Dose-dependent first-dose cytokine release (lower with SC); strong neutralizing ADA at ≤0.1 mg/kg IV
“Dose-dependent increases in the plasma cytokines IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and MCP-1 were observed in all epcoritamab-treated groups after the first dose.”
✓ VerifiedFDA multi-discipline review, p. 56Source ↗
Biodistribution & persistence
No ADME studies; target-mediated drug disposition; SC bioavailability 85% (males) / 49% (females)
“Epcoritamab displayed a clear pattern of target-mediated drug disposition, with faster clearance of drug at low doses compared with high doses.”
✓ VerifiedFDA multi-discipline review, p. 51Source ↗
Modality-specific risk
First-dose cytokine release (CRS-like signs, mortality at ≥1 mg/kg IV); SC dosing lowered Cmax and cytokine peaks
“These findings were considered associated with elevated cytokine levels, primarily following the first dose.”
✓ VerifiedFDA multi-discipline review, p. 53Source ↗
Anti-drug antibodies: animals
ADA in all monkeys at <=0.1 mg/kg and some at 1 mg/kg after repeated IV dosing
“Following repeated IV doses of epcoritamab, anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) were observed in all animals at ≤0.1 mg/kg and in some animals at 1 mg/kg.”
✓ VerifiedFDA multi-discipline review, p. 45Source ↗
Anti-drug antibodies: patients
2.6% (4/156) LBCL and 4.2% (8/190) FL patients developed anti-epcoritamab antibodies; neutralizing not reported
“Anti-epcoritamab-bysp antibodies developed in 2.6% of patients (4 of 156) with LBCL and 4.2% of patients (8 of 190) with FL treated with EPKINLY in EPCORE NHL-1 (up to 10 cycles)”