IL-2, IL-6, IFN-gamma release in chimpanzees, consistent with clinical CRS; ADA to surrogate in mice
“Increases in cytokines IL-2, IL-6, and INFγ were also observed following infusion with blinatumomab in chimpanzees, a finding consistent with the cytokine release syndrome observed in the clinical trial in patients with ALL.”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 12Source ↗
Biodistribution & persistence
Short half-life (1.5-8 h), rapid elimination with renal clearance; surrogate crosses placenta
“The mean terminal half-lives in the tested species ranged from 1.5 to 8 hours, indicating rapid elimination of the drug.”
CRS and neurotoxicity (cytokines plus VCAM-1/T-cell endothelial adhesion), B-cell depletion, infection
“It is therefore plausible that the up-regulation of both proinflammatory cytokines and VCAM-1 may at least in part contribute to neurologic adverse events seen in the blinatumomab-treated subjects (see clinical safety).”