Project description:Crizanlizumab is an anti-P-selectin monoclonal antibody indicated to reduce the frequency/prevent recurrence of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) aged ≥16 years. This analysis of an ongoing phase 2, nonrandomized, open-label study reports the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), safety, and efficacy of crizanlizumab 5.0 mg/kg (N = 45) and 7.5 mg/kg (N = 12) in patients with SCD with a history of VOCs. The median treatment duration was 104.7 and 85.7 weeks in the 5.0 and 7.5 mg/kg groups, respectively. For both doses, serum crizanlizumab concentrations rose to near maximum levels shortly after infusion, and near complete and sustained ex vivo P-selectin inhibition was observed. Grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) occurred in 48.9% and 33.3% of patients in the 5.0 and 7.5 mg/kg groups, respectively; only 1 event was deemed treatment-related (7.5 mg/kg group). No treatment-related serious AEs occurred. One infusion-related reaction was recorded (5.0 mg/kg, grade 2 "pain during infusion"), which resolved without treatment withdrawal. Infections occurred in 57.8% and 41.7% of patients in the 5.0 and 7.5 mg/kg groups, respectively; none were drug-related. No treatment-related bleeding events were reported. No patients developed immunogenicity. The median (range) absolute reduction from baseline in the annualized rate of VOCs leading to a health care visit was -0.88 (-14.7 to 13.3) and -0.93 (-2.0 to 0.4) in the 5.0 and 7.5 mg/kg groups, respectively. Results here demonstrate the PK/PD properties of crizanlizumab in patients with SCD and the potential sustained efficacy and long-term safety of the drug after >12 months' treatment. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03264989.
Project description:BackgroundCrizanlizumab is a novel inhibitor of P-selectin, a key player in multicellular adhesion and inflammatory signaling, that leads to vaso-occlusion in sickle cell disease (SCD).ObjectivesThe SOLACE-adults study evaluated the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics (P-selectin inhibition), safety, and efficacy of crizanlizumab, with or without hydroxyurea/hydroxycarbamide, in patients with SCD.DesignPhase II, single-arm, multicenter study.MethodsPatients with SCD aged 16-70 years, with ⩾1 vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) within 12 months before screening, received crizanlizumab 5.0 or 7.5 mg/kg intravenous infusion every 4 weeks; dose groups were enrolled sequentially.ResultsOf 57 patients enrolled, 45 received crizanlizumab 5.0 mg/kg and 12 received 7.5 mg/kg for a median duration of 206 and 170 weeks, respectively. Crizanlizumab concentrations reached maximum levels after a 30-min infusion and remained steady for 6 h, without significant accumulation. P-selectin inhibition was nearly complete for both doses. The median (interquartile range) absolute change in the annualized rate of VOCs leading to healthcare visit from baseline was -0.79 (-3.04, 2.01) in the 5.0 mg/kg group and -0.98 (-1.11, -0.41) in the 7.5 mg/kg group. All patients experienced at least one adverse event (AE), with no apparent differences between the two doses in the frequency and severity of AEs. Grade ⩾3 AEs occurred in 60% of the 5.0 mg/kg group and 58% of the 7.5 mg/kg group. Two patients in the 5.0 mg/kg group and one in the 7.5 mg/kg group had severe crizanlizumab-related infusion-related reactions, which resolved with treatment. No patients developed antibodies against crizanlizumab.ConclusionCrizanlizumab 5.0 and 7.5 mg/kg demonstrated a dose-proportional increase in exposure, sustained P-selectin inhibition, a tolerable safety profile, and a sustained reduction in VOCs leading to healthcare visit. This suggests that crizanlizumab is a useful treatment option for patients with SCD who have experienced VOCs.Trial registrationNCT03264989.
Project description:Priapism, an unwanted, painful, prolonged erection that is unrelated to sexual stimulation, is a common complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). Priapic events in SCD are stuttering, meaning they occur repeatedly with intervening periods of detumescence. Without health care intervention, repeated episodes can lead to erectile dysfunction. There are limited treatment options for SCD-related priapism and no approved targeted therapies. Crizanlizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to P-selectin and is used to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises in patients with SCD. Here, we report the cases of 3 patients with SCD-related priapism who were treated with crizanlizumab. All patients were African American men who experienced numerous priapic episodes that interfered with their daily lives. Upon treatment with crizanlizumab, priapic events were reduced in all 3 patients. These successful cases suggest a potential role for crizanlizumab in the prevention of SCD-related priapism.
Project description:Advanced systemic mastocytosis (AdvSM) is a rare, KIT D816V-driven hematologic neoplasm characterized by mast cell infiltration and shortened survival. We report the results of a prespecified interim analysis of an ongoing pivotal single-arm phase 2 trial (no. NCT03580655 ) of avapritinib, a potent, selective KIT D816V inhibitor administered primarily at a once-daily starting dose of 200 mg in patients with AdvSM (n = 62). The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included mean baseline change in AdvSM-Symptom Assessment Form Total Symptom Score and quality of life, time to response, duration of response, progression-free survival, overall survival, changes in measures of disease burden and safety. The primary endpoint was successfully met (P = 1.6 × 10-9), with an ORR of 75% (95% confidence interval 57-89) in 32 response-evaluable patients with AdvSM who had sufficient follow-up for response assessment, including 19% with complete remission with full or partial hematologic recovery. Reductions of ≥50% from baseline in serum tryptase (93%), bone marrow mast cells (88%) and KIT D816V variant allele fraction (60%) were observed. The most frequent grade ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (24%), thrombocytopenia (16%) and anemia (16%). Avapritinib demonstrated a high rate of clinical, morphological and molecular responses and was generally well tolerated in patients with AdvSM.
Project description:Gene therapy holds promise for treatment of inherited retinal dystrophies, a group of rare genetic disorders characterized by severe loss of vision. Here, we report up to 3-year pre-specified interim safety and efficacy results of an open-label first-in-human dose-escalation phase 1/2 gene therapy clinical trial in 12 patients with retinal dystrophy caused by biallelic mutations in the retinaldehyde-binding protein 1 (RLBP1) gene of the visual cycle. The primary endpoints were systemic and ocular safety and recovery of dark adaptation. Secondary endpoints included microperimetry, visual field sensitivity, dominant eye test and patient-reported outcomes. Subretinal delivery of an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV8-RLBP1) was well tolerated with dose-dependent intraocular inflammation which responded to corticosteroid treatment, and focal atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium as the dose limiting toxicity. Dark adaptation kinetics, the primary efficacy endpoint, improved significantly in all dose-cohorts. Treatment with AAV8-RLBP1 resulted in the resolution of disease-related retinal deposits, suggestive of successful restoration of the visual cycle. In conclusion, to date, AAV8-RLBP1 has shown preliminary safety and efficacy in patients with RLBP1-associated retinal dystrophy. Trial number: NCT03374657.
Project description:BackgroundSuccessful preventive therapy for ischemic priapism, a disorder of penile erection with major physical and psychologic consequences, is limited. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of sildenafil by a systematic dosing protocol to prevent recurrent ischemic priapism associated with sickle cell disease.MethodsThirteen patients with sickle cell disease reporting priapism recurrences at least twice weekly were randomized to receive sildenafil 50 mg or placebo daily, unassociated with sleep or sexual activity, for 8 weeks, followed by open-label use of this sildenafil regimen for an additional 8 weeks.ResultsPriapism frequency reduction by 50% did not differ between sildenafil and placebo groups by intention-to-treat or per protocol analyses (P = 1.0). However, during open-label assessment, 5 of 8 patients (62.5%) by intention-to-treat analysis and 2 of 3 patients (66.7%) by per protocol analysis met this primary efficacy outcome. No significant differences were found between study groups in rates of adverse effects, although major priapism episodes were decreased 4-fold in patients monitored "on-treatment."ConclusionsSildenafil use by systematic dosing may offer a strategy to prevent recurrent ischemic priapism in patients with sickle cell disease.
Project description:ObjectiveTo determine whether metformin can achieve glucose control no worse than insulin (noninferiority) without the danger of hypoglycemia (superiority). In addition, to assess whether metformin has any additional effects on lipolysis and inflammation that will enhance burn recovery (superiority).Summary background dataHyperglycemia and insulin resistance after burn injury are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Insulin administration improves postburn infections, severity of sepsis, and morbidity, but also causes a 4-5-fold increase in hypoglycemia, which is associated with a 9-fold increase in mortality.MethodsSeverely burned adult patients with burns over 20% total body surface area (TBSA) burn were prospectively randomized in this Phase II clinical trial to either metformin or insulin (standard of care) treatment. Primary outcomes were glucose levels and incidence of hypoglycemia. Secondary outcomes included glucose and fat metabolism, and clinical outcomes.ResultsForty-four patients were enrolled in this Phase II clinical trial, 18 metformin and 26 insulin patients. Demographics, burn size, concomitant injuries, and mortality were comparable between both groups. Metformin controlled blood glucose as equally as insulin with no difference between the 2 treatment groups, P > 0.05. While there was a 15% incidence of hypoglycemia in the insulin group, there was only 1 mild hypoglycemic episode (6%) in the metformin group, P < 0.05. Oral glucose tolerance tests at discharge revealed that metformin significantly improved insulin sensitivity, P < 0.05. Furthermore, metformin had a strong antilipolytic effect after burn injury when compared with insulin and was associated with significantly reduced inflammation, P < 0.05.ConclusionsMetformin decreases glucose equally as effective as insulin without causing hypoglycemia, with additional benefits including improved insulin resistance and decreased endogenous insulin synthesis when compared with insulin controls. These results indicate that metformin is safe in burn patients and further supports the use of metformin in severely burned patients for postburn control of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.