Retagliptin as add-on therapy to metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin: A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of retagliptin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) inadequately controlled with metformin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicentre, phase 3 trial consisted of a 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled period, where patients with HbA1c levels between 7.5% and 11.0% were randomized to receive either once-daily (QD) retagliptin 100 mg (n = 87) or placebo (n = 87), both as an add-on to metformin. The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c from baseline to week 16. RESULTS: At week 16, the least squares mean change in HbA1c from baseline, compared with placebo, was -0.82% (95% CI, -1.05% to -0.58%) for the retagliptin 100 mg QD group (P < .0001) per treatment policy estimand. Significantly higher proportions of patients in the retagliptin 100 mg QD group achieved HbA1c levels of less than 6.5% (11.5%) and less than 7.0% (26.4%) compared with those receiving placebo (0% and 4.6%; P = .0016 and P < .0001, respectively) at week 16. Retagliptin 100 mg QD also lowered fasting plasma glucose and 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose levels. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) during the treatment period was similar between the two groups. However, slightly higher proportions of increased lipase and increased amylase in the retagliptin 100 mg QD group were observed. No patients discontinued treatment permanently because of AEs, and no episodes of severe hypoglycaemia were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Retagliptin 100 mg QD as an add-on therapy to metformin offers a new therapeutic option for treating Chinese patients with T2D inadequately controlled by metformin alone, and is generally well tolerated.

Effects of Safinamide on Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms in Patients with Parkinson's Disease and Motor Fluctuations.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) involves the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, leading to motor and non-motor symptoms that significantly impact patients' quality of life. Safinamide modulates dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems, offering a promising treatment approach. METHODS: This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of safinamide as an add-on therapy to levodopa for PD patients with motor fluctuations. Following PRISMA guidelines, literature searches were conducted in PubMed and Embase (2014-2022). Inclusion criteria were studies on adult PD patients receiving safinamide with levodopa. Outcomes included on-time without troublesome dyskinesia, off-time, UPDRS Part III motor scores, UPDRS Part II activities of daily living scores, PDQ-39 emotional well-being, and GRID-HAMD scores. RESULTS: Among thirteen eligible studies, safinamide significantly improved on-time without troublesome dyskinesia at 100 mg/day (mean difference [MD]: -0.90; 95% CI: -1.12 to -0.67; p < 0.00001) and 50 mg/day (MD: -0.77; 95% CI: -1.21 to -0.34; p = 0.0005) compared to placebo. It also reduced off-time (100 mg/day: MD: -0.94; 95% CI: -1.19 to -0.70; p < 0.00001; 50 mg/day: MD: -0.72; 95% CI: -1.03 to -0.41; p < 0.00001) and improved UPDRS-III motor scores (100 mg/day: MD: -3.01; 95% CI: -4.15 to -1.86; p < 0.00001; 50 mg/day: MD: -2.93; 95% CI: -5.14 to -0.71; p = 0.001). Mood improvements were noted in PDQ-39 emotional well-being scores (MD: -5.22; 95% CI: -6.90 to -3.54) and GRID-HAMD scores (MD: -0.60; 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.25; p = 0.0009). Safinamide also positively affected pain (RR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.18). CONCLUSION: Compared to placebo, safinamide significantly benefits motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients, but further research is necessary to fully explore its therapeutic potential.

Mirabegron Add-On Tamsulosin for Men with Overactive Bladder Symptoms: A Pooled Analysis of Four Randomized Controlled Trials.

INTRODUCTION: Overactive bladder symptoms (OABSs) affect patients' quality of life (QOL) worldwide. This pooled analysis compared the efficacy and safety of mirabegron add-on tamsulosin with those of tamsulosin add-on placebo in OABS treatment. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy of mirabegron add-on therapy to tamsulosin in the treatment of OABS. Moreover, references from the selected studies were screened. Review Manager 5.4 was used to analyze data. RESULTS: Four RCTs involving 1,397 patients with OABS were selected. Of the total, 697 patients receiving mirabegron add-on tamsulosin constituted the experimental group, and 700 patients receiving tamsulosin add-on placebo constituted the control group. The efficacy endpoints were as follows: mean number of micturition per day (mean difference [MD] = -0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.41 to -0.10, p = 0.0001), urgency episodes per day (MD = -0.67, 95% CI = -1.02 to -0.32, p = 0.0002), urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) episodes per day (MD = -0.42, 95% CI = -0.66 to -0.19, p = 0.0005), mean volume voided/micturition (MD = 10.84, 95% CI = 4.97-16.71, p = 0.0003), total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (MD = -2.01, 95% CI = -4.02 to -0.01, p = 0.05), and IPSS QOL index (MD = -0.65, 95% CI = -0.94 to -0.35, p < 0.0001). Mirabegron therapy, an add-on therapy to tamsulosin, was effective in treating patients with OABS. Moreover, mirabegron might reduce the total IPSS (MD = -2.01, 95% CI = -4.02 to -0.01, p = 0.05). The safety endpoint, treatment-emergent adverse events (odds ratio = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.78-1.13, p = 0.49), suggested that although mirabegron was well-tolerated, it possibly increased the post-void residual urine volume (MD = 10.28, 95% CI = 1.82-18.75, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Combination therapy using mirabegron and tamsulosin may be effective in treating patients with non-neurogenic OABS in terms of UUI episodes, total IPSS, and IPSS QOL index. However, its effectiveness must be verified by analyzing additional factors for OABS through further RCTs.

Curalin supplement for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy and safety of Curalin supplement in patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Adult patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized 1:1 to receive Curalin supplement or placebo. The primary endpoint was HbA1c decrease at 1 month. The secondary endpoint was a decrease in HbA1c by more than 0.5% and 1% and a change in 7 daily blood glucose measurements. A satisfaction questionnaire was used as an exploratory endpoint. Safety variables and adverse events were assessed. RESULTS: After 1 month of intervention, HbA1c was reduced by 0.94% in the Curalin arm versus 0.4% in the placebo arm (P = 0.008). 72% of Curalin patients had decreased HbA1c levels >0.5% versus 35% in the placebo arm (P < 0.05). The Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire indicated that Curalin arm patients reported higher overall satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Curalin treatment significantly reduced HbA1c over a 1-month period and was well-tolerated.

Should substitution monotherapy or combination therapy be used after failure of the first antiseizure medication? Observations from a 30-year cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the temporal trends in the use of second antiseizure (ASM) regimens and compare the efficacy of substitution monotherapy and combination therapy after failure of initial monotherapy in people with epilepsy. METHODS: This was a longitudinal observational cohort study conducted at the Epilepsy Unit of the Western Infirmary in Glasgow, Scotland. We included patients who were newly treated for epilepsy with ASMs between July 1982, and October 2012. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. Seizure freedom was defined as no seizure for at least 1 year on unchanged medication at the last follow up. RESULTS: During the study period, 498 patients were treated with a second ASM regimen after failure of the initial ASM monotherapy, of whom 346 (69%) were prescribed combination therapy and 152 (31%) were given substitution monotherapy. The proportion of patients receiving second regimen as combination therapy increased during the study period from 46% in first epoch (1985-1994) to 78% in the last (2005-2015) (RR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.17-2.36, corrected-p = .010). Overall, 21% (104/498) of the patients achieved seizure freedom on the second ASM regimen, which was less than half of the seizure-free rate on the initial ASM monotherapy (45%, p < .001). Patients who received substitution monotherapy had similar seizure-free rate compared with those who received combination therapy (RR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.81-1.69, p = .41). Individual ASMs used, either alone or in combination, had similar efficacy. However, the subgroup analysis was limited by small sample sizes. SIGNIFICANCE: The choice of second regimen used based on clinical judgment was not associated with treatment outcome in patients whose initial monotherapy failed due to poor seizure control. Alternative approaches such as machine learning should be explored to aid individualized selection of the second ASM regimen.

Efficacy and safety of janagliflozin as add-on therapy to metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin alone: A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of janagliflozin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) inadequately controlled with metformin monotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicentre phase 3 trial included a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled period, followed by a 28-week extension period. Patients (N = 421) with HbA1c of 7.0% or higher and 10.5% or less were randomized (1:1:1) to receive once-daily placebo, janagliflozin 25 or 50 mg. After the 24-week treatment period, patients on placebo were re-randomized (1:1) to janagliflozin 25 or 50 mg for the additional 28-week treatment, whereas patients on janagliflozin maintained the same therapy. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in HbA1c to week 24. RESULTS: At week 24, the placebo-adjusted least squares mean changes of HbA1c were -0.58% and -0.58% with janagliflozin 25 and 50 mg, respectively (P < .0001 for both). The proportion of patients achieving HbA1c less than 7.0% was higher with janagliflozin 25 and 50 mg compared with placebo (41.8%, 41.7% and 28.0%, respectively). Both janagliflozin doses provided significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour postprandial glucose, body weight and systolic blood pressure, and improvements in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin sensitivity compared with placebo (P < .05 for all). The trends in improvement of these variables were retained during the 28-week extension period. No severe hypoglycaemia occurred throughout the whole 52-week treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Janagliflozin 25 or 50 mg once-daily added to metformin therapy significantly improved glycaemic control, reduced body weight and systolic blood pressure, improved high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin sensitivity, and was generally well-tolerated by Chinese T2D patients who had poor glycaemic control with metformin monotherapy.

Batoclimab as an add-on therapy in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients with acute attacks.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a severe neurological inflammatory disease mainly caused by pathogenic aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-IgG). The safety and efficacy of the neonatal Fc receptor antagonist batoclimab addition to conventional intravenous methylprednisolone pulse (IVMP) therapy in patients with NMOSD acute attacks was assessed. METHODS: In an open-label, dose-escalation phase 1b study, NMOSD patients with acute myelitis and/or optic neuritis received four doses of weekly subcutaneous injections of either 340 mg or 680 mg batoclimab with concurrent IVMP and were followed up for 27 weeks. The primary end-points were safety and tolerability. Secondary end-points included pharmacodynamics and efficacy, with key efficacy assessment at week 4. RESULTS: In total nine NMOSD patients were enrolled, including two and seven in the 340 and 680 mg groups. Five patients had acute myelitis, while the remaining four had unilateral optic neuritis. Batoclimab add-on therapy had an overall good safety profile without serious adverse events. In the 680 mg group, mean immunoglobulin G (IgG) reached its maximum reduction at the last dose (day 22). In the meantime, AQP4-IgG was undetectable in six of seven subjects whose baseline AQP4-IgG titers ranged from 1:32 to 1:320. Expanded Disability Status Scale score was reduced by 1.3 ± 0.4 at week 4 (2.7 ± 1.3) compared with baseline (4.0 ± 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Batoclimab add-on therapy to IVMP is safe and tolerated in patients with NMOSD. Preliminary evidence suggests a beneficial neurological effect. A randomized controlled trial would be needed to prove the efficacy.

Tolerability of clobazam as add-on therapy in patients aged 50 years and older with drug-resistant epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the tolerability of clobazam in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy aged 50 years and older. METHODS: We performed a single center, retrospective chart review of patients at least 50 years of age with drug resistant epilepsy of any type who started clobazam as an add on therapy. Retention rate, safety, and tolerability at 6 and 12 months and last follow-up, and the discontinuation rate due to side effects were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 62 ± 7.1 years, and 69.2% of patients were female. The mean baseline seizure frequency before initiation of clobazam was 2 (range 1-30) seizures per month. The mean total daily dose of clobazam administered was 13 (range 5 to 30) mg/day. At the 12-month follow-up visit after clobazam initiation, 40% of patients were seizure-free and an additional 45% of patients had > 50% reduction in seizure frequency. The mean seizure frequency at 12-month follow-up was 1.5 (range 0-24) seizures per month. The mean total dose of clobazam at 12-month follow-up was 14.25 (range 5 to 25) mg/day. The mean duration of clobazam at last follow was 55.2 ± 27.02 (mean ± SD months) and 18 (69.2%) patients remained on clobazam. Twenty out of 26 (76.9%) patients reported at least one side effect and 6/26 (23%) discontinued the medication within a month of initiation. At last follow-up, 40% remained seizure free on stable dosing. CONCLUSION: Clobazam can be a safe and tolerable, add-on treatment older adults with drug-resistant epilepsy. Those who responded tolerated the medication well. Discontinuation due to side effects occurred soon after initiation of therapy.

Evaluation of persistence and healthcare utilization in patients treated with anti-seizure medications as add-on therapy: A nationwide cohort study in South Korea.

OBJECTIVE: To compare medication adherence and healthcare utilization among patients who were treated with anti-seizure medications (ASMs) as first add-on to monotherapy for epilepsy using the national health insurance claims data. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted using the Korean National Health Insurance claims data. Patients who received ASM as first add-on to monotherapy during January 2017 to February 2018 were included. The selected patients were followed up for 12 months to evaluate persistence, adherence, and healthcare resource utilization. RESULTS: In total, 4277 patients who received ASM as first add-on to monotherapy for epilepsy were enrolled. The mean treatment duration of add-on ASM was 296.6 ±â€¯108.6 days during the 1-year follow-up period and 64.3% of the total population were persistent on the add-on ASM at 365 days from the index date. The mean medication possession ratio (MPR) was 90.3 ±â€¯23.7 and the proportion of adherent patients with ≥80% MPR was 79.3%. Lamotrigine (LTG), levetiracetam (LEV), oxcarbazepine (OXC), and perampanel (PER) groups showed significantly higher persistence and adherence than carbamazepine (CBZ), topiramate (TPM), and valproate (VAL) groups during the 1-year follow-up period. Significant differences in length of stays, total hospitalization cost, outpatient visit cost, and emergency cost were shown between ASM groups and LTG, LEV, OXC, and PER showed relatively low utilization and cost. CONCLUSIONS: Better adherence was observed in LTG, LEV, OXC, and PER groups than in CBZ, TPM, and VAL groups. Healthcare utilization and related costs showed significant difference between ASM groups.

Effectiveness and safety of perampanel as adjunctive therapy among Chinese patients with focal-onset epilepsy: A real-world prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Perampanel (PER) has previously been shown to be effective and tolerable when used as an adjunctive therapy for patients with focal-onset seizures (FOS). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PER as adjunctive therapy for patients with FOS in the Chinese population under real-world conditions for 1 year. METHODS: A prospective, single-center, 1-year observational study was conducted at Huashan Hospital, enrolling both under age (≥4 years old) and adult patients with FOS. Response to PER was assessed at 3-, 6-, and 12-month checkpoints by analyzing the 50 % responder rate, the seizure-free rate, and reduction in seizure frequency. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients (mean age: 26.6 years, 56.5 % males) with FOS were included, with seventy-six patients finishing the 1-year follow-up (retention rate: 70.4 %, mean PER dose: 4.3 mg/day). The seizure frequency was reduced significantly at 3, 6, and 12 months relative to baseline (p < 0.001 for each seizure type). At 12 months, the responder rate was 65.8 %, and the seizure-free rate was 39.5 %. A significantly higher responder rate was found in patients with focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (p = 0.024), among which the percentage of patients with sleep-related epilepsy was significantly high (p = 0.045). Responders had a lower number of concomitant anti-seizure medications (ASMs) than the non-responders (p = 0.009). Drug-related adverse events (AEs) were reported in 37 % of patients, mostly mild or moderate, and the patients who experienced AEs had a higher daily dose of PER than those who did not (p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Perampanel, an add-on therapy for focal-onset seizures, was found to be effective and tolerable in Chinese patients at 12 months.

Efficacy of sodium hyaluronate in relieving nasal symptoms of children with intermittent allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Nasal irrigation is recommended as add-on therapy in patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis (AR). We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of adding hyaluronic acid (HA) or normal saline solution (NSS) to nasal corticosteroid (NC) therapy as add-on therapy in improving quality of life and reducing nasal symptom scores of children with intermittent AR compared to NC therapy. METHOD: In this 28-day long, open-label, randomized controlled trial, one puff of NC was administered once a day through both nostrils of 76 children with SAR (6-12 years old), whose Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) was ≥ 4. Twenty-six patients received NC only (Group 1); 24 patients received NSS (Group 2), and 26 patients received HA (Group 3) twice a day by means of nasal douche device. Pediatric Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PRQLQ) and TNSS were measured as subjective parameters, and nasal eosinophil count (NEC) in nasal cytology, nasal airflow (NAF), and resistance were measured as objective parameters. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in post-treatment between groups in terms of TNSS, PRQLQ, and NEC values. Mean values of post-treatment left NAF of the groups were significantly different (p = 0.030), and the mean value of Group 3 was the highest (mean ± SD = 247.62 ± 155.8 ccm/sn). In comparing pre- and post-treatment intragroup mean total NAR (TNAR) values, a statistically significant decrease was recorded only in group three (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: The addition of HA to NC as an adjunct therapy in children with intermittent AR has limited beneficial effects in our study and deserves further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRY: The clinical trial registration number ID:NCT04752956.

Peg-interferon alpha add-on Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate achieved more HBsAg loss in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B naïve patients.

Several studies have showed that combining peg-interferon alpha (Peg-IFNα) with nucleotide analogues has complementary effects in chronic hepatitis B (CHB), but the optimal regimen and potential mechanisms remain unclear. This was a prospective, longitudinal and multicentre clinical trial (NCT03013556). HBeAg-positive CHB naïve patients were randomly assigned to three groups: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) monotherapy for 96 weeks, TDF alone for 48 weeks and sequentially Peg-IFNα added for 48 weeks, TDF de novo combination with Peg-IFNα for 48 weeks then TDF alone for 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was HBeAg seroconversion at week 96 and HBsAg loss as the secondary endpoint. Furthermore, the levels of 12 cytokines in serum were assessed at different time points. A total of 133 patients were included in the analysis. The rates of HBeAg seroconversion at 96 weeks were not significant different among the three groups (p = 0.157). Interestingly, patients in the Peg-IFNα add-on group showed markedly lower HBsAg level compared with the other two groups at week 96. In addition, only three patients in the Peg-IFNα add-on group achieved HBsAg loss. For the following 24 weeks from week 96, no HBsAg reappearance in the three patients and no new patients with HBsAg loss were observed in the three groups. Serum cytokine analysis showed that the baseline level of interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) was strongly higher in HBeAg conversion patients and HBsAg loss patients. Compared with de novo combination and TDF alone, the addition of Peg-IFNα in TDF-treated group might be an effective strategy for HBsAg loss in HBeAg-positive CHB naïve patients.

Henagliflozin as add-on therapy to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin: A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of henagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled with metformin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This multicentre phase 3 trial included a 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled period, followed by a 28-week extension period. Patients with a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) to 10.5% (91 mmol/mol) were randomized and treated with once-daily placebo (n = 161), henagliflozin 5 mg (n = 162), or henagliflozin 10 mg (n = 160). After 24 weeks, patients on placebo were switched to 5 mg or 10 mg henagliflozin for the additional 28-week treatment, and patients on henagliflozin during 24-week treatment period maintained this initial therapy. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to Week 24. RESULTS: At Week 24, the least squares mean HbA1c changes versus placebo from baseline were - 0.76% (-8.3 mmol/mol) and - 0.80% (-8.7 mmol/mol) for henagliflozin 5 and 10 mg, respectively (all P < 0.0001). Compared with the placebo group, both doses of henagliflozin lowered fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose, body weight and blood pressure, and increased the proportions of patients achieving HbA1c <7.0% (53 mmol/mol) at Week 24. The trends in these improvements were sustained over an additional 28 weeks. Slightly higher proportions of ketosis and presence of urine ketone bodies were observed in patients treated with henagliflozin compared to placebo at Week 24. No diabetic ketoacidosis or episodes of severe hypoglycaemia were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Henagliflozin 5 mg or 10 mg as add-on therapy to metformin provided a new therapeutic option for the treatment of T2DM patients who have inadequate glycaemic control with metformin alone, and was generally well tolerated.

Lacosamide as first add-on or conversion monotherapy: A retrospective real-life study.

PURPOSE: Lacosamide (LCM), the R-enantiomer of 2-acetamido-N-benzyl-3-methoxypropionamide, is a newer approved antiseizure medication characterized by a novel pharmacodynamic and favorable pharmacokinetic profile that was approved as adjunctive treatment for adults with focal onset and focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures in 2008, and recently also for monotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of LCM as first add-on or conversion monotherapy in adult subjects with focal epilepsy. METHODS: We retrospectively included all adult patients who received LCM as first add-on regimen or as substitution monotherapy at least 12 months before starting the chart review, with a historical baseline of 6 months prior to day of the first administration of LCM. The choice of treatment was made independently by the epilepstologists, according to routine clinical practice. Clinical data were obtained at 3, 6, and 12 months after subjects started LCM and then analyzed to assess retention rate, seizure freedom, and adverse events (AE). RESULTS: A total of 101 patients (58 men) with a mean age of 44 years and a median epilepsy duration of 6.6 years (range 1-53) were included in the study. At 12 months 72 patients retained LCM, 54 (75%) of them were seizure free, 44 (81.5%) in monotherapy and 10 (18.5%) in add-on LCM treatment. Among all subjects, 31 (57.4%) were free from seizure under LCM monotherapy throughout the entire observation period. Thirty one out of 72 (43%) PwE who retained LCM at 12 months, were free from seizures throughout the entire observation period. The maintenance median dosage of LCM was 200 mg/day. Ten (10%) subjects reported mild to moderate AE, most commonly drowsiness and dizziness. No serious AE were documented. CONCLUSIONS: This real-life study confirms that LCM is an effective and well tolerated treatment option as first add-on or conversion monotherapy for focal seizures.

Efficacy and safety of fixed doses of intranasal Esketamine as an add-on therapy to Oral antidepressants in Japanese patients with treatment-resistant depression: a phase 2b randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Esketamine nasal spray (Spravato) in conjunction with oral antidepressants (ADs) is approved in the European Union, United States, and other markets for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of esketamine nasal spray in Japanese patients with TRD needs to be assessed. METHODS: This Phase 2b, randomized, double-blind (DB), placebo-controlled study was conducted in adult Japanese patients with TRD meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fifth edition) criteria of major depressive disorder with nonresponse to ≥ 1 but < 5 different ADs in the current episode at screening. Patients were treated with a new oral AD for 6 weeks (prospective lead-in phase); nonresponders were randomized (2:1:1:1) to placebo or esketamine (28-, 56-, or 84-mg) nasal spray along with the continued use of AD for 4 weeks (DB induction phase). Responders (≥50% reduction from baseline in the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS] total score) from the DB induction phase continued into the 24-week posttreatment phase and patients who relapsed could participate in a 4-week open-label (OL) second induction (flexibly-dosed esketamine). The primary efficacy endpoint, change from baseline in the MADRS total score at Day 28 in the DB induction phase, was based on mixed-effects model using repeated measures pairwise comparisons using a Dunnett adjustment. RESULTS: Of the 202 patients randomized in the DB induction phase (esketamine [n = 122] or placebo [n = 80]), the MADRS total scores decreased from baseline to Day 28 of the DB induction phase (- 15.2, - 14.5, - 15.1, and - 15.3 for esketamine 28 mg, 56 mg, 84 mg, and placebo groups, respectively), indicating an improvement in depressive symptoms; however, the difference between the esketamine and placebo groups was not statistically significant. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events during the DB induction phase in the combined esketamine group (incidences ranging from 12.3 to 41.0%) were blood pressure increased, dissociation, dizziness, somnolence, nausea, hypoaesthesia, vertigo, and headache; the incidence of each of these events was > 2-fold higher than the corresponding incidence in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Efficacy of esketamine plus oral AD in Japanese TRD patients was not established; further investigation is warranted. All esketamine doses were safe and tolerated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02918318 . Registered: 28 September 2016.

TS-1 add-on therapy in Japanese patients with triple-negative breast cancer after neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy: a feasibility study.

Purpose We examined the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of TS-1 add-on therapy (TAT) in Japanese patients with triple-negative breast caner (TNBC). Methods TAT (TS-1, 80 mg/m2/day, BID, PO), consisting of the 21-day cycles of 14-day consecutive administration followed by 7-day drug holiday, was conducted for 365 days. The median follow-up was 75.2 months (range, 7.3-103.3 months). The primary endpoint was the feasibility of TAT. The secondary endpoints included relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Results 63 Japanese patients with TNBC (median age, 52.5 years; range, 23.7-68.6 years) were examined. Among them, 34 (54.0%) were postmenopausal, 54 (93.7%) had TNBC of common histological type, 51 (81.0%) had T1 to 3 tumors, 63 (100%) had undergone standardized surgery, and 44 (69.8%) and 19 (30.2%) had undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, respectively. The 365-day cumulative rate of TS-1 administration was 68.3% (95% confidence interval, 55.3-79.4), being comparable to 65.8% previously reported for gastric cancer. The 5-year RFS rates were 52.3% and 84.2% in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy groups, respectively, and the 5-year OS rates were 68.0% and 89.5%, respectively. The most common adverse events (AEs) were leucocyte count decreased (50.8%), total bilirubin decreased (44.4%), and pigmentation (42.9%). AEs were manageable clinically, and any grade 4 AEs did not develop. Conclusions The 365-day cumulative rate of TS-1 administration in TNBC patients was comparable to that in gastric cancer patients despite previous chemotherapy with anthracyclines and/or taxanes. TAT was feasible for TNBC patients after standard primary therapy.

A Bayesian Network Meta-analysis of Add-on Drug Therapies Specific for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Background: Recently published meta-analyses did not discriminate between drug agents used for initial and sequential combination therapy. Objective: To assess the comparative efficacy of drugs specific for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) as add-on therapies based on 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), all-cause mortality, and discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs). Methods: EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched until December 9, 2018, for the randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) conducted on primarily adult patients diagnosed with PAH. Data extracted from applicable RCTs were as follows: for 6MWD mean change from baseline, the total number of patients, and the number of patients with events, per treatment. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted in a Bayesian framework. Results: A total of 16 RCTs were eligible for analysis, with 4112 patients. Add-on therapy with tadalafil or inhaled treprostinil performed better than endothelin receptor antagonists alone [27 m; 95% credible interval (CrI): (11, 43); and 19 m; 95% CrI: (10, 27); respectively]. Add-on therapy with macitentan or bosentan performed better than phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors alone [26 m; 95% CrI: (6.4, 45); and 22 m; 95% CrI: (5.1, 38); respectively]. Differences in all-cause mortality and discontinuation due to AEs were nonsignificant. Conclusion and Relevance: Our NMA evaluated efficacy and safety of add-on therapies in patients with PAH. None of the previous meta-analyses evaluated RCTs focusing solely on patients pretreated with another PAH-specific drug therapy. Our results support guideline recommendations on combination therapy in PAH patients and add the quantitative perspective on which sequential therapy demonstrated the greatest effect size.

Inhalations with Brine Solution from the 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine Diminish Airway Hyperreactivity and Inflammation in a Murine Model of Non-Atopic Asthma.

Inhalations with brine solutions are old but underestimated add-ons to pharmacological treatments of inflammatory lung diseases. Although widely used, not all features underlying their action on the respiratory system have been explored. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the mechanism of the beneficial action of inhalations of brine solution from the 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine, a Polish health resort, in a murine model of non-atopic asthma. Asthma was induced in BALB/c mice by skin sensitization with dinitrofluorobenzene followed by an intratracheal challenge of cognate hapten. All animals underwent 12 inhalation sessions with brine solution, pure water or physiological saline. Control mice were not inhaled. We found that brine inhalations reduced, as compared to non-inhaled mice, the typical asthma-related symptoms, like airway hyperreactivity (AHR), the infiltration of pro-inflammatory cells into the bronchial tree, and the inflammation of the airways at the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-1ß and IL-6. The level of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 was elevated in brine-inhaled mice. Inhalations with pure water increased AHR, whereas saline had no influence, either on AHR or cytokine concentrations. These observations indicate that inhalations with a brine solution from the 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine diminish the asthma-related symptoms, mostly by reducing the inflammatory status and by decreasing AHR.

Comparison in the efficacy of fesoterodine or mirabegron add-on therapy to silodosin for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia complicated by overactive bladder: A randomized, prospective trial using urodynamic studies.

AIMS: To compare the efficacy of fesoterodine or mirabegron add-on therapy for persistent overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms despite silodosin monotherapy in men with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia, in both subjective and objective aspects. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with persistent OAB symptoms despite silodosin monotherapy were randomized to receive add-on therapy with fesoterodine (4 mg/day) or mirabegron (50 mg/day) for 12 weeks. At week 12, changes from baseline in patients' subjective symptoms and voiding/storage functions, as assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), OAB symptom score (OABSS), and urodynamic studies, were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The final analysis included 50 and 52 patients in the fesoterodine and mirabegron groups, respectively. Although the IPSS and OABSS significantly improved in both groups, the fesoterodine (vs mirabegron) group showed significantly greater improvements in the OABSS-total (-2.8 vs -1.5, P = 0.004), IPSS-QOL (-1.5 vs -1.1, P = 0.04), and OABSS-urgency score (-1.5 vs -0.9, P = 0.008) at 12 weeks. Regarding storage functions, although both groups showed significant improvements, the fesoterodine group demonstrated greater improvements in the detrusor overactivity alleviation rate (52.6% vs 28.9%, P = 0.03). Voiding functions did not deteriorate in either group at 12 weeks; no significant inter-group differences were observed. Post-void residual urine significantly increased by 16 mL only in the fesoterodine group. CONCLUSION: Add-on therapy of fesoterodine to silodosin was more effective than adding mirabegron to silodosin for improving OAB symptoms and storage functions, without deteriorating voiding symptoms or functions.

National trends in metformin-based combination therapy of oral hypoglycaemic agents for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The American Diabetes Association guidelines recommend metformin monotherapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus as an initial agent due to its effectiveness and safety. If the target glycosylated haemoglobin level is not attained within 3 months, add-on therapy is recommended. This study aimed to investigate the prescribing trends of add-on therapy to metformin focusing on factors affecting the selection of second agents using real-world data. METHODS: Patients who were undergoing metformin monotherapy for at least 3 months and switched to metformin-based combination therapy were selected. The oral antidiabetic drugs used as add-on therapy were classified into 4 classes: dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4I), sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2I), sulphonylureas (SU), and thiazolidinediones (TZD). The drug regimen was also classified as older and newer agents. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed to estimate the influencing factors. RESULTS: In 2014-2016, the use of DPP4I and SGLT2I increased, whereas the use of SU and TZD decreased. Our results show that the prescription pattern was influenced by the type and location of the institution, specialty of physicians, some comorbidities, and patient characteristics such as age and sex. Newer agents were more commonly used in younger patients. SGLT2I were more preferred in women than in men. Patients with dyslipidaemia showed increased odds of utilising newer agents. CONCLUSION: DPP4I were the most commonly utilised agents in metformin-based combination therapy and SGLT2I use is expected to increase more due to their cardioprotective effects. Proper selection of add-on therapy, based on drug-specific effects and patient factors, is necessary.