Product Review: Besponsa

This publication is intended as a resource for health professionals. It discusses the evidence for the use of inotuzumab ozogamicin [Besponsa®], an antibody-drug conjugate approved for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory CD22-positive B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Inotuzumab ozogamicin has demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials, significantly improving remission and median overall survival (OS) rates in high-risk and relapsed patients with CD22-positive B-cell precursor ALL. Inotuzumab ozogamicin is generally well tolerated, but has been associated with hepatotoxicity including fatal and life-threatening hepatic veno-occlusive disease, and an increased risk of post-haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) non-relapse mortality. Inotuzumab ozogamicin has been funded in New Zealand since 1 April 2025 for the treatment of relapsed or refractory (including minimal residual disease [MRD]) CD22 positive B-cell precursor ALL in adult patients who meet certain clinical criteria (Inotuzumab ozogamicin Application for Subsidy by Special Authority).

This publication has been commissioned and funded by Pfizer. The content is based on published studies and the author’s opinions and may not reflect the views of Pfizer. Please consult the full Data Sheet for any medications mentioned in this article at www.medsafe.govt.nz before prescribing. Treatment decisions based on these data are the full responsibility of the prescribing physician.