Modulating Weak Protein-Protein Cross-Interactions by the Addition of Free Amino Acids at Millimolar Concentrations.

In this paper, we quantify weak protein-protein interactions in solution using cross-interaction chromatography (CIC) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and demonstrate that they can be modulated by the addition of millimolar concentrations of free amino acids. With CIC, we determined the second osmotic virial cross-interaction coefficient (B23) as a proxy for the interaction strength between two different proteins. We perform SPR experiments to establish the binding affinity between the same proteins. With CIC, we show that the amino acids proline, glutamine, and arginine render the protein cross-interactions more repulsive or equivalently less attractive. Specifically, we measured B23 between lysozyme (Lys) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) and between Lys and protein isolates (whey and canola). We find that B23 increases when amino acids are added to the solution even at millimolar concentrations, corresponding to protein/ligand stoichiometric ratios as low as 1:1. With SPR, we show that the binding affinity between proteins can change by 1 order of magnitude when 10 mM glutamine is added. In the case of Lys and one whey protein isolate (WPI), it changes from the mM to the M range, thus by 3 orders of magnitude. Interestingly, this efficient modulation of the protein cross-interactions does not alter the protein's secondary structure. The capacity of amino acids to modulate protein cross-interactions at mM concentrations is remarkable and may have an impact across fields in particular for specific applications in the food or pharmaceutical industries.

Effect of extraction method on the calcium binding capacity of faba bean globulin fractions at various pH.

Faba bean ingredients are rich in proteins and good sources of calcium (Ca), although containing phytic acid (PA) molecules. PA, a polyphosphate compound, can affect the bioavailability of minerals/proteins through complex formation. This study evaluates the impact of two extraction processes, Alkaline Extraction-IsoElectric Precipitation (AE-IEP) and Sequential Extraction (SE), on the ability of faba bean globulin systems to bind added calcium ions. Increasing concentrations of CaCl2 were introduced into 2.5% (w/v) protein dispersions at pHs 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, and 7.5, and free Ca monitored. Near the isoelectric point of globulin (pH âˆ¼ 4-5), Ca binding capacity was found to be low. At higher pHs, significant Ca chelation occurred, initially attributed to free PA binding sites, resulting in the formation of insoluble complexes and subsequent protein precipitation. The AE-IEP globulin fraction exhibited a higher Ca binding capacity than the SE globulin, attributed to its higher PA and lower initial Ca concentrations.

[A framework for the practice of peer support]. / Pour un cadre d'exercice de la pair-aidance.

The concept of peer support is now firmly established in the psychiatric landscape. While taking into account the benefits that this approach brings to patients and teams, it is essential to consider the need to define a framework for the practice of peer support. This framework, which is essential for the development of the practice, will help to avoid overly fragile exposure, which is synonymous with difficulties for peer helpers and their teams.

Long-term outcomes with emicizumab in hemophilia A without inhibitors: results from the HAVEN 3 and 4 studies.

Background: Emicizumab, a bispecific monoclonal antibody, bridges activated factor (F) IX and FX, mimicking the function of missing or deficient activated FVIII in people with hemophilia A (HA). Objectives: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of emicizumab prophylaxis in people with HA without FVIII inhibitors in the HAVEN 3 and 4 studies. Methods: HAVEN 3 and 4 were phase 3 open-label studies. Participants received emicizumab maintenance doses of 1.5 mg/kg every week or 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks (HAVEN 3), or 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks (HAVEN 4). Long-term efficacy and safety were assessed. Results: A total of 151 and 40 individuals without FVIII inhibitors received emicizumab in HAVEN 3 and 4, respectively. At the last patient, last visit dates (May 12, 2022 [HAVEN 3] and June 29, 2022 [HAVEN 4]), the median (range) duration of emicizumab exposure across the 2 studies was 248.1 (6.1-287.1) weeks. The mean (95% CI) annualized bleed rate for treated bleeds was 2.0 (0.23-7.15) for weeks 1 to 24, decreasing to 0.9 (0.01-5.28) by weeks 217 to 240. Overall, 188 (98.4%) participants experienced ≥1 adverse event (AE), with 185 treatment-related AEs in 71 (37.2%) participants. Forty-four (23.0%) participants reported a serious AE. Two thromboembolic events were reported, which were deemed unrelated to emicizumab by the investigator. No thrombotic microangiopathies were reported. Conclusion: With nearly 5 years of emicizumab exposure across the HAVEN 3 and 4 studies in people with HA without inhibitors, these data indicate continued bleed control with no new safety signals observed during long-term follow-up.

Pharmacokinetics and coagulation biomarkers in children and adults with hemophilia A receiving emicizumab prophylaxis every 1, 2, or 4 weeks.

Background: Emicizumab is a bispecific antibody that bridges activated factor (F)IX and FX, mimicking the function of missing activated FVIII and thus improving hemostasis in people with hemophilia A. The efficacy and safety of emicizumab were demonstrated in 4 phase III clinical trials (HAVEN 1-4). Objectives: Here, we describe pharmacokinetics (PKs), pharmacodynamics (PDs), and exploratory safety biomarkers in HAVEN 1 to 4. Methods: Participants received emicizumab at a loading dose of 3 mg/kg weekly for 4 weeks, followed by maintenance doses of 1.5 mg/kg weekly, 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks, or 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks. PKs, PDs, and safety biomarkers were assessed in samples collected at regular intervals during the trials. Results: Emicizumab plasma trough concentrations increased during the loading dose period, reaching a mean of 52.9 µg/mL (SD, 13.6 µg/mL) at week 5, and were sustained at 42.1 to 52.3 µg/mL thereafter with maintenance dosing. Activated partial thromboplastin time shortened following the first emicizumab dose. Mean FVIII-like activity and thrombin generation peak height increased to 25.2 IU/dL (SD, 6.9 IU/dL) and 115.2 nM (SD, 42.5 nM) at week 5, with levels sustained at 17 to 23 IU/dL and >116 nM thereafter, respectively. Emicizumab did not notably affect FIX or FX plasma antigen levels, prothrombin time, or concentrations of exploratory safety markers of coagulation activation (D-dimer, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2, and fibrinogen). Conclusion: In HAVEN 1 to 4, emicizumab demonstrated sustained PKs and PDs and improved coagulation parameters without affecting safety biomarkers.

Emicizumab prophylaxis in infants with hemophilia A (HAVEN 7): primary analysis of a phase 3b open-label trial.

ABSTRACT: Subcutaneous emicizumab enables prophylaxis for people with hemophilia A (HA) from birth, potentially reducing risk of bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). HAVEN 7 (NCT04431726) is the first clinical trial of emicizumab dedicated to infants, designed to investigate the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of emicizumab in those aged ≤12 months with severe HA without factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors. Participants in this phase 3b trial received emicizumab 3 mg/kg maintenance dose every 2 weeks for 52 weeks and are continuing emicizumab during the 7-year long-term follow-up. Efficacy end points included annualized bleed rate (ABR): treated, all, treated spontaneous, and treated joint bleeds. Safety end points included adverse events (AEs), thromboembolic events (TEs), thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs), and immunogenicity (anti-emicizumab antibodies [ADAs] and FVIII inhibitors). At primary analysis, 55 male participants had received emicizumab (median treatment duration: 100.3; range, 52-118 weeks). Median age at informed consent was 4.0 months (range, 9 days to 11 months 30 days). Model-based ABR for treated bleeds was 0.4 (95% confidence interval, 0.30-0.63), with 54.5% of participants (n = 30) having zero treated bleeds. No ICH occurred. All 42 treated bleeds in 25 participants (45.5%) were traumatic. Nine participants (16.4%) had ≥1 emicizumab-related AE (all grade 1 injection-site reactions). No AE led to treatment changes. No deaths, TEs, or TMAs occurred. No participant tested positive for ADAs. Two participants were confirmed positive for FVIII inhibitors. This primary analysis of HAVEN 7 indicates that emicizumab is efficacious and well tolerated in infants with severe HA without FVIII inhibitors.

Clinical pharmacology of emicizumab for the treatment of hemophilia A.

INTRODUCTION: Emicizumab is a humanized bispecific antibody approved for the routine prophylaxis of bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia A (PwHA) regardless of the presence of factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors. It mimics the cofactor function of missing activated FVIII by bridging activated factor IX and factor X, thereby restoring hemostasis. AREAS COVERED: This review covers the clinical pharmacology of emicizumab and the translation of its pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) to clinical efficacy and safety. The PK of emicizumab is linear, with an approximately 1-month half-life. Once-weekly to every-4-week subcutaneous (SC) administrations maintain effective trough concentrations throughout the dosing intervals, associated with a coagulation potential analogous to that in patients with mild hemophilia A. In combination with activated prothrombin complex concentrate, and to a lesser extent with recombinant activated factor VII, emicizumab exerts a synergistic effect, whereas combination with FVIII may result in a non-additive coagulation potential at normal FVIII activity. EXPERT OPINION: The translation of emicizumab PK/PD into clinical effects was demonstrated in several phase III studies, which showed remarkable bleed control and a favorable safety profile in PwHA. These emicizumab attributes, together with the convenience of use (infrequent SC injections), offer a novel paradigm for the management of PwHA.

Application of systems biology to identify pharmacological mechanisms of thrombotic microangiopathy evoked by combined activated prothrombin complex concentrate and emicizumab.

Emicizumab is a bispecific monoclonal antibody that substitutes for the function of missing or deficient factor VIII (FVIII) in people with hemophilia A (PwHA). Long-term safety and efficacy of emicizumab have been demonstrated in several clinical trials. Nevertheless, in the first of these, three cases of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) occurred in PwHA treated with emicizumab receiving high doses of activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC), a bypassing agent used for treating breakthrough bleeds when FVIII neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) make FVIII replacement ineffective. The aim of the present work is to offer a method to elucidate the pathophysiological and pharmacological mechanisms involved in this treatment-induced TMA. Systems biology and machine learning-based Therapeutic Performance Mapping System is a validated in silico technology that allowed us to construct models of potential mechanisms behind induced TMA. Two drug combinations were modeled and assessed: emicizumab plus aPCC and emicizumab plus recombinant activated factor VII (another bypassing agent). Our models showed that both combinations were related to activation of the coagulation cascade. However, mechanisms involved mainly in platelet activation and possibly in complement activation were detected only for emicizumab plus aPCC, potentially explaining the occurrence of TMA only in this combination.

Solidification of concentrated pea protein-pectin mixtures as potential binder.

BACKGROUND: Binders in plant-based meat analogues allow different components, such as extrudate and fat particles, to stick together. Typically, binders then are solidified to transform the mass into a non-sticky, solid product. As an option for a clean-label binder possessing such properties, the solidification behavior of pea protein-pectin mixtures (250 g kg-1 , r = 2:1, pH 6) was investigated upon heating, and upon addition of calcium, transglutaminase, and laccase, or by combinations thereof. RESULTS: Mixtures of (homogenized) pea protein and apple pectin had higher elastic moduli and consistency coefficients and lower frequency dependencies upon calcium addition. This indicated that calcium physically cross-linked pectin chains that formed the continuous phase in the biopolymer matrix. The highest degree of solidification was obtained with a mixture of pea protein and sugar beet pectin upon addition of laccase that covalently cross-linked both biopolymers involved. All solidified mixtures lost their stickiness. A mixture of soluble pea protein and apple pectin solidified only slightly through calcium and transglutaminase, probably due to differences in the microstructural arrangement of the biopolymers. CONCLUSION: The chemical makeup of the biopolymers and their spatial distribution determines solidification behavior in concentrated biopolymer mixtures. In general, pea protein-pectin mixtures can solidify and therefore have the potential to act as binders in meat analogues. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Emicizumab in people with moderate or mild haemophilia A (HAVEN 6): a multicentre, open-label, single-arm, phase 3 study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical trial data are scarce for the use of prophylaxis in people with non-severe haemophilia A. The HAVEN 6 study aims to assess safety and efficacy of emicizumab prophylaxis in people with non-severe haemophilia A without factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors. METHODS: HAVEN 6 is a multicentre, open-label, single-arm, phase 3 study taking place in 22 specialty clinics and hospitals in Europe, North America, and South Africa. Eligible participants were people of all ages weighing at least 3 kg with a diagnosis of moderate (FVIII activity ≥1%-≤5%) or mild (FVIII >5%-<40%) haemophilia A without FVIII inhibitors requiring prophylaxis as assessed by the treating physician. Participants received subcutaneous emicizumab 3 mg/kg of bodyweight once weekly for 4 weeks, followed by the participant's choice of maintenance dose: 1·5 mg/kg once weekly, 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks, or 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks. Safety was the primary objective of the study. Safety endpoints included adverse events, serious adverse events, and adverse events of special interest including thromboembolic events and thrombotic microangiopathies. The primary efficacy endpoint was the annualised bleed rate for treated bleeds. Analyses were done for participants who received at least one dose of emicizumab. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04158648, and is active but not recruiting. FINDINGS: Between Feb 10, 2020, and Aug 31, 2021, we assigned 73 people to treatment. 72 participants received at least one dose of emicizumab (51 moderate [71%]; 21 mild [29%]; 69 male [96%]; three female [4%]; and 61 White [85%]). Median age was 23·5 years (IQR 12·0-36·0); median follow-up was 55·6 weeks (IQR 52·3-61·6) weeks. At baseline, 24 participants (33%) had target joints and 37 (51%) were receiving FVIII prophylaxis. 60 participants (83%) had at least one adverse event; the most common adverse events were headache (in 12 participants [17%]), injection-site reaction (12 [17%]), and arthralgia (11 [15%]). 15 (21%) had at least one emicizumab-related adverse event; no adverse events led to treatment withdrawal, modification, or interruption. Eight participants (11%) reported ten serious adverse events in total, none emicizumab-related. There were no deaths or thrombotic microangiopathies. One participant had grade 1 thrombosed haemorrhoids (classified as a thromboembolic event), unrelated to emicizumab. The annualised bleed rate was 0·9 (95% CI 0·55-1·52) for treated bleeds. 48 participants (67%) had no treated bleeds. All-bleed annualised bleed rates were 10·1 (95% CI 6·93-14·76) from 24 weeks pre-study and 2·3 (1·67-3·12) on-study after a median follow-up of 55·6 weeks. INTERPRETATION: These data show efficacy and a favourable safety profile of emicizumab in people with non-severe haemophilia A without FVIII inhibitors who warrant prophylaxis, confirming emicizumab as a valuable treatment option in this population. FUNDING: F Hoffmann-La Roche.

Clinical features and outcomes of COVID-19 patients hospitalized for psychiatric disorders: a French multi-centered prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with psychiatric disorders are exposed to high risk of COVID-19 and increased mortality. In this study, we set out to assess the clinical features and outcomes of patients with current psychiatric disorders exposed to COVID-19. METHODS: This multi-center prospective study was conducted in 22 psychiatric wards dedicated to COVID-19 inpatients between 28 February and 30 May 2020. The main outcomes were the number of patients transferred to somatic care units, the number of deaths, and the number of patients developing a confusional state. The risk factors of confusional state and transfer to somatic care units were assessed by a multivariate logistic model. The risk of death was analyzed by a univariate analysis. RESULTS: In total, 350 patients were included in the study. Overall, 24 (7%) were transferred to medicine units, 7 (2%) died, and 51 (15%) patients presented a confusional state. Severe respiratory symptoms predicted the transfer to a medicine unit [odds ratio (OR) 17.1; confidence interval (CI) 4.9-59.3]. Older age, an organic mental disorder, a confusional state, and severe respiratory symptoms predicted mortality in univariate analysis. Age >55 (OR 4.9; CI 2.1-11.4), an affective disorder (OR 4.1; CI 1.6-10.9), and severe respiratory symptoms (OR 4.6; CI 2.2-9.7) predicted a higher risk, whereas smoking (OR 0.3; CI 0.1-0.9) predicted a lower risk of a confusional state. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 patients with severe psychiatric disorders have multiple somatic comorbidities and have a risk of developing a confusional state. These data underline the need for extreme caution given the risks of COVID-19 in patients hospitalized for psychiatric disorders.

Emicizumab dose up-titration in case of suboptimal bleeding control in people with haemophilia A.

INTRODUCTION: Emicizumab promotes effective haemostasis in people with haemophilia A (PwHA). It is indicated for routine prophylaxis of bleeding episodes in PwHA with or without factor (F)VIII inhibitors. AIM: To investigate the effect of emicizumab dose up-titration in PwHA with suboptimal bleeding control. METHODS: Data from seven completed or ongoing phase III studies were pooled. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and bleeding events were evaluated before and after dose up-titration. Adverse events (AEs) were compared between PwHA with and without dose up-titration. RESULTS: Of 675 PwHA evaluable for the analysis, 24 (3.6%) had their maintenance dose up-titrated to 3 mg/kg once weekly (QW). Two participants had neutralising antibodies (nAbs) associated with decreased emicizumab exposure, and dose increase did not compensate for the effect of nAbs. In the other 22 participants, mean emicizumab steady-state trough concentrations increased from 44.0 to 86.2 µg/mL after up-titration. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) efficacy period prior to up-titration was 24.6 (24.0-32.0) weeks. The model-based annualised bleed rate for 'treated bleeds' and 'all bleeds' decreased by 70.2% and 72.9%, respectively, after a median (IQR) follow-up of 97.1 (48.4-123.3) weeks in the up-titration period. Incidences of injection-site reactions and serious AEs were higher in PwHA with up-titration; however, this was already observed in these participants before the dose up-titration. Overall, the safety profile appeared similar between PwHA with and without up-titration. CONCLUSION: The dose up-titration to 3 mg/kg QW was well tolerated. Bleed control improved in most participants whose bleeding tendency was inadequately controlled during clinical trials.

Safety and efficacy of long-term emicizumab prophylaxis in hemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors: A phase 3b, multicenter, single-arm study (STASEY).

Background: The bispecific monoclonal antibody emicizumab bridges activated factor IX and factor X, mimicking the cofactor function of activated factor VIII (FVIII), restoring hemostasis. Objectives: The Phase 3b STASEY study was designed to assess the safety of emicizumab prophylaxis in people with hemophilia A (HA) with FVIII inhibitors. Methods: People with HA received 3 mg/kg emicizumab once weekly (QW) for 4 weeks followed by 1.5 mg/kg QW for 2 years. The primary objective was the safety of emicizumab prophylaxis, including incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs) and AEs of special interest (thrombotic events [TEs] and thrombotic microangiopathies). Secondary objectives included efficacy (annualized bleed rates [ABRs]). Results: Overall, 195 participants were enrolled; 193 received emicizumab. The median (range) duration of exposure was 103.1 (1.1-108.3) weeks. Seven (3.6%) participants discontinued emicizumab. The most common AEs were arthralgia (n = 33, 17.1%) and nasopharyngitis (n = 30, 15.5%). The most common treatment-related AE was injection-site reaction (n = 19, 9.8%). Two fatalities were reported (polytrauma with fatal head injuries and abdominal compartment syndrome); both were deemed unrelated to emicizumab by study investigators. Two TEs occurred (myocardial infarction and localized clot following tooth extraction), also deemed unrelated to emicizumab. The negative binomial regression model-based ABR (95% confidence interval) for treated bleeds was 0.5 (0.27-0.89). Overall, 161 participants (82.6%) had zero treated bleeds. Conclusions: The safety profile of emicizumab prophylaxis was confirmed in a large population of people with HA with FVIII inhibitors and no new safety signals occurred. The majority of participants had zero treated bleeds.

Homogenization improves foaming properties of insoluble pea proteins.

Foams are essential in many food applications and require surface-active ingredients such as proteins for formation and stabilization. We investigated the influence of high-pressure homogenization on foaming properties of insoluble pea protein dispersions (5% w/w) at pH 3 and 5. Unhomogenized insoluble pea protein dispersions did not foam at either pH 3 or 5, as they consisted of large insoluble pea protein aggregates with limited surface activity. At pH 3, the homogenized pea protein dispersions generated foams due to higher protein solubility and surface activity through disruption of large protein aggregates into smaller particles. The foam stability decreased with increasing homogenization pressure and number of cycles due to a reduction in continuous phase viscosity. At pH 5, the insoluble pea proteins foamed when the homogenization resulted in formation of aggregates made of smaller protein entities, which was the case for homogenization ≥ 100 MPa and three cycles. In general, the foam capacity (amount of formed foam) was higher at pH 3 due to improved protein solubility and surface activity that facilitated incorporation of air, while the foam stability (resistance against foam collapse) was better at pH 5 because of the presence of larger protein aggregates that formed thicker and more viscous films around the air bubbles benefitting retention of gas bubbles. Overall, homogenization improved the foaming properties of insoluble pea proteins at pH 3 and 5. Practical Application Insoluble pea protein dispersions formed foams at pH 3 and 5 after homogenization highlighting the potential of this processing step for the food industry. The improvement in functionality of plant-derived ingredients helps to increase their use for consumer goods, thereby supporting the transition to more sustainable food system.

Importance of binary and ternary complex formation on the functional and nutritional properties of legume proteins in presence of phytic acid and calcium.

Nowadays, legumes are considered as a good source of plant-based proteins to replace animal ones. They are more favorable regarding environmental aspects and health benefits, therefore many people consider moving toward a greener diet. Interestingly, recent consumer trends are promoting pea and faba bean as alternatives to soybean. Both are rich in protein and a good source of essential nutrients and minerals (calcium). However, these advantages can be partially impaired due to their high phytic acid content. This natural polyphosphate is a major antinutrient in plant-based foods, as it can bind minerals (particularly calcium) and proteins, thereby reducing their digestibility and subsequent bioavailability. Indeed, complexes formed are insoluble and limiting the absorption of nutrients, thus lowering the nutritional value of pulses. To understand and overcome these issues, the present review will refine specific mechanisms involved in assemblies between these three essential compounds in legumes as soluble/insoluble binary or ternary complexes. Molecular interactions are influenced by the environmental medium including pH, ionic strength and molar concentrations modulating the stability of these complexes during protein extraction. Protein/phytic acid/calcium complexes stability is of high relevance for food processing affecting not only structure but also functional and nutritional properties of proteins in legume-based foods.

Intravenous tocilizumab for the treatment of giant cell arteritis: a phase Ib dose-ranging pharmacokinetic bridging study.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous tocilizumab (TCZ SC) is approved globally for giant cell arteritis (GCA). This phase Ib study investigated the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and exploratory efficacy of intravenous (IV) TCZ 6 and 7 mg/kg in patients with GCA. This study explored an IV dose resulting in a minimum exposure level within the range of effective trough concentrations achieved with TCZ SC dosing in GCA and not exceeding the exposure of the well-tolerated 8 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks (Q4W) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Patients with GCA who had received ≥ 5 doses of TCZ IV 8 mg/kg Q4W and achieved remission were enrolled. Patients received 5 doses of TCZ IV 7 mg/kg Q4W in period 1 and, if still in remission, 5 doses of 6 mg/kg Q4W in period 2. Pharmacokinetic endpoints were maximum concentration (Cmax), minimum concentration (Ctrough), area under the curve over a dosing interval (AUCτ), and mean concentration (Cmean) of TCZ after the last dose of each period. Other endpoints included pharmacodynamic markers, safety, and exploratory efficacy. RESULTS: In 24 patients, the median (range) age was 65.5 (57-90) years, and 62.5% were female. TCZ exposures (Cmax and AUCτ) were 11.2% and 20.0% lower at the 6- than 7-mg/kg dose. The mean interleukin 6 (IL-6) serum concentrations were elevated at baseline and remained elevated, with slightly higher concentrations in period 1 than in period 2. The mean serum soluble IL-6 receptor concentrations were elevated at baseline and comparable between the 2 doses at steady state. C-reactive protein levels and most erythrocyte sedimentation rates were within normal ranges throughout the study. Overall, 22 patients (91.7%) had ≥ 1 adverse event, and 4 (16.7%) had a serious adverse event. No patients experienced a GCA flare, and all remained in remission throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: Both doses of TCZ IV Q4W were generally well tolerated in patients with GCA. The Cmax and Cmean achieved with 6 mg/kg IV Q4W in patients with GCA were similar to those in patients with RA treated with 8 mg/kg IV Q4W, and Ctrough was within the range observed in patients with GCA treated with SC dosing every week or every 2 weeks. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03923738.

Prophylactic emicizumab for hemophilia A in the Asia-Pacific region: A randomized study (HAVEN 5).

Background: Emicizumab is a subcutaneously administered humanized, bispecific, monoclonal antibody approved for prophylaxis in people with hemophilia A. Methods: HAVEN 5 (NCT03315455) is a randomized, open-label, phase 3 study of individuals aged ≥12 years with severe hemophilia A without factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors, or hemophilia A of any severity with FVIII inhibitors, across the Asia-Pacific region. Participants were randomly assigned (2:2:1) to receive emicizumab 1.5 mg/kg once weekly (arm A), emicizumab 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks (arm B), or no prophylaxis (arm C). The primary end point was annualized bleeding rate (ABR) for treated bleeds; ABRs were compared between people receiving emicizumab prophylaxis versus those with no prophylaxis. Secondary end points included ABR for treated target joint bleeds. Safety was also evaluated. Results: From April 26, 2018, to January 4, 2019, 70 of 76 screened participants were enrolled and randomized (arm A, n = 29; arm B, n = 27; arm C, n = 14). ABRs (95% confidence interval) for treated bleeds and treated target joint bleeds, respectively, were: arm A, 1.0 (0.53-1.85) and 0.4 (0.18-1.09); arm B, 1.0 (0.50-1.84) and 0.3 (0.12-0.85); arm C, 27.0 (13.29-54.91) and 8.6 (3.15-23.42). The most common adverse event, upper respiratory tract infection, was reported for 14 of 56 (25.0%; emicizumab) and 2 of 14 (14.3%; no prophylaxis) participants. No thrombotic events, thrombotic microangiopathies, or deaths were reported. Conclusion: Emicizumab 1.5 mg/kg once weekly and 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks demonstrated bleed control in this study population, was well tolerated, and could improve use of prophylaxis in people with hemophilia A.

A Model-Based Framework to Inform the Dose Selection and Study Design of Emicizumab for Pediatric Patients With Hemophilia A.

Emicizumab is a bispecific antibody mimicking the cofactor function of activated coagulation factor VIII to prevent bleeds in patients with hemophilia A. The dose selection for the first-in-child phase III study of emicizumab was addressed by pediatric pharmacokinetic prediction using an adult/adolescent population pharmacokinetic model developed in phase I-I/II studies. The model was modified to incorporate functions describing the age-dependent increase in body weight (BW) with or without clearance maturation to account for the differences in emicizumab pharmacokinetics between adults/adolescents and children. A minimal dose anticipated to achieve in children the same target efficacious exposure as for adults/adolescents was identified when considering BW and clearance maturation. It was the same BW-based dose as for adults/adolescents and was selected for the starting dose for the pediatric study. Whether considering clearance maturation or not in addition to BW led to uncertainty in the pediatric pharmacokinetic prediction and dose selection, which informed implementation of a dose-adapting scheme in the study design. Exposure matching to adults/adolescents was ultimately achieved in children with the starting dose, indicating that consideration of clearance maturation in addition to BW provided adequate pediatric pharmacokinetic predictions for emicizumab. This pharmacokinetic finding in conjunction with exposure-response information served as a basis for the efficacy demonstrated in children, avoiding a time-consuming process for exploring an optimal pediatric dose of emicizumab. This experience indicates that a model-based framework helped optimize the pediatric dose selection and study design, thereby streamlining the development process with extrapolation, of emicizumab for children.

Comparison of Binding Properties of a Laccase-Treated Pea Protein-Sugar Beet Pectin Mixture with Methylcellulose in a Bacon-Type Meat Analogue.

A bacon-type meat analogue consists of different structural layers, such as textured protein and a fat mimetic. To obtain a coherent and appealing product, a suitable binder must glue those elements together. A mixture based on pea protein and sugar beet pectin (r = 2:1, 25% w/w solids, pH 6) with and without laccase addition and a methylcellulose hydrogel (6% w/w) serving as benchmark were applied as binder between textured protein and a fat mimetic. A tensile strength test, during which the layers were torn apart, was performed to measure the binding ability. The pea protein-sugar beet pectin mixture without laccase was viscoelastic and had medium and low binding strength at 25 °C (F ≤ 3.5 N) and 70 °C (F ≈ 1.0 N), respectively. The addition of laccase solidified the mixture and increased binding strength at 25 °C (F ≥ 4.0 N) and 70 °C (F ≈ 2.0 N), due to covalent bonds within the binder and between the binder and the textured protein or the fat mimetic layers. Generally, the binding strength was higher when two textured protein layers were glued together. The binding properties of methylcellulose hydrogel was low (F ≤ 2.0 N), except when two fat mimetic layers were bound due to hydrophobic interactions becoming dominant. The investigated mixed pectin-pea protein system is able serve as a clean-label binder in bacon-type meat analogues, and the application in other products seems promising.

Low immunogenicity of emicizumab in persons with haemophilia A.

INTRODUCTION: Emicizumab is a humanised, bispecific monoclonal antibody mimicking the cofactor function of activated factor (F)VIII. It is indicated for routine prophylaxis of bleeding episodes in persons with haemophilia A (PwHA) with/without FVIII inhibitors. AIM: To evaluate the development of anti-emicizumab antibodies and their impact on pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), efficacy and safety in PwHA. METHODS: Data from seven completed or ongoing phase 3 studies were pooled. The assessment of the immunogenicity profile of emicizumab included anti-drug antibody (ADA) measurement and the association of ADAs with PK, PD, bleeding events, and adverse events. RESULTS: Of 668 PwHA evaluable for immunogenicity analysis, 34 (5.1%) developed ADAs after exposure to emicizumab. ADAs were transient in 14/34 PwHA (41.2%). ADAs were neutralising in vitro in 18/34 PwHA (52.9%) and associated with decreased emicizumab concentration in 4/668 evaluable PwHA (.6%); of those, one (.1%) discontinued emicizumab due to loss of efficacy. ADAs without decreased exposure did not impact emicizumab efficacy. The proportion of PwHA who had injection-site reactions (ISRs) was higher in ADA-positive PwHA (29.4% vs. 20.8%); however, the safety profile was similar between ADA-positive and ADA-negative PwHA, overall. No cases of anaphylaxis or hypersensitivity were reported in ADA-positive participants. CONCLUSION: The immunogenicity risk of emicizumab in phase 3 studies was low. ADAs, including in vitro neutralising ADAs, were not associated with a change in safety profile. Routine surveillance is, therefore, not warranted; however, in cases where a loss and/or waning of efficacy are observed, prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider should be sought.