Bavencio Injection, Solution, Concentrate
FDA Label NDC 44087-3535

BAVENCIO (avelumab) is indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

BAVENCIO is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) who:

• Have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy
• Have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].

Premedicate patients with an antihistamine and with acetaminophen prior to the first 4 infusions of BAVENCIO. Premedication should be administered for subsequent BAVENCIO doses based upon clinical judgment and presence/severity of prior infusion reactions [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

The recommended dose of BAVENCIO is 10 mg/kg administered as an intravenous infusion over 60 minutes every 2 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Recommended dose modifications of BAVENCIO for adverse reactions are provided in Table 1. Detailed information regarding clinical and laboratory monitoring guidelines for early detection of adverse reactions of BAVENCIO and recommended management (immunosuppressant treatment guidelines) are described in Warnings and Precautions (5).

Preparation

• Visually inspect vial for particulate matter and discoloration. BAVENCIO is a clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution. Discard vial if the solution is cloudy, discolored, or contains particulate matter.
• Withdraw the required volume of BAVENCIO from the vial(s) and inject it into a 250 mL infusion bag containing either 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection.
• Gently invert the bag to mix the diluted solution and avoid foaming or excessive shearing.
• Inspect the solution to ensure it is clear, colorless, and free of visible particles.
• Discard any partially used or empty vials.

Storage of diluted BAVENCIO solution

Protect from light.

Store diluted BAVENCIO solution:

• At room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) for no more than 4 hours from the time of dilution.

Or

• Under refrigeration at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) for no more than 24 hours from the time of dilution. If refrigerated, allow the diluted solution to come to room temperature prior to administration.

Do not freeze or shake diluted solution.

Administration

• Administer the diluted solution over 60 minutes through an intravenous line containing a sterile, non-pyrogenic, low protein binding in-line filter (pore size of 0.2 micron).
• Do not co-administer other drugs through the same intravenous line.

Adrenal Insufficiency

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency during and after treatment. Administer corticosteroids as appropriate for adrenal insufficiency. Withhold BAVENCIO for severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) adrenal insufficiency [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 0.5% (8/1738) of patients receiving BAVENCIO including one patient (0.1%) with Grade 3 adrenal insufficiency. Immune-mediated adrenal insufficiency led to permanent discontinuation of BAVENCIO in 0.1% (2/1738) of patients. Among the 8 patients with immune-mediated adrenal insufficiency, the median time to onset was 2.5 months (range: 1 day to 8 months). All eight patients were treated with corticosteroids; four (50%) of the eight patients received high-dose corticosteroids for a median of 1 day (range: 1 day to 24 days).

Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism/Hyperthyroidism)

BAVENCIO can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroid disorders can occur at any time during treatment. Monitor patients for changes in thyroid function at the start of treatment, periodically during treatment, and as indicated based on clinical evaluation. Manage hypothyroidism with hormone-replacement therapy. Initiate medical management for control of hyperthyroidism. Withhold BAVENCIO for severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) thyroid disorders [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Immune-mediated thyroid disorders occurred in 6% (98/1738) of patients receiving BAVENCIO including 3 (0.2%) Grade 3 immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Immune-mediated thyroid disorders led to discontinuation of BAVENCIO in 0.1% (2/1738) of patients. Hypothyroidism occurred in 90 (5%) patients; hyperthyroidism in seven (0.4%) patients; and thyroiditis in four (0.2%) patients treated with BAVENCIO. Among the 98 patients with immune-mediated thyroid disorders, the median time to onset was 2.8 months (range: 2 weeks to 13 months) and the median duration was not estimable (range: 6 days to more than 26 months). Immune-mediated thyroid disorders resolved in seven (7%) of the 98 patients.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

BAVENCIO can cause type 1 diabetes mellitus, including diabetic ketoacidosis. Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Withhold BAVENCIO and administer anti-hyperglycemics or insulin in patients with severe or life-threatening (Grade ≥ 3) hyperglycemia. Resume treatment with BAVENCIO when metabolic control is achieved on insulin replacement or anti-hyperglycemics [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Type 1 diabetes mellitus without an alternative etiology occurred in 0.1% (2/1738) of patients including two cases of Grade 3 hyperglycemia that led to permanent discontinuation of BAVENCIO.

Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma

The data described below reflect exposure to BAVENCIO 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks in 88 patients with metastatic MCC enrolled in the JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial. Patients with any of the following were excluded: autoimmune disease; medical conditions requiring systemic immunosuppression; prior organ or allogeneic stem cell transplantation; prior treatment with anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or anti-CTLA-4 antibodies; central nervous system (CNS) metastases; infection with HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C; or ECOG performance score ≥ 2.

The median duration of exposure to BAVENCIO was 4 months (range: 2 weeks to 21 months). Forty percent of patients received BAVENCIO for more than 6 months and 14% were treated for more than one year [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. The study population characteristics were: median age of 73 years (range: 33 to 88), 74% male, 92% White, ECOG performance score of 0 (56%) or 1 (44%), and 65% of patients had one prior anti-cancer therapy for metastatic MCC and 35% had two or more prior therapies.

BAVENCIO was permanently discontinued for adverse reactions in six (7%) patients; adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation were ileus, Grade 3 transaminitis, Grade 3 creatine kinase elevation, tubulointerstitial nephritis, and Grade 3 pericardial effusion. BAVENCIO was temporarily discontinued in 21 (24%) patients for adverse events, excluding temporary dose interruption for infusion-related reactions where infusion was restarted the same day. The most common adverse reaction requiring dose interruption was anemia. Serious adverse reactions that occurred in more than one patient were acute kidney injury, anemia, abdominal pain, ileus, asthenia, and cellulitis. The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) were fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, nausea, infusion-related reaction, rash, decreased appetite, and peripheral edema.

Table 2 and Table 3 summarize the incidence of adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, respectively, that occurred in patients receiving BAVENCIO.

Table 2: Adverse Reactions in ≥ 10% of Patients Receiving BAVENCIO in the JAVELIN Merkel 200 Trial

Adverse Reactions	BAVENCIO (N=88)
	All Grades %	Grade 3-4 %
General Disorders
Fatigue Fatigue is a composite term that includes fatigue and asthenia	50	2
Infusion-related reaction Infusion-related reaction is a composite term that includes drug hypersensitivity, hypersensitivity, chills, pyrexia, back pain, and hypotension	22	0
Peripheral edema Peripheral edema is a composite term that includes peripheral edema and peripheral swelling	20	0
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders
Musculoskeletal pain Musculoskeletal pain is a composite term that includes back pain, myalgia, neck pain, pain in extremity	32	2
Arthralgia	16	1
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Diarrhea	23	0
Nausea	22	0
Constipation	17	1
Abdominal pain Abdominal pain is a composite term that includes abdominal pain and abdominal pain upper	16	2
Vomiting	13	0
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
Rash Rash is a composite term that includes rash maculo-papular, erythema, and dermatitis bullous	22	0
Pruritus Pruritus is a composite term that includes pruritus and pruritus generalized	10	0
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders
Decreased appetite	20	2
Decreased weight	15	0
Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders
Cough	18	0
Dyspnea Dyspnea is a composite term that includes dyspnea and dyspnea exertional	11	1
Nervous System Disorders
Dizziness	14	0
Headache	10	0
Vascular Disorders
Hypertension	13	6

Table 3: Selected Treatment-Emergent

Treatment emergent consists of new onset of laboratory abnormality or worsening of baseline laboratory abnormality

Laboratory Abnormalities in Patients Receiving BAVENCIO in the JAVELIN Merkel 200 Trial

Laboratory Tests	Any Grade (N=88) %	Grade 3-4 (N=88) %
Chemistry
Increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST)	34	1
Increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT)	20	5
Increased lipase	14	4
Increased amylase	8	1
Increased bilirubin	6	1
Hyperglycemia Hyperglycemia limited to Grade ≥ 3 events since fasting measurements were not obtained routinely	-	7
Hematology
Anemia	35	9
Lymphopenia	49	19
Thrombocytopenia	27	1
Neutropenia	6	1

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma

Table 4 describes adverse reactions reported in 242 patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC receiving BAVENCIO at 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks in the UC cohorts of the JAVELIN Solid Tumor trial. Patients received pre-medication with an anti-histamine and acetaminophen prior to each infusion. The median duration of exposure to BAVENCIO was 12 weeks (range: 2 weeks to 92 weeks) [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].

Fourteen patients (6%) who were treated with BAVENCIO experienced either pneumonitis, respiratory failure, sepsis/urosepsis, cerebrovascular accident, or gastrointestinal adverse events, which led to death.

BAVENCIO was permanently discontinued for Grade 1-4 adverse reactions in 30 (12%) patients. The adverse reaction that resulted in permanent discontinuation in > 1% of patients was fatigue. BAVENCIO was temporarily discontinued in 29% of patients for adverse reactions, excluding temporary dose interruption for infusion-related reactions where infusion was restarted the same day. The adverse reactions that resulted in temporary discontinuation in > 1% of patients were diarrhea, fatigue, dyspnea, urinary tract infection, and rash.

Grade 1-4 serious adverse reactions were reported in 41% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2% of patients were urinary tract infection/urosepsis, abdominal pain, musculoskeletal pain, creatinine increased/renal failure, dehydration, hematuria/urinary tract hemorrhage, intestinal obstruction/small intestine obstruction, and pyrexia.

The most common Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions (≥ 3%) were anemia, fatigue, hyponatremia, hypertension urinary tract infection, and musculoskeletal pain.

The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) were fatigue, infusion-related reaction, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, decreased appetite, and urinary tract infection.

Eleven (4.5%) patients received an oral prednisone dose equivalent to ≥ 40 mg daily for an immune-mediated adverse reaction [see Warnings and Precautions (5)].

Table 4 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in at least 10% of patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC receiving BAVENCIO while Table 5 summarizes selected Grade 3-4 laboratory abnormalities that occurred in ≥ 1% of patients treated with BAVENCIO.

Table 4: All Grade Adverse Reactions in ≥ 10% of Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic UC in the JAVELIN Solid Tumor Trial

Adverse Reactions	BAVENCIO (N=242)
	All Grades (%)	Grade 3-4 (%)
Any	98	59
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Nausea	24	1
Abdominal pain Includes abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain upper and lower, and gastrointestinal pain	19	2
Diarrhea	18	2
Constipation	18	1
Vomiting/Retching	14	1
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions
Fatigue Includes asthenia and malaise	41	7
Infusion-related reaction Infusion-related reaction is a composite term that includes chills, pyrexia, back pain, flushing, dyspnea, and hypotension	30	0.4
Peripheral edema Includes edema, generalized edema, and peripheral swelling	17	0.4
Pyrexia/Temperature increased	16	1
Infections
Urinary tract infection Includes urosepsis, cystitis, kidney infection, pyuria, and urinary tract infection due to fungus, bacterial, and enterococcus	21	5
Investigations
Weight decreased	19	0
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders
Decreased appetite/Hypophagia	21	2
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders
Musculoskeletal pain Includes back pain, myalgia, neck pain, and pain in extremity	25	3
Renal Disorders
Creatinine increased/Renal failure Includes acute kidney injury and glomerular filtration rate decreased	16	3
Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders
Dyspnea/Exertional dyspnea	17	2
Cough/Productive cough	14	0
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
Rash Includes dermatitis acneiform, eczema, erythema, erythema multiforme, erythematous, macular, maculo-papular, papular, and pruritic rash	15	0.4
Pruritus/Generalized pruritus	10	0.4
Vascular Disorders
Hypertension/Hypertensive crisis	10	5

Table 5: Selected Laboratory Abnormalities

Including Grade 3 and 4 lab abnormalities worsening from and unchanged since baseline.

(Grade 3-4) in ≥ 1% of Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic UC Receiving BAVENCIO in the JAVELIN Solid Tumor Trial

Laboratory Tests	Grade 3-4 (N=242) The number of patients with on study available laboratories varies between 188 and 235. %
Chemistry
Hyponatremia	16
GGT increased	12
Hyperglycemia	9
Increased alkaline phosphatase	7
Increased lipase	6
Hyperkalemia	3
Increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) Increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was reported in 0.9% (Grade 3-4) of platinum-pretreated patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC.	3
Increased creatinine	2
Increased amylase	2
Increased bilirubin	1
Hematology
Lymphopenia	11
Anemia	6

Risk Summary

Based on its mechanism of action, BAVENCIO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data on the use of BAVENCIO in pregnant women [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)]. Animal studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can lead to increased risk of immune-mediated rejection of the developing fetus resulting in fetal death [see Data]. Human IgG1 immunoglobulins (IgG1) are known to cross the placenta. Therefore, BAVENCIO has the potential to be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, advise the patient of the potential risk to a fetus.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Data

Animal Data

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with BAVENCIO to evaluate its effect on reproduction and fetal development. A central function of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is to preserve pregnancy by maintaining maternal immune tolerance to the fetus. In murine models of pregnancy, blockade of PD-L1 signaling has been shown to disrupt tolerance to the fetus and to result in an increase in fetal loss; therefore, potential risks of administering BAVENCIO during pregnancy include increased rates of abortion or stillbirth. As reported in the literature, there were no malformations related to the blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in the offspring of these animals; however, immune-mediated disorders occurred in PD-1 and PD-L1 knockout mice. Based on its mechanism of action, fetal exposure to BAVENCIO may increase the risk of developing immune-related disorders or altering the normal immune response.

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of avelumab in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Since many drugs including antibodies are excreted in human milk, advise a lactating woman not to breastfeed during treatment and for at least one month after the last dose of BAVENCIO due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants.

Contraception

Based on its mechanism of action, BAVENCIO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with BAVENCIO and for at least 1 month after the last dose of BAVENCIO.

Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Clinical studies of BAVENCIO in MCC did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma

Of the 226 patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC treated with BAVENCIO, 68% were 65 years or over and 29% were 75 years or over. Among patients 65 years or over who were followed for at least 13 weeks, 14% (22/153) responded to BAVENCIO and 58% (89/153) developed a Grade 3-4 adverse reaction. No overall differences in safety or efficacy were reported between elderly patients and younger patients.

Distribution

The geometric mean volume of distribution at steady state for a subject receiving 10 mg/kg was 4.72 L.

Elimination

The primary elimination mechanism of avelumab is proteolytic degradation. Based on population pharmacokinetic analyses in patients with solid tumors, the total systemic clearance was 0.59 L/day and the terminal half-life was 6.1 days in patients receiving 10 mg/kg. In a post hoc analysis, avelumab clearance was found to decrease over time in patients with MCC, with a mean maximal reduction (% coefficient of variation [CV%]) from baseline value of approximately 41.7% (40.0%), which is not considered clinically important. There was no evidence to suggest a change of avelumab clearance over time in patients with UC.

Specific Populations

Body weight was positively correlated with total systemic clearance in population pharmacokinetic analyses. No clinically meaningful differences in pharmacokinetics were observed in the clearance of avelumab based on age; sex; race; PD-L1 status; tumor burden; mild [calculated creatinine clearance (CLcr) 60 to 89 mL/min, n=623 as estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault formula], moderate [CLcr 30 to 59 mL/min, n=320], or severe [CLcr 15 to 29 mL/min, n=4] renal impairment; and mild [bilirubin less than or equal to ULN and AST greater than ULN or bilirubin between 1 and 1.5 times ULN, n=217] or moderate [bilirubin between 1.5 and 3 times ULN, n=4] hepatic impairment. There are limited data from patients with severe hepatic impairment [bilirubin greater than 3 times ULN, n=1], and the effect of severe hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of avelumab is unknown.

Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Inform patients of the risk of immune-mediated adverse reactions requiring corticosteroids or hormone replacement therapy, including, but not limited to:

• Pneumonitis: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for new or worsening cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
• Hepatitis: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for jaundice, severe nausea or vomiting, pain on the right side of abdomen, lethargy, or easy bruising or bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
• Colitis: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for diarrhea or severe abdominal pain [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
• Endocrinopathies: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes mellitus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
• Nephritis and Renal Dysfunction: Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of nephritis including decreased urine output, blood in urine, swelling in ankles, loss of appetite, and any other symptoms of renal dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Infusion-Related Reactions

Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs or symptoms of potential infusion-related reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Advise females of reproductive potential that BAVENCIO can cause fetal harm. Instruct females of reproductive potential to use highly effective contraception during and for at least one month after the last dose of BAVENCIO [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

Lactation

Advise nursing mothers not to breastfeed while taking BAVENCIO and for at least one month after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].

Manufacturer:
EMD Serono, Inc.
Rockland, MA 02370
U.S.A.

Marketed by:
EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc., NY, NY 10017

US License No: 1773

BAVENCIO is a trademark of Merck KGaA,
Darmstadt, Germany

Product of Switzerland

Injection: 200 mg/10 mL (20 mg/mL), clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution in a single-dose vial.

None.

BAVENCIO can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis, including fatal cases [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pneumonitis and evaluate patients with suspected pneumonitis with radiographic imaging. Administer corticosteroids (initial dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent, followed by a corticosteroid taper) for Grade 2 or greater pneumonitis. Withhold BAVENCIO for moderate (Grade 2) pneumonitis, and permanently discontinue for severe (Grade 3), life-threatening (Grade 4), or recurrent moderate (Grade 2) pneumonitis [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Pneumonitis occurred in 1.2% (21/1738) of patients receiving BAVENCIO including one (0.1%) patient with Grade 5, one (0.1%) with Grade 4, and five (0.3%) with Grade 3 pneumonitis. Immune-mediated pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation of BAVENCIO in 0.3% (6/1738) of patients. Among the 21 patients with immune-mediated pneumonitis, the median time to onset was 2.5 months (range: 3 days to 11 months) and the median duration of pneumonitis was 7 weeks (range: 4 days to 4+ months). All 21 patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids; 17 (81%) of the 21 patients received high-dose corticosteroids for a median of 8 days (range: 1 day to 2.3 months). Resolution of pneumonitis occurred in 12 (57%) of the 21 patients at the time of data cut-off.

BAVENCIO can cause immune-mediated hepatitis including fatal cases [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Monitor patients for abnormal liver tests prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids (initial dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent, followed by a corticosteroid taper) for Grade 2 or greater hepatitis. Withhold BAVENCIO for moderate (Grade 2) immune-mediated hepatitis until resolution and permanently discontinue for severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) immune-mediated hepatitis [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 0.9% (16/1738) of patients receiving BAVENCIO including two (0.1%) patients with Grade 5 and 11 (0.6 %) patients with Grade 3 immune-mediated hepatitis. Immune-mediated hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of BAVENCIO in 0.5% (9/1738) of patients. Among the 16 patients with immune-mediated hepatitis, the median time to onset was 3.2 months (range: 1 week to 15 months), and the median duration of hepatitis was 2.5 months (range: 1 day to 7.4+ months). All 16 patients were treated with corticosteroids; 15 (94%) of the 16 patients received high-dose corticosteroids for a median of 14 days (range: 1 day to 2.5 months). Resolution of hepatitis occurred in nine (56%) of the 16 patients at the time of data cut-off.

BAVENCIO can cause immune-mediated colitis [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids (initial dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent followed by a corticosteroid taper) for Grade 2 or greater colitis. Withhold BAVENCIO for moderate or severe (Grade 2 or 3) colitis until resolution. Permanently discontinue BAVENCIO for life-threatening (Grade 4) or for recurrent (Grade 3) colitis upon re-initiation of BAVENCIO [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 1.5% (26/1738) of patients receiving BAVENCIO including seven (0.4%) patients with Grade 3 colitis. Immune-mediated colitis led to permanent discontinuation of BAVENCIO in 0.5% (9/1738) of patients. Among the 26 patients with immune-mediated colitis, the median time to onset was 2.1 months (range: 2 days to 11 months) and the median duration of colitis was 6 weeks (range: 1 day to 14+ months). All 26 patients were treated with corticosteroids; 15 (58%) of the 26 patients received high-dose corticosteroids for a median of 19 days (range: 1 day to 2.3 months). Resolution of colitis occurred in 18 (70%) of the patients at the time of data cut-off.

BAVENCIO can cause immune-mediated endocrinopathies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

BAVENCIO can cause immune-mediated nephritis [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Monitor patients for elevated serum creatinine prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids (initial dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent followed by a corticosteroid taper) for Grade 2 or greater nephritis. Withhold BAVENCIO for moderate (Grade 2) or severe (Grade 3) nephritis until resolution to ≤ Grade 1. Permanently discontinue BAVENCIO for life-threatening (Grade 4) nephritis [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Immune-mediated nephritis occurred in 0.1% (1/1738) of patients receiving BAVENCIO; BAVENCIO was permanently discontinued in this patient.

BAVENCIO can result in severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. These immune-mediated reactions may involve any organ system. Most immune-mediated reactions initially manifest during treatment with BAVENCIO; however, immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur after discontinuation of BAVENCIO.

For suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, evaluate to confirm or rule out an immune-mediated adverse reaction and to exclude other causes. Depending upon the severity of the adverse reaction, withhold or permanently discontinue BAVENCIO, administer high dose corticosteroids, and if appropriate, initiate hormone replacement therapy. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper. Resume BAVENCIO when the immune-mediated adverse reaction remains at Grade 1 or less following corticosteroid taper. Permanently discontinue BAVENCIO for any severe (Grade 3) immune-mediated adverse reaction that recurs and for any life-threatening immune-mediated adverse reaction [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

The following clinically significant, immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of less than 1% of 1738 patients treated with BAVENCIO for each of the following adverse reactions: immune-mediated myocarditis including fatal cases, immune-mediated myositis, psoriasis, arthritis, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, pemphigoid, hypopituitarism, uveitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and systemic inflammatory response. The following clinically significant, immune-mediated adverse reactions have been reported with other products in this class: bullous dermatitis, Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), pancreatitis, rhabdomyolysis, myasthenia gravis, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, demyelination, vasculitis, hemolytic anemia, hypophysitis, iritis, and encephalitis.

BAVENCIO can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Premedicate with antihistamine and acetaminophen prior to the first 4 infusions. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions including pyrexia, chills, flushing, hypotension, dyspnea, wheezing, back pain, abdominal pain, and urticaria. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion for mild or moderate infusion-related reactions. Stop the infusion and permanently discontinue BAVENCIO for severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) infusion-related reactions [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Infusion-related reactions occurred in 25% (439/1738) of patients treated with BAVENCIO including three (0.2%) Grade 4 and nine (0.5%) Grade 3 infusion-related reactions. Ninety-three percent (1615/1738) of patients received premedication with antihistamine and acetaminophen. Eleven (92%) of the 12 patients with Grade ≥ 3 reactions were treated with intravenous corticosteroids. Fourteen percent of patients (252/1738) had infusion-related reactions that occurred after the BAVENCIO infusion was completed.

Based on its mechanism of action, BAVENCIO 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. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking BAVENCIO, inform the patient of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of childbearing potential to use effective contraception during treatment with BAVENCIO and for at least one month after the last dose of BAVENCIO [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

The following adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the label:

• Immune-mediated pneumonitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Immune-mediated hepatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Immune-mediated colitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Immune-mediated endocrinopathies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
• Immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
• Other immune-mediated adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
• Infusion-related reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The data described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section are based on two trials, in which 1738 patients received BAVENCIO at doses of 10 mg/kg intravenously every two weeks. This included 88 patients with metastatic MCC (JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial) and 242 patients with locally advanced and metastatic UC within the JAVELIN Solid Tumor trial. In the JAVELIN Solid Tumor trial, 1650 patients were treated with BAVENCIO at doses of 10 mg/kg.

The following criteria were used to classify an adverse reaction as immune-mediated: onset within 90 days after last dose of BAVENCIO, no spontaneous resolution within 7 days of onset, treatment with corticosteroids or other immunosuppressant or hormone replacement therapy, biopsy consistent with immune-mediated reaction, and no other clear etiology.

The study population characteristics of the 1738 patients were median age of 64 years (range: 19 to 91 years); 52% male; 78% White, 9% Asian, 5% Black or African American, and 8% other ethnic groups; ECOG performance score of 0 (38%), 1 (62%), or > 1 (0.4%); and the underlying malignancies were non-small cell lung cancer (20%), gastric and gastroesophageal cancer (15%), urothelial cancer (14%), ovarian cancer (13%), metastatic breast cancer (10%), head and neck cancer (9%), metastatic MCC (5%), mesothelioma, renal cell carcinoma, melanoma, adrenocortical carcinoma (3% each), colorectal cancer, castrate-resistant prostate cancer, and unknown (1% each). In this population, 24% of patients were exposed to BAVENCIO for ≥ 6 months and 7% were exposed to BAVENCIO for ≥ 12 months.

As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to avelumab in the studies described below with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other products may be misleading.

Of the 1738 patients treated with BAVENCIO 10 mg/kg as an intravenous infusion every 2 weeks, 1558 were evaluable for treatment-emergent anti-drug antibodies (ADA) and 64 (4.1%) tested positive. The development of treatment-emergent ADA against avelumab did not appear to alter the pharmacokinetic profile or risk of infusion-related reactions.

The safety and effectiveness of BAVENCIO have been established in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older for metastatic MCC. Use of BAVENCIO in this age group is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of BAVENCIO in adults with additional population pharmacokinetic data demonstrating that age and body weight had no clinically meaningful effect on the steady state exposure of avelumab, that drug exposure is generally similar between adults and pediatric patients age 12 years and older for monoclonal antibodies, and that the course of MCC is sufficiently similar in adult and pediatric patients to allow extrapolation of data in adults to pediatric patients. The recommended dose in pediatric patients 12 years of age or greater is the same as that in adults [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), and Clinical Studies (14)].

Safety and effectiveness of BAVENCIO have not been established in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age.

No information on BAVENCIO overdosage is available.

Avelumab is a programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) blocking antibody. Avelumab is a human IgG1 lambda monoclonal antibody that has a molecular weight of approximately 147 kDa.

BAVENCIO (avelumab) Injection for intravenous use is a sterile, preservative-free, non-pyrogenic, clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution. Each single-dose vial contains 200 mg avelumab in 10 mL (20 mg/mL). Each mL contains 20 mg avelumab, D-mannitol (51 mg), glacial acetic acid (0.6 mg), polysorbate 20 (0.5 mg), sodium hydroxide (0.3 mg), and Water for Injection. The pH range of the solution is 5.0 – 5.6.

PD-L1 may be expressed on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells and can contribute to the inhibition of the anti-tumor immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Binding of PD-L1 to the PD-1 and B7.1 receptors found on T cells and antigen presenting cells suppresses cytotoxic T-cell activity, T-cell proliferation, and cytokine production. Avelumab binds PD-L1 and blocks the interaction between PD-L1 and its receptors PD-1 and B7.1. This interaction releases the inhibitory effects of PD-L1 on the immune response resulting in the restoration of immune responses, including anti-tumor immune responses. Avelumab has also been shown to induce antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro. In syngeneic mouse tumor models, blocking PD-L1 activity resulted in decreased tumor growth.

The pharmacokinetics of avelumab was studied in 1629 patients who received doses ranging from 1 to 20 mg/kg every 2 weeks. The data showed that the exposure of avelumab increased dose-proportionally in the dose range of 10 to 20 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Steady-state concentrations of avelumab were reached after approximately 4 to 6 weeks (2 to 3 cycles) of repeated dosing, and the systemic accumulation was approximately 1.25-fold.

No studies have been conducted to assess the potential of avelumab for genotoxicity or carcinogenicity.

Fertility studies have not been conducted with avelumab; however, an assessment of male and female reproductive organs was included in 3-month repeat-dose toxicity study in Cynomolgus monkeys. Weekly administration of avelumab did not result in any notable effects in the male and female reproductive organs.

In animal models, inhibition of PD-L1/PD-1 signaling increased the severity of some infections and enhanced inflammatory responses. M. tuberculosis-infected PD-1 knockout mice exhibit markedly decreased survival compared with wild-type controls, which correlated with increased bacterial proliferation and inflammatory responses in these animals. PD-L1 and PD-1 knockout mice and mice receiving PD-L1 blocking antibody have also shown decreased survival following infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.

The efficacy and safety of BAVENCIO was demonstrated in the JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial (NCT02155647), an open-label, single-arm, multi-center study conducted in patients with histologically confirmed metastatic MCC whose disease had progressed on or after chemotherapy administered for distant metastatic disease. The trial excluded patients with autoimmune disease; medical conditions requiring systemic immunosuppression; prior organ or allogeneic stem cell transplantation; prior treatment with anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or anti-CTLA-4 antibodies; CNS metastases; infection with HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C; or ECOG performance score ≥ 2.

Patients received BAVENCIO 10 mg/kg as an intravenous infusion over 60 minutes every 2 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients with radiological disease progression not associated with significant clinical deterioration, defined as no new or worsening symptoms, no change in performance status for greater than 2 weeks, and no need for salvage therapy, could continue treatment. Tumor response assessments were performed every 6 weeks. The major efficacy outcome measures were confirmed overall response rate (ORR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 as assessed by a blinded independent central review committee (IRC) and IRC-assessed duration of response. The efficacy analysis was conducted when the last patient enrolled had completed 12 months of follow-up.

A total of 88 patients were enrolled. Baseline patient characteristics were a median age of 73 years (range: 33 to 88), 74% of patients were male, 92% were White, and the ECOG performance score was 0 (56%) or 1 (44%). Seventy-five percent of patients were 65 years or older, 35% were 75 or older, and 3% were 85 or older. Sixty-five percent of patients were reported to have had one prior anti-cancer therapy for metastatic MCC and 35% had two or more prior therapies. Fifty-three percent of patients had visceral metastases. All patients had tumor samples evaluated for PD-L1 expression; of these, 66% were PD-L1-positive (≥ 1% of tumor cells), 18% were PD-L1 negative, and 16% had non-evaluable results by an investigational immunohistochemistry assay. Archival tumor samples were evaluated for Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) using an investigational assay; of the 77 patients with evaluable results, 52% had evidence of MCV.

Efficacy results are presented in Table 6. Responses were observed in patients regardless of tumor PD-L1 expression or presence of MCV.

The efficacy and safety of BAVENCIO was demonstrated in the UC cohorts of the JAVELIN Solid Tumor trial, an open-label, single-arm, multi-center study that included 242 patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy or who had disease progression within 12 months of treatment with a platinum-containing neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy regimen. Patients with active or history of central nervous system metastasis; other malignancies within the last 5 years; organ transplant; conditions requiring therapeutic immune suppression; or active infection with HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C were excluded. Patients with autoimmune disease, other than type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, psoriasis, or thyroid disease that did not require immunosuppressive treatment, were excluded. Patients were included regardless of their PD-L1 status.

Patients received BAVENCIO at a dose of 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks until radiographic or clinical progression or unacceptable toxicity. Tumor response assessments were performed every 6 weeks. Efficacy outcome measures included confirmed overall response rate (ORR), as assessed by an Independent Endpoint Review Committee (IERC) using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1, and duration of response (DOR). Efficacy was evaluated in patients who were followed for a minimum of both 13 weeks and 6 months at the time of data cut-off.

Baseline demographic and disease characteristics for the 226 patients with a minimum of 13 weeks of follow-up were median age 68 years (range: 30 to 89), 72% male, 80% White, and 34% and 66% of patients had an ECOG performance status 0 and 1, respectively. Forty-four percent of patients had non-bladder urothelial carcinoma including 23% of patients with upper tract disease, and 83% of patients had visceral metastases (baseline target and/or non-target lesions present outside of the lymph nodes). Nine (4%) patients had disease progression following prior platinum-containing neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy only. Forty-seven percent of patients only received prior cisplatin-based regimens, 32% received only prior carboplatin-based regimens, and 20% received both cisplatin and carboplatin-based regimens. At baseline, 17% of patients had a hemoglobin < 10 g/dL and 34% of patients had liver metastases.

Efficacy results are presented in Table 7. The median time to response was 2.0 months (range: 1.3 to 11.0) among patients followed for either ≥ 13 weeks or ≥ 6 months. Using a clinical trial assay to assess PD-L1 staining, with 16% of patients not evaluable, there were no clear differences in response rates based on PD-L1 tumor expression. Among the total 30 responding patients followed for ≥ 13 weeks, 22 patients (73%) had an ongoing response of 6 months or longer and 4 patients (13%) had ongoing responses of 12 months or longer. Among the total 26 responding patients followed for ≥ 6 months, 22 patients (85%) had ongoing responses of 6 months or longer and 4 patients (15%) had ongoing responses of 12 months or longer.

BAVENCIO (avelumab) Injection is a sterile, preservative-free, and clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution for intravenous infusion supplied as a single-dose vial of 200 mg/10 mL (20 mg/mL), individually packed into a carton (NDC 44087-3535-1).

Store refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in original package to protect from light.

Do not freeze or shake the vial.

The vial stopper is not made with natural rubber latex.

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).

NDC 44087-3535-1

BAVENCIO^®
(avelumab)
Injection

200 mg/10 mL
(20 mg/mL)

For intravenous infusion
after dilution
Single-dose vial
Discard unused portion.

Dispense the enclosed
Medication Guide to each
patient.

1 vial
Rx only

EMD
SERONO

Pfizer

Principal Display Panel (10 mL Vial Carton)