Peginterferon beta-1a concentrations in breast milk of lactating multiple sclerosis patients.

BACKGROUND: Peginterferon beta-1a is an interferon beta-1a formulation that has been pegylated, resulting in a longer half-life than other interferon beta formulations. We examined concentrations of peginterferon beta-1a in breast milk of lactating patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving peginterferon beta-1a as their postpartum disease-modifying therapy. METHODS: After completion of titration to a full dose of peginterferon beta-1a and following a single full dose peginterferon beta-1a injection (125 µg), breast milk samples (≥10 mL) were collected by 5 women on days 1-14 post injection. Peginterferon beta-1a concentrations in breast milk samples were measured by a qualified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (detection threshold: 15 pg/mL). Mean and median daily concentrations and median maximum concentration (Cmax), time of Cmax (Tmax), time of last measurable concentration (Tlast), area under the concentration-time curve (AUClast), and relative infant dose (RID) were determined. RESULTS: After receiving a single full dose peginterferon beta-1a injection, the maximum breast milk concentration recorded in an individual patient was 126.2 pg/mL (0.00013 µg/mL) on day 6. The remaining patients all had maximum breast milk concentrations <72 pg/mL. The geometric mean of Cmax was 48.9 pg/mL and the median Tmax and Tlast were 4 and 7 days, respectively. The median AUClast was 210.9 day*pg/mL. Among the 5 study patients, the mean breast milk concentration across all study days was 35.95 pg/mL, with an estimated RID of 0.0054% of the maternal dose. CONCLUSION: Minimal concentrations of peginterferon beta-1a were detected in the breast milk samples. These findings may be useful for clinicians considering postpartum MS treatment options.

Significant immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective impacts of Silymarin in MS patients: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinicaltrial.

Interferon beta (IFN-ß) has successfully been experimented with to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). However, patients sometimes do not respond effectively to treatment, and |adverse effects, including liver toxicity, accompany this therapy. |Accordingly, we decided to treat MS patients simultaneously with Silymarin (SM) as an immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective agent and IFN-ß in a clinical trial study. Complete blood count (CBC), liver enzyme levels, and the serum concentration of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured. Also, the frequency of immune cells was determined by flow cytometry. Liver enzyme levels were significantly lower in the intervention group (p < 0.05). The percentage of Th17 cells in the intervention group was significantly reduced compared to the placebo group (P < 0.001). Also, the frequency of Treg cells after treatment with SM plus IFN-ß was significantly increased compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the IL-17 and IFNγ cytokine levels were significantly reduced in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGFß were significantly increased in the intervention group (P < 0.05).Overall, the results provide novel and supplementary information on SM's notable immunoregulatory effects on inflammatory response and liver function in MS patients. Clinical Trial Identifier Number: IRCTID: IRCT20171220037977N1.

Effect of genetic polymorphisms on therapeutic response in multiple sclerosis relapsing-remitting patients treated with interferon-beta.

Treatment with interferon beta (IFNß) is one of the first-line treatments for multiple sclerosis. In clinical practice, however, many patients present suboptimal response to IFNß, with the proportion of non-responders ranging from 20 to 50%. This variable response can be affected by genetic factors, such as polymorphisms in the genes involved in the disease state, pharmacodynamics, metabolism or in the action mechanism of IFNß, which can affect the efficacy of this drug. This review assesses the impact of pharmacogenetics studies on response to IFNß treatment among patients diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The results suggest that the detection of polymorphisms in several genes (CD46, CD58, FHIT, IRF5, GAPVD1, GPC5, GRBRB3, MxA, PELI3 and ZNF697) could be used in the future as predictive markers of response to IFNß treatment in patients diagnosed with RRMS. However, few studies have been carried out and they have been performed on small sample sizes, which makes it difficult to generalize the role of these genes in IFNß treatment. Studies on large sample sizes with longer term follow-up are therefore required to confirm these results.

Intact bioactivities and improved pharmacokinetic of the SL335-IFN-ß-1a fusion protein that created by genetic fusion of SL335, a human anti-serum albumin fab, and human interferon-ß.

Recombinant human interferon beta (rIFN-ß) has long been used as a first-line treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS), and any attempt to develop a long-acting rIFN-ß is desirable since only one pegylated version of long-acting rIFN-ß-1a (Plegridy) is currently available in clinics. Previously, we reported that SL335, a human Fab molecule specific to serum albumin, exhibits an extended serum half-life via utilizing the FcRn recycling mechanism. With the ultimate goal of developing a long-acting rIFN-®, we generated a fusion construct by linking human IFN-ß cDNA to the C-terminus of the SL335 H chain at the DNA level followed by expression of the fusion protein, referred to as SL335-IFN-ß-1a, in Chinese hamster ovary-S (CHO-S) cells. In its N-linked glycosylated form, the resulting fusion protein was easily purified from the culture supernatant via a three-step chromatography process. In vitro functional assays revealed that the fusion protein retained its intrinsic binding capabilities to human serum albumin (HSA) and interferon α/ß receptor (IFNAR) that were almost identical to those of parental SL335 and rIFN-ß-1a (Rebif). In addition, the fusion protein possessed an antiviral potency and anti-proliferation activity comparable to those of Rebif. In pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses using Lewis rats and cynomolgus monkeys, SL335-IFN-ß-1a exhibited at least a two-fold longer serum half-life and a significantly reduced renal clearance rate compared to those of Rebif. Finally, a four-week repeated dose toxicity study revealed no abnormal toxicological signs. In conclusion, our results clearly demonstrated that SL335-IFN-ß-1a is worthy of further development as an alternative long-acting IFN-ß therapeutic.

Eficacia del tratamiento inmunomodulador con interferón-β o acetato de glatirámero en las uveítis asociadas a esclerosis múltiple / Efficacy of immunomodulatory therapy with interferon-β or glatiramer acetate on multiple sclerosis-associated uveitis

Objetivo: Analizar la eficacia del interferón-β o acetato de glatirámero en reducir los episodios de inflamación intraocular en pacientes con uveítis asociada a esclerosis múltiple. Método: Estudio no aleatorizado, retrospectivo de serie de casos de 13 pacientes con diagnóstico definitivo de esclerosis múltiple y uveítis (seguimiento mínimo, 12 meses). Todos los pacientes fueron tratados con terapia inmunomoduladora (interferón-β o acetato de glatirámero) para controlar el curso de la esclerosis múltiple. Los pacientes fueron comparados con ellos mismos antes de iniciar el tratamiento inmunomodulador para valorar la diferencia en los episodios de uveítis. Variable principal de medida: número de episodios de uveítis con/sin tratamiento inmunomodulador. Resultados: Los brotes de uveítis fueron bilaterales en 10 de 13 pacientes (77%). Once pacientes fueron clasificados como uveítis intermedias, 3 pacientes como vasculitis retiniana y un paciente como uveítis posterior. Los pacientes tuvieron una media de 4,15±3,1 episodios de uveítis (rango 1-10) a lo largo del seguimiento (148,6±84,3 meses). Los pacientes bajo tratamiento con interferón-β o acetato de glatirámero mostraron una reducción significativa de 0,36 episodios de inflamación intraocular al año (p = 0,02) comparados con ellos mismos antes de iniciar el tratamiento. Seis pacientes (46%) mostraron efectos secundarios leves asociados al tratamiento inmunomodulador (3 pacientes [23%] síndrome seudogripal; 3 pacientes [23%] rash cutáneo). Conclusiones: El interferón-β o acetato de glatirámero podrían ser efectivos en reducir los brotes de inflamación intraocular en pacientes con uveítis asociada a esclerosis múltiple, siendo bien tolerados por la mayoría de los pacientes (AU)

Aim: To analyse the role of interferon-β or glatiramer acetate in reducing the inflammatory episodes of intra-ocular inflammation in multiple sclerosis-associated uveitis. Method: A study was conducted on a non-randomised, retrospective case series of 13 patients with proven multiple sclerosis and uveitis (minimum follow-up, 12 months). All patients were given immunomodulatory treatment (interferon-β or glatiramer acetate) to control the course of the multiple sclerosis. Patients were compared to themselves before initiating the treatment, in order to assess the difference in uveitis episodes. The main outcome measurements were the number of uveitis episodes with/without immunomodulatory treatment. Results: Uveitis was bilateral in 10 (77%) out of 13 patients. Intermediate uveitis was observed in 11 patients, retinal vasculitis in 3 patients, and one patient was classified as a posterior uveitis. The patients had a mean of 4.15±3.1 episodes of uveitis (range 1-10) during the follow-up period (148.6±84.3 months). When compared to their pre-treatment status, patients on treatment with interferon-β or glatiramer acetate showed a significant decrease of 0.36 episodes of ocular inflammation per year (P =.02). Mild side effects related to immunomodulatory treatment were observed in 6 (46%) patients, 3 (23%) patients with a flu-like syndrome, and 3 (23%) patients with a skin rash. Conclusions: Interferon β or glatiramer acetate could be effective in reducing the uveitis episodes in patients with multiple sclerosis-associated uveitis, and was well tolerated in most patients (AU)

Population-Based Pharmacokinetic and Exposure-Efficacy Analyses of Peginterferon Beta-1a in Patients With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis.

Peginterferon beta-1a reduced annualized relapse rate as compared with placebo and was approved to treat multiple sclerosis patients. A population pharmacokinetic and an exposure-efficacy model were developed to establish the quantitative relationship between pharmacokinetics and annualized relapse rate. The pharmacokinetics was well described by a 1-compartment model with first-order absorption and linear elimination kinetics. Body mass index was the most significant covariate that impacted both clearance and volume of distribution, which in turn impacted area under the curve and maximum serum concentration. Cumulative monthly area under the curve and annualized relapse rate were best described by a Poisson-gamma (negative binomial) model, demonstrating that the improved efficacy of every-2-weeks dosing was driven by greater drug exposure. The results supported the superior efficacy of the every-2-week dosing regimen compared with the every-4-weeks dosing regimen.

Novel pegylated interferon-ß as strong suppressor of the malignant ascites in a peritoneal metastasis model of human cancer.

Malignant ascites manifests as an end-stage event during the progression of a number of cancers and lacks a generally accepted standard therapy. Interferon-ß (IFN-ß) has been used to treat several cancer indications; however, little is known about the efficacy of IFN-ß on malignant ascites. In the present study, we report on the development of a novel, engineered form of human and murine IFN-ß, each conjugated with a polyethylene glycol molecule (PEG-hIFN-ß and PEG-mIFN-ß, respectively). We provide evidence that these IFN-ß molecules retain anti-viral potency comparable to unmodified IFN-ß in vitro and manifested improved pharmacokinetics in vivo. Interestingly, PEG-mIFN-ß significantly inhibited the accumulation of ascites fluid and vascular permeability of the peritoneal membrane in models of ovarian cancer and gastric cancer cell xenograft mice. We further show that PEG-hIFN-ß directly suppresses VEGF165 -induced hyperpermeability in a monolayer of human vascular endothelial cells and that PEG-mIFN-ß enhanced gene expression for a number of cell adhesion related molecules in mouse vascular endothelial cells. Taken together, these findings unveil a hitherto unrecognized potential of IFN-ß in maintaining vascular integrity, and provide proof-of-mechanism for a novel and long-acting pegylated hIFN-ß for the therapeutic treatment of malignant ascites.

Peginterferon Beta-1a Shows Antitumor Activity as a Single Agent and Enhances Efficacy of Standard of Care Cancer Therapeutics in Human Melanoma, Breast, Renal, and Colon Xenograft Models.

Because of its tumor-suppressive effect, interferon-based therapy has been used for the treatment of melanoma. However, limited data are available regarding the antitumor effects of pegylated interferons, either alone or in combination with approved anticancer drugs. We report that treatment of human WM-266-4 melanoma cells with peginterferon beta-1a induced apoptotic markers. Additionally, peginterferon beta-1a significantly inhibited the growth of human SK-MEL-1, A-375, and WM-266-4 melanoma xenografts established in immunocompromised mice. Peginterferon beta-1a regressed large, established WM-266-4 xenografts in nude mice. Treatment of SK-MEL-1 tumor-bearing mice with a combination of peginterferon beta-1a and the MEK inhibitor PD325901 ((R)-N-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-3,4-difluoro-2-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)benzamide) significantly improved tumor growth inhibition compared with either agent alone. Examination of the antitumor activity of peginterferon beta-1a in combination with approved anticancer drugs in breast and renal carcinomas revealed improved antitumor activity in these preclinical xenograft models, as did the combination of peginterferon beta-1a and bevacizumab in a colon carcinoma xenograft model.

Analysis of peginterferon ß-1a exposure and Gd-enhanced lesion or T2 lesion response in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients.

The effect of subcutaneous (SC) peginterferon ß-1a exposure on reduction of gadolinium-enhanced (Gd+) lesion count over time was evaluated in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in a Phase 3 study (ADVANCE). Patients were randomized to receive SC injections of placebo (n = 500), 125 mcg every-2-weeks (n = 512), or 125 mcg every-4-weeks (n = 500) for 1 year, and then active treatment in the second year. Steady state 4-week AUC (AUCss) was derived for each individual based on sparse pharmacokinetic (PK) sample and a population PK model. Several longitudinal count models, including marginal, mixed effect, and mixture models, were compared to explore the relationship between AUCss and Gd+ lesion count (or T2 lesion count). A mixture model which divided subjects into two subpopulations by low and high baseline lesion activity was found to yield best goodness-of-fit for the data. In this model, the point estimate and 95 % CI for drug effect slope on log(λ) are -0.0256 (-0.0304, -0.0216) for Gd+ lesion and -0.0147 (-0.0170, -0.0124) for T2 lesion. This suggested that reduction of Gd+ lesion (or T2 lesion) count over time is significantly related to SC peginterferon ß-1a exposure, and that the increased reduction lesion count with the every-2-week regimen versus the every-4-week regimen was driven by the higher exposure achieved in that treatment arm (mean Gd+ lesion count 0.2 and 0.7 at Year 2, respectively). The every-2-week regimen produced an exposure range that was close to the plateau range of the exposure-response curve, supporting its selection as the regulatory approved dosage.

COMPARE: Pharmacokinetic profiles of subcutaneous peginterferon beta-1a and subcutaneous interferon beta-1a over 2 weeks in healthy subjects.

AIM: Subcutaneous (s.c.) peginterferon beta-1a injected once every 2 weeks and s.c. interferon beta-1a injected three times per week (Rebif®) have demonstrated efficacy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, but direct comparisons of pharmacological activity and tolerability between the two products are lacking. COMPARE was an open label, crossover, pharmacokinetic (PK) study evaluating drug exposure and the safety and tolerability of s.c. peginterferon beta-1a and s.c. interferon beta-1a, over 2 weeks in healthy subjects. METHODS: Thirty healthy subjects received one dose of peginterferon beta-1a (125 µg s.c.) or six doses of interferon beta-1a (44 µg s.c.) over 2 weeks, followed by the alternate treatment after a 2 week washout period. Drug concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and PK parameters including cumulative area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0-336h ) over 2 weeks and maximum observed serum concentrations (Cmax ) were estimated using a non-compartmental analysis. RESULTS: The PK analysis population comprised 26 subjects for each treatment. Drug exposure (AUC0-336h ) was 60% higher with s.c. peginterferon than with s.c. interferon beta-1a (117.4 ng ml(-1) h, 95% confidence interval 95.6, 144.3 vs. 73.1 ng ml(-1) h, 95% confidence interval 61.2, 87.3, respectively; P < 0.0001). Injection-site reactions (ISRs) were the most common adverse events (AEs) observed with both treatments. Numerically lower frequencies and incidence rates of ISRs, headache, myalgia and chills were observed with s.c. peginterferon beta-1a. CONCLUSIONS: One dose of s.c. peginterferon delivered significantly greater drug exposure than s.c. interferon beta-1a three times a week over 2 weeks, and a lower frequency of AEs.

Pharmacokinetic considerations in the treatment of multiple sclerosis with interferon-ß.

INTRODUCTION: Interferon-ß (IFNß) is well established as a disease-modifying treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis. Several preparations of the biopharmaceutical are available differing in protein structure, formulation, dose as well as frequency and route of administration. Recently, a pegylated form of IFNß has been marketed. AREAS COVERED: Following a PubMed database search, we provide an overview of what is presently known about the pharmacokinetics (PK) of IFNß including its absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination. Also, we discuss the association with clinically relevant issues such as treatment efficacy, adverse events and anti-drug antibodies. EXPERT OPINION: IFNß has a bioavailability of ∼ 30% after subcutaneous or intramuscular administration, shows peak serum concentrations within several hours, has a half-life of < 1 day and is eliminated by a renal and hepatic pathway. PK parameters do not substantially differ between the types of IFNß and routes of administration; only pegylation of IFNß results in substantially increased and prolonged PK. Although no clinical dose-effect relationship could be established, there is an association of IFNß dose with magnetic resonance imaging outcome parameters. Furthermore, there is an association of IFNß serum levels with the occurrence of adverse events and anti-drug antibodies.

PEGylated IFNß-1a in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the CNS characterized in most cases by a relapsing and remitting disease course, often followed by a progressive course. There are many available injectable therapies for the relapsing-remitting form of MS (RRMS); however, efficacy can be affected by poor adherence and compliance, and an increased frequency of side effects as a result of frequent injections is seen. AREAS COVERED: This review focuses on the use of subcutaneous PEGylated IFNß-1a (PEGIFN ß-1a) in RRMS. The pharmacological data in addition to clinical safety and tolerability are analyzed. The clinical efficacy is assessed by evaluating results of various end points used in the ADVANCE Phase III study and the differences between treatment groups over 2 years. EXPERT OPINION: We discuss the significance of the ADVANCE trial results and how the results compare to other products on the market. Due to a lack of head-to-head comparison of PEGIFN ß-1a with other types of drugs for RRMS, it is difficult to draw conclusion about the superiority of the drug. We also discuss whether the results can be applied to patients with more severe forms of the disease. Overall, PEGIFN ß-1a is a promising addition to the repertoire of emerging drugs for the treatment of RRMS.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Abolished Interferon-beta Bioavailability.

BACKGROUND: Neutralizing antibodies (NAb) to interferon-beta (IFN-ß) are associated with reduced bioactivity and efficacy of IFN-ß in multiple sclerosis (MS). The myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) gene expression is one of the most appropriate markers of biological activity of exogenous IFN-ß. We hypothesized that therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) can restore the ability of IFN-ß to induce the MxA mRNA expression and that maintenance plasmapheresis can sustain the bioavailability of IFN-ß. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eligible patients underwent 4 primary separate plasma exchange sessions. After the induction TPE sessions, they were transferred to maintenance plasmapheresis. Bioactivity of IFN-ß was expressed as in vivo MxA mRNA induction in whole blood using RT-qPCR. RESULTS: Six patients with low IFN-ß bioavailability detected by the MxA mRNA response were included. Four patients became biological responders after induction plasmapheresis. In 2 patients an increase of MxA mRNA expression was found, but the values persisted below the cut-off and the patients remained as "poor biological responders". The effect of maintenance plasmapheresis was transient: MxA mRNA expression values reverted to the baseline levels after 1-2 months. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic plasma exchange is able to restore the bioavailability of IFN-ß in the majority of studied patients, but the effect of TPE on the IFN-ß bioavailability was transient.

Peginterferon beta-1a: a review of its use in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy™), an interferon beta-1a conjugated to a methoxy polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecule, is available in the EU and the USA for the treatment of adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). In a 96-week multinational, phase III study in this patient population (ADVANCE), subcutaneous peginterferon beta-1a 125 µg every 2 weeks significantly reduced the adjusted annualized relapse rate over 48 weeks, compared with placebo, corresponding to 36% fewer relapses per patient-year. Significant reductions versus placebo were also observed in the risk of relapse and disability progression, the number of new or newly enlarging T2-weighted hyperintense lesions, and various other magnetic resonance imaging endpoints. The efficacy of peginterferon beta-1a was sustained over 96 weeks, with preliminary data from the first year of an ongoing 2-year extension of ADVANCE indicating continued benefit longer-term. In ADVANCE, peginterferon beta-1a had an acceptable tolerability profile that was consistent with that of established interferon beta treatments. Adverse events were generally mild or moderate in severity, with injection-site erythema and influenza-like illness reported most commonly. Amongst other adverse events of special interest, peginterferon beta-1a was not associated with an increased risk of autoimmune disorders, depression/suicidal ideation, infections or seizures. In the absence of head-to-head studies, definitive conclusions on the comparative efficacy and tolerability of peginterferon beta-1a versus existing therapies are not yet possible. Although final data from the extension of ADVANCE are awaited, current evidence suggests subcutaneous peginterferon beta-1a every 2 weeks extends the treatment options currently available for adults with RRMS, with the dosing regimen imparting potential compliance advantages over non-PEGylated interferon beta formulations that require more frequent administration.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of peginterferon beta-1a in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in the randomized ADVANCE study.

AIMS: To evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of subcutaneous peginterferon beta-1a in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in the phase 3 ADVANCE study (n = 1512). METHODS: During year 1, patients were randomized (1:1:1) to placebo or peginterferon beta-1a 125 µg every 2 or 4 weeks. After year 1, patients randomized to placebo were re-randomized to 125 µg peginterferon beta-1a administered every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks for year 2. Patients randomized to peginterferon beta-1a in year 1 remained on the same dosing regimen in year 2. Intensive blood samples for PK and PD (neopterin elevation; a biomarker of pharmacological activity induced by interferon beta-1a) measurements were collected from 44 patients pre-dosing and at intervals over 240 h post-dosing at weeks 4 and 24. Sparse samples were collected from all patients after each dosing at weeks 4, 12, 24, 56 and 84. RESULTS: The PK profile of peginterferon beta-1a did not change over time or between dosing regimens. No accumulation was observed. Peak serum concentrations were reached 1-1.5 days post-dosing, with a mono-phasic decline and a median half-life of approximately 2-3 days. Dosing every 2 weeks provided approximately two-fold greater monthly cumulative area under the curve than every 4 weeks. Neopterin elevation was sustained for 10-14 days following each dose, indicating doubled cumulative duration of pharmacological activity for dosing every 2 weeks vs. every 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: These PK/PD profiles potentially explain the enhanced efficacy of dosing every 2 weeks in patients with RRMS.

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of peginterferon beta-1a in subjects with normal or impaired renal function.

Peginterferon beta-1a was efficacious in a Phase 3 relapsing multiple sclerosis trial, and its safety profile was consistent with other beta interferons. This study evaluated the impact of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (neopterin elevation; a biomarker of pharmacological activity induced by interferon beta-1a) of peginterferon beta-1a following a single subcutaneous dose at 63 µg (n = 5) or 125 µg (n = 30). The results showed a fractional increase in area-under-the-concentration-time curve (AUC [30-53%]) and peak serum concentration (Cmax [26-42%]) in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment, versus healthy subjects; AUC and Cmax were similar for healthy subjects and end-stage-renal-disease patients receiving hemodialysis. Pharmacokinetic simulation showed that the steady state concentration overlapped in the majority of healthy subjects and subjects with severe renal impairment. Neopterin baseline, peak concentration, and AUC increased as renal function decreased. Peginterferon beta-1a was well tolerated in all groups. These results do not warrant peginterferon beta-1a dose adjustment in subjects with renal impairment.

Efficacy and safety of subcutaneous interferon-ß-1a in patients with a first demyelinating event and early multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS. Evidence suggests that MS should be treated as early as possible in order to maximize the benefit of treatment. AREAS COVERED: This review details current understanding about the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). The pharmacological and clinical data on the use of subcutaneous (s.c.) interferon ß-1a (IFN-ß-1a) as a therapeutic option for RRMS are covered, with a focus on the importance of treating patients with MS as early as possible in the course of the disease, in order to delay permanent axonal damage that is responsible for the signs and symptoms of disease progression. EXPERT OPINION: There is a wealth of data on the treatment of RRMS with s.c. IFN-ß-1a indicating that patients treated during the early inflammatory stages of the disease have significantly improved short-term outcomes compared with patients who commence treatment late. It remains to be determined whether the short-term effects of early treatment will translate into long-lasting benefits, although it is hoped that ongoing research will help to answer this question.

Glycoengineering of interferon-ß 1a improves its biophysical and pharmacokinetic properties.

The purpose of this study was to develop a biobetter version of recombinant human interferon-ß 1a (rhIFN-ß 1a) to improve its biophysical properties, such as aggregation, production and stability, and pharmacokinetic properties without jeopardizing its activity. To achieve this, we introduced additional glycosylation into rhIFN-ß 1a via site-directed mutagenesis. Glycoengineering of rhIFN-ß 1a resulted in a new molecular entity, termed R27T, which was defined as a rhIFN-ß mutein with two N-glycosylation sites at 80th (original site) and at an additional 25th amino acid due to a mutation of Thr for Arg at position 27th of rhIFN-ß 1a. Glycoengineering had no effect on rhIFN-ß ligand-receptor binding, as no loss of specific activity was observed. R27T showed improved stability and had a reduced propensity for aggregation and an increased half-life. Therefore, hyperglycosylated rhIFN-ß could be a biobetter version of rhIFN-ß 1a with a potential for use as a drug against multiple sclerosis.

Interferon beta assessment in non-Chinese and Chinese subjects: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic activity of an endogenous cytokine are not race dependent.

Interferon beta-1a (IFNß-1a) is a first-line therapy for relapsing multiple sclerosis when administered as 30 mcg intramuscularly (IM) once weekly. This endogenous cytokine displays pharmacokinetic (PK) attributes consistent with a glycoprotein of 20-kDa molecular weight that is administered IM. In this study, 24 healthy Chinese subjects (11 male, 13 female) each received 4 once-weekly 60-mcg IM doses of IFNß-1a. Serial blood samples were drawn for PK and pharmacodynamic (PD) assessments following the first and last dose of drug. Results were compared with historical data from a recent PK/PD assessment conducted in non-Chinese subjects. Noncompartmental analysis revealed that no meaningful differences in either IFNß-1a exposure or response were apparent between the Chinese and non-Chinese populations. Thus, it was concluded that no adjustment in dose regimen is warranted for future assessments of safety and efficacy in multiple sclerosis patients of Chinese origin.

A comparative study of matrix metalloproteinase and aggrecanase mediated release of latent cytokines at arthritic joints.

BACKGROUND: Latent cytokines are engineered by fusing the latency associated peptide (LAP) derived from transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) with the therapeutic cytokine, in this case interferon-ß (IFN-ß), via an inflammation-specific matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) cleavage site. OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate latency and specific delivery in vivo and to compare therapeutic efficacy of aggrecanase-mediated release of latent IFN-ß in arthritic joints to the original MMP-specific release. METHODS: Recombinant fusion proteins with MMP, aggrecanase or devoid of cleavage site were expressed in CHO cells, purified and characterised in vitro by Western blotting and anti-viral protection assays. Therapeutic efficacy and half-life were assessed in vivo using the mouse collagen-induced arthritis model (CIA) of rheumatoid arthritis and a model of acute paw inflammation, respectively. Transgenic mice with an IFN-regulated luciferase gene were used to assess latency in vivo and targeted delivery to sites of disease. RESULTS: Efficient localised delivery of IFN-ß to inflamed paws, with low levels of systemic delivery, was demonstrated in transgenic mice using latent IFN-ß. Engineering of latent IFN-ß with an aggrecanase-sensitive cleavage site resulted in efficient cleavage by ADAMTS-4, ADAMTS-5 and synovial fluid from arthritic patients, with an extended half-life similar to the MMP-specific molecule and greater therapeutic efficacy in the CIA model. CONCLUSIONS: Latent cytokines require cleavage in vivo for therapeutic efficacy, and they are delivered in a dose dependent fashion only to arthritic joints. The aggrecanase-specific cleavage site is a viable alternative to the MMP cleavage site for the targeting of latent cytokines to arthritic joints.