YESCARTA

Indicated For

large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma

About This Medication

# YESCARTA (axicabtagene ciloleucel) Patient Guide: How to Get YESCARTA at Low or No Cost YESCARTA is a specialized CAR T-cell therapy from Kite Pharma Inc. for certain types of relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but Kite does not offer a direct manufacturer patient assistance program (PAP). Instead, they refer patients to independent nonprofit organizations for financial help.[1][2][4] ## About YESCARTA **YESCARTA (axicabtagene ciloleucel)** is a groundbreaking prescription medicine—a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy. It uses your own T cells, modified in a lab to fight cancer, and is FDA-approved for: - Adult patients with large B-cell lymphoma that is refractory to first-line chemoimmunotherapy or relapses within 12 months.[2][3] - Relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of therapy, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, high-grade B-cell lymphoma, and DLBCL from follicular lymphoma.[2] - Recently updated for relapsed/refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).[3] - Follicular lymphoma after at least two failed treatments.[1][5] This one-time infusion therapy can offer durable responses and long-term survival, with real-world data showing benefits even in outpatient settings.[6][7] However, it's only available at **Authorized Treatment Centers (ATCs)** enrolled in the **YESCARTA and TECARTUS REMS program** due to risks like **Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS)** and neurologic toxicities. Facilities must have tocilizumab on hand for emergencies.[2][6][7] **Important safety note:** Watch for fever, chills, confusion, fast heartbeat, or breathing issues post-infusion. Carry your YESCARTA Patient Wallet Card and seek immediate care if symptoms arise. Tell your doctor about all health conditions and medications before treatment.[1][2] ## Who Qualifies for Assistance? Kite Pharma does not run its own PAP. **No specific income thresholds, insurance rules, or eligibility criteria are set by Kite**—they direct patients to **independent third-party nonprofit patient assistance programs**. Eligibility varies by organization, often based on financial need, lack of insurance coverage, or high out-of-pocket costs.[1][2][4][5] Contact **Kite Konnect** at **1-844-454-KITE (5483)**, Monday–Friday, 5 AM–6 PM PT, for referrals to these nonprofits, ATC locations, transportation/lodging help, and reimbursement support.[2][4][9] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Since there's no Kite PAP, here's a general guide to common nonprofit criteria (always verify with the specific program): | Household Size | Typical FPL % Threshold | Example Annual Income (2026, approx.) | Notes | |----------------|--------------------------|--------------------------------------|-------| | Individual | 400-500% FPL | $60,000 - $75,000 | Varies; some up to 700% for rare diseases[1] | | Couple | 400-500% FPL | $81,000 - $101,000 | Household income definition differs | | Family of 3 | 400-500% FPL | $102,000 - $127,000 | Includes dependents | | Family of 4 | 400-500% FPL | $123,000 - $153,000 | Check current FPL guidelines | **Notes:** FPL = Federal Poverty Level. Nonprofits may cover uninsured/underinsured patients regardless of income if costs are unaffordable. Medicare/Medicaid patients might qualify for copay aid via other channels.[2][10] ## Insurance Requirements Assistance often targets: - **Uninsured or underinsured** patients. - Those with **commercial insurance** facing high copays. - **Medicare/Medicaid** enrollees (program availability varies; some copay cards listed but may be inactive).[10] Kite Konnect provides **payer coverage maps** and reimbursement support. YESCARTA requires prior authorization; your doctor and ATC handle this.[2][4] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Consult your doctor:** Confirm YESCARTA is right for you and get a prescription. Discuss ATC options.[4] 2. **Call Kite Konnect:** Dial 1-844-454-KITE (5483). Share your situation—they'll refer you to nonprofits, explain logistics, and connect to an ATC.[2][4][9] 3. **Contact referred nonprofits:** Apply directly (e.g., via their websites or phone). Provide proof of income, prescription, and insurance details. 4. **Gather documents:** Typically, tax returns, pay stubs, insurance cards (see FAQ for details). 5. **Submit application:** Online, mail, or fax—nonprofits guide you. 6. **Follow up:** Track status with Kite Konnect or the nonprofit. Your ATC coordinates infusion once approved.[1][9] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Kite Konnect response:** Immediate referrals.[2] - **Nonprofit approval:** 1-4 weeks, depending on program (call for estimates). - **Manufacturing/Infusion:** Personalized cells take 3-4 weeks to produce after leukapheresis (cell collection).[1] - **Delivery:** Infused at ATC only; monitored 7-14 days for CRS.[2][7] Total from referral to treatment: 4-8 weeks or more. ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal the denial** with more docs or doctor letter. - **Other nonprofits:** PAN Foundation, Patient Access Network, or CancerCare (ask Kite Konnect).[1] - **Hospital charity care** or state programs. - **Clinical trials** via ClinicalTrials.gov. - **Financial counseling** at your cancer center. - **Copay cards** if commercially insured (check availability).[10] ## Biosimilar Alternatives No biosimilars exist for YESCARTA—it's a unique autologous CAR T therapy. Other CAR Ts like Tecartus or Breyanzi may be options; discuss with your doctor.[2] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and not medical or financial advice. Assistance programs change; eligibility is not guaranteed. Consult healthcare providers, Kite Konnect, and nonprofits directly. Kite makes no guarantees about third-party programs.[1][2][4] Word count: 1028.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026