Ipilimumab

YERVOY is a human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4)-blocking antibody indicated for: Melanoma

• Treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older as a single agent or in combination with nivolumab. (1.1)
• Adjuvant treatment of adult patients with cutaneous melanoma with pathologic involvement of regional lymph nodes of more than 1 mm who have undergone complete resection, including total lymphadenectomy. (1.2) Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)
• Treatment of adult patients with intermediate or poor risk advanced renal cell carcinoma, as first-line treatment in combination with nivolumab. (1.3) Colorectal Cancer
• Treatment of adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-authorized test in combination with nivolumab. (1.4) Hepatocellular Carcinoma
• adult patients with unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as first-line treatment in combination with nivolumab. ( 1.5 )
• in combination with nivolumab in adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HCC who have been previously treated with sorafenib. (1.5) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
• Treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer expressing PD-L1 (≥1%) as determined by an FDA-authorized test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, as first-line treatment in combination with nivolumab. (1.6)
• Treatment of adult patients with metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations as first-line treatment, in combination with nivolumab and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy. (1.6) Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
• Treatment of adult patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma, as first-line treatment in combination with nivolumab. (1.7) Esophageal Cancer
• Treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, as first line treatment in combination with nivolumab whose tumors express PD-L1 (≥1). (1.8)

1.1 Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma YERVOY, as a single agent or in combination with nivolumab, is indicated for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older.

1.2 Adjuvant Treatment of Melanoma YERVOY is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with cutaneous melanoma with pathologic involvement of regional lymph nodes of more than 1 mm who have undergone complete resection, including total lymphadenectomy.

1.3 Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma YERVOY, in combination with nivolumab, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with intermediate or poor risk advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

1.4 Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

• YERVOY, in combination with nivolumab, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-authorized test .

1.5 Hepatocellular Carcinoma

• YERVOY, in combination with nivolumab, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• YERVOY, in combination with nivolumab, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HCC who have been previously treated with sorafenib.

1.6 Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer YERVOY, in combination with nivolumab, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (≥1%) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] , with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. YERVOY, in combination with nivolumab and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic or recurrent NSCLC, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.

1.7 Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma YERVOY, in combination with nivolumab, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma.

1.8 Esophageal Cancer YERVOY, in combination with nivolumab, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (≥1) [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] .

Injection: 50 mg/10 mL (5 mg/mL) and 200 mg/40 mL (5 mg/mL) as a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale-yellow solution in a single-dose vial.

• Injection: 50 mg/10 mL (5 mg/mL) and 200 mg/40 mL (5 mg/mL) in a single-dose vial. (3)

None.

• None. (4)

• Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions : Immune-mediated adverse reactions (IMAR) can occur in any organ system or tissue, including the following: immune-mediated colitis, immune-mediated hepatitis, immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions, immune-mediated endocrinopathies, immune-mediated pneumonitis, and immune-mediated nephritis with renal dysfunction, and can occur at any time during treatment or after discontinuation. Monitor for symptoms and signs that may be clinical manifestations of IMAR. Evaluate clinical chemistries including liver enzymes, creatinine, adrenocorticotropic hormone level and thyroid function including at baseline and before each dose. In general, withhold YERVOY for severe (grade 3) and permanently discontinue for life-threatening (grade 4) immune-mediated adverse reactions. See Full Prescribing Information for additional dosage modifications. ( 2.3 , 5.1 )
• Infusion-Related Reactions : Discontinue for severe and life-threatening infusion-related reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion in patients with mild or moderate infusion-related reactions. ( 2.3 , 5.2 )
• Complications of allogeneic HSCT : Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic HSCT before or after being treated with YERVOY. (5.3)
• Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise of potential risk to a fetus and use of effective contraception. ( 5.4 , 8.1 , 8.3 )

5.1 Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions YERVOY is a fully human monoclonal antibody that blocks T-cell inhibitory signals induced by the CTLA-4 pathway, thereby removing inhibition of the immune response with the potential for induction of immune-mediated adverse reactions. Immune-mediated adverse reactions listed herein may not be inclusive of all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated reactions. Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue. Immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur at any time after starting YERVOY. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment, immune-mediated adverse reactions can also manifest after discontinuation of YERVOY. Early identification and management are essential to ensure safe use of YERVOY. Monitor for signs and symptoms that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate clinical chemistries including liver enzymes, creatinine, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function at baseline and before each dose. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate. Withhold or permanently discontinue YERVOY depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ]. In general, if YERVOY 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 Colitis YERVOY can cause immune-mediated colitis, which may be fatal. 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. YERVOY 3 mg/kg as a Single Agent Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 12% (62/511) of patients who received YERVOY 3 mg/kg as a single agent, including Grade 3-5 (7%) and Grade 2 (5%). Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY in 4.3% and withholding of at least one dose of YERVOY in 0.2% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 74% (46/62) of patients with immune-mediated colitis. Five patients required coadministration of another immunosuppressant with corticosteroids. Colitis resolved in 76% of the 62 patients. One patient was withheld one or more doses of YERVOY for colitis, and no patient received additional treatment after symptom improvement. YERVOY 1 mg/kg with 3 mg/kg Nivolumab Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 9% (60/666) of patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab for the treatment of RCC or mCRC, including Grade 3 (4.4%), and Grade 2 (3.7%). Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY and nivolumab in 3.2% and withholding of YERVOY and nivolumab in 2.7% of patients. In patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab, use of systemic corticosteroids was one of the diagnostic criteria required to identify immune-mediated colitis. Systemic corticosteroids were therefore required in 100% (60/60) of patients with immune-mediated colitis. Approximately 23% of patients required coadministration of another immunosuppressant with corticosteroids. Colitis resolved in 95% of the 60 patients. Of the 18 patients in whom YERVOY or nivolumab was withheld for colitis, 16 received additional treatment after symptom improvement; of these, 10 had recurrence of colitis. YERVOY 3 mg/kg with 1 mg/kg Nivolumab Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 25% (115/456) of patients with melanoma or HCC receiving YERVOY 3 mg/kg with nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks, including Grade 4 (0.4%), Grade 3 (14%), and Grade 2 (8%) adverse reactions. Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY with nivolumab in 14% and withholding of treatment in 4.4% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 100% (115/115) of patients with colitis. Approximately 23% of patients required addition of infliximab to high-dose corticosteroids. Colitis resolved in 93% of 115 patients. Of the 20 patients in whom YERVOY with nivolumab was withheld for colitis, 16 reinitiated treatment after symptom improvement, and 9 had recurrence of colitis. Immune-Mediated Hepatitis YERVOY 3 mg/kg as a Single Agent Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 4.1% (21/511) of patients who received YERVOY 3 mg/kg as a single agent, including Grade 3-5 (1.6%) and Grade 2 (2.5%). Hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY in 0.4% of patients and withholding of at least one dose of YERVOY in none of the patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 29% (6/21) of patients with immune-mediated hepatitis. No patients required the coadministration of another immunosuppressant with corticosteroids. Hepatitis resolved in 86% of the 21 patients. YERVOY 3 mg/kg with Vemurafenib The safety and effectiveness of YERVOY in combination with vemurafenib have not been established [see Indications and Usage (1) ] . In a dose-finding trial, Grade 3 increases in transaminases with or without concomitant increases in total bilirubin occurred in 6 of 10 patients who received concurrent YERVOY (3 mg/kg) and vemurafenib (960 mg or 720 mg twice daily). YERVOY 1 mg/kg with 3 mg/kg Nivolumab Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 7% (48/666) of patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab for the treatment of RCC or mCRC, including Grade 4 (1.2%), Grade 3 (4.9%), and Grade 2 (0.4%). Hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of YERVOY and nivolumab in 3.6% and withholding of YERVOY and nivolumab in 2.6% of patients. In patients who received YERVOY 1 mg/kg with nivolumab, use of systemic corticosteroids was one of the diagnostic criteria required to identify immune-mediated hepatitis. Systemic corticosteroids were therefore required in 100% (48/48) of patients with immune-mediated hepatitis. Approximately 19% of patients required coadministration of another immunosuppressant with corticosteroids. Hepatitis resolved in 88% of the 48 patients. Of the 17 patients in whom YERVOY or nivolumab was withheld for hepatitis, 14 received additional treatment after symptom improvement; of these, 10 had recurrence of hepatitis. […]

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

• Severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
• Infusion-related reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Most common adverse reactions (≥20%) with YERVOY as a single agent are fatigue, diarrhea, pruritus, rash, nausea, and headache. (6.1) Most common adverse reactions (≥20%) with YERVOY in combination with nivolumab are fatigue, diarrhea, rash, pruritus, nausea, musculoskeletal pain, pyrexia, cough, decreased appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspnea, upper respiratory tract infection, arthralgia, headache, hypothyroidism, constipation, decreased weight, and dizziness. (6.1) Most common adverse reactions (≥20%) with YERVOY in combination with nivolumab and platinum-doublet chemotherapy are fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, diarrhea, rash, decreased appetite, constipation, and pruritus. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1-800-721-5072 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

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 with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The data described in the Warnings and Precautions section reflect exposure to YERVOY 3 mg/kg as a single agent (or in combination with an investigational gp100 peptide vaccine) in 511 patients in Study MDX010-20; YERVOY 1 mg/kg administered with nivolumab 3 mg/kg in 1,362 patients in CHECKMATE-214, CHECKMATE-142, CHECKMATE-227, and CHECKMATE-743; YERVOY 3 mg/kg administered with nivolumab 1 mg/kg in 456 patients enrolled in CHECKMATE-067, CHECKMATE-040, and another randomized trial; and to YERVOY 1 mg/kg, administered in combination with nivolumab and platinum-doublet chemotherapy in CHECKMATE-9LA. Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma The safety of YERVOY was evaluated in 643 previously treated patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma in Study MDX010-20 [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Study MDX010-20 excluded patients with active autoimmune disease or those receiving systemic immunosuppression for organ transplantation. Patients received YERVOY 3 mg/kg by intravenous infusion for 4 doses as a single agent (n=131), YERVOY with an investigational gp100 peptide vaccine (n=380), or gp100 peptide vaccine as a single agent (n=132). Patients in the trial received a median of 4 doses (range: 1 to 4 doses). The trial population characteristics were: median age 57 years (range: 19 to 90), 59% male, 94% White, and baseline ECOG performance status 0 (56%). YERVOY was discontinued for adverse reactions in 10% of patients. Table 4 presents adverse reactions from Study MDX010-20. Table 4: Selected Adverse Reactions (≥5%) in Patients Receiving YERVOY with a Difference Between Arms of >5% for All Grades and >1% for Grades 3 to 5 Compared to gp100 Peptide Vaccine in Study MDX010-20 Adverse Reactions YERVOY 3 mg/kg n=131 YERVOY 3 mg/kg and gp100 n=380 gp100 n=132 All Grades (%) Grade 3 to 5 (%) All Grades (%) Grade 3 to 5 (%) All Grades (%) Grade 3 to 5 (%) General and Administration-Site Conditions Fatigue 41 7 34 5 31 3 Gastrointestinal Diarrhea 32 5 37 4 20 1 Colitis 8 5 5 3 2 0 Dermatologic Pruritus 31 0 21 <1 11 0 Rash 29 2 25 2 8 0 Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma: In Combination with Nivolumab The safety of YERVOY, administered with nivolumab or as a single agent, was evaluated in CHECKMATE-067, a randomized (1:1:1), double-blind trial in 937 patients with previously untreated, unresectable or metastatic melanoma [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . The trial excluded patients with autoimmune disease, a medical condition requiring systemic treatment with corticosteroids (more than 10 mg daily prednisone equivalent) or other immunosuppressive medication within 14 days of the start of study therapy, a positive test result for hepatitis B or C, or a history of HIV. Patients were randomized to receive:

• YERVOY 3 mg/kg by intravenous infusion over 90 minutes with nivolumab 1 mg/kg by intravenous infusion every 3 weeks for 4 doses followed by nivolumab as a single agent at a dose of 3 mg/kg by intravenous infusion every 2 weeks (YERVOY and nivolumab arm; n=313), or
• Nivolumab 3 mg/kg by intravenous infusion every 2 weeks (nivolumab arm; n=313), or
• YERVOY 3 mg/kg by intravenous infusion over 90 minutes every 3 weeks for up to 4 doses (YERVOY arm; n=311). The median duration of exposure to nivolumab was 2.8 months (range: 1 day to 36.4 months) for the YERVOY and nivolumab arm. In the YERVOY and nivolumab arm, 39% were exposed to nivolumab for ≥6 months and 30% exposed for >1 year. Serious adverse reactions (74%), adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation (47%) or to dosing delays (58%), and Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (72%) occurred in patients treated with YERVOY and nivolumab. The most frequent (≥10%) serious adverse reactions in the YERVOY and nivolumab arm were diarrhea (13%), colitis (10%), and pyrexia (10%). The most frequent adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of both drugs in the YERVOY and nivolumab arm were colitis (10%), diarrhea (8%), increased ALT (4.8%), increased AST (4.5%), and pneumonitis (1.9%). The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions in the YERVOY and nivolumab arm were fatigue, diarrhea, rash, nausea, pyrexia, pruritus, musculoskeletal pain, vomiting, decreased appetite, cough, headache, dyspnea, upper respiratory tract infection, arthralgia, and increased transaminases. Tables 5 and 6 summarize the incidence of adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, respectively, in CHECKMATE-067. Table 5: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥10% of Patients on the YERVOY and Nivolumab Arm or the Nivolumab Arm and at a Higher Incidence than in the YERVOY Arm (Between Arm Difference of ≥5% All Grades or ≥2% Grades 3-4) – CHECKMATE-067 Toxicity was graded per NCI CTCAE v4. a Includes asthenia and fatigue. b Includes pustular rash, dermatitis, acneiform dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, bullous dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, psoriasiform dermatitis, drug eruption, exfoliative rash, erythematous rash, generalized rash, macular rash, maculopapular rash, morbilliform rash, papular rash, papulosquamous rash, and pruritic rash. c Includes back pain, bone pain, musculoskeletal chest pain, musculoskeletal discomfort, myalgia, neck pain, pain in extremity, and spinal pain. d Includes upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, and rhinitis. e Includes hypertension and blood pressure increased. […]

• Lactation : Advise not to breastfeed. ( 8.2 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] , YERVOY can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There is insufficient human data for YERVOY exposure in pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, administration of ipilimumab to cynomolgus monkeys from the onset of organogenesis through delivery resulted in higher incidences of abortion, stillbirth, premature delivery (with corresponding lower birth weight), and higher incidences of infant mortality in a dose-related manner (see Data ) . The effects of ipilimumab are likely to be greater during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Human IgG1 is known to cross the placental barrier and ipilimumab is an IgG1; therefore, ipilimumab has the potential to be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Report pregnancies to Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1-844-593-7869. 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 In a combined study of embryo-fetal and peri-postnatal development, pregnant cynomolgus monkeys received ipilimumab every 3 weeks from the onset of organogenesis in the first trimester through parturition. No treatment-related adverse effects on reproduction were detected during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. Beginning in the third trimester, administration of ipilimumab at doses resulting in exposures approximately 2.6 to 7.2 times the human exposure at a dose of 3 mg/kg resulted in dose-related increases in abortion, stillbirth, premature delivery (with corresponding lower birth weight), and an increased incidence of infant mortality. In addition, developmental abnormalities were identified in the urogenital system of 2 infant monkeys exposed in utero to 30 mg/kg of ipilimumab (7.2 times the humans exposure based on area under the curve at a dose of 3 mg/kg). One female infant monkey had unilateral renal agenesis of the left kidney and ureter, and 1 male infant monkey had an imperforate urethra with associated urinary obstruction and subcutaneous scrotal edema. Genetically engineered mice heterozygous for CTLA-4 (CTLA-4+/−), the target for ipilimumab, appeared healthy and gave birth to healthy CTLA-4+/− heterozygous offspring. Mated CTLA-4+/− heterozygous mice also produced offspring deficient in CTLA-4 (homozygous negative, CTLA-4−/−). The CTLA-4−/− homozygous negative offspring appeared healthy at birth, exhibited signs of multiorgan lymphoproliferative disease by 2 weeks of age, and all died by 3 to 4 weeks of age with massive lymphoproliferation and multiorgan tissue destruction.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of YERVOY in human milk or its effects on the breastfed child or milk production. In monkeys, ipilimumab was present in milk (see Data ) . Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with YERVOY and for 3 months following the last dose. Data In monkeys treated at dose levels resulting in exposures 2.6 and 7.2 times higher than those in humans at a 3 mg/kg dose, ipilimumab was present in milk at concentrations of 0.1 mcg/mL and 0.4 mcg/mL, representing a ratio of up to 0.3% of the steady-state serum concentration of the drug.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating YERVOY [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Contraception YERVOY 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 YERVOY and for 3 months following the last dose.

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of YERVOY have been established in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older for the following indications: as a single agent and in combination with nivolumab for unresectable or metastatic melanoma, in combination with nivolumab for the treatment of MSI-H or dMMR unresectable and metastatic CRC, and in combination with nivolumab for MSI-H or dMMR mCRC that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. Use of YERVOY for these indications is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults with melanoma or MSI-H or dMMR mCRC and additional pharmacokinetic data in pediatric patients. Ipilimumab exposures in pediatric patients 12 years and older are comparable to that of adults, and the courses of melanoma and MSI-H or dMMR mCRC are similar in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older to that of adults to allow extrapolation of safety and efficacy [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) , Clinical Studies (14.4) ] . The safety and effectiveness of YERVOY have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 12 years old with unresectable or metastatic melanoma or MSI-H or dMMR mCRC. The safety and effectiveness of YERVOY have not been established in pediatric patients for the adjuvant treatment of melanoma or for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma and esophageal cancer. In a dose-finding trial (NCT01445379), 33 patients aged 2 to 21 years (median 13 years) with relapsed or refractory solid tumors were evaluated including unresectable stage IIIc or stage IV melanoma (12), progressive or refractory sarcomas (17), renal or bladder carcinoma (3), and neuroblastoma (1). No responses in the patients with non-melanoma solid tumors and no new safety signals were observed in pediatric patients in this study.

8.5 Geriatric Use Single Agent Of the 511 patients treated with YERVOY in Study MDX010-20 (unresectable or metastatic melanoma), 28% were 65 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients. In Combination with Nivolumab Of the 314 patients randomized to YERVOY administered with nivolumab in CHECKMATE-067, 41% were 65 years or older and 11% were 75 years or older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were reported between elderly patients and younger patients. Of the 576 patients randomized to YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks with nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks in CHECKMATE-227 (NSCLC), 48% were 65 years or older and 10% were 75 years or older. No overall difference in safety was reported between older patients and younger patients; however, there was a higher discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions in patients aged 75 years or older (29%) relative to all patients who received YERVOY with nivolumab (18%). Of the 396 patients in the primary efficacy population (PD-L1 ≥1%) randomized to YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks with nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks in CHECKMATE-227, the hazard ratio for overall survival was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.89) in the 199 patients younger than 65 years compared to 0.91 (95% CI: 0.72, 1.15) in the 197 patients 65 years or older [see Clinical Studies (14.6) ] . Of the 303 patients randomized to YERVOY 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks in combination with nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks in CHECKMATE-743 (malignant pleural mesothelioma), 77% were 65 years old or older and 26% were 75 years or older. No overall difference in safety was reported between older patients and younger patients; however, there were higher rates of serious adverse reactions and discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions in patients aged 75 years or older (68% and 35%, respectively) relative to all patients who received YERVOY with nivolumab (54% and 28%, respectively). […]

CTLA-4 is a negative regulator of T-cell activity. Ipilimumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to CTLA-4 and blocks the interaction of CTLA-4 with its ligands, CD80/CD86. Blockade of CTLA-4 has been shown to augment T-cell activation and proliferation, including the activation and proliferation of tumor infiltrating T-effector cells. Inhibition of CTLA-4 signaling can also reduce T-regulatory cell function, which may contribute to a general increase in T-cell responsiveness, including the anti-tumor immune response.