A Phase 2 evaluation of a new flavored peg and sulfate solution compared to an over-the-counter laxative, peg and sports drink bowel preparation combination.

BACKGROUND: Acceptability and tolerance of bowel preparation is critical to overcome patient hesitancy in undergoing colon cancer screening and surveillance colonoscopy. To improve patient experience, a new sports drink-flavored bowel preparation containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sulfate salts (FPSS) was developed to provide a similar experience to a commonly used but not United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved PEG and sports drink bowel preparation (PEG-SD), while also achieving improved cleansing efficacy. METHODS: This FPSS preparation, approved by the FDA in June 2023, was evaluated in a non-randomized Phase 2 study in which 40 patients requiring colonoscopy were prepared with FPSS and 20 with PEG-SD. RESULTS: Overall cleansing success was high with FPSS based on unblinded local endoscopist assessment (93%) and blinded central reading (97%), exceeding PEG-SD which achieved success rates of 84% (local read), 74% and 68% (blinded central reads). Similar differences favoring FPSS were seen for excellent preparations and cleansing success by colon segment as rated by local endoscopists. Both preparations were well-tolerated, with 93% of FPSS patients rating their preparation as Tolerable to Very Easy to consume, compared to 100% of PEG-SD. Patients who had previously taken a preparation for colonoscopy found FPSS and PEG-SD better than their prior preparation (73% and 70%, respectively) and nearly all would request their assigned study preparation again in the future. About two thirds of FPSS patients agreed that the preparation tasted similar to a sports drink. CONCLUSION: The new sports drink-like flavored preparation compares favorably to PEG-SD for bowel cleansing efficacy while achieving similar patient satisfaction. The study was registered at www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov (NCT03328507) on 01/11/2017.

Consistency of immunogenicity in three consecutive lots of a tetravalent dengue vaccine candidate (TAK-003): A randomized placebo-controlled trial in US adults.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a trial to demonstrate immunogenic equivalence of three consecutive manufacturing lots of Takeda's tetravalent dengue vaccine candidate, TAK-003, and further assessed its safety and reactogenicity. METHODS: Healthy US adults (n = 923) randomized 2:2:2:1 to four groups received two doses of one of three TAK-003 lots or placebo on Days 0 and 90, with follow-up to Day 270. Primary endpoint evaluated lot-to-lot equivalence of geometric mean neutralizing titers at Day 120 against each of 4 dengue serotypes in baseline seronegative participants. Solicited local and systemic, and unsolicited adverse events (AEs) were assessed for 7, 14 and 28 days after each dose, respectively. Serious AEs (SAE) were monitored throughout the study. RESULTS: Eight of 12 prespecified equivalence comparisons were met in the per-protocol set but failed marginally in the other 4 mainly due to loss of statistical power following higher than anticipated baseline seropositivity and drop-out rates. All three TAK-003 lots elicited high rates of tetravalent dengue seropositivity (96.7 %, 93.0 % and 97.5 % at Day 120; 91.0 %, 80.5 % and 85.7 % at Day 270) and had similar reactogenicity profiles with no vaccine-related SAEs. CONCLUSIONS: The three lots of TAK-003 were immunogenic for all four dengue serotypes and well tolerated in healthy adults. Despite not meeting all equivalence comparisons, no major differences were observed between lots and the data support acceptable consistency of the manufacturing process. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03423173.

An open-label, Phase 3 trial of TAK-003, a live attenuated dengue tetravalent vaccine, in healthy US adults: immunogenicity and safety when administered during the second half of a 24-month shelf-life.

Dengue is caused by a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus. The disease is now endemic to many tropical and subtropical regions, manifesting as approximately 96 million symptomatic cases of dengue each year. Clinical trials have shown TAK-003 (Qdenga®), a live attenuated dengue tetravalent vaccine, to be well-tolerated, immunogenic, and efficacious in adults with no prior exposure to dengue virus infection living in non-endemic regions, as well as in adults and children living in dengue-endemic areas. This open-label, single-arm phase 3 trial (NCT03771963) was conducted in two dengue non-endemic areas of the USA, and it evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of naturally-aged TAK-003 administered to adult participants. Overall, the immunogenicity data from this trial are consistent with those reported from other TAK-003 phase 2 and 3 trials, and the safety data are consistent with the broader integrated safety data analysis. The data show that naturally-aged TAK-003 had a well-tolerated reactogenicity and adverse events profile when administered in the second half of its clinical 24-month shelf-life and that it still elicited an immune response that persisted up to 6 months after the second dose against all four dengue serotypes, with no important safety risks identified during the trial.

Safety and tolerability of KAN-101, a liver-targeted immune tolerance therapy, in patients with coeliac disease (ACeD): a phase 1 trial.

BACKGROUND: Coeliac disease management is limited to strict adherence to a gluten-free diet with no approved therapies. This first-in-human phase 1 study evaluated the safety and tolerability of KAN-101, a liver-targeting glycosylation signature conjugated to a deaminated gliadin peptide designed to induce immune tolerance to gliadin. METHODS: Adults (aged 18-70 years) with biopsy-confirmed, HLA-DQ2.5 genotype coeliac disease were enrolled from clinical research units and hospitals in the USA. Part A of the trial was an open-label, single ascending dose study of intravenous KAN-101 using sentinel dosing in evaluation of the following cohorts: 0·15 mg/kg, 0·3 mg/kg, 0·6 mg/kg, 1·2 mg/kg, and 1·5 mg/kg. Following safety monitoring committee review of the 0·3 mg/kg dose level in part A, part B was initiated as a randomised, placebo-controlled, multiple ascending dose study. In part B, interactive response technology was used to randomly assign (5:1) patients to receive intravenous KAN-101 (0·15 mg/kg, 0·3 mg/kg, or 0·6 mg/kg) or placebo following a 1:1 assignment of the first two eligible patients in each cohort for sentinel dosing. Patients in part B received three administrations of KAN-101 or placebo followed by a 3-day oral gluten challenge (9 g per day) 1 week after completing dosing. Study personnel and patients were masked to treatment assignments in part B, and not in part A. The primary endpoint was the incidence and severity of adverse events with escalating doses of KAN-101, assessed in all patients who received any amount of study drug based on dose level received. The secondary endpoint was assessment of plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameters of KAN-101 following single and multiple doses, assessed in all patients who received at least one dose and had one or more values for drug concentration. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04248855, and is completed. FINDINGS: Between Feb 7, 2020, and Oct 8, 2021, 41 patients were enrolled at ten US sites. 14 patients were assigned to part A (four 0·15 mg/kg, three 0·3 mg/kg, three 0·6 mg/kg, three 1·2 mg/kg, one 1·5 mg/kg) and 27 patients to part B (six 0·15 mg/kg with two placebo, seven 0·3 mg/kg with two placebo, and eight 0·6 mg/kg with two placebo). Treatment-related adverse events were reported in 11 (79%) of 14 patients in part A and 18 (67%) of 27 in part B (placebo two [33%] of six patients; KAN-101 16 [76%] of 21 patients), were grade 2 or lower, and were mild to moderate in severity. The most commonly observed adverse events were nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and vomiting, consistent with symptoms had by patients with coeliac disease on gluten ingestion. No grade 3-4 adverse events, serious adverse events, dose-limiting toxicities, or deaths occurred. Pharmacokinetic analyses showed KAN-101 was cleared from systemic circulation within roughly 6 h with a geometric mean half-life of 3·72 min (CV% 6·5%) to 31·72 min (83·7%), and no accumulation with repeated dosing. INTERPRETATION: KAN-101 has an acceptable safety profile in patients with coeliac disease with no dose-limiting toxicities and no maximum tolerated dose was observed. Rapid systemic clearance of KAN-101 was observed and no accumulation on repeated dosing. A future study will evaluate the safety and efficacy, including biomarker responses with a gluten challenge, of KAN-101 at doses 0·6 mg/kg and greater in patients with coeliac disease. FUNDING: Kanyos Bio.

Bridging the immunogenicity of a tetravalent dengue vaccine (TAK-003) from children and adolescents to adults.

Immunobridging is an important methodology that can be used to extrapolate vaccine efficacy estimates to populations not evaluated in clinical studies, and that has been successfully used in developing many vaccines. Dengue, caused by a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus endemic to many tropical and subtropical regions, is traditionally thought of as a pediatric disease but is now a global threat to both children and adults. We bridged immunogenicity data from a phase 3 efficacy study of a tetravalent dengue vaccine (TAK-003), performed in children and adolescents living in endemic areas, with an immunogenicity study in adults in non-endemic areas. Neutralizing antibody responses were comparable in both studies following receipt of a two-dose TAK-003 schedule (months 0 and 3). Similar immune responses were observed across exploratory assessments of additional humoral responses. These data support the potential for clinical efficacy of TAK-003 in adults.

A First-in-Human Study of AMG 986, a Novel Apelin Receptor Agonist, in Healthy Subjects and Heart Failure Patients.

PURPOSE: AMG 986 is a novel apelin receptor (APJ) agonist that improves cardiac contractility in animal models without adversely impacting hemodynamics. This phase 1b study evaluated the safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of AMG 986 in healthy subjects and patients with heart failure (HF). METHODS: Healthy adults (Parts A/B) and HF patients (Part C) aged 18-85 years were randomized 3:1 to single-dose oral/IV AMG 986 or placebo (Part A); multiple-dose oral/IV AMG 986 or placebo (Part B); or escalating-dose oral AMG 986 or placebo (Part C). PRIMARY ENDPOINT: treatment-emergent adverse events, laboratory values/vital signs/ECGs; others included AMG 986 pharmacokinetics, left ventricular (LV) function. RESULTS: Overall, 182 subjects were randomized (AMG 986/healthy: n = 116, placebo, n = 38; AMG 986/HF: n = 20, placebo, n = 8). AMG 986 had acceptable safety profile; no clinically significant dose-related impact on safety parameters up to 650 mg/day was observed. AMG 986 exposures increased nonlinearly with increasing doses; minimal accumulation was observed. In HF with reduced ejection fraction patients, there were numerical increases in percent changes from baseline in LV ejection fraction and stroke volume by volumetric assessment with AMG 986 vs placebo (stroke volume increase not recapitulated by Doppler). CONCLUSIONS: In healthy subjects and HF patients, short-term AMG 986 treatment was well tolerated. Consistent with this observation, clinically meaningful pharmacodynamic effects in HF patients were not observed. Changes in ejection fraction and stroke volume in HF patients suggest additional studies may be needed to better define the clinical utility and optimal dosing for this molecule. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03276728. DATE OF REGISTRATION: September 8, 2017.

Celecoxib-tramadol co-crystal in patients with moderate-to-severe pain following bunionectomy with osteotomy: A phase 3, randomized, double-blind, factorial, active- and placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Celecoxib-tramadol co-crystal (CTC) is a first-in-class analgesic co-crystal of celecoxib and racemic tramadol with an improved pharmacologic profile, conferred by the co-crystal structure, compared with its active constituents administered alone/concomitantly. AIM: We evaluated CTC in moderate-to-severe acute postoperative pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, factorial, active- and placebo-controlled phase 3 trial (NCT03108482) was conducted at 6 US clinical research centers. Adults with moderate-to-severe acute pain following bunionectomy with osteotomy were randomized to oral CTC (200 mg [112 mg celecoxib/88 mg rac-tramadol hydrochloride] every 12 h), tramadol (50 mg every 6 h), celecoxib (100 mg every 12 h), or placebo for 48 h. Patients, investigators, and personnel were blinded to assignment. The primary endpoint was the 0-48 h sum of pain intensity differences (SPID0-48) in all randomized patients. Pain intensity was assessed on a 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS). Safety was analyzed in patients who received study medication. Funded by ESTEVE Pharmaceuticals. RESULTS: In 2017 (March to November), 1323 patients were screened and 637 randomized to CTC (n = 184), tramadol (n = 183), celecoxib (n = 181), or placebo (n = 89). Mean baseline NRS was 6.7 in all active groups. CTC had a significantly greater effect on SPID0-48 (least-squares mean: -139.1 [95% confidence interval: -151.8, -126.5]) than tramadol (-109.1 [-121.7, -96.4]; p < 0.001), celecoxib (-103.7 [-116.4, -91.0]; p < 0.001), or placebo (-74.6 [-92.5, -56.6]; p < 0.001). Total treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were 358 for CTC and 394 for tramadol. Drug-related TEAEs occurred in 37.7% patients in the CTC group, compared with 48.6% in the tramadol group. There were no serious TEAEs/deaths. CONCLUSION: CTC provided greater analgesia than comparable daily doses of tramadol and celecoxib, with similar tolerability to tramadol. CTC is approved in the United States.

Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Tolerability of Olpasiran in Healthy Japanese and Non-Japanese Participants: Results from a Phase I, Single-dose, Open-label Study.

PURPOSE: Olpasiran, an N-acetyl galactosamine-conjugated, hepatocyte-targeted, small interfering RNA, is being developed to reduce plasma lipoprotein (Lp)-(a) concentration by directly targeting the LPA gene. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and tolerability of a single SC injection of olpasiran in healthy, Japanese and non-Japanese participants. METHODS: In this Phase I, open-label, parallel-design study, Japanese participants were randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive a single 3, 9, 75, or 225 mg dose of olpasiran. Non-Japanese participants received a single 75 mg dose of olpasiran. The primary end points were pharmacokinetic parameters, including Cmax, AUCinf, tmax, and t1/2. Tolerability and change in Lp(a) concentration were also assessed. FINDINGS: A total of 27 enrolled participants had a mean (SD) age of 48.0 (12.5) years. Olpasiran Cmax and AUCinf were increased in an approximately dose-proportional manner in the Japanese groups. Mean (SD) Cmax values were 242 (121.0) and 144 (71.3) ng/mL, and mean (SD) AUCinf values were 3550 (592.0) and 2620 (917.0) h·ng/mL, in the Japanese and non-Japanese groups, respectively, given 75 mg of olpasiran. Median tmax ranged from 3.0 to 9.0 hours and mean (SD) t1/2 ranged from 4.0 (0.3) to 6.9 (1.6) hours across all groups. The maximal Lp(a) reduction occurred at day 57, with mean (SD) Lp(a) percentage reductions from baseline ranging from 56.0% (21.0%) to 99.0% (0.2%). A reductions in Lp(a) was observed as early as day 4. All adverse events were mild in severity, with no serious or fatal adverse events. No clinically important changes in tolerability-related laboratory analytes or vital signs were observed. IMPLICATIONS: In this population of healthy Japanese participants, dose-proportional increases in exposure and reduced Lp(a) in a dose-dependent manner were found with single 3, 9, 75, and 225 mg doses of olpasiran. The magnitude and durability of Lp(a) reductions were similar between the Japanese and non-Japanese groups. Olpasiran was well tolerated, with no clinically important adverse events or laboratory or vital sign abnormalities.

A Phase I Study to Evaluate the Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Lorlatinib in Adults with Mild, Moderate, and Severe Renal Impairment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lorlatinib is approved (100 mg once daily [QD]) for the treatment of patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase- (ALK) positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. This study evaluated the impact of varying degrees of renal impairment on the safety and pharmacokinetics of lorlatinib. METHODS: Participants were assigned to mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment groups and to a matching normal renal function group based on absolute estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, based on the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation and adjusted for body surface area [BSA]) and were evaluated for pharmacokinetics and safety. RESULTS: A total of 29 participants (5 with severe renal impairment; 8 each with moderate and mild impairment and normal renal function) were enrolled and received a single dose of lorlatinib 100 mg. One of the participants with severe renal impairment had end-stage renal disease with a baseline absolute eGFR of 10.3 mL/min. No serious adverse events (AEs) were reported. Eighteen AEs, all mild or moderate in severity, were reported by 12 participants (5, 2, 4, and 1 in the normal, mild, moderate, and severe groups, respectively). Area under the plasma concentration-time profile from time zero extrapolated to infinity (AUCinf) for lorlatinib was increased by 4%, 19%, and 41% in the mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment groups, respectively, compared with the normal renal function cohort. CONCLUSION: Lorlatinib 100 mg was well tolerated. As participants with mild and moderate renal impairment did not experience clinically meaningful increases in lorlatinib exposure, no lorlatinib dose adjustment is recommended in these populations. Patients with severe renal impairment are recommended to reduce the starting dose of lorlatinib from 100 mg QD to 75 mg QD. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT03542305 (available May 31, 2018 on clinicaltrials.gov).

Pharmacokinetic properties of remimazolam in subjects with hepatic or renal impairment.

BACKGROUND: Remimazolam is a new benzodiazepine for procedural sedation and general anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to characterise its pharmacokinetic properties and safety in renally and hepatically impaired subjects. METHODS: Two separate trials were conducted in patients with hepatic (n=11) or renal impairment (n=11) compared with matched healthy subjects (n=9 and n=12, respectively). The hepatic impairment trial was an open-label adaptive 'Reduced Design' trial, using a single bolus of remimazolam 0.1 mg kg-1 i.v., whereas the renal impairment trial was an open-label trial of a single bolus dose of remimazolam 1.5 mg i.v. Remimazolam plasma concentrations over time were analysed by population pharmacokinetic modelling. RESULTS: Remimazolam pharmacokinetic properties were adequately described by a three-compartment, recirculatory model. Exposure in subjects with severe hepatic impairment was 38.1% higher (i.e. clearance was 38.1% lower) compared with healthy volunteers. This increase caused a slightly delayed recovery (8.0 min for healthy, 12.1 min for moderate, and 16.7 min for severe hepatic impairment). With renal impairment, plasma clearance was comparable with that measured in healthy subjects. Simulations of Cmax after a bolus dose of 10 mg showed no relevant impact of hepatic or renal impairment. The overall incidence of adverse events was low, and all adverse events were mild. CONCLUSIONS: As Cmax after a remimazolam bolus i.v. was not affected by hepatic or renal impairment, no dose adjustments are required. No unexpected adverse events related to remimazolam were seen in subjects with renal or hepatic impairment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Hepatic impairment trial: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01790607 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01790607). Renal impairment trial: EudraCT Number: 2014-004575-23.

Gluten Degradation, Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of TAK-062, an Engineered Enzyme to Treat Celiac Disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Celiac disease (CeD) is an immune-mediated disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten. Despite adhering to a gluten-free diet (the only management option available to patients with CeD), many patients continue to experience symptoms and intestinal injury. Degradation of immunogenic fractions of gluten peptides in the stomach has been proposed as an approach to reduce toxicity of ingested gluten; however, no enzymes evaluated to date have demonstrated sufficient gluten degradation in complex meals. TAK-062 is a novel, computationally designed endopeptidase under development for the treatment of patients with CeD. METHODS: Pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of TAK-062 100-900 mg were evaluated in a phase I dose escalation study in healthy participants and patients with CeD. Gluten degradation by TAK-062 was evaluated under simulated gastric conditions in vitro and in healthy participants in the phase I study, with and without pretreatment with a proton pump inhibitor. Residual gluten (collected through gastric aspiration in the phase I study) was quantified using R5 and G12 monoclonal antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: In vitro, TAK-062 degraded more than 99% of gluten (3 g and 9 g) within 10 minutes. In the phase I study, administration of TAK-062 was well tolerated and resulted in a median gluten degradation ranging from 97% to more than 99% in complex meals containing 1-6 g gluten at 20-65 minutes postdose. CONCLUSIONS: TAK-062 is well tolerated and rapidly and effectively degrades large amounts of gluten, supporting the development of this novel enzyme as an oral therapeutic for patients with CeD. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03701555, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03701555.).

Safety and Pharmacokinetics of the Oral TYK2 Inhibitor PF-06826647: A Phase I, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Escalation Study.

Selective inhibition of tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) may offer therapeutic promise in inflammatory conditions, with its role in downstream pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling. In this first-in-human study, we evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of a novel TYK2 inhibitor, PF-06826647, in healthy participants. This phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study included two treatment periods (single ascending dose (SAD) and multiple ascending dose (MAD)) in healthy participants and a cohort of healthy Japanese participants receiving 400 mg q.d. or placebo in the MAD period (NCT03210961). Participants were randomly assigned to PF-06826647 or placebo (3:1). Participants received a single oral study drug dose of 3, 10, 30, 100, 200, 400, or 1,600 mg (SAD period), then 30, 100, 400, or 1,200 mg q.d. or 200 mg b.i.d. for 10 days (MAD period). Safety (adverse events (AEs), vital signs, and clinical laboratory parameters), tolerability, and PK were assessed. Overall, 69 participants were randomized to treatment, including six Japanese participants. No deaths, serious AEs, severe AEs, or AEs leading to dose reduction or temporary/permanent discontinuation were observed. All AEs were mild in severity. No clinically relevant laboratory abnormalities or changes in vital signs were detected. PF-06826647 was rapidly absorbed with a median time to maximum plasma concentration of 2 hours in a fasted state, with modest accumulation (< 1.5-fold) after multiple dosing and low urinary recovery. PF-06826647 was well-tolerated, with an acceptable safety profile for doses up to 1,200 mg q.d. for 10 days, supporting further testing in patients.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Cenerimod, A Selective S1P1 R Modulator, Are Not Affected by Ethnicity in Healthy Asian and White Subjects.

Cenerimod is a sphingosine-1-phosphate 1 receptor (S1P1 R) modulator in phase II development for treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Its pharmacokinetics (PKs), pharmacodynamics (PDs), as well as safety and tolerability were investigated in white and Asian subjects to allow for recruitment of Asian patients in future studies. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group study was performed in 20 healthy male subjects (n = 10 per ethnicity). A single, oral dose of 4 mg cenerimod or placebo (ratio 8:2) was administered under fasted conditions. The PKs of cenerimod were similar in white and Asian subjects indicated by geometric mean ratios (90% confidence interval) of 0.99 (0.80-1.21) for maximum plasma concentration, 0.96 (0.75-1.24) for area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to infinity, and 1.04 (0.86-1.25) for terminal half-life. Accordingly, the extent and time course of reduction in lymphocyte count (as PD biomarker) were also similar in white and Asian subjects as compared with placebo. As observed for other S1PR modulators, a transient mean (SD) heart rate reduction in white (15.1 (14.8) bpm) and Asian (11.8 (6.16) bpm) subjects was observed following administration of cenerimod. The drug was safe and well-tolerated indicated by occurrence of a single adverse event of chemical conjunctivitis in a white subject that was not suspected as study drug related. In conclusion, the determined absence of any relevant PK or PD differences supports using the same doses of cenerimod in white and Asian patients in upcoming late-phase studies.

Opioid-free recovery after herniorrhaphy with HTX-011 as the foundation of a multimodal analgesic regimen.

BACKGROUND: Most severe pain occurs within the first 72 hours after an operation, and current local anesthetics have a limited duration of action. HTX-011 is a dual-acting, local anesthetic containing bupivacaine, and low-dose meloxicam in an extended-release polymer. In a prior phase 3 inguinal herniorrhaphy study, HTX-011 alone provided superior pain relief for 72 hours and significantly decreased opioid use compared with saline placebo and bupivacaine hydrochloride. This open-label study assessed the safety, efficacy, and opioid-sparing properties of HTX-011 as the foundation of a scheduled, nonopioid, multimodal analgesia regimen in patients undergoing open inguinal herniorrhaphy. METHODS: This study was conducted in 2 sequential cohorts. All patients received a single, intraoperative dose of HTX-011 prior to wound closure, followed by a scheduled postoperative regimen of oral ibuprofen and acetaminophen for 72 hours. Patients in cohort 2 also received a single intraoperative dose of ketorolac. Opioid analgesics were available by request only. RESULTS: More than 90% of patients remained opioid-free through 72 hours postoperatively, and 83% of patients remained opioid-free through day 28 (last study visit). Pain was well controlled, and mean intensity of the pain never increased higher than the mild range during the first 72 hours. Ketorolac did not demonstrate any additional benefit. HTX-011 with this multimodal analgesia regimen was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: HTX-011 when used as the foundation of a nonopioid, multimodal analgesia regimen, provided effective and well-tolerated analgesia without the need for opioids in the majority of patients recovering from an open inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Immunogenicity and safety of lyophilized and liquid dengue tetravalent vaccine candidate formulations in healthy adults: a randomized, phase 2 clinical trial.

Takeda has developed a live-attenuated dengue tetravalent vaccine candidate (TAK-003) which has been shown to be immunogenic with acceptable reactogenicity in phase 1 trials. In agreement with World Health Organization prequalification requirements for dengue vaccines, Takeda has manufactured a lyophilized formulation of TAK-003 that allows stable storage at +2°C to +8°C. This randomized, double-blind, phase 2 study (NCT02193087) was performed in 1002 healthy dengue-naïve adults, 18-49 years of age, across seven centers in the USA to compare the safety and immunogenicity of one or two doses of a lyophilized TAK-003 formulation with the liquid TAK-003 formulation used in previous phase 1 studies. The primary objective was to show immunologic equivalence in terms of geometric mean titers (GMT) of neutralizing antibodies to the four dengue serotypes one month after one dose of the lyophilized and liquid formulations. Secondary assessments were of safety and seropositivity rates, including after a second dose. The primary endpoint was not met, because immunologic equivalence after one dose was only shown for the DENV-2 serotype. Nonetheless, GMTs and seropositivity rates to all four serotypes were achieved with all formulations after two doses and are in line with what was observed in previous studies. Additionally, in view of the acceptable reactogenicity, with no vaccine-related serious adverse events reported, these data support continuing further clinical development of the lyophilized TAK-003 formulation.

A two-part phase 1 study to establish and compare the safety and local tolerability of two nasal formulations of XF-73 for decolonisation of Staphylococcus aureus: A previously investigated 0.5mg/g viscosified gel formulation versus a modified formulation.

OBJECTIVES: Successful decolonisation of nasal Staphylococcus aureus (SA) carriage by mupirocin is limited by increasing drug resistance. This randomised, open-label, phase 1 study compared the safety and local tolerability of two nasal formulations of XF-73, a novel porphyrinic antibacterial with rapid intrinsic activity against SA. METHODS: The study was performed in 60 healthy adults. In Part 1, eight non-SA carriers were randomised to groups of four subjects each and were treated with XF-73 concentrations of 0.5mg/g 2% gel or 2.0mg/g 2% gel. In Part 2, 52 persistent SA carriers were randomised to groups of 13 subjects each and were treated with XF-73 concentrations of 0.5mg/g 2% gel, 2.0mg/g 2% gel, 0.5mg/g 4% gel or 4% viscosified placebo gel. Plasma pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies were performed. Antistaphylococcal activity was assessed as the presence/absence of SA and by quantification of colonisation using a semiquantitative scale (SA score). RESULTS: 56 subjects (8/8 from Part 1 and 48/52 from Part 2) completed the study, with 47/60 comprising the pharmacokinetic population and 48/60 the pharmacodynamic population. There was no measurable systemic absorption of XF-73. XF-73 treatment was associated with rapid reduction in SA score in all subjects. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were rhinorrhoea and nasal dryness (15.5% each in Parts 1 and 2). TEAEs were mild and resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSION: XF-73 was well tolerated with minimal side effects at doses of 0.5mg/g 2% gel and 2.0mg/g 2% gel. These findings support further development of XF-73.

Blunted Evoked Prouroguanylin Endocrine Secretion in Chronic Constipation.

OBJECTIVES: Prouroguanylin (ProUGN) in the intestine is cleaved to form uroguanylin (UGN), which stimulates guanylate cyclase C (GUCY2C), inducing cyclic guanosine monophosphate signaling. Paracrine release regulates fluid secretion, contributing to bowel function, whereas endocrine secretion evoked by eating forms a gut-brain axis, controlling appetite. Whereas hormone insufficiency contributes to hyperphagia in obesity, its contribution to the pathophysiology of constipation syndromes remains unexplored. Here, we compared circulating ProUGN and UGN in healthy subjects and in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). METHODS: Circulating ProUGN and UGN levels were measured in 60 healthy subjects, 53 patients with CIC, and 54 patients with IBS-C. After an overnight fast, the participants ingested a standardized meal; blood samples were drawn at fasting and at 30, 60, and 90 minutes thereafter, and hormone levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Fasting ProUGN levels were >30% lower in patients with CIC and those with IBS-C compared with healthy subjects regardless of age, sex, or disease state. After eating, ProUGN levels increased compared with fasting levels, although the rate of change was slower and maximum levels were lower in patients with CIC and those with IBS-C. Similarly, fasting UGN levels were lower in patients with CIC and those with IBS-C compared with healthy subjects. However, unlike ProUGN levels, UGN levels did not increase after eating. DISCUSSION: These observations support a novel pathophysiologic model in which CIC and IBS-C reflect a contribution of ProUGN insufficiency dysregulating intestinal fluid and electrolyte secretion. TRANSLATIONAL IMPACT: This study suggests that CIC and IBS-C can be treated by oral GUCY2C hormone replacement. Indeed, these observations provide a mechanistic framework for the clinical utility of oral GUCY2C ligands like plecanatide (Trulance) and linaclotide (Linzess) to treat CIC and IBS-C.

Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects and safety of verinurad in combination with febuxostat in adults with gout: a phase IIa, open-label study.

OBJECTIVE: Verinurad (RDEA3170) is a high-affinity, selective URAT1 inhibitor in development for treating gout and asymptomatic hyperuricaemia. This study evaluated the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and safety of verinurad in combination with febuxostat in adults with gout. METHODS: The phase IIa, open-label, multicentre study randomised 64 subjects into one of five cohorts to receive febuxostat (40 or 80 mg) alone or in combination with verinurad 2.5-20 mg. Serial plasma/serum and urine samples were assayed for verinurad and uric acid. Safety was assessed by adverse events, chemistry panels, ECGs and physical examinations. RESULTS: Serum pharmacodynamic data demonstrated the maximum percent decrease in serum urate (sUA) from baseline (Emax) at 8-12 hours after dosing. Verinurad with febuxostat decreased sUA in a dose-dependent manner. Emax for verinurad with febuxostat 40 mg ranged from 52% to 77% vs 42% for febuxostat 40 mg alone; Emax for verinurad with febuxostat 80 mg was 62%-82% vs 55% for febuxostat 80 mg alone. Urinary uric acid excretion rate was reduced below baseline by febuxostat alone and was comparable to baseline for verinurad with febuxostat. Verinurad plasma exposure increased with dose and was comparable when combined with febuxostat. No drug-drug interactions were observed. Verinurad was well tolerated with no clinically meaningful changes in laboratory values. CONCLUSION: Verinurad administered with febuxostat produced dose-dependent decreases in sUA while maintaining urinary uric acid levels comparable to baseline. These dose combinations of verinurad and febuxostat were generally well tolerated. These data support continued investigation of oral verinurad in patients with gout. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02246673.

Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects and safety of verinurad in combination with allopurinol in adults with gout: a phase IIa, open-label study.

OBJECTIVES: Verinurad (RDEA3170) is a high affinity, selective uric acid transporter (URAT1) inhibitor indevelopment for treating gout and asymptomatic hyperuricaemia. This phase IIa study evaluated the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and safety of verinurad combined with allopurinol versus allopurinol alone in adults with gout. METHODS: Forty-one subjects were randomised into two cohorts of verinurad (2.5-20 mg) plus allopurinol (300 mg once daily) versus allopurinol 300 mg once daily, 600 mg once daily or 300 mg twice daily alone. Each treatment period was 7 days. Serial plasma/serum and urine samples were assayed for verinurad, allopurinol, oxypurinol and uric acid. RESULTS: Serum pharmacodynamic data pooled across cohorts demonstrated maximum per cent decreases in serum urate (sUA) from baseline (Emax) at 7-12 hours after verinurad plus allopurinol treatment. Combination treatment decreased sUA in dose-dependent manner: least-squares means Emax was 47%, 59%, 60%, 67%, 68% and 74% for verinurad doses 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15 and 20 mg plus allopurinol 300 mg once daily, versus 40%, 54% and 54% for allopurinol 300 mg once daily, 600 mg once daily and 300 mg twice daily. Verinurad had no effect on allopurinol plasma pharmacokinetics, but decreased oxypurinol Cmax by 19.0%-32.4% and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to the last measurable time point by 20.8%-39.2%. Verinurad plus allopurinol was well tolerated with no serious adverse events (AEs), AE-related withdrawals or renal-related events. Laboratory values showed no clinically meaningful changes. CONCLUSION: Verinurad coadministered with allopurinol produced dose-dependent decreases in sUA. All dose combinations of verinurad and allopurinol were generally well tolerated. These data support continued investigation of oral verinurad in patients with gout. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02498652.