INDICATION & LIMITATIONS OF USE

IMLYGIC® (talimogene laherparepvec) is a genetically modified oncolytic viral therapy indicated for the local treatment of unresectable cutaneous, subcutaneous, and nodal lesions in patients with melanoma recurrent after initial surgery...READ MORE

IMLYGIC® Triggers an Antitumor Immune Response1

IMLYGIC® (talimogene laherparepvec) has been genetically modified to replicate within tumors and to produce the immune stimulatory protein granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). When IMLYGIC® is injected into melanoma tumors, it causes lysis of tumor cells followed by release of tumor-derived antigens, which together with virally derived GM-CSF may promote an antitumor immune response. However, the exact mechanism of action is unknown.1

Cancer immunity cycle1,2

Illustration demonstrating the cancer immunity cycle

A modified virus with multiple effects1

Using recombinant DNA technology, herpes simplex virus type 1 has been genetically modified to replicate in cancer cells and may promote an antitumor immune response.1,3

Controlled replication3

  • Deletion of the infected cell protein (ICP) 34.5 gene promotes specific replication of IMLYGIC® in tumor tissue3

Increased antigen expression and presentation3

  • Deletion of ICP 47 prevents down-regulation of antigen presentation molecules3
  • Inserted GM-CSF may recruit and activate antigen-presenting cells, which can process and present TDA to promote an effector T-cell response2,3

The exact mechanism of action is unknown,1 and is for illustrative purposes only. It is not meant to imply clinical efficacy.1

Illustration of a modified herpes virus

REFERENCES

  1. IMLYGIC® (talimogene laherparepvec) Prescribing Information, BioVex, Inc., a subsidiary of Amgen Inc.
  2. Chen DS, Mellman I. Oncology meets immunology: the cancer-immunity cycle. Immunity. 2013;39:1-10.
  3. Liu BL, Robinson M, Han Z-Q, et al. ICP34.5 deleted herpes simplex virus with enhanced oncolytic, immune stimulating, and anti-tumour properties. Gene Ther. 2003;10:292-303.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Contraindications
  • Do not administer IMLYGIC® to immunocompromised patients, including those with a history of primary or acquired immunodeficient states, leukemia, lymphoma, AIDS or other clinical manifestations of infection with human immunodeficiency viruses, and those on immunosuppressive therapy, due to the risk of life-threatening disseminated herpetic infection.
  • Do not administer IMLYGIC® to pregnant patients.
Warnings and Precautions
  • Accidental exposure to IMLYGIC® may lead to transmission of IMLYGIC® and herpetic infection, including during preparation and administration. Health care providers, close contacts, pregnant women, and newborns should avoid direct contact with injected lesions, dressings, or body fluids of treated patients. The affected area in exposed individuals should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water and/or a disinfectant.
  • Caregivers should wear protective gloves when assisting patients in applying or changing occlusive dressings and observe safety precautions for disposal of used dressings, gloves, and cleaning materials. Exposed individuals should clean the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and/or a disinfectant.
  • To prevent possible inadvertent transfer of IMLYGIC® to other areas of the body, patients should be advised to avoid touching or scratching injection sites or occlusive dressings.
  • Herpetic infections: Herpetic infections (including but not limited to cold sores and herpetic keratitis) and serious cases of disseminated herpetic infections have been reported in IMLYGIC-® treated patients, including fatal disseminated herpetic infection in the immunocompromised patient population. Immunocompromised patients may be at increased risk of life-threatening disseminated herpetic infection. Patients who develop suspicious herpes-like lesions should follow standard hygienic practices to prevent viral transmission.
  • Patients or close contacts with suspected signs or symptoms of a herpetic infection should contact their health care provider to evaluate the lesions. Suspected herpetic lesions should be reported to Amgen at 1-855-IMLYGIC (1-855-465-9442). Patients or close contacts have the option of follow-up testing for further characterization of the infection.
  • IMLYGIC® is sensitive to acyclovir. Acyclovir or other antiviral agents may interfere with the effectiveness of IMLYGIC®. Consider the risks and benefits of IMLYGIC® treatment before administering antiviral agents to manage herpetic infection.
  • Injection Site Complications: Necrosis or ulceration of tumor tissue may occur during IMLYGIC® treatment. Cellulitis and systemic bacterial infection have been reported in clinical studies. Careful wound care and infection precautions are recommended, particularly if tissue necrosis results in open wounds.
  • Impaired healing at the injection site has been reported. IMLYGIC® may increase the risk of impaired healing in patients with underlying risk factors (eg, previous radiation at the injection site or lesions in poorly vascularized areas). If there is persistent infection or delayed healing of the injection site, consider the risks and benefits of continuing treatment.
  • Immune-Mediated events including glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, pneumonitis, worsening psoriasis, and vitiligo have been reported in patients treated with IMLYGIC®. Consider the risks and benefits of IMLYGIC® before initiating treatment in patients who have underlying autoimmune disease or before continuing treatment in patients who develop immune-mediated events.
  • Plasmacytoma at the Injection Site: Plasmacytoma in proximity to the injection site has been reported in a patient with smoldering multiple myeloma after IMLYGIC® administration in a clinical study. Consider the risks and benefits of IMLYGIC® in patients with multiple myeloma or in whom plasmacytoma develops during treatment.
  • Obstructive Airway Disorder: Obstructive airway disorder has been reported following IMLYGIC® treatment. Use caution when injecting lesions close to major airways.
  • Hepatic Hemorrhage from Transcutaneous Intrahepatic Route of Administration: IMLYGIC is not indicated for transcutaneous intrahepatic route of administration. In clinical studies, cases of hepatic hemorrhage resulting in hospitalization and death have been reported in patients receiving transcutaneous intrahepatic IMLYGIC injections
Adverse Reactions
  • The most commonly reported adverse drug reactions (≥ 25%) in IMLYGIC®-treated patients were fatigue, chills, pyrexia, nausea, influenza-like illness, and injection site pain. Pyrexia, chills, and influenza-like illness can occur at any time during IMLYGIC® treatment, but were more frequent during the first 3 months of treatment.
  • The most common Grade 3 or higher adverse reaction was cellulitis.

Please see full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for IMLYGIC®.

INDICATION

IMLYGIC® is a genetically modified oncolytic viral therapy indicated for the local treatment of unresectable cutaneous, subcutaneous, and nodal lesions in patients with melanoma recurrent after initial surgery.

Limitations of use: IMLYGIC® has not been shown to improve overall survival or have an effect on visceral metastases.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Contraindications

Do not administer IMLYGIC® to immunocompromised patients, including those with a history of primary or acquired immunodeficient states, leukemia, lymphoma, AIDS or other clinical manifestations of infection with human immunodeficiency viruses, and those on immunosuppressive therapy, due to the risk of life-threatening disseminated herpetic infection.

Do not administer IMLYGIC® to pregnant patients.

Warnings and Precautions

Accidental exposure to IMLYGIC® may lead to transmission of IMLYGIC® and herpetic infection, including during preparation and administration. Health care providers, close contacts, pregnant women, and newborns should

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