What's the difference between Kymriah and Yescarta?
Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) and Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) are both CAR T-cell therapies used to treat certain types of blood cancer. These therapies modify a patient’s T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. While they share similarities, they differ in their FDA-approved uses, manufacturing companies, and dosing.
How Do Kymriah and Yescarta Work?
Kymriah and Yescarta target CD19, a protein found on leukemia and lymphoma cells. By binding to CD19, these therapies help the immune system destroy cancerous B cells.
Key Differences Between 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 |
| Approved uses |
|
|
| 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 |
Related questions
Are Kymriah and Yescarta Directly Compared in Studies?
No, Kymriah and Yescarta have not been directly compared in clinical trials. Treatment decisions should be personalized based on individual patient needs. Your healthcare provider can help determine the most suitable therapy for your condition.
References
Kymriah [package insert]. Updated June 2024. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Accessed August 2, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=aad3ba54-dfd3-4cb3-9e2b-c5ef89559189
Nucleus Biologics. Kymriah vs. Yescarta. 2021. Accessed August 2, 2024 at https://nucleusbiologics.com/educational-content/kymriah-vs-yescarta/
Yescarta [package insert]. Updated June 2024. Kite Pharma, Inc. Accessed August 2, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=9b70606e-b99c-4272-a0f1-b5523cce0c59
Read next
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
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Drug information
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