Efficacy and safety of setipiprant in seasonal allergic rhinitis: results from Phase 2 and Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-referenced studies.

BACKGROUND: Antagonism of chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule on T-helper type-2 cells (CRTH2), a G-protein coupled receptor for prostaglandin D2, could be beneficial for treating allergic disorders. We present findings on the efficacy and safety/tolerability of a CRTH2 antagonist (setipiprant) in participants with seasonal allergic rhinitis (AR) in a real-life setting over 2 weeks. METHODS: A Phase 2 trial and a Phase 3 trial were conducted at seven centers in Texas, USA during the Mountain Cedar pollen season. Both were prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-referenced (cetirizine) studies. The Phase 2 trial assessed setipiprant 100-1000 mg b.i.d. and 1000 mg o.d. versus placebo in adult and elderly participants. The Phase 3 trial assessed setipiprant 1000 mg b.i.d. in adolescent, adult, and elderly participants. Efficacy was assessed using daytime nasal symptom scores (DNSS), night-time nasal symptom scores (NNSS) and daytime eye symptom scores (DESS). RESULTS: 579 participants were randomized in the Phase 2 trial (mean age 41.6-43.4 years); 630 were randomized in the Phase 3 trial (mean age 37.5-40.7 years). A statistically significant, dose-related improvement in mean change from baseline DNSS was observed over 2 weeks with setipiprant 1000 mg b.i.d. versus placebo in the Phase 2 trial (-0.15 [95% CI -0.29, -0.01]; p = 0.030). Setipiprant 1000 mg b.i.d. had no significant effect on this endpoint in the Phase 3 trial (-0.02 [95% CI -0.12, 0.07]; p = 0.652). Total and individual NNSS and DESS symptom scores were significantly improved with setipiprant 1000 mg b.i.d. versus placebo in the Phase 2 but not the Phase 3 trial. Setipiprant showed a favorable safety/tolerability profile. CONCLUSIONS: The Phase 2 trial was the first large clinical study to assess a CRTH2 antagonist in seasonal AR in a real-life setting. Setipiprant dose-related efficacy in the Phase 2 trial was not confirmed during Phase 3. Setipiprant was well tolerated in both studies. Trial registration NCT01241214 and NCT01484119.

A 26-week tolerability study of ciclesonide nasal aerosol in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: A new, hydrofluoroalkane nasal aerosol solution formulation of ciclesonide (CIC-HFA) delivered via a metered dose inhaler is currently in clinical development for treatment of allergic rhinitis. OBJECTIVE: To study tolerability and quality of life following administration of CIC-HFA 74- or 148-µg doses once-daily compared with placebo in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) over 26 weeks. METHODS: Patients ≥12 years of age with a ≥2 year history of PAR were randomized in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group, multicenter study to CIC-HFA 74 µg, 148 µg, or placebo QD AM for 26 weeks. Safety was assessed by monitoring treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Quality of life was assessed by using a rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire with standardized activities (RQLQ[S]) in patients with baseline RQLQ ≥3.00. Reflective total nasal symptom scores (rTNSS) and instantaneous total nasal symptom scores (iTNSS) over 26 weeks were also evaluated. RESULTS: In this study, 1111 patients were randomized. The overall incidence of TEAEs was comparable between the treatment groups. Treatment with CIC-HFA 74- or 148-µg doses showed improvements in RQLQ[S] [least squares (LS) mean change 0.40 and 0.37, respectively from baseline, p < 0.01 versus placebo for both], rTNSS (LS mean change 0.65 and 0.52, respectively from baseline; p ≤ 0.01 versus placebo for both), and iTNSS (LS mean change 0.51 and 0.42, respectively from baseline; p < 0.05 versus placebo for both) from baseline. CONCLUSION: In this study, once-daily treatment with CIC-HFA 74- or 148-µg doses over 26 weeks was well tolerated with comparable incidence of TEAEs between the treatment groups.

Fluticasone furoate nasal spray is more effective than fexofenadine for nighttime symptoms of seasonal allergy.

Nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis are an important cause of sleep disturbance. Reduction of nasal symptoms, particularly nasal obstruction, has been linked to improvements in self-reported sleep quality. The enhanced-affinity intranasal corticosteroid fluticasone furoate and the oral antihistamine fexofenadine were compared with respect to nighttime symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. In two randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group studies, patients received fluticasone furoate nasal spray (FFNS),110 microg (study 1, n = 312; study 2, n = 224); fexofenadine, 180 mg (study 1, n = 311; study 2, n = 227); or placebo (study 1, n = 313; study 2, n = 229) once daily for 2 weeks. Fluticasone furoate was more effective (p < 0.001) than fexofenadine and placebo in both studies with respect to the mean changes from baseline over the treatment period in the nighttime symptoms score, nighttime reflective total nasal symptom score, predose instantaneous nasal symptom score, and morning peak nasal inspiratory flow. Fluticasone furoate was more effective than placebo (p