RLS-0071 Moderated Elevated Myeloperoxidase Level and Activity in an Asymptomatic Subject in Clinical Trial RLS-0071-101.

BACKGROUND RLS-0071 is a dual-targeting peptide developed for the regulation of humoral and cellular inflammation via inhibition of neutrophil effectors, including myeloperoxidase and neutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis). The safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single and multiple doses of RLS-0071 were evaluated in a first-in-human clinical trial in healthy volunteers. Myeloperoxidase is the major peroxidase enzyme present in neutrophilic granules and contributes to cellular inflammation. Extracellular myeloperoxidase has been associated with chronic inflammation in a variety of diseases, including atherosclerosis. RLS-0071 has previously been shown to inhibit extracellular myeloperoxidase function both in vitro and in vivo in animal disease models. CASE REPORT Healthy subjects participating in the RLS-0071-101 study were screened for baseline myeloperoxidase level, leading to the identification of a 21-year-old woman with elevated baseline levels. After randomization, the subject received 9 intravenous infusions of 10 mg/kg RLS-0071. The subject tolerated the peptide infusions well with no adverse changes in vital signs, significantly abnormal clinical laboratory results, or severe adverse events. Analysis of this subject's myeloperoxidase plasma concentrations demonstrated that her myeloperoxidase levels decreased by 43% and myeloperoxidase activity levels decreased 49% after infusions of RLS-0071. The reduction in the patient's plasma myeloperoxidase levels demonstrated a partial return to baseline levels 24 hours after cessation of dosing. There were no other clinically meaningful safety observations for this subject. CONCLUSIONS This observation suggests RLS-0071 has the therapeutic potential to moderate plasma myeloperoxidase levels and activity and modulate diseases in which myeloperoxidase contributes to pathogenesis.

Effects of Febuxostat in Early Gout: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of treatment with febuxostat versus placebo on joint damage in hyperuricemic subjects with early gout (1 or 2 gout flares). METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 314 subjects with hyperuricemia (serum uric acid [UA] level of ≥7.0 mg/dl) and early gout were randomized 1:1 to receive once-daily febuxostat 40 mg (increased to 80 mg if the serum UA level was ≥6.0 mg/dl on day 14) or placebo. The primary efficacy end point was the mean change from baseline to month 24 in the modified Sharp/van der Heijde erosion score for the single affected joint. Additional efficacy end points included change from baseline to month 24 in the Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring (RAMRIS) scores for synovitis, erosion, and edema in the single affected joint, the incidence of gout flares, and serum UA levels. Safety was assessed throughout the study. RESULTS: Treatment with febuxostat did not lead to any notable changes in joint erosion over 2 years. In both treatment groups, the mean change from baseline to month 24 in the modified Sharp/van der Heijde erosion score for the single affected joint was minimal, with no between-group differences. However, treatment with febuxostat significantly improved the RAMRIS synovitis score at month 24 compared with placebo treatment (change from baseline -0.43 versus -0.07; P <0.001), decreased the overall incidence of gout flares (29.3% versus 41.4%; P < 0.05), and improved serum UA control (62.8% versus 5.7%; P < 0.001). No major safety concerns were reported. CONCLUSION: Urate-lowering therapy with febuxostat improved magnetic resonance imaging-determined synovitis and reduced the incidence of gout flares in subjects with early gout.