Alofisel

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ANNEX I

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS



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This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of 
new safety information. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions. 
See section 4.8 for how to report adverse reactions.

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Alofisel 5 million cells/mL suspension for injection

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

2.1 General description

Darvadstrocel is expanded human allogeneic mesenchymal adult stem cells extracted from adipose 
tissue (expanded adipose stem cells - eASC).

2.2 Qualitative and quantitative composition

Each vial contains a suspension of 30 million cells (eASC) in 6 mL solution, corresponding to a 
concentration of 5 million cells/mL.

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Suspension for injection.
The suspension of cells may have settled in the bottom of the vial forming a sediment. After gentle
re-suspension, the product is a white to yellowish homogeneous suspension.

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Alofisel is indicated for the treatment of complex perianal fistulas in adult patients with 
non-active/mildly active luminal Crohn’s disease, when fistulas have shown an inadequate response to 
at least one conventional or biologic therapy. Alofisel should be used only after conditioning of the
fistulas (see section 4.2).

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Alofisel should only be administered by specialist physicians experienced in the diagnosis and 
treatment of conditions for which Alofisel is indicated.

Posology

A single dose of Alofisel consists of 120 million cells supplied in 4 vials. Each vial contains 
30 million cells in 6 mL of suspension. The full content of the 4 vials must be administered for the 
treatment of up to two internal openings and up to three external openings. This means that with a 
dose of 120 million cells it is possible to treat up to three fistula tracts that open to the perianal area.

The efficacy or safety of repeat administration of Alofisel has not been established.



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Special populations

Elderly 
Data on the use of darvadstrocel in the elderly population are limited, however, given the cell-based 
nature of darvadstrocel and its local administration route it is not expected that the benefit-risk profile 
of darvadstrocel in elderly patients will differ from that observed in non-elderly patients. Therefore, no 
dose adjustment is required in elderly patients.

Hepatic or renal impairment
Data on the use of darvadstrocel in patients with hepatic or renal impairment are not available, 
however, given the cell-based nature of darvadstrocel and its local administration route it is not 
expected that the benefit-risk profile of darvadstrocel in hepatically or renally impaired patients will 
differ from that observed in non-hepatically or non-renally impaired patients. Therefore, no dose 
adjustment is required in hepatically or renally impaired patients.

Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of darvadstrocel in children and adolescents aged 0 to 17 years have not yet 
been established. No data are available.

Method of administration

For injection in the fistula tract tissue in a surgical environment under anaesthesia (general or regional
(see section 4.4)) as described below.
In line with standards for the management of complex perianal fistulas, characterisation of the 
patient’s fistulas is needed prior to treatment. It is recommended that at least 2 to 3 weeks before the 
administration day, preparatory surgery is performed comprising exploration (under anaesthesia) of 
fistula anatomy (number of existing fistulas and openings), topography (extent and relationship with 
the sphincters and other pelvic muscles), potential associated complications (such as abscesses) and
whether local mucosal disease is mild or inactive. Vigorous curettage of all fistula tracts is 
recommended, with special emphasis in the internal openings area, using a metallic curette. In case of 
an abscess, incision and drainage are needed, and setons should be placed, if appropriate, in 
accordance with routine surgical procedures. Before scheduling Alofisel administration, the surgeon 
must ensure that no abscesses are present.

Immediately prior to the administration of Alofisel, the fistula tracts should be conditioned as follows:
a) If setons are in place, they must be removed. 
b) Identify the location of the internal openings. For this, injection of a sodium chloride 

9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution through the external openings until it gets out through the 
internal openings is recommended. The injection of any other substance through the fistula
tracts, such as hydrogen peroxide, methylene blue, iodine solutions or hypertonic glucose 
solutions is not allowed, as these agents compromise the viability of the cells to be injected
(see section 4.4 and section 4.5).

c) Perform a vigorous curettage of all fistula tracts, with special emphasis in the internal 
openings areas, using a metallic curette.

d) Suture closed the internal openings. 

After conditioning of the fistula tracts, Alofisel should be administered according to the following two 
steps:

1. Preparation
a) The expiry time: date of Alofisel should be re-confirmed; vials should then be 

removed from the outer packaging.
b) Re-suspend the cells by gently tapping the bottom of the vials until a homogeneous 

suspension is obtained, avoiding bubble formation. Each vial should be used 
immediately after re-suspension to prevent the cells from re-sedimenting.

c) Remove the cap from the vial, gently turn the vial upside down, and gently aspirate 
the whole content using a syringe with a conventional needle no thinner than 22G
(see section 4.4).



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d) Replace the needle with a longer needle, also no thinner than 22G, in order to reach 
the intended sites of injection. For example, a needle for spinal anaesthesia 
measuring around 90 mm in length is required.

e) Repeat steps (b), (c) and (d) for each of the vials in turn after the cells from one 
vial have been injected.

2. Injection
Two of the vials should be used for the internal openings and the remaining two for
injection along the walls of the fistula tracts (via external openings). After inserting the 
needle tip into each intended injection site, perform a slight aspiration to avoid 
intravascular administration.

a) Injection around the internal openings of the fistulas tracts: insert the needle 
through the anus and proceed as follows:

- If there is a single internal opening, inject the content of each of the two vials (one 
after the other) in small deposits into the tissue surrounding the single internal 
opening.

- If there are two internal openings, inject the content of the first of two vials in 
small deposits into the tissue around one internal opening. Then inject the content 
of the second vial in small deposits into the tissue around the second internal 
opening. 

b) Injection along the walls of the fistula tracts: insert the needle through the external 
openings and, from within the fistulas lumen:

- If there is a single external opening, inject separately the content of each of the 
remaining two vials superficially into the tissue walls along the length of the fistula 
tracts, making small deposits of the cell suspension. 

- If there are two or three external openings, inject the content of the remaining two
vials equally between the associated tracts. 
The procedure for injection along the walls of the fistula tracts should be 
performed based on prior knowledge of the anatomy and topology of the fistula
tracts, as determined during the fistulas characterisation. Ensure cells are not 
injected into the lumen of the fistula tracts to avoid leakage of cells. 

Softly massage the area around the external openings for 20–30 seconds and cover the external 
openings with a sterile bandage. 

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the product, bovine serum or any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. 

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Traceability

In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number 
of the administered product should be clearly recorded.

Alofisel may contain trace amounts of benzylpenicillin and streptomycin. This should be considered in 
patients with known hypersensitivity to these classes of antibiotics. 
Local anaesthesia is not recommended due to the unknown effect of local anaesthetics on the injected
cells (see section 4.2).
The injection of any substance other than sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) (e.g. hydrogen peroxide, 
methylene blue, iodine solutions or hypertonic glucose solutions) (see section 4.2 and section 4.5)
through the fistula tracts is not allowed before, during, or after the injection of Alofisel as these may 
compromise the viability of the cells and, therefore, may affect the effectiveness of the treatment.
Alofisel is indicated only for injection in the fistula tract tissue as described in section 4.2. Alofisel 
must not be administered using a needle thinner than 22G. Thinner gauge needles can cause cell 
disruption during injection and may compromise cell viability and, therefore, may affect efficacy of 
treatment.



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As Alofisel is a living stem cell therapy it cannot be sterilised, and therefore could contain potentially 
infected biological material although the risk is considered to be low and controlled in the 
manufacturing. Patients should be followed up for potential signs of infection after administration.

Conditioning reactions

Conditioning of fistulas has been associated with proctalgia and procedural pain (see section 4.8).

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

No in vivo interaction studies have been performed.
In vitro interaction studies have shown that the cell viability and immunomodulatory function of 
Alofisel is not affected by the presence of clinically-relevant concentrations of conventional therapies 
for Crohn’s disease (infliximab, methotrexate and azathioprine).
The injection of any substance other than sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) (e.g. hydrogen peroxide, 
methylene blue, iodine solutions or hypertonic glucose solutions) (see section 4.2 and section 4.4)
through the fistula tracts and use of local anaesthesia is not recommended due to the unknown effect 
on the injected cells (see section 4.4).

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are no data from the use of darvadstrocel in pregnant women.
Animal studies are not available with respect to reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).
Darvadstrocel is not recommended during pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential not using 
contraception.

Breast-feeding

As a precautionary measure, darvadstrocel is not recommended for administration during 
breast-feeding.

Fertility

No data are available.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Darvadstrocel has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

4.8 Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were anal abscess (Alofisel: 19.4% patients; 
control group: 13.7% patients), proctalgia (Alofisel: 14.6% patients; control group: 11.8% patients) 
and anal fistula (Alofisel: 10.7% patients; control group: 7.8% patients).

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

The following listing of adverse reactions is based on the clinical trial experience and is displayed by 
system organ class. The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention: 
very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare 
(≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from available 
data).



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Table 1. Adverse reactions

System Organ Class Frequency Adverse Reactions
Infections and infestations Common Anal abscess
Gastrointestinal disorders Common Proctalgia*

Common Anal fistula
Injuring, poisoning and procedural 
complications

Common Procedural pain*

*Conditioning reactions occurring up to seven days after the fistula cleaning for treatment administration.

Description of selected adverse reactions 

Anal abscess 
Up to Week 52, 20 (19.4%) and 14 (13.7%) patients developed 21 and 19 anal abscess adverse events 
in the Alofisel and control groups, respectively, of which 4 and 5 adverse events in respective groups 
(3.9% patients in both groups) were of severe intensity. Up to Week 104, 15 (14.6%) and 8 (7.8%) 
patients developed 15 and 9 serious adverse events of anal abscess in the Alofisel and control groups, 
respectively.

Proctalgia
Up to Week 52, 15 (14.6%) and 12 (11.8%) patients developed 20 and 17 proctalgia adverse events in 
the Alofisel and control groups, respectively, none of these events being serious in any group up to 
Week 104. There were no patients in Alofisel group with events of proctalgia of severe intensity and 
3.9% patients with 4 events in the control group.

Anal fistula
Up to Week 52, 11 (10.7%) and 8 (7.8%) patients developed 12 and 8 anal fistula adverse events in the 
Alofisel and control groups, respectively, none of these being of severe intensity. Up to Week 104, 5 
(4.9%) and one (< 1.0%) patients developed 5 and 1 anal fistula serious adverse events in the Alofisel 
and control groups, respectively.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 
allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 
professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V.

4.9 Overdose

No case of overdose has been reported.

5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: {not yet assigned}, ATC code: {not yet assigned}.

Mechanism of action

Darvadstrocel contains expanded adipose stem cells (eASC), which exhibit immunomodulatory and 
anti-inflammatory effects at inflammation sites.
Anal fistulas typically present as fissures penetrating the intestinal lumen and perianal skin surface, 
and are characterised by local inflammation that is exacerbated by bacterial infections and faecal 
contamination. In the inflamed area, there is infiltration of activated lymphocytes and local release of
inflammatory cytokines.



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Inflammatory cytokines, in particular IFN-γ released by activated immune cells (i.e., lymphocytes), 
activate eASC. Once activated, eASC impair proliferation of activated lymphocytes and reduce the 
release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This immunoregulatory activity reduces inflammation, which 
may allow the tissues around the fistula tract to heal. 

Pharmacodynamic effect

In the ADMIRE-CD study, 63/103 of the eASC-treated patient population were analysed for the 
presence of donor-specific antibodies (DSA) at baseline and Week 12. At Week 12, 23/63 (36%) 
showed anti-donor antibody production. Of patients with DSA at Week 12, 7/23 (30%) had cleared 
DSA by Week 52. Lack of de novo DSA generation was observed between Week 12 and Week 52. No 
association between DSA results and safety or efficacy up to Week 52 was seen in the subset tested.

Clinical efficacy

The efficacy of Alofisel was assessed in the ADMIRE-CD study. This was a randomised, double 
blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled, multicentre clinical trial to assess efficacy and safety of 
Alofisel for the treatment of complex perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease patients.
A total of 212 patients were randomised, and 205 patients received a local injection of either Alofisel 
120 million cells or placebo in a 1:1 design. Patients had draining complex perianal fistulas with an 
inadequate response to at least one of the following treatments: antibiotics, immunosuppressants or 
anti-TNFs. Concomitant use of stable doses of immunosuppressants (18% of patients) or anti-TNFs 
(33%) or both (28%) was allowed during the study. 
The primary endpoint was the combined remission at Week 24 after study treatment, defined as 
clinical closure of all treated fistulas (absence of draining despite gentle finger compression) and
absence of collection (> 2 cm) confirmed by blinded central MRI. The key secondary endpoints were 
defined as clinical remission (clinical closure of all treated fistula) and response (clinical closure of at 
least 50% of all treated fistulas) at Week 24. In addition, a long-term follow-up was conducted up to 
Week 52.

Alofisel group
(Alofisel+standard of 

care*)
N=103

Control group
(Placebo+standard of 

care*)
N=102

P value

Combined remission at 
Week 24 (% patients)

52 35 0.019

Combined remission at 
Week 52 (% patients)

56 38 0.009

* Including abscess drainage, seton placement/removal, curettage, suture of internal openings and medical treatments

Results of the key secondary endpoints show that the proportion of patients with clinical remission at 
Week 24 was 55% in the Alofisel group and 42% in the control group (p = 0.052) and the 
corresponding figures for response were 69% and 55% (p = 0.039).
The proportion of patients with clinical remission at Week 52 was 59% in the Alofisel group and 41% 
in the control group (p = 0.012) and corresponding figures for response were 66% and
55% (p = 0.114). In a limited number of patients followed up to Week 104, clinical remission at 
Week 104 was 56% in the Alofisel group and 40% in the control group.
In Alofisel group, the number of patients who had combined remission at Week 24 and subsequently 
developed anal abscess/anal fistula by Week 52 was 2.9% (3/103), whereas the number of patients 
without combined remission at Week 24 who subsequently developed anal abscess/anal fistula by 
Week 52 was 9.7% (10/103).
In control group, the number of patients who had combined remission at Week 24 who developed anal 
abscess/anal fistula by Week 52 was 4.9% (5/102), whereas the number of patients without combined 
remission at Week 24 who developed anal abscess/anal fistula by Week 52 was 2.9% (3/102).



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Paediatric population

The European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with 
Alofisel in one or more subsets of the paediatric population in the treatment of anal fistula (see 
section 4.2 for information on paediatric use).

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

The product is intended for local injection.
The nature and intended clinical use of darvadstrocel are such that conventional studies of 
pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination) are not applicable.
Biodistribution studies in preclinical models were conducted with the objective of evaluating the 
persistence of eASC at the site of injection and their potential migration into other tissues or organ 
systems. After perianal and intrarectal injection of human eASC in athymic rats, cells were present in 
the rectum and jejunum at the site of injection for at least 14 days and were undetectable after 
3 months. eASC were not present in any of the tissues analysed after 3 months or 6 months. 

5.3 Preclinical safety data

Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety 
pharmacology and repeated dose toxicity.
Reproductive and developmental toxicity studies have not been performed for darvadstrocel because
preclinical biodistribution studies indicated no migration and integration of eASC into reproductive 
organs following administration of eASC via different routes.
The effect of ex vivo expansion on the genetic stability of cells has been assessed in vitro without any 
indication of carcinogenic potential. 

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle´s Medium (DMEM) (containing amino acids, vitamins, salts and 
carbohydrates).
Human albumin.

6.2 Incompatibilities

In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal 
products.

6.3 Shelf life

72 hours.

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Store between 15ºC and 25ºC. 
Keep the product within the outer carton and inside the shipping container at all times until its 
administration, to maintain the required temperature.
Preserve the container away from heat and direct light sources and do not refrigerate or freeze.
Do not irradiate or otherwise sterilise.



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6.5 Nature and contents of container and special equipment for use, administration or 
implantation

Alofisel is supplied as one treatment dose contained in 4 Type I glass vials. Each vial contains 6 mL of 
eASC suspension and is closed with a rubber stopper and a flip-off seal. The vials are placed inside a 
cardboard box.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling

Alofisel must not be filtered or administered using a needle thinner than 22G (see section 4.4).
Immediately before use, Alofisel must be re-suspended by gently tapping the bottom of the vial until a 
homogeneous suspension is obtained, avoiding bubble formation. For further information on the use of 
Alofisel see section 4.2.
Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Takeda Pharma A/S
Dybendal Alle 10
2630 Taastrup
Denmark

8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

EU/1/17/1261/001

9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

Date of first authorisation: 23 March 2018

10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu



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ANNEX II

A. MANUFACTURER OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE 
SUBSTANCE AND MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR 
BATCH RELEASE

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY 
AND USE

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE 
MARKETING AUTHORISATION

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO 
THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL 
PRODUCT



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A. MANUFACTURER OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE SUBSTANCE AND
MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE

Name and address of the manufacturer of the biological active substance

TIGENIX, S.A.U.
C/ Marconi, 1, Parque Tecnológico de Madrid, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain

Name and address of the manufacturer responsible for batch release

TIGENIX, S.A.U.
C/ Marconi, 1, Parque Tecnológico de Madrid, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE 

Medicinal product subject to restricted medical prescription (see Annex I: Summary of Product 
Characteristics, section 4.2).

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 
AUTHORISATION

 Periodic safety update reports (PSURs)

The requirements for submission of PSURs for this medicinal product are set out in the list of 
Union reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 2001/83/EC
and any subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-portal.

The marketing authorisation holder (MAH) shall submit the first PSUR for this product within 
6 months following authorisation.

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 
EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

 Risk management plan (RMP)

The marketing authorisation holder (MAH) shall perform the required pharmacovigilance 
activities and interventions detailed in the agreed RMP presented in Module 1.8.2 of the 
marketing authorisation and any agreed subsequent updates of the RMP.

An updated RMP should be submitted:
 At the request of the European Medicines Agency;
 Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information 

being received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of 
an important (pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached.

 Additional risk minimisation measures 

Prior to the launch of Alofisel in each Member State, the MAH must agree about the content and 
format of the educational programme, including communication media, distribution modalities and 
any other aspects of the programme, with the National Competent Authority. The aim of the 
educational programme is to provide information on how to correctly administer the product in order 
to minimise the risk of medication errors and to increase awareness about the potential transmission of 
infectious agents.



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The MAH shall ensure that in each Member State where Alofisel is marketed, all healthcare 
professionals who are expected to handle and administer Alofisel have access to the educational 
package for health professionals.

 The educational material for health professionals should contain:
 The Summary of Product Characteristics
 Guide for pharmacists with instructions on the appropriate reception and storage of 

Alofisel. 
 Guide in form of a video for surgeons and other health professionals involved in the 

preparation and administration of Alofisel.
 Guide for surgeons and other health professionals describing the method of 

administration
 Guide for health professionals providing information on potential for microbial 

information and advice on steps to follow in case a positive culture is identified.

 These shall contain the following key elements:
 Relevant information on the risk of medication errors and the potential for 

transmission of infectious agents and details on how to minimise these, including 
reception, storage and administration instructions (i.e. fistula conditioning, preparation 
and injection).

 Instructions how to handle medication errors and transmission of infectious agents

 Obligation to conduct post-authorisation measures 

The MAH shall complete, within the stated timeframe, the below measures:

Description Due date
In order to follow-up on the efficacy of Alofisel, the MAH should submit the results
of a Phase III randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled study Cx601-0303 
investigating a single administration of Cx601 for the treatment of complex perianal 
fistulas in Crohn's disease patients.

Final Report 
to EMA: 
2Q/3Q 2022



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ANNEX III

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET



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A. LABELLING



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PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING

OUTER CARTON

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

ALOFISEL 5 million cells/mL suspension for injection
darvadstrocel

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S)

This medicine contains cells of human origin. Each vial contains 6 mL of a suspension of 30 million
of darvadstrocel.

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS

Also contains: Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle´s Medium (DMEM) and Human albumin.

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS

Suspension for injection
1 dose consists of 4 vials of 6 mL (in total 24 mL)

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Read the package leaflet before use.
Injection

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 
OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY

8. EXPIRY DATE

EXP {XX-XXX-XXXX at XX:XX CET}



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9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

Store between 15 ºC and 25 ºC.
Do not refrigerate or freeze. 
Keep the product within the outer carton.
Do not irradiate or otherwise sterilise.

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 
OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Takeda Pharma A/S
Dybendal Alle 10
2630 Taastrup
Denmark 

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

EU/1/17/1261/001

13. BATCH NUMBER, DONATION AND PRODUCT CODES

Lot {XXXXX-XXXXX-XXX}

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE

Justification for not including Braille accepted

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE

Not applicable.

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA

Not applicable.



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MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS

GLASS VIAL

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

ALOFISEL 5 million cells/mL suspension for injection
darvadstrocel
Injection

2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION

3. EXPIRY DATE

EXP {XX-XXX-XXXX at XX:XX CET}

4. BATCH NUMBER<, DONATION AND PRODUCT CODES>

Lot {XXXXX-XXXXX-XXX}

5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT

6 mL
30 million cells

6. OTHER



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B. PACKAGE LEAFLET



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Package leaflet: Information for the patient

Alofisel 5 million cells/mL suspension for injection
darvadstrocel

This medicine is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new 
safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get. See the end of Section 4 
for how to report side effects.

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you are given this medicine because it contains important 
information for you.
 Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
 If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or surgeon.
 If you get any side effects, talk to your surgeon or doctor. This includes any possible side effects 

not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

What is in this leaflet

1. What Alofisel is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you are given Alofisel
3. How Alofisel is given
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Alofisel
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What Alofisel is and what it is used for

Alofisel is a medicine used for the treatment of complex perianal fistulas in adult patients with 
Crohn´s disease (a disease causing inflammation of the gut) when the other symptoms of the disease 
are controlled or have a mild intensity. Perianal fistulas are abnormal channels that connect parts of 
the lower bowel (rectum and anus) and the skin near the anus, so that one or more openings appear 
near the anus. Perianal fistulas are described as complex if they have multiple channels and openings, 
if they penetrate deep inside your body or if they are associated with other complications such as 
collections of pus (infected liquid also called abscesses). Perianal fistulas can cause pain, irritation and 
discharge of pus through the openings to the skin.

Alofisel is used when the fistulas have not responded sufficiently well to previous treatment. When
injected close to the perianal fistulas, Alofisel reduces their inflammation, increasing the likelihood of 
the fistulas healing.

Alofisel will be used after adequate preparation of the fistula, see section 3.

The active ingredient of Alofisel is darvadstrocel which consists of stem cells which are taken from 
the fat tissue of a healthy adult donor (so-called allogenic stem cells) and then grown in a laboratory.
Adult stem cells are a special type of cells found in many adult tissues, whose primary role is the 
repair of the tissue in which they are found. 

2. What you need to know before you are given Alofisel

You must not be given Alofisel
 if you are allergic to Alofisel, bovine serum or to any of the ingredients of this medicine (listed 

in section 6).

Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or surgeon before you are given Alofisel.



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Alofisel may contain traces of benzylpenicillin or streptomycin (antibiotics). This should be 
considered if you are allergic to these antibiotics, as these antibiotics are used in the manufacturing 
process of this medicine.

Alofisel is a living cell therapy and, therefore, the final product cannot be sterilised. The product is 
checked at different stages during its manufacture to ensure that it is free of infection. Because the
final check takes place just before Alofisel is sent to the hospital, the results of this last check are not 
known when it is given to you. In the unlikely event that the results detected an infection, your 
treatment team will be informed who will tell you if you need any laboratory tests of treatment for the 
infection. If after the procedure you feel ill or have fever, please inform your physician as soon as you 
can.

Children and adolescents
Do not give this medicine to children and adolescents (i.e. aged under 18 years) because the potential 
benefits and risks are unknown.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask 
your doctor/surgeon for advice before you are given this medicine. Treatment with Alofisel is not 
recommended during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Women of childbearing age should use 
effective contraception during treatment with Alofisel.

Driving and using machines
Alofisel is not likely to affect your ability to drive or use tools or machines.

Traceability
In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number 
of the administered product should be clearly recorded.

3. How Alofisel is given

You may have had an initial consultation with the Surgeon 2 to 3 weeks prior to Alofisel 
administration. The following information is related to the day when Alofisel is administered.

Alofisel is injected by a surgeon in the fistula tract tissue.

The recommended dose is 120 million cells.

Before treatment with Alofisel, you will be given an anaesthetic. 

Once you have been anaesthetised (general or regional anaesthesia), your surgeon will:
 clean the fistulas with salt water and remove any scar tissue.
 stitch up the inner openings of the fistulas.
 inject Alofisel. Half of the dose will be injected into the tissue around the inner openings of the 

fistulas, and half of the dose in the tissue walls along the fistulas.
 massage softly for 20 to 30 seconds the area where the fistula opens on to the skin near your 

anus.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or surgeon.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Some side effects of Alofisel treatment are related to the process of cleaning your fistulas. In general, 
these side effects are quite mild and disappear in the days following the fistula procedure. 



21

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 to 10 patients): 
 anal abscess
 anal fistula
 proctalgia (pain in the rectum or anus).
 procedural pain (pain after fistula cleaning)

Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or surgeon. This includes any possible side effects not 
listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in 
Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this 
medicine.

5. How to store Alofisel

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label.

Do not store above 25 °C or below 15 °C. 

Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Keep the medicine inside the cardboard box.

Alofisel must not be irradiated or otherwise sterilised.

As this medicine will be used during surgery, the hospital staff is responsible for the correct storage of 
the medicine before and during its use, as well as for its correct disposal.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Alofisel contains
 The active ingredient of Alofisel is darvadstrocel which consists of human stem cells obtained 

from the fat tissue of a healthy adult donor that are subsequently grown (expanded) in the 
laboratory and provided at a concentration of 5 million cells per millilitre in vials which each 
contain 6 millilitres, i.e. 30 million cells per vial.

 There are two excipients used for storage of the cells: one is a liquid called Dulbecco’s 
Modified Eagle´s Medium containing nutrients for the cells (amino acids, vitamins, salts and 
carbohydrates), and the other is human albumin, which is a natural protein found in the human 
body.

What Alofisel looks like and contents of the pack
Alofisel is a suspension for injection. During shipment, the cells may have settled in the bottom of the 
vials forming a sediment and will need to be resuspended. After the cells have been resuspended (by 
gentle manual tapping), Alofisel is a white to yellowish homogenous suspension.
Alofisel is supplied on an individual patient basis. An individual dose of Alofisel comprises 4 glass 
vials each containing 6 millilitres of Alofisel contained within a cardboard box.

Marketing Authorisation Holder

Takeda Pharma A/S
Dybendal Alle 10
2630 Taastrup
Denmark



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Manufacturer

TiGenix S.A.U.
C/Marconi 1
Parque Tecnológico de Madrid
28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid
Spain
Tel: +34 91 804 92 64
Fax: +34 91 804 92 63
info@tigenix.com

This leaflet was last revised in <MM/YYYY>

Other sources of information

Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europe.eu.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only:

Traceability

In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number 
of the administered product should be clearly recorded


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURER OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE SUBSTANCE AND MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET