Yescarta

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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 
 
Yescarta 0.4 – 2 x 108 cells dispersion for infusion 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 
2.1 General description 
 
Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell 
immunotherapy.  To prepare Yescarta, patient’s own T cells are harvested and genetically modified ex 
vivo by retroviral transduction to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising a murine 
anti-CD19 single chain variable fragment linked to CD28 co-stimulatory domain and CD3-zeta 
signalling domain.  The anti-CD19 CAR-positive viable T cells are expanded and infused back into 
the patient, where they can recognise and eliminate CD19-expressing target cells. 
 
2.2 Qualitative and quantitative composition  
 
Each patient specific single infusion bag of Yescarta contains a dispersion of anti-CD19 CAR T cells 
in approximately 68 mL for a target dose of 2 x 106 anti-CD19 CAR-positive viable T cells/kg body 
weight (range: 1 x 106 – 2 x 106 cells/kg), with a maximum of 2 x 108 anti-CD19 CAR T cells. 
 
Excipients with known effect 
 
Each bag of Yescarta contains 300 mg sodium. 
 
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Dispersion for infusion. 
 
A clear to opaque, white to red dispersion. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 
Yescarta is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell 
lymphoma (DLBCL) and primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), after two or more 
lines of systemic therapy.  
 
4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
Yescarta must be administered in a qualified clinical setting. 
 
Yescarta therapy should be initiated under the direction of and supervised by a healthcare professional 
experienced in the treatment of haematological malignancies and trained for administration and 
management of patients treated with Yescarta. At least 1 dose of tocilizumab for use in the event of 
cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and emergency equipment must be available prior to infusion. The 



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treatment centre must have access to an additional dose of tocilizumab within 8 hours of each previous 
dose. 
 
Posology 
 
Yescarta is intended for autologous use only (see section 4.4). 
 
A single dose of Yescarta contains 2 x 106 CAR-positive viable T cells per kg of body weight (or 
maximum of 2 x 108 CAR-positive viable T cells for patients 100 kg and above) in approximately 
68 mL dispersion in an infusion bag. 
 
The availability of Yescarta must be confirmed prior to starting the lymphodepleting regimen. 
 
Pre-treatment (lymphodepleting chemotherapy) 
• A lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 

intravenous and fludarabine 30 mg/m2 intravenous should be administered on the 5th, 4th, and 3rd 
day before infusion of Yescarta. 

 
Pre-medication 
• Paracetamol 500-1,000 mg given orally and diphenhydramine 12.5 to 25 mg intravenous or oral 

(or equivalent) approximately 1 hour before Yescarta infusion is recommended. 
• Prophylactic use of systemic corticosteroids is not recommended as it may interfere with the 

activity of Yescarta. 
 
Monitoring 
• Patients should be monitored daily for the first 10 days following infusion for signs and 

symptoms of potential CRS, neurologic events and other toxicities.  Physicians should consider 
hospitalisation for the first 10 days post infusion or at the first signs or symptoms of CRS and/or 
neurologic events. 

• After the first 10 days following the infusion, the patient should be monitored at the physician’s 
discretion. 

• Patients should be instructed to remain within proximity of a qualified clinical facility for at 
least 4 weeks following infusion. 

 
Special populations 
 
Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus 
(HCV) infection 
There is no clinical experience in patients with active HIV, HBV or HCV infection. 
 
Paediatric population 
The safety and efficacy of Yescarta in children and adolescents below 18 years of age have not yet 
been established.  No data are available. 
 
Elderly 
No dose adjustment is required in patients ≥ 65 years of age.  Efficacy was consistent with the overall 
treated patient population. 
 
Method of administration 
 
Yescarta is to be administered via intravenous infusion. 
 
Yescarta must not be irradiated.  Do NOT use a leukodepleting filter. 
 



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Precautions to be taken before handling or administering the medicinal product 
This medicinal product contains genetically modified human blood cells.  Healthcare professionals 
handling Yescarta should take appropriate precautions (wearing gloves and glasses) to avoid potential 
transmission of infectious diseases. 
 
Preparation of Yescarta 
• Verify that the patient’s identity (ID) matches the patient identifiers on the Yescarta cassette.  
• The Yescarta bag must not be removed from the cassette if the information on the patient-

specific label does not match the intended patient.  
• Once the patient ID is confirmed, remove the Yescarta bag from the cassette. 
• Check that the patient information on the cassette label matches that on the bag label. 
• Inspect the product bag for any breaches of container integrity before thawing.  If the bag is 

compromised, follow the local guidelines (or immediately contact Kite). 
• Place the infusion bag inside a second sterile bag or per local guidelines. 
• Thaw Yescarta at approximately 37 °C using either a water bath or dry thaw method until there 

is no visible ice in the infusion bag.  Gently mix the contents of the bag to disperse clumps of 
cellular material.  If visible cell clumps remain, continue to gently mix the contents of the bag.  
Small clumps of cellular material should disperse with gentle manual mixing.  Yescarta should 
not be washed, spun down, and/or re-suspended in new media prior to infusion.  Thawing 
should take approximately 3 to 5 minutes. 

• Once thawed, Yescarta is stable at room temperature (20 °C-25 °C) for up to 3 hours. 
 
Administration 
• For autologous use only. 
• Tocilizumab and emergency equipment should be available prior to infusion and during the 

monitoring period. 
• A leukodepleting filter must not be used. 
• Central venous access is recommended for the administration of Yescarta. 
• Verify the patient ID again to match the patient identifiers on the Yescarta bag. 
• Prime the tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride solution (0.154 mmol sodium per mL) prior to 

infusion. 
• Infuse the entire content of the Yescarta bag within 30 minutes by either gravity or a peristaltic 

pump.  Yescarta is stable at room temperature for up to 3 hours after thaw. 
• Gently agitate the bag during Yescarta infusion to prevent cell clumping. 
• After the entire content of the bag is infused, rinse the tubing at the same infusion rate with 

0.9% sodium chloride solution (0.154 mmol sodium per mL) to ensure all Yescarta is delivered. 
 
For special precautions for disposal, see section 6.6. 
 
4.3 Contraindications 
 
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. 
 
Contraindications of the lymphodepleting chemotherapy must be considered. 
 
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 
 
Traceability 
 
To ensure traceability the name of the product, the batch number and the name of the treated patient 
should be kept for a period of 30 years. 
 
General 
 
Due to the risks associated with Yescarta treatment, infusion should be delayed if a patient has any of 
the following conditions: 



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• Unresolved serious adverse reactions (especially pulmonary reactions, cardiac reactions, or 
hypotension) including from preceding chemotherapies. 

• Active uncontrolled infection. 
• Active graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). 
 
Patients treated with Yescarta should not donate blood, organs, tissues, and cells for transplantation. 
 
Yescarta is intended solely for autologous use and must not be administered to other patients.  Before 
infusion, the patient’s identity must match the patient identifiers on the Yescarta infusion bag and 
cassette.  Do not infuse Yescarta if the information on the patient-specific label does not match the 
intended patient. 
 
Concomitant disease 
 
Patients with active CNS disorder or inadequate renal, hepatic, pulmonary, or cardiac function are 
likely to be more vulnerable to the consequences of the adverse reactions described below and require 
special attention. 
 
Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma 
 
There is no experience of use of Yescarta in patients with primary CNS lymphoma.  Therefore, the 
risk/benefit of Yescarta has not been established in this population. 
 
Cytokine release syndrome 
 
Nearly all patients experienced some degree of CRS.  Severe CRS, including life-threatening and fatal 
reactions, was very commonly observed with Yescarta with a time to onset of 1 to 12 days (see section 
4.8). CRS should be managed at the physician’s discretion, based on the patient’s clinical presentation 
and according to the CRS management algorithm provided in Table 1. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor 
inhibitor based therapy such as tocilizumab has been administered for moderate or severe CRS 
associated with Yescarta.  
 
At least 1 dose of tocilizumab per patient must be on site and available for administration prior to 
Yescarta infusion. The treatment centre should have access to an additional dose of tocilizumab within 
8 hours of each previous dose.  
Monitor patients daily for signs and symptoms of CRS for at least 10 days following infusion at the 
qualified clinical facility.  After the first 10 days following infusion, the patient should be monitored at 
the physician’s discretion. 
 
Counsel patients to remain within proximity of a qualified clinical facility for at least 4 weeks 
following infusion and to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur.  
Treatment algorithms have been developed to ameliorate some of the CRS symptoms experienced by 
patients on Yescarta.  These include the use of tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids for 
moderate, severe, or life-threatening CRS as summarised in Table 1.  Patients who experience Grade 2 
or higher CRS (e.g. hypotension, not responsive to fluids, or hypoxia requiring supplemental 
oxygenation) should be monitored with continuous cardiac telemetry and pulse oximetry.  For patients 
experiencing severe CRS, consider performing an echocardiogram to assess cardiac function.  For 
severe or life-threatening CRS, consider intensive-care supportive therapy. 
 
Yescarta should not be administered to patients with active infections or inflammatory disease until 
these conditions have resolved. 
 
CRS has been known to be associated with end organ dysfunction (e.g., hepatic, renal, cardiac, and 
pulmonary).  In addition worsening of underlying organ pathologies can occur in the setting of CRS.  
Patients with medically significant cardiac dysfunction should be managed by standards of critical 
care and measures such as echocardiography should be considered. 
 



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Diagnosis of CRS requires excluding alternate causes of systemic inflammatory response, including 
infection.  In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad spectrum 
antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care as medically indicated. 
 
Evaluation for haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome (HLH/MAS) 
should be considered in patients with severe or unresponsive CRS. 
 
Yescarta continues to expand and persist following administration of tocilizumab and corticosteroids.  
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists are not recommended for management of 
Yescarta-associated CRS. 
 
Table 1: CRS grading and management guidance 
 
CRS Grade (a) Tocilizumab Corticosteroids 
Grade 1 
Symptoms require 
symptomatic treatment only 
(e.g., fever, nausea, fatigue, 
headache, myalgia, 
malaise). 

N/A N/A 

Grade 2 
Symptoms require and 
respond to moderate 
intervention. 
Oxygen requirement less 
than 40% FiO2 or 
hypotension responsive to 
fluids or low dose of one 
vasopressor or Grade 2 
organ toxicity (b). 

Administer tocilizumab (c) 8 mg/kg 
intravenously over 1 hour (not to exceed 
800 mg). 
Repeat tocilizumab every 8 hours as needed if 
not responsive to intravenous fluids or 
increasing supplemental oxygen. Limit to a 
maximum of 3 doses in a 24 hour period; 
maximum total of 4 doses if no clinical 
improvement in the signs and symptoms of 
CRS, or if no response to second or subsequent 
doses of tocilizumab, consider alternative 
measures for treatment of cytokine release 
syndrome.  

Manage per Grade 3 if no 
improvement within 24 hours 
after starting tocilizumab. 

 

Grade 3 
Symptoms require and 
respond to aggressive 
intervention. 
Oxygen requirement greater 
than or equal to 40% FiO2 
or hypotension requiring 
high-dose or multiple 
vasopressors or Grade 3 
organ toxicity or Grade 4 
transaminitis. 

Per Grade 2 
 

Administer methylprednisolone 
1 mg/kg intravenously twice 
daily or equivalent 
dexamethasone (e.g., 10 mg 
intravenously every 6 hours).  
Continue corticosteroids use 
until the event is Grade 1 or 
less, then taper over 3 days. 
If not improving, manage as 
Grade 4 (below). 

Grade 4 
Life-threatening symptoms. 
Requirements for ventilator 
support or continuous 
veno-venous haemodialysis 
or Grade 4 organ toxicity 
(excluding transaminitis). 

Per Grade 2 
 

Administer 
methylprednisolone 1000 mg 
intravenously per day for 
3 days; if improves, then 
manage as above. 
 
Consider alternate 
immunosuppressants if no 
improvement or if condition 
worsens. 

N/A = not available/not applicable 
(a) Lee et al 2014.  
(b) Refer to Table 2 for management of neurologic adverse reactions. 
(c) Refer to tocilizumab summary of product characteristics for details. 
 



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Neurologic adverse reactions 
 
Severe neurologic adverse reactions have been very commonly observed in patients treated with 
Yescarta, which could be life-threatening or fatal (see section 4.8).  Patients with a history of CNS 
disorders such as seizures or cerebrovascular ischaemia may be at increased risk.  Fatal and serious 
cases of cerebral oedema have been reported in patients treated with Yescarta.  Patients should be 
monitored for signs and symptoms of neurologic adverse reactions (Table 2).  Patients should be 
monitored at least daily for 10 days at the qualified healthcare facility following infusion for signs and 
symptoms of neurologic toxicity.  After the first 10 days following the infusion, the patient should be 
monitored at the physician’s discretion.  Counsel patients to remain within proximity of a qualified 
clinical facility for at least 4 weeks following infusion and to seek immediate medical attention should 
signs or symptoms of neurologic toxicity occur.  Monitoring of vital signs and organ functions should 
be considered depending on the severity of the reaction. 
 
Patients who experience Grade 2 or higher neurologic toxicities should be monitored with continuous 
cardiac telemetry and pulse oximetry.  Provide intensive-care supportive therapy for severe or life-
threatening neurologic toxicities.  Non-sedating, anti-seizure medicines should be considered as 
clinically indicated for Grade 2 or higher adverse reactions.  Treatment algorithms have been 
developed to ameliorate the neurologic adverse reactions experienced by patients on Yescarta.  These 
include the use of tocilizumab (if concurrent CRS) and/or corticosteroids for moderate, severe, or life-
threatening neurologic adverse reactions as summarised in Table 2.  
 
Table 2: Neurologic adverse reaction grading and management guidance 
 

Grading 
assessment 

Concurrent CRS No concurrent CRS 

Grade 2 Administer tocilizumab per Table 1 for management of 
Grade 2 CRS. 
If no improvement within 24 hours after starting 
tocilizumab, administer dexamethasone 10 mg 
intravenously every 6 hours if not already taking other 
corticosteroids.  Continue dexamethasone use until the 
event is Grade 1 or less, then taper over 3 days. 

Administer dexamethasone 
10 mg intravenously every 
6 hours. 
Continue dexamethasone use 
until the event is Grade 1 or less, 
then taper over 3 days. 

Consider non-sedating, anti-seizure medicines (e.g., levetiracetam) for seizure prophylaxis. 
Grade 3 Administer tocilizumab per Table 1 for management of 

Grade 2 CRS.  
In addition, administer dexamethasone 10 mg 
intravenously with the first dose of tocilizumab and 
repeat dose every 6 hours.  Continue dexamethasone 
use until the event is Grade 1 or less, then taper over 3 
days. 

Administer dexamethasone 
10 mg intravenously every 
6 hours.  
Continue dexamethasone use 
until the event is Grade 1 or less, 
then taper over 3 days.  

Consider non-sedating, anti-seizure medicines (e.g., levetiracetam) for seizure prophylaxis. 

Grade 4 Administer tocilizumab per Table 1 for management of 
Grade 2 CRS.  
Administer methylprednisolone 1000 mg intravenously 
per day with first dose of tocilizumab and continue 
methylprednisolone 1000 mg intravenously per day for 
2 more days; if improves, then manage as above. 
 

Administer methylprednisolone 
1000 mg intravenously per day 
for 3 days; if improves, then 
manage as above. 
 

Consider non-sedating, anti-seizure medicines (e.g., levetiracetam) for seizure prophylaxis. 
 
Infections and febrile neutropenia 
 
Serious infections have been very commonly observed with Yescarta (see section 4.8).  Patients 
should be monitored for signs and symptoms of infection before, during, and after Yescarta infusion 
and treated appropriately.  Prophylactic anti-microbials should be administered according to standard 
institutional guidelines. 
 



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Febrile neutropenia has been observed in patients after Yescarta infusion (see section 4.8) and may be 
concurrent with CRS.  In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with 
broad spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care as medically indicated. 
 
HBV reactivation 
 
HBV reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur 
in patients treated with drugs directed against B cells.  Screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV should be 
performed in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing of 
Yescarta. 
 
Prolonged cytopenias 
 
Patients may exhibit cytopenias for several weeks following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and 
Yescarta infusion.  Grade 3 or higher prolonged cytopenias following Yescarta infusion occurred very 
commonly and included thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and anaemia.  Monitor blood counts after 
Yescarta infusion. 
 
Hypogammaglobulinaemia 
 
B-cell aplasia leading to hypogammaglobulinaemia can occur in patients receiving treatment with 
Yescarta.  Hypogammaglobulinaemia has been very commonly observed in patients treated with 
Yescarta.  Immunoglobulin levels should be monitored after treatment with Yescarta and managed 
using infection precautions, antibiotic prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin replacement. 
 
Hypersensitivity reactions 
 
Allergic reactions may occur with the infusion of Yescarta.  Serious hypersensitivity reactions 
including anaphylaxis, may be due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or residual gentamicin in Yescarta. 
 
Secondary malignancies 
 
Patients treated with Yescarta may develop secondary malignancies.  Monitor patients life-long for 
secondary malignancies.  In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact the company to 
obtain instructions on patient samples to collect for testing. 
 
Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) 
 
TLS, which may be severe, has occasionally been observed.  To minimise risk of TLS, patients with 
elevated uric acid or high tumour burden should receive allopurinol, or an alternative prophylaxis, 
prior to Yescarta infusion.  Signs and symptoms of TLS should be monitored and events managed 
according to standard guidelines. 
 
Prior treatment with anti-CD19 therapy 
 
There is limited experience with Yescarta in patients exposed to prior CD19-directed therapy.  
Yescarta is not recommended if the patient has relapsed with CD19-negative disease after prior 
anti-CD19 therapy. 
 
Excipients 
 
This medicinal product contains 300 mg sodium per infusion, equivalent to 15% of the WHO 
recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult. 
 
 



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4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
No interaction studies have been performed with Yescarta. 
 
Live vaccines 
 
The safety of immunisation with live viral vaccines during or following Yescarta treatment has not 
been studied.  Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks prior to 
the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during Yescarta treatment, and until immune recovery 
following treatment with Yescarta. 
 
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 
 
Women of childbearing potential/Contraception 
 
The pregnancy status of women of child bearing potential must be verified before starting Yescarta 
treatment. 
 
See the prescribing information for lymphodepleting chemotherapy for information on the need for 
effective contraception in patients who receive the lymphodepleting chemotherapy. 
 
There are insufficient exposure data to provide a recommendation concerning duration of 
contraception following treatment with Yescarta. 
 
Pregnancy 
 
There are no available data with Yescarta use in pregnant women.  No reproductive and 
developmental toxicity animal studies have been conducted with Yescarta to assess whether it can 
cause foetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman (see section 5.3). 
 
It is not known if Yescarta has the potential to be transferred to the foetus.  Based on the mechanism 
of action, if the transduced cells cross the placenta, they may cause foetal toxicity, including B-cell 
lymphocytopenia.  Therefore, Yescarta is not recommended for women who are pregnant, or for 
women of childbearing potential not using contraception.  Pregnant women should be advised on the 
potential risks to the foetus.  Pregnancy after Yescarta therapy should be discussed with the treating 
physician.  
 
Assessment of immunoglobulin levels and B-cells in newborns of mothers treated with Yescarta 
should be considered. 
 
Breast-feeding 
 
It is unknown whether Yescarta is excreted in human milk or transferred to the breast-feeding child.  
Breast-feeding women should be advised of the potential risk to the breast-fed child.  
 
Fertility 
 
No clinical data on the effect of Yescarta on fertility are available.  Effects on male and female fertility 
have not been evaluated in animal studies. 
 
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 
Yescarta has major influence on the ability to drive and use machines.  Due to the potential for 
neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients should refrain from driving or 
operating heavy or potentially dangerous machines until at least 8 weeks after infusion or until 
resolution of neurologic adverse reactions. 
 



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4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
Summary of the safety profile 
 
The safety data described in this section reflect exposure to Yescarta in ZUMA-1, a Phase 1/2 study in 
which 108 patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin  
lymphoma (NHL) received CAR-positive T cells based on a recommended dose which was weight-
based. The median duration of follow up was 27.4 months.   
 
The most significant and frequently occurring adverse reactions were CRS (93%), encephalopathy 
(58%), and infections (39%). 
 
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 56% of patients.  The most common serious adverse reactions 
included encephalopathy (22%), unspecified pathogen infections (16%), bacterial infections (6%), 
febrile neutropenia (6%), viral infections (5%), and pyrexia (5%).  
 
The most common Grade 3 or higher adverse reactions included encephalopathy (31%), unspecified 
pathogen infections (19%), CRS (11%), bacterial infection (9%), aphasia (7%), viral infection (6%), 
delirium (6%), hypotension (6%), and hypertension (6%). 
 
Tabulated list of adverse reactions 
 
Adverse reactions reported from clinical trials and post-marketing setting are presented below.  These 
reactions are presented by system organ class and by frequency.  Frequencies are defined as: 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).  Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented 
in the order of decreasing seriousness. 
 
Table 3: Adverse drug reactions identified with Yescarta 
 
System Organ Class (SOC) Frequency Adverse reactions 
Infections and infestations  
 Very common Unspecified pathogen infections 

Viral infections 
Bacterial infections 

Common Fungal infections 
Blood and lymphatic system disorders 
 Very common Leukopenia 

Neutropenia 
Anaemia 
Thrombocytopenia 

Common Coagulopathy 
Immune system disorders 
 Very common Cytokine Release Syndrome  

Hypogammaglobulinaemia  
Common Hypersensitivity 

Histiocytosis Haematophagic 
Metabolism and nutrition disorders 
 Very common Dehydration 

Decreased appetite 
Hypophosphataemia 
Hyponatraemia 
Weight decrease  

Common Hypocalcaemia 
Hypoalbuminaemia 

Psychiatric disorders 
 Very common Delirium  

Anxiety 
Common Insomnia   



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System Organ Class (SOC) Frequency Adverse reactions 
Nervous system disorders 
 Very common Encephalopathy 

Headache 
Tremor 
Dizziness 
Aphasia 

Common Ataxia 
Neuropathy 
Seizure 
Dyscalculia 
Myoclonus 

Uncommon Spinal cord oedema 
Myelitis 
Quadriplegia 

Cardiac disorders 
 Very common Tachycardia 

Arrhythmia  
Common Cardiac arrest 

Cardiac failure 
Vascular disorders 
 Very common Hypotension 

Hypertension  
Common Thrombosis 

Capillary leak syndrome 
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders 
 Very common Cough  

Dyspnoea 
Hypoxia 
Pleural effusion 

Common Pulmonary oedema 
Gastrointestinal disorders 
 Very common Diarrhoea 

Nausea 
Vomiting 
Constipation 
Abdominal pain 
Dry mouth 

Common Dysphagia* 
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders 
 Common Rash 
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders 
 Very common Motor dysfunction 

Pain in extremity 
Back pain 
Arthralgia 
Muscle pain 

Renal and urinary disorders 
 Common Renal insufficiency 
General disorders and administration site conditions 
 Very common Fatigue 

Pyrexia 
Oedema 
Chills 

Investigations 
 Very common Alanine aminotransferase increased 

Aspartate aminotransferase 
increased 

Common Bilirubin increased 
Only cytopenias that resulted in (i) new or worsening clinical sequelae or (ii) that required therapy or (iii) adjustment in 
current therapy are included in Table 3. 
* Dysphagia has been reported in the setting of neurologic toxicity and encephalopathy 



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Description of selected adverse reactions 
 
Cytokine release syndrome  
CRS occurred in 93% of patients. Eleven percent (11%) of patients experienced Grade 3 or higher 
(severe, life-threatening, and fatal) CRS.  The median time to onset was 2 days (range: 1 to 12 days) 
and the median duration was 7 days (range: 2 to 29 days).  Ninety-eight percent (98%) of patients 
recovered from CRS. 
 
The most common signs or symptoms associated with CRS included pyrexia (83%), hypotension 
(44%), tachycardia (24%), hypoxia (23%), and chills (20%).  Serious adverse reactions that may be 
associated with CRS included acute kidney injury, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, cardiac 
arrest, cardiac failure, capillary leak syndrome, hypotension, hypoxia, and HLH/MAS.  See section 4.4 
for monitoring and management guidance. 
 
Neurologic adverse reactions 
Neurologic adverse reactions occurred in 67% of patients. Thirty-two percent (32%) of patients 
experienced Grade 3 or higher (severe or life-threatening) adverse reactions.  The median time to onset 
was 5 days (range: 1 to 17 days).  The median duration was 13 days (range: 1 to 191 days).  Most 
patients recovered from neurologic adverse reactions, with the exception of 4 patients who had 
ongoing neurologic adverse reactions at the time of death; the deaths were due to other causes. 
 
The most common signs or symptoms associated with neurologic adverse reactions included 
encephalopathy (58%), headache (40%), tremor (31%), dizziness (21%), aphasia (18%), and delirium 
(17%).  Serious adverse reactions including encephalopathy (22%), aphasia (4%), delirium (4%), and 
seizures (1%) have been reported in patients administered Yescarta. 
 
Other neurologic adverse reactions have been reported less frequently in clinical trials and included 
dysphagia (5%), myelitis (0.2%), and quadriplegia (0.2%). 
 
Spinal cord oedema was reported, in the context of neurologic toxicity in the post-marketing setting.   
 
See section 4.4 for monitoring and management guidance. 
 
Febrile neutropenia and infections  
Febrile neutropenia was observed in 36% of patients after Yescarta infusion.  Infections occurred in 
39% of patients in ZUMA-1.  Grade 3 or higher (severe, life-threatening, or fatal) infections occurred 
in 26% of patients.  Grade 3 or higher unspecified pathogen, bacterial, and viral infections occurred in 
19%, 9%, and 6% of patients respectively.  The most common site of infection was in the respiratory 
tract.  See section 4.4 for monitoring and management guidance. 
 
Prolonged cytopenias  
Grade 3 or higher neutropenia (including febrile neutropenia), anaemia, and thrombocytopenia 
occurred in 80%, 45%, and 40% of patients, respectively.  Prolonged (still present at Day 30 or with 
an onset at Day 30 or beyond) Grade 3 or higher neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anaemia 
occurred in 26%, 24%, and 10% of patients, respectively.  Grade 3 or higher neutropenia, 
thrombocytopenia, and anaemia present after Day 93 occurred in 11%, 7%, and 3% of patients, 
respectively. See section 4.4 for management guidance. 
 
Hypogammaglobulinaemia 
In ZUMA-1, hypogammaglobulinaemia occurred in 16% of patients.  Cumulatively, 33 (31%) of 108 
subjects received intravenous immunoglobulin therapy at the time of the 24-month analysis.  See 
section 4.4 for management guidance. 



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Immunogenicity  
 
The immunogenicity of Yescarta has been evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay 
(ELISA) for the detection of binding antibodies against FMC63, the originating antibody of the 
anti-CD19 CAR.  Three patients tested positive for anti-FMC63 prior to being treated with Yescarta.  
An impact of these antibodies on efficacy or safety was not discernible. 
 
Special population 
 
There is limited experience with Yescarta in patients ≥ 75 years of age.  Generally, safety and efficacy 
were similar between patients ≥ 65 years and patients < 65 years of age treated with Yescarta.  
Outcomes were consistent between patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) of 0 
and 1 and by sex. 
 
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 
 
There are no data regarding the signs of overdose with Yescarta. 
 
 
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 
5.1  Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Other antineoplastic agents, ATC code: not yet assigned 
 
Mechanism of action 
 
Yescarta, an engineered autologous T-cell immunotherapy product, binds to CD19 expressing cancer 
cells and normal B cells.  Following anti-CD19 CAR T-cell engagement with CD19 expressing target 
cells, the CD28 and CD3-zeta co-stimulatory domains activate downstream signalling cascades that 
lead to T-cell activation, proliferation, acquisition of effector functions, and secretion of inflammatory 
cytokines and chemokines.  This sequence of events leads to apoptosis and necrosis of CD19-
expressing target cells. 
 
Pharmacodynamic effects 
 
In phase 2 of ZUMA-1, after Yescarta infusion, pharmacodynamic responses were evaluated over a 
4-week interval by measuring transient elevation of cytokines, chemokines, and other molecules in 
blood.  Levels of cytokines and chemokines such as IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and 
IL2Rα were analyzed.  Peak elevation was observed within the first 14 days after infusion, and levels 
generally returned to baseline within 28 days.  
 
Due to the on-target, off-tumour effect of Yescarta, a period of B-cell aplasia is expected following 
treatment. Among 73 patients with evaluable samples at baseline, 40% had detectable B-cells; the 
B-cell aplasia observed in the majority of patients at baseline was attributed to prior therapies. 
Following Yescarta treatment, the proportion of patients with detectable B-cells decreased: 20% had 
detectable B-cells at Month 3, and 22% had detectable B-cells at Month 6. The initiation of B-cell 
recovery was first noted at Month 9, when 56% of patients had detectable B-cells. This trend of B-cell 
recovery continued over time, as 64% of patients had detectable B-cells at Month 18, and 77% of 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


14 

patients had detectable B-cells at Month 24. Patients were not required to be followed after they 
progressed; thus, the majority of patients with evaluable samples were responders. 
 
Analyses performed to identify associations between cytokine levels and incidence of CRS or 
neurologic events showed that higher levels (peak and AUC at 1 month) of IL-15, as well as IL-6, 
were associated with Grade 3 or higher neurologic adverse reactions and Grade 3 or higher CRS. 
 
Clinical efficacy and safety 
 
DLBCL, PMBCL and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma (ZUMA-1) 
A total of 108 patients were treated with Yescarta in a phase 1/2 open-label, multicentre, single-arm 
study in patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive B-cell NHL.  Efficacy was based on 
101 patients in phase 2, including histologically confirmed DLBCL (N = 77), PMBCL (N = 8), or 
DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma, (N = 16) based on the 2008 WHO-classification.  DLBCL 
in ZUMA-1 included patients with DLBCL NOS, other DLBCL subtypes, and high-grade B-cell 
lymphoma (HGBCL) based on the 2016 WHO-classification.  Forty-seven patients were evaluable for 
MYC, BCL-2, and BCL-6 status.  Thirty were found to have double expressor DLBCL 
(overexpression of both MYC and BCL-2 protein); 5 were found to have HGBCL with MYC, BCL-2 
or BCL-6 gene rearrangement (double- and triple-hit); and 2 were found to have HGBCL not 
otherwise specified.  Sixty-six patients were evaluable for cell-of-origin classifications (germinal 
center B-cell type [GCB] or activated B-cell type [ABC]).  Of these, 49 patients had GCB-type and 
17 patients had ABC-type.   
 
Eligible patients were ≥ 18 years of age with refractory disease defined as progressive disease (PD) or 
stable disease (SD) as best response to last line of therapy, or disease progression within 12 months 
after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).  Patients who were refractory to chemotherapy or who 
relapsed after two or more lines of systemic therapy were generally ineligible for haematopoietic stem 
cell transplantation.  Patients must have received at least prior anti-CD20 antibody therapy and an 
anthracycline containing regimen.  Patients with CNS lymphoma, a history of allogeneic stem cell 
transplantation (SCT) or prior anti-CD19 CAR or other genetically modified T-cell therapy were 
excluded.  Patients with a history of CNS disorders (such as seizures or cerebrovascular ischemia), 
cardiac ejection fraction of less than 50% or room air oxygen saturation of less than 92%, or 
autoimmune disease requiring systemic immunosuppression were ineligible.  The median duration of 
follow up was 27.1 months (still ongoing).  A summary of the patient demographics is provided in 
Table 4. 
 
Table 4: Summary of demographics for ZUMA-1 phase 2 (12 month analysis) 
 
Category All leukapheresed 

(ITT) 
Cohort 1 + 2 

(N = 111) 

All treated  
(mITT) 

Cohort 1 + 2 
(N = 101) 

Age (years) 
 Median (min, max) 58 (23, 76) 58 (23, 76) 
 ≥ 65 23% 24% 
Male gender 69% 67% 
Race 
 White  85% 86% 
 Asian  4% 3% 
 Black  4% 4% 
ECOG status 
 ECOG 0 41% 42% 
 ECOG 1 59% 58% 
Median number of prior therapies (min, max) 3 (1, 10) 3 (1, 10) 
Patients with refractory disease to ≥ 2 prior lines of therapy 77% 76% 
Patients relapsed within 1 year of ASCT 20% 21% 



15 

Category All leukapheresed 
(ITT) 

Cohort 1 + 2 
(N = 111) 

All treated  
(mITT) 

Cohort 1 + 2 
(N = 101) 

Patients with International Prognostic Index 3/4 46% 46% 
Patients with disease stage III/IV 85% 85% 
 
Yescarta was administered as a single infusion at a target dose of 2 x 106 anti-CD19 CAR T cells/kg 
after lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen of 500 mg/m2 intravenous cyclophosphamide and 
30 mg/m2 intravenous fludarabine on the 5th, 4th, and 3rd day before Yescarta.  Bridging chemotherapy 
between leukapheresis and lymphodepleting chemotherapy was not permitted.  All patients were 
hospitalized for observation for a minimum of 7 days after Yescarta infusion. 
 
Of 111 patients who underwent leukapheresis, 101 received Yescarta.  Nine patients were not treated, 
primarily due to progressive disease or serious adverse events after enrolment and prior to cell 
delivery.  One out of 111 patients did not receive the product due to manufacturing failure.  The 
median time from leukapheresis to product delivery was 17 days (range: 14 to 51 days), and the 
median time from leukapheresis to infusion was 24 days (range: 16 to 73 days).  The median dose was 
2.0 x 106 anti-CD19 CAR T cells/kg.  ITT was defined as all patients who underwent leukapheresis; 
mITT was defined as all patients who received Yescarta. 
 
The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR).  Secondary endpoints included duration of 
response (DOR), overall survival (OS), and severity of adverse events.  The ORR was prespecified to 
be tested in the first 92 treated patients and was significantly higher than the prespecified rate of 20% 
(P < 0.0001). 
 
In the primary analysis, based on the mITT population (minimum follow up of 6 months) the ORR 
was 72% and the complete response (CR) rate was 51%, as determined by an independent review 
committee.  In the 12-month follow-up analysis (Table 5), the ORR was 72% and the CR rate was 
51%.  The median time to response was 1.0 months (range: 0.8 to 6.3 months).  The DOR was longer 
in patients who achieved CR, as compared to patients with a best response of partial response (PR).  
Of the 52 patients who achieved CR, 7 patients had SD and 9 had PR at their initial tumour assessment 
and converted to CR as late as 6.5 months.  The ORR results within PMBCL and DLBCL arising from 
follicular lymphoma were both 88%.  CR rates were 75% and 56%, respectively.  Of the 111 patients 
in the ITT population, the ORR was 66% and the CR was 47%.  Other outcomes were consistent with 
those of the mITT population. 
 
In the 24-month follow-up analysis, based on the mITT population (results from an independent 
review committee), the ORR and the CR rate were 74% and 54%, respectively.  The median time to 
response was 1.0 months (range: 0.8 to 12.2 months).  The DOR was longer in patients who achieved 
CR compared to patients with a best response of PR (Table 5). Of the 55 patients who achieved CR, 7 
patients had SD and 10 had PR at their initial tumour assessment and converted to CR as late as 12 
months after Yescarta infusion.  Median duration of response and median overall survival have not 
been reached (Table 5). 
 
In the phase 1 part of ZUMA-1, 7 patients were treated.  Five patients responded, including 4 CRs.  At 
the 12-month follow-up analysis, 3 patients remained in CR 24 months after Yescarta infusion.  At the 
24-month follow-up analysis, these 3 patients remained in CR at 30 to 35 months after Yescarta 
infusion. 
 



16 

Table 5. Summary of efficacy results for ZUMA-1 phase 2  
 
Category All leukapheresed  

(ITT) 
Cohort 1 + 2 

(N = 111) 

All treated  
(mITT) 

Cohort 1 + 2 
(N = 101) 

 12-month 
analysis 

24-month 
analysis 

12-month 
analysis 

24-month 
analysis 

ORR (%) [95% CI] 66 (56, 75) 68 (58, 76) 72 (62, 81) 74 (65, 82) 
CR (%) 47 50 51 54 
Duration of Responsea, median 
(range) in months 

14.0 (0.0, 17.3) NE (0.0, 29.5) 14.0 (0.0, 17.3) NE (0.0, 29.5) 

Duration of Responsea, CR, 
median (range) in months 

NE (0.4, 17.3) NE (0.4, 29.5) NE (0.4, 17.3) NE (0.4, 29.5) 

Overall Survival, median 
(months) [95% CI] 

17.4 (11.6, NE) 17.4 (11.6, NE) 
NE (12.8, NE) NE (12.8, NE) 

     6 month OS (%) [95% CI] 81.1 (72.5, 87.2) 81.1 (72.5, 87.2) 79.2 (69.9, 85.9) 79.2 (69.9, 85.9) 
     9 month OS (%) [95% CI] 69.4 (59.9, 77.0) 69.4 (59.9, 77.0) 69.3 (59.3, 77.3) 69.3 (59.3, 77.3) 
   12 month OS (%) [95% CI] 59.3 (49.6, 67.8) 59.5 (49.7, 67.9) 60.4 (50.2, 69.2) 60.4 (50.2, 69.2) 
   24 month OS (%) [95% CI] Not applicable 47.7 (38.2, 56.7) Not applicable 50.5 (40.4, 59.7) 
NE= Not estimable (not reached) 
a Duration of response was censored at the time of SCT for subjects who received SCT while in response. 
Note: The 12-month analysis had a median follow-up of 15.1 months. The 24-month analysis had a median follow-up of 
27.1 months. OS relates to the time from the leukapheresis date (ITT) or Yescarta infusion (mITT) to death from any cause. 
 
SCHOLAR-1 
A retrospective, patient-level, pooled analysis of outcomes in refractory aggressive NHL (N = 636) 
was conducted (Crump et al., 2017) to provide confirmation of the prespecified control response rate 
of 20% and historical context for interpreting the ZUMA-1 results.  The analysis included patients 
who had not responded (SD or PD) to their last line of therapy, or had relapsed within 12 months after 
ASCT.  Response and survival after treatment with available standard-of-care therapy was evaluated.  
The ORR was 26% [95% CI (21, 31)] and the CR rate was 7% [95% CI (3, 15)], with a median OS of 
6.3 months. 
 
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
Peak levels of anti-CD19 CAR T cells occurred within the first 8 to 15 days after Yescarta infusion.  
The median peak level of anti-CD19 CAR T cells in the blood (Cmax) was 38.3 cells/µL (range: 0.8 to 
1513.7 cells/μL), which decreased to a median of 2.1 cells/µL by 1 month (range: 0 to 167.4 cells/μL) 
and to a median of 0.4 cells/µL by 3 months (range: 0 to 28.4 cells/μL) after Yescarta infusion. 
 
Age (range: 23 to 76 years) and sex had no significant impact on AUC and Cmax of Yescarta. 
 
The number of anti-CD19 CAR T cells in the blood was positively associated with objective response 
(CR or PR).  The median anti-CD19 CAR T cell Cmax level in responders (N = 71) was 216% higher 
compared to the corresponding level in nonresponders (N = 25) (43.6 cells/μL versus 20.2 cells/μL).  
Median AUCDay 0-28 in responding patients (N = 71) was 253% of the corresponding level in 
nonresponders (N = 25) (562.0 days x cells/μL versus 222.0 days x cells/μL). 
 
Yescarta comprises human autologous T cells. The anticipated metabolic products are typical cellular 
degradation products resulting from normal cellular clearance mechanisms. Thus, the infused CAR T 
cells are expected to be cleared over time. Anti-CD19 CAR T cell levels decreased toward background 
levels by Month 3 after infusion.  
Studies of Yescarta in patients with hepatic and renal impairment were not conducted. 
 



17 

5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 
Yescarta comprises engineered human T cells, therefore there are no representative in vitro assays, ex 
vivo models, or in vivo models that can accurately address the toxicological characteristics of the 
human product.  Hence, traditional toxicology studies used for drug development were not performed.  
 
No carcinogenicity or genotoxicity studies have been conducted with Yescarta. 
 
No studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of Yescarta on fertility, reproduction, and 
development. 
 
 
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
Cryostor CS10 
Sodium chloride 
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 
 
Yescarta is stable for 1 year when stored frozen in the vapour phase of liquid nitrogen (≤ -150 ˚C). 
 
The stability of Yescarta upon completion of thawing is up to 3 hours at room temperature (20 ˚C to 
25 °C).  However, Yescarta infusion should begin within 30 minutes of thaw completion and the total 
Yescarta infusion time should not exceed 30 minutes.  Thawed product should not be refrozen. 
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
Yescarta bags must be stored in the vapour phase of liquid nitrogen (≤ -150 ˚C) and Yescarta must 
remain frozen until the patient is ready for treatment to ensure viable live autologous cells are 
administered to the patient. 
 
For storage conditions after thawing of the medicinal product, see section 6.3. 
 
6.5 Nature and contents of container  
 
Ethylene-vinyl acetate cryostorage bag with sealed addition tube and two available spike ports, 
containing approximately 68 mL of cell dispersion. 
 
One cryostorage bag is individually packed in a shipping cassette. 
 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling 
 
Irradiation could lead to inactivation of the product. 
 
Precautions to be taken for transport and disposal of the medicinal product 
 
Yescarta should be transported within the facility in closed, break-proof, leak-proof containers.  
 



18 

Yescarta contains genetically modified human blood cells.  Local guidelines on handling of biological 
waste should be followed for unused medicinal products or waste material.  All material that has been 
in contact with Yescarta (solid and liquid waste) should be handled and disposed in accordance with 
local guidelines on handling of biological waste. 
 
 
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Kite Pharma EU B.V. 
Tufsteen 1 
2132 NT Hoofddorp 
The Netherlands 
 
 
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/18/1299/001 
 
 
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation: 23 August 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. 
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/


19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX II 
 

A. MANUFACTURERS 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 



20 

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

 
Name and address of the manufacturers of the biological active substance 
 
Kite Pharma, Inc. 
2355 Utah Avenue 
El Segundo 
California 
CA 90245 
United States 
 
Kite Pharma EU B.V. 
Tufsteen 1 
2132 NT Hoofddorp 
The Netherlands 
 
Name and address of the manufacturer responsible for batch release 
 
Kite Pharma EU B.V. 
Tufsteen 1 
2132 NT Hoofddorp 
The Netherlands 
 
The printed package leaflet of the medicinal product must state the name and address of the 
manufacturer responsible for the release of the concerned batch. 
 
 
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 (PSUR) 
 
The requirements for submission of PSUR 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: 



21 

• 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  
 
Key elements: 
 
Availability of tocilizumab and site qualification 
 
To minimise the risks associated with the treatment of Yescarta, the MAH must ensure that hospitals 
and their associated centres that dispense Yescarta are specially qualified in accordance with the 
agreed control distribution program.  
 
The MAH must ensure on-site, immediate access to at least 1 dose of tocilizumab for each patient as 
CRS management medication prior to treating patients. Hospitals should have access to an additional 
dose of tocilizumab within 8 hours of each previous dose. 
 
Yescarta will only be supplied to hospitals and associated centres that are qualified and only if the 
healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of a patient have completed the educational 
program. 
 
Educational program – Prior to the launch of Yescarta in each Member State the MAH must agree 
the content and format of the educational materials with the National Competent Authority.  
 
HCP Educational program  
 
The MAH shall ensure that in each Member State where Yescarta is marketed, all HCPs who are 
expected to prescribe, dispense, and administer Yescarta shall be provided with a guidance document 
to: 

- facilitate identification of CRS and serious neurologic adverse reactions 
- facilitate management of the CRS and serious neurologic adverse reactions 
- ensure adequate monitoring of CRS and serious neurologic adverse reactions 
- facilitate provision of all relevant information to patients 
- ensure that adverse reactions are adequately and appropriately reported 
- ensure that detailed instructions about the thawing procedure are provided 
- before treating a patient, ensure that at least 1 dose of tocilizumab for each patient is 

available on site 
 
Patient Educational program  
 
To inform and explain to patients 

- the risks of CRS and serious neurologic adverse reactions, associated with Yescarta 
- the need to report the symptoms to their treating doctor immediately 
- the need to remain in the proximity of the location where Yescarta was received for at 

least 4 weeks following Yescarta infusion 
- the need to carry the patient alert card at all times 

 
• Obligation to conduct post-authorisation measures  



22 

 
The MAH shall complete, within the stated timeframe, the below measures: 
 
Description Due date 
Non-interventional post-authorisation safety study (PASS): In 
order to assess the safety profile including long term safety in 
patients with B-lymphocyte malignancies treated with 
axicabtagene ciloleucel in the post marketing setting, the 
applicant should conduct and submit a study based on a 
registry. 

•Update reports: 
Annual safety reports and 
5-yearly interim reports 
•Final report of study results: 
December 2038 
 



23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
ANNEX III 

 
LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET 



24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A. LABELLING 



25 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 
 
OUTER CONTAINER (CASSETTE) 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Yescarta 0.4 – 2 x 108 cells dispersion for infusion 
axicabtagene ciloleucel (CAR+ viable T cells) 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Autologous T cells transduced with retroviral vector encoding an anti-CD19 CD28/CD3-zeta chimeric 
antigen receptor (CAR) with a target dose of 2 x 106 anti-CD19 CAR-positive viable T cells/kg. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Excipients: Cryostor CS10, human albumin, sodium chloride.  See leaflet for further information. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Dispersion for infusion 
One sterile infusion bag. 
Contents: approximately 68 mL of cell dispersion. 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Do not irradiate. 
For intravenous use only. 
Gently mix the contents of the bag while thawing. 
Do NOT use a leukodepleting filter. 
STOP confirm patient ID prior to infusion. 
 
 
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 
 
For autologous use only. 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP: 
 
 



26 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store frozen in vapour phase of liquid nitrogen ≤ -150˚C. 
Do not refreeze. 
 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
Contains genetically-modified cells.  
Dispose of as per local guideline on handling of biological waste. 
 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Kite Pharma EU B.V. 
Tufsteen 1 
2132 NT Hoofddorp 
The Netherlands 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/18/1299/001  
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER, DONATION AND PRODUCT CODES 
 
Lot:  
Kite Patient ID:  
Additional Patient ID:  
Patient Name:  
Patient DOB:  
 
 
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 



27 

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS 
 
INFUSION BAG 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Yescarta 0.4 – 2 x 108 cells dispersion for infusion 
axicabtagene ciloleucel (CAR+ viable T cells) 
For intravenous use only. 
 
 
2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP: 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER, DONATION AND PRODUCT CODES 
 
Lot:  
Kite Patient ID:  
Additional Patient ID: 
Patient Name:  
Patient DOB:  
 
 
5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT 
 
One sterile infusion bag. 
Contents: approximately 68 mL of cell dispersion. 
 
 
6. OTHER 
 
For autologous use only. 
Verify patient ID. 
 
 



28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET 



29 

Package leaflet: Information for the patient  
 

Yescarta 0.4 – 2 x 108 cells dispersion for infusion 
axicabtagene ciloleucel (CAR+ viable T cells) 

 
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.  
- Your doctor will give you a Patient Alert Card.  Read it carefully and follow the instructions on 

it. 
- Always show the Patient Alert Card to the doctor or nurse when you see them or if you go to 

hospital. 
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or nurse.  
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or nurse.  This includes any possible side effects 

not listed in this leaflet.  See section 4. 
 
What is in this leaflet 
 
1. What Yescarta is and what it is used for  
2. What you need to know before you are given Yescarta  
3. How Yescarta is given  
4. Possible side effects  
5. How to store Yescarta  
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
 
1. What Yescarta is and what it is used for 
 
Yescarta is a type of medicine called a “genetically modified cell therapy”.  
 
Yescarta is made specially for you as a single administration of your own modified white blood cells.  
It is given by a drip (infusion) into a vein (intravenously). 
 
It is used to treat aggressive conditions in adults with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and 
primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) affecting your lymph tissue (part of the immune 
system) that affects a type of white blood cell called B lymphocytes and other organs in your body.  
Too many of these abnormal white blood cells accumulate in your tissue and this is the cause of the 
symptoms you may have.  It is used to treat these conditions when other available medicines have 
stopped working for you.  
 
 
2. What you need to know before you are given Yescarta 
 
You should not be given Yescarta if you are allergic to any of the ingredients of this medicine (listed 
in section 6).  If you think you may be allergic, ask your doctor for advice. 
 
Warnings and precautions  
 
Yescarta is made from your own white blood cells and should only be given to you. 
 
Before you are given Yescarta you should tell your doctor if you: 
- have problems with your nervous system (such as fits, stroke, or memory loss). 
- have kidney problems. 



30 

- have low blood cell levels (blood counts). 
- have had a stem cell transplant in the last 4 months. 
- have any lung, heart or blood pressure (low or raised) problems. 
- have signs or symptoms of graft-versus-host disease.  This happens when transplanted cells 

attack your body, causing symptoms such as rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and bloody 
stools. 

- notice the symptoms of your cancer are getting worse.  If you have lymphoma this might 
include fever, feeling weak, night sweats, sudden weight loss. 

- have an infection.  The infection will be treated before the Yescarta infusion. 
- have had hepatitis B, hepatitis C or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. 

 
If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure), talk to your doctor before being given 
Yescarta. 
 
Tests and checks 
Before you are given Yescarta your doctor will: 
• Check your lungs, heart and blood pressure. 
• Look for signs of infection; any infection will be treated before you are given Yescarta. 
• Check if your cancer is getting worse. 
• Look for signs of graft-versus-host disease that can happen after a transplant. 
• Check your blood for uric acid and for how many cancer cells there are in your blood.  This will 

show if you are likely to develop a condition called tumour lysis syndrome.  You may be given 
medicines to help prevent the condition. 

• Check for hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV infection. 
• Check if you had a vaccination in the previous 6 weeks or are planning to have one in the next 

few months. 
 
After you have been given Yescarta 
Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any of the following: 
• Chills, extreme tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, cough, shortness of breath, or rapid 

heartbeat, which may be symptoms of a condition known as cytokine release syndrome.  Take 
your temperature twice a day for 3-4 weeks after treatment with Yescarta.  If your temperature 
is high, see your doctor immediately. 

• Fits, shaking, or difficulty speaking or slurred speech, loss of consciousness or decreased level 
of consciousness, confusion and disorientation, loss of balance or coordination. 

• Fever, which may be a symptom of an infection. 
• Extreme tiredness, weakness and shortness of breath, which may be symptoms of a lack of red 

blood cells. 
• Bleeding or bruising more easily, which may be symptoms of low levels of cells in the blood 

known as platelets. 
 

Your doctor will regularly check your blood counts as the number of blood cells and other blood 
components may decrease. 
 
Do not donate blood, organs, tissues or cells for transplants. 
 
If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure), talk to your doctor or nurse before you are given 
Yescarta.  Your doctor may need to take special care of you during your treatment with Yescarta. 
 
In some cases, it might not be possible to go ahead with the planned treatment with Yescarta.  For 
example:  
 
- If Yescarta infusion is delayed for more than 2 weeks after you have received preparatory 

chemotherapy you may have to receive more preparative chemotherapy. 
 



31 

Children and adolescents 
 
Yescarta should not be used in children and adolescents below 18 years of age. 
 
Other medicines and Yescarta 
 
Tell your doctor or nurse if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. 
 
Before you are given Yescarta tell your doctor or nurse if you are taking any medicines that weaken 
your immune system such as corticosteroids, since these medicines may interfere with the effect of 
Yescarta. 
 
In particular, you must not be given certain vaccines called live vaccines: 
• In the 6 weeks before you are given the short course of chemotherapy (called lymphodepleting 

chemotherapy) to prepare your body for the Yescarta cells. 
• During Yescarta treatment. 
• After treatment while the immune system is recovering. 
 
Talk to your doctor if you need to have any vaccinations. 
 
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 for advice before being given this medicine.  This is because the effects of Yescarta in 
pregnant or breast-feeding women are not known, and it may harm your unborn baby or your 
breast-fed child. 
• If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant after treatment with Yescarta, talk to your 

doctor immediately. 
• You will be given a pregnancy test before treatment starts.  Yescarta should only be given if the 

results show you are not pregnant. 
 
Discuss pregnancy with your doctor if you have received Yescarta. 
 
Driving and using machines 
Some people may feel tired, dizzy or have some shaking after being given Yescarta.  If this happens to 
you, do not drive or use heavy machines until at least 8 weeks after infusion or until your doctor tells 
you that you have completely recovered. 
 
Yescarta contains sodium 
This medicine contains 300 mg sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) in each infusion.  This 
is the equivalent to 15% of the recommended maximum daily dietary intake of sodium for an adult. 
 
 
3. How Yescarta is given 
 
Yescarta will always be given to you by a healthcare professional. 
 
• Since Yescarta is made from your own white blood cells, your cells will be collected from you 

to prepare your medicine.  Your doctor will take some of your blood using a catheter placed in 
your vein (a procedure call leukapheresis).  Some of your white blood cells are separated from 
your blood and the rest of your blood is returned to your vein.  This can take 3 to 6 hours and 
may need to be repeated. 

• Your white blood cells are frozen and sent away to make Yescarta.  It usually takes about 3 to 4 
weeks to receive your Yescarta therapy but the time may vary. 

 



32 

Medicines given before Yescarta treatment 
During the 30 to 60 minutes before you are given Yescarta you may be given other medicines.  This is 
to help prevent infusion reactions and fever.  These other medicines may include: 
• Paracetamol. 
• An antihistamine such as diphenhydramine. 
 
Prior to receiving Yescarta, you will be given other medicines such as preparative chemotherapy, 
which will allow your modified white blood cells in Yescarta to multiply in your body when the 
medicine is given to you. 
 
Your doctor or nurse will check carefully that this medicine is yours. 
 
How you are given Yescarta 
• Yescarta is a one-time treatment.  It will not be given to you again. 
• Your doctor or nurse will give you a single infusion of Yescarta into your vein for 

approximately 30 minutes. 
• Yescarta contains human blood cells. Your doctor handling Yescarta will therefore take 

appropriate precautions (wearing gloves and glasses) to avoid potential transmission of 
infectious diseases. 

 
You must receive Yescarta infusion in a qualified clinical facility and be discharged only when your 
doctor thinks it is safe for you to go home. 
Your doctor may do blood tests to check for side effects. 
 
After you are given Yescarta 
• Plan to stay within proximity from the hospital where you were treated for at least 4 weeks after 

you have been given Yescarta.  Your doctor will recommend that you return to the hospital 
daily for at least 10 days and will consider whether you need to stay at the hospital as an 
in-patient for the first 10 days after infusion.  This is so your doctor can check if your treatment 
is working and help you if you have any side effects. 

 
If you miss any appointments, call your doctor or the qualified clinical facility as soon as possible to 
reschedule your appointment. 
 
 
4. Possible side effects 
 
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 
 
Yescarta can cause side effects to your immune system that may be serious or life-threatening, and can 
lead to death.  
 
The following side effects have been reported with Yescarta. 

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) 
- Fever, chills, reduced blood pressure which may cause symptoms such as dizziness, 

lightheadedness, fluid in the lungs, which may be severe and can be fatal (all symptoms of a 
condition called cytokine release syndrome). 

- Fever or chills. 
- Decrease in the number of red blood cells (cells that carry oxygen) which may cause you to feel 

extremely tired with a loss of energy.  
- Low blood pressure, dizziness. 
- Feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, pain in the stomach or being sick. 
- Headache, depressed level of consciousness, difficulty in speaking, agitation, shaking. 
- Decrease in the number of white blood cells, which are important for fighting infections. 
- Decreased levels of sodium, phosphate, or potassium which will show up on blood tests.   



33 

- Changes in the rhythm or rate of the heartbeat. 
- Anxiety. 
- Decrease in the number of cells that help clot the blood (thrombocytopenia). 
- Infections in the blood caused by bacteria, viruses or other types of infection.  
- Shortness of breath, cough.  
- Low levels of antibodies called immunoglobulins, which may lead to infections. 
- High blood pressure. 
- Swelling in the limbs, fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion). 
- Muscle and joint pain, back pain. 
- Extreme tiredness.  
- Dehydration. 
- Decreased appetite, weight loss. 
- Confusion. 
- Increased levels of liver enzymes which will show up on blood tests. 
- Dry mouth.  
- Low oxygen level in blood.   
- Pain in the hands or feet.  
 
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) 

- Difficulty understanding numbers, memory loss, fits, loss of control of body movements. 
- Failure of the kidneys causing your body to hold onto fluid which can be serious or life 

threatening. 
- Fluid in the lungs.  
- Lung infection.  
- Sudden, unexpected stopping of the heart (cardiac arrest); this is serious and life-threatening. 
- Heart failure. 
- Muscle spasms.  
- Difficulty to swallow. 
- Leakage of fluids from blood vessels into surrounding tissue.  This can lead to a weight gain 

and difficulty in breathing.  
- Decreased levels of calcium which will show up on blood tests. 
- Infections in the blood caused by fungi. 
- Decreased levels of albumin which will show up on blood tests.  
- Skin rash.  
- Increased levels of bilirubin reporting on how your liver is working, which will show up on 

blood tests. 
- Signs and symptoms of blood clots.  
- Difficulty sleeping.  
- Hypersensitivity. 
 
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) 

- Inflammation and swelling of spinal cord which may cause partial or total paralysis of limbs and 
torso.  

 
Tell your doctor immediately if you get any of the side effects listed above.  Do not try to treat your 
symptoms with other medicines on your own.  
 
Reporting of side effects 
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or nurse.  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. 
 
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


34 

5. How to store Yescarta 
 
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 container label and infusion bag. 
 
Store frozen in vapour phase of liquid nitrogen ≤ -150 °C until thawed for use. 
Do not refreeze. 
 
As this medicine will be given by qualified healthcare professionals, they are responsible for the 
correct disposal of the product.  These measures will help protect the environment.  This medicine 
contains genetically modified  blood cells.  Local guidelines on handling biological waste should be 
followed for unused medicine or waste material. 
 
 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
What Yescarta contains  
 
The active substance is axicabtagene ciloleucel.  Each patient-specific single infusion bag contains a 
dispersion of anti-CD19 CAR T cells in approximately 68 mL for a target dose of 2 x 106 anti-CD19 
CAR-positive viable T cells/kg. 
The other ingredients (excipients) are: Cryostor CS10, sodium chloride, human albumin.  See section 
2 “Yescarta contains sodium”.  
 
What Yescarta looks like and contents of the pack 
 
Yescarta is a clear to opaque, white to red dispersion for infusion, supplied in an infusion bag 
individually packed in a metal cassette.  A single infusion bag contains approximately 68 mL of cell 
dispersion. 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer 
Kite Pharma EU B.V. 
Tufsteen 1 
2132 NT Hoofddorp 
The Netherlands 
 
 
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder: 
 
België/Belgique/Belgien 
Gilead Sciences Belgium SPRL-BVBA 
Tél/Tel: + 32 (0) 24 01 35 50 

Lietuva 
Gilead Sciences Poland Sp. z o.o. 
Tel: + 48 22 262 8702 
 

България 
Gilead Sciences Ireland UC 
Тел.: + 353 (0) 1 686 1888 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 
Gilead Sciences Belgium SPRL-BVBA 
Tél/Tel: + 32 (0) 24 01 35 50 
 

Česká republika 
Gilead Sciences s.r.o. 
Tel: + 420 910 871 986 
 

Magyarország 
Gilead Sciences Ireland UC 
Tel: + 353 (0) 1 686 1888 

Danmark 
Gilead Sciences Sweden AB 
Tlf: + 46 (0) 8 5057 1849 
 

Malta 
Gilead Sciences Ireland UC 
Tel: + 353 (0) 1 686 1888 



35 

Deutschland 
Gilead Sciences GmbH 
Tel: + 49 (0) 89 899890-0 
 

Nederland 
Gilead Sciences Netherlands B.V. 
Tel: + 31 (0) 20 718 36 98 

Eesti 
Gilead Sciences Poland Sp. z o.o. 
Tel: + 48 22 262 8702 
 

Norge 
Gilead Sciences Sweden AB 
Tlf: + 46 (0) 8 5057 1849 

Ελλάδα 
Gilead Sciences Ελλάς Μ.ΕΠΕ. 
Τηλ: + 30 210 8930 100 
 

Österreich 
Gilead Sciences GesmbH 
Tel: + 43 1 260 830 

España 
Gilead Sciences, S.L. 
Tel: + 34 91 378 98 30 
 

Polska 
Gilead Sciences Poland Sp. z o.o. 
Tel: + 48 22 262 8702 

France 
Gilead Sciences 
Tél: + 33 (0) 1 46 09 41 00 

Portugal 
Gilead Sciences, Lda. 
Tel: + 351 21 7928790 
 

Hrvatska 
Gilead Sciences Ireland UC 
Tel: + 353 (0) 1 686 1888 

România 
Gilead Sciences Ireland UC 
Tel: + 353 (0) 1 686 1888 
 

Ireland 
Gilead Sciences Ireland UC 
Tel: + 353 (0) 214 825 999 
 

Slovenija 
Gilead Sciences Ireland UC 
Tel: + 353 (0) 1 686 1888 

Ísland 
Gilead Sciences Sweden AB 
Sími: + 46 (0) 8 5057 1849 
 

Slovenská republika 
Gilead Sciences Slovakia s.r.o. 
Tel: + 421 232 121 210 
 

Italia 
Gilead Sciences S.r.l. 
Tel: + 39 02 439201 

Suomi/Finland 
Gilead Sciences Sweden AB 
Puh/Tel: + 46 (0) 8 5057 1849 
 

Κύπρος 
Gilead Sciences Ελλάς Μ.ΕΠΕ. 
Τηλ: + 30 210 8930 100 

Sverige 
Gilead Sciences Sweden AB 
Tel: + 46 (0) 8 5057 1849 
 

Latvija 
Gilead Sciences Poland Sp. z o.o. 
Tel: + 48 22 262 8702 
 

United Kingdom 
Gilead Sciences Ltd 
Tel: + 44 (0) 8000 113700 
 

 
This leaflet was last revised in  
 
Other sources of information 
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu.  There are also links to other websites about rare diseases and treatments.  
 
This leaflet is available in all EU/EEA languages on the European Medicines Agency website. 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 
The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: 



36 

Preparation of Yescarta 
• Verify that the patient’s identity (ID) matches the patient identifiers on the Yescarta cassette.  
• The Yescarta product bag must not be removed from the cassette if the information on the 

patient-specific label does not match the intended patient. 
• Once the patient’s ID is confirmed, remove the Yescarta product bag from the cassette. 
• Check that the patient information on the cassette label matches that on the bag label. 
• Inspect the product bag for any breaches of container integrity before thawing.  If the bag is 

compromised, follow the local guidelines (or immediately contact Kite). 
• Place the infusion bag inside a second sterile bag or per local guidelines. 
• Thaw Yescarta at approximately 37 °C using either a water bath or dry thaw method until there 

is no visible ice in the infusion bag.  Gently mix the contents of the bag to disperse clumps of 
cellular material.  If visible cell clumps remain, continue to gently mix the contents of the bag.  
Small clumps of cellular material should disperse with gentle manual mixing.  Yescarta should 
not be washed, spun down, and/or re-suspended in new media prior to infusion.  Thawing 
should take approximately 3 to 5 minutes. 

• Once thawed, Yescarta is stable at room temperature (20 ˚C-25 ˚C) for up to 3 hours. 
 
Do NOT use a leukodepleting filter. 
 
Administration 
• Yescarta intravenous infusion should be initiated under the direction of and supervised by a 

HCP experienced in the treatment of haematological malignancies and trained for 
administration and management of patient treated with Yescarta.  

• Ensure that at least 1 dose of tocilizumab per patient and emergency equipment are available 
prior to infusion and during the recovery period. Hospitals should have access to an additional 
dose of tocilizumab within 8 hours of each previous dose.  

• The patient’s identity should be matched with the patient identifiers on the infusion bag.  
• Yescarta is for autologous use only.  
• Yescarta should be administered as an intravenous infusion using latex-free intravenous tubing 

without a leukocyte depleting filter within 30 minutes by either gravity or a peristaltic pump.  
• Gently agitate the bag during Yescarta infusion to prevent cell clumping. All contents of the 

infusion bags should be infused.  
• Sterile sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) (0.154 mmol sodium per mL) solution for injection 

should be used to prime the tubing prior to infusion as well as rinse it afterwards. Yescarta is 
stable at room temperature for up to 3 hours after thaw. When the full volume of Yescarta has 
been infused, the infusion bag should be rinsed with 10 to 30 mL sodium chloride 9 mg/mL 
(0.9%) solution for injection by back priming to ensure as many cells as possible are infused 
into the patient.  

 
Precautions to be taken before handling or administering Yescarta 
• Yescarta contains genetically-modified human blood cells. Local guidelines on handling of 

biological waste should be followed for disposal. 
• All material that has been in contact with Yescarta (solid and liquid waste) should be handled 

and disposed of as potentially infectious waste in accordance with local guidelines on handling 
of biological waste.  

• Yescarta should be transported within the facility in closed, break-proof, leak-proof containers 
• Yescarta is prepared from autologous blood of the patient collected by leukapheresis. Patient 

leukapheresis material and Yescarta may carry a risk of transmitting infectious viruses to HCP 
handling the product. Accordingly, HCP should employ appropriate precautions (wearing 
gloves and glasses) when handling leukapheresis material or Yescarta to avoid potential 
transmission of infectious diseases. 

 
 


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURERS 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