II. Indications
- Renal Transplant Rejection prophylaxis
- Belatacept (Nulojix)
- Used in combination with Basiliximab induction, Mycophenolate Mofetil, and Corticosteroids
- Belatacept (Nulojix)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
III. Contraindications
- Non-immune to Epstein-Barr Virus
- Liver Transplant (higher risk of graft loss)
IV. Mechanism
- Costimulatory T-Cell Receptor
- T-Cells are stimulated via CD3 with co-stimulation via various agents including CD28, CD80, CD86
- Images
- T-Cell Co-Stimulatory Blockers
- CD28 Inhibition
- Increases T-Cell Activation threshold and inhibits T-Cell proliferation
- Abatacept inhibits CD28 to CD80/CD66 binding
- Belatacept is derived from Abatacept, and also binds CD80, CD86
- CD28 Inhibition
V. Medications
VI. Dosing: Belatacept (Nulojix)
- See other references for specific dosing regimens per indication
- Prescribers are typically specialists knowledgeable about the risks and monitoring
- Post-Renal Transplant (combined with other agents, e.g. Basiliximab induction, Mycophenolate Mofetil, and Corticosteroids)
- Initial Post-Transplant dosing 10 mg/kg IV over 30 minutes on days 1, 5, 14, 28, 56 and 84 (12 weeks)
- Maintenance Post-Transplant 5 mg/kg IV over 30 minutes
- Start week 16 (following initial dosing to week 12)
- Administer every 4 weeks (each dose +/- 3 days)
VII. Adverse Effects: Belatacept (Nulojix)
- See Abatacept
- Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD)
- Higher risk if non-immune to Epstein-Barr Virus (Antibody negative)
- Most commonly involves the Central Nervous System (CNS)
- Secondary malignancy
- Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
- Serious Infections
- Includes opportunistic infections; Bacterial, viral, fungal, and Protozoal Infections
- Tuberculosis
- Polyoma virus-associated nephropathy
- Cytomegalovirus (post-transplant prophylaxis recommended)
- Pneumocystis (post-transplant prophylaxis recommended)
- Other common adverse effects
- Cardiovascular
- Gastrointestinal
- Neurologic
- Hematologic
VIII. Safety: Belatacept (Nulojix)
- Unknown safety in pregnancy
- Avoid in Lactation
IX. Drug Interactions
-
Live Vaccines
- Avoid use with Costimulatory T-Cell Receptor Antagonists