A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study to assess safety, tolerability, and efficacy of RT001 in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: RT001 is a deuterated synthetic homologue of linoleic acid, which makes membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids resistant to lipid peroxidation, a process involved in motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS: We conducted a randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients with ALS were randomly allocated to receive either RT001 or placebo for 24 weeks. After the double-blind period, all patients received RT001 during an open-label phase for 24 weeks. The primary outcome measures were safety and tolerability. Key efficacy outcomes included the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R), percent predicted slow vital capacity, and plasma neurofilament light chain concentration. RESULTS: In total, 43 patients (RT001 = 21; placebo = 22) were randomized. RT001 was well tolerated; one patient required dose reduction due to adverse events (AEs). Numerically, there were more AEs in the RT001 group compared to the placebo group (71% versus 55%, p = 0.35), with gastrointestinal symptoms being the most common (43% in RT001, 27% in placebo, p = 0.35). Two patients in the RT001 group experienced a serious AE, though unrelated to treatment. The least-squares mean difference in ALSFRS-R total score at week 24 of treatment was 1.90 (95% confidence interval = -1.39 to 5.19) in favor of RT001 (p = 0.25). The directions of other efficacy outcomes favored RT001 compared to placebo, although no inferential statistics were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Initial data indicate that RT001 is safe and well tolerated. Given the exploratory nature of the study, a larger clinical trial is required to evaluate its efficacy.

Double blind trial of a deuterated form of linoleic acid (RT001) in Friedreich ataxia.

OBJECTIVES: Friedreich ataxia is (FRDA) an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder associated with intrinsic oxidative damage, suggesting that decreasing lipid peroxidation (LPO) might ameliorate disease progression. The present study tested the ability of RT001, a deuterated form of linoleic acid (D2-LA), to alter disease severity in patients with FRDA in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. METHODS: Sixty-five subjects were recruited across six sites and received either placebo or active drug for an 11-month study. Subjects were evaluated at 0, 4, 9, and 11 months, with the primary outcome measure being maximum oxygen consumption (MVO2) during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). A key secondary outcome measure was a composite statistical test using results from the timed 1-min walk (T1MW), peak workload, and MVO2. RESULTS: Forty-five subjects completed the protocol. RT001 was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events related to drug. Plasma and red blood cell (RBC) membrane levels of D2-LA and its primary metabolite deuterated arachidonic acid (D2-AA) achieved steady-state concentrations by 4 months. No significant changes in MVO2 were observed for RT001 compared to placebo. Similarly, no differences between the groups were found in secondary or exploratory outcome measures. Post hoc evaluations also suggested minimal effects of RT001 at the dosages used in this study. INTERPRETATIONS: The results of this study provide no evidence for a significant benefit of RT001 at the dosages tested in this Friedreich ataxia patient population.

An expanded access protocol of RT001 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-Initial experience with a lipid peroxidation inhibitor.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Lipid peroxidation is thought to play a biologically important role in motor neuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 11,11 Di-deuterated linoleic ethyl ester (RT001) prevents lipid peroxidation in cellular and mitochondrial membranes. Herein we report on the use of RT001 under expanded access (EA). METHODS: We provided RT001 to patients with ALS via EA at a single site. The starting dose was 2.88 g/day, which was increased to to 8.64 g/day as tolerated. Participants were not eligible for alternative clinical trials. Participants were followed for adverse events and pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were measured approximately 3 months after RT001 initiation. RESULTS: Sixteen participants received RT001 (5.6 ± 1.6 g/day; dose range, 1.92 to 8.64 g/day) for a mean period of 10.8 ± 7.1 months. After 3 months of treatment, PK studies showed that RT001 was absorbed, metabolized, and incorporated into red blood cell membranes at concentrations expected to be therapeutic based on in vitro models. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal, including diarrhea, which occurred in 25% of the participants, and were considered possibly related to RT001. One participant (6%) discontinued due to an adverse event. Ten serious adverse events occurred: these events were recognized complications of ALS and none were attributed to treatment with RT001. DISCUSSION: RT001 was administered safely to a small group of people living with ALS in the context of an EA protocol. Currently, there is an ongoing randomized, double-blind, controlled study of RT001 in ALS.

Electrophysiological and ECG Effects of Perhexiline, a Mixed Cardiac Ion Channel Inhibitor, Evaluated in Nonclinical Assays and in Healthy Subjects.

Perhexiline has been used to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In addition to its effect on carnitine-palmitoyltransferase-1, it has mixed ion channel effects through inhibition of several cardiac ion currents. Effects on cardiac ion channels expressed in mammalian cells were assayed using a manual patch-clamp technique, action potential duration (APD) was measured in ventricular trabeculae of human donor hearts, and electrocardiogram effects were evaluated in healthy subjects in a thorough QT (TQT) study. Perhexiline blocked several cardiac ion currents at concentrations within the therapeutic range (150-600 ng/mL) with IC50 for hCav1.2 ∼ hERG < late hNav1.5. A significant APD shortening was observed in perhexiline-treated cardiomyocytes. The TQT study was conducted with a pilot part in 9 subjects to evaluate a dosing schedule that would achieve therapeutic and supratherapeutic perhexiline plasma concentrations on days 4 and 6, respectively. Guided by the results from the pilot, 104 subjects were enrolled in a parallel-designed part with a nested crossover comparison for the positive control. Perhexiline caused QTc prolongation, with the largest effect on ΔΔQTcF, 14.7 milliseconds at therapeutic concentrations and 25.6 milliseconds at supratherapeutic concentrations and a positive and statistically significant slope of the concentration-ΔΔQTcF relationship (0.018 milliseconds per ng/mL; 90%CI, 0.0119-0.0237 milliseconds per ng/mL). In contrast, the JTpeak interval was shortened with a negative concentration-JTpeak relationship, a pattern consistent with multichannel block. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether this results in a low proarrhythmic risk.

RT001 in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy-Clinical and In-Vitro Observations.

BACKGROUND: Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a progressive movement disorder associated with lipid peroxidation and intracerebral accumulation of tau. RT001 is a deuterium reinforced isotopologue of linoleic acid that prevents lipid peroxidation (LPO) through the kinetic isotope effect. METHODS: The effects of RT001 pre-treatment on various oxidative and bioenergetic parameters were evaluated in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from patients with PSP compared to controls. In parallel, 3 patients with PSP were treated with RT001 and followed clinically. RESULTS: MSCs derived from PSP patients had a significantly higher rate of LPO (161.8 ± 8.2% of control; p < 0.001). A 72-h incubation with RT001 restored the PSP MSCs to normal levels. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction in PSP-MSCs significantly decreased the level of GSH compared to control MSCs (to 56% and 47% of control; p < 0.05). Incubation with RT001 significantly increased level of GSH in PSP MSCs. The level of mitochondrial DNA in the cells was significantly lower in PSP-MSCs (67.5%), compared to control MSCs. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, size, and shape were also observed. Three subjects with possible or probable PSP were treated with RT001 for a mean duration of 26 months. The slope of the PSPRS changed from the historical decline of 0.91 points/month to a mean decline of 0.16 points/month (+/-0.23 SEM). The UPDRS slope changed from an expected increase of 0.95 points/month to an average increase in score of 0.28 points/month (+/-0.41 SEM). CONCLUSIONS: MSCs derived from patients with PSP have elevated basal levels of LPO, ROS, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings are reversed after incubation with RT001. In PSP patients, the progression of disease may be reduced by treatment with RT001.

Plasma and Red Blood Cell Membrane Accretion and Pharmacokinetics of RT001 (bis-Allylic 11,11-D2-Linoleic Acid Ethyl Ester) during Long Term Dosing in Patients.

RT001 is the di-deutero isotopologue of linoleic acid ethyl ester (D2-LA). Resistance to oxidative damage at the carbon-deuterium bond depends upon the concentration of D2-LA as a percentage of total LA. We report here on the plasma and red cell (RBC) pharmacokinetics (PK) of D2-LA, and its metabolite 13,13-D2-arachidonic acid (D2-AA), in patients with multiple neurodegenerative diseases (total of 59 participants). In Friedreich's ataxia patients, D2-LA was absorbed and transported similarly to dietary LA, peaking at about 6 h after oral dosing. Plasma D2-LA concentrations approached steady state after 28 days of dosing. After 6 months of daily dosing in subjects with other disorders, D2-LA and D2-AA levels were at or above the 20% of total (D2-LA/total LA, or D2-AA/total AA) therapeutic targets for most subjects. We conclude that chronic dosing of RT001 and associated dietary guidance can be maintained over many months to achieve target plasma and RBC levels, forming a basis for therapeutic dosing across a broad range of conditions. RT001 has been safe and well-tolerated in 59 different participants treated across 10 different neurodegenerative diseases in multiple clinical trials for up to 36 months with no significant drug related adverse events limiting use.

Treatment of infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy with RT001: A di-deuterated ethyl ester of linoleic acid: Report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) is a rare, autosomal recessive disease due to defects in PLA2G6 and is associated with lipid peroxidation. RT001 is a di-deuterated form of linoleic acid that protects lipids from oxidative damage. METHODS: We evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and effectiveness of RT001 in two subjects with INAD (subject 1: 34 months; subject 2: 10 months). After screening and baseline evaluations, subjects received 1.8 g of RT001 BD. PK analysis and clinical evaluations were made periodically. MAIN FINDINGS: Plasma levels of deuterated linoleic acid (D2-LA), deuterated arachidonic acid (D2-AA), D2-LA to total LA, and D2-AA to total AA ratios were measured. The targeted plasma D2-LA ratio (>20%) was achieved by month 1 and maintained throughout the study. RBC AA-ratios were 0.11 and 0.18 at 6 months for subjects 1 and 2; respectively. No treatment-related adverse events occurred. Limited slowing of disease progression and some return of lost developmental milestones were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Oral RT001 was administered safely in two subjects with INAD. Early findings suggest that the compound was well tolerated, metabolized and incorporated in the RBC membrane. A clinical trial is underway to assess efficacy.

The infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy rating scale (INAD-RS).

BACKGROUND: INAD is an autosomal recessive neurogenetic disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in PLA2G6. The downstream enzyme, iPLA2, plays a critical role in cell membrane homeostasis by helping to regulate levels of phospholipids. The clinical presentation occurs between 6 months and 3 years with global developmental regression, hypotonia, and progressive spastic tetraparesis. Progression is often rapid, resulting in severe spasticity, visual impairment, and cognitive decline, with many children not surviving past the first decade of life. To date, no accepted tool for assessing the severity of INAD exists; other commonly used scales (e.g. CHOP-INTEND, Modified Ashworth, Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale) do not accurately gauge the current severity of INAD, nor are they sensitive/specific enough to monitor disease progression. Finally, these other scales are not appropriate, because they do not address the combination of CNS, peripheral nerve, and visual pathology that occurs in children with INAD. METHODS: We have developed and validated a structured neurological examination for INAD (scored out of 80). The examination includes six main categories of pediatric developmental evaluation: 1) gross motor-and-truncal-stability skills, 2) fine motor skills, 3) bulbar function, 4) ocular function, 5) temporo-frontal function, and, 6) Functional evaluation of the autonomic nervous system. A cohort of patients diagnosed with INAD were followed prospectively to validate the score against disease severity and disease progression. RESULTS: We show significant correlation between the total neurological assessment score and months since symptom onset with a statistically significant (p = 6.7 × 10- 07) correlation between assessment score and disease onset. As hypothesized, the coefficient of months-since-symptom-onset is strongly negative, indicating a negative correlation between total score and months since symptom onset. CONCLUSION: We have developed and validated a novel neurological assessment score in INAD that demonstrates strong correlation with disease severity and disease progression.

The natural history of infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy.

BACKGROUND: Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder of early onset causing premature death. It results from biallelic pathogenic variants in PLA2G6, which encodes a calcium-independent phospholipase A2. OBJECTIVE: We aim to outline the natural history of INAD and provide a comprehensive description of its clinical, radiological, laboratory, and molecular findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We comprehensively analyzed the charts of 28 patients: 16 patients from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 8 patients from North and South America and 4 patients from Europe with a molecularly confirmed diagnosis of PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration (PLAN) and a clinical history consistent with INAD. RESULTS: In our cohort, speech impairment and loss of gross motor milestones were the earliest signs of the disease. As the disease progressed, loss of fine motor milestones and bulbar dysfunction were observed. Temporo-frontal function was among the last of the milestones to be lost. Appendicular spastic hypertonia, axial hypotonia, and hyperreflexia were common neurological findings. Other common clinical findings include nystagmus (60.7%), seizures (42.9%), gastrointestinal disease (42.9%), skeletal deformities (35.7%), and strabismus (28.6%). Cerebellar atrophy and elevations in serum AST and LDH levels were consistent features of INAD. There was a statistically significant difference when comparing patients with non-sense/truncating variants compared with missense/in-frame deletions in the time of initial concern (p = 0.04), initial loss of language (p = 0.001), initial loss of fine motor skills (p = 0.009), and initial loss of bulbar skills (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: INAD is an ultra-rare neurodegenerative disorder that presents in early childhood, with a relentlessly progressive clinical course. Knowledge of the natural history of INAD may serve as a resource for healthcare providers to develop a targeted care plan and may facilitate the design of clinical trials to treat this disease.

Pharmacokinetics of Tecarfarin and Warfarin in Patients with Severe Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) complicates warfarin anticoagulation partially through its effect on CYP2C9 activity. Tecarfarin, a novel vitamin K antagonist, is not metabolized by CYP2C9. To evaluate the effect of CKD on their metabolism, we measured PK parameters of warfarin and tecarfarin in subjects with and without CKD. CKD subjects with estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min not on dialysis (n = 13) were matched to healthy volunteers (HVs) (n = 10). Each subject was randomized to either warfarin 10 mg or tecarfarin 30 mg and was later crossed over to the other drug. PK parameters were measured following each drug. Mean plasma concentrations of (S)-warfarin and (R,S)-warfarin were higher (44 and 27%, respectively) in the subjects with CKD than in the healthy subjects. Both of these values fell outside of the 90% confidence interval of equivalence. For tecarfarin, the difference was less than 15% higher. Elimination half-life (t1/2) increased by 20% for (S)-warfarin and by 8% for (R,S)-warfarin and decreased by 8% for tecarfarin. The mean plasma concentration for tecarfarin's inactive metabolite ATI-5900 increased by approximately eightfold. CKD increased the effect of CYP2C9 genetic variation on (S)-warfarin and (R,S)-warfarin metabolism. Tecarfarin exposure was similar between the HVs and the CKD subjects regardless of CYP2C9 genotype. There were neither serious adverse events (SAEs) nor treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) for any subject in the study. CKD inhibits metabolism of (S)-warfarin and (R,S)-warfarin, but not tecarfarin. The safety of repeated dosing of tecarfarin in CKD patients remains unknown. However, if the PK findings of this single-dose study are present with repeated dosing, tecarfarin may lead to dosing that is more predictable than warfarin in CKD patients who require anticoagulation therapy.

The validation of an LC-MS/MS assay for perhexiline and major hydroxy metabolites, and its application to therapeutic monitoring in patient plasma.

AIM: Perhexiline (PEX), being developed to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is toxic at levels above the therapeutic range. Plasma level monitoring is therefore essential. The absence of a UV-absorbing chromophore has in the past required quantitative analysis of PEX in plasma using lengthy derivatization methods, followed by HPLC and fluorescence detection. The routine and urgent analysis of a large number of patient plasma samples necessitates faster and reliable analytical methodology. RESULTS: An LC-MS/MS method, using two novel internal standards, has been validated for the quantitative measurement of PEX and its major hydroxy metabolites in human plasma. CONCLUSION: The assay has been applied to therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), where PEX and the ratio of the drug to cis-hydroxy perhexiline, were measured at designated intervals.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tecarfarin, a novel vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant.

Tecarfarin is a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) with reduced propensity for drug interactions. To evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and safety of tecarfarin, we performed single ascending dose (SAD) (n=66), multiple ascending dose (MAD) (n=43), and tecarfarin versus warfarin (n=28) studies in human volunteers. In the SAD, tecarfarin was administered to 5 of 6 subjects (1 received placebo) in each of 11 cohorts. AUC0-∞ exhibited linearity and dose proportionality. Elimination T1/2 ranged from 87-136 hours (h) across all doses. In the MAD, tecarfarin was administered to 5 of 6 volunteers in each of 7 cohorts. The starting dose was continued until the subject's INR reached the target range (TR) of 1.7 to 2.0. Dosing was down-titrated if the TR was achieved. Elimination T1/2 ranged from 107-140 h. Doses <10 mg had insignificant effect on INR. Higher doses raised INRs and required down-titration to maintain the TR. Steady state INR dosing was 10-20 mg. INR declined promptly after discontinuation. In the comparative study, subjects received tecarfarin or warfarin and dose titrated to a TR of 1.5-2.0. Mean dose after TR was achieved was 13.9 mg (range 10.0-25.5 mg) for tecarfarin and 5.3 mg (range 2.5-9.0 mg) for warfarin. At similar INR levels, the concentration of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X were similar for tecarfarin and warfarin. Tecarfarin was tolerated well without serious adverse events in all three studies.

A randomised, double blind comparison of tecarfarin, a novel vitamin K antagonist, with warfarin. The EmbraceAC Trial.

Tecarfarin is a novel vitamin K antagonist that is metabolised by carboxyl estererase, thereby eliminating the variability associated with cytochrome-mediated metabolism. EmbraceAC was designed to compare the quality of anticoagulation with tecarfarin and warfarin as determined by time in therapeutic range (TTR). In this phase 2/3 randomised and blinded trial, 607 patients with indications for chronic anticoagulation were assigned to warfarin (n=304) or tecarfarin (n=303). Dosing of study drugs was managed by a centralised dose control centre, which had access to genotyping. The primary analysis tested superiority of tecarfarin over warfarin for TTR. Patients were recruited between May 12, 2008 and May 12, 2009. TTR with tecarfarin and warfarin were similar (72.3 % and 71.5 %, respectively; p=0.51). In those taking CYP2C9 interacting drugs, the TTR on tecarfarin (n=92) was similar to that on warfarin (n=87, 72.2 % and 69.9 %, respectively; p=0.15). In patients with mechanical heart valves, the TTR of tecarfarin (n=42) was similar to that of warfarin (n=42, 68.4 % and 66.3 %, respectively; p=0.51). The same was true for the TTR in patients with any CYP2C9 variant allele and on CYP2C9-interacting drugs (tecarfarin, n=24, 76.5 % vs warfarin, n=31, 69.5 %; p=0.09). There was no difference in thromboembolic or bleeding events. In conclusion, superiority of tecarfarin over warfarin for TTR was not demonstrated. The TTR with tecarfarin was similar to that with well-controlled warfarin and tecarfarin appeared to be safe and well tolerated with few major bleeding and no thrombotic events. Favourable trends in certain subpopulations make tecarfarin a promising oral anticoagulant that deserves further study.

A randomized, controlled, multi-center trial comparing the safety and efficacy of zotarolimus-eluting and paclitaxel-eluting stents in de novo lesions in coronary arteries: final results of the ZoMaxx II trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this prospective, randomized, single-blind controlled clinical trial was to compare the effectiveness of a zotarolimus-eluting stent (ZoMaxx™) with a paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent (Taxus™ Express(2)™) in patients with angina pectoris and a single native coronary artery lesion between 10-28 mm in length and 2.5-3.75mm in diameter. METHODS: Patients were enrolled at 75 international institutions between June 2005 and November 2006. RESULTS: 1099 (1672 originally planned) patients received 557 ZoMaxx and 542 Taxus stents: cohorts were well-matched for diabetes (27% vs. 27%), reference vessel diameter (2.73 ± 0.46mm vs. 2.74 ± 0.45mm) and lesion length (14.8 ± 6.7mm vs. 14.3 ± 6.4mm). Nine month clinical and angiographic follow-up was available in 1052/1099 (96%) and 649/836 (78%) patients, respectively. The safety profiles for the two stents (myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac death and/or target vessel revascularization (TVR)) were similar (ZoMaxx 8.7% vs. Taxus 6.9%, p=NS). The primary endpoint of 9-month TVR occurred more frequently after treatment with ZoMaxx (6.8%) as compared with Taxus (4.2%), therefore the primary clinical endpoint was not met. However, the 9-month in-segment late lumen loss for ZoMaxx (0.29 ± 0.47mm) and Taxus (0.22 ± 0.41mm, p=NS) were similar, thus satisfying the primary angiographic endpoint. Secondary endpoints of the rates of in-segment and in-stent binary restenosis were also similar (5.9% vs. 5.8%, 7.8% vs. 7.9%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: At 9months, the ZoMaxx stent failed to achieve the primary endpoint of non-inferiority in TVR to the Taxus stent, but safety endpoints were equal between the two stent systems.

5-year follow-up of polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents compared with bare-metal stents in aortocoronary saphenous vein grafts the randomized BARRICADE (barrier approach to restenosis: restrict intima to curtail adverse events) trial.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the utility of the JOSTENT polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) stent-graft (Jomed GmbH, Rangendingen, Germany) in patients with diseased saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: Prior trials of the JOSTENT stent-graft did not mandate high-pressure implantation or prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy, and were limited by short-term follow-up. METHODS: A total of 243 patients at 47 centers with 1 to 2 discrete lesions in SVGs were prospectively randomized to JOSTENT implantation (≥18 atm.) versus bare-metal stents (BMS). The JOSTENT patients were treated with aspirin indefinitely and clopidogrel for ≥8 months. Routine angiographic follow-up was performed at 8 months, and all patients were followed for 5 years. RESULTS: The primary end point of in-lesion binary restenosis occurred in 31.8% of lesions treated with the JOSTENT versus 28.4% of lesions treated with BMS (relative risk: 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72 to 1.75, p = 0.63). At 9 months, the major secondary end point of target vessel failure (death, myocardial infarction, or clinically driven target vessel revascularization) occurred in 32.2% of patients treated with the JOSTENT versus 22.1% of patients treated with BMS (hazard ratio: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.94 to 2.53, p = 0.08). During long-term follow-up, significantly more events accrued in the JOSTENT arm such that by 5 years target vessel failure had occurred in 68.3% of JOSTENT patients versus 51.8% of BMS patients (hazard ratio: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.23, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The long-term prognosis for diseased SVGs requiring PCI is dismal. The JOSTENT PTFE stent-graft results in inferior outcomes compared with BMS, despite high-pressure implantation and prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy, a finding that becomes more evident with longer-term follow-up.

Gender-based evaluation of the XIENCE V everolimus-eluting coronary stent system: clinical and angiographic results from the SPIRIT III randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the role of gender on clinical and angiographic results of the everolimus-eluting stent in the SPIRIT III trial. BACKGROUND: The SPIRIT III trial demonstrated superior efficacy of the XIENCE V everolimus-eluting stent compared with the TAXUS paclitaxel-eluting stent. Whether these results are applicable to women is unknown. METHODS: A total of 1,002 patients with coronary artery lesions of 28 mm or less long in 2.5-3.75 mm diameter vessels were prospectively randomized to receive percutaneous coronary intervention with either XIENCE V stent or TAXUS stent placement. Post hoc gender subset analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 669 patients (200 women) received the XIENCE V stent, and 332 patients (114 women) were assigned to the TAXUS stent. Women were older and had more hypertension and diabetes than men. At 1 year, rates of MACE (11.1% vs. 5.7%, P = 0.004), TVF (13.7% vs. 7.5%, P = 0.003), TVR (10.8% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.0007), and TLR (7.2% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.002) were higher in women compared with men. The difference in 1 year MACE and TVF rates between men and women remained after adjusting for baseline covariates. Although the angiographic characteristics at baseline were similar among the female cohort, women assigned to XIENCE V had lower in-stent late loss (0.19 vs. 0.42 mm, P = 0.01) compared with women treated with the TAXUS stent. Although 30-day clinical outcomes were similar for women treated with XIENCE V and TAXUS stents, at 1 year, women with XIENCE V stents had significantly lower MACE (8.2% vs. 16.1 %, P = 0.04) and TVR (3.1% vs. 8.9%, P = 0.03) compared with those treated with TAXUS stents. Stent thrombosis rates were similar between women receiving either XIENCE V or TAXUS stents. CONCLUSIONS: Women in the SPIRIT III trial had inherently higher MACE and TVF rates than men. However, the angiographic and clinical benefits of using XIENCE V stents are generalizable to women.

Randomized comparison of everolimus-eluting and paclitaxel-eluting stents: two-year clinical follow-up from the Clinical Evaluation of the Xience V Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System in the Treatment of Patients with de novo Native Coronary Artery Lesions (SPIRIT) III trial.

BACKGROUND: In the prospective randomized Clinical Evaluation of the Xience V Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System in the Treatment of Patients with de novo Native Coronary Artery Lesions (SPIRIT) III trial, an everolimus-eluting stent (EES) compared with a widely used paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) resulted in a statistically significant reduction in angiographic in-segment late loss at 8 months and noninferior rates of target vessel failure (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization) at 1 year. The safety and efficacy of EES after 1 year have not been reported. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 1002 patients with up to 2 de novo native coronary artery lesions (reference vessel diameter, 2.5 to 3.75 mm; lesion length < or =28 mm) were randomized 2:1 to EES versus PES. Antiplatelet therapy consisted of aspirin indefinitely and a thienopyridine for > or =6 months. Between 1 and 2 years, patients treated with EES compared with PES tended to have fewer episodes of protocol-defined stent thrombosis (0.2% versus 1.0%; P=0.10) and myocardial infarctions (0.5% versus 1.7%; P=0.12), with similar rates of cardiac death (0.3% versus 0.3%; P=1.0) and target vessel revascularization (2.9% versus 3.0%; P=1.0). As a result, at the completion of the 2-year follow-up, treatment with EES compared with PES resulted in a significant 32% reduction in target vessel failure (10.7% versus 15.4%; hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.48 to 0.98; P=0.04) and a 45% reduction in major adverse cardiac events (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization; 7.3% versus 12.8%; hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.36 to 0.83; P=0.004). Among the 360 patients who discontinued clopidogrel or ticlopidine after 6 months, stent thrombosis subsequently developed in 0.4% of EES patients versus 2.6% of PES patients (P=0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with EES rather than PES experienced significantly improved event-free survival at a 2-year follow-up in the SPIRIT III trial, with continued divergence of the hazard curves for target vessel failure and major adverse cardiac events between 1 and 2 years evident. The encouraging trends toward fewer stent thrombosis episodes after 6 months in EES-treated patients who discontinued a thienopyridine and after 1 year in all patients treated with EES rather than PES deserve further study.

Comparison of an everolimus-eluting stent and a paclitaxel-eluting stent in patients with coronary artery disease: a randomized trial.

CONTEXT: A thin, cobalt-chromium stent eluting the antiproliferative agent everolimus from a nonadhesive, durable fluoropolymer has shown promise in preliminary studies in improving clinical and angiographic outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an everolimus-eluting stent compared with a widely used paclitaxel-eluting stent. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: The SPIRIT III trial, a prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled trial enrolling patients at 65 academic and community-based US institutions between June 22, 2005, and March 15, 2006. Patients were 1002 men and women undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in lesions 28 mm or less in length and with reference vessel diameter between 2.5 and 3.75 mm. Angiographic follow-up was prespecified at 8 months in 564 patients and completed in 436 patients. Clinical follow-up was performed at 1, 6, 9, and 12 months. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive the everolimus-eluting stent (n = 669) or the paclitaxel-eluting stent (n = 333). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was noninferiority or superiority of angiographic in-segment late loss. The major secondary end point was noninferiority assessment of target vessel failure events (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization) at 9 months. An additional secondary end point was evaluation of major adverse cardiac events (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization) at 9 and 12 months. RESULTS: Angiographic in-segment late loss was significantly less in the everolimus-eluting stent group compared with the paclitaxel group (mean, 0.14 [SD, 0.41] mm vs 0.28 [SD, 0.48] mm; difference, -0.14 [95% CI, -0.23 to -0.05]; P < or = .004). The everolimus stent was noninferior to the paclitaxel stent for target vessel failure at 9 months (7.2% vs 9.0%, respectively; difference, -1.9% [95% CI, -5.6% to 1.8%]; relative risk, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.51 to 1.23]; P < .001). The everolimus stent compared with the paclitaxel stent resulted in significant reductions in composite major adverse cardiac events both at 9 months (4.6% vs 8.1%; relative risk, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.34 to 0.94]; P = .03) and at 1 year (6.0% vs 10.3%; relative risk, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.37 to 0.90]; P = .02), due to fewer myocardial infarctions and target lesion revascularization procedures. CONCLUSIONS: In this large-scale, prospective randomized trial, an everolimus-eluting stent compared with a paclitaxel-eluting stent resulted in reduced angiographic late loss, noninferior rates of target vessel failure, and fewer major adverse cardiac events during 1 year of follow-up. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00180479.

Clinical outcomes comparing eptifibatide and abciximab in ST elevation acute myocardial infarction patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions.

BACKGROUND: Randomized clinical trials comparing glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors have largely excluded patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: We conducted an open-label, sequential comparison of in-hospital and 6-month clinical outcomes in STEMI patients receiving eptifibatide or abciximab as adjunctive therapy during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Registry data were collected and compared for STEMI patients undergoing PCI and receiving eptifibatide or abciximab over a 3.5-year period. Six-month follow-up, using telephone interviews, included major adverse cardiac events and functional status. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar for patients receiving eptifibatide (n = 294) or abciximab (n = 158). No significant differences in hospital clinical outcomes were observed for reinfarction (2 vs. 3% for eptifibatide and abciximab, respectively), repeat revascularization (3 vs. 4%), bleeding complications (8 vs. 12%), congestive heart failure (5 vs. 3%), cerebrovascular accidents (0 vs. 2%), renal failure (2 vs. 3%), and all-cause mortality at discharge (5 vs. 4%). No significant difference was seen between groups in all-cause mortality at 6 months (6.5 vs. 6.4%; hazard ratio 0.976; 95% confidence interval 0.43-2.23; log-rank, p = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were observed in clinical outcomes between STEMI patients receiving eptifibatide or abciximab in the setting of PCI. Considering the substantially lower cost of eptifibatide, these data suggest that eptifibatide can be substituted for abciximab to lower overall medication costs while maintaining beneficial safety and efficacy effects.