Tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA) inhibition for the treatment of painful knee osteoarthritis: results from a randomized controlled phase 2a trial

Abstract

To investigate the TrkA inhibitor, ASP7962, for treatment of painful knee osteoarthritis. Phase 2a, double-blind, placebo- and naproxen-controlled, double-dummy, parallel-group study. Adults with knee osteoarthritis were randomized (2:2:1) to ASP7962 (100mg), placebo, or naproxen (500mg) twice daily (BID) for 4 weeks. Primary endpoint: change from baseline to Week 4 in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale score. Secondary endpoints: change from baseline to Weeks 1, 2, and End of Treatment (EoT) in WOMAC pain subscale score; change from baseline to Weeks 1, 2, 4, and EoT in WOMAC physical function and stiffness subscales, walking pain and WOMAC total scores; and change from baseline in daily average pain score. 215 participants were randomized (ASP7962 100mg BID, n=85; placebo, n=87; naproxen 500mg BID, n=43). No significant difference was observed between ASP7962 and placebo in change from baseline to Week 4 in WOMAC pain subscale score (-0.14; 90% 2-sided CI:-0.62, 0.34; P=0.316); a significant difference was observed between naproxen and placebo (-0.67; 80% 2-sided CI:-1.12,-0.23; P=0.027). No differences were observed between ASP7962 and placebo in change from baseline in any WOMAC subscale score; statistically significant changes were observed between naproxen and placebo (P≤0.01, all time points for all WOMAC endpoints). ASP7962 was safe and well-tolerated. Four-week treatment with ASP7962 (100mg BID) did not improve pain or physical function in individuals with painful knee osteoarthritis. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02611466; EudraCT Number, 2014-004996-22.