Role of the complement system in kidney cell death induced by Loxosceles venom Sphingomyelinases D.

Envenomation by Loxosceles spiders can result in local and systemic pathologies. Systemic loxoscelism, which can lead to death, is characterized by intravascular hemolysis, platelet aggregation, and acute kidney injury. Sphingomyelinase D (SMase D) in Loxosceles spider venom is responsible for both local and systemic pathologies, and has been shown to induce metalloprotease activity. As the complement system is involved in many renal pathologies and is involved in hemolysis in systemic loxoscelism, the aim of this study was to investigate its role and the role of complement regulators and metalloproteases in an in vitro model of Loxosceles venom induced renal pathology. We investigated the effects of the venom/SMase D and the complement system on the HK-2 kidney cell line. Using cell viability assays, western blotting, and flow cytometry, we show that human serum, as a source of complement, enhanced the venom/SMase D induced cell death and the deposition of complement components and properdin. Inhibitors for ADAM-10 and ADAM-17 prevented the venom induced release of the of the complement regulator MCP/CD46 and reduced the venom/SMase D induced cell death. Our results show that the complement system can contribute to Loxosceles venom induced renal pathology. We therefore suggest that patients experiencing systemic loxoscelism may benefit from treatment with metalloproteinase inhibitors and complement inhibitors, but this proposition should be further analyzed in future pre-clinical and clinical assays.

Real-life impacts of olipudase alfa: The experience of patients and families taking an enzyme replacement therapy for acid sphingomyelinase deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD) is an ultra-rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder characterized by intracellular lipid accumulation resulting from reduced function of acid sphingomyelinase. Olipudase alfa, an enzyme replacement therapy, was recently approved in several countries for the treatment of the non-neurologic manifestations of ASMD. Studies demonstrate improvement in organomegaly, pulmonary function and lipid profiles with olipudase alfa, yet little is known about its impact on quality of life (QoL) for patients and caregivers. The purpose of this study is to better understand the real-life impact of ASMD on patients and caregivers and assess how olipudase alfa impacts QoL for pediatric patients and their caregivers. METHODS: Caregivers of pediatric patients (≤ 18 years of age) with a confirmed diagnosis of ASMD that received olipudase alfa for at least 12 months were recruited in early 2022 through national patient organizations to participate in a global online questionnaire followed by semi-structured interviews. Ten caregivers of patients with ASMD who utilized olipudase alfa as an experimental therapy for pediatric patients participated in the study. Quantitative analysis of the results was undertaken, and qualitative data was analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. RESULTS: Ten eligible participants completed questionnaires, and 8 of the 10 went on to participate in structured interviews. Symptom burden of ASMD and impact on symptomatology and quality of life after olipudase alfa use are reported here. Five themes emerged from analysis: (1) ASMD is a systemic disease with a wide array of manifestations that significantly impact QoL; (2) Olipudase alfa was associated with improvements in all non-neurologic manifestations of ASMD; (3) Participants perceived the risk associated with olipudase alfa to be low and the benefits to greatly outweigh any risk or burden; (4) Participants reported an unmet need to treat the neurologic manifestations of the disease despite the benefits of olipudase alfa in the management of non-neurological symptoms; (5) Participants felt all patients with ASMD need access to olipudase alfa based on the life-changing experience they perceived. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the sustained positive impact olipudase alfa had in many domains that are deemed important to patients and families living with ASMD and outline the extensive unmet need for patients and families living with ASMD.

Continued improvement in disease manifestations of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency for adults with up to 2 years of olipudase alfa treatment: open-label extension of the ASCEND trial.

BACKGROUND: Olipudase alfa is a recombinant human acid sphingomyelinase enzyme replacement therapy for non-central-nervous-system manifestations of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD). The ASCEND randomized placebo-controlled trial in adults with ASMD demonstrated reductions in sphingomyelin storage, organomegaly, interstitial lung disease and impaired diffusion capacity of the lung (DLCO), during the first year of olipudase alfa treatment. In an ongoing open-label extension of the ASCEND trial, individuals in the placebo group crossed over to olipudase alfa, and those in the olipudase alfa group continued treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-five of 36 participants continued in the extension trial, and 33 completed year 2. Change-from-baseline results are presented as least-square mean percent change ± SEM. Improvements in the cross-over group after 1 year of treatment paralleled those of the olipudase alfa group from the primary analysis, while clinical improvement continued for those receiving olipudase alfa for 2 years. In the cross-over group, percent-predicted DLCO increased by 28.0 ± 6.2%, spleen volume decreased by 36.0 ± 3.0% and liver volume decreased by 30.7 ± 2.5%. For those with 2 years of olipudase alfa treatment, the percent predicted DLCO increased by 28.5 ± 6.2%, spleen volume decreased by 47.0 ± 2.7%, and liver volume decreased by 33.4 ± 2.2%. Lipid profiles and elevated liver transaminase levels improved or normalized by 1 year and remained stable through 2 years of treatment. Overall, 99% of treatment-emergent adverse events were mild or moderate, with one treatment-related serious adverse event (extrasystoles; previously documented cardiomyopathy). No individual discontinued due to an adverse event. CONCLUSION: Treatment with olipudase alfa is well tolerated and reduces manifestations of chronic ASMD with sustained efficacy. Trial registration NCT02004691 registered 9 December 2013, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02004691.

The Importance of Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase Acid-Like 3b (SMPDL-3b) Levels in Kidney Biopsy Specimens of Children With Nephrotic Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: It remains unclear whether the low amount of SMPDL-3b required for rituximab binding is the cause of treatment resistance in patients with treatment-resistant nephrotic syndrome with advanced podocyte injury. Given the limited number of studies on the relationship between rituximab and SMPDL-3b, this study was conducted to assess whether SMPDL-3b levels in pretreatment renal biopsy specimens can be used to predict the clinical effectiveness of immunosuppressive drugs, especially rituximab, in children with nephrotic syndrome. METHODS: Kidney biopsy specimens from 44 patients diagnosed with idiopatic nephrotic syndrome were analyzed using immunohistochemical staining with an anti-SMPDL-3b antibody and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for SMPDL-3b mRNA expression. RESULTS: We showed that SMPDL-3b mRNA expression and anti-SMPDL-3b antibody staining did not differ significantly between the patient groups with different responses to immunosuppressive therapies. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that SMPDL-3b may actually be an indicator of disease progression rather than a marker for predicting response to a particular immunosuppressive agent.

Alerta monitoramento do horizonte tecnológico: Alfaolipudase para o tratamento de manifestações não-neurológicas da deficiência da esfingomielinase ácida (ASMD) / Technological horizon monitoring alert: Alfaolipudase for the treatment of non-neurological manifestations of deficiency acid sphingomyelinase (ASMD)

A TECNOLOGIA: Condição clínica: A deficiência da esfingomielinase ácida ou ASMD (Acid Sphingo Myelinase Deficiency) é uma rara doença lisossômica de herança autossômica recessiva, que ocorre devido a mutações no gene SMPD1. Historicamente a ASMD é conhecida também pelo epônimo Doença de Niemann-Pick tipos A e B (NPD A e NPD B). Este nome se remete ao pediatra alemão Albert Niemann, que descreveu o primeiro paciente acometido pela doença (uma criança que foi a óbito aos 18 meses de idade) em 1914. Em 1927, Ludwig Pick revisou os relatos de bebês com distúrbios neurodegenerativos estabelecendo a doença descrita por Niemann como uma entidade clínica única. A atividade insuficiente da esfingomielinase ácida (ASM), uma enzima lisossômica, resulta no acúmulo anormal do substrato primário da esfingomielina e outros lipídios metabolicamente relacionados, em células do sistema monócitomacrófago e outros tipos de células, como hepatócitos. Esses substratos se acumulam ao longo do tempo em células e tecidos, levando ao comprometimento do funcionamento de múltiplos órgãos. O fenótipo clínico da ASMD é altamente variável em relação ao tipo e à gravidade do quadro clínico, estes aspectos são influenciados pelo tipo de mutação no SMPD1 e parecem refletir o nível de atividade residual da ASM. Os pacientes com ASMD foram categorizados historicamente como NPD A e NPD B com base na gravidade da doença e na presença ou não de sintomas neurológicos. Descrição da tecnologia: A alfaolipudase é uma esfingomielinase ácida humana recombinante expressa em células de ovário de hamster chinês (células CHO) [14]. É o primeiro tratamento primário aprovado para a ASMD no mundo. Internacionalmente o desenvolvedor do medicamento e detentor da patente é a Sanofi-Genzyme. INFORMAÇÕES REGULATÓRIAS: Informações sobre registro: O registro do medicamento alfaolipudase foi pesquisado em diversas agências de medicamentos do mundo. E recebeu designação da droga órfã pelas agências European Medicines Agency (EMA), Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) e U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A detentora dos registros é a fabricante, Sanofy Genzyme. PANORAMA DE DESENVOLVIMENTO: Estratégia de busca: A busca por evidências foi composta por duas etapas. A primeira etapa, realizada em 20 de fevereiro de 2023, objetivou identificar ensaios clínicos acerca do uso alfaolipudase para tratamento das manifestações não neurológicas da ASMD, no site ClinicalTrials.gov. A base de dados Cortellis foi consultada em 17 de fevereiro de 2023, pesquisando-se pelo termo "olipudase alfa. A segunda etapa consistiu em buscas nas bases de dados gerais Medline via PubMed, Embase e Cochrane Library. Não houve restrição quanto ao idioma. Foram definidos os seguintes critérios de inclusão: ensaios clínicos a partir da fase 1b (excetuando-se possíveis dados de farmacocinética e farmacodinâmica destes), sendo considerados elegíveis os textos completos ou resumos de congressos ou seminários. Os critérios de exclusão foram: ensaios não-clínicos, estudos in vitro e em animais, estudos de farmacocinética e farmacodinâmica, análises post-hoc e do tipo pool analysis. Estudos identificados: A busca por estudos compreendendo a alfaolipudase para o tratamento da ASMD resultou na identificação de cinco ensaios clínicos. Resultados de eficácia e segurança: Diaz et al. [25] reportaram resultados de segurança do estudo NCT02292654 (fase 1/2), após 64 semanas de seguimento. Todos os pacientes apresentaram pelo menos um evento adverso (EA), sendo que 88% foram considerados leves. No estudo NCT02004704 (fase 2), Diaz et al. [26] identificaram que 99% de todos os eventos adversos desde a primeira dose até o mês 24 foram relatados como leves (89%) ou moderados (10%), sendo que os eventos adversos (EAs) mais comuns também foram pirexia, vômito, urticária e dor de cabeça. No ensaio de McGovern et al. (fase 1b) [27] não ocorreram mortes ou eventos adversos graves relacionados ao medicamento. Wasserstein et al. [28] também relataram resultados de segurança do estudo NCT02004691 (fase 2/3), no qual todos os pacientes apresentaram pelo menos 1 evento adverso, tendo sido os números semelhantes tanto no braço alfaolipudase quanto no placebo. Os eventos mais relatados foram cefaleia, nasofaringite, artralgia, infecção do trato respiratório superior e tosse. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: São poucos os ensaios clínicos existentes sobre o medicamento alfaolipudase que estão sendo analisados no presente relatório. Encontrou-se registro de 5 ensaios clínicos, porém destes dois de fase 1 (um deles fase 1a/b e outro apenas fase 1b), outro de fase 1/2, um de fase 2 e por fim, um de fase 2/3. Desses, apenas um (o de fase 2/3) dispunha de braço controle, sendo os demais de braço único (de tratamento ativo com alfaolipudase). As amostras dos estudos encontrados foram pequenas, variando de 5 a 36 pessoas. Convém, lembrar que se trata de uma doença genética rara, sendo assim, há obstáculos para se conseguir amostras grandes em estudos com estes tipos de patologias. Os desfechos selecionados para análise tentaram cobrir um amplo leque de aspectos dessa doença, que tem manifestações muito heterogêneas, no conjunto destacam-se: aspectos de segurança, biomarcadores de acúmulo de substrato enzimático, biópsia tecidual de órgão alvo (fígado), exames de imagem abdominais, pulmonares e cardíacos, exames de difusão pulmonar de gases e medidas de perfil lipídico. Em termos de segurança os efeitos adversos graves são raros e o medicamento é bem tolerado pela maioria dos pacientes. Os resultados indicam melhora relevante nas medidas hepáticas e esplênicas, com redução da hepatoesplenomegalia. Os exames de imagem indicam melhora nos índices de transparência pulmonar e redução de escores que podem refletir fibrose pulmonar. A difusão de CO2, medida utilizada para avaliar a funcionalidade da interface pulmonar na troca gasosa, mostrou-se solidamente melhor em pacientes adultos e pediátricos, tendo melhorado em relação aos valores basais, o que se manteve ao longo do tempo de seguimento dos pacientes (estabilizando após melhora inicial ou seguindo numa curva de melhora). A função pulmonar melhorou do início até a semana 52 em 22% em comparação com 3% para placebo, de acordo com o estudo publicado por Wasserstein et al [29] em adultos com NPD tipo B. Melhorias na função pulmonar (em 33%) e reduções no volume do baço (em 49%) também foram mostradas em pacientes pediátricos (de 1 a 17 anos) com NPD tipo B. Como contraponto, porém, desfechos como tempo de sobrevida, mortalidade e aspectos consistentes de qualidade de vida, não foram avaliados. O tempo de seguimento mais longo relatado, nos artigos disponíveis, foi de 42 meses, o que não é desprezível, mas também pode ser insuficiente para refletir ganhos clínicos em termos de tempo de sobrevida ou mortalidade. Os resultados encontrados podem ser considerados favoráveis à tecnologia, de uma forma geral, não havendo desacordo entre os estudos encontrados, ainda que seja conveniente ressaltar, o quão reduzido foi o número de estudos localizados. Há consistência nos achados, no entanto, existem limitações metodológicas relevantes, como já apontado anteriormente. Há ainda, aspectos centrais, os quais limitam de forma significativa o potencial ganho com o uso da alfaolipudase, que são aspectos intrínsecos à tecnologia e à doença a qual ela se destina: a enzima recombinante não atravessa a barreira hematoencefálica e, portanto, é ineficaz contra as manifestações do SNC dos pacientes com ASMD, tanto que o registro da tecnologia em questão é para as manifestações não neurológicas. As manifestações de SNC são o pilar central da chamada doença de Niemann-Pick do tipo A, cujo os acometidos apresentam um curso mais agressivo, com alta taxa de mortalidade precoce e expectativa média de vida de 3 anos. Esses pacientes não têm benefício com a TRE, assim como aqueles com Niemann-Pick do tipo B que possuírem quadro neurológico muito alterado. É importante compreender, portanto, que a tecnologia em questão não pode ser considerada uma terapia curativa para ASMD e a indicação para "necessidades não atendidas" persiste para esta doença, ainda que haja benefícios do tratamento analisado em morbidades associadas à doença. Por fim, mas não menos importante, o custo deve vir a ser um fator limitante para o acesso a este medicamento. As enzimas recombinantes são medicamentos de alto custo, o que limita a acessibilidade a este tipo de tratamento em qualquer país do mundo. A despeito das evidências apresentadas, para que ocorra a oferta desse medicamento no SUS, é necessária sua análise pela Conitec, conforme disposto Os relatórios de recomendação da Conitec levam em consideração as evidências científicas sobre a eficácia, a acurácia, a efetividade e a segurança do medicamento, e, também, a avaliação econômica comparativa dos benefícios e dos custos em relação às tecnologias já incorporadas e o impacto da incorporação da tecnologia no SUS.

Olipudase alfa enzyme replacement therapy for acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD): sustained improvements in clinical outcomes after 6.5 years of treatment in adults.

BACKGROUND: Enzyme replacement therapy with olipudase alfa, a recombinant human acid sphingomyelinase (rhASM), is indicated for non-central nervous system manifestations of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) in children and adults. An ongoing, open-label, long-term study (NCT02004704) assessed the safety and efficacy of olipudase alfa in 5 adults with ASMD. RESULTS: After 6.5 years of treatment, there were no discontinuations, no olipudase-alfa-related serious adverse events, and no new safety signals compared to earlier assessments. Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild in intensity (1742/1766, 98.6%). Among treatment-related adverse events (n = 657), more than half were considered infusion-associated reactions (n = 403, 61.3%) such as headache, nausea, abdominal pain, arthralgia, pyrexia, and fatigue. No patient developed neutralizing anti-drug antibodies to cellular uptake, and there were no clinically significant adverse changes in vital signs, hematology, or cardiac safety parameters. Improvements (decreases) in spleen and liver volumes progressed through 6.5 years (mean changes from baseline of -59.5% and -43.7%, respectively). There was a mean increase in diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide from baseline of 55.3%, accompanied by improvements in interstitial lung disease parameters. Lipid profiles at baseline indicated dyslipidemia. All patients had sustained decreases in pro-atherogenic lipid levels and increases in anti-atherogenic lipid levels following olipudase alfa treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Olipudase alfa is the first disease-specific treatment for ASMD. This study demonstrates that long-term treatment with olipudase alfa is well-tolerated and is associated with sustained improvements in relevant disease clinical measures. NCT02004704 registered 26 November 2013, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02004704?term=NCT02004704&draw=2&rank=1 .

A novel estrogen receptor 1: sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase acid-like 3B pathway mediates rituximab response in myositis patients.

OBJECTIVES: The B-cell depleting biologic, rituximab, is used to treat refractory autoimmune myositis. However, the beneficial effects of rituximab appear to outweigh the known contribution of B cells in myositis. We aimed to elucidate how myositis patients respond differently to rituximab and possible alternative mechanisms of action. METHODS: Here we have: (i) comprehensively investigated concurrent mRNA and microRNA expression in muscle biopsies taken at baseline and 16 weeks post treatment in 10 patients who were part of the rituximab in myositis (RIM) trial; and (ii) investigated the beneficial effect of rituximab on myositis muscle cells. RESULTS: Our analyses identified an increased number of changes in gene expression in biopsies from patients who had a clinical response to rituximab (n = 5) compared with non-responders (n = 5). The two groups had completely different changes in microRNA and mRNA expression following rituximab therapy, with the exception of one mRNA, BHMT2. Networks of mRNA and microRNA with opposite direction of expression changes highlighted ESR1 as upregulated in responders. We confirmed ESR1 upregulation upon rituximab treatment of immortalized myotubes and primary human dermatomyositis muscle cells in vitro, demonstrating a direct effect of rituximab on muscle cells. Notably, despite showing a response to rituximab, human dermatomyositis primary muscle cells did not express the rituximab target, CD20. However, these cells expressed a possible alternative target of rituximab, sphingomyelinase-like phosphodiesterase 3 b (SMPDL3B). CONCLUSION: In addition to B-cell depletion, rituximab may be beneficial in myositis due to increased ESR1 signalling mediated by rituximab binding to SMPDL3B on skeletal muscle cells.

Long-term safety and clinical outcomes of olipudase alfa enzyme replacement therapy in pediatric patients with acid sphingomyelinase deficiency: two-year results.

BACKGROUND: Olipudase alfa is a recombinant human acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for non-central-nervous-system manifestations of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD). We report 2-year cumulative safety and efficacy data after olipudase alfa treatment in 20 children (four adolescents [12-17 year], nine children [6-11 year], and seven infants/early child [1-5 year]) with baseline splenomegaly and growth deficits who completed the 1-year ASCEND-Peds clinical trial (NCT02292654) and who continue to receive olipudase alfa in a long-term study (NCT02004704). Efficacy endpoints include spleen and liver volumes, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) lung imaging, lipid profiles, liver function tests, and height Z-scores. RESULTS: All 20 former ASCEND-Peds patients completed at least 2 years of olipudase alfa treatment. No patient discontinued and no new safety issue arose during the second year of treatment; 99% of adverse events were mild or moderate. During year 2, one patient had two treatment-related serious events of hypersensitivity that resolved. Mean reductions from baseline in spleen and liver volumes were 61% and 49%, respectively (p < 0.0001) and mean percent-predicted-DLCO increased by 46.6% (p < 0.0001) in nine patients who performed the test at baseline. Lipid profiles and elevated liver transaminase levels that improved or normalized by 1 year remained stable. Mean height Z-scores improved in all age groups (mean change from baseline 1.17, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Olipudase alfa was generally well-tolerated during 2 years of treatment. Improvements in clinically relevant disease endpoints observed during the first year of treatment were maintained or augmented in the second year. Trial registration NCT02004704 registered 26 Nov 2013, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT02004704 .

Olipudasa alfa ((XenpozymeTM) para la deficiencia de esfingomielinasa ácida / Olipudase alpha ((XenpozymeTM) for deficiency of acid sphingomyelinase

INTRODUCCIÓN: La deficiencia de esfingomielinasa ácida (ASMD, del inglés Acid Sphingo Myelinase Deficiency) es una enfermedad lisosomal transmitida por herencia autosómica recesiva que se caracteriza por la acumulación de esfingomielina, colesterol y otros lípidos en diferentes órganos. La prevalencia de ASMD se estima de 0,5 a 1/100.000 individuos a nivel mundial, y se encuentra reconocida dentro del listado de enfermedades poco frecuentes del Ministerio de Salud Nacional (Resolución Ministerial 641/2021). La ASMD comprende a dos tipos de la enfermedad: tipo A y tipo B, también conocidos como Niemann-Pick A (NPA) y Niemann-Pick B (NPB). En ambos casos la enfermedad causada por mutaciones en el gen SMPD1, donde a la fecha se han identificado más de 120 mutaciones causantes del déficit. Clínicamente la NPA (forma neurovisceral infantil, OMIM#25707) es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa de curso rápido y evolución fatal, que se caracteriza por hepatoesplenomegalia masiva de comienzo neonatal y una rápida neurodegeneración con retraso psicomotor progresivo y por una muerte temprana en torno a los 2-3 años de edad. Mientras que la NPB (visceral crónica, OMIM#607616) no conlleva afección neurológica y se caracteriza principalmente por la hepatoesplenomegalia, un perfil lipídico aterogénico e infiltración pulmonar intersticial. En el tipo NPB la edad de diagnóstico es variable, aunque comúnmente suele comenzar en la infancia tardía (> 6 años) o la edad adulta. En muchos casos, los pacientes con NPB logran vivir la adolescencia e incluso pueden llegar a vivir la edad adulta. Existe otra forma crónica que un espectro clínico solapado entre las ASMD tipo A y B (neurovisceral crónica, forma intermedia, variante NPD tipo A/B) que es menos grave que la ASMD tipo A, y puede incluir retraso neurocognitivo, hipotonía y neuropatía periférica. La insuficiencia respiratoria, infecciones pulmonares, la insuficiencia hepática y el sangrado son las principales causas de mortalidad temprana en adultos con ASMD. TECNOLOGÍA: La olipudasa alfa es una esfingomielinasa ácida recombinante humana producida en una línea celular de ovario de hámster chino que reduce la acumulación de esfingomielina en órganos de pacientes con ASMD. OBJETIVO: El objetivo del presente informe es evaluar rápidamente los parámetros de eficacia, seguridad, costos y recomendaciones disponibles acerca del uso de olipudasa alfa para el tratamiento de personas con deficiencia de esfingomielinasa ácida. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las principales bases de datos tales como PUBMED, LILACS, BRISA, COCHRANE, SCIELO, EMBASE, TRIPDATABASE como así también en sociedades científicas, agencias reguladoras, financiadores de salud y agencias de evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias. Se priorizó la inclusión de revisiones sistemáticas, ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados, evaluación de tecnología sanitaria y guías de práctica clínica de alta calidad metodológica. RECOMENDACIONES: No se hallaron recomendaciones referentes al uso de olipudasa alfa en la indicación especificada por parte de las Sociedades Científicas y Agencias de evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias en Argentina y nivel mundial. Actualmente el Instituto Nacional de Salud y Cuidados de Excelencia (NICE, su sigla del inglés National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) del Reino Unido se encuentra evaluando dicha tecnología en la indicación evaluada. CONCLUSIONES: La evidencia que sustenta la aprobación de comercialización de olipudasa alfa como tratamiento sustitutivo en adultos con deficiencia de esfingomielinasa ácida por parte de las agencias regulatorias relevadas, se basa en un único ensayo clínico aleatorizado frente a placebo, con un bajo número de pacientes y un seguimiento de mediano plazo. Los adultos incluidos en este estudio debían cumplir con claras especificaciones clínicas para poder ser seleccionados. Este estudio mostraría que el uso olipudasa alfa podría mejorar el porcentaje predicho de difusión de dióxido de carbono, reducir el grado de hepatoesplenomegalia, y los niveles de plaquetas frente a placebo al mediano plazo. Sin embargo, no se observaron mejoras en la calidad de vida de estos adultos a ese seguimiento. Se observaron más eventos adversos en las personas que recibieron el tratamiento pero ninguno de ellos provoco la interrupción permanente del tratamiento o al retiro del estudio. En población pediátrica, la evidencia se limita a un ensayo clínico no aleatorizado abierto en pocas personas y un seguimiento de mediano plazo. El mismo demostraría que el empleo de la olipudasa alfa mejoraría el porcentaje predicho de difusión de dióxido de carbono, el volumen del bazo y el hígado, y el recuento de plaquetas. Se comercialización se encuentra recientemente autorizada en Estados Unidos y Europa como terapia enzimática de sustitución para el tratamiento de las manifestaciones no relacionadas con el sistema nervioso central del déficit de esfingomielinasa ácida en pacientes pediátricos y adultos con tipo A/B o tipo B. Las agencias han otorgado la designación de medicamento huérfano y han advertido sobre la estricta monitorización clínica que debe asegurarse durante su infusión. No se hallaron guías de práctica clínica actualizadas en Argentina y en el Mundo que mencionen la tecnología en la indicación evaluada. No se hallaron evaluaciones económicas publicadas, aunque el costo anual estimado del fármaco es excesivamente elevado.

Atherogenic lipid profile in patients with Niemann-Pick disease type B: What treatment strategies?

Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) type A and type B are part of the spectrum disease of the acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD). Plasma lipid abnormalities are frequently associated with both NPD-A and NPD-B, and include decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and hypertriglyceridemia. The atherogenic lipid profile has been associated to early atherosclerotic vascular disease and coronary artery disease in NPD-B patients. Thus, early treatment of dyslipidemia in these patients is advisable. We present here a pediatric case of NPD-B with an atherogenic lipid profile not responding to lifestyle changes, low fat diet, and daily supplementation with plant sterols. We reviewed the existing literature about the treatment strategies for dyslipidemia in ASMD patients, with a special focus on the pediatric age. Finally, we speculated on the mechanisms underlying dyslipidemia in this disorder. The clinical experiences in lipid-lowering strategies in NPD-B patients are limited, in particular in the pediatric age. Olipudase alfa appears as the most promising candidate for improving lipid profile. Since olipudase alfa is not yet approved and, due to its costs, it will probably not be available for all patients worldwide, further research is needed to broaden our knowledge on this clinical need and to evaluate the efficacy and the long-term effects of lipid-lowering agents in ASMD patients. A deep understanding of the pathophysiology of dyslipidemia in ASMD may promote the identification of new targets and support the identification of new therapeutic strategies.

Changes in PCSK 9 and apolipoprotein B100 in Niemann-Pick disease after enzyme replacement therapy with olipudase alfa.

BACKGROUND: Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with olipudase alfa, a recombinant human acid sphingomyelinase (rhASM), is being developed to treat patients with ASM deficiency (ASMD), commonly known as Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) types A or B. This study assessed the effect of ERT on lipid parameters and inflammatory markers. METHODS: Serum and plasma samples from five adults with NPD type B (NPD-B) who received olipudase alfa ERT for 26 weeks were analysed. We also collected fasting blood samples from fifteen age- and sex-matched participants as reference and comparison group. We measured fasting lipid profile, apolipoproteins B48 and B100 (apoB48 and apoB100), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), proprotein convertase subtilisin/klexin type 9 (PCSK9) mass, oxidised low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α). RESULTS: Patients with NPD-B, compared with age and sex matched reference group, had higher triglycerides, PCSK9, apoB48, oxLDL and TNF-α and lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apoA1. Treatment with ERT was associated with improved lipid parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), sdLDL-C, oxLDL and apoB100. Though there was an increase in apoA1, HDL-C was slightly reduced. TNF-α showed a reduction. ApoB100 decreased in parallel with a decrease in total serum PCSK9 mass after ERT. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that patients with NPD-B had a proatherogenic lipid profile and higher circulating TNF-α compared to reference group. There was an improvement in dyslipidaemia after olipudase alfa. It was possible that reductions in LDL-C and apoB100 were driven by reductions in TNF-α and PCSK9 following ERT.

LDL aggregation susceptibility is higher in healthy South Asian compared with white Caucasian men.

BACKGROUND: South Asians are more prone to develop atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) compared with white Caucasians, which is not fully explained by classical risk factors. We recently reported that the presence of aggregation-prone low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the circulation is associated with increased ASCVD mortality. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that LDL of South Asians is more prone to aggregate, which may be explained by differences in their LDL lipid composition. METHODS: In this cross-sectional hypothesis-generating study, LDL was isolated from plasma of healthy South Asians (n = 12) and age- and BMI-matched white Caucasians (n = 12), and its aggregation susceptibility and lipid composition were analyzed. RESULTS: LDL from South Asians was markedly more prone to aggregate compared with white Caucasians. Among all measured lipids, sphingomyelin 24:0 and triacylglycerol 56:8 showed the highest positive correlation with LDL aggregation. In addition, LDL from South Asians was enriched in arachidonic acid containing phosphatidylcholine 38:4 and had less phosphatidylcholines and cholesteryl esters containing monounsaturated fatty acids. Interestingly, body fat percentage, which was higher in South Asians (+26%), positively correlated with LDL aggregation and highly positively correlated with triacylglycerol 56:8, sphingomyelin 24:0, and total sphingomyelin. CONCLUSIONS: LDL aggregation susceptibility is higher in healthy young South Asians compared with white Caucasians. This may be partly explained by the higher body fat percentage of South Asians, leading to sphingomyelin enrichment of LDL. We anticipate that the presence of sphingomyelin-rich, aggregation-prone LDL particles in young South Asians may increase LDL accumulation in the arterial wall and thereby contribute to their increased risk of developing ASCVD later in life.

δ-Tocopherol Effect on Endocytosis and Its Combination with Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Lysosomal Disorders: A New Type of Drug Interaction?

Induction of lysosomal exocytosis alleviates lysosomal storage of undigested metabolites in cell models of lysosomal disorders (LDs). However, whether this strategy affects other vesicular compartments, e.g., those involved in endocytosis, is unknown. This is important both to predict side effects and to use this strategy in combination with therapies that require endocytosis for intracellular delivery, such as lysosomal enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). We investigated this using δ-tocopherol as a model previously shown to induce lysosomal exocytosis and cell models of type A Niemann-Pick disease, a LD characterized by acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) deficiency and sphingomyelin storage. δ-Tocopherol and derivative CF3-T reduced net accumulation of fluid phase, ligands, and polymer particles via phagocytic, caveolae-, clathrin-, and cell adhesion molecule (CAM)-mediated pathways, yet the latter route was less affected due to receptor overexpression. In agreement, δ-tocopherol lowered uptake of recombinant ASM by deficient cells (known to occur via the clathrin pathway) and via targeting intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (associated to the CAM pathway). However, the net enzyme activity delivered and lysosomal storage attenuation were greater via the latter route. Data suggest stimulation of exocytosis by tocopherols is not specific of lysosomes and affects endocytic cargo. However, this effect was transient and became unnoticeable several hours after tocopherol removal. Therefore, induction of exocytosis in combination with therapies requiring endocytic uptake, such as ERT, may represent a new type of drug interaction, yet this strategy could be valuable if properly timed for minimal interference.

Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Modeling of Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency and the Enzyme Replacement Therapy Olipudase Alfa Is an Innovative Tool for Linking Pathophysiology and Pharmacology.

Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) is a rare lysosomal storage disorder with heterogeneous clinical manifestations, including hepatosplenomegaly and infiltrative pulmonary disease, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Olipudase alfa (recombinant human acid sphingomyelinase) is an enzyme replacement therapy under development for the non-neurological manifestations of ASMD. We present a quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) model supporting the clinical development of olipudase alfa. The model is multiscale and mechanistic, linking the enzymatic deficiency driving the disease to molecular-level, cellular-level, and organ-level effects. Model development was informed by natural history, and preclinical and clinical studies. By considering patient-specific pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles and indicators of disease severity, the model describes pharmacodynamic (PD) and clinical end points for individual patients. The ASMD QSP model provides a platform for quantitatively assessing systemic pharmacological effects in adult and pediatric patients, and explaining variability within and across these patient populations, thereby supporting the extrapolation of treatment response from adults to pediatrics.

Olipudase alfa for treatment of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD): safety and efficacy in adults treated for 30 months.

Olipudase alfa, a recombinant human acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), is an enzyme replacement therapy for the treatment of nonneurologic manifestations of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD). This ongoing, open-label, long-term study (NCT02004704) assessed safety and efficacy of olipudase alfa following 30 months of treatment in five adult patients with ASMD. There were no deaths, serious or severe events, or discontinuations during 30 months of treatment. The majority of adverse events were mild and included headache, nausea, and abdominal pain. No patient developed anti-drug antibodies and there were no clinically significant adverse changes in vital signs, hematology, or cardiac safety parameters. Statistically significant reductions in liver (31%) and spleen (39%) volumes were maintained through 30 months of treatment. There was a mean increase in lung diffusing capacity of 35%, and clinically relevant improvements in infiltrative lung disease parameters. Lipid profiles improved in all patients. Improvements in bone mineral density of the spine were observed in some patients. Chitotriosidase in serum and lyso-sphingomyelin in dried blood spots decreased with olipudase alfa treatment, suggesting utility as biomarkers for monitoring treatment efficacy. Olipudase alfa is the first etiology-specific treatment in development for ASMD. This study demonstrates that treatment with olipudase alfa for 30 months is well-tolerated and associated with life-transforming sustained improvements in relevant disease clinical measures.

Types A and B Niemann-Pick Disease.

Two distinct metabolic abnormalities are included under the eponym Niemann-Pick disease (NPD). The first is due to the deficient activity of the enzyme acid sphingomyelinase (ASM). Patients with ASM deficiency are classified as having types A and B Niemann-Pick disease (NPD). Type A NPD patients exhibit hepatosplenomegaly, frequent pulmonary infections, and profound central nervous system involvement in infancy. They rarely survive beyond two years of age. Type B patients also have hepatosplenomegaly and progressive alterations of their lungs, but there are usually no central nervous system signs. The age of onset and rate of disease progression varies greatly among type B patients, and they frequently live into adulthood. Recently, patients with phenotypes intermediate between types A and B NPD also have been identified. These individuals represent the expected continuum caused by inheriting different mutations in the ASM gene (SMPD1). Patients in the second category are designated as having type C NPD. Impaired intracellular trafficking of cholesterol causes type C NPD, and two distinct gene defects have been found. In this chapter only types A and B NPD will be discussed.

Clearance of Hepatic Sphingomyelin by Olipudase Alfa Is Associated With Improvement in Lipid Profiles in Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency.

Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD; Niemann-Pick disease type A and B) is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by abnormal intracellular sphingomyelin (SM) accumulation. Prominent liver involvement results in hepatomegaly, fibrosis/cirrhosis, abnormal liver chemistries, and a proatherogenic lipid profile. Olipudase alfa (recombinant human ASM) is in clinical development as an investigational enzyme replacement therapy for the non-neurological manifestations of ASMD. In a phase 1b study conducted to evaluate the safety and tolerability of within-patient dose escalation with olipudase alfa, measurement of SM levels in liver biopsies was used as a pharmacodynamic biomarker of substrate burden. Five adult patients with non neuronopathic ASMD received escalating doses of olipudase alfa every 2 weeks for 26 weeks. Liver biopsies obtained at baseline and 26 weeks after treatment were evaluated for SM storage by histomorphometric analysis, biochemistry, and electron microscopy. Biopsies were also assessed for inflammation and fibrosis, and for the association of SM levels with liver volume, liver function tests, and lipid profiles. At baseline, SM storage present in Kupffer cells and hepatocytes ranged from 9.8% to 53.8% of the microscopic field. After 26 weeks of treatment, statistically significant reductions in SM (P<0.0001) measured by morphometry were seen in 4 patients with evaluable liver biopsies. The 26-week biopsy of the fifth patient was insufficient for morphometric quantitation. Posttreatment SM levels ranged from 1.2% to 9.5% of the microscopic field, corresponding to an 84% to 92% relative reduction from baseline. Improvements in liver volume, liver function tests, and lipid profiles were also observed. This study illustrates the utility of SM assessment by liver biopsy as a pharmacodynamic biomarker of disease burden in these patients.

Nueva mutación descrita en una mujer joven con esplenomegalia, diagnosticada de enfermedad de Niemann-Pick tipo C / New mutation in a young woman diagnosed with Niemann-Pick disease type C

Fundamento y objetivo: Describir una nueva variante molecular del Niemann-Pick tipo C (NPC) en una paciente de 27 años con esplenomegalia y abolición de reflejos osteotendinosos. Material y métodos: NPC1 es el principal gen mutado en el NPC. Presentamos un caso con una nueva mutación, p.N916S, no descrita previamente en pacientes con NPC. Resultados: p.N916S fue descrita como causa de la enfermedad de NPC por los programas predictivos Mutation Master, PolyPhen2 y SIFT. Conclusiones: p.N916S es una nueva mutación detectada como causa de NPC en una paciente sin síntomas neurológicos graves (AU)

Background and objective: To describe a new molecular variant of Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) in a 27 year-old patient with splenomegaly and abolition of osteotendinous reflexes. Material and methods: NPC1 is the main gene with described mutation in NPC disease. Here we report a case with a new mutation, p.N916S, not described before in a patient diagnosed with NPC. Results: p.N916S was described as a cause of NPC disease by predictive programmes Mutation Master, PolyPhen2 and SIFT. Conclusions: p.N916S is a new mutation detected as a cause of NPC disease in a patient without severe neurological symptoms (AU)

Successful within-patient dose escalation of olipudase alfa in acid sphingomyelinase deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Olipudase alfa, a recombinant human acid sphingomyelinase (rhASM), is an investigational enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for patients with ASM deficiency [ASMD; Niemann-Pick Disease (NPD) A and B]. This open-label phase 1b study assessed the safety and tolerability of olipudase alfa using within-patient dose escalation to gradually debulk accumulated sphingomyelin and mitigate the rapid production of metabolites, which can be toxic. Secondary objectives were pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and exploratory efficacy. METHODS: Five adults with nonneuronopathic ASMD (NPD B) received escalating doses (0.1 to 3.0 mg/kg) of olipudase alfa intravenously every 2 weeks for 26 weeks. RESULTS: All patients successfully reached 3.0mg/kg without serious or severe adverse events. One patient repeated a dose (2.0 mg/kg) and another had a temporary dose reduction (1.0 to 0.6 mg/kg). Most adverse events (97%) were mild and all resolved without sequelae. The most common adverse events were headache, arthralgia, nausea and abdominal pain. Two patients experienced single acute phase reactions. No patient developed hypersensitivity or anti-olipudase alfa antibodies. The mean circulating half-life of olipudase alfa ranged from 20.9 to 23.4h across doses without accumulation. Ceramide, a sphingomyelin catabolite, rose transiently in plasma after each dose, but decreased over time. Reductions in sphingomyelin storage, spleen and liver volumes, and serum chitotriosidase activity, as well as improvements in infiltrative lung disease, lipid profiles, platelet counts, and quality of life assessments, were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides proof-of-concept for the safety and efficacy of within-patient dose escalation of olipudase alfa in patients with nonneuronopathic ASMD.