Drugs: Besponsa specifics, dosage guidelines, drug interactions, and further details
Besponsa, a brand-name prescription medication, remains a unique product without any approved biosimilars or generics on the U.S. market as of the latest information.
Besponsa, specifically listed as "BESPONSA 0.9 MG RECON SOLN" in recent formulary documents, does not have any noted biosimilar or generic alternatives. Biosimilars, which are similar to but not identical to original biological products, are available for some other medications, but none for Besponsa have been mentioned in biosimilar updates from 2024-2025.
Formularies and insurance plan documents explain that biological products like Besponsa do not have "generics," but may have biosimilars when available. However, such biosimilars for Besponsa have not been introduced yet.
What is Besponsa?
Besponsa is an antibody-drug conjugate, containing inotuzumab, an antibody linked to ozogamicin, a chemotherapy drug. It is used for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that has relapsed (come back) or is refractory (did not improve after past treatment).
How is Besponsa Given?
Besponsa is given as an IV infusion at a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office. The dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors, including your height, weight, body's response to the drug, any side effects you may have, and whether you're planning to receive certain other treatments after completing Besponsa treatment.
The Besponsa dosage for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is given in cycles, with the first cycle being either 21 or 28 days long and later cycles typically being 28 days long. You'll receive a dose on days 1, 8, and 15 of each cycle.
Safety Considerations
Besponsa can cause mild or serious side effects, including fatigue, fever, nausea, headache, abdominal pain or bloating, mild allergic reaction, severe myelosuppression, heart rhythm changes, serious infection, infusion-related reaction, severe allergic reaction, and risk of certain liver problems.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much, if any, is safe to drink during Besponsa treatment, as alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver problems. There aren't any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Besponsa, but if you have any questions about eating certain foods with Besponsa, talk with your doctor.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. There aren't any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Besponsa, but you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while receiving Besponsa.
If you are planning to have a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) after Besponsa treatment, you'll likely receive 2 or 3 treatment cycles of Besponsa. If you're not planning to have HSCT, you may receive up to 6 Besponsa treatment cycles.
Cost and Financial Support
The cost of Besponsa can vary depending on your insurance plan, location, and whether you need to get prior authorization from your insurance company. If you need financial support to pay for Besponsa, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available through Pfizer Oncology Together.
Treatment Options for ALL in Children
If your child has ALL, talk with their doctor about possible treatment options. While Besponsa is not FDA-approved for use in children, a recent clinical trial has shown promising results for the drug's safety and effectiveness in treating ALL in certain children.
Conclusion
Besponsa is a crucial treatment option for certain adults with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that has relapsed or is refractory. As of the latest information, there are no currently available biosimilar or generic versions of Besponsa. If you are considering Besponsa treatment, it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor or pharmacist. For more information on managing and treating leukemia, you can also see the cancer hub.
- Besponsa, a unique antibody-drug conjugate containing inotuzumab and ozogamicin, is used for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that has relapsed or is refractory.
- Despite the absence of approved biosimilars or generics, Besponsa remains a significant medical-condition treatment, as it does not have "generics" but may have biosimilars when available.
- As a biological product, Besponsa is administered as an IV infusion, and its dosage varies based on factors such as the patient's height, weight, and body's response to the drug, among others.
- There are potential side effects associated with Besponsa, including fatigue, fever, nausea, and liver problems, which may be exacerbated by alcohol consumption.
- The cost of Besponsa can vary significantly depending on insurance plan, location, and the need for prior authorization, but financial support may be available through Pfizer Oncology Together. Additionally, while Besponsa is not FDA-approved for use in children, recent clinical trials show promising results for its safety and effectiveness in treating ALL in certain children.
