction at any time during your infusion. Symptoms may include dizziness, face swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or rash.
  • severe and persistent stomach pain, with or without nausea and vomiting. These may be symptoms of a serious and potentially fatal condition known as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

The reaction may have to be treated and your dose of Blincyto may need to be adjusted.

Your doctor or nurse will monitor you for signs and symptoms of these reactions.

You may experience a severe low white blood cell count or severe low white blood count with fever (neutropenia or febrile neutropenia) or elevated liver enzymes.

Your doctor or nurse will take regular blood tests to monitor your blood counts during treatment with Blincyto.

If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may need to talk to you about precautions in using vaccinations for your baby.

Some side effects more frequently seen in adolescents and children include:

  • runny nose (rhinitis)
  • nose bleeds.

Tell your doctor or nurse if you think you may need any vaccinations in the near future, including those needed to travel to other countries. Some vaccines must not be given within two weeks before, at the same time as or in the months after you receive treatment with Blincyto.

Your doctor will check if you should have the vaccination.

Things you must not do

Do not drive, use heavy machines, or engage in hazardous activities while you are being given Blincyto. Blincyto can cause problems such as dizziness, seizures, and confusion.

If you take too much (overdose)

Immediately telephone your doctor for advice or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you think that you may have taken too much Blincyto.

Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

Side effects

Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are being given Blincyto.

All medicines can have side effects. You may need medical attention if you get some of the side effects.

Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you notice any of the following:

  • tingling skin
  • rapid heart rate
  • cough
  • nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, vomiting
  • rash
  • back pain, pain in hands or feet, painful/swollen joints, bone pain
  • swollen hands, ankles or feet
  • flushing
  • tiredness
  • weight gain.

The above list includes the more common side effects of your medicine.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following happen:

  • fever, swelling or chills, shortness of breath, headache and dizziness any of which may become severe
  • difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  • confusion, disorientation
  • headache, shaking (tremor), dizziness
  • difficulty in speaking, communicating, thinking or processing thoughts, or remembering things
  • seizures (convulsions)
  • chest pain or other pain
  • swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing.

The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

Tell your doctor or nurse if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.

Do not be alarmed by this list of side effects. You may not experience any of them.

After preparing it

Storage

Blincyto solution for infusion will be prepared by your pharmacist and stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C until infusion.

Once at room temperature (up to 25°C) the solution will be infused within 96 hours.

Disposal

Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will dispose of this medicine.

Product description

What it looks like

Each pack of Blincyto contains:

  • 1 single-use Blincyto vial containing a sterile, preservative free, white to off-white lyophilised powder
  • 1 single-use IV Solution Stabiliser vial containing sterile, preservative-free, colourless-to-slightly yellow, clear solution.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: blinatumomab.

The other ingredients in the Blincyto vial are:

  • citric acid monohydrate
  • trehalose dihydrate
  • lysine hydrochloride
  • polysorbate 80
  • sodium hydroxide

Ingredients in the IV Solution Stabiliser vial are:

  • citric acid monohydrate
  • lysine hydrochloride
  • polysorbate 80
  • sodium hydroxide
  • water for injections

This medicine does not contain lactose, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.

Sponsor

Blincyto is supplied in Australia by:

Amgen Australian Pty Ltd
ABN 31 051 057 428
Level 7, 123 Epping Rd
North Ryde NSW 2113
Medical Information: 1800 803 638
Email: [email protected]

® = Registered Trademark

AUST R 232805 Blincyto 38.5 microgram powder for injection vial.

This leaflet was prepared in July 2020.

Published by MIMS September 2020

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Blincyto

Active ingredient

Blinatumomab

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Blinatumomab.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Active substance.

Each single-use vial of Blincyto contains 38.5 micrograms preservative-free blinatumomab.
After reconstitution with 3 mL of preservative-free sterile water for injections, the resulting total volume of reconstituted solution is 3.1 mL and each mL contains 12.5 micrograms (mcg) blinatumomab. The extractable amount of blinatumomab per vial is 35 micrograms in a volume of 2.8 mL reconstituted solution.

Excipients.

For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Lyophilised powder for injection with IV stabiliser solution.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Blincyto is indicated for the treatment of relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).
Blincyto is indicated for the treatment of minimal residual disease (MRD) positive B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in patients in complete haematological remission.
Blincyto is indicated for the treatment of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in the consolidation phase:
in combination with chemotherapy in patients with Philadelphia chromosome negative disease;
in combination with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor in patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive disease, who are unable to receive chemotherapy.

Note to indication.

Evidence to support the use of blinatumomab in Philadelphia positive subjects is derived from phase II, non-randomised studies. An improvement in clinical outcomes by direct prospective comparison in a randomised setting relative to other standard-of-care therapies has not been established.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Dosage (dose and interval).

Use of Blincyto should be restricted to physicians experienced in the treatment of haematological malignancies.
Blincyto infusion bags should be admixed to infuse over 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours or 96 hours (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Preparation and administration).

Hospitalisations.

For the treatment of relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL, hospitalisation is recommended at a minimum for the first 9 days of the first cycle and the first 2 days of the second cycle.
For the treatment of MRD positive B-cell precursor ALL and for the treatment of B-cell precursor ALL in the consolidation phase, hospitalisation is recommended at a minimum for the first 3 days of the first cycle and the first 2 days of the second cycle.
For all subsequent cycle starts and reinitiation (e.g. if treatment is interrupted for 4 or more hours), supervision by a healthcare professional or hospitalisation is recommended.
Treatment of relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL. Blincyto is administered as a continuous intravenous infusion delivered at a constant flow rate using an infusion pump. A single cycle of treatment is 28 days (4 weeks) of continuous infusion followed by a 14-day (2-week) treatment-free interval. Patients may receive 2 cycles of induction treatment followed by 3 additional cycles of Blincyto consolidation treatment.
See Table 1 for the recommended daily dose by patient weight. Patients greater than or equal to 45 kg receive a fixed-dose and for patients less than 45 kg, the dose is calculated using the patient's body surface area (BSA).

Premedication and additional medication recommendations.

Additional premedication recommendations are in Table 2.
Intrathecal chemotherapy prophylaxis is recommended before and during Blincyto therapy to prevent central nervous system ALL relapse.

Pre-phase treatment for patients with high tumour burden.

For patients with ≥ 50% leukaemic blasts in bone marrow or > 15,000/microL peripheral blood leukaemic blast counts treat with dexamethasone (not to exceed 24 mg/day).
Treatment of MRD-positive B-cell precursor ALL. Patients may receive 1 cycle of induction treatment followed by 3 additional cycles of Blincyto consolidation treatment. Blincyto is administered as a continuous intravenous infusion delivered at a constant flow rate using an infusion pump. A single cycle of treatment is 28 days (4 weeks) of continuous infusion followed by a 14-day (2 week) treatment-free interval.
See Table 3 for the recommended dose by patient weight. Patients weighing 45 kg or more receive a fixed dose. For patients weighing less than 45 kg, the dose is calculated using the patient's body surface area (BSA).

Premedication and additional medication recommendations.

Intrathecal chemotherapy prophylaxis is recommended before and during Blincyto therapy to prevent central nervous system ALL relapse.
Premedicate with prednisone 100 mg intravenously or equivalent (e.g. dexamethasone 16 mg) 1 hour prior to the first dose of Blincyto of each cycle.
Treatment of B cell precursor ALL in the consolidation phase. Blincyto is administered as a continuous intravenous infusion delivered at a constant flow rate using an infusion pump. A single cycle of treatment is 28 days (4 weeks) of continuous infusion followed by a 14-day (2-week) treatment-free interval. Patients may receive up to 4 cycles of Blincyto consolidation treatment.
See Table 4 for the recommended daily dose by patient weight. Patients weighing greater than or equal to 45 kg receive a fixed-dose, and for patients weighing less than 45 kg, the dose is calculated using the patient's body surface area (BSA).

Premedication and additional medication recommendations.

Intrathecal chemotherapy prophylaxis is recommended before and during Blincyto therapy to prevent central nervous system ALL relapse.
Additional premedication recommendations are as follows (see Table 5):

Preparation and administration.

Special preparation considerations. It is very important that the instructions for preparation (including admixing) and administration provided in this section are strictly followed to minimise medication errors (including underdose and overdose) (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Change of IV bag.

The intravenous bag must be changed at least every 24 to 96 hours by a healthcare professional for sterility reasons.
Blincyto can be infused over 24 hours (preservative-free), 48 hours (preservative-free), 72 hours (preservative-free), or 96 hours (preservative-free).The choice between 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, or 96 hours for the infusion duration should be made by the treating physician considering the frequency of the infusion bag changes and the weight of the patient.

Aseptic preparation.

Blincyto does not contain antimicrobial preservatives, aseptic preparation must therefore be ensured when preparing the infusion. To prevent accidental contamination, prepare Blincyto according to aseptic standards. Preparation of Blincyto should be:
performed under aseptic conditions by trained personnel in accordance with good practice rules especially with respect to the aseptic preparation of parenteral products;
prepared in a laminar flow hood or biological safety cabinet using standard precautions for the safe handling of intravenous agents.

Special considerations to support accurate preparation.

1. IV solution stabiliser is provided with the Blincyto package and is used to coat the prefilled intravenous bag or cassette prior to addition of reconstituted Blincyto to prevent adhesion of Blincyto to intravenous bags or cassettes and intravenous lines.
Do not use IV solution stabiliser for reconstitution of Blincyto.
2. The entire volume of the reconstituted and diluted Blincyto will be more than the volume administered to the patient (240 mL) to account for the priming of the IV line and to ensure that the patient will receive the full dose of Blincyto.
3. When preparing an IV bag, remove air from IV bag. This is particularly important for use with an ambulatory infusion pump.
4. Use the specific volumes described in the reconstitution and dilution instructions.

Other considerations.

Blincyto is compatible with polyolefin, PVC non-di-ethylhexylphthalate (non-DEHP), or ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) infusion bags/pump cassettes.
Specific reconstitution and dilution instructions are provided below for each dose and infusion time. Verify the prescribed dose and infusion time of Blincyto and identify the appropriate dosing preparation section listed below. Follow the steps for reconstituting Blincyto and preparing either an IV bag or a cassette.

Gather supplies.

Before preparation, ensure you have the following supplies ready.
1. A sufficient number of packages of Blincyto (each package includes 1 vial of Blincyto and 1 vial of IV solution stabiliser).
See Tables 6 to 9 for the number of packages of Blincyto required for a given dose/duration/rate of infusion. Only one package is required unless indicated otherwise.
The extractable amount of blinatumomab per vial is 35 micrograms in a volume of 2.8 mL reconstituted solution.
The IV solution stabiliser is to be added to the IV bag containing 0.9% sodium chloride prior to addition of reconstituted Blincyto to prevent adhesion of Blincyto to IV bags and IV lines.
2. The following supplies which are also required, but not included in the package:
Sterile single-use disposable syringes;
21 to 23 gauge needle(s) (recommended);
Preservative-free sterile water for injections;
250 mL 0.9% sodium chloride IV bag or a 250 mL cassette.
If using IV bags, to minimise the number of aseptic transfers, it is recommended to use a 250 mL prefilled IV bag. 250 mL prefilled IV bags typically contain overfill with a total volume of 265 to 275 mL. Blincyto dose calculations are based on a starting volume of 265 mL to 275 mL 0.9% sodium chloride.
Use only polyolefin, PVC non-DEHP, or ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) infusion bags/pump cassettes.
Polyolefin, PVC non-DEHP, or EVA IV tubing with a sterile, non-pyrogenic, low protein-binding 0.2 micron in-line filter.
Ensure that the IV tubing is compatible with the infusion pump.
Clearly label the prepared IV infusion bag or cassette with the dose, infusion rate and duration of infusion.
Reconstitution of Blincyto and preparation of Blincyto solution for infusion using a prefilled 250 mL 0.9% sodium chloride IV infusion bag. Reconstitute Blincyto with preservative-free sterile water for injection. Do not reconstitute Blincyto vials with IV solution stabiliser.
To prime the intravenous tubing, use only the solution in the bag containing the final prepared Blincyto solution for infusion. Do not prime with 0.9% Sodium Chloride.

Reconstitution of Blincyto for 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, or 96-hour infusion.

1. Determine the number of Blincyto vials needed for a dose and infusion duration.
2. Reconstitute each Blincyto vial with 3 mL of preservative-free sterile water for injections by directing the water along the walls of the Blincyto vial and not directly on the lyophilised powder. The resulting concentration per Blincyto vial is 12.5 micrograms/mL.
Do not reconstitute Blincyto with IV solution stabiliser.
3. Gently swirl contents to avoid excess foaming. Do not shake.
4. Visually inspect the reconstituted solution for particulate matter and discolouration during reconstitution and prior to preparing the intravenous bag. The resulting solution should be clear to slightly opalescent, colourless to slightly yellow.
Do not use if solution is cloudy or has precipitated.
Preparation.

Preparation of Blincyto infusion bag for 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, or 96-hour infusion.

Verify the prescribed dose and infusion duration for each Blincyto infusion bag. To minimise errors, use the specific volumes described in Tables 4 and 5 to prepare the Blincyto infusion bag.
Table 6 for patients weighing greater than or equal to 45 kg.
Table 7 for patients weighing less than 45 kg.
1. Use a prefilled 250 mL 0.9% sodium chloride IV bag. 250 mL prefilled bags typically contain overfill to a total volume of 265 to 275 mL. If necessary adjust the intravenous bag volume by adding or removing 0.9% sodium chloride to achieve a starting volume between 265 and 275 mL.
Use only polyolefin, PVC DEHP-free, or EVA IV bags.
2. Aseptically transfer 5.5 mL IV solution stabiliser to the intravenous bag containing 0.9% sodium chloride. Gently mix the contents of the bag to avoid foaming. Discard the vial containing the unused IV solution stabiliser.
3. Aseptically transfer the required volume of reconstituted Blincyto solution into the intravenous bag containing 0.9% sodium chloride and IV solution stabiliser. Gently mix the contents of the bag to avoid foaming.
See Table 6 for patients weighing greater than or equal to 45 kg for the specific volume of reconstituted Blincyto.
See Table 7 for patients weighing less than 45 kg (dose based on BSA) for the specific volume of reconstituted Blincyto.
Discard the vial containing unused Blincyto.
4. Remove air from the intravenous bag. This is particularly important for use with an ambulatory infusion pump.
5. Under aseptic conditions, attach the intravenous tubing to the intravenous bag with the sterile 0.2 micron in-line filter.
Use only polyolefin, PVC DEHP-free, or EVA IV lines with a sterile, non-pyrogenic, low protein-binding 0.2 micron in-line filter.
Ensure that the intravenous tubing is compatible with the infusion pump.
6. Prime the intravenous tubing only with the prepared solution for infusion. Do not prime with 0.9% sodium chloride.
7. Store at 2°C to 8°C if not used immediately (see Section 6.4 Special Precautions for Storage).

Preparation of Blincyto solution for infusion using a 250 mL cassette.

Verify the prescribed dose and infusion duration for each Blincyto cassette. To minimise errors, use the specific volumes described in Tables 6 and 7 to prepare the Blincyto cassette.
Table 8 for patients weighing greater than or equal to 45 kg.
Table 9 for patients weighing less than 45 kg.
1. Aseptically transfer sterile 0.9% sodium chloride into the cassette. The volume to transfer should be 250 mL minus 5 mL IV solution stabiliser and reconstituted Blincyto to be added. For example, for a cassette that will deliver 9 micrograms/day over 96 hours, load 242 mL 0.9% sodium chloride into the cassette (250 mL minus 5 mL IV solution stabiliser minus 3 mL reconstituted Blincyto for a total volume of 242 mL). The final solution volume should equal 250 mL.
2. Aseptically transfer 5 mL of IV solution stabiliser to the cassette. Gently mix the contents of the cassette to avoid foaming. Discard the vial containing the unused IV solution stabiliser.
3. See Tables 8 and 9 for the expected number of Blincyto vials needed to prepare the required dose of Blincyto for the infusion duration. Reconstitute each vial of Blincyto using 3 mL of preservative-free sterile water for injections. Direct preservative-free sterile water for injections toward the side of the vial during reconstitution. Gently swirl contents to avoid excess foaming. Do not shake.
Do not reconstitute Blincyto with IV solution stabiliser.
The addition of preservative-free sterile water for injections to the lyophilised powder results in a total volume of 3.1 mL for a final Blincyto concentration of 12.5 micrograms/mL.
4. Visually inspect the reconstituted solution for particulate matter and discolouration during reconstitution and prior to infusion. The resulting solution should be clear to slightly opalescent, colourless to slightly yellow. Do not use if solution is cloudy or has precipitated.
5. Using an appropriate sized syringe, aseptically transfer the required volume (Tables 8 and 9) of reconstituted Blincyto into the cassette. Gently mix the contents of the cassette to avoid foaming.
6. Redraw approximately 10 mL of fluid from the cassette and inject back to ensure no Blincyto remains in the cassette line. Gently mix again.
7. Remove air from the cassette using a syringe. Under aseptic conditions, attach the IV tubing with the sterile 0.2 micron in-line filter to the cassette.
8. Prime the IV line only with the prepared solution for infusion. Do not prime with 0.9% sodium chloride.
9. Store at 2°C to 8°C if not used immediately.
Administration.

Administration of Blincyto for 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, or 96-hour infusion.

Administer Blincyto as a continuous intravenous infusion at a constant flow rate using an infusion pump. The pump should be programmable, lockable, non-elastomeric, and have an alarm.
Prepared Blincyto infusion bags should be infused over 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, or 96 hours. The choice of the infusion duration should be made by the treating physician considering the frequency of the infusion bag changes.
The starting volume (265-275 mL) is more than the volume administered to the patient (240 mL) to account for the priming of the IV tubing and to ensure that the patient will receive the full dose of Blincyto.
The Blincyto solution for infusion must be administered using IV tubing that contains a sterile, non-pyrogenic, low protein-binding 0.2 micron in-line filter.
Infuse Blincyto solution according to the instructions on the pharmacy label on the prepared bag at one of the following constant infusion rates:
Infusion rate of 10 mL/hour for a duration of 24 hours;
Infusion rate of 5 mL/hour for a duration of 48 hours;
Infusion rate of 3.3 mL/hour for a duration of 72 hours;
Infusion rate of 2.5 mL/hour for a duration of 96 hours.

Important note.

Do not flush the Blincyto IV catheter, especially when changing infusion bags. Flushing when changing bags or at completion of infusion can result in excess dosage and complications thereof. Blincyto should be infused through a dedicated lumen. Before flushing the catheter system, residual amounts of Blincyto must be aspirated from the catheter system to avoid bolus administration.

Dosage adjustment.

If the interruption after an adverse event is no longer than 7 days, continue the same cycle to a total of 28 days of infusion inclusive of days before and after the interruption in that cycle. If an interruption due to an adverse event is longer than 7 days, start a new cycle. See Table 10.

Special populations.

Use in elderly.

No dose adjustment is necessary in elderly patients (≥ 65 years of age).

Renal impairment.

No formal pharmacokinetic studies using Blincyto have been conducted in patients with renal impairment. Based on pharmacokinetic analyses, dose adjustment is not necessary in patients with mild to moderate renal dysfunction (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties).

Hepatic impairment.

No formal pharmacokinetic studies using Blincyto have been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment. Since Blincyto is a protein and not metabolised via the hepatic pathway, the effect of liver dysfunction on drug exposure is not expected and dose adjustment is not necessary (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties).

4.3 Contraindications

Blincyto is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to CHO-cell derived proteins, blinatumomab or any of the excipients (see Section 6.1 List of Excipients).

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Neurologic events including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS).

Neurologic events including ICANS have been observed in patients receiving Blincyto. Among patients that experienced a neurologic event, the median time to the first event was within the first 2 weeks of Blincyto treatment and the majority of events resolved. Infrequently, a neurologic event led to treatment discontinuation. Grade 3 or higher (severe or life-threatening) neurologic events following initiation of Blincyto administration included encephalopathy, seizures, speech disorders, disturbances in consciousness, confusion and disorientation, and coordination and balance disorders. Some events were reported with a fatal outcome.
There is limited experience with Blincyto in patients with active ALL in the central nervous system (CNS) or a history of neurologic events. Patients with a history or presence of clinically relevant CNS pathology were excluded from clinical trials. Patients with Down Syndrome may have a higher risk of seizures with Blincyto therapy; consider seizure prophylaxis prior to initiation of Blincyto for these patients.
Patients receiving Blincyto should be clinically monitored for signs and symptoms of neurologic events including ICANS. Management of these signs and symptoms may require either temporary interruption or discontinuation of Blincyto and/or treatment with corticosteroids (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Dosage adjustment).

Infections.

Patients with ALL are immunocompromised and consequently at increased risk for serious infections. In patients receiving Blincyto, serious infections, including sepsis, pneumonia, bacteraemia, opportunistic infections, and catheter site infections have been observed, some of which were life-threatening or fatal. There is limited experience with Blincyto in patients with an active uncontrolled infection.
Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection and treat appropriately. Management of infections may require either temporary interruption or discontinuation of Blincyto (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Dosage adjustment).
Blincyto should be prepared by personnel appropriately trained in aseptic preparation of oncology drugs. Aseptic technique must be strictly observed when preparing the solution for infusion and when performing routine catheter care (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Preparation and administration).

Cytokine release syndrome.

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) which may be life-threatening or fatal has been reported in patients receiving Blincyto (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).
Serious adverse events that may be associated with CRS included pyrexia, asthenia, headache, hypotension, total bilirubin increased, and nausea; these events infrequently led to Blincyto discontinuation. In some cases, disseminated intravascular coagulation, capillary leak syndrome, and haemophagocytic histiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome have been reported in the setting of CRS. Patients should be closely monitored for signs or symptoms of these events.
To mitigate the risk of CRS, it is important to initiate Blincyto (Cycle 1, Days 1-7) at the recommended starting dose in Table 1 and Table 3. Management of CRS events may require either temporary interruption or discontinuation of Blincyto (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Dosage adjustment).

Infusion reactions.

Infusion reactions may be clinically indistinguishable from manifestations of CRS.
Patients should be observed closely for infusion reactions, especially during the first infusion of the first cycle and treated appropriately. Management of infusion reactions may require either temporary interruption or discontinuation of Blincyto (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Dosage adjustment).

Tumour lysis syndrome.

Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS), which may be life-threatening or fatal has been observed in patients receiving Blincyto.
Appropriate prophylactic measures including hydration should be used for the prevention of TLS during Blincyto treatment. Patients should be closely monitored for signs or symptoms of TLS. Management of these events may require either temporary interruption or discontinuation of Blincyto (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Dosage adjustment).

Neutropenia and febrile neutropenia.

Neutropenia and febrile neutropenia, including life threatening cases, have been observed in patients receiving Blincyto. Monitor laboratory parameters (including, but not limited to white blood cell count and absolute neutrophil count) during Blincyto infusion and treat appropriately.

Medication errors.

Medication errors have been observed with Blincyto treatment. It is very important that the instructions for preparation (including reconstitution and dilution) and administration are strictly followed to minimise medication errors (including underdose and overdose) (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Preparation and administration).

Elevated liver enzymes.

Treatment with Blincyto was associated with transient elevations in liver enzymes. The majority of the events were observed within the first week of Blincyto initiation and did not require interruption or discontinuation of Blincyto.
Monitor alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and total blood bilirubin prior to the start of and during Blincyto treatment.

Pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis, life-threatening or fatal, has been reported in patients receiving Blincyto in clinical trials and the post-marketing setting. High-dose steroid therapy may have contributed, in some cases, to the pancreatitis.
Evaluate patients who develop signs and symptoms of pancreatitis. Management of pancreatitis may require either temporary interruption or discontinuation of Blincyto (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Dosage adjustment).

Leukoencephalopathy.

Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes showing leukoencephalopathy have been observed in patients receiving Blincyto, especially in patients with prior treatment with cranial irradiation and anti-leukaemic chemotherapy (including systemic high dose methotrexate or intrathecal cytarabine). The clinical significance of these imaging changes is unknown.

Immunogenicity.

As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. The immunogenicity of Blincyto has been evaluated using an electrochemiluminescence detection technology (ECL) screening immunoassay for the detection of binding anti-blinatumomab antibodies. For patients whose sera tested positive in the screening immunoassay, an in vitro biological assay was performed to detect neutralising antibodies.
In clinical studies of adult patients treated with Blincyto, less than 2% tested positive for anti-blinatumomab antibodies. Of patients who developed anti-blinatumomab antibodies, the majority had in vitro neutralising activity. Anti-blinatumomab antibody formation might affect pharmacokinetics of Blincyto.
Overall, the clinical evidence to date does not suggest any clinical impact of anti-blinatumomab antibodies on the safety or effectiveness of Blincyto.
No anti-blinatumomab antibodies (0 out of 70) were detected in clinical studies of paediatric patients with relapsed or refractory ALL treated with Blincyto. Given the low patient numbers in clinical trials, the possibility of anti-blinatumomab antibody formation cannot be excluded.
The detection of anti-blinatumomab antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralising 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 blinatumomab with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading.

CD19 negative relapse.

Relapse of CD19-negative B-precursor ALL has been reported in patients receiving Blincyto in clinical trials and the post-marketing setting. Blincyto is not recommended in patients with CD19-negative disease including those who have relapsed with CD19-negative disease after prior anti-CD19 therapy. Particular attention should be given to assessment of CD19 expression at the time of bone marrow testing.

Lineage switch from ALL to acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Lineage switch from ALL to AML has been reported in patients receiving Blincyto in clinical trials and the post-marketing setting. Patients who had documented immunophenotypic and/or cytogenetic abnormalities at initial diagnosis of B-precursor ALL should be closely monitored for presence of AML since they are predisposed to a lineage switch to AML.

Use in the elderly.

Generally, safety and efficacy were similar between elderly patients (≥ 65 years of age) and patients less than 65 years of age treated with Blincyto. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to serious neurologic events such as cognitive disorder, encephalopathy, and confusion.

Paediatric use.

The safety and effectiveness of Blincyto have been established in paediatric patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative, relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL in three open label studies: a single-arm Phase 1/2 study (Study 7, MT103-205), a randomised, controlled Phase 3 study (Study 6, 20120215) and a randomised Phase 3 study in paediatric patients at first relapse with childhood B-cell ALL in Study 8 (AALL1331) (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials).
No data exists for the treatment of ALL in patients aged less than 28 days.
In the dose evaluation phase of Study 7, one patient experienced a fatal cardiac failure event in the setting of life-threatening cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) at a 30 microgram/m2/day (higher than the maximum tolerated/recommended) dose. A fatal case of respiratory failure with hypotonia, muscle weakness and cardiac arrest with ascending neuropathy was also seen in one patient treated with a dose of 15 microgram/m2/day in the first week of treatment, which is higher than the recommended dose of 5 microgram/m2/day for the first week of treatment. In this case, febrile neutropenia and a serious viral illness with positive viral blood cultures preceded Blincyto treatment, suggesting a differential diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
The safety profile of Blincyto in Study 6 is consistent with that of the studied paediatric relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL population.
The safety profile for paediatric patients treated with Blincyto in Study 8 was consistent with the safety results reported in previous studies of Blincyto.

Effects on laboratory tests.

No interactions with laboratory and diagnostic tests have been identified.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted with Blincyto. Blincyto is not expected to affect CYP450 enzyme activities.
Transient elevation of cytokines may affect CYP450 enzyme activities. Based on physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling, the effect of transient cytokine elevation on activities of CYP450 enzymes is less than 30%, lasting for less than a week; the effect on exposures to sensitive CYP450 substrates are less than 2-fold. Hence, Blincyto-mediated cytokine elevation appears to have a low potential of clinically meaningful drug interaction.

Immunisation.

The safety of immunisation with live viral vaccines during or following Blincyto therapy has not been studied. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 2 weeks prior to the start of Blincyto treatment, during treatment, and until recovery of B lymphocytes to normal range following last cycle of Blincyto.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

No studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of Blincyto on fertility. There were no effects on male or female mouse reproductive organs in 13-week toxicity studies with the murine surrogate molecule.
(Category C)
The safety and efficacy of blinatumomab in pregnant women has not been established. In a developmental toxicity study conducted in mice using a murine surrogate molecule, there was no indication of maternal toxicity, embryofetal toxicity, or teratogenicity. The expected depletions of B and T cells were observed in the pregnant mice but haematological effects were not assessed in fetuses.
Treatment of pregnant women with blinatumomab may compromise the immunity of the fetus. Blincyto should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
Women of childbearing potential should use contraception during and for at least 48 hours after treatment with Blincyto.
Due to the potential for depletion of B lymphocytes in infants following exposure to Blincyto during pregnancy, the infant's B lymphocytes should be monitored before the initiation of live virus vaccination. Live virus vaccines can be administered when the B lymphocytes are within the normal range.
 It is unknown whether blinatumomab or metabolites are excreted in human milk.
A risk to newborns or infants cannot be excluded. Because of the potential for Blincyto to cause adverse effects in infants, nursing should be discontinued during and for at least 48 hours after treatment with Blincyto.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

No studies on effects of Blincyto on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However, due to the potential for neurologic events, patients receiving Blincyto should refrain from driving, engaging in hazardous occupations or activities such as driving or operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery while Blincyto is being administered. Patients should be advised that they may experience neurologic events.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL in adult patients.

The adverse reactions described in this section were identified in the randomised phase 3 clinical study (N = 267) of adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL (Study 1, 00103311).
The most serious adverse reactions that may occur during Blincyto treatment include:
infections - pathogen unspecified (18.7%), febrile neutropenia (8.6%), infections - bacterial (7.5%), pyrexia (6.0%), infections - fungal (3.7%), overdose (3.0%) and cytokine release syndrome (2.6%).
The most common adverse reactions were: pyrexia (60.3%), infections - pathogen unspecified (43.4%), infusion-related reactions (34.1%), headache (28.8%), anaemia (27.3%), febrile neutropenia (24.0%), thrombocytopenia (24.0%), neutropenia (23.2%), infections - bacterial (21.0%), oedema (17.2%), and increased liver enzymes (16.9%).
Adverse reactions are presented in Table 11 by system organ class and frequency category. Frequency categories were determined from the crude incidence rate reported for each adverse reaction in the phase 3 clinical study (N = 267). Within each system organ class, adverse reactions are:
The adverse reaction profile in Blincyto-treated patients in this study was similar in type to those seen in the phase 1/2 single-arm studies; capillary leak syndrome was observed in one patient in the phase 2 single-arm study (Study 2, MT103-211).

Relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-cell precursor ALL and MRD-positive B-cell precursor ALL in adult patients.

The adverse reaction profile in Blincyto-treated Philadelphia chromosome-positive relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL patients (Study 4, 20120216) and MRD positive B-precursor ALL adult patients (Study 5, MT103-203) was similar in type to those seen in the randomised phase 3 clinical study in Philadelphia chromosome negative relapsed or refractory B-precursor ALL (Study 1, 00103311).
The most common adverse reactions among adult patients were pyrexia (90.5%), headache (39.4%), tremor (29.2%), chills (28.5%), fatigue (26.3%), nausea (23.4%), vomiting (21.2%), hypokalaemia (20.4%), and diarrhoea (20.4%).
The most common serious adverse reaction during blinatumomab treatment among adult patients was pyrexia (12.4%).

Relapsed or refractory ALL in paediatric patients.

The adverse reactions in Blincyto-treated paediatric patients in studies 6 (20120215) and 7 (MT103-205) were similar in type to those seen in adult patients. Also, the types and frequencies of adverse events for paediatric patients with MRD-positive B-cell precursor ALL in Study 6 were similar to those reported for the overall high-risk first relapsed paediatric B-cell precursor ALL population in this study.
Adverse reactions that were observed more frequently (≥ 10% difference) in the paediatric population (Study 7, MT103-205) compared to the adult population (Study 1, 00103311) were (see Table 12):

B-cell precursor ALL in the consolidation phase.

The safety results from Study 6 (20120215), Study 8 (AALL1331), and Study 9 (E1910) for the treatment of adult and paediatric patients with B-cell ALL in the consolidation phase were consistent with the known safety profile of Blincyto.
In Study 9 (E1910), the adverse reactions occurring at a difference of ≥ 10% incidence for any grade or at a difference of ≥ 5% incidence for Grade 3 or higher between the Blincyto arm and SOC arm are summarised in Table 13.

Description of selected adverse reactions.

Neurologic events.

In the phase 3 clinical study with Blincyto (N = 267), 61.0% of patients experienced one or more neurologic adverse reactions (including psychiatric disorders), primarily involving the central nervous system. Serious and grade ≥ 3 neurologic adverse reactions were observed in 6.7% and 9.4% of patients respectively, of which the most common were encephalopathy, aphasia, confusional state, and somnolence. The majority of neurologic events (80.7%) were clinically reversible. The median time to the first event was within the first two weeks of treatment. One case of fatal encephalopathy has been reported in an earlier phase 2 clinical single-arm study.
Neurologic events were reported for 71.5% of adult patients with MRD positive B-precursor ALL of which 22.6% were considered serious. Grade ≥ 3 and grade ≥ 4 events, respectively, were reported for 16.1% and 2.2% of adult patients with MRD positive B-cell precursor ALL.
For clinical management of neurologic events, see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Neurologic events including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS); Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Dosage adjustment.

Infections.

Life-threatening or fatal viral, bacterial, and fungal infections have been reported in patients treated with Blincyto. In addition, reactivation of JC and BK viral infections has been observed in the phase II clinical study in adults with Philadelphia chromosome-negative relapsed or refractory B-precursor ALL. Patients with ECOG performance status ≥ 2 experienced a higher incidence of serious infections compared to patients with ECOG performance status of < 2. For clinical management of infections, see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Infections. In paediatric clinical trials, the incidence of herpes simplex virus in patients receiving the recommended dose of Blincyto was 4.3%.

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS).

In the phase 3 clinical study (N = 267) with Blincyto, CRS was reported in 16.1% of patients with a median time to onset of 2 days. Serious CRS reactions were reported in 3.7% of patients with a median time to onset of 4 days. Capillary leak syndrome was observed in 1 patient in the phase 2 clinical study.
Cytokine release syndrome was reported in 2.9% of adult patients with MRD positive B-precursor ALL. Grade 3 events were reported for 1.5% of adult patients with MRD positive B-precursor ALL; no grade ≥ 4 events were reported.
For clinical management of CRS, see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Cytokine release syndrome.

Elevated liver enzymes.

In the pivotal clinical study with Blincyto, (N = 267), 21.7% of patients reported elevated liver enzymes. Serious and grade ≥ 3 adverse reactions such as ALT increased, AST increased, and blood bilirubin increased were observed in 1.1% and 12.7% of patients, respectively. The median time to onset to the first event was 3 days from the start of Blincyto treatment initiation and did not require interruption or discontinuation of Blincyto.
Elevated liver enzyme events were reported for 12.4% of adult patients with MRD positive B-cell precursor ALL. Grade ≥ 3 and grade ≥ 4 events, respectively, were reported for 8.0% and 4.4% of adult patients with MRD positive B-precursor ALL.
The duration of hepatic adverse reactions has generally been brief and with rapid resolution, often when continuing uninterrupted treatment with Blincyto.
For clinical management of elevated liver enzymes, see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Elevated liver enzymes.

Post-marketing experience.

Pancreatitis, life threatening or fatal, has been reported in patients receiving Blincyto (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Serious events of cranial nerve disorder have been reported.
Serious events of ICANS have been reported (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at http://www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

Overdoses have been observed including one patient who received 133-fold the recommended therapeutic dose of Blincyto delivered over a short duration. Overdoses resulted in adverse reactions that were consistent with the reactions observed at the recommended therapeutic dose and included fever, tremors, and headache. In the event of overdose, the infusion should be temporarily interrupted and patients should be monitored. Consider re-initiation of Blincyto at the correct therapeutic dose (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Pharmacological class: bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) molecule.
ATC code: L01FX07.

Mechanism of action.

Blinatumomab is a bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) molecule that binds specifically to CD19 expressed on the surface of cells of B-lineage origin and CD3 expressed on the surface of T cells. It activates endogenous T cells by connecting CD3 in the T cell receptor (TCR) complex with CD19 on benign and malignant B cells. The anti-tumour activity of blinatumomab immunotherapy is not dependent on T cells bearing a specific TCR or on peptide antigens presented by cancer cells, but is polyclonal in nature and independent of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules on target cells. Blinatumomab mediates the formation of a cytolytic synapse between the T cell and the B cell, releasing proteolytic enzymes to kill both proliferating and resting target cells. Blinatumomab is associated with transient upregulation of cell adhesion molecules, production of cytolytic proteins, release of inflammatory cytokines, and proliferation of T cells, and results in elimination of CD19+ cells.

Pharmacodynamics.

Consistent immune pharmacodynamic responses were observed in the patients studied. During the continuous intravenous infusion over 4 weeks, the pharmacodynamic response was characterised by T cell activation and initial redistribution, rapid peripheral B cell depletion, and transient cytokine elevation.
Peripheral T cell redistribution (i.e. T cell adhesion to blood vessel endothelium and/or transmigration into tissue) occurred after the start of Blincyto infusion or dose escalation. T cell counts initially declined within 1 to 2 days and then returned to baseline levels within 7 to 14 days in the majority of patients. An increase of T cell counts above baseline (T cell expansion) was observed in few patients.
Peripheral B cell counts decreased rapidly to an undetectable level during treatment at doses ≥ 5 micrograms/m2/day or ≥ 9 micrograms/day in the majority of patients. No recovery of peripheral B cell counts was observed during the 2-week Blincyto-free period between treatment cycles. Incomplete depletion of B cells occurred at doses of 0.5 micrograms/m2/day and 1.5 micrograms/m2/day and in a few non-responders at higher doses.
Cytokines including IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were measured, and IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ were most elevated. Transient elevation of cytokines was observed in the first 2 days following the start of Blincyto infusion. The elevated cytokine levels returned to baseline within 24 to 48 hours during the infusion. In subsequent treatment cycles, cytokine elevation occurred in fewer patients with lesser intensity compared to the initial 48 hours of the first treatment cycle.

Clinical trials.

B-cell precursor ALL in adult patients.

In Study 1 (00103311), the safety and efficacy of Blincyto compared to standard of care (SOC) chemotherapy were evaluated in a randomised, open-label, multicentre study. Eligible patients were ≥ 18 years of age with Philadelphia chromosome-negative relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL (had > 5% blasts in the bone marrow and either relapse at any time after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation [alloHSCT], untreated first relapse with first remission duration < 12 months, or refractory to last therapy).
Patients were randomised 2:1 to receive Blincyto or 1 of 4 prespecified, investigator-selected, SOC chemotherapy regimens. Randomisation was stratified by age (< 35 years versus ≥ 35 years of age), prior salvage therapy (yes versus no), and prior alloHSCT (yes versus no) as assessed at the time of consent. The demographics and baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two arms (see Table 14).
Blincyto was administered as a continuous intravenous infusion. In the first cycle, the initial dose was 9 micrograms/day for week 1, then 28 micrograms/day for the remaining 3 weeks. The target dose of 28 micrograms/day was administered in cycle 2 and subsequent cycles starting on day 1 of each cycle. Dose adjustment was possible in case of adverse events. Of the 267 patients who received Blincyto, the median number of treatment cycles was two (range: 0 to 9 cycles); of the 109 patients who received SOC chemotherapy, the median number of treatment cycles was one (range: 1 to 4 cycles).
The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The study demonstrated statistically significant improvement in OS for patients treated with Blincyto as compared to SOC chemotherapy. In patients with 0 prior salvage therapies the hazard ratio for OS was 0.64 (0.41, 0.99), in patients with one prior salvage therapy the hazard ratio for OS was 0.59 (0.38, 0.91), and in patients with more than two prior salvage therapies the hazard ratio for OS was 1.13 (0.64, 1.99). OS benefit was independent of transplant; consistent results were observed after censoring at the time of HSCT. See Figures 1 and 2 and Table 15 for efficacy results from Study 1.
In Study 2 (MT103-211), the safety and efficacy of Blincyto were evaluated in an open-label, multicentre, single-arm study. Eligible patients were ≥ 18 years of age with Philadelphia chromosome-negative relapsed or refractory B-precursor ALL (relapsed with first remission duration of ≤ 12 months in first salvage or relapsed or refractory after first salvage therapy or relapsed within 12 months of allogeneic HSCT, and had ≥ 10% blasts in bone marrow).
Blincyto was administered as a continuous intravenous infusion. In the first cycle, the initial dose was 9 micrograms/day for week 1, then 28 micrograms/day for the remaining 3 weeks. The target dose of 28 micrograms/day was administered in cycle 2 and subsequent cycles starting on day 1 of each cycle. Dose adjustment was possible in case of adverse events. The treated population included 189 patients who received at least 1 infusion of Blincyto; the median number of treatment cycles was 2 (range: 1 to 5). Patients who responded to Blincyto but later relapsed had the option to be retreated with Blincyto. Among treated patients, the median age was 39 years (range: 18 to 79 years), 64 out of 189 (33.9%) had undergone HSCT prior to receiving Blincyto and 32 out of 189 (16.9%) had received more than 2 prior salvage therapies.
The primary endpoint was the CR/CRh* rate within 2 cycles of treatment with Blincyto. Eighty one out of 189 (42.9%) patients achieved CR/CRh* within the first 2 treatment cycles with the majority of responses (64 out of 81) occurring within cycle 1 of treatment (see Table 16 and Figure 3 for efficacy results). Four patients achieved CR during subsequent cycles, resulting in a cumulative CR rate of 35.4% (67 out of 189; 95% CI: 28.6% - 42.7%). Thirty two out of 189 (16.9%) patients underwent allogeneic HSCT in CR/CRh* induced with Blincyto.
Patients with prior allogeneic HSCT had similar response rates to those without prior HSCT, older patients had similar response rates to younger patients, and no substantial difference was observed in remission rates based on the number of lines of prior salvage treatment (see Figure 3).
To further assess survival, a prespecified landmark analysis comparing responders and non-responders in week 5 of cycles 1 and 2 was conducted. The median overall survival was 11.2 months (95% CI: 7.8 months to not estimable) among patients who achieved CR/CRh* (N = 60) and 3.0 months (95% CI: 2.4 to 4 months) among non-responders (N = 101) in the cycle 1 analysis. The median overall survival was 9.9 months (95% CI: 6.8 months to not estimable) among patients who achieved CR/CRh* (N = 79), and 2.7 months (95% CI: 1.6 to 4.5 months) among non-responders (N = 50) in the cycle 2 analysis.
In a prespecified exploratory analysis, 60 out of 73 MRD evaluable patients with CR/CRh* (82.2%) also had a MRD response (defined as MRD by PCR < 1 x 10-4).
In Study 3 (MT103-206), the safety and efficacy of Blincyto were evaluated in an open-label, multicentre, dose escalation study in 36 patients (including 23 patients treated at a dose equivalent to the registrational dose) ≥ 18 years of age with relapsed and/or refractory B precursor ALL (first or greater relapse, refractory, or relapse after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation [HSCT]). Fifteen out of 36 (41.7%) patients had undergone allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) prior to receiving Blincyto. The complete remission/complete remission with partial haematological recovery (CR/CRh*) rate was 69.4% [25 out of 36 patients (95% CI: 51.9% - 83.7%): 15 (41.7%; 95% CI: 25.5% - 59.2%) CR; 10 (27.8%; 95% CI: 14.2% - 45.2%) CRh*]. Twenty two out of 25 (88%) patients with haematologic CR also had MRD responses (defined as MRD by PCR < 1 x 10-4). The median duration of remission was 8.9 months, and the median relapse-free survival (RFS) was 7.6 months. The median OS was 9.8 months.

Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-cell precursor ALL.

In Study 4 (20120216), the safety and efficacy of Blincyto were evaluated in an open-label, multicentre, single-arm study. Eligible patients were ≥ 18 years of age with Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-cell precursor ALL, relapsed or refractory to at least 1 second generation or later tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), or intolerant to second generation TKI, and intolerant or refractory to imatinib mesylate.
Blincyto was administered as a continuous intravenous infusion. In the first cycle, the initial dose was 9 micrograms/day for Week 1, then 28 micrograms/day for the remaining 3 weeks. The dose of 28 micrograms/day was administered in Cycle 2 and subsequent cycles starting on Day 1 of each cycle. Dose adjustment was possible in case of adverse events. The treated population included 45 patients who received at least one infusion of Blincyto; the median number of treatment cycles was 2 (range: 1 to 5). See Table 17 for the demographics and baseline characteristics from Study 4.
The primary endpoint was the CR/CRh* rate within two cycles of treatment with Blincyto. Sixteen out of 45 (35.6%) patients achieved CR/CRh* within the first two treatment cycles. Of the 16 patients with CR/CRh* in the first 2 cycles, 12 of 14 (85.7%) patients with a CR and 2 of 2 (100%) patients with a CRh* also achieved an MRD complete response. See Table 18 for efficacy results from Study 4.
Two patients achieved CR during subsequent cycles, resulting in a cumulative CR rate of 35.6% (16 out of 45; 95% CI: 21.9 - 51.2). Five out of 16 (31.3%) patients underwent allogeneic HSCT in CR/CRh* induced with Blincyto.
Treatment effects in evaluable subgroups (e.g. mutation status, number of prior TKIs, prior HSCT status, and relapse without prior HSCT) were in general consistent with the results in the overall population. Patients with T315I mutation, other mutations, or additional cytogenetic abnormalities responded with a similar rate as compared to those that did not have these mutations or abnormalities.

MRD positive B-precursor ALL.

In Study 5 (MT103-203), the safety and efficacy of Blincyto were evaluated in an open-label, multicentre, single-arm study. Eligible patients were ≥ 18 years of age, had received at least 3 blocks of standard ALL induction therapy, were in complete haematologic remission (defined as < 5% blasts in bone marrow, absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,000/microlitres, platelets ≥ 50,000/microlitres, and haemoglobin level ≥ 9 g/dL) and had molecular failure or molecular relapse (defined as MRD ≥ 10-3) (see Table 19).
Blincyto was administered as a continuous intravenous infusion. Patients received Blincyto at a constant dose of 15 microgram/m2/day (equivalent to the recommended dosage of 28 microgram/day) for all treatment cycles. Patients received up to 4 cycles of treatment. Dose adjustment was possible in case of adverse events. The treated population included who received at least one infusion of Blincyto. Of the 116 patients, 113 patients (97.4%) were included in the primary endpoint full analysis set and 110 patients (94.8%) were included in the key secondary endpoint full analysis set. The median number of treatment cycles was 2 (range: 1 to 4). Please see Table 19 for the demographics and baseline characteristics from Study 5.
The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved a complete MRD response within one cycle of Blincyto treatment. Eighty-eight out of 113 (77.9%) patients achieved a complete MRD response after one cycle of treatment. MRD response rates by age and MRD level at baseline subgroups were consistent with the results in the overall population. See Table 20 and Figures 4 to 6 for efficacy results from Study 5.

B-cell precursor ALL in paediatric patients.

In Study 6 (20120215), safety and efficacy of Blincyto compared to standard of care (SOC) consolidation chemotherapy were evaluated in a randomised, controlled, open-label, multicentre, phase 3 study. Eligible patients, enrolled and randomised after induction and two blocks of consolidation chemotherapy, were between 28 days and 18 years of age with high-risk first relapsed Philadelphia chromosome negative B-cell precursor ALL and had < 25% blasts in the bone marrow.
Patients were randomised 1:1 to receive Blincyto or a third block of SOC consolidation chemotherapy. Patients in the Blincyto arm received one cycle of Blincyto as a continuous intravenous infusion at 15 microgram/m2/day over 4 weeks (maximum daily dose was not to exceed 28 microgram/day). Immediately before the start of therapy with Blincyto on Day 1, 5 mg/m2 dexamethasone was administered to blinatumomab patients either orally or intravenously. Dose adjustment was possible in case of adverse events. Randomisation was stratified by age (1 to 9 years, < 1 year and > 9 years), bone marrow status determined at the end of the second block of consolidation chemotherapy and minimal residual disease status determined at the end of induction (blasts < 5% with MRD level ≥ 10-3, blasts < 5% with MRD level < 10-3, and blasts ≥ 5% and < 25%). The demographics and baseline characteristics of the 111 enrolled patients were well-balanced between the two arms (see Table 21).
The primary endpoint was event-free survival (EFS). The study demonstrated statistically significant improvement in EFS for patients treated with Blincyto as compared to SOC consolidation chemotherapy. The overall median follow-up time for EFS was 51.9 months and the overall median follow-up time for the key secondary endpoint OS was 55.2 months. See Figure 7, Table 22, and Figure 8 for efficacy results from Study 6.
In Study 7 (MT103-205) the safety and efficacy of Blincyto were evaluated in an open-label, multicentre, single-arm, phase 1/2 study in 93 paediatric patients with relapsed or refractory B cell precursor ALL (second or later bone marrow relapse, in any marrow relapse after allogeneic HSCT, or refractory to other treatments, and have > 25% blasts in bone marrow).
Blincyto was administered as a continuous intravenous infusion at doses of 5 to 30 micrograms/m2/day. For each cycle of treatment, Blincyto was administered as a continuous intravenous infusion for 28 days (4 weeks) followed by a 14-day (2-week) treatment-free interval. The recommended dose for this study was determined to be 5 micrograms/m2/day on Days 1-7 and 15 micrograms/m2/day on Days 8-28 for cycle 1, and 15 micrograms/m2/day on Days 1-28 for subsequent cycles. Immediately before start of therapy (Day 1, cycle 1), patients were premedicated with 10 mg/m2 dexamethasone orally or intravenously 6 to 12 hours prior to treatment, then 5 mg/m2 dexamethasone orally or intravenously, within 30 minutes prior to the start of infusion. Dose adjustment was possible in case of adverse events. Patients who responded to Blincyto but later relapsed had the option to be retreated with Blincyto.
The treated population included 70 patients who received at least one infusion of Blincyto at the recommended dose; the median number of treatment cycles was one (range: 1 to 5). Among treated patients, the median age was 8 years (range: 7 months to 17 years), 40 out of 70 (57.1%) had undergone allogeneic HSCT prior to receiving Blincyto, and 39 out of 70 (55.7%) had refractory disease. Most patients had a high tumour burden (≥ 50% leukaemic blasts in bone marrow) at baseline with a median of 75.5% bone marrow blasts.
Twenty-three out of 70 (32.9%) patients achieved CR/CRh* within the first two treatment cycles with 12 out of 23 patients achieving CR. Seventeen out of the 23 (73.9%) occurred within cycle 1 of treatment. In addition to the 12 patients who achieved CR within the first two treatment cycles, 3 patients achieved CR (with full recovery of peripheral blood counts) during subsequent cycles, resulting in a combined CR rate of 21.4% (15 out of 70; 95% CI: 12.5% - 32.9%). Eleven of the 23 patients (47.8%) who achieved CR/CRh* received an allogeneic HSCT. See Table 23 for the efficacy results from Study 7.
In Study 8 (AALL1331), the safety and efficacy of Blincyto were evaluated in a risk-stratified, randomised, Phase 3, open label study in paediatric and young adult patients (≥ 1 to < 31 years of age) at first relapse with childhood B-cell ALL. Enrolled patients received reinduction chemotherapy, and upon completion, were risk-assessed as either high risk (HR), intermediate risk (IR), low risk (LR) relapse, or treatment-failure. Risk stratification was based on site of relapse, time to relapse, and end-of-reinduction bone marrow morphology and MRD levels. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS). Blincyto was administered by continuous IV infusion at a dose of 15 microgram/m2/day. Each Blincyto cycle lasted 5 weeks (28-day continuous IV infusion, followed by a 7-day treatment-free interval). Thirty to sixty minutes before the start of therapy with Blincyto on Day 1 of cycle 1, patients were premedicated with 5 mg/m2 dexamethasone either orally or intravenously. Baseline demographics information is presented in Table 24.
In the HR/IR group, 103 eligible patients were randomised to receive chemotherapy and 105 eligible patients were randomised to receive 2 cycles of Blincyto. At the time of primary analysis, the median follow-up time for DFS in the HR/IR group was 3.4 years for the Blincyto arm. The 2-year DFS rate was 53.1% (95% CI: 43.1% to 62.1%) in the blinatumomab arm and 37.4% (95% CI: 27.7%, 47.0%) in the chemotherapy arm. The difference was not statistically significant (1-sided p = 0.027). The DFS hazard ratio from a stratified Cox proportional hazard model was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.47, 1.01). Randomisation of the HR/IR group of subjects was terminated early by the independent Data Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC), based on a combined assessment of improved efficacy and safety in the Blincyto arm.
In the LR group, 128 eligible patients were randomised to receive chemotherapy alone and 127 eligible patients were randomised to receive 3 cycles of Blincyto alternating with chemotherapy. At the time of primary analysis, the median follow up time for DFS in the LR group was 2.9 years for the Blincyto arm. The 3-year DFS rate was 66.6% (95% CI: 56.2% to 75.1%) in the blinatumomab arm and 56.9% (95% CI: 46.4%, 66.1%) in the chemotherapy arm. The difference was not statistically significant (1-sided p = 0.10). The DFS hazard ratio from a stratified Cox proportional hazard model was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.50, 1.16).

B cell precursor ALL in the consolidation phase.

The efficacy of Blincyto in consolidation phase treatment of B-cell precursor ALL in adult and paediatric patients was evaluated in Study 6 (20120215), Study 8 (AALL1331) and Study 9 (E1910). The efficacy results from Study 9 (E1910) are described below and the paediatric and young adult studies are described in the previous section.
In Study 9 (E1910), the safety and efficacy of Blincyto were evaluated in a Phase 3, randomised, controlled study in adult patients (≥ 30 years and ≤ 70 years) with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-cell precursor ALL. Eligible patients received induction chemotherapy. After induction, patients in haematologic complete remission (CR) or CR with incomplete peripheral blood count recovery (CRi) continued on study and received intensification chemotherapy. After intensification therapy, 286 patients were randomised or assigned to receive Blincyto alternating with chemotherapy (n = 152) or SOC consolidation chemotherapy alone (n = 134). Patients in each arm received the same maintenance chemotherapy. Randomisation was stratified by MRD status (MRD negativity defined as < 1 x 10-4), age (< 55 years versus ≥ 55 years), CD20 status, rituximab use, and intent to receive allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT).
The Blincyto arm of the study consisted of 2 cycles of Blincyto (each cycle consisted of 28 microgram/day Blincyto administered as continuous intravenous infusion for 28 days, with a 14-day treatment free interval between cycles), followed by 3 cycles of consolidation chemotherapy, another cycle of Blincyto (third cycle of Blincyto) followed by an additional cycle of consolidation chemotherapy, and then a fourth cycle of Blincyto. The SOC arm of the study consisted of 4 cycles of consolidation chemotherapy. Patients in each arm received the same number of cycles and doses of consolidation chemotherapy. Patients who were randomised to the SOC arm could proceed directly to allogeneic SCT or to consolidation chemotherapy. Patients who were randomised or assigned to the Blincyto arm received 2 cycles of Blincyto, and thereafter could proceed to allogeneic SCT or continue on to receive 2 additional cycles of Blincyto.
Baseline demographics and characteristics were similar between the treatment arms. Demographics and characteristics information is provided in Table 25.
The primary endpoint was OS in patients who were MRD-negative. Secondary endpoints included RFS in patients who were MRD-negative, OS and RFS in patients who were MRD-positive.
The study demonstrated improvement in OS and RFS. The stratified hazard ratios and Kaplan-Meier estimates for OS and RFS in patients who were MRD-negative, MRD-positive, are provided in Table 26. The Kaplan Meier plot for OS in patients who were MRD negative is provided in Figure 9.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

The pharmacokinetics of blinatumomab appear linear over a dose range from 5 to 90 micrograms/m2/day (approximately equivalent to 9 to 162 micrograms/day) in adult patients. Following continuous intravenous infusion, the steady state serum concentration (Css) was achieved within a day and remained stable over time. The increase in mean Css values was approximately proportional to the dose in the range tested. At the clinical doses of 9 micrograms/day and 28 micrograms/day for the treatment of relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), the mean (SD) Css was 228 (356) picogram/mL and 616 (537) picogram/mL, respectively.
The exposure of blinatumomab in patients with MRD-positive B-cell precursor ALL was similar to patients with relapsed or refractory ALL.
The pharmacokinetics of blinatumomab in the consolidation phase in adults with B-cell precursor ALL, including patients with newly diagnosed ALL and first relapsed ALL, were similar to adult patients with relapsed or refractory ALL.

Distribution.

The estimated mean (SD) volume of distribution based on terminal phase (Vz) was 5.27 (4.37) L with continuous intravenous infusion of blinatumomab.

Metabolism.

The metabolic pathway of blinatumomab has not been characterised. Like other protein therapeutics, blinatumomab is expected to be degraded into small peptides and amino acids via catabolic pathways.

Excretion.

The estimated mean (SD) systemic clearance with continuous intravenous infusion in patients receiving blinatumomab in clinical studies was 3.10 (2.94) L/hour. The mean (SD) half life was 2.20 (1.34) hours. Negligible amounts of blinatumomab were excreted in the urine at the tested clinical doses.

Special populations.

No clinically meaningful differences in the pharmacokinetics of blinatumomab were observed based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, Philadelphia chromosome status, or mild (total bilirubin ≤ upper limit of normal [ULN] and AST > ULN or total bilirubin > 1 to 1.5 x ULN and any AST) or moderate hepatic impairment (total bilirubin > 1.5 to 3 x ULN and any AST).
Body surface area (0.4 to 2.9 m2) influences the pharmacokinetics of blinatumomab, supporting BSA-based dosing in patients < 45 kg.

Paediatric populations.

The pharmacokinetics of blinatumomab appear linear over a dose range from 5 to 30 micrograms/m2/day in paediatric patients. At the recommended doses of 5 and 15 micrograms/m2/day for the treatment of relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL, the mean (SD) steady state concentration (Css) values were 162 (179) and 533 (392) picogram/mL, respectively. The estimated mean (SD) volume of distribution (Vz), clearance (CL) and terminal half life (t1/2,z) were 4.14 (3.32) L/m2, 1.65 (1.62) L/hr/m2 and 2.14 (1.44) hours, respectively. The pharmacokinetics of blinatumomab in consolidation phase in paediatric patients with B-cell precursor ALL, including patients with first relapsed ALL, were similar to paediatric patients with relapsed or refractory ALL.

Use in hepatic impairment.

No formal pharmacokinetic studies using blinatumomab have been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment.
The effect of hepatic impairment on the clearance of blinatumomab was evaluated by population pharmacokinetic analysis in patients with mild and moderate hepatic dysfunction compared to normal hepatic function using the criteria defined by the National Cancer Institute Organ Dysfunction Working Group. No clinically meaningful differences in the clearance of blinatumomab were observed between patients with mild and moderate hepatic dysfunction and patients with normal function. The effect of severe hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of blinatumomab has not been studied.

Use in renal impairment.

No formal pharmacokinetic studies of blinatumomab have been conducted in patients with renal impairment. Pharmacokinetic analyses showed an approximately 2-fold difference in mean blinatumomab clearance values between patients with moderate renal dysfunction and normal renal function. Since high inter-subject variability was discerned (CV% up to 98.4%), and clearance values in renal impaired patients were essentially within the range observed in patients with normal renal function, no clinically meaningful impact of renal function on clinical outcomes is expected. The effect of severe renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of blinatumomab has not been studied.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

No mutagenicity studies have been conducted with blinatumomab; however, blinatumomab is not expected to alter DNA or chromosomes.

Carcinogenicity.

No carcinogenicity studies have been conducted with blinatumomab.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Each single-use vial of Blincyto contains: citric acid monohydrate; trehalose dihydrate; lysine hydrochloride; polysorbate 80; sodium hydroxide.
Each single use vial of IV solution stabiliser contains: citric acid monohydrate; lysine hydrochloride; polysorbate 80; sodium hydroxide (for pH-adjustment); water for injections.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Blincyto must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned, see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration.
Blincyto is incompatible with di-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) due to the possibility of particle formation, leading to a cloudy solution.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

It is recommended to store unopened Blincyto and IV solution stabiliser for Blincyto vials in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C in the original carton. Do not freeze. Protect from direct light.
Once removed from the refrigerator, unopened Blincyto and solution stabiliser for Blincyto vials may be stored at or below 25°C for up to 8 hours in the original container. Do not freeze.

After reconstitution and dilution.

See Table 27.
The maximum storage time of the prepared IV bag at room temperature should not be longer than 6 hours prior to the start of infusion.
Store and transport the prepared IV bag or cassette containing Blincyto solution at 2°C to 8°C (Refrigerate. Do not freeze).

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Blincyto is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free, white to off-white lyophilised powder (38.5 micrograms/vial).
IV solution stabiliser is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free, colourless to slightly yellow, clear solution.
Blincyto is supplied in a single-use glass vial.
IV solution stabiliser is supplied in a 10 mL single-use glass vial.
Pack size: 1 vial Blincyto and 1 vial IV solution stabiliser for Blincyto supplied in a composite pack.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
At the end of the infusion, any unused Blincyto solution in the IV bag and IV lines should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Chemical structure.

It consists of 504 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 54 kilodaltons.
The domain structure of blinatumomab is shown in the figure below:
Using recombinant DNA technology, Blincyto is produced in a well-characterised mammalian cell (Chinese hamster ovary) culture and is purified by a series of steps that include measures to inactivate and remove viruses.

CAS number.

CAS number: 853426-35-4.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4 Prescription Medicine.

Summary Table of Changes