Efficacy and safety of CT-P13 (biosimilar infliximab) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: comparison between switching from reference infliximab to CT-P13 and continuing CT-P13 in the PLANETRA extension study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of switching from the infliximab reference product (RP; Remicade) to its biosimilar CT-P13 (Remsima, Inflectra) or continuing CT-P13 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for an additional six infusions. METHODS: This open-label extension study recruited patients with RA who had completed the 54-week, randomised, parallel-group study comparing CT-P13 with RP (PLANETRA; NCT01217086). CT-P13 (3 mg/kg) was administered intravenously every 8 weeks from weeks 62 to 102. All patients received concomitant methotrexate. Endpoints included American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20) response, ACR50, ACR70, immunogenicity and safety. Data were analysed for patients who received CT-P13 for 102 weeks (maintenance group) and for those who received RP for 54 weeks and then switched to CT-P13 (switch group). RESULTS: Overall, 302 of 455 patients who completed the PLANETRA study enrolled into the extension. Of these, 158 had received CT-P13 (maintenance group) and 144 RP (switch group). Response rates at week 102 for maintenance versus switch groups, respectively, were 71.7% vs 71.8% for ACR20, 48.0% vs 51.4% for ACR50 and 24.3% vs 26.1% for ACR70. The proportion of patients with antidrug antibodies was comparable between groups (week 102: 40.3% vs 44.8%, respectively). Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in similar proportions of patients in the two groups during the extension study (53.5% and 53.8%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Comparable efficacy and tolerability were observed in patients who switched from RP to its biosimilar CT-P13 for an additional year and in those who had long-term CT-P13 treatment for 2 years. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01571219; Results.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Triggered by Leishmaniasis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare syndrome. It is a result of uncontrolled hyperactivation of the reticuloendothelial system with a release of a huge amount of proinflammatory cytokines in the bloodstream, causing a cytokine storm. It may be primary due to genetic defects and secondary, triggered by viruses, bacteria, parasites, lymphoproliferative, and autoimmune diseases. We present a rare case of HLH triggered by leishmaniasis. HLH accounts for only about 1% of all leishmaniasis cases. CASE REPORT The patient was a 40-year-old previously healthy woman, who has been diagnosed with secondary HLH caused by leishmaniasis. A chronic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection was initially mistakenly interpreted as a trigger agent, because Leishmania amastigotes, present on the first bone marrow biopsy, were not recognized. The treatment with cyclosporin A and corticosteroids suppressed the cytokine storm and prevented the development of complications. Two months later, because of a reactivation of the disease, the patient was referred to a hematologist. A second bone marrow aspiration was performed, in which numerous Leishmania parasites were finally identified. CONCLUSIONS The aim of this case report is to provide more information about the rare phenomenon of secondary HLH triggered by leishmaniasis. Early recognition of the syndrome and its triggering agents will improve disease outcomes and prevent unnecessary treatment with immunosuppressive drugs.

Spliceosomal peptide P140 for immunotherapy of systemic lupus erythematosus: results of an early phase II clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of spliceosomal peptide P140 (IPP-201101; sequence 131-151 of the U1-70K protein phosphorylated at Ser140), which is recognized by lupus CD4+ T cells, in the treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: An open-label, dose-escalation phase II study was conducted in two centers in Bulgaria. Twenty patients (2 male and 18 female) with moderately active SLE received 3 subcutaneous (SC) administrations of a clinical batch of P140 peptide at 2-week intervals. Clinical evaluation was performed using approved scales. A panel of autoantibodies, including antinuclear antibodies, antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (U1 RNP, SmD1, Ro/SSA, La/SSB), and antibodies to double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), chromatin, cardiolipin, and peptides of the U1-70K protein, was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The plasma levels of C-reactive protein, total Ig, IgG, IgG subclasses, IgM, IgA, and IgE, and of the cytokines interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha were measured by ELISA and nephelometry. RESULTS: IgG anti-dsDNA antibody levels decreased by at least 20% in 7 of 10 patients who received 3 x 200 microg IPP-201101 (group 1), but only in 1 patient in the group receiving 3 x 1,000 microg IPP-201101 (group 2). Physician's global assessment of disease activity scores and scores on the SLE Disease Activity Index were significantly decreased in group 1. The changes occurred progressively in the population of responders, increased in magnitude during the treatment period, and were sustained. No clinical or biologic adverse effects were observed in the individuals, except for some local irritation at the highest concentration. CONCLUSION: IPP-201101 was found to be safe and well tolerated by subjects. Three SC doses of IPP-201101 at 200 microg significantly improved the clinical and biologic status of lupus patients.