Prevalence of Kidney and Urinary Tract Complications in Fabry Disease from 2000 to 2020: A Global Cohort Study Including 10,637 Patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Fabry disease, an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, causes progressive globotriaosylceramide accumulation in cells throughout the body. Characteristic multiorgan manifestations include renal dysfunction (Fabry nephropathy) and associated urinary tract complications. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has been available since 2001, but contemporary real-world data are lacking regarding Fabry nephropathy risks and treatment outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed electronic medical records data for 10,637 Fabry disease patients from the TriNetX research database. Kidney and urinary tract outcomes were evaluated over two decades, 2000-2010 and 2011-2020. Outcomes assessed included chronic kidney disease (CKD), urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, obstruction, renal insufficiency, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). RESULTS: The prevalence of stage 4-5 CKD nearly doubled between 2000-2010 and 2011-2020, while ESRD prevalence rose over 4-fold. Incidence rates showed similar marked elevations across renal and urologic complications. Females and Black patients experienced disproportionate escalations in kidney and urinary tract morbidity. CONCLUSION: This large cohort study revealed significantly increased Fabry nephropathy and associated urologic complications over the past two decades, contradicting expectations of reduced morbidity with ERT availability. The findings highlight needs to optimize screening, treatment strategies, monitoring practices, and address disparities to curb rising disease burden and improve patient outcomes.

Long-term safety and efficacy of pegunigalsidase alfa: A multicenter 6-year study in adult patients with Fabry disease.

PURPOSE: Fabry disease (FD) is a rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the GLA gene encoding α-galactosidase (α-Gal)-A. We evaluated long-term safety/efficacy of pegunigalsidase alfa, a novel PEGylated α-Gal-A enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) now approved for FD. METHODS: In a phase-1/2 dose-ranging study, 15 ERT-naive adults with FD completed 12 months of pegunigalsidase alfa and enrolled in this 60-month open-label extension of 1 mg/kg pegunigalsidase alfa infusions every 2 weeks. RESULTS: Fifteen patients enrolled (8 males; 7 females); 10 completed ≥48 months (60 months total treatment), and 2 completed 60 months (72 months total treatment). During treatment, most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild/moderate in severity and all infusion-related reactions were mild/moderate in severity. Four patients were transiently positive for anti-pegunigalsidase alfa IgG. Patients showed continuous reduction in plasma lyso-Gb3 concentrations with mean (standard error) reduction of 76.1 [25.1] ng/mL from baseline to month 24. At 60 months, the estimated glomerular filtration rate slope was comparable to that observed in patients treated with other ERTs. Cardiac function assessments revealed stability; no cardiac fibrosis was observed. CONCLUSION: In this first long-term assessment of pegunigalsidase alfa administration in patients with FD, we found favorable safety/efficacy. Our data suggest long-term continuous benefits of pegunigalsidase alfa treatment in adults with FD.

Safety and tolerability of agalsidase beta infusions shorter than 90 min in patients with Fabry disease: post-hoc analysis of a Japanese post-marketing study.

BACKGROUND: Agalsidase beta, an enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease, is dosed biweekly at 1 mg/kg body weight, with increasing infusion rates based on tolerability. The US label specifies ≥ 90-min infusions for all patients; the US and EU labels require ≤ 15 mg/hr infusions in patients < 30 kg. The Japanese label allows infusions up to 30 mg/hr, allowing < 90-min dosing for some patients weighing < 45 kg. Japanese post-marketing data were analyzed for rate of infusion-associated reactions (IARs), adverse events (AEs), and serious AEs (SAEs) based on infusion rate and patient attributes (weight, antibody status). RESULTS: Data were available for 436 reduced-duration infusions (< 90 min) and 2242 standard infusions (≥ 90 min). SAEs were rare (0.6%), and the frequency of all safety events decreased over the treatment course. Little impact of infusion duration on safety outcomes was observed: IARs and AEs were numerically more common when infusion duration was ≥ 90 min compared to < 90 min (IARs: 2.0% vs 0.9%; AEs: 2.9% vs 1.4%), while the rate of SAEs was similar (0.4% vs 0.5%). IAR, AE, and SAE frequencies decreased significantly with increasing infusion rates, and this trend was consistent in patients < 30 kg. Safety events tended to be less frequent in patients < 30 kg vs those ≥ 30 kg (IARs: 1.8% vs 2.1%; AEs: 2.3% vs 3.6%; SAEs: 0.0% vs 0.6%), although the differences were not statistically significant. IARs occurred in < 1% of all infusions in the < 30 kg group, 84% of which were < 90 min. More anti-agalsidase beta antibody-positive patients experienced IARs (41.9% vs 30.7%; P = 0.0445) and AEs (61.1% vs 49.3%; P = 0.0497) vs antibody-negative patients; however, there was no significant difference in the frequency of SAEs. In patients with available data, no changes in antibody status were observed after infusion durations were reduced to < 90 min. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this post-hoc analysis demonstrated no significant impact of infusion duration on safety outcomes, and no significant difference in outcomes between patients of different weights. These findings suggest that infusion times in patients who are tolerating treatment can, with careful monitoring, be gradually decreased.

Clinical outcomes among young patients with Fabry disease who initiated agalsidase beta treatment before 30 years of age: An analysis from the Fabry Registry.

BACKGROUND: Clinical manifestations of classic Fabry disease (α-galactosidase A deficiency) usually occur in childhood, while complications involving major organs typically develop in adulthood. Outcomes of Fabry-specific treatment among young patients have not been extensively reported. Our aim was to analyze clinical outcomes among patients aged 5-30 years at initiation of treatment with agalsidase beta using data from the Fabry Registry (NCT00196742, sponsor: Sanofi). METHODS: Reported GLA variants were predicted to be associated with the classic phenotype or not classified in fabry-database.org. Linear mixed models were conducted to assess changes over ≥2-year follow-up in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) stratified by low (LRI) and high (HRI) renal involvement (defined by proteinuria/albuminuria levels), and changes in interventricular septal thickness (IVST) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) Z-scores stratified by median age at first treatment. Self-reports ('yes'/'no') of abdominal pain, diarrhea, chronic peripheral pain (denoting neuropathic pain), and acute pain crises at baseline were compared with reports after ≥0.5-year and ≥2.5-year follow-up using McNemar's test. RESULTS: Male (n = 117) and female patients (n = 59) with LRI initiated treatment at a median age of 19.9 and 23.6 years, respectively, and were followed for a median of 6.3 and 5.0 years, respectively. The eGFR slopes were -1.18 (Pfrom 0 <0.001) and -0.92 mL/min/1.73 m2/year (Pfrom 0 = 0.040), respectively. Males with HRI (n = 23, median UPCR 1.0 g/g), who started treatment at a median age of 26.7 years, had an eGFR slope of -2.39 mL/min/1.73 m2/year (Pfrom 0 <0.001; Pdifference = 0.055, as compared with the slope of -1.18 mL/min/1.73 m2/year for LRI males) during a median follow-up of 5.6 years. Echocardiographic variables were stable among males, regardless of age, and among young females (median follow-up >5.5 years and ≥4.5 years, respectively). Older females (treatment initiation at median age 27.5 years) had a slope of LVPWT Z-scores of 0.18/year (n = 12, Pfrom 0 = 0.028), whereas IVST Z-scores remained stable (n = 13, 0.10/year, Pfrom 0 = 0.304) during a median follow-up of ≥3.7 years. These slopes did not significantly differ from slopes of younger females. Reports of chronic peripheral pain and acute pain crises by males, and of diarrhea and acute pain crises by females, significantly reduced after a median follow-up of ≥4.0 years. After a median follow-up of ≥5.4 years, reports of all four symptoms significantly decreased among males, whereas among females only reports of abdominal pain significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS: During sustained treatment with agalsidase beta in young Fabry patients with a predicted classic phenotype or with unclassified GLA variants with similar characteristics, the decline in eGFR was modest among male and female patients with LRI. The greater decline in eGFR among older, proteinuric (i.e., HRI) males may suggest a benefit of earlier treatment. Overall, echocardiographic variables remained stable, particularly among males and younger females. Significant reductions in symptom reports occurred primarily among males after longer follow-up and were less noticeable among females. These observed trends are suggestive of an overall improvement after treatment in young patients, but warrant larger longitudinal studies.

Early start of enzyme replacement therapy in pediatric male patients with classical Fabry disease is associated with attenuated disease progression.

BACKGROUND: Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) slows disease progression of Fabry disease (FD), especially when initiated before the onset of irreversible organ damage. However, with the clinically asymptomatic progression of renal, cardiac and cerebral disease manifestations spanning decades, optimal timing of ERT initiation remains unclear. METHODS: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, seven male FD patients with a classical disease phenotype (cFD) who started treatment with agalsidase-beta in childhood were evaluated after 10 years of treatment (median age at evaluation 24 years, range 14-26). Cardiac imaging (echocardiography and MRI), electrophysiological and biochemical data of these patients were compared to those of untreated male cFD patients (n = 23, median age 22 years, range 13-27). RESULTS: Albuminuria was less common and less severe in treated patients (albumin to creatinine ratio, ACR 0-8.8 mg/mmol, median 0.4) compared to untreated patients (ACR 0-248 mg/mmol, median 3.7, p = 0.02). The treated group had a lower left ventricular mass, measured using echocardiography (median 80 g/m2 versus 94 g/m2, p = 0.02) and MRI (median 53 g/m2 versus 68 g/m2, p = 0.02). Myocardial fibrosis was absent in all included patients. eGFR was normal in all treated patients whereas 7/23 (30%) of untreated patients had abnormal eGFR. Cerebral manifestations did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: Start of treatment with ERT before age 16, in male cFD patients is associated with reduced occurrence of renal and cardiac manifestations of FD, as assessed by intermediate endpoints. Confirmation that this approach delays or even prevents renal failure and cardiac events requires another decade of follow-up.

Mechanisms of Neutralizing Anti-drug Antibody Formation and Clinical Relevance on Therapeutic Efficacy of Enzyme Replacement Therapies in Fabry Disease.

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the α-galactosidase A (AGAL/GLA) gene. The lysosomal accumulation of the substrates globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3) results in progressive renal failure, cardiomyopathy associated with cardiac arrhythmia, and recurrent strokes, significantly limiting life expectancy in affected patients. Current treatment options for FD include recombinant enzyme-replacement therapies (ERTs) with intravenous agalsidase-α (0.2 mg/kg body weight) or agalsidase-ß (1 mg/kg body weight) every 2 weeks, facilitating cellular Gb3 clearance and an overall improvement of disease burden. However, ERT can lead to infusion-associated reactions, as well as the formation of neutralizing anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) in ERT-treated males, leading to an attenuation of therapy efficacy and thus disease progression. In this narrative review, we provide a brief overview of the clinical picture of FD and diagnostic confirmation. The focus is on the biochemical and clinical significance of neutralizing ADAs as a humoral response to ERT. In addition, we provide an overview of different methods for ADA measurement and characterization, as well as potential therapeutic approaches to prevent or eliminate ADAs in affected patients, which is representative for other ERT-treated lysosomal storage diseases.

The Safety of Agalsidase Alfa Enzyme Replacement Therapy in Canadian Patients with Fabry Disease Following Implementation of a Bioreactor Process.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Fabry disease, an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder characterized by absent or reduced alpha-galactosidase activity, is a lifelong disease that impairs patients' quality of life. Patients with Fabry disease have a considerably shortened lifespan, with mortality being mainly due to renal failure, cardiovascular disease, or cerebrovascular disease. Enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase alfa has been shown to attenuate the renal, cardiovascular, and neuropathic disease progression associated with Fabry disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the safety of a new animal component-free version of agalsidase alfa. METHODS: A phase III/IV, open-label, single-arm, multicenter safety study was conducted in Canadian patients with Fabry disease between August 2011 and September 2017 as a regulatory requirement to assess the safety of agalsidase alfa produced using an animal component-free bioreactor process. Eligible patients had a documented diagnosis of Fabry disease and satisfied current Canadian guidelines for receiving enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease. Following treatment with animal component-free bioreactor-processed agalsidase alfa, treatment-emergent adverse events were monitored, and post hoc analyses of infusion-related reactions by antidrug antibody and neutralizing antibody statuses were conducted. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 167 patients (mean [standard deviation] age, 48.9 [14.8] years), including six pediatric patients (< 18 years of age), received at least one full or partial infusion of agalsidase alfa animal component-free. Fewer than 5% of treatment-emergent adverse events (212/4446) observed in 40 patients were reported as infusion-related reactions. Antidrug antibody and neutralizing antibody status did not affect the proportion of patients with infusion-related reactions. No clinically significant changes in vital signs were observed in patients over the course of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term treatment with bioreactor-produced agalsidase alfa animal component-free did not reveal new safety signals in this population of Canadian patients with Fabry disease. The treatment-emergent adverse event profile was consistent with the clinical manifestations of the disease and the known safety profile of roller bottle-produced agalsidase alfa. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01298141.

Major cardiovascular adverse events in Fabry disease patients receiving agalsidase alfa / Eventos cardiovasculares mayores en pacientes con enfermedad de Fabry tratados con agalsidasa alfa

Abstract Cardiovascular mortality (CVM) has become the major contributor to overall Fabry disease (FD) mortality in the enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) era. Our objectives were to describe causes and potential predictors of mortality in FD adult patients in Argentina, and to assess risk of major adverse cardio vascular events (MACE) in the ERT era. We retrospectively studied 93 consecutive patients treated with alpha-galactosidase A (median follow up: 9.5 years from start of ERT). Mean age at ERT starting was 35±16.3 years. Prevalence of cardiomyopathy and renal disease reached 47% and 41%, respectively. Eleven subjects (11.8%, 95%CI: 5-18%) died during follow up (1.24/100 patient-years). Mean overall survival was 71 years (95%CI: 66-75 years). Seven cases were considered as CVM; main causes were sudden death and stroke. Risk of MACE was 14% (95%CI: 6.9-21.1%; 1.47 events/100 patient-years from start of ERT). All but 2 subjects had at least one comorbid cardiovascular risk factor; however, 86% of patients remained free of MACE during follow-up. CVM remained low and our study was underpowered for detection of predictors of mortality, but it is worth noting that age at diagnosis and ERT starting, left ventricular mass index and renal disease trended to correlate with CVM. Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia were lower in FD patients when compared to population level data. As in the Argentinean general population, CVM was the leading cause of mortality among this cohort of consecutive FD patients treated with agalsidase alfa.

Resumen La mortalidad cardiovascular (MCV) se ha convertido en el principal contribuyente a la mortalidad general por enfermedad de Fabry (EF) en la era de la terapia de reemplazo enzimático (TRE). Nuestros objetivos fueron describir las causas y posibles predictores de mortalidad en pacientes adultos con EF en la Argentina, y evaluar el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares mayores (MACE) en la actual era de TRE. Se estudiaron 93 pacientes consecutivos tratados con agalsidasa-alfa por una mediana de 9.5 años tras iniciar TRE. La edad al inicio de TRE fue 35 ± 16.3 años. La prevalencia de cardiomiopatía y enfermedad renal alcanzó 47% y 41%, respectivamente. Once sujetos (11.8%; IC95%: 5-18%) murieron durante el seguimiento (1.24/100 pacientes/año). La supervivencia global fue 71 años (IC95%: 66-75 años). Siete casos fueron considerados como MCV; las principales causas fueron muerte súbita e ictus. El riesgo de MACE fue 14% (IC95%: 6.9-21.1%; 1.47 eventos/100 pacientes/año desde la ERT). Todos menos 2 sujetos tenían al menos un factor de riesgo cardiovascular, pero el 86% permaneció libre de MACE. Los eventos de MCV fueron escasos. El estudio tuvo reducido poder estadístico para detectar predictores de mortalidad, pero la edad al diagnóstico y al iniciar la TRE, índice de masa ventricular izquierda y enfermedad renal tendieron a correlacionarse con MCV. La prevalencia de hipertensión, diabetes y dislipidemia fue menor en comparación con la población general. Como ocurre con la población general en Argentina, los eventos cardiovasculares fueron la principal causa de muerte en esta cohorte de pacientes consecutivos con EF tratados con agalsidasa-alfa.

Major cardiovascular adverse events in Fabry disease patients receiving agalsidase alfa.

Cardiovascular mortality (CVM) has become the major contributor to overall Fabry disease (FD) mortality in the enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) era. Our objectives were to describe causes and potential predictors of mortality in FD adult patients in Argentina, and to assess risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the ERT era. We retrospectively studied 93 consecutive patients treated with alphagalactosidase A (median follow up: 9.5 years from start of ERT). Mean age at ERT starting was 35 ± 16.3 years. Prevalence of cardiomyopathy and renal disease reached 47% and 41%, respectively. Eleven subjects (11.8%, 95% CI: 5-18%) died during follow up (1.24/100 patient-years). Mean overall survival was 71 years (95% CI: 66-75 years). Seven cases were considered as CVM; main causes were sudden death and stroke. Risk of MACE was 14% (95% CI: 6.9-21.1%; 1.47 events/100 patient-years from start of ERT). All but 2 subjects had at least one comorbid cardiovascular risk factor; however, 86% of patients remained free of MACE during follow-up. CVM remained low and our study was underpowered for detection of predictors of mortality, but it is worth noting that age at diagnosis and ERT starting, left ventricular mass index and renal disease trended to correlate with CVM. Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia were lower in FD patients when compared to population level data. As in the Argentinean general population, CVM was the leading cause of mortality among this cohort of consecutive FD patients treated with agalsidase alfa.

La mortalidad cardiovascular (MCV) se ha convertido en el principal contribuyente a la mortalidad general por enfermedad de Fabry (EF) en la era de la terapia de reemplazo enzimático (TRE). Nuestros objetivos fueron describir las causas y posibles predictores de mortalidad en pacientes adultos con EF en la Argentina, y evaluar el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares mayores (MACE) en la actual era de TRE. Se estudiaron 93 pacientes consecutivos tratados con agalsidasa-alfa por una mediana de 9.5 años tras iniciar TRE. La edad al inicio de TRE fue 35 ± 16.3 años. La prevalencia de cardiomiopatía y enfermedad renal alcanzó 47% y 41%, respectivamente. Once sujetos (11.8%; IC95%: 5-18%) murieron durante el seguimiento (1.24/100 pacientes/año). La supervivencia global fue 71 años (IC95%: 66-75 años). Siete casos fueron considerados como MCV; las principales causas fueron muerte súbita e ictus. El riesgo de MACE fue 14% (IC95%: 6.9-21.1%; 1.47 eventos/100 pacientes/año desde la ERT). Todos menos 2 sujetos tenían al menos un factor de riesgo cardiovascular, pero el 86% permaneció libre de MACE. Los eventos de MCV fueron escasos. El estudio tuvo reducido poder estadístico para detectar predictores de mortalidad, pero la edad al diagnóstico y al iniciar la TRE, índice de masa ventricular izquierda y enfermedad renal tendieron a correlacionarse con MCV. La prevalencia de hipertensión, diabetes y dislipidemia fue menor en comparación con la población general. Como ocurre con la población general en Argentina, los eventos cardiovasculares fueron la principal causa de muerte en esta cohorte de pacientes consecutivos con EF tratados con agalsidasa-alfa.

Long-term safety and efficacy of agalsidase beta in Japanese patients with Fabry disease: aggregate data from two post-authorization safety studies.

BACKGROUND: Enzyme replacement therapy in Fabry disease has been available in Japan since 2004. Two post-authorization safety studies were conducted to evaluate agalsidase beta in Japanese patients with Fabry disease in real-world practice. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The Special Drug Use Investigation monitored the long-term safety and efficacy of agalsidase beta, and the Drug Use Investigation monitored safety in patients not participating in the Special Drug Use Investigation. Safety and efficacy evaluations included adverse drug reactions (ADRs), infusion-associated reactions and hypersensitivity reactions, and change in blood GL-3 level over time. RESULTS: Of 396 patients in the aggregated data set, safety and efficacy analysis sets comprised 307 and 196 patients, respectively. ADRs occurred in 93 (30.3%) patients and serious ADRs occurred in 25 (8.1%) patients, with general disorders and administration site conditions (n=55, 17.9%), nervous system disorders (n=30, 9.8%) and skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (n=23, 7.5%) the most common. Reductions in blood GL-3 levels occurred over the study, irrespective of age or disease phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: Agalsidase beta demonstrated acceptable safety and tolerability, with sustained reductions in blood GL-3 levelsin Japanese patients with Fabry disease in real-world clinical practice. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00233870/AGAL03004 (Special Drug Use Investigation of Agalsidase beta).

Treatment switch in Fabry disease- a matter of dose?

BACKGROUND: Patients with Fabry disease (FD) on reduced dose of agalsidase-beta or after switch to agalsidase-alfa show a decline in chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and a worsened plasma lyso-Gb3 decrease. Hence, the most effective dose is still a matter of debate. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, we assessed end-organ damage and clinical symptoms in 78 patients who had received agalsidase-beta (1.0 mg/kg) for >1 year, which were assigned to continue this treatment (agalsidase-beta, regular-dose group, n=17); received a reduced dose of agalsidase-beta and subsequent switch to agalsidase-alfa (0.2 mg/kg) or a direct switch to 0.2 mg/kg agalsidase-alfa (switch group, n=22); or were re-switched to agalsidase-beta after receiving agalsidase-alfa for 12 months (re-switch group, n=39) with a follow-up of 88±25 months. RESULTS: No differences for clinical events were observed for all groups. Patients within the re-switch group started with the worst eGFR values at baseline (p=0.0217). Overall, eGFR values remained stable in the regular-dose group (p=0.1052) and decreased significantly in the re-switch and switch groups (p<0.0001 and p=0.0052, respectively). However, in all groups males presented with an annual loss of eGFR by -2.9, -2.5 and -3.9 mL/min/1.73 m² (regular-dose, re-switch, switch groups, all p<0.05). In females, eGFR decreased significantly only in the re-switch group by -2.9 mL/min/1.73 m² per year (p<0.01). Lyso-Gb3 decreased in the re-switch group after a change back to agalsidase-beta (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that a re-switch to high dosage of agalsidase results in a better biochemical response, but not in a significant renal amelioration especially in classical males.

Switch from enzyme replacement therapy to oral chaperone migalastat for treating fabry disease: real-life data.

The treatment options for Fabry disease (FD) are enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with agalsidase alfa or beta, and the oral pharmacological chaperone migalastat. Since few data are available on the effects of switching from ERT to migalastat, we performed a single-center observational study on seven male Fabry patients (18-66 years) to assess the effects of the switch on renal, cardiac, and neurologic function, health status, pain, lyso-Gb3, α-Gal A activity and adverse effects. Data were retrospectively collected at time of diagnosis of FD (baseline, T0), and after 12 months of ERT (T1), and prospectively after 1 year of therapy with migalastat (T2). No patient died or reported renal, cardiac, or cerebrovascular events during the study period. The predefined measures for cardiac, renal and neurologic function, and FD-related symptoms and questionnaires were stable between baseline and the switch, and remained unchanged with migalastat. However, a significant improvement was observed in left ventricular mass index from baseline to T2 (p = 0.016), with a significative difference between the treatments (p = 0.028), and in median proteinuria from T2 vs T1 (p = 0.048). Moreover, scores of the BPI improved from baseline to T1, and remained stable with migalastat. Plasma lyso-Gb3 levels significantly decreased from baseline to T1 (P = 0.007) and T2 (P = 0.003), while did not significantly differ between the two treatments. α-Gal A activity increased from T0 to T2 (p < 0.0001). The frequency of adverse effects under migalastat and ERT was comparable (28% for both drugs). In conclusion, switching from ERT to migalastat is valid, safe and well tolerated.

Safety and effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase alfa in patients with Fabry disease: Post-marketing surveillance in Japan.

Fabry disease is a rare X-linked inherited multisystem disorder resulting from deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. Currently, specific therapies, including enzyme replacement therapies, are available for Fabry disease, but clinical trials provide limited information on long-term safety and effectiveness. Agalsidase alfa was approved in Japan in 2006. The post-marketing surveillance study of all patients receiving agalsidase alfa to evaluate its long-term safety and effectiveness as a mandatory condition for its approval had been conducted for 8 years (from February 2007 to March 2015). A total of 493 patients were included in this analysis of safety and effectiveness. The overall mean follow-up period was 3.5 years (range, 0.0-7.9 years). The percentage of patients with adverse drug reactions was 24.5% (121/493) and 12.6% had infusion-related reactions (62/493). In the 256 patients without prior enzyme replacement therapy whose IgG antibody data were available, 17 were IgG antibody positive (6.6%). However, the chronological correlation between seroconversion and the incidence of infusion-related reactions was not clear. The mean brief pain inventory score of the worst pain decreased in patients with moderate and severe pain at baseline. Plasma Gb3 and urine sediment Gb3 in males with classical Fabry disease without prior enzyme replacement therapy significantly decreased. The mean yearly changes in eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) ranged from -2.88 to +1.00 in males with classical Fabry disease, from -2.04 to -0.95 in males with non-typical variant and from -2.64 to -1.02 in females. The lower eGFR or the more proteinuria at baseline, the faster the decrease in eGFR of the patients was observed. There was no substantial difference in cardiac parameters (left ventricular mass index, E/A wave ratio, ejection fraction, and QRS duration). In conclusion, agalsidase alfa, 0.2 mg/kg every other week, was well tolerated and controlled the progression of symptoms (especially renal and cardiac) of Fabry disease in adults. Enzyme replacement therapy should be started in Japanese patients before cardiac and/or renal symptoms of Fabry disease develop.

Dose-Dependent Effect of Enzyme Replacement Therapy on Neutralizing Antidrug Antibody Titers and Clinical Outcome in Patients with Fabry Disease.

BACKGROUND: Use of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) to treat Fabry disease, caused by deficient lysosomal α-galactosidase A activity, can lead to formation of neutralizing antidrug antibodies (ADAs). These antibodies are associated with increased accumulation of plasma globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and disease progression. Because agalsidase ERT can saturate ADA-binding sites during infusions (achieving agalsidase/antibody equilibrium), we investigated in this open cohort study whether saturated patients (who have excess agalsidase after infusions) experience better clinical outcomes compared with not saturated patients (who have excess ADAs after infusions). METHODS: We isolated ADAs from sera of 26 men with Fabry disease receiving ERT (for a median of 94 months) and determined the amount of agalsidase necessary for antibody saturation. Clinical and biochemical outcomes included measurements of eGFR, interventricular septum thickness, and lyso-Gb3. RESULTS: ADA titers decreased significantly in all patients during infusion. Agalsidase-α and agalsidase-ß had similar ADA-binding capacity and comparable ADA saturation frequency. Fourteen patients with saturated ADAs presented with mild (but significant) loss of eGFR, stable septum thickness, and significantly decreased lyso-Gb3 levels. The 12 not saturated patients had a more pronounced and significant loss of eGFR, increased septum thickness, and a smaller, nonsignificant reduction in lyso-Gb3, over time. In three patients, dose escalation resulted in partially elevated ADA titers, but importantly, also in reduced lyso-Gb3 levels. CONCLUSIONS: A not saturated ADA status during infusion is associated with progressive loss of eGFR and ongoing cardiac hypertrophy. Dose escalation can result in saturation of ADAs and decreasing lyso-Gb3 levels, but may lead to increased ADA titers.

Long-Term Dose-Dependent Agalsidase Effects on Kidney Histology in Fabry Disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dose-dependent clearing of podocyte globotriaosylceramide has previously been shown in patients with classic Fabry disease treated with enzyme replacement. Our study evaluates the dose-dependent effects of agalsidase therapy in serial kidney biopsies of patients treated for up to 14 years. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: Twenty patients with classic Fabry disease (12 men) started enzyme replacement therapy at a median age of 21 (range =7-62) years old. Agalsidase-α or -ß was prescribed for a median of 9.4 (range =5-14) years. The lower fixed dose group received agalsidase 0.2 mg/kg every other week throughout the follow-up period. The higher dose group received a range of agalsidase doses (0.2-1.0 mg/kg every other week). Dose changes were made due to disease progression, suboptimal effect, or agalsidase-ß shortage. Serial kidney biopsies were performed along with clinical assessment and biomarkers and scored according to recommendations from the International Study Group of Fabry Nephropathy. RESULTS: No statistical differences were found in baseline or final GFR or albuminuria. Kidney biopsies showed significant reduction of podocyte globotriaosylceramide in both the lower fixed dose group (-1.39 [SD=1.04]; P=0.004) and the higher dose group (-3.16 [SD=2.39]; P=0.002). Podocyte globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) reduction correlated with cumulative agalsidase dose (r=0.69; P=0.001). Arterial/arteriolar intima Gb3 cleared significantly in the higher dose group, all seven patients with baseline intimal Gb3 cleared the intima, one patient gained intimal Gb3 inclusions (P=0.03), and medial Gb3 did not change statistically in either group. Residual plasma globotriaosylsphingosine levels remained higher in the lower fixed dose group (20.1 nmol/L [SD=11.9]) compared with the higher dose group (10.4 nmol/L [SD=8.4]) and correlated with cumulative agalsidase dose in men (r=0.71; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Reduction of podocyte globotriaosylceramide was found in patients with classic Fabry disease treated with long-term agalsidase on different dosing regimens, correlating with cumulative dose. Limited clearing of arterial/arteriolar globotriaosylceramide raises concerns regarding long-term vascular effects of current therapy. Residual plasma globotriaosylsphingosine correlated with cumulative dose in men.

Efficacy and safety of enzyme-replacement-therapy with agalsidase alfa in 36 treatment-naïve Fabry disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder resulting from the α-galactosidase A gene mutations. Enzyme-replacement-therapy (ERT) products for FD currently used include agalsidase alfa and agalsidase beta. There are many reports on efficacy and safety of ERT. However, most of the previous studies are done as a retrospective medical records analysis. METHODS: The Japan Fabry Research - 002 (JFR-002) was a prospective observational clinical study of 36 ERT-naïve FD patients (14 men and 22 women) at baseline (BL) and after initiation of ERT with agalsidase alfa 0.2 mg/kg every two weeks, a median period 62.5 months. The parameters measured included globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), globotriaosylsphingosine (Lyso-Gb3), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-Trop I), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and anti-agalsidase alfa IgG antibody formation. RESULTS: All parameters remained steady during ERT treatment period. BNP levels in 14 patients whose BL levels were within the normal range (<19.5 pg/mL) remained within the same range, while 22 patients whose BL levels were abnormally high (≥19.5 pg/mL) gradually showed decreased levels after start of ERT. Gb3 and Lyso-Gb3 levels remarkably decreased after the initiation of ERT and remained low. CONCLUSION: The JFR-002 suggests that agalsidase alfa is effective in maintaining organ function in FD patients, and that the incidence of infusion reactions related to the treatment with agalsidase alfa is low, indicating the good tolerability to this ERT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The JFR-002 was retrospectively registered at Japan Medical Association Center for Clinical Trials (Registration number: JMA-IIA00291 ) on May 19th, 2017.

Risk factors for severe clinical events in male and female patients with Fabry disease treated with agalsidase beta enzyme replacement therapy: Data from the Fabry Registry.

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease, an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, causes intracellular accumulation of glycosphingolipids leading to progressive renal, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular disease, and premature death. METHODS: This longitudinal Fabry Registry study analyzed data from patients with Fabry disease to determine the incidence and type of severe clinical events following initiation of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with agalsidase beta, as well as risk factors associated with occurrence of these events. Severe events assessed included chronic dialysis, renal transplantation, cardiac events, stroke, and death. RESULTS: The analyses included 969 male and 442 female Fabry patients. The mean age at first agalsidase beta infusion was 35 and 44, and median treatment follow-up 4.3years and 3.2years, respectively. Among males, cardiac events were the most common on-ERT events, followed by renal, stroke, and non-cardiac death. Among females, cardiac events were also most common followed by stroke and renal events. Patients with on-ERT events had significantly more advanced cardiac and renal disease at baseline as compared with patients without on-ERT events. Severe events were also associated with older age at ERT initiation (males and females), a history of pre-ERT events (females; approaching statistical significance in males), and a higher urinary protein/creatinine ratio (females). Approximately 65% of patients with pre-ERT events did not experience subsequent on-ERT events. Of patients without pre-ERT events, most (84% of males, 92% of females) remained event-free. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with on-ERT severe events had more advanced Fabry organ involvement at baseline than those without such events and patients who initiated ERT at a younger age had less residual risk of on-ERT events. The observed patterns of residual risk may aid clinicians in multidisciplinary monitoring of male and female patients with Fabry disease receiving ERT, and in determining the need for administration of adjunctive therapies.

Fabry in the older patient: Clinical consequences and possibilities for treatment.

Baseline demographic and phenotypic characteristics of patients aged ≥50years in the Fabry Outcome Survey (Shire; data extracted June 2014) were compared with younger adults to investigate potential factors influencing treatment decisions in later life. Age groups were defined using age at treatment initiation or at FOS entry for untreated patients: 18-49 (n=1344; 49.5% male; 64.6% received agalsidase alfa enzyme replacement therapy [ERT]); 50-64 (n=537; 35.4% male; 74.3% treated); 65-74 (n=137; 32.1% male; 68.6% treated); and ≥75years (n=26; 26.9% male; 50.0% treated). Successive age groups showed higher median age at first symptom and diagnosis. Median alpha-galactosidase A activity, measured as percentage activity of the midpoint of the normal range, was much greater in females than males of all groups except ≥75years (33.4% in females; 27.8% in males). Patients aged ≥75years showed greater values than patients aged 18-49years for median left ventricular mass indexed to height (62.7 vs 42.4g/m(2.7)), mean ventricular wall thickness (15.0 vs 10.0mm) and prevalence of hypertension (57.7% vs 21.8%), and lower median estimated glomerular filtration rate (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease: 65.6 vs 98.5mL/min/1.73m(2)). Larger proportions in the groups aged ≥50 exhibited cardiac and/or cerebrovascular manifestations compared with patients aged 18-49years. The smaller proportion of patients receiving ERT aged ≥75years compared with the younger groups might reflect relatively milder disease burden or physician/patient reluctance to initiate/continue ERT at this age. Further studies are needed to increase knowledge of Fabry disease and ERT in later life.

Patients with Fabry Disease after Enzyme Replacement Therapy Dose Reduction and Switch-2-Year Follow-Up.

Because of the shortage of agalsidase-ß supply between 2009 and 2012, patients with Fabry disease either were treated with reduced doses or were switched to agalsidase-α. In this observational study, we assessed end organ damage and clinical symptoms with special focus on renal outcome after 2 years of dose-reduction and/or switch to agalsidase-α. A total of 89 adult patients with Fabry disease who had received agalsidase-ß (1.0 mg/kg body wt) for >1 year were nonrandomly assigned to continue this treatment regimen (regular-dose group, n=24), to receive a reduced dose of 0.3-0.5 mg/kg and a subsequent switch to 0.2 mg/kg agalsidase-α (dose-reduction-switch group, n=28), or to directly switch to 0.2 mg/kg agalsidase-α (switch group, n=37) and were followed-up for 2 years. We assessed clinical events (death, myocardial infarction, severe arrhythmia, stroke, progression to ESRD), changes in cardiac and renal function, Fabry-related symptoms (pain, hypohidrosis, diarrhea), and disease severity scores. Determination of renal function by creatinine and cystatin C-based eGFR revealed decreasing eGFRs in the dose-reduction-switch group and the switch group. The Mainz Severity Score Index increased significantly in these two groups (P=0.02 and P<0.001, respectively), and higher frequencies of gastrointestinal pain occurred during follow-up. In conclusion, after 2 years of observation, all groups showed a stable clinical disease course with respect to serious clinical events. However, patients under agalsidase-ß dose-reduction and switch or a direct switch to agalsidase-α showed a decline of renal function independent of the eGFR formula used.