Efficacy and Safety of Vonoprazan-Based Quadruple Therapy for the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Patients with Peptic Ulcers: A Pooled Analysis of Two Randomized, Double-Blind, Double-Dummy, Phase 3 Trials.

Helicobacter pylori eradication is crucial in the treatment of peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori infection, a disease highly prevalent in Asia. We present a pooled analysis of two randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, phase 3 studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan-based bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication. Patients aged ≥18 years with endoscopically confirmed duodenal or gastric ulcers were randomized 1 : 1 to receive vonoprazan 20 mg or lansoprazole 30 mg once daily for up to 6 (duodenal ulcers) or 8 weeks (gastric ulcers). H. pylori-positive patients received vonoprazan- or lansoprazole-based bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for the first 2 weeks. H. pylori eradication was determined using the carbon-13 urea breath test at a follow-up visit 4 weeks post-treatment. The H. pylori eradication rate was 90.6% with vonoprazan vs. 85.2% with lansoprazole (difference: 5.4%; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.1, 10.8). H. pylori eradication rates were 7.1% (95% CI: 1.4, 12.8) and 12.6% (95% CI: 3.9, 22.0) higher in patients aged <65 years and current smokers, respectively, with vonoprazan vs. lansoprazole. In the Chinese subpopulation, the H. pylori eradication rate was 92.0% with vonoprazan vs. 86.0% with lansoprazole (difference: 6.1%; 95% CI: 0.5, 11.7). Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 72.7 vs. 62.6% of H. pylori-positive patients at baseline in the vonoprazan vs. lansoprazole arm. H. pylori eradication with vonoprazan-based quadruple therapy was noninferior to lansoprazole-based quadruple therapy and exceeded 90%, a clinically relevant threshold for determining the efficacy of H. pylori eradication regimens (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03050359; NCT03050307).

Brigatinib in Japanese patients with ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer: Final results of the phase 2 J-ALTA trial.

The phase 2, single-arm, multicenter, open-label J-ALTA study evaluated the efficacy and safety of brigatinib in Japanese patients with advanced ALK+ non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One expansion cohort of J-ALTA enrolled patients previously treated with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs); the main cohort included patients with prior alectinib ± crizotinib. The second expansion cohort enrolled patients with TKI-naive ALK+ NSCLC. All patients received brigatinib 180 mg once daily (7-day lead-in at 90 mg daily). Among 47 patients in the main cohort, 5 (11%) remained on brigatinib at the study end (median follow-up: 23 months). In this cohort, the independent review committee (IRC)-assessed objective response rate (ORR) was 34% (95% CI, 21%-49%); median duration of response was 14.8 months (95% CI, 5.5-19.4); median IRC-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.3 months (95% CI, 3.7-12.9). Among 32 patients in the TKI-naive cohort, 25 (78%) remained on brigatinib (median follow-up: 22 months); 2-year IRC-assessed PFS was 73% (90% CI, 55%-85%); IRC-assessed ORR was 97% (95% CI, 84%-100%); the median duration of response was not reached (95% CI, 19.4-not reached); 2-year duration of response was 70%. Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 68% and 91% of TKI-pretreated and TKI-naive patients, respectively. Exploratory analyses of baseline circulating tumor DNA in ALK TKI-pretreated NSCLC showed associations between poor PFS and EML4-ALK fusion variant 3 and TP53. Brigatinib is an important treatment option for Japanese patients with ALK+ NSCLC, including patients previously treated with alectinib.

Vonoprazan non-inferior to lansoprazole in treating duodenal ulcer and eradicating Helicobacter pylori in Asian patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Duodenal ulcers, especially caused by increasingly drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori, are a concern in Asia. We compared oral vonoprazan versus lansoprazole for efficacy (healing duodenal ulcers) and safety in non-Japanese Asian patients. METHODS: In this phase 3, randomized (1:1), double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group, non-inferiority study (April 5, 2017, to July 19, 2019), patients with ≥ 1 endoscopically confirmed duodenal ulcer, at 52 hospitals (China, South Korea, and Taiwan), received vonoprazan 20 mg once daily (QD) or lansoprazole 30 mg QD for 6 weeks maximum. Patients with H. pylori received bismuth-containing quadruple therapy including vonoprazan 20 mg twice daily (BID) or lansoprazole 30 mg BID, for 2 weeks, followed by vonoprazan or lansoprazole monotherapy QD (4 weeks maximum). Endpoints were endoscopically confirmed duodenal ulcer healing (Week 4/6; primary) and H. pylori eradication (4 weeks post-treatment; secondary); non-inferiority margins were -6% and -10%, using a two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Of 533 enrolled patients, one was lost to follow-up and one withdrew (full analysis set: 531 patients [vonoprazan, n = 263; lansoprazole, n = 268]; 85.4% = H. pylori positive). Vonoprazan was non-inferior to lansoprazole for duodenal ulcer healing (96.9% vs 96.5%; difference 0.4% [95% CI -3.00, 3.79]). H. pylori eradication rates were 91.5% (vonoprazan) and 86.8% (lansoprazole; difference 4.7% [95% CI -1.28, 10.69]). Vonoprazan and lansoprazole were well tolerated, with similar safety profiles, no new safety signals; no deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Vonoprazan was well tolerated and non-inferior to lansoprazole for duodenal ulcer healing and achieved H. pylori eradication above the clinically meaningful threshold (90%), in non-Japanese Asian patients.

Brigatinib in Japanese patients with tyrosine kinase inhibitor-naive ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer: first results from the phase 2 J-ALTA study.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) brigatinib in Japanese patients with TKI-naive ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from the phase 2, open-label, single-arm, multicenter J-ALTA study. METHODS: In the TKI-naive cohort of J-ALTA, the primary end point was independent review committee (IRC)-assessed 12-month progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end points included objective response rate (ORR), intracranial response, overall survival (OS), and safety. RESULTS: The data were cut approximately 12 months after last patient enrollment. Thirty-two patients with ALK TKI-naive ALK-positive NSCLC were enrolled (median age [range], 60.5 [29-85] years; median duration of follow-up, 14.2 [3.2-19.3] months; median treatment duration, 13.8 [0.4-19.3] months). IRC-assessed 12-month PFS was 93.0% (90% confidence interval (CI) 79.2-97.8%); ORR, 96.9% (95% CI 83.8-99.9%), 12-month OS, 96.9% (95% CI 79.8-99.6%), and median OS was not reached. Of five patients with measurable baseline CNS metastases, two had partial intracranial response. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were increased blood creatine phosphokinase (81%), hypertension (59%), and diarrhea (47%). Grade ≥ 3 adverse events occurred in 91% of patients; pneumonitis was reported in 3 (9%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: In the J-ALTA TKI-naive cohort, brigatinib demonstrated clinically meaningful efficacy consistent with the international phase 3 study. The safety profile in Japanese patients was consistent with previous studies. Brigatinib is an important first-line option for Japanese patients with ALK-positive NSCLC. CLINICAL REGISTRATION: NCT03410108.

Relugolix, an oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist, in women with endometriosis-associated pain: phase 2 safety and efficacy 24-week results.

BACKGROUND: Relugolix is a once-daily, oral, nonpeptide, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist. The aim of this study was to evaluate safety of relugolix over 24 weeks in women with endometriosis-associated pain. METHODS: This phase 2, randomized, open-label, parallel-group extension study was conducted in 101 clinics in Japan. Patients (premenopausal females ≥ 20 years) who completed the preceding 12-week relugolix phase 2 study continued to receive relugolix (10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg), placebo, or leuprorelin (3.75 mg) for an additional 12 weeks. Relugolix was administered orally once daily, and leuprorelin subcutaneously once every 4 weeks. The primary outcome was safety, including bone mineral density (BMD) and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Secondary endpoints included visual analog scale (VAS) scores for endometriosis-associated pain. Analysis sets were defined as all patients who were administered the study drug. RESULTS: Of 487 randomized patients in the preceding study, 397 enrolled in this extension study and continued to receive placebo (n = 77), relugolix 10 mg (n = 84), relugolix 20 mg (n = 78), relugolix 40 mg (n = 89), or leuprorelin (n = 69). Baseline characteristics were similar between extension study patients and patients in the preceding study. Frequency of TEAEs including metrorrhagia, menorrhagia, and hot flush was similar in the relugolix 40-mg and leuprorelin groups. Mean (SD) change in BMD from baseline at Week 24 was - 0.2 (1.99)% for placebo; - 1.6 (2.34)%, - 2.6 (2.94)%, and - 4.9 (2.91)% for the relugolix 10-mg, 20-mg, and 40-mg groups, respectively; and - 4.4 (2.16)% for leuprorelin. Mean ± SD change from baseline in mean VAS score (mm) for pelvic pain at end of treatment was - 3.2 ± 12.16 for placebo; - 6.8 ± 10.56, - 9.0 ± 11.84, and - 11.9 ± 11.26 for the relugolix 10-mg, 20-mg, and 40-mg groups, respectively; and - 12.7 ± 12.57 for leuprorelin. Estradiol levels decreased with increasing relugolix dose and remained below postmenopausal levels throughout the 24-week relugolix 40-mg treatment period. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with relugolix for 24 weeks was generally well tolerated and demonstrated similar pain reduction to leuprorelin in women with endometriosis. The dose-dependent loss in BMD observed with relugolix treatment was expected due to an induced hypoestrogenic state. Relugolix demonstrated a similar benefit/risk profile to injectable therapy in this phase 2 study. Trial registration NCT01452685 (ClinicalTrials.gov, registered 17/10/2011).

Relugolix for oral treatment of uterine leiomyomas: a dose-finding, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Uterine leiomyomas are the most common neoplasm affecting women and frequently cause heavy menstrual bleeding and pain. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonists provide fast symptom relief and show promise as a medical (non-surgical) treatment option and as a presurgical treatment to reduce leiomyoma size. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of three dose levels of oral relugolix, a small molecule GnRH receptor antagonist, in Japanese women with uterine leiomyomas and heavy menstrual bleeding. METHODS: This phase 2, multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group study was conducted at 36 sites in Japan in women with uterine leiomyomas and heavy menstrual bleeding, defined as a pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) score of ≥ 120 in one menstrual cycle. Patients were randomized 1:1:1:1 to relugolix 10, 20, or 40 mg, or placebo, orally once daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a total PBAC score of < 10 from week 6 to 12. A sample size of 50 patients per group was estimated to provide ≥ 95% power, based on the comparison of relugolix 40 mg with placebo using a chi-square test with a significance level of 5% (two-sided). RESULTS: From November 2011 to September 2012, 216 patients were randomized and 214 patients (99.1%) were analyzed. The proportion (difference vs. placebo) of patients that achieved the primary endpoint in the placebo and 10-, 20-, and 40-mg relugolix groups were 0%, 20.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.3-32.3, P < .001), 42.6% (95% CI: 29.4-55.8, P < .001), and 83.3% (95% CI: 73.4-93.3, P < .001), respectively. Though treatment-emergent adverse events were similar between the 20- and 40-mg groups, the incidence rates were more frequent compared with the placebo group. Most of these adverse events were mild or moderate in intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Relugolix decreased menstrual blood loss in women with uterine leiomyomas in a dose-response manner, and was generally well tolerated. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01452659 , NCT01452659 (registered 17/10/2011); JAPIC Clinical Trial Information, https://www.clinicaltrials.jp , JapicCTI-111590 (registered 31/08/2011).

Efficacy and safety of leuprorelin acetate 6-month depot in prostate cancer patients: a Phase III, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, comparative study in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: Leuprorelin acetate (TAP-144-SR) is commonly used worldwide in prostate cancer patients. This study was conducted to assess the non-inferiority of a 6-month depot formulation of TAP-144-SR (TAP-144-SR [6M]) 22.5 mg to a 3-month depot formulation of TAP-144-SR (TAP-144-SR [3M]) 11.25 mg in prostate cancer patients in Japan. METHODS: This was a 48-week Phase III, open-label, parallel-group comparative study. TAP-144-SR (6M) 22.5 mg (6M group) and TAP-144-SR (3M) 11.25 mg (3M group) were administered to 81 and 79 subjects, respectively. The primary endpoint was the rate of serum testosterone suppression to the castrate level (≤100 ng/dl). RESULTS: Serum testosterone of all subjects excluding one subject in the 3M group was suppressed to the castrate level throughout 48 weeks. The estimated between-group difference (6M group - 3M group) in suppression rate was 1.3% (95% confidence interval: -3.4, 6.8), and its lower confidence interval was more than -10% of the pre-determined allowable limit value to judge the non-inferiority. The prostate-specific antigen concentrations were stable throughout the study in both groups. Progressive disease in the best overall response based on the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors was 0.0% for the 6M group and 2.6% for the 3M group. Adverse events occurred in 92.6% in the 6M group and 89.9% in the 3M group. Adverse events leading to discontinuation were reported in 2.5% in the 6M group and 3.8% in the 3M group. CONCLUSIONS: TAP-144-SR (6M) was not inferior to TAP-144-SR (3M) for the suppressive effect on serum testosterone level. TAP-144-SR (6M) was also as well tolerated as TAP-144-SR (3M).

Evaluating the Safety, Tolerability, and Disposition of Trazpiroben, a D2 /D3 Receptor Antagonist: Phase I Single- and Multiple-Ascending Dose Studies in Healthy Japanese Participants.

Trazpiroben (TAK-906) is a peripherally selective dopamine D2 /D3 receptor antagonist being developed to treat chronic gastroparesis. This phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single- and multiple-ascending dose, parallel-group study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of trazpiroben in healthy Japanese men. Findings were compared with those from a prior US trial in healthy individuals. Overall, 24 participants were enrolled into 3 cohorts (each n = 8). Per cohort, 6 participants received trazpiroben (cohort 1, 50 mg; 2, 100 mg; 3, 10 mg) once on day 1 and twice daily on days 3 through 7, and two received placebo. Trazpiroben was well tolerated, with no clinically meaningful adverse events observed. Following single- and multiple-dose administration, trazpiroben was rapidly absorbed and eliminated (mean elimination half-life, 1.89-6.45 hours; median time to maximum serum concentration [steady state], 1.00-1.25 hours). Serum prolactin increased with trazpiroben treatment (mean maximum serum concentration 93.32 ng/mL [10 mg] vs. 10.83 ng/mL [placebo]), illustrating receptor target engagement. Results reflected those from healthy US participants, indicating a lack of differences between these ethnic populations in trazpiroben disposition and safety profile. Trazpiroben may represent a promising therapy for chronic gastroparesis across different populations, with further evaluation ongoing in a phase IIb study (NCT03544229).

Relugolix, an oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist, reduces endometriosis-associated pain in a dose-response manner: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of three dose levels of relugolix, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist, compared with placebo and leuprorelin in women with endometriosis-associated pain. DESIGN: Phase 2, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. SETTING: Hospitals and clinics. PATIENT(S): Adult premenopausal women with endometriosis who had dysmenorrhea and endometriosis-associated pelvic pain. INTERVENTION(S): During a 12-week treatment period, patients received relugolix 10 mg (n = 103), 20 mg (n = 100), or 40 mg (n = 103) as a daily oral dose; placebo (n = 97) as a daily oral dose; or leuprorelin 3.75 mg (n = 80) as a monthly subcutaneous injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Primary endpoint was the change from baseline in mean visual analog scale score for pelvic pain during 28 days before the end of treatment. RESULT(S): The mean changes in mean visual analog scale score for pelvic pain were -3.8 mm in the placebo group; -6.2, -8.1, and -10.4 mm in the relugolix 10-mg, 20-mg, and 40-mg groups; respectively; and -10.6 mm in the leuprorelin group. The major adverse events with relugolix were hot flush, metrorrhagia, menorrhagia, and irregular menstruation, and bone mineral density decrease in a dose-response manner, which were also observed in the leuprorelin group with a frequency comparable with that in the relugolix 40-mg group. CONCLUSION(S): Oral administration of relugolix alleviated endometriosis-associated pain in a dose-response manner and was generally well tolerated. Relugolix 40 mg demonstrated efficacy and safety comparable with those of leuprorelin. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01458301.

Brigatinib in Japanese Patients With ALK-Positive NSCLC Previously Treated With Alectinib and Other Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Outcomes of the Phase 2 J-ALTA Trial.

INTRODUCTION: This phase 2 trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of brigatinib in patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC refractory to alectinib or other ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). METHODS: This single-arm, multicenter, open-label study in Japanese patients consisted of a safety lead-in followed by an expansion stage in patients refractory to ALK TKI or those naive for ALK TKI. Patients received brigatinib 180 mg once daily with 7-day lead-in at 90 mg once daily. Primary end point was independent review committee (IRC)-assessed confirmed objective response rate per the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. RESULTS: We report the results of the lead-in and expansion in the patients refractory to ALK TKI. Of 72 patients enrolled, 47 had alectinib as most recent ALK TKI (with or without previous crizotinib). At analysis cutoff, 14 of the 47 remained on brigatinib (median follow-up: 12.4 mo). In the alectinib-refractory population, IRC-assessed confirmed objective response rate was 34% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 21%-49%) with median duration of response of 11.8 months (95% CI: 5.5-16.4). Disease control rate was 79% (95% CI: 64%-89%). Median IRC-assessed progression-free survival was 7.3 months (95% CI: 3.7-9.3). Two of eight patients with measurable brain lesions at baseline had confirmed intracranial partial response. Brigatinib has been found to have antitumor activity in patients with G1202R, I1171N, V1180L, and L1196M secondary mutations. The safety profile in Japanese patients was consistent with that in previous reports in broader populations. CONCLUSIONS: Brigatinib has been found to have clinically meaningful efficacy in Japanese patients with ALK+ NSCLC refractory to alectinib (with or without previous crizotinib).

Relugolix, a novel oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist, in the treatment of pain symptoms associated with uterine fibroids: a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study in Japanese women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist, relugolix, in patients experiencing uterine fibroid-associated pain. DESIGN: Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. SETTING: Medical centers. PATIENT(S): Premenopausal Japanese women (N = 65) experiencing moderate-to-severe uterine fibroid-associated pain with a maximum Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score of ≥4 were randomized and completed the study. INTERVENTION(S): Once-daily 40 mg relugolix (n = 33) or placebo (n = 32) for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Primary end point: proportion of patients with a maximum NRS score of ≤1 during the 28-day period before the final dose of study drug. Secondary end points: proportion of patients with no pain (NRS = 0) and percentage of days without pain during the 28-day period before the final dose of study drug; adverse events. RESULT(S): More patients receiving relugolix versus placebo achieved a maximum NRS score of ≤1 during the 28-day period before the final dose of study drug (57.6% vs. 3.1%). Similarly, more patients receiving relugolix versus placebo achieved a maximum NRS score of 0 (48.5% vs. 3.1%) and experienced more days without pain (96.4% vs. 71.4%). More patients receiving relugolix versus placebo experienced treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs; 87.9% vs. 56.3%); however, the rate of treatment discontinuation was low and not different between groups. Most TEAEs were mild to moderate in intensity. TEAEs (≥10%) included hot flush, metrorrhagia, hyperhidrosis, and menorrhagia, consistent with relugolix's mechanism of action, and viral upper respiratory tract infection. CONCLUSION(S): Relugolix improved uterine fibroid-associated pain and was well tolerated. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: NCT02655224. JAPIC CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION: JapicCTI-163127.

Oral Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonist Relugolix Compared With Leuprorelin Injections for Uterine Leiomyomas: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the noninferiority of relugolix compared with leuprorelin acetate in reducing heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine leiomyomas. METHODS: In a double-blind, double-dummy trial, premenopausal women with uterine leiomyomas and heavy menstrual bleeding defined as a pictorial blood loss assessment chart score of at least 120 were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to relugolix (40 mg, oral, once daily) or leuprorelin acetate (1.88 mg or 3.75 mg, monthly injection) for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a total pictorial blood loss assessment chart score of less than 10 for weeks 6-12. Secondary endpoints included myoma and uterine volumes, and hemoglobin levels. A sample size of 144 patients per group (n=288) was estimated to provide at least 90% power to demonstrate noninferiority (prespecified noninferiority margin -15%; one-sided 0.025 level of significance). RESULTS: From March 2016 to September 2017, 281 patients were randomized (relugolix, n=139, leuprorelin n=142). Demographic and baseline characteristics were well balanced; mean pictorial blood loss assessment chart score was 254.3 in the relugolix group and 263.7 in the leuprorelin group. The proportion of patients with total pictorial blood loss assessment chart score of less than 10 for weeks 6-12 was 82.2% in the relugolix group and 83.1% in the leuprorelin group, demonstrating noninferiority of relugolix compared with leuprorelin (relugolix-leuprorelin difference -0.9%; 95% CI: -10.10 to 8.35; prespecified noninferiority margin -15%; P=.001). Reductions in myoma and uterine volumes and increases in hemoglobin levels were comparable in the two groups. Relugolix was associated with an earlier effect on menstrual bleeding than leuprorelin (pictorial blood loss assessment chart score of less than 10, 64.2% vs 31.7% [relugolix-leuprorelin difference 32.5%; 95% CI: 20.95-44.13%] for weeks 2-6 and pictorial blood loss assessment chart score of 0, 52.6% vs 21.8% [30.7%; 95% CI: 19.45-42.00%] for weeks 2-6) and faster recovery of menses after treatment discontinuation (relugolix median [Q1, Q3], 37 days [32.0, 46.0]; leuprorelin median, 65 days [54.0, 77.0]). Adverse events and bone mineral density loss were similar between relugolix and leuprorelin treatment groups. CONCLUSION: In women with uterine leiomyomas, once-daily treatment with relugolix, an oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist, demonstrated noninferiority to monthly leuprorelin for improvement of heavy menstrual bleeding at 6-12 weeks of treatment, had a more rapid effect on menstrual bleeding, and was generally well tolerated. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02655237; JAPIC Clinical Trial Information, JapicCTI-163128. FUNDING SOURCE: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and an affiliate of NovaQuest Capital Management LLC.

Maintenance for healed erosive esophagitis: Phase III comparison of vonoprazan with lansoprazole.

AIM: To compare vonoprazan 10 and 20 mg vs lansoprazole 15 mg as maintenance therapy in healed erosive esophagitis (EE). METHODS: A total of 607 patients aged ≥ 20 years, with endoscopically-confirmed healed EE following 8 wk of treatment with vonoprazan 20 mg once daily, were randomized 1:1:1 to receive lansoprazole 15 mg (n = 201), vonoprazan 10 mg (n = 202), or vonoprazan 20 mg (n = 204), once daily. The primary endpoint of the study was the rate of endoscopically-confirmed EE recurrence during a 24-wk maintenance period. The secondary endpoint was the EE recurrence rate at Week 12 during maintenance treatment. Additional efficacy endpoints included the incidence of heartburn and acid reflux, and the EE healing rate 4 wk after the initiation of maintenance treatment. Safety endpoints comprised adverse events (AEs), vital signs, electrocardiogram findings, clinical laboratory results, serum gastrin and pepsinogen I/II levels, and gastric mucosa histopathology results. RESULTS: Rates of EE recurrence during the 24-wk maintenance period were 16.8%, 5.1%, and 2.0% with lansoprazole 15 mg, vonoprazan 10 mg, and vonoprazan 20 mg, respectively. Vonoprazan was shown to be non-inferior to lansoprazole 15 mg (P < 0.0001 for both doses). In a post-hoc analysis, EE recurrence at Week 24 was significantly reduced with vonoprazan at both the 10 mg and the 20 mg dose vs lansoprazole 15 mg (5.1% vs 16.8%, P = 0.0002, and 2.0% vs 16.8%, P < 0.0001, respectively); by contrast, the EE recurrence rate did not differ significantly between the two doses of vonoprazan (P = 0.1090). The safety profiles of vonoprazan 10 and 20 mg were similar to that of lansoprazole 15 mg in patients with healed EE. Treatment-related AEs were reported in 11.4%, 10.4%, and 10.3% of patients in the lansoprazole 15 mg, vonoprazan 10 mg, and vonoprazan 20 mg arms, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm the non-inferiority of vonoprazan 10 and 20 mg to lansoprazole 15 mg as maintenance therapy for patients with healed EE.

Effect of TAK-085 on Low-density Lipoprotein Particle Size in Patients with Hypertriglyceridemia: A Double-blind Randomized Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) comprise a heterogeneous group of particles with various size and density. A shift to larger LDL particle size is mainly the result of a decrease in small dense LDL (sd-LDL) levels and an increase in large buoyant LDL (lb-LDL) levels. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind study of TAK-085 (containing docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid-ethyl esters [EPA-E]) and an EPA-E product in Japanese patients with hypertriglyceridemia, exploratory evaluations of the effects of the LDL particle size were performed on the basis of LDL-cholesterol/apolipoprotein B ratios and LDL subfractions, which were analyzed with a polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis system. RESULTS: Patients were randomized to 12-week treatment with TAK-085 4 g/day (N = 210), TAK-085 2 g/day (N = 205), or EPA-E 1.8 g/day (N = 195). Treatment with TAK-085 4 g/day, TAK-085 2 g/day, and EPA-E 1.8 g/day caused an increase in the LDL cholesterol/apolipoprotein B ratios (3.99%, 3.35%, and 0.66%, respectively), the mean diameter of LDL particles (1.12%, 0.84%, and 0.67%, respectively), and the level of lb-LDL at the end of the study (16.37%, 9.51%, and 7.31%, respectively). The increases in the LDL cholesterol/apolipoprotein B ratios and the mean diameter of LDL particles from baseline to the end of the study were greater with TAK-085 4 g/day than EPA-E 1.8 g/day. TAK-085 4 g/day and TAK-085 2 g/day caused a decrease in the sd-LDL levels (-16.21% and -6.96%, respectively). CONCLUSION: TAK-085 produced a favorable shift in the LDL particle size in Japanese patients with hypertriglyceridemia. JAPIC Clinical Trials Information: Japic CTI-090937.

Efficacy and safety of TAK-085 compared with eicosapentaenoic acid in Japanese subjects with hypertriglyceridemia undergoing lifestyle modification: the omega-3 fatty acids randomized double-blind (ORD) study.

BACKGROUND: Hypertriglyceridemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and clinical practice guidelines advocate treatment to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels. In Japan, an EPA-E (eicosapentaenoic acid-ethyl ester) product has been used clinically for treating dyslipidemia. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the TG-lowering effects of TAK-085 (EPA-E + docosahexaenoic acid-ethyl ester) in comparison with EPA-E in Japanese patients with hypertriglyceridemia (TG ≥150 mg/dL and <750 mg/dL). METHODS: In this multicenter, 12-week, double-blind study, subjects were stratified for coadministration of a 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitor then randomized to TAK-085 2 g once daily (n = 205), TAK-085 2 g twice daily (n = 210), or EPA-E 0.6 g three times daily (n = 195). Each one gram of fatty acid in TAK-085 contains approximately 465 mg of EPA plus 375 mg of docosahexaenoic acid-ethyl as ethyl esters. Guidance on lifestyle modifications was provided throughout. RESULTS: The primary end point was the percent change in TG levels (baseline from end of treatment), which was -10.8 ± 22.6, -22.9 ± 23.1, and -11.2 ± 25.7 in the TAK-085 2 g/day, TAK-085 4 g/day, and EPA-E 1.8 g/day groups, respectively. TAK-085 4 g/day produced a significantly greater reduction in TG than EPA-E 1.8 g/day (P < .0001), whereas TAK-085 2 g/day was not inferior to EPA-E 1.8 g/day. Changes in other lipid parameters were relatively modest. There were no notable safety or tolerability differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In Japanese patients with modest hypertriglyceridemia who also underwent lifestyle intervention, TAK-085 4 g/day reduced TG more than EPA-E 1.8 g/day. TAK-085 2 g/day had similar effects on TG as EPA-E 1.8 g/day. TAK-085 was well-tolerated.

Long-term safety and efficacy of TAK-085 in Japanese subjects with hypertriglyceridemia undergoing lifestyle modification: the omega-3 fatty acids randomized long-term (ORL) study.

BACKGROUND: TAK-085 is an omega-3 preparation that contains eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl-ester (EPA-E) and docosahexaenoic acid-ethyl ester used in the management of hypertriglyceridemia. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term safety (adverse events [AEs], laboratory parameters, vital signs, weight, and electrocardiograms) and effects on lipid profiles, especially triglyceride levels, of TAK-085 in Japanese patients with hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride levels ≥150 mg/dL and <750 mg/dL). METHODS: In this multicenter, open-label, randomized study, adults with hypertriglyceridemia undergoing lifestyle modification received TAK-085 2 g (2 g once daily; n = 165) or 4 g (2 g twice daily; n = 171), or EPA-E 1.8 g (0.6 g three times daily; n = 167) for 52 weeks. Patients were stratified for co-administration of a statin. RESULTS: TAK-085 was well tolerated throughout the 52-week study. Overall, no substantial differences were found in the tolerability of TAK-085 2 g, TAK-085 4 g, and EPA-E 1.8 g with incidence rates for AEs of 83.6%, 86.0%, and 89.2%, respectively. Most AEs were mild or moderate in severity. Triglyceride levels decreased from baseline in all groups by week 4, and the decreases were maintained throughout the study. At week 52 the reduction in triglycerides with TAK-085 2 g (-13.9%) was similar to that with EPA-E 1.8 g (-12.1%), whereas the reduction seen with TAK-085 4 g (-25.5%) was greater than that with EPA-E 1.8 g, as assessed by point estimates and 95% confidence intervals. CONCLUSIONS: TAK-085 was safe and well tolerated for up to 52 weeks of treatment in Japanese patients with hypertriglyceridemia undergoing lifestyle modification. Reductions in triglyceride levels achieved after 4 weeks were maintained at 52 weeks.