Important Safety Information
Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
Immune-mediated adverse reactions listed herein may not include all possible severe and fatal
immune-mediated
adverse reactions. Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which can be severe or fatal, occur in any
organ
system or tissue, affect more than one body system simultaneously, and occur at any time after
starting
PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during
treatment,
they can also manifest after discontinuation of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies.
INDICATIONS
LOQTORZI® (toripalimab-tpzi) is indicated:
- In combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, for the first-line treatment of adults with
metastatic or with recurrent, locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
- As a single agent, for the treatment of adults with recurrent unresectable or metastatic NPC
with
disease progression on or after a platinum-containing chemotherapy.
Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions (cont’d)
- Monitor for early identification and management. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid
function at baseline and periodically during treatment. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse
reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute
medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.
- Withhold or permanently discontinue LOQTORZI based on severity and type of reaction (see Dosage and
Administration in Prescribing Information). In general, if LOQTORZI requires interruption or
discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent)
until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper
and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic
immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reactions are not controlled with
corticosteroid therapy.
Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis.
- In patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, immune-mediated
pneumonitis occurred in 2.1% (3/146) of patients, including Grade 2 (1.4%) adverse reactions.
Pneumonitis resolved in 67% (2/3) of these patients.
- In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 2.6% (22/851) of
patients, including fatal (0.2%), Grade 3 (0.7%), and Grade 2 (1.1%) adverse reactions. Systemic
corticosteroids were required in 82% (18/22) of patients with pneumonitis. Pneumonitis led to permanent
discontinuation of LOQTORZI in 1.2% (10/851) of patients. Pneumonitis resolved in 23% (5/22) of these
patients.
Immune-Mediated Colitis
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated colitis, which may present with diarrhea. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis.
In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative
etiologies. In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 0.4% (3/851) of
patients, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (0.1%) adverse reactions. Colitis resolved in all 3
patients.
Hepatotoxicity and Immune-Mediated Hepatitis
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated hepatitis.
- In patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, immune-mediated hepatitis
occurred in 0.7% (1/146) of patients, which was a Grade 3 (0.7%) adverse reaction. The patient with
immune-mediated hepatitis required systemic corticosteroids.
- In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 3.3% (28/851) of
patients, including Grade 4 (0.8%), Grade 3 (2.1%), and Grade 2 (0.4%) adverse reactions. Hepatitis led
to permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI in 1.1% of patients and withholding of LOQTORZI in 0.8% of
patients. Hepatitis resolved in 54% (15/28) of these patients.
Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies
Adrenal Insufficiency LOQTORZI can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency,
initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold or
permanently discontinue LOQTORZI depending on severity. In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, adrenal
insufficiency occurred in 0.5% (4/851) of patients, including Grade 2 (0.4%) and Grade 1 (0.1%) adverse
reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 75% (3/4) of the patients with adrenal insufficiency.
Adrenal insufficiency led to withholding of LOQTORZI in 0.1% (1/851) of patients. In the one patient in whom
LOQTORZI was withheld, LOQTORZI was reinitiated after symptom improvement.
Hypophysitis LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with
mass effects such as headache, photophobia, or visual field defects. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism.
Initiate hormone replacement as indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue LOQTORZI depending on
severity. In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, hypophysitis occurred in 0.4% (3/851) of patients
receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (0.1%) adverse reactions. All three patients
received systemic corticosteroids. Hypophysitis led to permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI in 0.1% (1/851)
of patients and withholding of LOQTORZI in 0.1% (1/851) of patients. The one patient in whom LOQTORZI was
withheld reinitiated LOQTORZI.
Thyroid Disorders LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy.
Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism. Initiate hormone replacement for hypothyroidism or institute
medical management of hyperthyroidism as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue LOQTORZI
depending on severity.
- In patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, thyroiditis occurred in
2.1% (3/146) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 2 (1.4%). Three patients required thyroid
hormone replacement therapy. Thyroiditis resolved in one of the 3 patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in
1.4% (2/146) of patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine.
Hyperthyroidism resolved in these 2 patients. Hypothyroidism occurred in 30% (44/146) of patients
receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, including Grade 2 (24%) and Grade 1
(6%). Eighty percent of the 44 patients required thyroid hormone replacement therapy. LOQTORZI was
withheld in 2.1% (3/146) of the patients. Of the 3 patients in whom LOQTORZI was withheld, 2 patients
reinitiated LOQTORZI.
- In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, thyroiditis occurred in 0.6% (5/851) patients receiving
LOQTORZI, including Grade 2 (0.1%). Two of these 5 patients received systemic corticosteroids and 2
required thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Thyroiditis resolved in 2 of the 5 patients.
Hyperthyroidism occurred in 7% (55/851) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 2 (1.9%).
Hyperthyroidism resolved in 85% (47/55) of the patients. Hypothyroidism occurred in 15% (128/851) of
patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 2 (8%). Sixty three percent of the 128 patients required
thyroid hormone replacement therapy. LOQTORZI was withheld in 0.5% of patients. Of the 4 patients in
whom LOQTORZI was withheld, 3 patients reinitiated LOQTORZI.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, which can present with Diabetic Ketoacidosis Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin
as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue LOQTORZI depending on severity. In patients
receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, diabetes mellitus occurred in 0.9% (8/851) of patients receiving LOQTORZI,
including Grade 4 (0.1%), Grade 3 (0.7%), and Grade 2 (0.1%). Diabetes mellitus led to permanent
discontinuation in 0.4% of patients. Six of the 8 (75%) patients with diabetes mellitus required long-term
insulin therapy.
Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated nephritis.
- In patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, immune-mediated nephritis
occurred in 0.7% (1/146) of patients receiving LOQTORZI. The one patient with immune-mediated nephritis
(Grade 4) required systemic corticosteroids and nephritis led to discontinuation of LOQTORZI. Nephritis
resolved in this patient.
- In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, immune-mediated nephritis occurred in 0.5% (4/851) of
patients, including Grade 3 (0.5%) adverse reactions. Nephritis resolved in 75% (3/4) of these patients.
Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson
Syndrome (SJS), drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis
(TEN), has occurred with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids
may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-exfoliative rashes. Withhold or permanently discontinue
LOQTORZI depending on severity.
- In patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, immune-mediated
dermatologic adverse reactions occurred in 8% (12/146) of patients, including Grade 3 (3.4%) and Grade
2 (1.4%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 25% (3/12) of the patients with
immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions led to
permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI in 2.1% (3) of patients. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse
reactions resolved in 92% (11/12) of these patients.
- In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions occurred in
4% (34/851) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.4%) and Grade 2 (1.4%) adverse reactions. Immune-mediated
dermatologic adverse reactions led to withholding of LOQTORZI in 0.4% (3) of the patients. Systemic
corticosteroids were required in 12% (4/34) of the patients with immune-mediated dermatologic adverse
reactions. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions resolved in 71% (24/34) of these patients.
Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of <1%
(unless otherwise noted) in patients who received LOQTORZI or were reported with the use of other PD-1/PD-L1
blocking antibodies. Severe or fatal cases have been reported for some of these adverse reactions.
- Cardiac/Vascular: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis, pericardial effusion
- Nervous System: Meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic
syndrome/myasthenia gravis (including exacerbation), Guillain-Barré syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune
neuropathy
- Ocular: Uveitis, iritis and other ocular inflammatory toxicities can occur. Some cases can be
associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment, including blindness, can occur.
If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome, as this may require treatment with systemic steroids to reduce the
risk of permanent vision loss.
- Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis, to include increases in serum amylase and lipase levels,
gastritis, duodenitis
- Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue: Myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis (and associated
sequelae, including renal failure), arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, dermatomyositis
- Endocrine: Hypoparathyroidism
- Hematologic/Immune: Hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis,
systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis),
sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, solid organ transplant rejection, other transplant
(including corneal graft) rejection
- Other: Myocarditis-Myositis-Myasthenia Gravis (or Myasthenia-Like) Overlap Syndrome, reported
as the co-occurrence of either two or all three adverse reactions
Infusion-Related Reactions
LOQTORZI can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions including hypersensitivity and
anaphylaxis.
- In patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, infusion-related reactions
have been reported in 4.1% of patients, including Grade 2 (0.7%) reactions.
- In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, infusion-related reactions occurred in 2% of 851 patients,
including Grade 3 (0.1%) and Grade 2 (0.6%). LOQTORZI was withheld for one Grade 3 infusion related
reaction. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions including rigors,
chills, wheezing, pruritus, flushing, rash, hypotension, hypoxemia, and fever. Interrupt or slow the
rate of infusion for mild (Grade 1) or moderate (Grade 2) infusion-related reactions. For severe (Grade
3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) infusion-related reactions, stop infusion and permanently discontinue
LOQTORZI.
Complications of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT)
Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
transplantation (HSCT) before or after being treated with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. Transplant-related
complications include hyperacute graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, hepatic
veno-occlusive disease (VOD) after reduced intensity conditioning, and steroid requiring febrile syndrome
(without an identified infectious cause). These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between
PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT. Follow patients closely for evidence of transplant-related
complications and intervene promptly. Consider the benefit versus risks of treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1
blocking antibody prior to or after an allogeneic HSCT.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
LOQTORZI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Animal studies have demonstrated that
inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can lead to increased risk of immune-mediated rejection of the
developing fetus resulting in fetal death. Advise women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of
reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LOQTORZI and for 4 months after
the last dose.
Lactation
There are no data on the presence of toripalimab-tpzi in human milk; its effects on the breastfed child, or
on milk production. Maternal IgG is known to be present in human milk. The effects of local gastrointestinal
exposure and limited systemic exposure in the breastfed child to toripalimab-tpzi are unknown. Because of
the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise lactating women not to breastfeed
during treatment with LOQTORZI and for 4 months after the last dose.
Serious Adverse Reactions
- In JUPITER-02, when LOQTORZI was administered in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine for the
first-line treatment of recurrent, locally advanced or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma, serious
adverse reactions occurred in 43% of patients. Serious adverse drug reactions in ≥2% were
thrombocytopenia (14%), neutrophil count decreased (10%), pneumonia (10%), anemia (9%), abnormal hepatic
function (2.7%), and rash (2.1%). There were three fatal adverse reactions (2.1%): one due to epistaxis;
one due to intracranial hemorrhage associated with immune-related thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy; and
one due to pneumonia. Permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI, due to an adverse reaction occurred in 12%
of patients. Adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI in ≥1% were pneumonia
(2.1%), pulmonary tuberculosis (1.4%), rash (1.4%), and vomiting (1.4%). The most common Grade 3 to 4
laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were decreased neutrophils (58%), decreased lymphocytes (57%), decreased
hemoglobin (50%), decreased platelets (33%), decreased potassium (10%), decreased sodium (9%), increased
alanine aminotransferase (6%), increased or decreased magnesium (4.2% each), decreased calcium (3.5%),
increased aspartate aminotransferase (2.7%), and increased bilirubin (2.1%).
- In POLARIS-02, when LOQTORZI was administered as a single agent to patients with previously treated,
unresectable or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma, serious adverse reactions occurred in 24% of
patients. Serious adverse drug reactions in ≥2% were pneumonia (4.7%), abnormal hepatic function (2.6%),
and hyperbilirubinemia (2.1%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.7% of patients who received
LOQTORZI, including death not otherwise specified (1.6%), tumor hemorrhage (0.5%), hepatic failure and
thrombocytopenia (0.5%), hyponatremia (0.5%), and sudden death (0.5%). Permanent discontinuation of
LOQTORZI due to an adverse reaction occurred in 9% of patients. Adverse reactions resulting in permanent
discontinuation of LOQTORZI in ≥1% included pneumonia (1.1%), abnormal hepatic function (1.1%), and
hyperbilirubinemia (1.1%). The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%), were decreased
sodium (11%), decreased lymphocytes (9%), decreased hemoglobin (6%), increased aspartate
aminotransferase (3.8%), decreased phosphate (3.2%), and increased alkaline phosphatase (2.2%).
Common Adverse Reactions
- In JUPITER-02, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were nausea (71%), vomiting (68%), decreased
appetite (55%), constipation (39%), hypothyroidism (38%), rash (36%), pyrexia (32%), diarrhea (31%),
peripheral neuropathy (30%), cough (26%), musculoskeletal pain (25%), upper respiratory infection (23%),
insomnia (23%), dizziness (21%), and malaise (21%).
- In POLARIS-02, in patients with previously treated, unresectable or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma,
the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions were hypothyroidism (27%), fatigue (22%), and cough (20%).
LOQTORZI® Injection: 240 mg/6 mL (40 mg/mL) solution in a single-dose vial