Secukinumab 2-weekly vs. 4-weekly dosing in patients with plaque-type psoriasis: results from the randomized GAIN study.

BACKGROUND: Secukinumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes interleukin-17A and shows long-lasting efficacy and safety in plaque psoriasis. More evidence is required to optimize secukinumab dosing according to clinical response. OBJECTIVES: GAIN compared the efficacy and safety of secukinumab 300 mg every 2 weeks (q2w) with 300 mg every 4 weeks (q4w) in patients achieving ≥ 75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) but not PASI 90 after 16 weeks. METHODS: In total, 772 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis received secukinumab 300 mg subcutaneously at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4, then q4w until week 16. At week 16, patients with PASI ≥ 75 to PASI < 90 were randomized 1: 1 to continue q4w dosing (n = 162) or switch to q2w (n = 163) to week 32. The primary endpoint was superiority of q2w to q4w dosing for PASI 90 response at week 32. RESULTS: PASI 90 response at week 32 was numerically greater with secukinumab 300 mg q2w than with secukinumab 300 mg q4w in suboptimal responders, but this did not reach statistical significance (64·4% vs. 57·4%; odds ratio 0·64, 95% confidence interval 0·39-1·07; P = 0·087). Although the primary endpoint was not met, absolute PASI was significantly lower at week 32 in q2w vs. q4w patients (2·11 vs. 2·84, P = 0·024). Significantly more patients with q2w vs. q4w dosing showed minimal disease activity (Investigator's Global Assessment score 0 or 1: 73·0% vs. 64·1%, P < 0·05) and improved quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index score 0 or 1: 58·9% vs. 50·6%, P < 0·05) at week 32. No new or unexpected safety signals arose. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients achieved PASI 90 response with secukinumab q4w. There was potential benefit of q2w dosing in some suboptimal responders. Continued q4w treatment can improve response even after 16 weeks.

Secukinumab treatment leads to normalization of quality of life and disease symptoms in psoriasis patients with or without prior systemic psoriasis therapy: the PROSE study results.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriatic disease is associated with considerable impairment of quality of life (QoL). The PROSE study (NCT02752776) investigated the impact of secukinumab treatment on patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis stratified by their treatment history. METHODS: PROSE was a prospective, non-randomised, multicentre study. Patients were categorized at baseline according to treatment history as naïve [naïve to any systemic therapy (N = 663)], conventional systemic [previously exposed to ≥1 conventional systemic (CS) therapy (N = 673)] and biologics [previously exposed to ≥1 biologic therapy (N = 324)]. QoL PROs, efficacy and safety of secukinumab 300 mg were assessed for a period of 52 weeks. RESULTS: The primary objective was met with 70.8% patients achieving a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) 0/1 response at Week 16 (naϊve, 74.7%; CS, 71.3%; biologic, 61.7%), with effects sustained up to Week 52. Mean Family DLQI (FDLQI) score decreased from 11.5 at baseline (naϊve, 11.3; CS, 11.4; biologic, 12.1) to 2.5 at Week 16 (naϊve, 2.5; CS, 2.3; biologic: 3.5). Substantial improvements in EuroQoL 5-Dimension Health Questionnaire, Numeric Rating Scale for pain, itching and scaling, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication, and Patient Benefit Index were also observed at Week 16. The QoL gains were associated with substantial improvements in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and Investigator Global Assessment mod 2011 0/1 response. No meaningful difference was observed in the efficacy or QoL improvements across patient subpopulations. All QoL and efficacy parameter improvements were sustained up to Week 52. Secukinumab treatment was well-tolerated, and no new safety signals were observed. CONCLUSION: Secukinumab treatment resulted in complete normalization of QoL in a substantial proportion of psoriasis patients, and their families, regardless of their prior treatment history.

Secukinumab dosing optimization in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: results from the randomized, open-label OPTIMISE study.

BACKGROUND: Secukinumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to and neutralizes interleukin-17A. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of different maintenance dosing regimens of secukinumab 300 mg based on Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) response at week 24 in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. METHODS: OPTIMISE was a randomized, open-label, rater-blinded phase IIIb study. Patients (n = 1647) received secukinumab 300 mg at baseline; weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4; and every 4 weeks (q4w) to week 24. At week 24, PASI 90 responders (≥ 90% improvement in PASI; n = 1306) were randomized to secukinumab 300 mg q4w (n = 644) or q6w (n = 662) to week 52, and PASI ≥ 75 to < 90 responders (n = 206) were randomized to secukinumab 300 mg q4w (n = 114) or q2w (n = 92) to week 52. RESULTS: PASI 90 response was maintained at week 52 by 85·7% of patients with q4w dosing vs. 74·9% with q6w dosing (odds ratio 1·91, 95% confidence interval 1·44-2·55). The primary end point, noninferiority of q6w vs. q4w dosing, was not met. In PASI ≥ 75 to < 90 responders, the proportion of patients with PASI 90 response at week 52 was numerically higher in the q2w vs. the q4w group (57% vs. 46·5%, respectively, P = 0·10). Heavier patients (≥ 90 kg) demonstrated numerically higher PASI 90 response with the q2w (57·1%) vs. the q4w regimen (40%, P = 0·11). CONCLUSIONS: Standard q4w dosing of secukinumab 300 mg is the optimal dosing regimen to achieve and maintain clear or almost clear skin. Patients with body weight ≥ 90 kg not achieving PASI 90 at week 24 may benefit from the q2w dosing regimen. What's already known about this topic? Individual responses to biologics in patients with psoriasis vary considerably and there may be a need to individualize treatment. Dose optimization strategies of currently available biologic drugs have been investigated mainly in rheumatic disorders. Secukinumab has shown long-term PASI 90/100 responses (percentage improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) to year 5 in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis when used at the dose of 300 mg every 4 weeks. What does this study add? Standard every 4 week (q4w) dosing of secukinumab 300 mg is the optimal regimen to achieve and maintain clear or almost clear skin at week 52; the majority of the patients (85·7%) maintain PASI 90 at week 52. Superiority of intensified (q2w) dosing over the q4w regimen could not be claimed. However, patients with a higher body weight (≥ 90 kg) not achieving PASI 90 response at week 24 may benefit from q2w dosing.

Continued treatment with secukinumab is associated with high retention or regain of response.

BACKGROUND: Conventional analyses present aggregate data, masking late responders and efficacy reductions. Secukinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes interleukin (IL)-17A, shows sustained efficacy in moderate-to-severe psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To determine stability of response to secukinumab, changes in efficacy were assessed in individual patients. METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of two phase III randomized controlled trials, FIXTURE (trial registration: NCT01358578) and CLEAR (trial registration: NCT02074982). Patients received secukinumab 300 mg (FIXTURE and CLEAR), etanercept 50 mg (FIXTURE) or ustekinumab 45 or 90 mg (CLEAR) over 52 weeks. Mutually exclusive response categories were defined: ≥ 90% improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 90) ('excellent'), ≥ 75% improvement in PASI (PASI 75) and < PASI 90 ('good') and < PASI 75 ('insufficient'). Reductions in efficacy were defined as shifts from higher to lower response categories between two consecutive visits maintained for a third consecutive visit. Loss of efficacy was defined as a reduction of efficacy resulting in 'insufficient' response. All comparisons are descriptive. RESULTS: At 52 weeks, in CLEAR, 90·2% (303/336) of patients on secukinumab achieved stable efficacy without loss and 77·7% (261/336) showed stable efficacy without any reduction of response [74·3% (252/339) and 59·9% (203/339) of patients for ustekinumab]. In FIXTURE, 83·5% (273/327) and 66·4% (217/327) of patients on secukinumab had stable efficacy without loss or reduction of response [58·3% (190/326) and 42·6% (139/326) for etanercept]. Response was regained by continuing secukinumab treatment in 50% (8/16) of patients in CLEAR and 26% (9/34) in FIXTURE. Similar patterns were observed for other response definitions. CONCLUSIONS: Efficacy with secukinumab was stable over 52 weeks of treatment in most patients. Continued treatment with secukinumab resulted in regain of efficacy in some patients. Persistent loss of response was uncommon. What's already known about this topic? Secukinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes interleukin (IL)-17A, shows significant and sustained efficacy in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Secondary loss of response may be experienced by a minority of patients treated with secukinumab, as with other biologics, but the extent of this and the potential for regain of efficacy with continued treatment is not well understood. What does this study add? To determine stability of response to secukinumab and inform clinical practice, changes in efficacy were assessed at individual patient level using response categories. Efficacy with secukinumab was stable over 52 weeks of treatment in most patients, and continued treatment with secukinumab resulted in efficacy regain after loss in some patients. Persistent loss of response was uncommon. Patient factors such as body weight may affect the likelihood of loss of efficacy.

Baseline characteristics of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis according to previous systemic treatment exposure: the PROSE study population.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriatic disease is associated with considerable impairment of Quality of Life (QoL). The PROSE study (NCT02752776) examined the impact of secukinumab on patient-reported outcomes in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis (PsO) stratified by previous exposure to systemic treatment. METHODS: In this prospective, non-randomized, multicentre study, patients were categorized at baseline according to previous exposure to systemic treatment: naïve [naïve to any systemic treatment (N = 663)], conventional systemic [previously exposed to ≥1 conventional systemic therapy (N = 673)] and biologics [previously exposed to ≥1 biologic (N = 324)]. Baseline demographics including age, gender, race, body weight and body mass index, disease characteristics and patient-reported QoL outcomes [Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Family DLQI (F-DLQI)] of patients enrolled in the study are reported here. RESULTS: Baseline demographic characteristics were well balanced across the three subpopulations. Naïve patients had a shorter time since diagnosis (15.5 ± 12.1 years) compared with the conventional systemic (19.1 ± 12.5 years) and biologic patients (23.0 ± 12.5 years), and lower rates of psoriatic arthritis (6.6% vs. 17.4% and 27.8%, respectively). Metabolic syndrome (37.6-43.5%), obesity (16.9-19.1%), hyperlipidaemia (15.3-21.9%) and diabetes mellitus (6.8-14.2%) were reported at numerically higher rate in the biologic group. The mean PASI (19.7 ± 7.9), affected Body Surface Area (28.2 ± 15.3%) as well as the Investigator Global Assessment score (patients with score 4: 33.7%) indicated severe disease at baseline and were comparable for the three groups. QoL impairment was evident from mean DLQI (14.1 ± 7.1: naïve = 13.5 ± 6.8; conventional systemic = 14.3 ± 7.0; biologic = 14.8 ± 7.7) and mean F-DLQI (11.5 ± 7.0: naïve = 11.3 ± 7.1; conventional systemic = 11.4 ± 6.7; biologic = 12.1 ± 7.7) also indicated derangement of QoL of patients and their families. CONCLUSION: Patients naïve to systemic treatment had shorter disease journey compared with patients previously exposed to systemic treatments; despite this, the severe impact of disease on patient and family QoL outcomes can be as apparent in naïve patients as in systemically treated patients at baseline.

Omalizumab rapidly improves angioedema-related quality of life in adult patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria: X-ACT study data.

BACKGROUND: The X-ACT study aimed to examine the effect of omalizumab treatment on quality of life (QoL) in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients with angioedema refractory to high doses of H1 -antihistamines. METHODS: In X-ACT, a phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, CSU patients (18-75 years) with ≥4 angioedema episodes during the 6 months before inclusion were randomized (1:1) to receive omalizumab 300 mg or placebo every 4 weeks for 28 weeks. Angioedema-related QoL, skin-related QoL impairment, and psychological well-being were assessed. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were randomized and 68 (omalizumab, n = 35; placebo, n = 33) completed the 28-week treatment period. At baseline, the mean (SD) total Angioedema QoL (AE-QoL; 56.2 [18.7] and 59.9 [19.2]) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI; 14.6 [5.7] and 16.6 [7.3]) score were high in the omalizumab and placebo group, respectively. At Week 4 (after the first treatment), the least squares mean difference in the AE-QoL and DLQI score between groups was -17.6 (P < .001) and -7.2 (P < .001), respectively. Significant QoL improvements in the omalizumab vs placebo groups continued until Week 28, but returned to placebo levels at the follow-up visit. The mean (SD) baseline 5-item World Health Organization Well-being Index was 10.0 (5.5, omalizumab) and 7.7 (5.3, placebo), which increased above the depression threshold (<13) from Week 4 and throughout with omalizumab but not placebo treatment. Compared to placebo, omalizumab was also associated with decreased fear of suffocation due to angioedema. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support omalizumab treatment in patients with severe H1-antihistamine-refractory CSU with angioedema.

Everolimus with paclitaxel and carboplatin as first-line treatment for metastatic large-cell neuroendocrine lung carcinoma: a multicenter phase II trial.

BACKGROUND: Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung (LCNEC) is a rare disease with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Neuroendocrine tumors frequently show overactivation of the mTOR pathway. Based on the good activity of the mTOR inhibitor everolimus in different types of neuroendocrine tumors and the results of a previous phase I trial, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of everolimus in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel as upfront treatment for patients with advanced LCNEC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter phase II trial chemotherapy-naive patients with stage IV LCNEC received 5 mg everolimus daily combined with paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC 5 every 3 weeks for a maximum of four cycles followed by maintenance everolimus 5 mg daily until progression. Efficacy parameters were determined based on central radiologic assessment. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients with a mean age of 62 ±9 years and a predominance of male (71%) smokers (98%) were enrolled in 10 German centers. The overall response rate was 45% (95% confidence interval [CI] 31%-60%), the disease control rate 74% (CI 59%-85%), the median progression-free survival 4.4 (CI 3.2-6) months and the median overall survival 9.9 (CI 6.9-11.7) months. The progression-free survival rate at 3 months (primary end point) was 76% (CI 64%-88%) according to Kaplan-Meier. Grade-3/4 toxicities occurred in 51% of patients and mainly consisted of general physical health deterioration (8%), cytopenias (24%), infections (10%) and gastrointestinal problems (8%). Typical everolimus-related adverse events, like stomatitis, rash and ocular problems occurred only in a minority of patients (<15%) and were exclusively of grade 1-2. CONCLUSION: Everolimus in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel is an effective and well-tolerated first-line treatment for patients with metastatic LCNEC. REGISTERED CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBERS: EudraCT number 2010-022273-34, NCT01317615.

Secukinumab is superior to fumaric acid esters in treating patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are naive to systemic treatments: results from the randomized controlled PRIME trial.

BACKGROUND: Secukinumab is a fully human antibody that neutralizes interleukin-17A. It has significant efficacy and a favourable safety profile in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. OBJECTIVES: To compare secukinumab with fumaric acid esters (FAEs) in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: In this 24-week, randomized, open-label, multicentre study with blinded assessment, patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, naive to systemic treatments, were randomized to receive secukinumab 300 mg subcutaneously or oral FAEs. The primary end point was ≥ 75% improvement from baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (PASI 75 response) at week 24, and missing patients were considered responders if they were responders at the time of dropout. RESULTS: In total 202 patients were randomized and 200 were treated with at least one dose. Outcomes at week 24 were available for 147 and imputed for 53 patients. Discontinuations were mostly due to adverse events, and occurred more frequently in the FAE group (1·9% vs. 40·0%). At week 24, significantly more patients receiving secukinumab compared with FAEs achieved PASI 75 response (89·5% vs. 33·7%, P < 0·001), PASI 90 response (75·2% vs. 18·9%, P < 0·001) and Dermatology Life Quality Index 0 or 1 response (71·4% vs. 25·3%, P < 0·001). CONCLUSIONS: Secukinumab demonstrated superior efficacy to FAEs in patients with psoriasis over a 24-week period.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of an 8 week continuous treatment with once-daily versus twice-daily inhalation of tobramycin in cystic fibrosis patients.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of two different continuous treatment regimens of tobramycin inhalation solution (TIS) in 29 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this randomized, multicentre, open-label, two-period crossover study, TIS (300 mg/5 mL) was administered via PARI eFlow(®) rapid once daily and twice daily each for 8 weeks. Serum pharmacokinetics of these two regimens was analysed. Tobramycin levels were determined before the morning dose and at 30, 60 and 90 min after the end of nebulization in the middle and at the end of each 8 week cycle. At these timepoints, trough and peak serum tobramycin concentrations (Cmax, mg/L) as well as the area under the curve for 0-90 min of tobramycin (AUC0-90min) were assessed in order to evaluate the risk of systemic toxicity. Safety parameters and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were assessed. RESULTS: For once-daily treatment, tobramycin levels were 10% higher after 8 weeks compared with 4 weeks (AUC0-90min ratio = 1.096, 90% CI = 0.860-1.396, P = 0.5237). For twice-daily treatment, tobramycin levels after 8 weeks showed a 40% decrease compared with 4 weeks (AUC0-90min ratio = 0.608, 90% CI = 0.461-0.802, P = 0.0055). The AUC0-90min ratio at 8 weeks (once daily versus twice daily) did not differ significantly (AUC0-90min ratio = 0.749, 90% CI = 0.514-1.092, P = 0.2009). The mean FEV1 did not differ markedly compared between treatment periods or with baseline. No audiological or nephrotoxic side effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous treatment with TIS (once daily or twice daily) over 8 weeks appears to be safe and tolerable.

Effect of omalizumab on angioedema in H1 -antihistamine-resistant chronic spontaneous urticaria patients: results from X-ACT, a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) severely impacts quality of life (QoL), especially in patients with wheals and angioedema. Omalizumab is approved as add-on therapy for CSU patients; however, its effect on patients who are double-positive for wheals and angioedema has not been systematically studied. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of omalizumab vs placebo at week 28 using the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life (CU-Q2oL) questionnaire. Number of angioedema-burdened days, time interval between successive angioedema episodes, disease activity, angioedema-specific and overall QoL impairment were secondary objectives. METHODS: X-ACT was a phase III, randomized, double-blind study conducted in 24 centres (Germany), which selectively included CSU patients with angioedema and wheals. Patients were randomized (1 : 1) to omalizumab 300 mg or placebo (every 4 weeks up to week 24) (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01723072). RESULTS: Of the 91 patients randomized to omalizumab (n = 44) or placebo (n = 47) at baseline, 68 completed the 28-week treatment phase (omalizumab, 35; placebo, 33). Omalizumab was superior to placebo in improving CU-Q2oL scores at week 28 (P < 0.001). There was a threefold improvement in angioedema-burdened days/week with omalizumab (0.3) vs placebo (1.1). The median time to first recurrence of angioedema was 57-63 days with omalizumab and <5 days with placebo. Omalizumab significantly improved angioedema-specific QoL (P < 0.001). The adverse events reported are in line with the established safety profile of omalizumab. CONCLUSION: Omalizumab was an effective treatment option for patients with moderate-to-severe CSU symptoms and angioedema unresponsive to high doses of antihistamine treatment.

Combination of omalizumab and specific immunotherapy is superior to immunotherapy in patients with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and co-morbid seasonal allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of allergic asthma by specific immunotherapy (SIT) is hampered by potential side-effects. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to study the effect of omalizumab, a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, in combination with SIT in patients with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SAR) and co-morbid seasonal allergic asthma (SAA) incompletely controlled by conventional pharmacotherapy. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centre trial was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of omalizumab (Xolair) vs. placebo in combination with depigmented SIT (Depigoid) during the grass pollen season. Omalizumab or placebo was started 2 weeks before SIT; the whole treatment lasted 18 weeks. Primary endpoint was daily 'symptom load', the sum of daily scores for symptom severity and rescue medication use. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients (age 11-46 years) were randomized; and a total of 130 finished the study. Combination therapy reduced the symptom load by 39% (P=0.0464, Wilcoxon test) over SIT monotherapy. This difference was mainly due to reduced symptom severity (P=0.0044), while rescue medication use did not change significantly. Combination therapy also improved asthma control (Asthma Control Questionnaire, P=0.0295) and quality of life in the case of asthma (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, P=0.0293) and rhinoconjunctivitis (Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, P=0.0537). Numbers of patients with 'excellent or good' treatment efficacy according to ratings of investigators (75.0% vs. 36.9%) or patients (78.5% vs. 46.1%) were markedly higher in the combination group than under SIT alone. CONCLUSION: Combination of omalizumab with SIT for treatment of patients with SAR and co-morbid SAA was safe and reduced the symptom load in a statistically significant and clinically meaningful manner.

Enhanced resistance to Sendai virus infection in DBA/2J mice with a botanical drug combination (Sinupret).

It was investigated whether the botanical drug combination Sinupret is able to modulate the resistance of mice to a respiratory tract infection with Sendai virus (Parainfluenza viridae) if given prophylactically to the animals. Three doses of Sinupret drops (SD) and Sinupret tablets (ST, p.o.), and two active controls, the chemical secretolytic ambroxol (p.o.) and the immunomodulator Muramyldipeptide (MDP, i.v.) were used. Test and reference substances were applied at days - 3 and -1 before infection, except MDP, which was given once on day--before infection. CD4+ and CD8 + lymphocyte subpopulations were measured after infection as indicators of immunological treatment response. Groups of 20 mice each were infected by intranasal application of Sendai virus under anaesthesia. We found that the 1 x and 5 x human doses of Sinupret drops significantly prolonged the survival times (p < 0.05) compared to placebo. Additionally, ambroxol and MDP were comparably less effective. In all groups, changes in CD4 + and CD8 + T-lymphocyte subpopulations of the peripheral blood were observed, but no clear relationship to the treatment results was seen. It was concluded that Sinupret increases the resistance to an experimentally induced respiratory tract infection in mice. Moreover, the effect of Sinupret was superior to that of an immunostimulant (MDP) and of a synthetic secretagogue (ambroxolhydrochloride).

Treatment of cyclical mastalgia with a solution containing a Vitex agnus castus extract: results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study.

In a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study the efficacy of a Vitex agnus castus extract-containing solution (VACS) was investigated in patients suffering from cyclical mastalgia. Patients had mastalgia on at least 5 days in the pre-treatment cycle. During this cycle and during treatment (3 cycles; 2 x 30 drops/day), the intensity of mastalgia was recorded once per cycle using a visual analogue scale (VAS). After one/two treatment cycles, the mean decrease in pain intensity (mm, VAS) was 21.4 mm /33.7 mm in women taking VACS (n=48) and 10.6 mm/20.3 mm with placebo (n=49). The differences of the VAS-values for VACS were significantly greater than those with placebo (p=0.018; p=0.006). After three cycles, the mean VAS-score reduction for women taking VACS was 34.3 mm, a reduction of 'borderline significance' (p=0.064) on statistical testing compared with placebo (25.7 mm). There was no difference in the frequency of adverse events between both groups (VACS: n=5; placebo : n=4). VACS appears effective and was well tolerated and further evaluation of this agent in the treatment of cyclical mastalgia is warranted.

The effects of a special Agnus castus extract (BP1095E1) on prolactin secretion in healthy male subjects.

The effects of three doses of a special Agnus castus extract (BP1095E1)--extracts from 120 mg, 240 mg and 480 mg of drug per day--were examined within the framework of a placebo-controlled clinical study of tolerance and prolactin secretion in 20 healthy male subjects during a period of 14 days. There was good tolerance during the study as regards the following: adverse effects, the effects on blood pressure and heart rate, blood count, Quick's test, clinical chemistry as well as testosterone, FSH and LH values. During each study phase the 24-hour prolactin secretion profile was measured from the penultimate to the final day, and the amount of prolactin release was monitored an hour after TRH stimulation on the last day. A significant increase in the 24-hour profile was registered with the lowest dose in comparison to placebo, the opposite being the case with the higher doses, i.e. a slight reduction. In contrast to the administration of placebo, the 1-hour AUC after TRH stimulation resulted in a significant increase with the lowest dose and a significant reduction with the highest dose. The results suggest effects of the special Agnus castus extract which are dependent on the dose administered and the initial level of prolactin concentration.

[Comparison of the bioavailability of beta-aescin after single oral administration of two different drug formulations containing an extract of horse-chestnut seeds]. / Vergleichende Untersuchung zur Bioverfügbarkeit von beta-Aescin nach oraler Einmalverabreichung zweier Rosskastaniensamenextrakt enthaltender, galenisch unterschiedlicher Darreichungsformen.

The relative oral bioavailability of beta-escine (CAS 11072-93-8) from a sugar-coated tablet formulation was compared to a reference preparation available in capsule form in 18 healthy, male volunteers over a 48 h period. The study design was randomized, single-blind and cross-over. Both the test and the reference preparation contained 50 mg standardized horse chestnut seed extract; beta-escine was taken as the reference substance. By means of a newly developed, validated radioimmunosorbent assay (RIA), beta-escine in plasma was determined (blind samples) after oral intake of a single dose of each drug formulation. The confidence limits calculated for the AUC, Cmax and Tmax of the test preparation exceed the upper limit of the specified equivalence range of 80%--125%, but do never fall below the lower limit. Therefore, bioin-equivalence cannot be rejected statistically. All the bioavailability data for the test preparation--measured with the newly developed RIA--exceed the corresponding values for the reference preparation. As the rate of absorption of aesculetinic triterpene glycosides is low, the higher bioavailability of the test preparation is desirable from a therapeutical point of view. Since the reference preparation is classified as being clinically effective, the test preparation must also be estimated as being clinically effective. Adverse drug effects were not observed with either the test preparation or the reference preparation.

Adverse drug reactions to herbal and synthetic expectorants.

Our knowledge relating to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of phytomedicines is highly fragmentary. The aim of this study was to define the prevalence of ADRs following medication with herbal or synthetic expectorants. In a multicentre, comparative post-marketing surveillance study of more than 3000 patients with acute bronchitis, about half were treated with a herbal remedy (SinupretR) and the other half with various other expectorants. In ascending order of incidence, ADRs were noted during mono-medication of SinupretR (0.8%), Ambroxol (1.0%) and acetylcysteine (4.3%). When concomitant drugs were used, this rank order was unchanged but incidence rates were markedly increased (3.4, 6.5 and 8.2%, respectively). The most frequent ADRs were gastrointestinal symptoms. It is concluded that expectorants are associated with ADRs in roughly 1-5% of cases undergoing single drug treatment and in 3-10% when more than one medication is being used. Amongst the expectorants used in this study, the herbal preparation SinupretR is associated with the lowest incidence of ADRs.

Certoparin versus UFH to prevent venous thromboembolic events in the very elderly patient: an analysis of the CERTIFY study.

INTRODUCTION: There is an exponential rise of thromboembolic risk with age because of co-morbidities, immobility and pharmacotherapy. We aimed to investigate the benefits and risks of heparin prophylaxis in very elderly patients ≥80 years and the type of heparin used in a subgroup analysis of the CERTIFY trial. PATIENTS/METHODS: 3,239 patients were randomized to 3,000 U aXa o.d. certoparin or 5,000 IU t.i.d. unfractionated heparin (UFH) for 8-20 days. RESULTS: Patients ≥80 years (n=1,365) were more likely to be female, had a lower mean bodyweight, were more frequently using antiplatelets and had a GFR below 30 ml/min/1.73 m(2) more often than patients <80 years (n=1,875). The combined endpoint of proximal DVT, symptomatic non-fatal PE and VTE related death was experience by 5.26% of patients ≥80 years versus 3.51% in younger patients (OR 1.53; 95%CI 1.05-2.21; p=0.03). There were no significant differences in both minor (OR 1.11; 95%CI 0.75-1.62) and major (OR 2.53; 95%CI 0.93-6.86) bleeding risks. Certoparin and UFH were equally effective in reducing thromboembolic risk in either age group. The risk of any (OR 0.45; 95%CI 0.26-0.79) and minor bleeding (OR 0.42; 95%CI 0.23-0.78) was reduced with certoparin in the very elderly only. There were more adverse events in elderly patients (OR 1.26; 95%CI 1.1-1.46), but rates were otherwise comparable. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis confirmed the increased thromboembolic risk in very elderly patients, but demonstrated no increased bleeding risk. Certoparin and UFH were equally effective and safe with a reduced risk of minor bleeding complications with certoparin in the very elderly.

CERTIFY: prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in patients with severe renal insufficiency.

Patients with severe renal insufficiency (sRI) have been suggested to be at an increased risk of bleeding with low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH). We aimed at assessing the benefits and risks of certoparin in comparison to unfractionated heparin (UFH) in these patients. In this subgroup analysis of the CERTIFY trial, acutely ill, non-surgical patients ≥70 years received certoparin 3,000U aXa o.d. or UFH 5,000 IU t.i.d. One hundred eighty-nine patients had a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≤30 ml/min/1.73 m2, 3,050 patients served as controls. Patients with sRI had a mean age of 85.9 ± 6.6 years (controls 78.4 ± 6.0) and were treated for a mean of 9.3 ± 3.7 days (9.9 ± 4.3). Thromboembolic event rates were comparable (4.55 vs. 4.21%; OR1.08; 95%CI 0.5-2.37) but bleeding was increased in sRI (9.52 vs. 3.54%; OR2.87; 95%CI 1.70-4.83). The incidence of the combined end-point of proximal DVT, symptomatic non-fatal PE and VTE related death was 6.49% with certoparin and 2.60% with UFH (OR2.60; 95%CI 0.49-13.85). There was a decrease in total bleeding with certoparin (OR0.33; 95%CI 0.11-0.97), which was non-significant in patients with GFR >30 ml/min/1.73 m2. In two multivariable regression models certoparin and immobilisation <10 days were associated with less bleeding while a GFR ≤30 ml/min/1.73 m2 was associated with increased bleeding. A total of 11.3% of certoparin- and 18.5% of UFH-treated patients experienced serious adverse events (14.8 in patients with a GFR ≤30 vs. 5.6% vs. >30 ml/min/1.73 m2). In conclusion, certoparin 3,000U anti Xa o.d. was as efficacious as 5,000 IU UFH t.i.d. in patients with sRI but had a reduced risk of bleeding.

A randomized, double-blind study of certoparin vs. unfractionated heparin to prevent venous thromboembolic events in acutely ill, non-surgical patients: CERTIFY Study.

BACKGROUND: In medically ill patients, no contemporary double-blind head-to-head evaluation of low molecular weight heparin vs. unfractionated heparin (UFH) for the prevention of venous thromboembolic events is available. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of certoparin with those of UFH. PATIENTS/METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, acutely ill, non-surgical patients aged > or = 70 years were randomized to certoparin (3000 U of anti-factor Xa once daily) or to UFH (5000 IU t.i.d.). The primary endpoint was the composite of proximal deep vein thrombosis as assessed by bilateral compression ultrasonography, symptomatic non-fatal pulmonary embolism and venous thromboembolism-related death, and was assessed by a blinded central adjudication committee. Non-inferiority margins were set at 1.8 for the odds ratio (OR) and 3.45% for the absolute difference. RESULTS: Three thousand two hundred and thirty-nine patients aged 78.8 + or - 6.3 years were treated for 9.1 + or - 3.4 days. The incidence of the primary endpoint was 3.94% in the certoparin group and 4.52% in the UFH group, with a difference in proportions of - 0.59% [95% confidence interval (CI) -2.09 to 0.92; P < 0.0001 for non-inferiority], and an OR of 0.87 (95% CI 0.60-1.26; P = 0.0001 for non-inferiority). Major bleeding occurred in 0.43% of certoparin-treated patients and 0.62% of UFH-treated patients (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.26-1.83). Any bleeding occurred at 3.20% in certoparin-treated patients vs. 4.58% in UFH-treated patients (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.48-0.99; P < 0.05), and 5.73% of certoparin-treated patients and 6.63% of UFH-treated patients experienced serious adverse events. All-cause mortality was 1.27% in certoparin-treated patients and 1.36% in UFH-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: In acutely ill, non-surgical elderly patients, thromboprophylaxis with certoparin (3000 U of anti-FXa once daily) was non-inferior to 5000 IU of UFH t.i.d., with a favorable safety profile.

A controlled multi-centre study of herbal versus synthetic secretolytic drugs for acute bronchitis.

Herbal expectorants and secretolytic drugs hold a sizeable share of the European market. Therefore it is essential to test their clinical effectiveness and safety. The aim of the present study was to compare the herbal medication Bronchipret(®) with various other pharmacotherapeutical options for acute bronchitis. The study was designed as a matched-pair comparison of 7783 patients. Clinical outcomes of bronchitis and adverse reactions were documented. The data were evaluated by comparing the treatment success of the test medication and 3 control groups using ordinal regression. The results suggest that clinical effectiveness of Bronchipret(®) was not less than with synthetic drugs. There was a tendency for better results with Bronchipret(®), particularly in the treatment of adults. Similar results were obtained with respect to adverse reactions. Particularly in the adult sub-group, these were markedly less with herbals as compared to synthetic drugs. These findings imply that a risk/benefit evaluation would favour Bronchipret(®) over synthetic drugs for acute bronchitis. Their interpretation is limited through the fact that this study could not be randomised nor blinded. The results therefore require confirmation through randomised, double-blind trials.