Immunomodulatory and clinical effects of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) inhibitor eclitasertib (SAR443122) in patients with severe COVID-19: a phase 1b, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Targeting receptor-interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 1 could mitigate the devastating sequelae of the hyperinflammatory state observed in severe cases of COVID-19. This study explored the immunomodulatory and clinical effects of the receptor-interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 1 inhibitor SAR443122 (eclitasertib) in patients with severe COVID-19. METHODS: In this Phase 1b, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study (NCT04469621) a total of 82 patients were screened, of whom 68 patients were eligible and randomized (2:1) to receive eclitasertib 600 mg (300 mg twice daily) or placebo up to 14 days. Primary outcome was relative change in C-reactive protein from baseline to Day 7. Time to clinical improvement using 7-point ordinal scale, ventilator/respiratory failure-free days, change in SpO2/FiO2 ratio, and biomarkers of severe COVID-19 were explored. RESULTS: Geometric mean ratio (point estimate [90% confidence interval]) of the relative change from baseline in C-reactive protein with eclitasertib vs. placebo on Day 7 was 0.85 (0.49-1.45; p = 0.30). Median time to 50% decrease in C-reactive protein from baseline was 3 days vs. 5 days (p = 0.056) with eclitasertib vs. placebo. Median time to ≥ 2-point improvement on 7-point clinical symptoms scale was 8 days vs. 10 days with eclitasertib vs. placebo (p = 0.38). Mean ventilator/respiratory failure-free days, change in baseline-adjusted SpO2/FiO2 ratio, and clinical biomarkers showed consistent numerical improvements with eclitasertib vs. placebo. The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events were gastrointestinal disorders and condition aggravated/worsened COVID-19 pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: Eclitasertib was well tolerated with consistent trends toward more rapid resolution of inflammatory biomarkers and clinical improvement in severe COVID-19 patients than placebo. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04469621, first posted on clinicaltrials.gov on July 14, 2020.

Successful administration of BI 695501, an adalimumab biosimilar, using an autoinjector (AI): results from a Phase II open-label clinical study (VOLTAIRE®-RL).

BACKGROUND: This study examined the patient handling experience and self-injection success of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) administering BI 695501 using an AI. METHODS: This Phase II, 7-week, open-label, interventional study (NCT02636907) included adult patients with moderately to severely active RA not adequately controlled by DMARDs, with no experience of self-injecting with AI/pen. Patients self-injected BI 695501 via AI every 2 weeks in the AI Assessment Period (AAP). Training was given on first injection; AI handling events were recorded. Percentage of self-injection success was the primary end point. Patients could enter a 42-week pre-filled syringe (PFS) safety extension. RESULTS: The AAP was completed by 73/77 patients. In total, 216/218 (99.1%) self-injections on Days 15, 29, and 43, were successful. Nine (11.7%) patients had drug-related adverse events (AEs). Two patients reported four serious AEs (SAEs), none drug-related. Overall (in the AAP and PFS extension), 28 (36.4%) patients had drug-related AEs; nine patients had SAEs, one was considered drug-related. Five (6.5%) patients reported injection-site reactions in the AAP; 13 (18.1%) in the PFS extension. CONCLUSIONS: After training, almost all patients were successfully able to self-administer BI 695501 using an AI. BI 695501 via AI (and via PFS in the extension) was well tolerated. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02636907.

A Longitudinal Item Response Theory Model to Characterize Cognition Over Time in Elderly Subjects.

For drug development in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, it is important to understand which cognitive domains carry the most information on the earliest signs of cognitive decline, and which subject characteristics are associated with a faster decline. A longitudinal Item Response Theory (IRT) model was developed for the Basel Study on the Elderly, in which the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease - Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (with additions) and the California Verbal Learning Test were measured on 1,750 elderly subjects for up to 13.9 years. The model jointly captured the multifaceted nature of cognition and its longitudinal trajectory. The word list learning and delayed recall tasks carried the most information. Greater age at baseline, fewer years of education, and positive APOEɛ4 carrier status were associated with a faster cognitive decline. Longitudinal IRT modeling is a powerful approach for progressive diseases with multifaceted endpoints.

Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale variants in mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease: change over time and the effect of enrichment strategies.

BACKGROUND: Development of new treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has broadened into early interventions in individuals with modest cognitive impairment and a slow decline. The 11-item version of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog) was originally developed to measure cognition in patients with mild to moderate AD. Attempts to improve its properties for early AD by removing items prone to ceiling and/or by adding cognitive measures known to be impaired early have yielded a number of ADAS-Cog variants. Using Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative data, we compared the performance of the 3-, 5-, 11- and 13-item ADAS-Cog variants in subjects with early AD. Given the interest in enrichment strategies, we also examined this aspect with a focus on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers. METHODS: Subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild AD with available ADAS-Cog 13 and CSF data were analysed. The decline over time was defined by change from baseline. Direct cross-comparison of the ADAS-Cog variants was performed using the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), with higher values reflecting increased sensitivity to detect change over time. RESULTS: The decline over time on any of the ADAS-Cog variants was minimal in subjects with MCI. Approximately half of subjects with MCI fulfilled enrichment criteria for positive AD pathology. The impact of enrichment was detectable but subtle in MCI. The annual decline in mild AD was more pronounced but still modest. More than 90 % of subjects with mild AD had positive AD pathology. SNRs were low in MCI but greater in mild AD. The numerically largest SNRs were seen for the ADAS-Cog 5 in MCI and for both the 5- and 13-item ADAS-Cog variants in mild AD, although associated confidence intervals were large. CONCLUSIONS: The possible value of ADAS-Cog expansion or reduction is less than compelling, particularly in MCI. In mild AD, adding items known to be impaired at early stages seems to provide more benefit than removing items on which subjects score close to ceiling.

Responder analysis of a randomized comparison of the 13.3 mg/24 h and 9.5 mg/24 h rivastigmine patch.

INTRODUCTION: OPtimizing Transdermal Exelon In Mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (OPTIMA) was a randomized, double-blind comparison of 13.3 mg/24 h versus 9.5 mg/24 h rivastigmine patch in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease who declined despite open-label treatment with 9.5 mg/24 h patch. Over 48 weeks of double-blind treatment, high-dose patch produced greater functional and cognitive benefits compared with 9.5 mg/24 h patch. METHODS: Using OPTIMA data, a post-hoc responder analysis was performed to firstly, compare the proportion of patients demonstrating improvement or absence of decline with 13.3 mg/24 h versus 9.5 mg/24 h patch; and secondly, identify predictors of improvement or absence of decline. 'Improvers' were patients who improved on the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) by ≥4 points from baseline, and did not decline on the instrumental domain of the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living scale (ADCS-IADL). 'Non-decliners' were patients who did not decline on either scale. RESULTS: Overall, 265 patients randomized to 13.3 mg/24 h and 271 to 9.5 mg/24 h patch met the criteria for inclusion in the intention-to-treat population and were included in the analyses. Significantly more patients were 'improvers' with 13.3 mg/24 h compared with 9.5 mg/24 h patch at Weeks 24 (44 (16.6%) versus 19 (7.0%); P < 0.001) and 48 (21 (7.9%) versus 10 (3.7%); P = 0.023). A significantly greater proportion of patients were 'non-decliners' with 13.3 mg/24 h compared with 9.5 mg/24 h patch at Week 24 (71 (26.8%) versus 44 (16.2%); P = 0.002). At Week 48, there was a trend in favor of 13.3 mg/24 h patch. Functional and cognitive assessment scores at double-blind baseline did not consistently predict effects at Weeks 24 or 48. CONCLUSION: More patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease who are titrated to 13.3 mg/24 h rivastigmine patch at time of decline are 'improvers' or 'non-decliners' i.e. show responses on cognition and activities of daily living compared with patients remaining on 9.5 mg/24 h patch. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00506415; registered July 20, 2007.

Efficacy of higher dose 13.3 mg/24 h rivastigmine patch on instrumental activities of daily living in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Stabilizing/reducing decline in the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) is important in management of Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: Post hoc analysis of OPtimizing Transdermal Exelon In Mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (OPTIMA), a double-blind trial comparing 13.3 and 9.5 mg/24 h rivastigmine patch in patients with AD demonstrating functional and cognitive decline with 9.5 mg/24 h patch. Efficacy on Alzheimer's disease Cooperative Study-instrumental ADL (ADCS-IADL) items, higher level function (HLF), and autonomy factors was assessed. RESULTS: The ADCS-IADL, HLF, and autonomy factors favored 13.3 mg/24 h patch at all time points, reaching significance from weeks 16 to 48, 24 to 48, and 32 to 48, respectively. Higher dose patch demonstrated significantly greater efficacy on 10 of 17 ADCS-IADL items at 1 or more time points (P < .05 vs 9.5 mg/24 h patch). More adverse events were observed with higher dose patch; study discontinuations were similar between the doses. CONCLUSIONS: Greater efficacy of 13.3 versus 9.5 mg/24 h patch on ADL, including autonomy and HLF factors, supports this additional dosing option to prolong patients' independence.

Phase III, randomized, open-label study of daily imatinib mesylate 400 mg versus 800 mg in patients with newly diagnosed, previously untreated chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase using molecular end points: tyrosine kinase inhibitor optimization and selectivity study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of initial treatment with imatinib mesylate 800 mg/d (400 mg twice daily) versus 400 mg/d in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 476 patients were randomly assigned 2:1 to imatinib 800 mg (n = 319) or 400 mg (n = 157) daily. The primary end point was the major molecular response (MMR) rate at 12 months. RESULTS: At 12 months, differences in MMR and complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) rates were not statistically significant (MMR, 46% v 40%; P = .2035; CCyR, 70% v 66%; P = .3470). However, MMR occurred faster among patients randomly assigned to imatinib 800 mg/d, who had higher rates of MMR at 3 and 6 months compared with those in the imatinib 400-mg/d arm (P = .0035 by log-rank test). CCyR also occurred faster in the 800-mg/d arm (CCyR at 6 months, 57% v 45%; P = .0146). The most common adverse events were edema, gastrointestinal problems, and rash, and all were more common in patients in the 800-mg/d arm. Grades 3 to 4 hematologic toxicity also occurred more frequently in patients receiving imatinib 800 mg/d. CONCLUSION: MMR rates at 1 year were similar with imatinib 800 mg/d and 400 mg/d, but MMR and CCyR occurred earlier in patients treated with 800 mg/d. Continued follow-up is needed to determine the clinical significance of earlier responses on high-dose imatinib.

Efficacy of imatinib dose escalation in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase.

BACKGROUND: Imatinib mesylate given orally at a daily dose of 400 mg is the standard of care as initial therapy for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CML-CP). Treatment guidelines propose dose escalation based on clinical assessments of disease response. METHODS: Response and survival were analyzed in a cohort of patients (n = 106) with newly diagnosed CML-CP who were enrolled on the International Randomized Study of Interferon and STI571 (IRIS) trial, who began treatment with imatinib at a dose of 400 mg daily, and who subsequently underwent dose escalation to either 600 mg or 800 mg daily. Reasons for dose escalation were evaluated retrospectively based on 2 sets of criteria: the IRIS protocol-defined criteria (n = 39 patients) and the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) recommendations (n = 48 patients). RESULTS: Among all 106 patients who underwent dose escalation, the rates of freedom from progression to accelerated phase or blast phase and overall survival were 89% and 84% at 3 years after dose increase, respectively. A cytogenetic response was obtained in 42% of patients who had their dose escalated based on protocol criteria and in 38% of patients who had their dose escalated according to the ELN recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this retrospective analysis supported imatinib dose escalation as an appropriate initial option for patients with CML-CP who were experiencing suboptimal cytogenetic response or resistance.

Imatinib pharmacokinetics and its correlation with response and safety in chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia: a subanalysis of the IRIS study.

Imatinib at 400 mg daily is standard treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase. We here describe the correlation of imatinib trough plasma concentrations (C(mins)) with clinical responses, event-free survival (EFS), and adverse events (AEs). Trough level plasma samples were obtained on day 29 (steady state, n = 351). Plasma concentrations of imatinib and its metabolite CGP74588 were determined by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The overall mean (+/- SD, CV%) steady-state C(min) for imatinib and CGP74588 were 979 ng/mL (+/- 530 ng/mL, 54.1%) and 242 ng/mL (+/- 106 ng/mL, 43.6%), respectively. Cumulative estimated complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) and major molecular response (MMR) rates differed among the quartiles of imatinib trough levels (P = .01 for CCyR, P = .02 for MMR). C(min) of imatinib was significantly higher in patients who achieved CCyR (1009 +/- 544 ng/mL vs 812 +/- 409 ng/mL, P = .01). Patients with high imatinib exposure had better rates of CCyR and MMR and EFS. An exploratory analysis demonstrated that imatinib trough levels were predictive of higher CCyR independently of Sokal risk group. AE rates were similar among the imatinib quartile categories except fluid retention, rash, myalgia, and anemia, which were more common at higher imatinib concentrations. These results suggest that an adequate plasma concentration of imatinib is important for a good clinical response. This study is registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00333840.

Favorable long-term follow-up results over 6 years for response, survival, and safety with imatinib mesylate therapy in chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia after failure of interferon-alpha treatment.

Imatinib mesylate, a targeted inhibitor of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, is the standard of care for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). A phase 2 trial of imatinib in late chronic-phase (CP) CML after interferon-alpha (IFNalpha) failure enrolled 532 patients, 454 with a confirmed diagnosis of CP CML. Median time from diagnosis was 34 months; median duration of imatinib treatment was 65 months. Cumulative best rates of major cytogenetic response (MCyR) and complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) were 67% and 57%, respectively. At the 5-year landmark, 184 (41%) of the 454 patients are in CCyR. At more than 6 years, 199 (44%) of the 454 patients remain on imatinib. Most responses occurred within 12 months of starting imatinib; however, some patients achieved initial MCyR and CCyR more than 5 years after imatinib initiation. Estimated rates of freedom from progression to accelerated phase (AP) and blastic phase (BP) and overall survival at 6 years were 61% and 76%, respectively. Both freedom from progression to AP/BP and overall survival (OS) were associated with cytogenetic response level at 12 months. No increase in rates of serious adverse events was observed with continuous use of imatinib for up to 6.5 years, compared with earlier time points. Imatinib continues to be an effective and safe therapy for patients with CP CML after failure of IFN.

Survival advantage from imatinib compared with the combination interferon-alpha plus cytarabine in chronic-phase chronic myelogenous leukemia: historical comparison between two phase 3 trials.

In the multinational IRIS study comparing imatinib with interferon plus cytarabine (IFN/Ara-C) in patients with newly diagnosed chronic-phase chronic myelogenous leukemia (CP CML), imatinib demonstrated significantly higher rates of complete cytogenetic responses (CCyRs) and improved progression-free survival (PFS). However, because of a high early crossover rate to imatinib, survival benefit was not assessable. Here, we report the result of a study comparing long-term outcome of patients included in 2 prospective randomized trials: 551 patients assigned to imatinib in the IRIS trial from 2000 to 2001 and 325 patients who received the combination IFN/Ara-C in the CML91 trial between 1991 and 1996 before imatinib was available. With a follow-up of 42 months for both groups of patients, estimated CCyR, survival free of transformation, and overall survival were significantly higher with imatinib compared with IFN/Ara-C (P < .001, P = .004, and P < .001, respectively). Improved overall survival was also confirmed within different Sokal prognostic risk groups. Of interest, among all patients who achieved major cytogenetic response or CCyR at 12 months, the survival rate was similar irrespective of their treatment. In conclusion, within the limitation of this historical comparison, there is a survival advantage from first-line therapy with imatinib over IFN/Ara-C.

The somatostatin analogue SOM230, compared with octreotide, induces differential effects in several metabolic pathways in acromegalic patients.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, our first clinical study with the novel multiligand somatostatin (SRIF) analogue SOM230 in acromegalic patients showed that SOM230, due to its beneficial inhibitory effects on GH levels compared with octreotide (OCT), might increase the number of patients that can be biochemically controlled. Since SRIF analogues are also known to interact with other metabolic pathways, IGF-I, IGFBP-1, glucose and insulin concentrations on the control day (CD) and on treatment days following a single s.c. injection SOM230 100 and 250 microg, were compared to those following OCT 100 microg. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Randomized, cross-over, double-blinded proof-of-concept trial in 12 patients with active acromegaly. RESULTS: Free IGF-I levels were suppressed after 24 h by OCT, SOM230 250 and 100 microg, whereas at 48 h only both SOM230 dosages still induced these inhibitory effects. Circulating IGFBP-1 levels (AUC; 0830-1430 h) compared with CD, increased sharply after OCT (from 48 to 237 microg/l/h; P < 0.001 vs. CD), while SOM230 250 and 100 microg elicited a lower and dose-dependent effect (163 and 90 microg/l/h, respectively, P < 0.05 vs. CD and OCT). Neither insulin nor GH levels showed statistically significant correlation with IGFBP-1 levels either after SOM230 or OCT. An early rise in glucose levels 1 h postinjection with SOM230 250 microg compared with OCT and CD was observed 8.3 +/- 0.8, 4.4 +/- 0.5 and 4.9 +/- 0.4 mmol/l, respectively: P < 0.05). SOM230 250 microg (19 +/- 4 vs. 46 +/- 3 mU/l on CD: P < 0.05), although clearly less potent than OCT (5.4 +/- 0.4 mU/l: P < 0.01 vs. CD), inhibited insulin release. Since these corresponding absolute insulin levels cannot entirely explain this hyperglycaemic effect of SOM230, other mechanisms seem involved in this glucose rise. If SOM230 would influence glucose homeostasis in peripheral target tissues of insulin action, expression of SS-receptors (sst) seems a logical necessity. In normal human liver tissues, analysed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the average sst1 mRNA expression level appeared significantly higher compared with sst2 (n = 6, relative copy number 161 +/- 46 vs. 57 +/- 6; P < 0.05). Fat tissue expressed both sst1 and sst2 mRNA, whereas in muscle only sst2 mRNA was found. CONCLUSION: Both dosages of SOM230 inhibit free IGF-I in a more sustained fashion compared to OCT, implying longer duration of action. The superior action of OCT compared with SOM230 in stimulating IGFBP-1 levels, suggests direct regulation of IGFBP-1 by SRIF analogues via sst2. Finally, expression of only sst1 and sst2 in target tissues of insulin action, might point towards additional modulatory effects by SOM230 on glucose homeostasis.

A single-dose comparison of the acute effects between the new somatostatin analog SOM230 and octreotide in acromegalic patients.

Treatment with the somatostatin receptor (sst) subtype 2 predominant analogs octreotide and lanreotide induces clinical and biochemical cure in approximately 65% of acromegalic patients. GH-secreting pituitary adenomas, which are not controlled, also express sst(5). We compared the acute effects of octreotide and SOM230, a new somatostatin analog with high affinity for sst(1,2,3,5) on hormone release in acromegalic patients. In a single-dose, proof-of-concept study, 100 microg octreotide and 100 and 250 microg SOM230 were given s.c. to 12 patients with active acromegaly. Doses of 100 and 250 microg SOM230 dose-dependently suppressed GH levels from 2-8 h after administration (-38 +/- 7.7 vs. -61 +/- 6.7%, respectively; P < 0.01). A comparable suppression of GH levels by octreotide and 250 microg SOM230 was observed in eight patients (-65 +/- 7 vs. -72 +/- 7%, respectively). In three patients, the acute GH-lowering effect of 250 microg SOM230 was significantly superior to that of octreotide (-70 +/- 2 vs. -17 +/- 15%, respectively; P < 0.01). In one patient, the GH-lowering effect of octreotide was better than that of SOM230. Tolerability for SOM230 was good. Glucose levels were initially slightly elevated after octreotide and SOM230, compared with control day, whereas insulin levels were only significantly suppressed by octreotide. We conclude that SOM230 is an effective GH-lowering drug in acromegalic patients with the potential to increase the number of patients controlled during long-term medical treatment.