Bendamustine

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Bendamustine Hydrochloride for Injection is an alkylating drug indicated for treatment of patients with: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Efficacy relative to first line therapies other than chlorambucil has not been established. ( 1.1 ) Indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that has progressed during or within six months of treatment with rituximab or a rituximab-containing regimen. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Bendamustine Hydrochloride for Injection is indicated for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Efficacy relative to first line therapies other than chlorambucil has not been established. 1.2 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) Bendamustine Hydrochloride for Injection is indicated for the treatment of patients with indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that has progressed during or within six months of treatment with rituximab or a rituximab-containing regimen.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Bendamustine hydrochloride is available in two formulations, a solution (Bendamustine Injection) and a lyophilized powder (Bendamustine for Injection). ( 2.1 ) For CLL : 100 mg/m 2 infused intravenously over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 2 of a 28-day cycle, up to 6 cycles ( 2.2 ) For NHL : 120 mg/m 2 infused intravenously over 60 minutes on Days 1 and 2 of a 21-day cycle, up to 8 cycles ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Selection of Bendamustine Formulation to Administer Bendamustine hydrochloride is available in two formulations, a solution (Bendamustine Injection) and a lyophilized powder (Bendamustine for Injection). Bendamustine Hydrochloride Injection and the reconstituted Bendamustine Hydrochloride for Injection have different concentrations of bendamustine hydrochloride. The concentration of bendamustine hydrochloride in the solution is 90 mg/mL and the concentration of bendamustine hydrochloride in the reconstituted solution of lyophilized powder is 5 mg/mL. Do not mix or combine the two formulations. If a CSTD or adapter that contains polycarbonate or ABS is used as supplemental protection prior to dilution 1 , only use bendamustine hydrochloride for injection, the lyophilized powder formulation [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling ( 16 )] . 2.2 Dosing Instructions for CLL Recommended Dosage The recommended dose is 100 mg/m 2 administered intravenously over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 2 of a 28-day cycle, up to 6 cycles. Dose Delays, Dose Modifications and Reinitiation of Therapy for CLL Delay bendamustine hydrochloride administration in the event of Grade 4 hematologic toxicity or clinically significant ≥ Grade 2 non-hematologic toxicity. Once non-hematologic toxicity has recovered to less than or equal to Grade 1 and/or the blood counts have improved [Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) ≥ 1 x 10 9 /L, platelets ≥ 75 x 10 9 /L], reinitiate bendamustine hydrochloride at the discretion of the treating physician. In addition, consider dose reduction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Dose modifications for hematologic toxicity: for Grade 3 or greater toxicity, reduce the dose to 50 mg/m 2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle; if Grade 3 or greater toxicity recurs, reduce the dose to 25 mg/m 2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle. Dose modifications for non-hematologic toxicity: for clinically significant Grade 3 or greater toxicity, reduce the dose to 50 mg/m 2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle. Consider dose re-escalation in subsequent cycles at the discretion of the treating physician. 2.3 Dosing Instructions for NHL Recommended Dosage The recommended dose is 120 mg/m 2 administered intravenously over 60 minutes on Days 1 and 2 of a 21-day cycle, up to 8 cycles. Dose Delays, Dose Modifications and Reinitiation of Therapy for NHL Delay bendamustine hydrochloride administration in the event of a Grade 4 hematologic toxicity or clinically significant greater than or equal to Grade 2 non-hematologic toxicity. Once non-hematologic toxicity has recovered to ≤ Grade 1 and/or the blood counts have improved [Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) ≥ 1 x 10 9 /L, platelets ≥ 75 x 10 9 /L], reinitiate bendamustine hydrochloride at the discretion of the treating physician. In addition, consider dose reduction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Dose modifications for hematologic toxicity: for Grade 4 toxicity, reduce the dose to 90 mg/m 2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle; if Grade 4 toxicity recurs, reduce the dose to 60 mg/m 2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle. Dose modifications for non-hematologic toxicity: for Grade 3 or greater toxicity, reduce the dose to 90 mg/m 2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle; if Grade 3 or greater toxicity recurs, reduce the dose to 60 mg/m 2 on Days 1 and 2 of each cycle. 2.4 Preparation for Intravenous Administration Bendamustine hydrochloride is a hazardous drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1 Bendamustine Hydrochloride for Injection (25 mg per vial or 100 mg per vial lyophilized powder) If a clos…

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myelosuppression: Delay or reduce dose and restart treatment based on ANC and platelet count recovery. ( 5.1 ) Infections: Monitor for fever and other signs of infection or reactivation of infections and treat promptly. ( 5.2 ) Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): Monitor for new or worsening neurological, cognitive or behavioral signs or symptoms suggestive of PML. ( 5.3 ) Anaphylaxis and Infusion Reactions: Severe and anaphylactic reactions have occurred; monitor clinically and discontinue drug for severe reactions. Pre-medicate in subsequent cycles for milder reactions. ( 5.4 ) Tumor Lysis Syndrome: May lead to acute renal failure and death; anticipate and use supportive measures in patients at high risk. ( 5.5 ) Skin Reactions: Discontinue for severe skin reactions. Cases of SJS, DRESS and TEN, some fatal, have been reported. ( 5.6 ) Hepatotoxicity: Monitor liver chemistry tests prior to and during treatment. ( 5.7 ) Other Malignancies: Pre-malignant and malignant diseases have been reported. ( 5.8 ) Extravasation Injury: Take precautions to avoid extravasation, including monitoring intravenous infusion site during and after administration. ( 5.9 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use an effective method of contraception. ( 5.10 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Myelosuppression Bendamustine hydrochloride caused severe myelosuppression (Grade 3-4) in 98% of patients in the two NHL studies [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Three patients (2%) died from myelosuppression-related adverse reactions; one each from neutropenic sepsis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage with Grade 3 thrombocytopenia, and pneumonia from an opportunistic infection (CMV). Monitor complete blood counts, including leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin (Hgb), and neutrophils frequently. In the clinical trials, blood counts were monitored every week initially. Hematologic nadirs were observed predominantly in the third week of therapy. Myelosuppression may require dose delays and/or subsequent dose reductions if recovery to the recommended values has not occurred by the first day of the next scheduled cycle. Prior to the initiation of the next cycle of therapy, the ANC should be ≥ 1 x 10 9 /L and the platelet count should be ≥ 75 x 10 9 /L [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) and ( 2.3 )] . 5.2 Infections Infection, including pneumonia, sepsis, septic shock, hepatitis and death has occurred in adult and pediatric patients in clinical trials and in postmarketing reports [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.2 )] . Patients with myelosuppression following treatment with bendamustine hydrochloride are more susceptible to infections. Advise patients with myelosuppression following bendamustine hydrochloride treatment to contact a physician if they have symptoms or signs of infection. Patients treated with bendamustine hydrochloride are at risk for reactivation of infections including (but not limited to) hepatitis B, cytomegalovirus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and herpes zoster. Patients should undergo appropriate measures (including clinical and laboratory monitoring, prophylaxis, and treatment) for infection and infection reactivation prior to administration. 5.3 Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), including fatal cases, have occurred following treatment with bendamustine, primarily in combination with rituximab or obinutuzumab [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Consider PML in the differential diagnosis in patients with new or worsening neurological, cognitive or behavioral signs or symptoms. If PML is suspected, withhold bendamustine hydrochloride treatment and perform appropriate diagnostic evaluations. Consider discontinuation or reduction of any concomitant chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy in patients who develop PML. 5.4 Anaphylaxis and Infusion Reactions Infusion reactions to b…

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Bendamustine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions) to bendamustine [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. Bendamustine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to bendamustine. Reactions have included anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions. ( 4 , 5.4 )

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Consider alternative therapies that are not CYP1A2 inducers or inhibitors during treatment with bendamustine hydrochloride. ( 7 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on Bendamustine Hydrochloride CYP1A2 Inhibitors The coadministration of bendamustine hydrochloride with CYP1A2 inhibitors may increase bendamustine plasma concentrations and may result in increased incidence of adverse reactions with bendamustine hydrochloride [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Consider alternative therapies that are not CYP1A2 inhibitors during treatment with bendamustine hydrochloride. CYP1A2 Inducers The coadministration of bendamustine hydrochloride with CYP1A2 inducers may decrease bendamustine plasma concentrations and may result in decreased efficacy of bendamustine hydrochloride [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Consider alternative therapies that are not CYP1A2 inducers during treatment with bendamustine hydrochloride.

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary In animal reproduction studies, intraperitoneal administration of bendamustine to pregnant mice and rats during organogenesis at doses 0.6 to 1.8 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) resulted in embryo-fetal and/or infant mortality, structural abnormalities, and alterations to growth (see Data ) . There are no available data on bendamustine hydrochloride use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal data Bendamustine hydrochloride was intraperitoneally administered once to mice from 210 mg/m 2 (approximately 1.8 times the MRHD) during organogenesis and caused an increase in resorptions, skeletal and visceral malformations (exencephaly, cleft palates, accessory rib, and spinal deformities), and decreased fetal body weights. This dose did not appear to be maternally toxic and lower doses were not evaluated. Repeat intraperitoneal administration of bendamustine hydrochloride to mice on gestation days 7 to 11 resulted in an increase in resorptions from 75 mg/m 2 (approximately 0.6 times the MRHD) and an increase in abnormalities from 112.5 mg/m 2 (approximately 0.9 times the MRHD), similar to those seen after a single intraperitoneal administration. Bendamustine hydrochloride was intraperitoneally administered once to rats from 120 mg/m 2 (approximately the MRHD) on gestation days 4, 7, 9, 11, or 13 and caused embryo and fetal lethality as indicated by increased resorptions and a decrease in live fetuses. A significant increase in external (effect on tail, head, and herniation of external organs [exomphalos]) and internal (hydronephrosis and hydrocephalus) malformations were seen in dosed rats.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions have been associated with bendamustine hydrochloride in clinical trials and are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label. Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Anaphylaxis and Infusion Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Other Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5. 8)] Extravasation Injury [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Adverse reactions (frequency >5%) during infusion and within 24 hours post-infusion are nausea and fatigue. ( 6.1 ) Most common adverse reactions (≥15%) for CLL are anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, leukopenia, pyrexia, nausea, vomiting. ( 6.1 , 6.2 ) Most common adverse reactions (≥15%) for NHL are lymphopenia, leukopenia, anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, pyrexia, constipation, anorexia, cough, headache, weight decreased, dyspnea, rash, and stomatitis. ( 6.1 , 6.2 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-844-824-8426 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia The data described below reflect exposure to bendamustine hydrochloride in 153 patients. Bendamustine hydrochloride was studied in an active-controlled, randomized trial. The population was 45-77 years of age, 63% male, 100% white, and had treatment naïve CLL. All patients started the study at a dose of 100 mg/m 2 intravenously over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 2 every 28 days. Adverse reactions were reported according to NCI CTC v.2.0. In the randomized CLL clinical study, non-hematologic adverse reactions (any grade) in the bendamustine hydrochloride group that occurred with a frequency greater than 15% were pyrexia (24%), nausea (20%), and vomiting (16%). Other adverse reactions seen frequently in one or more studies included asthenia, fatigue, malaise, and weakness; dry mouth; somnolence; cough; constipation; headache; mucosal inflammation and stomatitis. Worsening hypertension was reported in 4 patients treated with bendamustine hydrochloride in the randomized CLL clinical study and in none treated with chlorambucil. Three of these 4 adverse reactions were described as a hypertensive crisis and were managed with oral medications and resolved. The most frequent adverse reactions leading to study withdrawal for patients receiving bendamustine hydrochloride were hypersensitivity (2%) and pyrexia (1%). Table 1 contains the treatment emergent adverse reactions, regardless of attribution, that were reported in ≥ 5% of patients in either treatment group in the randomized CLL clinical study. Table 1: Non-Hematologic Adverse Reactions Occurring in Randomized CLL Clinical Study in at Least 5% of Patients Number (%) of patients Bendamustine Hydrochloride (N=153) Chlorambucil (N=143) Body System/Adverse Reaction All Grades Grade 3/4 All Grades Grade 3/4 Total number of patients with at least 1 adverse reaction 121 (79) 52 (34) 96 (67) 25 (17) Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea 31 (20) 24 (16) 14 (9) 1 (<1) 1 (<1) 2 (1) 21 (15) 9 (6) 5 (3) 1 (<1) 0 0 General disorders and administration site conditions Pyrexia Fatigue Asthenia Chills 36 (24) 14 (9) 13 (8) 9 (6) 6 (4) 2 (1) 0 0 8 (6) 8 (6) 6 (4) 1 (<1) 2 (1) 0 0 0 Immune system disorders Hypersensitivity 7 (5) 2 (1) 3 (2) 0 Infections and in…