Successful adjunctive use of bacteriophage therapy for treatment of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in a cystic fibrosis patient.

INTRODUCTION: We describe the use of bacteriophage therapy in a 26-year-old cystic fibrosis (CF) patient awaiting lung transplantation. HOSPITAL COURSE: The patient developed multidrug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia, persistent respiratory failure, and colistin-induced renal failure. We describe the use of intravenous bacteriophage therapy (BT) along with systemic antibiotics in this patient, lack of adverse events, and clinical resolution of infection with this approach. She did not have recurrence of pseudomonal pneumonia and CF exacerbation within 100 days following the end of BT and underwent successful bilateral lung transplantation 9 months later. CONCLUSION: Given the concern for MDR P. aeruginosa infections in CF patients, BT may offer a viable anti-infective adjunct to traditional antibiotic therapy.

Accelerated pharmacokinetics and glucodynamics of prandial insulins injected with recombinant human hyaluronidase.

BACKGROUND: This phase 1 study investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK) and glucodynamics of insulin lispro (Humalog; Eli Lilly and Co., Indianapolis, IN) or regular human insulin (Humulin R; Eli Lilly and Co.) administered with or without (+/-) recombinant human hyaluronidase (rHuPH20). METHODS: Healthy male volunteers (n = 26), 18-55 years old with body mass index 18-28 kg/m(2), weight >70 kg, and normal fasting glucose, were randomized to a crossover sequence of two subcutaneous injections, each followed by a 6-h euglycemic clamp targeting glucose 90-110 mg/dL: Cohort 1 received 20 U of Humalog +/- 300 U of rHuPH20 (11.3 microg/mL), whereas Cohort 2 received 20 U of Humulin R +/- 240 U of rHuPH20 (10 microg/mL). Pharmacokinetic parameters included peak serum insulin concentration (C(max)), time to C(max) (t(max)), and area under the curve (AUC) of serum concentration versus time. Glucodynamic parameters included time to maximal glucose infusion rate (tGIR(max)) and area under the GIR-versus-time curve (G). RESULTS: For Humalog and Humulin R, respectively, rHuPH20 co-administration reduced t(max) by 51% (P = 0.0006) and 58% (P = 0.0002), increased C(max) by 90% (P = 0.0003) and 142% (P < 0.0001), increased early exposure (AUC(0-2h)) by 85% (P < 0.0001) and 211% (P < 0.0001), and reduced late exposure (AUC(4-6h)) by 41% (P < 0.0001) and 48% (P < 0.0001). Similarly, rHuPH20 reduced tGIR(max) by 41% (P = 0.006) and 35% (P = 0.01), increased early metabolism (G(0-2h)) by 52% (P = 0.001) and 127% (P < 0.0001), and reduced late metabolism (G(4-6h)) by 29% (P = 0.002) and 26% (P = 0.03) for Humalog and Humulin R, respectively. Injections were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Co-administration of rHuPH20 accelerated the PK and glucodynamics of both insulin formulations. Additional studies are necessary to evaluate the clinical relevance of these findings in patients with diabetes.

Questionnaire for biotechs: Vical incorporated.

This feature contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Forward-looking statements include statements about the company's focus, collaborative partners, product candidates, and developmental status. Risks and uncertainties include whether any product candidates will be shown to be safe and efficacious in clinical trials, the timing of clinical trials, whether Vical or its collaborative partners will seek or gain approval to market any product candidates, the dependence of the company on its collaborative partners, and additional risks set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements represent the company's judgment as of the date of this release. The company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.