Human IgG1 Monoclonal Antibody Research Articles

Ibalizumab’s Role in Multidrug-Resistant HIV

Although treatment for HIV has advanced considerably over the decades, there are still people with HIV that is resistant to multiple antiretroviral therapies (ART). Ibalizumab, a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that gained orphan status in 2018, is a post-attachment inhibitor whose efficacy for people with multidrug-resistant (MDR) HIV has been demonstrated in Phase II and III trials. The Prospective and Retrospective Observational Study of Multidrug-Resistant Patient Outcomes with and without Ibalizumab in a Real-World Setting: United States (PROMISE-US) is an ongoing study that will investigate long-term efficacy and durability of ibalizumab plus an optimized background regimen (OBR). In the poster discussed here, presented at IDWeek 2024, examination of baseline demographics showed that individuals prescribed ibalizumab (IBA group) had similar mean age, sex, race, and duration since diagnosis of HIV to those on regimens that did not include ibalizumab (non-IBA group). However, mean baseline HIV RNA copies/mL were much higher and CD4+ T cells/mm3 lower in the IBA group compared with the non-IBA group, and highest/lowest at baseline in a subset of IBA group patients who were also prescribed the capsid inhibitor lenacapavir. OBR also differed between groups. These results highlight the HIV-related characteristics of individuals who are more likely to be prescribed ibalizumab.

Anti-tumor activity and biomarker analysis for TROP2-antibody drug conjugate Datopotamab deruxtecan in patient-derived breast cancer xenograft models.

Datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd), is a humanized anti-TROP2 IgG1 monoclonal antibody linked to a potent topoisomerase I inhibitor payload (DXd). Dato-DXd has already shown antitumor activity in breast cancer; however, the determinants of response, including the importance of TROP2 expression, remain unclear. We tested the activity of Dato-DXd in a panel of breast cancer patient-derived xenografts (BCXs) varying in TROP2 expression. The antitumor activity of Dato-DXd and isotype-control-DXd (IgG-DXd) was assessed against 11 BCXs varying in TROP2 expression, 10 representing tumors post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Pharmacodynamic effects were assessed at 24 and 72 hours. The effects of TROP2 expression on Dato-DXd activity was assessed in vitro and in vivo using viral overexpression in BCX-derived cell lines. Models differed in their sensitivity to both Dato-DXd and IgG-DXd. Dato-DXd (10 mg/kg) led to objective response in 4 (36%) models and statistically significant prolongation of event-free survival (EFS) in 8 (73%) models while IgG-DXd (10 mg/kg) led to response in 1 (9%) and prolonged EFS in 3 (27%) models. TROP2 RNA and protein was significantly higher in Dato-DXd-sensitive models. In isogenic cell lines derived from Dato-DXd-resistant BCXs, overexpression of TROP2 conferred Dato-DXd antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. Dato-DXd increased γH2AX and phospho-KAP1 in the 2 Dato-DXd-sensitive BCXs but not in a Dato-DXd-resistant BCX. In Dato-DXd-sensitive models, antitumor activity was enhanced in combination with PARP inhibitor, olaparib. Dato-DXd is active in breast cancer models. Dato-DXd has TROP2 dependent and independent mediators of activity; however, high TROP2 expression enhances Dato-DXd antitumor activity.

Dupilumab: Evaluating its role in atopic dermatitis, prurigo nodularis, eczemas, urticaria, alopecia areata and vesiculobullous disorders – Part I

Dupilumab is a fully human monoclonal IgG4 antibody that targets IL-4 and IL-13 signaling pathways. It is approved by the US-FDA for the treatment of atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis. Besides, it has shown efficacy in various off-label dermatologic conditions. Part I of this review will elaborate on the utility of dupilumab in atopic dermatitis, prurigo nodularis, eczemas, urticaria, alopecia areata and vesiculobullous disorders.

Bimekizumab impact on patient-reported outcomes in patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa: Pooled Week 48 results from BE HEARD I&II

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has substantial negative effects on patients’ lives,1 with debilitating symptoms, such as intense pain/fatigue/draining and odor, which lead to overall low quality of life (QoL).1,2 Bimekizumab (BKZ) is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits interleukin (IL)-17F in addition to IL-17A; clinical efficacy was previously shown in the phase 3 BE HEARD I&II trials.3 Here, the impact of BKZ on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with moderate to severe HS in BE HEARD I&II is reported. Procedure/Study: Pooled data included an initial (Weeks [Wks]0–16) and maintenance (Wks16–48) treatment period. Patients were randomized 2:2:2:1 (initial/maintenance) to BKZ 320 mg every 2 wks (Q2W)/Q2W, BKZ Q2W/ Q4W, BKZ Q4W/Q4W or placebo (PBO)/BKZ Q2W. HS Symptom Questionnaire (HSSQ; each symptom item scored 0–10) mean values are reported to Wk48 for skin pain, itch, smell/odor, and drainage/oozing. Proportions of patients achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI; scored 0–30; improvement from baseline score ≥4) were reported at Wk16 and Wk48. Data are reported as observed case. Results: Overall, 1,014 patients were randomized to BKZ Q2W/Q2W (N=288), BKZ Q2W/Q4W (N=292), BKZ Q4W/Q4W (N=288), PBO/BKZ Q2W (N=146). Within each HSSQ item, similar baseline scores were observed across treatment groups. At Wk16, for skin pain, itch, smell/odor and draining/oozing, greater improvements (i.e. score reduction) from baseline were seen in BKZ- vs PBO-treated patients. HSSQ item scores were substantially reduced from Wk16 to Wk48 in Wk16 PBO/BKZ switchers, further decreases were observed in those continually treated with BKZ. At Wk16, a greater proportion of BKZ- vs PBO-treated patients achieved MCID in DLQI: BKZ Q2W/Q2W, 64.6%; BKZ Q2W/Q4W, 54.9%; BKZ Q4W/Q4W, 63.5% vs PBO, 49.1%. At Wk48, a greater proportion of patients continually treated with BKZ achieved MCID in DLQI vs at Wk16; Wk16 PBO/BKZ switchers attained similar proportions (BKZ Q2W/Q2W: 73.4%; BKZ Q2W/Q4W: 63.5%; BKZ Q4W/Q4W: 74.5%; PBO/BKZ Q2W: 76.5%). Conclusion: At Wk16, BKZ-treated patients achieved a reduction from baseline of HS symptoms: skin pain, itch, smell/odor, and drainage/oozing. Clinically meaningful health-related QoL improvements from baseline were observed and maintained/slightly improved through Wk48. PBO/BKZ switchers experienced improvements in PRO responses from Wk16 to Wk48 and achieved comparable outcomes at Wk48 to patients continually treated with BKZ.

Bimekizumab impact on draining tunnels: A dynamic assessment in patients with moderate to severe HS using pooled Week 48 results from BE HEARD I&II

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a recurrent, inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful skin lesions in the folds of the skin and deep, dermal abscesses that join to form chronically draining tunnels (DTs).1,2 Bimekizumab (BKZ) is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits IL-17F in addition to IL-17A, both abundant in lesional skin.3,4 Here, we assess the effect of BKZ on DT outcomes over 48 weeks (wks) in BE HEARD I&II.5 Procedure/Study: Pooled data included an initial (Wks0–16) and maintenance (Wks16–48) treatment period. Randomization: 2:2:2:1 (initial/maintenance) to BKZ 320mg every 2 wks (Q2W)/Q2W, BKZ Q2W/Q4W, BKZ Q4W/Q4W or placebo (PBO)/BKZ Q2W. Proportions of patients with ≥1/≥3 DTs at baseline achieving 0, 1–2, 3–5 or >5 DTs were analyzed to Wk48 (observed case). Results: Overall, 1,014 patients were randomized to BKZ Q2W/Q2W (N=288), BKZ Q2W/Q4W (N=292), BKZ Q4W/Q4W (N=288) or PBO/BKZ Q2W (N=146). At baseline, in patients with ≥1 DT, proportions with 1–2 DTs ranged from 34.2–37.4%; 3–5 DTs: 27.0–36.9%; >5 DTs: 28.8–35.5%. In patients with ≥3 DTs, proportions with 3–5 DTs ranged from 43.2–56.1%; >5 DTs: 43.9–56.8%. At Wk16, higher proportions of BKZ-treated patients with ≥1 DT at baseline achieved 0 DTs vs PBO: BKZ Q2W/Q2W, 35.4%; BKZ Q2W/Q4W, 35.4%; BKZ Q4W/Q4W, 33.1% vs PBO, 24.7%. At Wk48, the proportions of patients receiving continuous BKZ that achieved 0 DTs increased to: 45.5%, 48.8%, and 46.8% respectively; PBO/BKZ Q2W switchers showed similar trends (46.3%). For patients with ≥3 DTs at baseline, at Wk16 a higher proportion receiving BKZ achieved 0 DTs vs PBO: BKZ Q2W/Q2W, 24.6%; BKZ Q2W/Q4W, 26.8%; BKZ Q4W/Q4W, 21.7%; vs PBO, 11.5%. At Wk48, the proportions receiving continuous BKZ that achieved 0 DTs increased to 35.0%, 42.2%, and 36.0%, respectively. PBO/BKZ Q2W switchers achieved similar levels (38.0%), with a more favorable increase from Wk16 to Wk48 than PBO/BKZ Q2W switchers with ≥1 DT at baseline.Conclusion: At Wk16, a higher proportion of BKZ-treated vs PBO patients with ≥1/≥3 DTs at baseline achieved 0 or 1–2 DTs; proportions increased to Wk48 regardless of treatment arm.

Preclinical development of SGN-CD47M: Protease-activated antibody technology enables selective tumor targeting of the innate immune checkpoint receptor CD47.

CD47 is a cell surface glycoprotein that is expressed on normal human tissues and has a key role as a marker of self. Tumor cells have coopted CD47 overexpression to evade immune surveillance and thus blockade of CD47 is a highly active area of clinical exploration in oncology. However, clinical development of CD47-targeted agents has been complicated by its robust expression in normal tissues and the toxicities that arise from blocking this inhibitory signal. Further, pro-phagocytic signals are not uniformly expressed in tumors and antibody blockade alone is often not sufficient to drive antitumor activity. The inclusion of an IgG1 antibody backbone into therapeutic design has been shown to serve as an additional pro-phagocytic signal but also exacerbates toxicities in normal tissues. Therefore, a need persists for more selective therapeutic modalities targeting CD47. To address these challenges, we developed SGN-CD47M, a humanized anti-CD47 IgG1 monoclonal antibody linked to novel masking peptides through linkers designed to be cleaved by active proteases enriched in the tumor microenvironment. Masking technology has the potential to increase the amount of drug that reaches the tumor microenvironment, while concomitantly reducing systemic toxicities. We demonstrate that SGN-CD47M is well tolerated in cynomolgus monkeys and displays a 20-fold improvement in tolerability to hematologic toxicities when compared to the unmasked antibody. SGN-CD47M also displays preferential activation in the tumor microenvironment that leads to robust single-agent antitumor activity. For these reasons, SGN-CD47M may have enhanced antitumor activity and improved tolerability relative to existing therapies that target the CD47-SIRPα interaction.

Evaluating efficacy and safety of ocrelizumab biosimilar (Xacrel) compared to the originator (Ocrevus) in relapsing multiple sclerosis: a phase III, randomized, equivalency, clinical trial

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory demyelinating disease and represents a global health concern. Ocrelizumab, a humanized IgG monoclonal antibody, selectively targets CD20 on B cells and CD20-expressing T cells. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the biosimilar ocrelizumab candidate (Xacrel) to the originator product (Ocrevus) in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS) patients. In this randomized trial, patients received either Xacrel or Ocrevus for 96 weeks. The primary endpoint was the equivalency of the medications in reducing the annualized relapse rate (ARR) at week 48. The secondary endpoints included time to the onset of disability progression confirmed at 12 and 24 weeks, the proportion of relapse-free patients, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations, safety assessments, and immunogenicity over 96 weeks. A total of 170 patients were randomized (1:1 ratio). In the per protocol analysis, the upper and lower limits of 95% two-sided confidence intervals of difference between treatments in the 48-week ARR rate were in the predefined margin of − 0.2 to 0.2 (− 0.002; 95% CI − 0.080 to 0.075). The two products were also comparable in terms of other efficacy parameters, safety, and immunogenicity. The results confirmed that Xacrel is equivalent to Ocrevus in terms of 48-week ARR in RMS patients, with no considerable difference in other efficacy parameters and the safety profile during the 96 weeks. The trial was registered in Iranian registry of clinical trials (IRCT) on 10/06/2019 with the registration number of IRCT20150303021315N13 and in Clinicaltrials.gov on 19/07/2021 with the registration code of NCT04966338.

Immuno-PET Imaging of EGFR with 64Cu-NOTA Panitumumab in Subcutaneous and Metastatic Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Xenografts.

Objective: About 65-90% of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) express the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a transmembrane protein that is activated by binding of specific ligands, including epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor α (TGFα). Identifying EGFR as an oncogene has led to the development of anticancer therapeutics directed against EGFR, including the full-length human IgG2 monoclonal antibody panitumumab. The main goal of the present study was to investigate 64Cu-labeled panitumumab with immuno-PET in subcutaneous and metastatic EGFR-positive NSCLC xenografts. Methods: Bifunctional chelating agent 2-S-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclo-nonane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (NOTA-NCS) was attached to panitumumab. The number of chelators per panitumumab was determined using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectroscopy. The incorporation efficiency of 64Cu into NOTA-panitumumab was measured by using radio-TLC. EGFR-expressing epithelial-like H1299-luc+ NSCLC cells were used for in vitro and in vivo experiments. Cell uptake of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-panitumumab was measured in the presence and absence of panitumumab. Subcutaneous and metastatic H1299-luc tumor models were grown in male NSG mice. The presence of tumors at lung and metastatic sites was analyzed by [18F]FLT PET. Immuno-PET with [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-panitumumab was performed as static PET imaging at 2, 24, and 48 h postinjection in both tumor models. Proof-of-target was confirmed by blocking experiments with panitumumab. Detailed ex vivo biodistribution experiments were performed in both animal tumor models to confirm biodistribution profiles obtained by immuno-PET imaging. Results: MALDI analysis confirmed the attachment of ∼1.5 NOTA per antibody. Radiolabeling efficiency with [64Cu]CuCl2 was 93.8 ± 5.7% and a molar activity of 0.65 MBq/μg. Cellular uptake studies with [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-panitumumab in H1299 cells demonstrated increasing uptake over time, reaching 29.1 ± 2.9% radioactivity(Bq)/mg protein (n = 3) and plateauing at 45 min. Addition of 25 μg of panitumumab reduced radioligand uptake to 1.22 ± 0.06% radioactivity/mg protein (n = 3). PET imaging revealed high uptake of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-panitumumab in subcutaneous tumors: Standardized uptake values (SUV)mean reached 4.70 ± 0.42 and 5.37 ± 0.40 (n = 5) after 24 and 48 h postinjection, respectively. Administration of 1 mg panitumumab reduced tumor uptake significantly to 1.94 ± 0.22 and 1.66 ± 0.08 (n = 4; p < 0.001). In the metastatic model, the following SUVmean were analyzed from liver and lung lesions: 5.55 ± 0.34 and 6.28 ± 0.46 (both n = 23 lesions from 6 mice) after 24 and 48 h postinjection, which was also significantly reduced to 2.53 ± 0.39 and 2.31 ± 0.15 (both n = 16 lesions from 4 mice; p < 0.001) after injection of 1 mg panitumumab. Detailed ex vivo biodistribution confirmed immuno-PET analysis in both models. Panitumumab reduced radioactivity uptake into subcutaneous tumors from 11.01 ± 0.72 (n = 4) to 3.67 ± 0.33% ID/g (n = 5; p < 0.001), and in metastatic liver lesions from 29.44 ± 8.14 (n = 4) to 8.35 ± 1.30% ID/g (n = 5; p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-panitumumab was successfully used for immuno-PET imaging of EGFR-expressing subcutaneous and metastatic NSCLC tumors. This result represents the basis for developing radiotheranostics for targeting EGFR in cancers and for selecting the right patients for the right treatment at the right time.

The impact of tildrakizumab on quality of life in patients suffering from moderate-to-severe psoriasis: a 36-week prospective, monocentric, real-life, observational study.

Psoriasis may significantly impact on patients' health related quality of life (HRQoL). Clinical assessment has been combined with HRQoL scores to evaluate the ways that cutaneous disease is a burden to patients. Tildrakizumab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-23 p19 and is approved for the management of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of tildrakizumab treatment on psychological field in patients affected by moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. a 36-weeks observational study was carried out enrolling psoriasis patients who initiated treatment with tildrakizumab 100 mg. DLQI and Skindex-16 questionnaire were administered at baseline, week 12, week 24 and week 36. PASI, BSA and pruritus (p)-VAS were also assessed at baseline and at each follow-up. A total of 34 patients were enrolled. Baseline PASI and BSA score were 28.4±5.6 and 38.8±21.4, respectively. Similarly, the impact of psoriasis on HRQoL was collected (DLQI: 26.4±3.2, Skindex-16: 68±5.8, p-VAS: 8.2). Clinical improvement was assessed since week 12 (PASI: 12.4±4.2; BSA: 16.5±7.3), continuing to week 24 (PASI: 4.2±2.8; BSA: 6.1±3.1) and 36 (PASI: 3.6±3.2; BSA: 4.2±1.37). Clinical improvement was accompanied by an improvement in quality of life at week 16 (DLQI: 15.5±2.9; Skindex-16: 28.2±4.2; p-VAS: 3.8) , 24 (DLQI: 8.2±1.4, Skindex-16: 16.2; p-VAS: 2.6) and 36 (DLQI: 3.1±2.4; Skindex-16: 9.3±2.8; p-VAS: 2.8). Our study also confirmed the safety of tildrakizumab in real life settings, with no treatment discontinuation for inefficacy or adverse events reported during the study. our results confirm tildrakizumab as an effective option for the improvement of psoriasis patients' HRQoL.

Post-marketing safety of tralokinumab: a real-world pharmacovigilance study based on the FDA adverse event reporting system

ABSTRACT Background Tralokinumab is a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody targeting IL-13, used for treating atopic dermatitis. This study analyzed tralokinumab-related adverse drug events by mining the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to provide a safety reference for clinical application. Methods Adverse drug event reports from Q1 2022 to Q2 2024 were extracted from the FAERS database. After standardizing the data, various signal detection methods were used for analysis, including ROR, PRR, BCPNN, and MGPS. Results A total of 1,820 reports of adverse events (AEs) with tralokinumab as the primary suspected drug were identified. 70 preferred terms (PTs) met the criteria across four signal detection methods, involving 11 system organ classes (SOCs). These included known adverse reactions like conjunctivitis and injection site reactions, and signals not previously reported in clinical trials, such as eye pruritus, dry eye, eye swelling, pneumonia pneumococcal, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Most AEs occurred within one month of initiating tralokinumab treatment. Conclusions Based on the FAERS database, this study comprehensively and systematically analyzed AE signals in tralokinumab treatment. The results enhance the understanding of tralokinumab’s safety and serve as valuable references for reducing the risk of adverse reactions during clinical use.

Efficacy and Safety of Inebilizumab, an Anti-CD19 Monoclonal Antibody, for the Treatment of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: Based on the N-MOmentum Trial

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune astrocytopathic disease of the central nervous system characterized by severe optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. The antibody against aquaporin 4 (AQP4), a water channel mainly expressed in astrocytes, is specific to NMOSD and may be detected in >70% of all cases. Inebilizumab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody against CD19. Anti-AQP4 antibodies are produced by CD19-positive plasmablasts, and inebilizumab administration significantly reduces the number of CD19-positive B cells and has therapeutic effects on NMOSD. The efficacy and safety of inebilizumab have been verified in the N-MOmentum trial, an international double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II/III study, in which Japanese patients also participated. Inebilizumab was approved for the treatment of NMOSD with AQP4-IgG in Japan in March 2021. In this review, we summarize the efficacy and safety of inebilizumab in the treatment of NMOSD and, focus on findings from the primary and additional analyses of the N-MOmentum trial. These results suggest that inebilizumab is effective and safe in preventing the recurrence of NMOSD in populations with different backgrounds and that long-term treatment with inebilizumab is beneficial.

A liquid chromatography - Tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of ocrelizumab in serum of patients with multiple sclerosis

Ocrelizumab is a second generation recombinant humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis that selectively target B cells expressing the CD20 antigen. This study aimed to develop and validate a UPLC-MS/MS method for quantification of ocrelizumab in human serum, which can be used in clinical applications for therapeutic drug monitoring.The analysis of ocrelizumab was performed using a bottom-up approach on a liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry detection. The method involved immunoglobulin precipitation with cold methanol followed by peptide digestion with trypsin. The resulting specific peptides were separated on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column at 55 °C using gradient elution. The method was validated according to European Medicines Agency (EMEA) guidelines and demonstrated intra- and inter-assay precision with coefficients of variation ranging from 1.6 % to 6.1 % and accuracies between 90.2 % and 107.2 %. Stability testing, including autosampler, long-term and freeze-thaw stability, showed no more than 15 % variation. The method was successfully applied to 169 patient samples, revealing ocrelizumab concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 21.8 mg/L in patients on 6-month dosing regimen and 20.5–65.0 mg/L in 16 patients receiving an initial two-week dose of 300 mg. The newly developed UPLC-MS/MS method met all criteria for accuracy, precision and stability, confirming its suitability for clinical use in monitoring ocrelizumab levels in multiple sclerosis patients.

Follow Up of Total B Cells (CD 19) Count after B Cell Depleting Therapy in Relapse Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Disorder in Egyptian Patients

Abstract Background Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder affecting central nervous system. It is classified as the most common neurological cause of disability in young adults. However the aetiology is not well understood, but most propably multifactorial involvement is the most convenient theory till now. It is characterized by inflammation, demyelinaion, axonal loss and degeneration. Ocrelizumab (ocrevus®) (OCR) was approved as treatment for relapsing and progressive patients in 2017. It is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody anti CD20, a cell surface antigen found on pre-B cells, mature B cells and memory B cells. Aim of the Work To follow up total B cell count along the course of B cell depletion therapy in MS patients, correlating it with disease activity, in an attempt to investigate whether routine measurement of B cell counts may serve for dosage and time-to-infusion decision making in those patients. Subjects and Methods It was a prospective cohort study carried on 30 Egyptian patients diagnosed with Relapse remitting multiple sclerosis according to McDonald criteria 2017. They were recruited from Multiple sclerosis unit at Ain Shams University Hospitals, both genders were included and age older than 18 years old. Results This study showed that most of patients were females by 73.3%, but males were 26.7%. The mean age at onset of illness was 29.93 ± 5.55 years and the mean duration of illness was 6.9 ± 4.96. 70% of patients had ≤3 relapses in previous 2 years, while 86.7% had improvement in the annual relapse rate. Regarding history of DMT most patients (66.7%) had two, but only 13.3% were naïve. The mean count of CD19 B cells was cells/µl 65.98 ± 79.04 and significantly depleted to, 3.59 ± 2.94, 25.6 ± 43.98 and 11.11 ± 19.53 cells/µl after 1, 6 and 12 months respectively. this was associated with significant decline in the median (IQR) ARR from 20 (66.67%) to 0 (0%) after 12 months of ocrelizumab therapy and the median (IQR) EDSS from 4.5 (3.5 – 5.5) pretreatment to 3.5 (2.5 - 4.5) and 2.5(2.5-4.5) after 6 and 12 months respectively. Most patients showed either stationary cerebral and cord lesions (as regards number and size of the lesions) and also as regard gadolinium enhanced cerebral lesions, there was a statistically significant decrease in number of patients after 1 year as p-value was &amp;lt;0.05. In our study, the changes in the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite score (a composite measure of walking speed, upper-limb movements, and cognition) show statistically significant improvement in all parameters of assessment across three time points. As long as, the depletion of CD19 B cell counts was associated with marked clinical and radiological improvement. We found statistically significant correlation between CD19 B cell counts and EDSS. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant correlation with changes in the multiple sclerosis functional composite score (a composite measure of walking speed, upper-limb movements, and cognition) and MRI Disease activity. Conclusion Ocrelizumab was highly efficacious in reducing relapses, preventing disability progression and reducing activity either clinically as EDSS and functional composite score or radiologically in Egyptian MS patients. A fixed-dose schedule of 6-monthly infusion achieved a good relapse free rate. Repeated treatment with ocrelizumab in patients with MS leads to sustained CD19 B cells depletion.

Phase I–II study of OBI-888, a humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody against the tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen Globo H, in patients with advanced solid tumors

PurposeOBI-888 is a humanized, monoclonal IgG1 antibody specific to the tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen Globo H. We conducted a phase I-II study of OBI-888 in patients with advanced cancer.MethodsPatients were treated with OBI-888 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg IV weekly in Part A (“3 + 3” design) and 20 mg/kg IV weekly in Part B (Simon’s 2-stage design) (1 cycle = 28 days).ResultsOverall, 54 patients were treated (Part A, n = 14; Part B, n = 40). OBI-888 was safe and well tolerated across the doses studied, with a low incidence of OBI-888-related treatment emergent adverse events. The maximum tolerated dose of OBI-888 was not reached. No dose-limiting toxicities were noted up to the 20 mg/kg dose level (recommended phase 2 dose). Stable disease (SD) was noted in 28.6% and 20% of Parts A and B, respectively, including three patients with SD for 6+, 7+, and 9 months. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) was induced after each OBI-888 treatment (average increase, 3.8-fold and 4.7-fold in Parts A and B, respectively), suggesting that ADCC induction is a potential mechanism of action of OBI-888.ConclusionsOBI-888 was well tolerated. Prolonged SD was noted in three patients. ADCC was induced after each OBI-888 treatment.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Xeligekimab: An Anti-IL-17A Monoclonal Antibody, in Patients with Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis.

Xeligekimab, a recombinant fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody, has been strategically developed to target IL-17A and is presently in the developmental phase for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. This study aims to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of Xeligekimab, utilizing data derived from clinical trials specifically conducted in Chinese patients. The study conducted a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) analysis involving 614 patients with plaque psoriasis. Examined covariates encompassed demographics, baseline laboratory tests, anti-drug antibodies (ADA), injection site, and disease-related baseline characteristics. Model evaluation utilized goodness-of-fit, prediction-corrected visual prediction check, and bootstrap methods. The clinical significance of covariates statistically associated with Xeligekimab was assessed through simulation analysis. The PopPK model of Xeligekimab demonstrated characteristics of a two-compartment model with first-order absorption and linear elimination. Inter-individual variability (IIV) was estimated for clearance and volume of distribution. For a typical plaque psoriasis patient, the estimated values for absorption rate constant (Ka), apparent clearance (CL/F), central compartment volume (Vc/F), peripheral compartment volume (Vp/F), and inter-compartmental clearance (Q/F) was 0.225 per day, 2.223 L/day, 4.02 L, 4.13 L, and 1.11 L/day, respectively. The estimated IIV for CL/F and Vc/F was 25.8% and 49.8%, respectively. The elimination half-life (t1/2) was approximately 28.5 days. CL/F was significantly influenced by factors such as body weight, age, gender, and baseline total protein. Vc/F was significantly influenced by body weight, age, gender, and baseline albumin. However, the clinical relevance of these covariate effects on exposure parameters was determined to be limited.

Advances in Understanding and Managing Alzheimer's Disease: From Pathophysiology to Innovative Therapeutic Strategies.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles, leading to cognitive and physical decline. Representing the majority of dementia cases, AD poses a significant burden on healthcare systems globally, with onset typically occurring after the age of 65. While most cases are sporadic, about 10% exhibit autosomal forms associated with specific gene mutations. Neurofibrillary tangles and Aβ plaques formed by misfolded tau proteins and Aβ peptides contribute to neuronal damage and cognitive impairment. Currently, approved drugs, such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl D-aspartate receptor agonists, offer only partial symptomatic relief without altering disease progression. A promising development is using lecanemab, a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody, as an immune therapeutic approach. Lecanemab demonstrates selectivity for polymorphic Aβ variants and binds to large soluble Aβ aggregates, providing a potential avenue for targeted treatment. This shift in understanding the role of the adaptive immune response in AD pathogenesis opens new possibilities for therapeutic interventions aiming to address the disease's intricate mechanisms. This review aims to summarize recent advancements in understanding Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology and innovative therapeutic approaches, providing valuable insights for both researchers and clinicians.

A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Leronlimab in Mild-To-Moderate COVID-19

PurposeEarly in the course of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic it was hypothesised that host genetics played a role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 including a suggestion that the CCR5-Δ32 mutation may be protective in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Leronlimab is an investigational CCR5-specific humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody currently in development for HIV-1 infection. We aimed to explore the impact of leronlimab on the severity of disease symptoms among participants with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. MethodsThe TEMPEST trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in participants with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Participants were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive subcutaneous leronlimab (700 mg) or placebo on days 0 and 7. The primary efficacy endpoint was assessed by change in total symptom score based on fever, myalgia, dyspnea, and cough, at end of treatment (day 14). FindingsOverall, 84 participants were randomized and treated with leronlimab (n = 56) or placebo (n = 28). No difference was observed in change in total symptom score (P = 0.8184) or other pre-specified secondary endpoints between treatments. However, in a post hoc analysis, 50.0% of participants treated with leronlimab demonstrated improvements from baseline in National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) at day 14, compared with 20·8% of participants in the placebo group (post hoc; p = 0.0223). Among participants in this trial with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 adverse events rates were numerically but not statistically significantly lower in leronlimab participants (33.9%) compared with placebo participants (50.0%). ImplicationsAt the time the TEMPEST trial was designed although CCR5 was known to be implicated in COVID-19 disease severity the exact pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection was poorly understood. Today it is well accepted that SARS-CoV-2 infection in asymptomatic-to-mild cases is primarily characterized by viral replication, with a heightened immune response, accompanied by diminished viral replication in moderate-to-severe disease and a peak in inflammatory responses with excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in critical disease. It is therefore perhaps not surprising that no differences between treatments were observed in the primary endpoint or in pre-specified secondary endpoints among participants with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. However, the results of the exploratory post hoc analysis showing that participants in the leronlimab group had greater improvement in NEWS2 assessment compared to placebo provided a suggestion that leronlimab may be associated with a lower likelihood of people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 progressing to more severe disease and needs to be confirmed in other appropriately designed clinical trials.ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04343651 https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04343651

The KEYVIBE program: vibostolimab and pembrolizumab for the treatment of advanced malignancies.

Vibostolimab, a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody, blocks the interaction between TIGITand its ligands, preventing the immunosuppressive effects of TIGIT. The addition of vibostolimab to the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab has shown promising antitumor activity, warranting further exploration of vibostolimab as a potential therapeutic option. The KEYVIBE program consists of nine trials that will evaluate the safety and efficacy of vibostolimab monotherapy and vibostolimab-based combination therapy in advanced solid tumors and hematological malignancies. These studies will also evaluate coformulated immunotherapy addressing issues that occur with the sequential administration of immunotherapy. The KEYVIBE program will provide further insight into the clinical utility of vibostolimab-based therapy across multiple indications and various stages of disease.

Efficacy and safety of bintrafusp alfa in 2 phase I expansion cohorts with advanced HCC.

Simultaneous inhibition of the TGF-β and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 pathways provides a potential novel treatment approach. Bintrafusp alfa, a first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of TGF-βRII (a TGF-β "trap") fused to a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody blocking programmed cell death 1 ligand 1, was evaluated in patients with advanced HCC. In this global, open-label, phase I study (NCT02517398), patients with programmed cell death 1 ligand 1-unselected HCC who failed or were intolerant to ≥1 line of sorafenib received bintrafusp alfa 1200mg every 2 weeks in a dose-escalation (n = 38) or dose-expansion (n = 68) cohort until confirmed progression, unacceptable toxicity, or trial withdrawal. The primary endpoint was the best overall response per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 by an independent review committee. Secondary endpoints included investigator-assessed best overall response, safety, and pharmacokinetics. Median follow-up times (range) were 41.4 (39.8-44.2) and 38.6 (33.5-39.7) months in the dose-escalation and dose-expansion cohorts, respectively. The objective response rate was below the prespecified 20% objective response rate threshold set to evaluate the efficacy of bintrafusp alfa in both cohorts (10.5% and 8.8%, respectively). Median overall survival and progression-free survival, respectively, were 13.8 and 1.5 months in the dose-escalation cohort and 13.5 and 1.4 months in the dose-expansion cohort. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 78.9% and 64.7% of patients in the respective cohorts (grade ≥3 in 18.4% and 25.0% of patients). Bintrafusp alfa showed moderate clinical activity and a safety profile consistent with previous studies of bintrafusp alfa in patients with advanced HCC.

Updated efficacy of anti-TROP2 ADC ESG401 for first-line metastatic TNBC in phase 1b study.

2 Background: ESG401, a novel ADC comprising a humanized anti-TROP2 IgG1 monoclonal antibody conjugated to SN-38, with a Drug-Antibody Ratio of 8 and a stable cleavable linker, demonstrated preliminary efficacy and tolerability in the Phase Ia trial (Ma, ASCO 2023). This report presents updated results from the first-line mTNBC cohort of the Phase Ib trial and results from patients with brain metastases. Methods: Patients (pts) aged ≥18 years with confirmed local advanced/unresectable or metastatic TNBC, without prior metastatic treatment, received ESG401 (16 mg/kg IV on Day 1,8, and 15, with a 28-day cycle) until unacceptable toxicity, progressive disease, or consent withdrawal. Results: As of the cutoff date (Apr 7th, 2024), 24 pts in the cohort received ≥1 dose of ESG401. Median age was 53 years (range: 33-73), 33.3% were ECOG 0, 25.0% were de novo stage IV, 70.8% had visceral disease (8.3% brain, 33.3% liver, 50.0% lung). Updated efficacy results are shown in the Table. Thirteen pts (68.4% of 19 efficacy evaluable pts) remained on treatment, with the longest on-treatment duration being 10.3 mons. Median PFS has not been reached. Two pts in this cohort had brain metastases, with one achieving a complete intracranial response and an overall response of PR, and the other demonstrating overall PR with a -13.8% reduction in brain lesion size. Totally 16 pts with brain metastases were enrolled in the entire Phase Ia/1b trials, for these pts, the best overall intracranial response rate was 31%, with an intracranial disease control rate of 75%, while the corresponding overall response rate and disease control rate were 50% and 69%, respectively. The response of intracranial lesions to the treatment is consistent with that of extracranial lesions. The safety profile of ESG401 remained consistent with previous reports, showing no new or unexpected safety signals. Conclusions: ESG401 monotherapy demonstrates promising antitumor activity in 1L mTNBC pts, characterized by a high response rate and durable response. The ORR numerically exceeded that reported in the BEGONIA Study arm 7 in which pts with the same indication were treated with TROP-2 ADC and PD-L1 combination therapy. Additionally, ESG401 shows clear potential for treating HER2-negative breast cancer with brain metastases, including mTNBC and HR+/HER2- BC. These results support further clinical investigation of ESG401. Clinical trial information: NCT04892342 . [Table: see text]