What's the difference between Kymriah and Yescarta?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on Aug 3, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) and Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) are two cell-based gene therapies. They both work by modifying a patient’s T cells to attack cancer cells in the body. Additionally, both medications involve collecting a patient’s T cells, modifying them in a laboratory, and reinfusing them back into the patient.

Kymriah and Yescarta attach to a protein called CD19. CD19 is found on some leukemia and lymphoma cells. This helps the body's immune system kill cancerous B cells. Two differences between the two medications is who and what they are FDA approved for, and which companies make them. The comparison table below highlights a few other differences between Kymriah and Yescarta.

Comparison Chart of Kymriah and Yescarta

	Kymriah	Yescarta
Generic name	Tisagenlecleucel	Axicabtagene ciloleucel
Manufacturer	Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation	Kite Pharma, Inc.
Drug class	CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy	CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy
First approved in US	August 2017	October 2017
Dosage form	Suspension for intravenous infusion	Suspension for intravenous infusion
Uses	Patients up to 25 years old with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that is refractory or in second or later relapse Adults with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma after 2 or more lines of systemic therapy, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, high grade B-cell lymphoma and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma Adults with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma after 2 or more lines of systemic therapy	Adults with large B-cell lymphoma that is refractory to first-line chemoimmunotherapy or that relapses within 12 months of first-line chemoimmunotherapy Adults with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma after 2 or more lines of systemic therapy, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, high grade B-cell lymphoma, and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma Adults with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma after 2 or more lines of systemic therapy
Dosage in adults	Administer 0.6 to 6.0 x 108 CAR-positive viable T cells	Administer 2 × 106 CAR-positive viable T cells per kg body weight, with a maximum of 2 × 108 CAR-positive viable T cells
REMS program	Yes	Yes

Kymriah and Yescarta have not been compared to each other directly in studies. Cancer treatment is highly personalized and your healthcare provider can help you decide the best treatment option for you.

What type of drug is Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel)?

Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) is a chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy. In CAR-T cell therapy, a patient's cells are genetically modified to include a new protein that directs that specific white blood cell (known as T-cell) to target and kill leukemia cells. Continue reading

What is the cost of Yescarta?

The cost of Yescarta is about $424,000 per treatment regimen, but most people do not pay this amount. Your insurance or the manufacturer may cover many of the costs for this treatment. Each dose of Yescarta is a customized treatment created using a patient’s own immune system to help fight lymphoma (a type of blood cancer). Continue reading

How is Yescarta administered?

Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) is given through a catheter placed into your vein (intravenous infusion). The infusion usually takes less than 30 minutes and is given as a one-time infusion. Yescarta is administered only in a certified healthcare facility. Continue reading

Drug information

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