Chemically modified recombinant human sulfamidase (SOBI003) in mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA patients: Results from an open, non-controlled, multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA (MPS IIIA) is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the N-sulfoglucosamine sulfohydrolase gene that result in deficient enzymatic degradation of heparan sulfate (HS), resulting in progressive neurodegeneration in early childhood and premature death. A chemically modified variant of recombinant human sulfamidase, SOBI003, has shown to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in mice and achieve pharmacologically relevant levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We report on a phase 1/2, open-label, first-in-human (FIH) study (NCT03423186) and its extension study (NCT03811028) to evaluate the long-term safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) and clinical efficacy of SOBI003 in patients with MPS IIIA for up to 104 weeks. METHODS: Six patients aged 1-6 years with confirmed MPS IIIA with developmental age ≥ 12 months received weekly intravenous injections of SOBI003 at 3 mg/kg (Cohort 1, n = 3) or 10 mg/kg (Cohort 2, n = 3). During the extension study, the individual dose of SOBI003 could be adjusted up to 20 mg/kg at the discretion of the investigator. RESULTS: SOBI003 was generally well tolerated. Serum concentrations of SOBI003 increased in proportion to dose, and presence in CSF confirmed that SOBI003 crosses the BBB. Anti-drug antibodies (ADA) were detected in serum and CSF in all patients, with subsequent reductions in serum SOBI003 exposure at high ADA titers. SOBI003 exerted a clear PD effect: a mean reduction in HS levels in CSF of 79% was recorded at the last assessment, together with reductions in HS levels in serum and urine. Neurocognitive development age-equivalent scores showed a stabilization of cognition for all patients, whereas no clear overall clinical effect was observed on adaptive behavior, sleep pattern or quality of life. CONCLUSION: SOBI003 was well tolerated when administered as weekly intravenous infusions at doses of up to 20 mg/kg for up to 104 weeks. ADA development was common and likely affected both PK and PD parameters. SOBI003 crossed the BBB and showed pharmacological activity on HS in CSF.

Non randomized study on the potential of nitisinone to inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9, 2D6, 2E1 and the organic anion transporters OAT1 and OAT3 in healthy volunteers.

PURPOSE: Nitisinone inhibits the cytochrome P450 (CYP) subfamilies CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP2E1 and the organic anion transporter (OAT) isoforms OAT1 and OAT3 in vitro. Since the effect of nitisinone on these enzymes and transporters in humans is still unknown, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitisinone on these CYP subfamilies and OAT isoforms. METHODS: This was an open-label, nonrandomized, two-arm, phase 1 study (EudraCT: 2016-004297-17) in healthy volunteers. The substrates (tolbutamide, metoprolol, and chlorzoxazone for the respective CYPs and furosemide for the OATs) were administered as single doses, before and after 15 days of once daily dosing of 80 mg nitisinone, to determine the AUC∞ ratios ([substrate+nitisinone]/[substrate]). Nitisinone pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability were also assessed, and blood and urine were collected to determine substrate and nitisinone concentrations by LC-MS/MS. RESULTS: Thirty-six subjects were enrolled with 18 subjects included in each arm. The least square mean ratio (90% confidence interval) for AUC∞ was 2.31 (2.11-2.53) for tolbutamide, 0.95 (0.88-1.03) for metoprolol, 0.73 (0.67-0.80) for chlorzoxazone, and 1.72 (1.63-1.81) for furosemide. Clinically relevant nitisinone steady-state concentrations were reached after 12 days: mean Cav,ss of 94.08 µM. All treatments were well tolerated, and no safety concerns were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Nitisinone did not affect CYP2D6 activity, was a weak inducer of CYP2E1, and was a weak inhibitor of OAT1 and OAT3. Nitisinone was a moderate inhibitor of CYP2C9, and treatment may therefore result in increased plasma concentrations of comedications metabolized primarily via this enzyme. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY IDENTIFICATION: EudraCT 2016-004297-17.

Levels of atherogenic lipoproteins are unexpectedly reduced in interstitial fluid from type 2 diabetes patients.

At a given level of serum cholesterol, patients with T2D have an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis compared with nondiabetic subjects. We hypothesized that T2D patients have an increased interstitial fluid (IF)-to-serum gradient ratio for LDL, due to leakage over the vascular wall. Therefore, lipoprotein profiles in serum and IF from 35 T2D patients and 35 healthy controls were assayed using fast performance liquid chromatography. The IF-to-serum gradients for VLDL and LDL cholesterol, as well as for apoB, were clearly reduced in T2D patients compared with healthy controls. No such differences were observed for HDL cholesterol. Contrary to our hypothesis, the atherogenic VLDL and LDL particles were not increased in IF from diabetic patients. Instead, they were relatively sparser than in healthy controls. The most probable explanation to our unexpected finding is that these lipoproteins are more susceptible to retainment in the extravascular space of these patients, reflecting a more active uptake by, or adhesion to, tissue cells, including macrophages in the vascular wall. Further studies are warranted to further characterize the mechanisms underlying these observations, which may be highly relevant for the understanding of why the propensity to develop atherosclerosis is increased in T2D.

Efficacy and safety of once-daily nitisinone for patients with alkaptonuria (SONIA 2): an international, multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Alkaptonuria is a rare, genetic, multisystem disease characterised by the accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA). No HGA-lowering therapy has been approved to date. The aim of SONIA 2 was to investigate the efficacy and safety of once-daily nitisinone for reducing HGA excretion in patients with alkaptonuria and to evaluate whether nitisinone has a clinical benefit. METHODS: SONIA 2 was a 4-year, open-label, evaluator-blind, randomised, no treatment controlled, parallel-group study done at three sites in the UK, France, and Slovakia. Patients aged 25 years or older with confirmed alkaptonuria and any clinical disease manifestations were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either oral nitisinone 10 mg daily or no treatment. Patients could not be masked to treatment due to colour changes in the urine, but the study was evaluator-blinded as far as possible. The primary endpoint was daily urinary HGA excretion (u-HGA24) after 12 months. Clinical evaluation Alkaptonuria Severity Score Index (cAKUSSI) score was assessed at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months. Efficacy variables were analysed in all randomly assigned patients with a valid u-HGA24 measurement at baseline. Safety variables were analysed in all randomly assigned patients. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01916382). FINDINGS: Between May 7, 2014, and Feb 16, 2015, 139 patients were screened, of whom 138 were included in the study, with 69 patients randomly assigned to each group. 55 patients in the nitisinone group and 53 in the control group completed the study. u-HGA24 at 12 months was significantly decreased by 99·7% in the nitisinone group compared with the control group (adjusted geometric mean ratio of nitisinone/control 0·003 [95% CI 0·003 to 0·004], p<0·0001). At 48 months, the increase in cAKUSSI score from baseline was significantly lower in the nitisinone group compared with the control group (adjusted mean difference -8·6 points [-16·0 to -1·2], p=0·023). 400 adverse events occurred in 59 (86%) patients in the nitisinone group and 284 events occurred in 57 (83%) patients in the control group. No treatment-related deaths occurred. INTERPRETATION: Nitisinone 10 mg daily was well tolerated and effective in reducing urinary excretion of HGA. Nitisinone decreased ochronosis and improved clinical signs, indicating a slower disease progression. FUNDING: European Commission Seventh Framework Programme.

Open-Label Single-Sequence Crossover Study Evaluating Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy, and Safety of Once-Daily Dosing of Nitisinone in Patients with Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type 1.

BACKGROUND: Although nitisinone is successfully used to treat hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT-1) with the recommended twice-daily dosing, data describing a long half-life motivate less frequent dosing. Therefore, in agreement with the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee at the European Medicines Agency, this study was performed to investigate the switch to once-daily dosing. METHODS: This open-label, non-randomized, single-sequence crossover study evaluated the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of once-daily compared to twice-daily dosing of nitisinone in patients with HT-1 (NCT02323529). Well-controlled patients of <2, 2 to <12, 12 to <18, and ≥18 years of age who were on twice-daily dosing were eligible for participation. Nitisinone and succinylacetone levels were determined from dry blood spots by tandem mass spectrometry. The primary endpoint was Cmin of nitisinone after ≥4 weeks of treatment on each dosing regimen. Secondary objectives were evaluation of efficacy and safety during each dosing regimen. RESULTS: In total, 19 patients were enrolled and 17 included in the per-protocol analysis set. The mean (SD) nitisinone Cmin decreased by 23%, from 26.4 (10.2) to 21.2 (9.9) µmol/L in dry blood spot samples (not equivalent to plasma concentrations), when patients switched from twice- to once-daily dosing. There was no apparent age- or bodyweight-related trend in the degree of Cmin decrease. No patient had quantifiable succinylacetone levels during the once-daily treatment period, indicating efficacious treatment. All adverse events were mild or moderate and judged unrelated to nitisinone. CONCLUSION: The switch to once-daily treatment with nitisinone appeared efficacious and safe in the treatment of patients with HT-1.

Infusion of angiotensin II increases fibrinolysis in healthy individuals but not in patients with familial combined hyperlipidemia.

Impaired fibrinolysis is related to insulin resistance, also a characteristic feature of familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL). The renin-angiotensin (Ang) system is upregulated with insulin resistance, and there is crosstalk between Ang II and insulin-signalling pathways. We studied the fibrinolytic effects of a 3-h systemic Ang II infusion in 16 patients with FCHL and 16 controls, and placebo infusion in eight individuals. Baseline plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity, plasmin-antiplasmin complex, insulin resistance and C-reactive protein were higher in patients with FCHL than in controls. PAI-1 activity decreased during Ang II, similar in patients with FCHL and controls, and by placebo. Plasmin-antiplasmin complex was unaffected by Ang II in FCHL but increased in controls. Patients with FCHL show signs of insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation and impaired fibrinolysis. Ang II enhances fibrinolysis in controls but not in patients with FCHL, suggesting that patients with FCHL are not capable of increasing tissue plasminogen activator activity in response to Ang II. Ang II has no short-term effects on PAI-1 activity.

Dexamethasone stimulates very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor gene expression in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells.

To characterize endocrine mechanisms of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor regulation we studied mouse adipocytic 3T3-L1 cells. Lipid filled adipocyte-like cells are formed during a 5-7 day time course in the presence of insulin, dexamethasone and isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX). The VLDL receptor protein, in the form of its approximately 120 and approximately 100 kDa type I and type II isoforms, as well as binding of (125)I-beta-VLDL, was induced several-fold during differentiation. Among the three different constituents added to the culture medium only dexamethasone (1 microM), but not insulin or IBMX, induced a time- and dose-dependent increase of VLDL receptor expression. Inclusion of RU-486 (10 microM) blocked the stimulatory effect of dexamethasone on VLDL receptor mRNA and protein levels. 3.6 kb of the 5'-untranslated region representing the VLDL receptor promoter were cloned and sequenced, and the transcriptional start site was determined by primer extension to be located 574 bases upstream from the initiating methionine. To investigate the functionality of the promoter, luciferase reporter gene constructs for the region -181 to -3726 bases were assembled and transfected into 3T3-L1 cells. An increased reporter gene activity was recorded when comparing preconfluent cells to fully differentiated cells. Between day 0 and day 2 (48 h after transfection) reporter gene activity was induced by dexamethasone, but not by insulin or IBMX. RU-486 inhibited this stimulatory effect for all constructs tested. No classical glucocorticoid receptor (GR) response element was found in the sequenced region of the VLDL receptor promoter. Thus, an indirect stimulatory effect mediated via GR on VLDL receptor gene transcription is the most likely mechanism of VLDL receptor gene activation in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells.

Cardioprotective effect of an endothelin receptor antagonist during ischaemia/reperfusion in the severely atherosclerotic mouse heart.

1. Endothelin (ET) receptor antagonists are cardioprotective during myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion through a nitric oxide (NO)-dependent mechanism. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the ET receptor antagonist, bosentan, is cardioprotective in atherosclerotic mice. 2. Buffer-perfused hearts from apolipoprotein E/LDL receptor double knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to global ischaemia and reperfusion. 3. Following reperfusion, the recovery of rate-pressure product (RPP; left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) x heart rate) was equally impaired in WT and KO mice given vehicle (34+/-8 and 29+/-9%, respectively). The ET(A)/ET(B) receptor antagonist bosentan (10 micromol l(-1)) improved recoveries to 57+/-10% in WT and to 68+/-10% in KO mice (P<0.01). Similar effects were observed for the recovery of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), developed pressure and dP/dt. 4. Bosentan improved the recovery of coronary flow in both KO and WT mice. Recovery of coronary flow was significantly higher in the KO mice given bosentan (135+/-15%) than in the WT group (111+/-12%; P<0.01). ET-1 (1 nmol l(-1)) impaired recovery of coronary flow in both WT and KO mice though this effect was more pronounced in the KO mice (P<0.01). 5. Coronary outflow of NO during reperfusion was enhanced in both KO and WT mice following bosentan administration. 6. The ET(A)/ET(B) receptor antagonist bosentan protects the atherosclerotic mouse heart from ischaemia/reperfusion injury. The observation that ET receptor blockade and stimulation have a greater effect on coronary flow in atherosclerotic hearts indicates an increased activation of the ET system in atherosclerotic coronary arteries.

High prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Finnish patients with type 2 diabetes treated in primary care.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related cardiovascular morbidity in a cross-sectional population in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) treated in a primary care setting in Finland. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were collected and recorded from 42 primary care centres, which recruited 629 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) to this non-interventional study. Data including patient characteristics, kidney function and albuminuria, blood pressure, HbA1c, lipid and lipoprotein levels, and diabetes duration as well as current medication was collected in each patient. RESULTS: In the final study population of 625 patients, the mean age was 67 years (range 29-92 years), BMI 32.8 kg/m(2) (95% CI 32-33), blood pressure 142/80 mmHg (140-143/80-81) and HbA1c 7.1% (7.0-7.2) (53.8 mmol/mol, 53-55) and the median duration of diabetes was 9.2 years ranging from newly diagnosed to 43 years. History of dyslipidemia had in 73.3% of patients, 27.8% had cardiovascular disease and 82.7% had hypertension. The primary endpoint, prevalence of CKD of any grade (1-5) or albuminuria, was 68.6%. Regarding declined renal function, 16.2% of patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.72 m(2), classifying as CKD 3-5. Only one patient was within CKD5. Regarding renal damage, albuminuria was present in 24.3% of patients, with microalbuminuria in 17.1% and macroalbuminuria in 7.2%, respectively. Combining the patients with CKD 3-5 and/or the presence of albuminuria, 34.7% seemed to suffer from significant CKD. The proportion of patients with albuminuria increased with a decrease in glomerular filtration rate. Historically, diabetic nephropathy had been diagnosed in 24.3% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 70% of patients with T2D treated in primary care in Finland have some sign of CKD and nearly half of all T2D patients have a significant CKD. However, only half of the latter had it diagnosed and documented in their patient charts, thus highlighting the importance of performing routine screening of nephropathy by measuring both albuminuria and eGFR in patients with T2D. Prevention of this complication with active therapy for risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia is warranted.

Atorvastatin reduces thrombin generation and expression of tissue factor, P-selectin and GPIIIa on platelet-derived microparticles in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

We investigated the effects of statin treatment on platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) and thrombin generation in atherothrombotic disease. Nineteen patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease were randomised to eight weeks of treatment with atorvastatin or placebo in a cross-over fashion. Expression of GPIIIa (CD61), P-selectin (CD62P), tissue factor (TF, CD142) and phosphatidylserine (PS; annexin-V or lactadherin binding) was assessed on PMPs. Thrombin generation in vivo was assessed by measurement of prothrombin fragment 1+2 in plasma (F1+2) and ex vivo by using the calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT). During atorvastatin treatment, expression of TF, P-selectin and GPIIIa was significantly reduced vs. placebo (p<0.001 for all). No effect on annexin-V or lactadherin binding was seen. Thrombin generation was significantly reduced during atorvastatin as assessed by both the CAT assay (p<0.001) and by measurements of F1+2 (p<0.01). Subsequent in vitro experiments showed that when TF on microparticles (MPs) was blocked by antibodies, the initiation of thrombin generation was slightly but significantly delayed. Blocking PS on MPs using annexin-V or lactadherin resulted in almost complete inhibition of thrombin generation. In conclusion, atorvastatin reduces thrombin generation and expression of TF, GPIIIa and P-selectin on PMPs in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Microparticle-bound TF slightly enhances initiation of thrombin generation whereas negatively charged surfaces provided by MPs or lipoproteins could reinforce thrombin generation. Statins may inhibit initiation of thrombin generation partly through a microparticle dependent mechanism but the main effect is probably through reduction of lipoprotein levels.

Altered vascular responses to circulating angiotensin II in familial combined hyperlipidemia.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) are at increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. We examined if patients with FCHL have altered microvascular and macrovascular responses to angiotensin II, a principal mediator of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. METHODS: Sixteen patients with FCHL and 16 healthy controls were investigated before, during and after a 3 h intravenous infusion of angiotensin II (10 ng/kg/min). Forearm skin microcirculation was studied by laser Doppler fluxmetry during rest and local heating to 44 degrees C (microvascular hyperemia). RESULTS: Baseline systolic blood pressures were 129 +/- 13 and 123 +/- 12 mmHg in FCHL patients and controls (P = 0.11), respectively. Angiotensin II elicited a greater systolic blood pressure response in the FCHL group (+32 +/- 13 mmHg) than in the control group (+20 +/- 11 mmHg; P < 0.001). At 3 h angiotensin II infusion, microvascular hyperemia increased in the controls (P < 0.001), whereas microvascular hyperemia was unchanged in the FCHL patients (P < 0.01, between groups). CONCLUSION: In healthy individuals, a 3 h intravenous infusion of angiotensin II enhances heat-induced microvascular hyperemia. In FCHL, this microvascular hyperemia is impaired and the systolic blood pressure response is increased. A reduced microvascular dilatation capacity in FCHL may contribute to the observed blood pressure elevation and promote development of micro- and macrovascular complications.

Nitric oxide mediates protective effect of endothelin receptor antagonism during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion.

Endothelin (ET) receptor antagonism protects from ischemia-reperfusion injury. We hypothesized that the cardioprotective effect is related to nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Buffer-perfused rat and mouse hearts were subjected to ischemia and reperfusion. At the onset of ischemia, the rat hearts received vehicle, the dual endothelin type A/type B (ETA/ETB) receptor antagonist bosentan (10 microM), the NO synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA; 100 microM), the combination of bosentan and L-NMMA or the combination of bosentan, L-NMMA, and the NO substrate L-arginine (1 mM). Hearts from wild-type and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)-deficient mice received either vehicle or bosentan. Myocardial performance, endothelial function, NO outflow, and eNOS expression were monitored. Bosentan significantly improved myocardial function during reperfusion in rats and in wild-type mice, but not in eNOS-deficient mice. The functional protection afforded by bosentan was inhibited by L-NMMA, whereas it was restored by L-arginine. Myocardial expression of eNOS (immunoblotting) increased significantly in bosentan-treated rat hearts compared with vehicle hearts. Recovery of NO outflow during reperfusion was enhanced in the bosentan-treated rat heart. The endothelium-dependent vasodilator adenosine diphosphate increased coronary flow by 18 +/- 9% at the end of reperfusion in the bosentan group, whereas it reduced coronary flow by 7 +/- 5% in the vehicle group (P < 0.001). The response to the endothelium-independent dilator sodium nitroprusside was not different between the two groups. In conclusion, the dual ETA/ETB receptor antagonist bosentan preserved endothelial and cardiac contractile function during ischemia and reperfusion via a mechanism dependent on endothelial NO production.