Dataset Information

Population Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Analysis of Belimumab Administered Subcutaneously in Healthy Volunteers and Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Intravenous belimumab 10 mg/kg every 4 weeks is indicated in patients with active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus receiving standard systemic lupus erythematosus care. Subcutaneous 200-mg weekly administration, which may prove more convenient for patients and improve adherence, is currently under investigation.

Objective

The objective of this study was to characterize the population pharmacokinetics and exposure-efficacy response of subcutaneous belimumab in a pooled analysis of pharmacokinetic data [phase I: BEL114448 (NCT01583530) and BEL116119 (NCT01516450) in healthy subjects (n = 134); phase III: BEL112341 (NCT01484496) in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 554)] and pharmacodynamic data [BEL112341 in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 833)].

Methods

Non-linear mixed-effects modeling (NONMEM®) was used to develop a population pharmacokinetic model and perform a covariate analysis. Subsequently, exploratory exposure-response analysis and logistic regression modeling was performed based on the individual parameter estimates of the population pharmacokinetic model.

Results

Population-pharmacokinetic parameters for subcutaneous belimumab were consistent with those for intravenous belimumab and other immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibodies. Pharmacokinetic parameters and subcutaneous belimumab exposure were consistent between healthy subjects and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, and no evidence for target-mediated disposition of belimumab was found. Subcutaneous belimumab steady-state exposure was achieved after ~11 weeks; subcutaneous belimumab steady-state minimum concentration exceeded that of intravenous belimumab after <4 weeks, and average steady-state concentration was similar to that achieved following intravenous administration. In patients with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus, subcutaneous belimumab 200 mg once weekly plus standard of care significantly improved the systemic lupus erythematosus responder index. However, at this dose, the systemic lupus erythematosus responder index response was not significantly associated with belimumab exposure concentrations.

Conclusion

The analysis demonstrates that a 200-mg once-weekly dose of belimumab is appropriate for subcutaneous administration in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and that no dose adjustments are required for adult patients to maintain efficacy and safety.

SUBMITTER: Struemper H

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5973992 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:Background and objectiveIntravenous (IV) belimumab is the first treatment approved for children ≥5 years of age with active autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the USA, Europe, and Japan. Pharmacokinetic data for belimumab were collected from several clinical trials in Chinese and non-Chinese adults and non-Chinese pediatric patients with SLE. This study aimed to predict the belimumab dose-exposure relationship to Chinese pediatric patients with SLE, as part of the belimumab registration process for this population in China, using a population PK modeling approach.MethodsAn initial linear two-compartment population pharmacokinetic model was built using data from adults only, and considering and adjusting for the covariates age, body weight, body mass index, fat-free mass, race, baseline albumin and immunoglobulin G levels. The model was used to study possible ethnic differences between Chinese and non-Chinese adults and to predict pediatric pharmacokinetic data in a study of non-Chinese pediatric patients (PLUTO study; NCT01649765). The predicted data were compared with the observed data from PLUTO. The model was then updated with pediatric data from PLUTO to predict steady-state belimumab exposure in Chinese pediatric patients with SLE receiving belimumab 10 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks.ResultsThe dataset comprised 9650 sampled concentration values from 1783 patients. The pharmacokinetics of belimumab were adequately described by the final model using all adult and pediatric data with the estimated typical clearance of 238 ml/day in adult and pediatric patients and steady-state volume of distribution of 4915 ml in adults. Between-patient variability was modest (coefficients of variation: 26.1% for clearance; 8.9% and 28.5%, respectively, for volumes of distribution of the central and peripheral compartments). Six covariates were identified that influenced pharmacokinetics: age, fat-free mass, an indicator of North East Asian race, baseline albumin, immunoglobulin G, and an early study indicator (two early phase I and phase II belimumab studies: LBSL01 and LBSL02). The analysis showed no apparent difference in steady-state exposure between Chinese and non-Chinese populations and between pediatric and adult populations receiving belimumab 10 mg/kg IV.ConclusionsIn Chinese pediatric patients with SLE, belimumab 10 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks is expected to have exposure similar to that in Chinese adults and non-Chinese pediatric patients with SLE, supporting the use of this regimen in Chinese pediatric patients with SLE.Clinical trial registration numbersNCT01649765, NCT00657007, NCT00071487, NCT01345253, NCT01516450, NCT00410384, NCT00424476, NCT02880852, NCT01583530.

Project description:IntroductionBelimumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody that binds to soluble B-lymphocyte stimulator and inhibits its biological activity. Since receiving approvals for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), several observational studies have investigated the effectiveness of belimumab in the real-world setting. This study reports a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of belimumab for the treatment of SLE.MethodsA literature search following PRISMA Guidelines and limited to studies in English was performed (2014-2020) to identify relevant studies reporting effectiveness outcomes of belimumab in patients with SLE. A modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality. Outcomes, including SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score, prednisone-equivalent use, and SLE flare were pooled and analyzed using statistical aggregation methods.ResultsThe literature search identified 514 articles for initial review. Of these, 17 articles were suitable for data extraction and summary. Baseline characteristics of patients in real-world studies were generally similar to those of relevant clinical trials, including age, sex, disease duration, SLEDAI score, and prednisone-equivalent use. Real-world use of belimumab was associated with reductions in SLEDAI score (mean baseline score to month 6: 10.1-4.4; 57% reduction), prednisone-equivalent dosing (mean baseline dose to month 6: 12.1 mg/day to 6.9 mg/day; 43% reduction), and flare frequency (12 months prior to belimumab to 12 months after belimumab: 1.15-0.39 mean flares per patient per year; 66% reduction). Long-term data (up to 2 years post-treatment initiation) for SLEDAI score and prednisone-equivalent dose indicated that improvements in both outcomes continue over time among patients remaining on therapy.ConclusionsIn the real-world setting, observed outcomes with belimumab for the treatment of SLE are consistent with those reported from randomized clinical trials. Improvements persist long-term for SLEDAI activity and prednisone-equivalent use with belimumab.