FDA Label for Casgevy

1. Indications And Usage

CASGEVY is indicated for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) in patients 12 years and older with recurrent vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs).

2 Dosage And Administration

For autologous use only. For one-time, single dose intravenous use only.

2.1 Dose

The minimum recommended dose of CASGEVY is 3 × 10⁶ CD34⁺ cells/kg.

CASGEVY is provided as a single dose for infusion containing a suspension of CD34⁺ cells in one or more vials. See the Lot Information Sheet provided with the product shipment for additional information pertaining to the number of vials required to achieve the patient-specific dose. Administer all vials.

2.2 Preparation Before Casgevy Infusion

Confirm that hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is appropriate for the patient before mobilization, apheresis and myeloablative conditioning are initiated.

Screen patients for HIV-1, HIV-2, HBV, HCV, and any other infectious agents in accordance with local guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing. CASGEVY should not be used in patients with active HIV-1, HIV-2, HBV or HCV.

Prior to apheresis it is recommended that patients be transfused with a goal to maintain hemoglobin S (HbS) levels < 30% of total hemoglobin (Hb) while keeping total Hb concentration ≤ 11 g/dL.

Discontinue disease modifying therapies for sickle cell disease (e.g., hydroxyurea, crizanlizumab, voxelotor) 8 weeks before the planned start of mobilization and conditioning.

Other

Mobilization and Apheresis

Patients are required to undergo CD34⁺ HSC mobilization followed by apheresis to isolate the CD34⁺ cells needed for CASGEVY manufacturing.

Plerixafor was used for mobilization. Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) should not be administered for mobilization in patients with sickle cell disease.

Refer to the prescribing information for the mobilization agent prior to treatment. See Clinical Studies (14) for description of the mobilization regimen used in the clinical trial.

Maximize CD34⁺ cell collection to obtain as many CD34⁺ cells as possible for product manufacturing during each mobilization and apheresis cycle. Perform two consecutive days of cell collection for product manufacturing per cycle, if clinically tolerated. A total collection target of at least 20 × 10⁶ CD34⁺ cells/kg is recommended for product manufacture. Collected cells should be sent for product manufacturing even if the total collection target is not achieved. In addition, at least 2 × 10⁶ CD34⁺ cells/kg is required to be collected for back-up unmodified rescue cells. A third day of cell collection can be used to obtain back-up rescue cells, if needed. If the minimum dose of CASGEVY (3 × 10⁶ CD34⁺ cells/kg) is not met after initial product manufacturing, the patient will need to undergo additional cycles of mobilization and apheresis. Each mobilization and apheresis cycle must be separated by a minimum of 14 days.

The back-up collection of ≥ 2 × 10⁶ CD34⁺ cells/kg of unmodified rescue cells must be collected from the patient and be cryopreserved prior to myeloablative conditioning and infusion with CASGEVY. The unmodified back-up cells may be needed for rescue treatment under any one of the following conditions: (1) compromise of CASGEVY after initiation of myeloablative conditioning and before CASGEVY infusion; (2) neutrophil engraftment failure; or 3. loss of engraftment after infusion with CASGEVY [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Myeloablative Conditioning

It is recommended that patients be transfused at least 8 weeks prior to the initiation of myeloablative conditioning, with a goal of maintaining hemoglobin S (HbS) levels of < 30% of total Hb while keeping total Hb concentration ≤ 11 g/dL. At initiation of red blood cell exchange or simple transfusions, discontinue disease modifying therapies for sickle cell disease (e.g., hydroxyurea, crizanlizumab, voxelotor).

Stop iron chelation therapy at least 7 days prior to myeloablative conditioning.

Do not begin myeloablative conditioning until the complete set of vial(s) comprising the total dose of CASGEVY has been received and stored at the treatment center and the availability of the back-up collection of unmodified rescue cells is confirmed. See the Lot Information Sheet provided with the product shipment for confirmation of the total dose of CASGEVY.

Administer full myeloablative conditioning prior to treatment with CASGEVY¹. Refer to the prescribing information for the myeloablative conditioning agent prior to treatment. See Clinical Studies (14) for the conditioning regimen used in the clinical trial.

Consider administration of anti-seizure prophylaxis. Use agents other than phenytoin prior to initiating busulfan conditioning. Consider prophylaxis for hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD)/hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome prior to initiating busulfan conditioning.

CASGEVY must be administered between 48 hours and 7 days after the last dose of the myeloablative conditioning.

Receipt and storage of CASGEVY

• CASGEVY is shipped to the treatment center frozen in a vapor phase of liquid nitrogen shipper.
• Confirm patient identifiers on the product label(s) and Lot Information Sheet.
• If there are any concerns about the product or packaging upon receipt, contact Vertex at +1-877-634-8789.
• Transfer CASGEVY from the vapor phase of nitrogen shipper to the treatment center vapor phase of liquid nitrogen storage at ≤ -135 °C (≤ -211 °F).

Preparing for CASGEVY Administration

CASGEVY contains human cells. Follow universal precautions (wearing gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection) and local biosafety guidelines applicable for handling and disposal of such products to avoid potential transmission of infectious diseases. All material that has been in contact with CASGEVY (solid and liquid waste) should be handled and disposed of as potentially infectious waste in accordance with local biosafety guidelines.

Coordinate the timing of CASGEVY thaw and infusion. Confirm the infusion time in advance and adjust the start time for thaw so that CASGEVY is available for infusion when the patient and healthcare providers are ready. Thaw and infuse one vial at a time.

Premedication: Administer an antipyretic (e.g., acetaminophen) and an antihistamine (e.g., diphenhydramine hydrochloride) prior to administering CASGEVY.

Before thaw, confirm CASGEVY is printed on the vial label and the patient's identity matches the unique patient information located on the CASGEVY vial(s). Do not infuse CASGEVY if the information on the patient-specific label on any of the vials does not match the intended patient, and contact Vertex at +1-877-634-8789.

A dose of CASGEVY may be contained in one or more cryopreserved patient-specific vial(s). Ensure that the correct number of vials are present. Use the accompanying Lot Information Sheet to confirm the total number of vials to be administered and confirm that each vial is within the expiration date prior to preparation of CASGEVY for infusion.

Inspect the vial(s) for any breaks or cracks prior to thawing. If a vial is compromised, do not infuse the contents. Call Vertex at +1-877-634-8789.

When the dose consists of multiple vials, thaw and administer one vial at a time. While thawing and administering a vial, remaining vials must remain in cryo-storage at ≤ -135 °C (≤ -211 °F).

Assemble supplies needed to thaw and withdraw the product from the vial(s). With the exception of the water bath, these supplies are single use. Assemble sufficient supplies for each vial to be administered:

• Water bath
• Alcohol swabs
• Vial adapter (to allow for needleless extraction)
• 18-micron stainless steel filter
• 30 mL luer-lock syringe
• 0.9% sodium chloride (saline, 5 to 10 mL needed for each vial)
• 10 mL luer-lock syringe for saline rinse

Thawing the CASGEVY vials

• Thaw each CASGEVY vial at 37 °C (98 °F) using a water bath. Thaw each vial holding the vial neck, gently agitating clockwise and counterclockwise.
• Thawing of each vial can take between 10 to 15 minutes. Thawing is complete when ice crystals are no longer visible in the vial. Ensure water bath temperature does not exceed 40 °C (104 °F) during thawing.
• Do not leave CASGEVY unattended during thaw.
• Remove vial from water bath immediately once thawed.
• The thawed product should appear as a cellular suspension, which may contain proteinaceous particles or cellular aggregates.
• Inspect the vial(s) for any breaks or cracks after thawing.
• Do not wash, spin down and/or resuspend CASGEVY in new media prior to infusion.
• Do not sample, alter, irradiate, or refreeze CASGEVY.
• Infuse within 20 minutes of thaw.

After CASGEVY administration

Follow standard procedures for patient management after HSC transplantation after CASGEVY infusion.

• Irradiate any blood products required within the first 3 months after CASGEVY infusion.
• Patients treated with CASGEVY should not donate blood, organs, tissues, or cells at any time in the future.
• Restarting iron chelation after CASGEVY infusion may be necessary and should be based on clinical practice. Avoid the use of non-myelosuppressive iron chelators for at least 3 months and use of myelosuppressive iron chelators for at least 6 months after CASGEVY infusion. Phlebotomy can be used in lieu of iron chelation, when appropriate [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].

Platelet engraftment

Platelet engraftment in patients with SCD is defined as 3 consecutive measurements of platelet counts ≥ 50 × 10⁹/L, obtained on 3 different days after CASGEVY infusion, without administration of platelet transfusions for 7 days. In Trial 1, the median (min, max) time to platelet engraftment was 35 (23, 126) days (n=43). There was no association observed between bleeding events and time to platelet engraftment.

Neutrophil engraftment

Neutrophil engraftment is defined as 3 consecutive measurements of ANC ≥ 500 cells/µL on 3 different days after CASGEVY infusion, without use of the unmodified rescue CD34⁺ cells. In Trial 1, the median (min, max) time to neutrophil engraftment was 27 (15, 40) days (n=44). There was no association observed between infections and time to neutrophil engraftment. There was no use of rescue CD34⁺ cells in any patient.

Risk Summary

There are no clinical data from the use of exagamglogene autotemcel in pregnant women. No animal reproductive and developmental toxicity studies have been conducted with exagamglogene autotemcel to assess whether it can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. CASGEVY must not be administered during pregnancy because of the risks associated with myeloablative conditioning. Pregnancy after CASGEVY infusion should be discussed with the treating physician.

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

Risk Summary

There are no data on the presence of exagamglogene autotemcel in human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential risks associated with myeloablative conditioning, breastfeeding should be discontinued during conditioning. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for CASGEVY and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from CASGEVY or from the underlying maternal condition. Breastfeeding after CASGEVY infusion should be discussed with the treating physician.

Pregnancy Testing

A negative serum pregnancy test must be confirmed prior to the start of each mobilization cycle and re-confirmed prior to myeloablative conditioning.

Contraception

There are insufficient exposure data to provide a precise recommendation on duration of contraception following treatment with CASGEVY. Women of childbearing potential and men capable of fathering a child must use effective method of contraception from start of mobilization through at least 6 months after administration of CASGEVY.

Infertility

There are no data on the effects of exagamglogene autotemcel on human fertility. Effects on male and female fertility have not been evaluated in animal studies. Infertility has been observed with myeloablative conditioning therefore, advise patients of fertility preservation options before treatment, if appropriate.

Fetal Hemoglobin and Total Hemoglobin

HbF and total Hb over time are provided in Table 3 for all patients administered CASGEVY for the treatment of sickle cell disease (full analysis set). HbF and total Hb over time for the subset of patients included in the primary efficacy analysis were consistent with full analysis set.

Table 3: Proportion of hemoglobin comprised by HbF (%) and total Hb (g/dL) over time in patients with SCD

	CASGEVY Full Analysis Set (FAS) (N=44)
	Proportion of total Hb comprised by HbF (%) %HbF/Hb data not available for all patients at all timepoints.	Total Hb (g/dL)
SD: Standard Deviation.
Month 3
n	43	43
Mean (SD)	36.9 (9.0)	11.9 (1.5)
Median (min, max)	36.2 (17.8, 59.6)	11.9 (8.2, 15.4)
Month 6
n	38	38
Mean (SD)	43.9 (8.6)	12.5 (1.8)
Median (min, max)	44.3 (14.9, 68.4)	12.3 (7.2, 15.9)
Month 12
n	32	31
Mean (SD)	43.4 (4.6)	13.0 (1.5)
Median (min, max)	42.9 (35.1, 52.1)	12.9 (10.3, 15.7)
Month 18
n	27	27
Mean (SD)	42.3 (5.8)	13.3 (1.9)
Median (min, max)	43.1 (27.5, 53.3)	12.7 (11.0, 17.3)
Month 24
n	17	17
Mean (SD)	42.1 (5.2)	13.1 (1.8)
Median (min, max)	42.2 (33.3, 49.1)	13.0 (10.5, 17.3)

The mean (SD) proportion of Hb comprised by HbF was 43.9% (8.6%) at Month 6 and was maintained thereafter. Increases in mean (SD) total Hb levels were observed as early as Month 3 after CASGEVY infusion, continued to increase to 12.5 (1.8) g/dL at Month 6, and was maintained thereafter. Of the 44 patients infused with CASGEVY, three male patients reached total Hb levels of at least 16.5 g/dL at one or more time points after Month 9.

Consistent with the increase in HbF levels, the mean (SD) proportion of circulating erythrocytes expressing HbF (F-cells) at Month 3 was 70.1% (13.8%) and continued to increase over time to 94.0% (12.4%) at month 6, with levels remaining stable thereafter, indicating sustained pan-cellular expression of HbF.

Proportion of Alleles with Intended Genetic Modification

The mean (SD) proportion of alleles with intended genetic modification in the bone marrow and in peripheral blood is shown in Table 4 for all patients administered CASGEVY for the treatment of sickle cell disease.

Table 4: Proportion of alleles with intended genetic modification over time

	CASGEVY Full Analysis Set (FAS) (N=44)
	Proportion of Alleles with Intended Genetic Modification in CD34+ Cells in Bone Marrow Allelic editing data not available for all patients at all timepoints. Allelic editing in bone marrow was first assessed at Month 6.	Proportion of Alleles with Intended Genetic Modification in Peripheral Blood
Month 1
n	--	42
Mean (SD)		53.5 (18.2)
Month 3
n	--	42
Mean (SD)		70.8 (10.6)
Month 6
n	37	38
Mean (SD)	86.1 (7.5)	73.4 (8.1)
Month 12
n	31	31
Mean (SD)	86.1 (8.6)	74.2 (8.7)
Month 24
n	16	17
Mean (SD)	88.5 (4.6)	79.2 (5.6)

Subgroup analyses evaluating the effects of age (adolescent versus adult) and sex (male versus female) showed consistent results on total hemoglobin, fetal hemoglobin and allelic editing.

Sickle Cell Disease

Trial 1 (NCT03745287) is an ongoing single-arm, multi-center trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of a single dose of CASGEVY in adult and adolescent patients with sickle cell disease. Eligible patients underwent mobilization and apheresis to collect CD34⁺ stem cells for CASGEVY manufacture, followed by myeloablative conditioning and infusion of CASGEVY. Patients were then followed in Trial 1 for 24 months after CASGEVY infusion. Patients who complete or discontinue from Trial 1 are encouraged to enroll in Trial 2 (NCT04208529), an ongoing long-term follow-up trial for additional follow up for a total of 15 years after CASGEVY infusion.

Patients were eligible for the trial if they had a history of at least 2 protocol-defined severe vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) events during each of the 2 years prior to screening. In this trial severe VOC is defined as an occurrence of at least one of the following events:

• Acute pain event requiring a visit to a medical facility and administration of pain medications (opioids or intravenous [IV] non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]) or RBC transfusions
• Acute chest syndrome
• Priapism lasting > 2 hours and requiring a visit to a medical facility
• Splenic sequestration.

Patients were excluded if they had advanced liver disease, history of untreated Moyamoya disease, or presence of Moyamoya disease that in the opinion of the investigator put the patient at risk of bleeding. Patients aged 12 to 16 years were required to have normal transcranial doppler (TCD), and patients aged 12 to 18 years were excluded if they had any history of abnormal TCD in the middle cerebral artery and the internal carotid artery. Patients with an available 10/10 human leukocyte antigen matched related hematopoietic stem cell donor were excluded. Patients with more than 10 unplanned hospitalizations or emergency department visits related to chronic pain rather than SCD-related acute pain crises in the year before screening were excluded.

At the time of the interim analysis, a total of 63 patients enrolled in the trial, of which 58 (92%) patients started mobilization. A total of 44 (76%) patients received CASGEVY infusion and formed the full analysis set (FAS). Thirty-one patients from the FAS (70%) had adequate follow-up to allow evaluation of the primary efficacy endpoint and formed the primary efficacy set (PES). The key demographics and baseline characteristics for all patients administered CASGEVY in Trial 1 are shown in Table 5 below. The baseline characteristics and demographics are consistent between the PES and the FAS.

Table 5: Demographics and baseline characteristics of patients treated with CASGEVY at the interim analysis in Trial 1

Demographics and disease characteristics	Full Analysis Set (FAS) Interim analysis conducted based on June 2023 data cut-off date. (N=44)	Primary Efficacy Set (PES) , The primary efficacy set (PES), is a subset of the full analysis set (FAS). The PES was defined as all patients who had been followed for at least 16 months after CASGEVY infusion. Patients who had less than 16 months follow-up due to death or discontinuation due to CASGEVY-related adverse events, or continuously received RBC transfusions for more than 10 months after CASGEVY were also included in this set. An additional patient who had less than 16 months of follow-up but was otherwise determined to be a non-responder for the primary efficacy endpoint, was also included in PES. (N=31)
Age, n (%)
Adults (≥ 18 and ≤ 35 years)	32 (73%)	24 (77%)
Adolescents (≥ 12 and < 18 years)	12 (27%)	7 (23%)
All ages (≥ 12 and ≤ 35 years)
Median (min, max)	20 (12, 34)	21 (12, 34)
Sex, n (%)
Female	20 (45%)	14 (45%)
Male	24 (55%)	17 (55%)
Race, n (%)
Black or African American	38 (86%)	27 (87%)
White	3 (7%)	1 (3%)
Other	3 (7%)	3 (10%)
Genotype, n (%)
βS/βS	40 (91%)	30 (97%)
βS/β0	3 (7%)	1 (3%)
βS/β+	1 (2%)	0
Annualized rate of severe VOCs in the 2 years prior to enrollment (events/year)
Median (min, max)	3.5 (2.0, 18.5)	3.5 (2.0, 18.5)
Annualized rate of hospitalizations due to severe VOCs in the 2 years prior to enrollment (events/year)
Median (min, max)	2.5 (0.5, 9.5)	2.0 (0.5, 8.5)

Mobilization and Apheresis

Patients underwent RBC exchange or simple transfusions for a minimum of 8 weeks before the planned start of mobilization and continued receiving transfusions or RBC exchanges until the initiation of myeloablative conditioning. Hemoglobin S (HbS) levels were maintained at < 30% of total Hb while keeping total Hb concentration ≤ 11 g/dL.

To mobilize stem cells for apheresis, patients in Trial 1 were administered plerixafor at a planned dose of 0.24 mg/kg via subcutaneous injection approximately 2 to 3 hours prior to each planned apheresis. Apheresis was carried out for up to 3 consecutive days to achieve the target collection of cells for manufacture and for the unmodified rescue CD34⁺ cells.

The mean (SD) and median (min, max) number of mobilization and apheresis cycles required for the manufacture of CASGEVY and for the back-up collection of rescue CD34⁺ cells were 2.3 (1.41) and 2 (1, 6), respectively. Six (10%) patients were unable to receive CASGEVY therapy due to not achieving the minimum dose.

Pre-treatment Conditioning

All patients received full myeloablative conditioning with busulfan prior to treatment with CASGEVY. Busulfan was administered for 4 consecutive days intravenously (IV) via a central venous catheter at a planned starting dose of 3.2 mg/kg/day once daily (qd) or 0.8 mg/kg every 6 hours (q6h). Busulfan plasma levels were measured by serial blood sampling and the dose adjusted to maintain exposure in the target range.

For the once daily dosing, four-day target cumulative busulfan exposure was 82 mg*h/L (range 74 to 90 mg*h/L), corresponding to AUC_0-24h of 5000 µM*min (range: 4500 to 5500 µM*min). For the every 6 hours dosing, the four-day target cumulative busulfan exposure was 74 mg*h/L (range 59 to 89 mg*h/L), corresponding to AUC_0-6h of 1125 µM*min (range: 900 to 1350 µM*min).

All patients received anti-seizure prophylaxis with agents other than phenytoin prior to initiating busulfan conditioning. Phenytoin was not used for anti-seizure prophylaxis because of its induction of cytochrome P-450 and resultant increased clearance of busulfan.

Prophylaxis for hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD)/hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome was administered, per regional and institutional guidelines.

CASGEVY Administration

Patients were administered CASGEVY with a median (min, max) dose of 4.0 (2.9, 14.4) × 10⁶ cells/kg as an IV infusion.

All patients were administered an antihistamine and an antipyretic prior to CASGEVY infusion.

After CASGEVY Administration

G-CSF was not recommended within the first 21 days after CASGEVY infusion.

As CASGEVY is an autologous therapy, immunosuppressive agents were not required after initial myeloablative conditioning.

Efficacy Results

An interim analysis (IA) was conducted with 31 patients eligible for the primary efficacy analysis, i.e., the primary efficacy set (PES). The median (min, max) total duration of follow up was 19.3 (0.8, 48.1) months from the time of CASGEVY infusion in FAS. There were no cases of graft failure or graft rejection.

The primary efficacy outcome was the proportion of VF12 responders, defined as patients who did not experience any protocol-defined severe VOCs for at least 12 consecutive months within the first 24 months after CASGEVY infusion in Trial 1. The proportion of patients who did not require hospitalization due to severe VOCs for at least 12 consecutive months within the 24-month evaluation period (HF12) was also assessed. The evaluation of VF12 and HF12 began 60 days after the last RBC transfusion for post-transplant support or SCD management. The median (min, max) time to the last RBC transfusion was 19 (11, 52) days following CASGEVY infusion for patients in the primary efficacy set.

The interim analysis occurred at the time when the alpha spending was approximately 0.02 for a one-sided test, when 31 patients were evaluable for VF12 responder status. The VF12 response rate was 29/31 (93.5%, 98% one-sided CI: 77.9%, 100.0%). The 29 VF12 responders did not experience protocol defined severe VOCs during the evaluation period with a median duration of 22.2 months at the time of the interim analysis. One VF12 responder, after initially achieving a VF12 response, experienced an acute pain episode meeting the definition of a severe VOC at Month 22.8 requiring a 5-day hospitalization; this patient was reported to have a parvovirus B19 infection at the time. Of the 31 patients evaluable for VF12 response, one patient was not evaluable for HF12 response; the remaining 30 patients (100% [98% one-sided CI: 87.8%, 100.0%]) achieved the endpoint of HF12.

Prior to treatment, advise patients of the following:

• Risks of mobilization and conditioning agents - Advise patients of the risks associated with mobilization and myeloablative conditioning agents and to read the FDA approved patient labeling (Patient Information) for these agents.
• Potential need for additional cell collection - Ensure patients understand that if the minimum dose of CASGEVY is not met after initial product manufacturing, additional cycles of mobilization and apheresis will be needed to collect additional cells for product manufacture. [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
• Concomitant medications - Advise patients of the need to avoid the following medications:
  • Disease modifying therapies in SCD (e.g., hydroxyurea, crizanlizumab, voxelotor) should be discontinued 8 weeks before the planned start of mobilization and conditioning [see Drug Interactions (7.2), (7.3)].
  • Iron chelation should be stopped at least 7 days prior to myeloablative conditioning. If iron chelation is required, the use of non-myelosuppressive iron chelators should be avoided for at least 3 months after CASGEVY administration and use of myelosuppressive iron chelators should be avoided for at least 6 months after CASGEVY administration. Phlebotomy can be used in lieu of iron chelation, when appropriate [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].

  After treatment, advise patients of the following:

  • Risk of neutrophil engraftment failure - Advise patients they will need to receive rescue treatment with their collection of unmodified CD34⁺ cells if they do not achieve neutrophil engraftment after CASGEVY administration [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
  • Risk of bleeding - There is an increased risk of bleeding from initiation of myeloablative conditioning until platelet engraftment is achieved. Advise patients to monitor for signs and symptoms of new or worsening bleeding or bruising and have frequent blood draws for platelet counts, until platelet recovery has been achieved [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
  • Donation of blood products - Advise patients that they should not donate blood, organs, tissues, or cells at any time in the future [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

  Manufactured for:
  Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
  Boston, MA 02210
  US License No 2279

  CASGEVY word mark and design are trademarks of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.
  VERTEX and the VERTEX triangle logo are registered trademarks of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.
  All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.
  ©2023 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  
  

2.3 Administration

CASGEVY is for autologous use only. Before infusion, confirm that the patient's identity matches the unique patient identifiers on the CASGEVY vial(s). Do not infuse CASGEVY if the information on the patient-specific label does not match the intended patient.

A patient's dose may consist of multiple vials. All vials must be administered. Use the Lot Information Sheet to confirm the total number of vials to be administered. The entire volume of each vial provided should be infused. If more than one vial is provided, administer each vial completely before proceeding to thaw and infuse the next vial.

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

g.

h.

i.

a.

b.

c.

1. Attaching the vial adapter and filter
Image - casgevy 01
2. Withdrawing CASGEVY from the vial
3. Administer CASGEVY through central venous catheter

Repeat steps 1-3 for each remaining vial. If more than one vial is needed to achieve the patient-specific dose, administer each vial completely before proceeding to thaw and infuse the next vial.

3 Dosage Forms And Strengths

CASGEVY is a cell suspension for intravenous infusion.

A single dose of CASGEVY is composed of one or more vials. Each vial contains 4 to 13 × 10⁶ CD34⁺ cells/mL suspended in 1.5 to 20 mL cryopreservative medium [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)]. The minimum recommended dose of CASGEVY is 3 × 10⁶ CD34⁺ cells per kg of body weight.

See the Lot Information Sheet for actual strength and dose. The Lot Information Sheet is included inside the lid of the liquid nitrogen dry shipper used to transport CASGEVY.

4 Contraindications.

None.

5.1 Potential Neutrophil Engraftment Failure

Neutrophil engraftment failure is a potential risk in HSC transplant, defined as not achieving neutrophil engraftment after CASGEVY infusion and requiring use of unmodified rescue CD34⁺ cells. In the clinical trial, all treated patients achieved neutrophil engraftment and no patients received rescue CD34⁺ cells.

Monitor absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) and manage infections according to standard guidelines and medical judgement. In the event of neutrophil engraftment failure, patients should be infused with rescue CD34⁺ cells [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

5.2 Prolonged Time To Platelet Engraftment

Longer median platelet engraftment times were observed with CASGEVY treatment compared to allogeneic HSC transplant. There is an increased risk of bleeding until platelet engraftment is achieved. In the clinical trial, there was no association observed between incidence of serious bleeding and time to platelet engraftment.

Monitor patients for bleeding according to standard guidelines and medical judgement. Conduct frequent platelet counts until platelet engraftment and platelet recovery are achieved. Perform blood cell count determination and other appropriate testing whenever clinical symptoms suggestive of bleeding arise [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

5.3 Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis can occur due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or dextran 40 in the cryopreservative solution. Monitor patients for hypersensitivity reactions during and after infusion.

5.4 Off-Target Genome Editing Risk

Although off-target genome editing was not observed in the edited CD34⁺ cells evaluated from healthy donors and patients, the risk of unintended, off-target editing in an individual's CD34⁺ cells cannot be ruled out due to genetic variants. The clinical significance of potential off-target editing is unknown.

6 Adverse Reactions

The most common Grade 3 or 4 non-laboratory adverse reactions (occurring in ≥ 25%) were mucositis, febrile neutropenia, and decreased appetite.

The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (occurring in ≥ 50%) were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, anemia, and lymphopenia.

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:

• Potential Neutrophil Engraftment Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Prolonged Time to Platelet Engraftment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

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 safety of CASGEVY in patients with SCD was evaluated in an open-label, single-arm trial (Trial 1) and a long-term follow-up trial (Trial 2), in which 44 adolescent and adult patients with SCD were treated with CASGEVY after undergoing myeloablative conditioning with busulfan. The adverse event profile was generally consistent with that expected from busulfan myeloablative conditioning and HSC transplant.

The median (min, max) duration of follow-up for 44 patients with SCD after being administered CASGEVY was 19.3 (0.8, 48.1) months.

Serious adverse reactions after myeloablative conditioning and CASGEVY infusion were observed in 45% of patients with SCD. The most common serious adverse reactions (≥ 2 patients) were cholelithiasis, pneumonia, abdominal pain, constipation, pyrexia, abdominal pain upper, non-cardiac chest pain, oropharyngeal pain, pain, and sepsis. One (2%) patient died due to a COVID-19 infection and subsequent respiratory failure. The event was not related to CASGEVY.

Table 1 presents the Grade 3 or 4 non-laboratory adverse reactions observed after myeloablative conditioning and CASGEVY infusion in at least 10% of patients in Trial 1. Table 2 presents the Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities that occurred in at least 10% of patients with SCD.

Other clinically important adverse reactions that occurred in less than 10% of patients with SCD or were Grade 1 or Grade 2 include the following:

Hepatobiliary disorders: Veno-occlusive liver disease (1 [2%] patient).

Infusion-related reactions: 6 (14%) patients, including preferred terms of abdominal pain in 3 (7%) patients; and infusion-related reaction, nausea, non-cardiac chest pain, pruritus, sinus tachycardia, and vomiting in 1 (2%) patient each.

7 Drug Interactions

No formal drug interaction studies have been performed. CASGEVY is not expected to interact with the hepatic cytochrome P-450 family of enzymes or drug transporters.

7.1 Use Of Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-Csf)

Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) must not be used for CD34⁺ HSC mobilization of patients with sickle cell disease.

7.2 Use Of Hydroxyurea

Discontinue the use of hydroxyurea at least 8 weeks prior to start of each mobilization cycle and conditioning. There is no experience of the use of hydroxyurea after CASGEVY infusion.

7.3 Use Of Voxelotor And Crizanlizumab

Discontinue the use of voxelotor and crizanlizumab at least 8 weeks prior to start of mobilization and conditioning, as their interaction potential with mobilization and myeloablative conditioning agents is not known.

7.4 Use Of Iron Chelators

Discontinue the use of iron chelators at least 7 days prior to initiation of myeloablative conditioning, due to potential interaction with the conditioning agent. Some iron chelators are myelosuppressive. If iron chelation is required, avoid the use of non-myelosuppressive iron chelators for at least 3 months and use of myelosuppressive iron chelators for at least 6 months after CASGEVY infusion. Phlebotomy can be used instead of iron chelation, when appropriate.

7.5 Live Vaccines

The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following CASGEVY treatment has not been studied.

8 Use In Specific Populations

Consider the risks of mobilization and myeloablative conditioning agents in patients with reproductive potential and patients that are pregnant or breast-feeding.

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and efficacy of CASGEVY has been established in pediatric patients with SCD aged 12 years and older. Use of CASGEVY is supported by data in 12 patients aged 12 to less than 18 years in Trial 1. The efficacy and safety profile was generally consistent among pediatric patients aged 12 years and older and adult patients. [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14.1)].

The median (min, max) time to platelet engraftment was 45 (23, 81) days in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older and 32 (23, 126) days in adult patients. The median (min, max) time to neutrophil engraftment was 28 (24, 40) days in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older and 26 (15, 38) days in adult patients.

The safety and efficacy of CASGEVY in pediatric patients aged less than 12 years has not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

CASGEVY has not been studied in patients > 65 years of age. HSC transplantation must be appropriate for a patient to be treated with CASGEVY.

8.6 Patients With Renal Impairment

CASGEVY has not been studied in patients with renal impairment, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m². Patients should be assessed for renal impairment to ensure HSC transplantation is appropriate.

8.7 Patients With Hepatic Impairment

CASGEVY has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. Patients should be assessed for hepatic impairment to ensure HSC transplantation is appropriate.

8.8 Patients Seropositive For Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv), Hepatitis B Virus (Hbv) Or Hepatitis C Virus (Hcv)

CASGEVY has not been studied in patients with HIV-1, HIV-2, HBV or HCV. Perform screening for HIV-1, HIV-2, HBV and HCV and any other infectious agents in accordance with local guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing. CASGEVY should not be used in patients with active HIV-1, HIV-2, HBV or HCV.

8.9 Patients With Prior Hsc Transplant

CASGEVY has not been studied in patients who have received a prior allogeneic or autologous HSC transplant. Treatment with CASGEVY is not recommended in these patients.

11 Description

CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel) is a cellular gene therapy consisting of autologous CD34⁺ HSCs edited by CRISPR/Cas9-technology at the erythroid specific enhancer region of the BCL11A gene to reduce BCL11A expression in erythroid lineage cells, leading to increased fetal hemoglobin (HbF) protein production.

CASGEVY is prepared from the patient's own HSCs, which are obtained via apheresis procedure(s). The autologous cells are enriched for CD34⁺ cells, and then genome edited ex vivo by introducing the CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex by electroporation. The guide RNA included in the RNP complex enables CRISPR/Cas9 to make a precise DNA double-strand break at a critical transcription factor binding site (GATA1) in the erythroid specific enhancer region of the BCL11A gene. As a result of the editing, GATA1 binding is disrupted and BCL11A expression is reduced. This reduction in BCL11A expression conversely results in an increase in gamma-globin expression and downstream fetal hemoglobin formation.

The edited CD34⁺ cells are formulated into a suspension in a sterile cryo-preservative medium and cryopreserved. CASGEVY is shipped as a frozen suspension in patient-specific vial(s). The product is thawed prior to infusion, and administered as a HSC transplant [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)]. Due to the presence of cells, the thawed product may be clear to slightly cloudy and may contain small inherent proteinaceous particles or visible cell aggregates.

The formulation contains 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dextran 40.

12.1 Mechanism Of Action

After CASGEVY infusion, the edited CD34⁺ cells engraft in the bone marrow and differentiate to erythroid lineage cells with reduced BCL11A expression. Reduced BCL11A expression results in an increase in γ-globin expression and HbF protein production in erythroid cells. In patients with severe sickle cell disease, HbF expression reduces intracellular hemoglobin S (HbS) concentration, preventing the red blood cells from sickling and addressing the underlying cause of disease, thereby eliminating VOCs.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

CASGEVY is an autologous cellular therapy which includes CD34⁺ cells that have been edited ex vivo. The nature of CASGEVY is such that conventional studies on pharmacokinetics, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination are not applicable.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Conventional mutagenicity and carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted for CASGEVY. No studies on the effects of CASGEVY on fertility have been conducted.

15 References

• N Engl J Med. 2021; 384:252-260 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2031054

16 How Supplied/Storage And Handling

CASGEVY is supplied in one or more vials containing a frozen suspension of genome edited autologous CD34⁺ cells in a cryo-preservative medium containing 5% DMSO and dextran 40.

CASGEVY is stored in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen and is shipped from the manufacturing facility to the treatment center storage facility in a cryoshipper. CASGEVY is supplied in vial(s) packaged in carton(s). One carton contains a single lot of CASGEVY consisting of 1 to 9 vials. A single dose of CASGEVY may consist of multiple CASGEVY lots, and therefore may consist of multiple cartons. A Lot Information Sheet listing the total dose of CASGEVY is affixed inside the shipper.

Storage And Handling

NDC 51167-290-09

• Match the identity of the patient with the patient identifiers on each carton, vial, and Lot Information Sheet upon receipt.
• Store the vial(s) in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen at ≤ -135 °C (≤ -211 °F) until ready for thaw and administration.
• Thaw CASGEVY prior to administration. Thaw and infuse one vial of CASGEVY at a time [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), (2.3)].
• Once thawed, CASGEVY must be administered within 20 minutes [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), (2.3)].
• Do not re-freeze CASGEVY after thawing.
• Do not irradiate CASGEVY.

17 Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).

Spl Patient Package Insert

Patient Information is perforated for dispensing to the patient.

Principal Display Panel - 20 Ml Vial Carton

NDC 51167-290-09
Rx Only

exagamglogene autotemcel
casgevy™

4-13 × 10⁶ CD34⁺ cells/mL

suspension for IV infusion

For autologous and intravenous use only

Each vial contains autologous genome edited hematopoietic stem cells
at a concentration of 4-13 × 10⁶ CD34⁺ cells/mL suspended in 1.5 to 20 mL
of cryopreservative medium containing 5% DMSO and dextran 40.

The full dose is provided in one or more vial(s).

Patient ID: V0000000

First Name: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Last Name: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Patient DOB: YYYY-MMM-DD

COI ID: 0000000000

LOT: 0000000000000
EXP: YYYY-MMM-DD

DIN 1: 0000000000000
DIN 2: 0000000000000
DIN 3: 0000000000000

Number of vials: X

DIN 1:

DIN 2:

DIN 3:

1643-1537-1538-00

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 20 mL Vial Carton - casgevy 05