Allocord

Patient Information

Discuss the following with patients receiving ALLOCORD:

• Report immediately any signs and symptoms of acute infusion reactions, such as fever, chills, fatigue, breathing problems, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, or muscle aches.
• Report immediately any signs or symptoms suggestive of graft-vs.-host disease, including rash, diarrhea, or yellowing of the eyes.

Instructions For Preparation For Infusion

1. 1. Equipment, Reagents, And SuppliesEquipment:
      Biologic safety cabinet
      Waterbath, 37°C
      Heat sealer
      Scale
      Automated cell counter
      Flow cytometer
      MicroscopeReagents:
      25% Albumin (Human), USP
      Dextran 40 in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP or Dextran 40 in Dextrose Injection, USP

      Supplies:
      Sterile sealable zip lock bag
      Syringes – 1 mL, 3 mL, 5 mL, 30 mL, 60 mL
      18 gauge safety needles
      Blunt plastic cannulas
      Sterile syringe caps (dual end: male/female)
      Alcohol wipes
      Plasma transfer sets (2 inch tubing, female luer adapter) – included with product shipment
      Transfer packs – 150 mL, 300 mL
      Blood culture vials
      Blood culture device
      Hemostat
      2 mL cryovial

   2. Receipt InstructionsALLOCORD is shipped frozen in a steel canister that is contained in an insulating foam sleeve. ALLOCORD must be stored at or below -150 °C, either inside the container used for shipping (dryshipper) or in a liquid nitrogen (LN₂)-cooled storage device at the Transplant Center (recommended).Upon receiving the shipment, perform the following steps:
      1. 1. Confirm receipt of the shipment and the identity of the expected unit.
         2. Inspect the shipper for tampering or damage prior to opening.
         3. Weigh the shipper and document the weight on the Unit Receipt Form.
         4. Note the temperature displayed on the data logger and document the temperature on the Unit Receipt Form.
         5. Using cryoprotective gloves, remove the product from the canister and place in a reservoir with LN ₂or in the vapor phase of aLN₂ freezer.
         6. Carefully open the cassette. Inspect the integrity of the unit(s) received and document its conditions on the Unit Receipt Form.
         7. Confirm the identity of the cord blood unit. Include this check on the Unit Receipt Form.
         8. Store the product in an LN₂ storage vessel that maintains a temperature below -150°C.
         9. Reserve the samples that accompany the unit as a DNA source for confirmatory testing or post engraftment studies:
            1. a segment remains on the unit; reserve it prior to thawing the unit
            2. an aliquot containing the material remaining from the red blood cell/plasma reduction
            3. an aliquot containing unmanipulated cord blood collected in Citrate Phosphate Dextrose (CPD)
            4. a spot card containing unmanipulated cord blood collected in CPD (in envelope)

      NOTE: Aside from the segment, ancillary samples are not intended to represent the cell count or potency of the cryopreserved product.

      1. Replace data logger temperature probe wire inside the inner dry shipper container if necessary, and reassemble the shipper for return.
      2. Fax the completed Unit Receipt Form to St. Louis Cord Blood Bank of the SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center at 314-268-4186.

      NOTE: If there is any error or ambiguity with regard to the product documentation, close the canister and keep the product at LN₂ temperature. Immediately advise the staff of the St. Louis Cord Blood Bank and the transplant physician. Do not proceed until the problem is resolved. If your LN₂ storage tanks have no space to store the product in its canister and insulated sleeve, add LN₂ to the St. Louis Cord Blood Bank dry-shipper to keep the product frozen until a completely satisfactory determination is made.

   3. Preparation
      1. Coordination with the clinical team
         1. Confirm the infusion time in advance, adjusting the start time for thaw so the unit is available for infusion when the recipient is ready.
         2. Consult with the clinicians about final product volume based on the recipient’s weight and possible fluid restrictions.
      2. General Information
         1. Use aseptic technique in a biological safety cabinet for all processing steps, including all opencontainer processing and all spiking of container ports.
         2. Use only sterile materials when processing the cellular product.
         3. Record the manufacturer information, lot number and expiration date (if applicable) of all reagents and disposables.
         4. Prepare the water bath and verify that the temperature is 37°C.
      3. Prepare the reconstitution solution
         1. Combine 250 mL Dextran 40 and 50 mL 25% albumin in a 300 mL transfer pack. Clamp the tubing with a hemostat.
         2. Using appropriate sized syringes, withdraw the following and cap the syringes with blunt plastic cannula:
            1. 50 mL of reconstitution solution. If the total frozen volume (product + DMSO volume) exceeds the standard 50mL reconstitution solution, use a volume of reconstitution solution equal to the total frozen volume so the dilution ratio is at least 1:1
            2. 30 mL of reconstitution solution to be used as a container rinse for microbial culturing
      4. Obtain product
         1. Prepare a portable canister with LN₂ using appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, gowns, face shield).
         2. Product verification requires two members of the laboratory staff. With product and recipient files at hand, locate and remove the product from its location in the freezer, but maintaining in vapor phase. Expeditiously verify product identity, labeling, accuracy of information, and container integrity.
         3. Remove any segment attached to the unit, place into a 2 mL cryovial and store in either vapor or liquid phase of nitrogen (<-150°C).
         4. Immediately transfer the product from LN₂ storage tank into the portable canister containing LN₂.
   4. ProcedureReconstitution or simple dilution of ALLOCORD with dextran/human serum albumin (HSA) solution, using the Thawing and Diluting procedures described below, is recommended. The Alternate Procedure – Washing may be considered if the infusion volume and/or DMSO dose are contraindicated (>1 mL/kg).NOTE: Minimize the time from initiation of thaw to completion of infusion.

      Thawing:

      1. 1. Verify the identity of the product being thawed.
      1. 1. Remove the ALLOCORD unit from the cassette. Examine the cryobag for breaks or cracks.
      1. 1. Carefully place the unit inside a sterile sealable zip-lock bag, and submerge in the 37°C water bath, keeping port(s) dry and above water.
      1. 1. Document the thaw start time.
         2. To accelerate thawing, gently knead contents of bag.
            NOTE: Inspect for leaks ! If container integrity is observed to be compromised, position the cryobag and/or clamp with hemostats to prevent further escape of blood.
         3. When the contents of the cryobag become slushy, remove the bag from the 37°C water bath.
      1. 1. Note the thaw stop time. Product expiration time is four hours from this step.
         2. Gently wipe the outside surface of the cryobag with alcohol, and place the cryobag into the biologic safety cabinet.
            DILUTING:
         3. Insert a plasma transfer set into the cryobag.
         4. Attach the syringe containing the 50mL reconstitution solution to the transfer set on the cryobag.
         5. Slowly introduce approximately half the volume of the reconstitution solution to the thawed product while mixing the fluids in the bag.
      1. 1. Insert the spike of a correctly labeled appropriate volume capacity transfer pack into the second access port of the cryobag.
         2. Weigh the empty transfer pack to determine the tare weight of the bag.
      1. 1. Drain the contents from the cryobag into transfer pack.
      1. Clamp the tubing between the bags with a hemostat.
      2. Add the remaining reconstitution solution to the cryobag.
      3. Mix well to rinse the cells from the bag and drain into transfer pack.
      4. Clamp the tubing between the bags.
      5. Weigh the transfer pack subtracting the tare weight to get product volume.
      6. Insert a transfer set into the product transfer pack.
      7. Aseptically attach a 3 mL syringe and aspirate a 1 mL aliquot for quality control testing.
      8. Deliver the 1mL testing aliquot into a labeled aliquot tube.
      9. Subtract the 1mL (testing aliquot) from product volume to determine infus ion volume. Record the infusion volume which will be used for calculating cell numbers.
      10. Heat seal the tubing between the cryobag and the transfer pack.
      11. Cut tubing at the seals and separate the bags.
          NOTE: At this point, it is approximately 30 minutes from infusion. Notify the clinical transplant team to pre-medicate the patient as ordered.
      12. Aseptically introduce the 30 mL of reconstitution solution from the syringe prepared in step 3.c.ii.2) into the (now empty) original product cryobag.
      13. Immediately transport the product to the clinical transplant site per the facility’s SOP.

      Alternative Procedure – Washing:

      Perform steps a. through r. of the Thawing Procedure and Diluting Procedure as outlined above, then complete the following:

      1. 1. Place the transfer pack into a sterile overwrap bag ready for centrifugation.
         2. Support bag in centrifuge bucket insert to prevent the formation of creases during centrifugation.
      1. 1. Balance carriers and centrifuge at 650 x g (1500 rpm) for 20 minutes at 10°C (no brake).
         2. Carefully remove the transfer pack from the centrifuge into the biologic safety cabinet, placing the transfer pack into a plasma expresser.
         3. Using the original cryobag to collect the waste volume, express 75% of the volume of reconstitution solution originally added to the thawed product pre-centrifugation. Avoid accidental passage of cells with the supernatant.
      1. Allow the cells to rest for five minutes. Resuspend the sedimented cell pellet by gentle agitation.
      2. Obtain quality control samples as described in steps s. through aa. above.
2. Quality Control:Perform quality control assays per transplant center policies and procedures using the aliquot of thawed product obtained in step u above. Recommended assays include:
   1. Nucleated Cell count
   2. Viability test
   3. Viable CD34+ cell count
   4. Colony Forming Unit
   5. Microbial cultures (aerobic, anaerobic and fungal)

   Calculations:

   Infusion TNC [x10⁹] = (WBC/mL + NRBC/mL [x10⁶]) x infusion 9 6 volume (mL)

   TNC dose [x107 /kg] =

   Infusion TNC [x109] Recipient wt (kg)

   Post-thaw TNC recovery [%] =

   TNC of thawed product [x109] TNC of original frozen product [x109]

   x 100

   Total CD34+ cells [x10⁶] = CD34+ cells/mL x dilution factor x 1000 mL x product volume (mL)

   CD34+ cell dose [x10⁵/kg] = Absolute CD34+ cell cells (x10⁶) ÷ Recipient weight (kg)

   Product RBC volume [mL] = product hematocrit x product volume (mL)

   RBC dose [mL/kg] = Product RBC volume [mL] ÷ Recipient weight (kg)

   Product CFU count [x105] =

   Colonies scored per 105NC x product TNC [x109] 105

   CFU dose [x10⁴/kg] = Product CFU count [x10⁵] ÷ Recipient weight (kg)

3. Contact InformationSSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center
   St. Louis Cord Blood Bank (SLCBB)
   3662 Park Avenue
   St. Louis, MO 63110SLCBB Hours:     Monday-Friday, 7:00am – 5:00pm, Central Time

   SLCBB Phone Number:     314-268-2787 or 888-453-CORD (888-453-2673)

   SLCBB Fax Number:     314-268-4186

   After Hours Numbers:
   Director:     314-486-2488
   Distribution:     314-277-1638

Description

ALLOCORD consists of hematopoietic progenitor cells, monocytes, lymphocytes, and granulocytes from human cord blood for intravenous infusion. Blood recovered from the umbilical cord and placenta is volume reduced and partially depleted of red blood cells and plasma.

The active ingredient is hematopoietic progenitor cells which express the cell surface marker CD34. The potency of cord blood is determined by measuring the numbers of total nucleated cells (TNC) and CD34+ cells, and cell viability. Each unit of ALLOCORD contains a minimum of 5 x 10⁸ total nucleated cells with at least 1.25 x 10⁶ viable CD34+ cells at the time of cryopreservation. The cellular composition of ALLOCORD depends on the composition of cells in the blood recovered from the umbilical cord and placenta of the donor. The actual nucleated cell count, the CD34 cell count, the ABO group, and the HLA typing are listed in accompanying records sent with each individual unit.

ALLOCORD has the following inactive ingredients: PrepaCyte-CB separation solution, citratephosphate- dextrose, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and Dextran 40. When prepared for infusion according to instructions, the infusate contains the following inactive ingredients: PrepaCyte-CB separation solution, citrate-phosphate-dextrose, Dextran 40, human serum albumin, and residual DMSO.

ALLOCORD, HPC (Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell), Cord Blood, is an allogeneic cord blood hematopoietic progenitor cell therapy indicated for use in unrelated donor hematopoietic progenitor stem cell transplantation procedures in conjunction with an appropriate preparative regimen for hematopoietic and immunologic reconstitution in patients with disorders affecting the hematopoietic system that are inherited, acquired, or result from myeloablative treatment.

The risk benefit assessment for an individual patient depends on the patient characteristics, including disease, stage, risk factors, and specific manifestations of the disease, on characteristics of the graft, and on other available treatments or types of hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Dosage And Administration

• For intravenous use only.
• Do not irradiate.

Unit selection and administration of ALLOCORD should be done under the direction of a physician experienced in hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation.

Dosing

The recommended minimum dose is 2.5 x 10⁷ nucleated cells/kg at cryopreservation. Multiple units may be required in order to achieve the appropriate dose.

Matching for at least 4 of 6 HLA-A antigens, HLA-B antigens, and HLA-DRB1 alleles is recommended. The HLA typing and nucleated cell content for each individual unit of ALLOCORD are documented in accompanying records.

Preparation For Infusion

ALLOCORD should be prepared by a trained healthcare professional.

• Do not irradiate ALLOCORD.
• See the appended detailed instructions for preparation of ALLOCORD for infusion.
• Once prepared for infusion, ALLOCORD may be stored at 4 to 25°C for up to 4 hours [see Instructions For Preparation For Infusion].
• The recommended limit on DMSO administration is 1 gram per kg body weight per day [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and OVERDOSE].

Administration

ALLOCORD should be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional experienced in hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation.

1. Confirm the identity of the patient for the specified unit of ALLOCORD prior to administration.
2. Confirm that emergency medications are available for use in the immediate area.
3. Ensure the patient is hydrated adequately.
4. Premedicate the patient 30 to 60 minutes before the administration of ALLOCORD. Premedication can include any or all of the following: antipyretics, histamine antagonists, and corticosteroids.
5. Inspect the product for any abnormalities such as unusual particulates and for breaches of container integrity prior to administration. Prior to infusion, discuss all such product irregularities with the laboratory issuing the product for infusion.
6. Administer ALLOCORD by intravenous infusion. Do not administer in the same tubing concurrently with products other than 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Injection (USP). ALLOCORD may be filtered through a 170 to 260 micron filter designed to remove clots. Do NOT use a filter designed to remove leukocytes.
7. For adults, begin infusion of ALLOCORD at 100 milliliters per hour and increase the rate as tolerated. For children, begin infusion of ALLOCORD at 1 milliliter per kg per hour and increase as tolerated. Reduce the infusion rate if the fluid load is not tolerated. Discontinue the infusion in the event of an allergic reaction or if the patient develops a moderate to severe infusion reaction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
8. Monitor the patient for adverse reactions during, and for at least six hours after, administration. Because ALLOCORD contains lysed red cells that may cause renal failure, careful monitoring of urine output is also recommended.

Note

If product is being prepared for a multi-unit infusion, infuse units independently. Should a reaction occur, appropriately manage the reaction before second unit is thawed for infusion.

How Supplied

Dosage Forms And Strengths

Each unit of ALLOCORD contains a minimum of 5 x 10⁸ total nucleated cells with a minimum of 1.25 x 10⁶ viable CD34+ cells, suspended in 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 1% Dextran 40, at the time of cryopreservation.

The exact pre-cryopreservation nucleated cell content is provided in accompanying records.

Storage And Handling

ALLOCORD is supplied as a cryopreserved cell suspension in a sealed bag containing a minimum of 5 x 10⁸ total nucleated cells with a minimum of 1.25 x 10⁶ viable CD34+ cells in a volume of 35 milliliters (ISBT 128 Product Code S1393, ISBT 128 Facility Identifier Number W1205). The exact pre-cryopreservation nucleated cell content is provided in accompanying records.

Store ALLOCORD at or below -150 °C until ready for thawing and preparation.

Distributed By: SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center dba, St. Louis Cord Blood Bank, 1465 South Grand Blvd. Revised: Jul 2015.

Day-100 mortality from all causes was 25%.

The most common infusion-related adverse reactions (≥ 5%) are hypertension, vomiting, nausea, bradycardia, and fever.

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.

The safety assessment of ALLOCORD is based primarily on review of the data submitted to the FDA dockets from various sources, the dataset for the COBLT Study, and published literature.

Infusion Reactions

The data described in Table 1 reflect exposure to 442 infusions of HPC, Cord Blood, (from multiple cord blood banks) in patients treated using a total nucleated cell dose ≥ 2.5 x 10⁷ /kg on a single-arm prospectivetrial or expanded access use (COBLT Study). The population was 59% male and the median age was 5 years (range 0.05-68 years), and included patients treated for hematologic malignancies, inherited metabolic disorders, primary immunodeficiencies, and bone marrow failure. Preparative regimens and graft-vs.-host disease prophylaxis were not standardized. The most common infusion reactions were hypertension, vomiting, nausea, and sinus bradycardia. Hypertension and any grades 3-4 infusion-related reactions occurred more frequently in patients receiving HPC, Cord Blood, in volumes greater than 150 milliliters and in pediatric patients. The rate of serious adverse cardiopulmonary reactions was 0.8%.

Table 1: Incidence of Infus ion-Related Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥1% of Infusions (COBLT Study)

Information on infusion reactions was available from voluntary reports for 737 patients who received ALLOCORD. Preparative regimens and graft-vs.-host disease prophylaxis were not standardized. The reactions were not graded. An infusion reaction occurred in 13% of patients. The most common infusion reactions, occurring in ≥ 1% of patients, were hypertension (54%), vomiting (12%), dyspnea (9%), bradycardia (6%), nausea (4%), chest pain (2%), hemoglobinuria (2%), fever (2%) and hives (2%).

Other Adverse Reactions

For other adverse reactions, the raw clinical data from the dockets were pooled for 1299 (120 adult and 1179 pediatric) patients transplanted with HPC, Cord Blood, (from multiple cord blood banks) with total nucleated cell dose ≥ 2.5 x 10⁷ /kg. Of these, 66% (n=862) underwent transplantation as treatment for hematologic malignancy. The preparative regimens and graft-vs.-host disease prophylaxis varied. The median total nucleated cell dose was 6.4 x 10⁷/kg (range, 2.5-73.8 x 10⁷/kg). For these patients, Day- 100 mortality from all causes was 25%. Primary graft failure occurred in 16%; 42% developed grades 2-4 acute graft-vs.-host disease; and 19% developed grades 3-4 acute graft-vs.-host disease.

Data from published literature and from observational registries, institutional databases, and cord blood bank reviews reported to the dockets for HPC, Cord Blood, (from multiple cord blood banks) revealed nine cases of donor cell leukemia, one case of transmission of infection, and one report of transplantation from a donor with an inheritable genetic disorder. The data are not sufficient to support reliable estimates of the incidences of these events.

In the COBLT Study, 15% of the patients developed engraftment syndrome.

Drug Interactions

No Information Provided

Included as part of the “PRECAUTIONS” Section

Precautions

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Allergic reactions may occur with infusion of HPC, Cord Blood, including ALLOCORD. Reactions include bronchospasm, wheezing, angioedema, pruritus and hives [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, also have been reported. These reactions may be due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), Dextran 40, or a plasma component of ALLOCORD.

ALLOCORD may contain residual antibiotics if the cord blood donor was exposed to antibiotics in utero. Patients with a history of allergic reactions to antibiotics should be monitored for allergic reactions following ALLOCORD administration.

Infusion Reactions

Infusion reactions are expected to occur and include nausea, vomiting, fever, rigors or chills, flushing, dyspnea, hypoxemia, chest tightness, hypertension, tachycardia, bradycardia, dysgeusia, hematuria, and mild headache. Premedication with antipyretics, histamine antagonists, and corticosteroids may reduce the incidence and intensity of infusion reactions.

Severe reactions, including respiratory distress, severe bronchospasm, severe bradycardia with heart block or other arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, hypotension, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, renal compromise, encephalopathy, loss of consciousness, and seizure also may occur. Many of these reactions are related to the amount of DMSO administered. Minimizing the amount of DMSO administered may reduce the risk of such reactions, although idiosyncratic responses may occur even at DMSO doses thought to be tolerated. The actual amount of DMSO depends on the method of preparation of the product for infusion. Limiting the amount of DMSO infused to no more than 1 gram per kilogram per day is recommended [see OVERDOSE].

Infusion reactions may begin within minutes of the start of infusion of ALLOCORD, although symptoms may continue to intensify and not peak for several hours after completion of the infusion. Monitor the patient closely during this period. If a reaction occurs, discontinue the infusion and institute supportive care as needed.

If infusing more than one unit of HPC, Cord Blood, on the same day, do not administer subsequent units until all signs and symptoms of infusion reactions from the prior unit have resolved.

Graft-Versus -Host Disease

Acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) may occur in patients who have received ALLOCORD. Classic acute GVHD is manifested as fever, rash, elevated bilirubin and liver enzymes, and diarrhea. Patients transplanted with ALLOCORD also should receive immunosuppressive drugs to decrease the risk of GVHD [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Engraftment Syndrome

Engraftment syndrome is manifested as unexplained fever and rash in the peri-engraftment period. Patients with engraftment syndrome also may have unexplained weight gain, hypoxemia, and pulmonary infiltrates in the absence of fluid overload or cardiac disease. If untreated, engraftment syndrome may progress to multi-organ failure and death. Begin treatment with corticosteroids once engraftment syndrome is recognized in order to ameliorate the symptoms [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Graft Failure

Primary graft failure, which may be fatal, is defined as failure to achieve an absolute neutrophil count greater than 500 per microliter blood by Day 42 after transplantation. Immunologic rejection is the primary cause of graft failure. Patients should be monitored for laboratory evidence of hematopoietic recovery. Consider testing for HLA antibodies in order to identify patients who are alloimmunized prior to transplantation and to assist with choosing a unit with a suitable HLA type for the individual patient [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Malignancies Of Donor Origin

Patients who have undergone HPC, Cord Blood, transplantation may develop post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), manifested as a lymphoma-like disease favoring non-nodal sites. PTLD is usually fatal if not treated.

The incidence of PTLD appears to be higher in patients who have received antithymocyte globulin. The etiology is thought to be donor lymphoid cells transformed by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Serial monitoring of blood for EBV DNA may be warranted in high-risk groups.

Leukemia of donor origin also has been reported in HPC, Cord Blood recipients. The natural history is presumed to be the same as that for de novo leukemia.

Transmission Of Serious Infections

Transmission of infectious disease may occur because ALLOCORD is derived from human blood. Disease may be caused by known or unknown infectious agents. Donors are screened for increased risk of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), T. pallidum, T. cruzi, West Nile Virus (WNV), transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) agents, and vaccinia. Donors are also screened for clinical evidence of sepsis, and communicable disease risks associated with xenotransplantation. Maternal blood samples are tested for HIV types 1 and 2, HTLV types I and II, HBV, HCV, T. pallidum, WNV, and T. cruzi. ALLOCORD is tested for sterility. These measures do not totally eliminate the risk of transmitting these or other transmissible infectious diseases and disease agents. Report the occurrence of a suspected transmitted infection to the St. Louis Cord Blood Bank of the SMM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center at 1-888-253-CORD (1-888-253-2673).

Testing is also performed for evidence of donor infection due to cytomegalovirus (CMV). The result may be found in accompanying records.

Transmission Of Rare Genetic Diseases

ALLOCORD may transmit rare genetic diseases involving the hematopoietic system for which donor screening and/or testing has not been performed [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Cord blood donors have been screened by family history to exclude inherited disorders of the blood and marrow. ALLOCORD has been tested to exclude donors with sickle cell anemia, and anemias due to abnormalities in hemoglobins C, D, and E. Because of the age of the donor at the time ALLOCORD collection takes place, the ability to exclude rare genetic diseases is severely limited.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with ALLOCORD. It is also not known whether ALLOCORD can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. ALLOCORD should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Pediatric Use

HPC, Cord Blood, has been used in pediatric patients with disorders affecting the hematopoietic system that are inherited, acquired, or resulted from myeloablative treatment [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, ADVERSE REACTIONS, and Clinical Studies].

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of HPC, Cord Blood, (from multiple cord blood banks) did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently than younger subjects. In general, administration of ALLOCORD to patients over age 65 years should be cautious, reflecting their greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Renal Disease

ALLOCORD contains Dextran 40 which is eliminated by the kidneys. The safety of ALLOCORD has not been established in patients with renal insufficiency or renal failure.

Human Overdos Age Experience

There has been no experience with overdosage of HPC, Cord Blood, in human clinical trials. Single doses of ALLOCORD up to 67.0 x 10⁷ TNC/kg have been administered. HPC, Cord Blood, prepared for infusion may contain dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The maximum tolerated dose of DMSO has not been established, but it is customary not to exceed a DMSO dose of 1 gm/kg/day when given intravenously. Several cases of altered mental status and coma have been reported with higher doses of DMSO.

Management Of Overdose

For DMSO overdosage, general supportive care is indicated. The role of other interventions to treat DMSO overdosage has not been established.

Contraindications

None

Mechanism Of Action

Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells from HPC, Cord Blood, migrate to the bone marrow where they divide and mature. The mature cells are released into the bloodstream, where some circulate and others migrate to tissue sites, partially or fully restoring blood counts and function, including immune function, of blood-borne cells of marrow origin [see Clinical Studies].

In patients with enzymatic abnormalities due to certain severe types of storage disorders, mature leukocytes resulting from HPC, Cord Blood, transplantation may synthesize enzymes that may be able to circulate and improve cellular functions of some native tissues. However, the precise mechanism of action is unknown.

Clinical Studies

The effectiveness of HPC, Cord Blood, as defined by hematopoietic reconstitution, was demonstrated in one single-arm prospective study (COBLT Study), and in retrospective reviews of data from an observational database for ALLOCORD and data in the dockets and public information. Of the 1299 patients in the dockets and public data, 66% (n=862) underwent transplantation as treatment for hematologic malignancy. Results for patients who received a total nucleated cell dose ≥2.5 x 10⁷ /kg are shown in Table 2. Neutrophil recovery is defined as the time from transplantation to an absolute neutrophil count more than 500 per microliter. Platelet recovery is the time to a platelet count more than 20,000 per microliter. Erythrocyte recovery is the time to a reticulocyte count greater than 30,000 per microliter. The total nucleated cell dose and degree of HLA match were inversely associated with the time to neutrophil recovery in the docket data.

Table 2: Hematopoietic Recovery for Patients Transplanted with HPC, Cord Blood, Total Nucleated Cell (TNC) Dose ≥ 2.5 x 10⁷ /kg