Lung-restricted ALK5 inhibition avoids systemic toxicities associated with TGFß pathway inhibition.

Systemic therapies targeting transforming growth factor beta (TGFß) or TGFßR1 kinase (ALK5) have been plagued by toxicities including cardiac valvulopathy and bone physeal dysplasia in animals, posing a significant challenge for clinical development in pulmonary indications. The current work aims to demonstrate that systemic ALK5-associated toxicities can be mitigated through localized lung delivery. Lung-selective (THRX-144644) and systemically bioavailable (galunisertib) ALK5 inhibitors were compared to determine whether lung selectivity is sufficient to maintain local tissue concentrations while mitigating systemic exposure and consequent pathway-related findings. Both molecules demonstrated potent ALK5 activity in rat precision cut lung slices (PCLS; p-SMAD3 half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50], 141 nM and 1070 nM for THRX-144644 and galunisertib, respectively). In 14-day repeat-dose studies in rats, dose-related cardiac valvulopathy was recapitulated with oral galunisertib at doses ≥150 mg/kg/day. In contrast, inhaled nebulized THRX-144644 did not cause similar systemic findings up to the maximally tolerated doses in rats or dogs (10 and 1.5 mg/kg/day, respectively). THRX-144644 lung-to-plasma ratios ranged from 100- to 1200-fold in rats and dogs across dose levels. THRX-144644 lung trough (24 h) concentrations in rats and dogs ranged from 3- to 17-fold above the PCLS IC50 across tolerated doses. At a dose level exceeding tolerability (60 mg/kg/day; 76-fold above PCLS IC50) minimal heart and bone changes were observed when systemic drug concentrations reached pharmacologic levels. In conclusion, the current preclinical work demonstrates that localized pulmonary delivery of an ALK5 inhibitor leads to favorable TGFß pathway pharmacodynamic inhibition in lung while minimizing key systemic toxicities.

Pharmacologic characterization of GSK-961081 (TD-5959), a first-in-class inhaled bifunctional bronchodilator possessing muscarinic receptor antagonist and ß2-adrenoceptor agonist properties.

The objective of the present studies was to characterize the pharmacologic properties of GSK-961081 [TD-5959; (R)-1-(3-((2-chloro-4-(((2-hydroxy-2-(8-hydroxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinolin-5-yl)ethyl)amino)methyl)-5-methoxyphenyl)amino)-3-oxopropyl) piperidin-4-yl [1,1'-biphenyl]-2-ylcarbamate], a novel first-in-class inhaled bifunctional compound possessing both muscarinic antagonist (MA) and ß2-adrenoceptor agonist (BA) properties (MABA). In competition radioligand binding studies at human recombinant receptors, GSK-961081 displayed high affinity for hM2 (Ki = 1.4 nM), hM3 muscarinic receptors (Ki = 1.3 nM) and hß2-adrenoceptors (Ki = 3.7 nM). GSK-961081 behaved as a potent hß2-adrenoceptor agonist (EC50 = 0.29 nM for stimulation of cAMP levels) with 440- and 320-fold functional selectivity over hß1- and hß3-adrenoceptors, respectively. In guinea pig isolated tracheal tissues, GSK-961081 produced smooth muscle relaxation through MA (EC50 = 50.2 nM), BA (EC50=24.6 nM), and MABA (EC50 = 11 nM) mechanisms. In the guinea pig bronchoprotection assay, inhaled GSK-961081 produced potent, dose-dependent inhibition of bronchoconstrictor responses via MA (ED50 = 33.9 µg/ml), BA (ED50 = 14.1 µg/ml), and MABA (ED50 = 6.4 µg/ml) mechanisms. Significant bronchoprotective effects of GSK-961081 were evident in guinea pigs via MA, BA, and MABA mechanisms for up to 7 days after dosing. The lung selectivity index of GSK-961081 in guinea pigs was 55- to 110-fold greater than that of tiotropium with respect to systemic antimuscarinic antisialagogue effects and was 10-fold greater than that of salmeterol with respect to systemic ß2-adrenoceptor hypotensive effects. These preclinical findings studies suggest that GSK-961081 has the potential to be a promising next-generation inhaled lung-selective bronchodilator for the treatment of airway diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Exploring the advancements of Australian OPAT.

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in Australia has evolved from modest beginnings to a well-established health service with proven benefits in patient outcomes. This is a comprehensive review of the current state of art Australian OPAT with vignettes of the types of OPAT models of care, antimicrobial prescribing and antimicrobial use. In addition, we highlight the similarities and differences between OPAT to other countries and describe Australian OPAT experiences with COVID-19 and paediatrics. Australian OPAT continues to advance with OPAT antifungals, novel treatment options and upcoming high-impact research.

LInezolid Monitoring to MInimise Toxicity (LIMMIT1): A multicentre retrospective review of patients receiving linezolid therapy and the impact of therapeutic drug monitoring.

BACKGROUND: Linezolid is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial with limited use due to toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate linezolid toxicity in a large multicentre cohort. Secondary objectives were to identify factors contributing to toxicity, including the impact of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). METHODS: Patients administered linezolid between January 2017 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected on patient characteristics, linezolid therapy and outcomes. Descriptive statistics were performed on all patients, and statistical comparisons were undertaken between those who did and did not experience linezolid toxicity. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to identify any covariates that correlated with toxicity. RESULTS: Linezolid was administered to 1050 patients; of these, 381 did not meet the inclusion criteria and 47 were excluded as therapy ceased for non-toxicity reasons. There were 105 of 622 (16.9%) patients assessed to have linezolid toxicity. Patients who experienced toxicity displayed a higher baseline creatinine (96.5 µmol/L vs. 79 µmol/L; P = 0.025), lower baseline platelet count (225 × 109/L vs. 278.5 × 109/L; P = 0.002) and received a longer course (median 21 vs. 14 days; P < 0.001) than those who did not. Linezolid TDM was performed in 144 patients (23%). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that TDM-guided appropriate dose adjustment significantly reduced the odds of linezolid toxicity (aOR = 0.45; 95% CI 0.21-0.96; P = 0.038) and a treatment duration > 28 days was no longer significantly associated with toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that linezolid treatment-limiting toxicity remains a problem and suggests that TDM-guided dose optimisation may reduce the risk of toxicity and facilitate prolonged courses beyond 28 days.

Preclinical efficacy of THRX-200495, a dual pharmacology muscarinic receptor antagonist and ß(2)-adrenoceptor agonist (MABA).

Combinations of a muscarinic receptor antagonist (MA) and a ß(2)-adrenoceptor agonist (BA) improve bronchodilation in COPD patients to a greater extent than drugs with either mechanism alone. Here, using an in vivo model of bronchoprotection in guinea pigs, we characterize a single agent with dual-acting MA and BA activity, THRX-200495 (MABA). THRX-200495 was compared to a fixed-dose combination of a short-acting muscarinic receptor antagonist (SAMA) and a ß(2)-adrenoceptor agonist (SABA). The SAMA/SABA combination consisted of a 1:5.7 ratio of ipratropium and albuterol (the components of Combivent®). Conscious guinea pigs received aqueous nebulized solutions of vehicle or test compound by aerosol exposure. Bronchoprotective potency was estimated in anesthetized, tracheotomized and ventilated guinea pigs at predetermined time points after aerosol exposure by measuring changes in ventilation pressure. The individual (MA, BA) and composite (MABA) pharmacologies were assessed by determining protection against bronchoconstrictor responses induced by methacholine in the presence of propranolol (for MA activity), histamine (for BA activity) or methacholine (MABA activity). Bronchoprotection was calculated as percent inhibition of methacholine or histamine response relative to the vehicle group. THRX-200495 exhibited matched MA (ID(50) = 11.4 µg/mL) and BA (ID(50) = 11.2 µg/mL) potency and potent dual pharmacology (MABA ID(50) = 3.5 µg/mL) that persisted for over 24 h. The combination of ipratropium/albuterol exhibited bronchoprotective activity that was 2.6-fold more potent as a BA (ID(50) = 5.7 µg/mL) than as an MA (ID(50) = 14.6 µg/mL) at 0.5 h post-dose and 37-fold more potent as an MA (ID(50) = 4.3 µg/mL) than a BA (ID(50) = 159 µg/mL) at 1.5 h post aerosol exposure. Under MABA pharmacological conditions, ipratropium/albuterol produced potent bronchoprotective activity (ID(50) = 2.0/11.4 µg/mL) and an apparent additive effect of the two pharmacologies. In conclusion, a dual-acting prototypical MABA, THRX-200495, demonstrated potent, balanced and long-lasting bronchodilation in a guinea pig model of bronchoprotection that was greater than either the MA or BA mechanisms alone.

Building a pharmacy workforce from the ground up to support the COVID-19 vaccine rollout: lessons learned and recommendations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has required an unprecedented surge in the pharmacy workforce to support mass vaccination hubs. This review discusses the challenges faced while training and credentialing a surge pharmacy workforce and how these challenges were overcome. The process used for training and credentialing new employees has been described and recommendations and insights have been provided based on the lessons learned at two COVID-19 mass vaccination hubs in New South Wales. Operationalising one of the largest mass vaccination hubs in Australia required efficient training and credentialing of the pharmacy workforce. This process included the use of pharmacist-extenders such as students, assistants, and those from other healthcare and non-healthcare backgrounds. Training was optimised by using a flipped classroom model, so that the vaccine preparation process was provided via asynchronous online videos. The videos covered each step of vaccine dose preparation with visual cues to guide appropriate technique. On-site training involved use of simulation and checklists for credentialing. Many factors contributed to the success of this process, including the use of triaging and the re-allocation of personnel based on skill level, collaboration with the Sydney Pharmacy School to train and support a surge workforce involving students, initial on-site information technology support in the form of pharmacy superusers, the use of checklists and guides for troubleshooting, and assigned pharmacy educators to train new employees. The public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to rapidly adapt to build a pharmacy workforce in record time to support mass vaccination hubs. The recommendations and insights provided from our experience can guide future surges. Some of these concepts may also be applied to pharmacy practice in hospitals when resources are constrained.

Discovery of (R)-1-(3-((2-chloro-4-(((2-hydroxy-2-(8-hydroxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinolin-5-yl)ethyl)amino)methyl)-5-methoxyphenyl)amino)-3-oxopropyl)piperidin-4-yl [1,1'-biphenyl]-2-ylcarbamate (TD-5959, GSK961081, batefenterol): first-in-class dual pharmacology multivalent muscarinic antagonist and ß2 agonist (MABA) for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Through application of our multivalent approach to drug discovery we previously reported the first discovery of dual pharmacology MABA bronchodilators, exemplified by 1. Herein we describe the subsequent lead optimization of both muscarinic antagonist and ß2 agonist activities, through modification of the linker motif, to achieve 24 h duration of action in a guinea pig bronchoprotection model. Concomitantly we targeted high lung selectivities, low systemic exposures and identified crystalline forms suitable for inhalation devices. This article culminates with the discovery of our first clinical candidate 12f (TD-5959, GSK961081, batefenterol). In a phase 2b trial, batefenterol produced statistical and clinically significant differences compared to placebo and numerically greater improvements in the primary end point of trough FEV1 compared to salmeterol after 4 weeks of dosing in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Hippocampal dysfunction and behavioral deficit in the water maze in mice: an unresolved issue?

Dysfunction of the hippocampal formation manifests as impaired relational learning and memory in humans and animals. One of the most frequently applied relational learning paradigms in animals is the Morris water maze (MWM), in which the subject is required to learn complex spatial relationships of visual cues. MWM has been employed as a diagnostic tool to investigate effects of drugs and mutations. However, the validity of this test and its ability to properly detect hippocampal dysfunction have been questioned. In order to corroborate the role of hippocampus in spatial learning, we employed ibotenic acid lesioning and ablated the hippocampus bilaterally or unilaterally in mice, as ascertained by magnetic resonance imaging. We found a significant impairment in response to hippocampal disruption that was more pronounced in mice with bilateral lesion than with unilateral lesion. However, the results also indicated that even the mice with bilateral lesion could improve their performance, which confirms the notion that the MWM has an important non-hippocampal component. It is thus possible that experimental alteration of brain function does not manifest as modified performance in MWM, even when hippocampal function is modified (false-negative finding), or manifest as altered performance without varying hippocampal function (false-positive finding), possibilities that have important implications for studies using genetic and pharmacological manipulation of the brain.

Application of the classical Einthoven model of bronchoconstriction to the study of inhaled bronchodilators in rodents.

INTRODUCTION: The discovery of novel bronchodilators that treat human respiratory disorders has been guided by an array of animal models of bronchoconstriction which differ in technical complexity and experimental endpoints. Here, we apply methodology in which ventilation pressure provides a surrogate measure of airway tone (Einthoven, 1892) to assess the potency and duration of muscarinic antagonists and ß(2)-adrenergic agonists in two rodent species. The purpose of this study was to validate the Einthoven model of bronchoconstriction by testing two classes of bronchodilators that are approved for clinical use. METHODS: Conscious guinea pigs or rats, placed in an inhalation chamber, were dosed by nebulization with vehicle or test compound. Prior to testing, animals were anesthetized, tracheotomized and artificially ventilated. Changes in ventilation pressure were measured via a pressure transducer. Guinea pigs were challenged with doses of methacholine (1-32 µg/kg, i.v.) or histamine (1-64 µg/kg, i.v.) and rats were challenged with an infusion of methacholine (5-80 µg/kg, i.v.). Changes in ventilation pressure (cmH(2)O) were calculated as peak post-challenge ventilation pressure-peak baseline ventilation pressure. The potency [ID(50), nebulizer concentration] and duration of bronchoprotective activity of ipratropium, tiotropium, albuterol, salmeterol and indacaterol were determined. RESULTS: In guinea pig, ipratropium [ID(50)=5.7 µg/mL] and tiotropium [ID(50)=5.4 µg/mL] were equipotent, whereas albuterol [ID(50)=117 µg/mL], was 65-fold and 23-fold less potent than salmeterol [ID(50)=1.8 µg/mL] and indacaterol [ID(50)=5.2 µg/mL], respectively. Only tiotropium and indacaterol exhibited 24h bronchoprotection. In the rat, ipratropium [ID(50)=4.4 µg/mL] and tiotropium [6.0 µg/mL] were equipotent. The bronchoprotective duration of tiotropium in the rat was ≥ 24 h. DISCUSSION: The Einthoven model accurately determined the rank order of potency and duration of clinically used bronchodilators. The decreased experimental variability and reproducibility associated with the methodology of Einthoven model may offer significant advantages over other models of bronchoconstriction and thereby support the discovery of novel bronchodilators.

Pharmacological properties of TD-6301, a novel bladder selective muscarinic receptor antagonist.

Existing antimuscarinic drugs for overactive bladder have high affinity for M(3)/M(1) muscarinic receptors and consequently produce M(3)/M(1)-mediated adverse effects including dry mouth, constipation, mydriasis and somnolence. TD-6301 is a M(2/4) muscarinic receptor-selective antagonist developed for the treatment of overactive bladder. The present studies characterize the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of this molecule in comparison to other marketed antimuscarinics agents. In radioligand binding studies, TD-6301 was found to possess high affinity for human M(2) muscarinic receptor (K(i)=0.36 nM) and was 31, 36, 2 and 128-fold selective for the human M(2) muscarinic receptor compared to the M(1), M(3), M(4) and M(5) muscarinic receptors, respectively. The in vivo bladder selectivity of TD-6301 in rats was determined to be 26, 28, >100, 16 and 0.4-fold, respectively, assessed by comparing its potency for inhibition of volume-induced bladder contractions to that for inhibition of oxotremorine-induced salivation, inhibition of small-intestinal transit, decreases in locomotor activity, increases in pupil diameter and increases in heart rate. TD-6301 was more potent in inhibiting volume-induced bladder contractions (ID(50)=0.075 mg/kg) compared to oxotremorine-induced salivation (ID(50)=1.0 mg/kg) resulting in a bladder/salivary gland selectivity ratio greater than that observed for tolterodine, oxybutynin, darifenacin and solifenacin. The preclinical properties of TD-6301 suggest that this molecule is likely to be efficacious in overactive bladder patients with a lower propensity to cause M(3) muscarinic receptor mediated adverse effects.