Post-marketing Study Research Articles

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), and Cryptococcal Infections Associated With Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor (S1PR) Modulators: A Review (P12-10.005)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To summarize the existing data on the incidence of herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and Cryptococcus sp. infections with sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulators. <h3>Background:</h3> S1PR modulators are a novel class of disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) that produce immunosuppression and potential lymphopenia. Herpesvirus and cryptococcal diseases were the most common opportunistic infections in clinical trials. Several post-hoc analyses have subsequently been published with revised incidence rates (IRs) for these conditions. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> A literature review and descriptive analysis of phase-3 trials (n=6), post-marketing studies (n=8), and case reports (n=17) were conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Further data was accessed through Novartis AG, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. <h3>Results:</h3> <h3>FINGOLIMOD:</h3> Herpesvirus infection rates were similar between placebo (2.8%) and 0.5 mg (2.1%) but increased with 1.25 mg (5.5%) in the TRANSFORMS study. VZV rates were higher with fingolimod 0.5 mg (3.0%; 11 per 1000 patient-years [PY]) than with placebo (1.0%; 6 per 1000 PY), but comparable post-marketing. Cryptococcal infections (n=74) had an IR of 9 per 100,000 PY, and 13 cases were individually reported. <h3>SIPONIMOD:</h3> VZV reactivation occurred more frequently with siponimod (2%) than with placebo (1%); EXPAND extension analyses calculated an IR of 0.9 for HSV and 1.8 for VZV infections. One case of cryptococcal meningitis (from 7236 PY of exposure) was documented. <h3>OZANIMOD:</h3> An integrated safety analysis reported oral herpes at 1.5%, VZV at 1.4%, and HSV at 0.5% from all clinical trials versus 0.7%, 0.6%, and 0.1% from the phase-3 trials. The IR of herpes zoster was 5.3/1000 PY. <h3>PONESIMOD:</h3> The incidence of herpetic infections was equal between both groups (4.8%) in the OPTIMUM trial. Cryptococcal infections have not yet been reported with ozanimod or ponesimod. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Overall, the incidence of these opportunistic infections associated with S1PR modulators in MS was low, with favorable outcomes and limited fatalities. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Sharma has nothing to disclose. Mr. JHA has nothing to disclose. Dr. Khanal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sriwastava has nothing to disclose.

Updated Post-Approval Safety of Cladribine Tablets in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, With Particular Reference to Liver Safety (P7-3.010)

Updated Post-Approval Safety of Cladribine Tablets in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, With Particular Reference to Liver Safety (P7-3.010)

P111 Exploratory Analysis of Filgotinib Safety Data in Patients With Moderately to Severely Active Rheumatoid arthritis and an Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events: Data From Phase 2 and 3 Clinical Trials

Abstract Background/Aims The safety profile of filgotinib (FIL), a second-generation oral Janus kinase (JAK) 1 preferential inhibitor approved in Europe, Japan, and the UK for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been reported. In patients (pts) with active RA aged ≥50y with ≥1 cardiovascular (CV) risk factor, treated with the pan-JAK inhibitor tofacitinib, data from an interventional post-marketing study (NCT02092467) suggested a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and malignancies compared with TNF inhibitors. No data are available from a similar prospective study with FIL. This post hoc exploratory analysis aimed to describe the incidence of MACE and malignancies in a subgroup of pts with RA from the FINCH and DARWIN clinical trials, receiving FIL 200 mg (FIL200) and FIL 100 mg (FIL100). Methods Exploratory analysis of adverse events of special interest are reported using integrated FIL RA data from phase 2 (NCT01668641, NCT01894516), phase 3 (NCT02889796, NCT02873936, NCT02886728), and the long-term extension (LTE) studies DARWIN 3 (NCT02065700) and FINCH 4 (NCT03025308), in a pt population at higher risk of CV events similar to ORAL-SURVEILLANCE,1 namely, aged ≥50y with ≥1 CV risk factor (history of dyslipidemia, diabetes or CV disease; hypertension, ischemic vascular conditions, peripheral vascular disease, extra-articular manifestations of RA; or current smokers). All pts met ACR criteria for functional class I-III. Censored exposure-adjusted incidence rates (EAIRs)/100 pt-years of exposure for MACE, venous thromboembolism (VTE), malignancies excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), NMSC, (serious) infections, and deaths were determined. Data were as of Jan 11, 2022 (DARWIN 3) and Jan 31, 2022 (FINCH 4). Analyses were performed on an ad hoc interim analysis data set without additional cleaning. Results The higher-risk population included 1484 pts: mean age 62.1y (536 [36.1%] aged ≥65y), 291 (22.5%) current smokers, and 904 (60.9%) received background MTX; baseline (BL) MTX use was higher in the FIL100 vs FIL200 group (66.6% vs 54.6%); other BL demographics were balanced. Numerically higher EAIRs for malignancies (excluding NMSC), NMSC, serious infections, and deaths were observed for pts receiving FIL200 vs FIL100; 95% confidence intervals overlapped. For MACE and VTE, incidence is considered similar for both doses. The risk of experiencing MACE, malignancies excluding NMSC, and NMSC over time with FIL100 or FIL200 will be described. Conclusion In this RA population at higher risk of CV events, the incidence of MACE and VTE was similar for both doses. A numerically higher incidence of malignancies (excluding NMSC), NMSC, serious infections, and deaths was observed in the high- vs low-dose group. Limitations included population selection bias, low event numbers, and the post hoc nature of the analysis. The ongoing LTE and real-world studies in RA will continue to investigate the safety of FIL in these populations. Disclosure M.H. Buch: Honoraria; MHB has recieved funding (Paid to her host institution) fromAbbVie, Galapagos, Gilead, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Merck-Serono, Roche, UCB. G.R. Burmester: Honoraria; AbbVie, Galapagos, Lilly, MSD, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, Janssen, Gilead Sciences, Inc. X. Mariette: Honoraria; AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Galapagos, GSK, Novartis, Pfizer. C. Charles-Schoeman: Honoraria; AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), Pfizer, Regeneron-Sanofi, Gilead. V. Rajendran: Other; Employee of Galapagos NV. P. Stiers: Other; Employee of Galapagos NV. A. Cerani: Other; Employee of Galapagos NV. P. Van Hoek: Other; Employee of Galapagos NV. K. Van Beneden: Other; Employee of Galapagos NV. Y. Tanaka: Honoraria; Lilly, AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Chugai, Daiichi Sankyo, Eisai, Pfizer, Mitsubishi Tanabe, GlaxoSmithKline, Asahi Kasei, Takeda, Astellas, Janssen, Novartis, Sanofi, UCB, YL Biologics, MSD, Ono, T. H. Schulze-Koops: Honoraria; AbbVie, Galapagos, Lilly, Pfizer. R. Westhovens: Honoraria; Celltrion, Galapagos, Gilead. E. Favalli: Honoraria; AbbVie, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB.

Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates oral solution for cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy

ABSTRACT Introduction Lower-sodium oxybate (LXB) is a novel formulation that is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adult patients and children ≥ 7 years with narcolepsy. LXB contains 92 percent less sodium than sodium oxybate (SXB), which adds 550-1640 mg of sodium/day at usual doses of 3-9 grams per day. The FDA has declared LXB to be clinically superior to SXB due to greater safety by reducing the chronic sodium load. Narcolepsy patients have high comorbidities for hypertension and cardiovascular disease, conditions which can be adversely affected by high sodium intake. Areas covered This drug review discusses narcolepsy, current and upcoming pharmacotherapy, and LXB chemistry, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism. Published results from LXB’s phase 1 studies, a phase 3 study, and 2 post-marketing studies are reviewed. Databases searched included Pubmed, Google Scholar, Lexi-Comp, Scopus, Science, and Ovid. Expert opinion LXB is efficacious in treating daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in adults and children ≥ 7 years with narcolepsy. Using LXB instead of SXB formulations may benefit narcolepsy patients with cardiovascular comorbidities and hypertension, but long-term studies are needed to prove it.

Two-year target vessel-related outcomes following use of off-the-shelf branched endografts for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess clinical outcomes and target vessel patency through 2 years following thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) repair with the off-the-shelf Zenith t-Branch Thoracoabdominal Endovascular Graft (William Cook Europe). MethodsThis post-market observational study was conducted at three European sites with ambispective enrollment from 2012 to 2017. Patients underwent endovascular TAAA repair with the t-Branch graft and bridging stent grafts (BSGs) for the celiac (CA), superior mesenteric (SMA), left renal (LRA), and/or right renal (RRA) arteries. Follow-up was through 2 years, per sites’ standard of care. Procedural and 1-year results were reported previously. ResultsEighty patients (mean age, 71.0±7.4 years; 70.0% men) were enrolled; six patients had symptomatic TAAAs, and 15 patients had contained ruptures. Technical success was achieved in 98.8% of patients (79/80). Median follow-up was 22.2 months (interquartile range, 9.2-25.1 months). At 24 months, Kaplan-Meier (KM) freedom from all-cause and aneurysm-related mortality were 78.5% and 98.6%, respectively. Beyond 12 months, 38 adverse events occurred in 20 patients, including two aortic ruptures (one study aneurysm and one non-study aneurysm) and six deaths (none aneurysm-related, as reported by the site). Compared with postprocedure, maximum aneurysm diameter decreased (>5 mm) in 84.6% (44/52), remained unchanged in 3.8% (2/52), and increased (>5 mm) in 11.5% (6/52) of patients with imaging follow-up after 12 months. No conversions to open repair, and no t-Branch graft or other endograft component migration or integrity issues were reported. No loss of patency was reported in the t-Branch or iliac limb grafts throughout the study. Throughout study duration, four patients had five imaging-reported BSG compressions, none of which required secondary intervention. KM freedom from secondary intervention was 76.3% at 24 months. Fourteen target vessel-related secondary interventions were performed, primarily consisting of stent placement for endoleak, stenosis, or occlusion. KM freedom from loss of primary patency was 94.8%, 100%, 91.3%, and 89.3% for the CA, SMA, LRA, and RRA, respectively, at 24 months. KM freedom from loss of secondary patency in the CA, SMA, LRA, and RRA were 96.3%, 100%, 98.2%, and 98.3% at 24 months, respectively. A total of 298 vessels were targeted, of which 12 were occluded over the study period. ConclusionsPrimary and secondary target vessel patency rates through 2 years demonstrated durable repair with the t-Branch graft in patients treated for symptomatic or asymptomatic thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

The MANTRA study: a new umbrella concept prospectively applied to assess implantable medical devices for heart valve procedures

BackgroundClinical evidence is commonly obtained through individual trials that are time-, cost- and resource-consuming, and which often leave unanswered clinically relevant questions. Umbrella studies have been developed to address the need for more efficient and flexible trial structures, predominantly for cancer treatments. The umbrella concept foresees data collection within a unifying trial structure, to which one or more substudies may be added at any time to address product- or therapy-specific questions. To our knowledge, the umbrella concept has not yet been used in the medical device area, but it may offer similar advantages as in other settings, particularly in areas where multiple therapies are available within one large treatment area.MethodsThe MANTRA study (NCT05002543) is a prospective, global, post-marketing clinical follow-up study. The aim is to collect safety and device performance data covering the Corcym cardiac surgery portfolio for the treatment of aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valve diseases. The study uses a master protocol that outlines the main common parameters, and the specific questions are addressed in three substudies. The primary endpoints are device success at 30 days. Secondary endpoints include safety- and device performance-related data at 30 days, 1 year, and then annually through to 10 years. All endpoints are defined according to the more recent guidelines for heart valve procedures. Additionally, procedure and hospitalization information are collected, including Enhanced Recovery after Surgery in sites using such protocols, and patient outcome measures such as New York Heart Association classification and quality-of-life questionnaires.ResultsThe study started in June 2021. Enrollment in all three substudies is ongoing.ConclusionsThe MANTRA study will provide contemporary information on the long-term outcomes of medical devices for the treatment of aortic, mitral, and tricuspid heart valve diseases in routine clinical practice. The umbrella approach adopted in the study has the potential of longitudinally assessing long-term efficacy of the devices and the flexibility to investigate new research questions as they arise.

IQOS® Cross-Sectional and Cohort US Study Documentation

BACKGROUND: The FDA’s modified risk authorization for IQOS® is contingent upon approved post-market surveillance studies. The IQOS® Cross-Sectional Post-Market Adult Consumer Study (hereinafter termed IQOS® CS PACS) and the IQOS® Longitudinal Cohort Post-Market Adult Consumer Study (hereinafter termed IQOS® LC PACS) are contiguous surveys designed to fulfill this proviso. OBJECTIVES: IQOS® CS PACS seeks to assess tobacco use patterns in IQOS® users, risk perceptions of IQOS®, and tobacco transition and cessation behaviors related to IQOS®. The IQOS® LC PACS aims to follow over time, and in comparison with cigarette users, these same parameters with additional emphasis on transitions and health outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: The IQOS® CS PACS is a repeated cross-sectional study to be conducted annually for four years. The IQOS® LC PACS is a longitudinal study, planned to follow a cohort of new IQOS® users for two years. Potential adult IQOS® consumers aged 21 and older will be recruited from an IQOS® consumer database. Both studies will use self-administered online screening and survey assessment. At least 250 adult ever established IQOS® users (current and former) constitute the target sample size for each administration of the IQOS® CS PACS. The target sample size for the IQOS® LC PACS is 2,100 adult IQOS® users and 1,600 adult cigarette smokers as control. Data analysis includes descriptive statistics for pre-defined outcomes and inferential statistics (e.g., generalized estimating equations and propensity scoring) to compare outcomes among IQOS® and cigarette smokers. The IQOS® CS PACS is designed to commence one year after IQOS® modified risk tobacco product authorization (MRTPA) and will recur annually over the course of four years. The IQOS® LC PACS will begin two years after issuance of the IQOS® modified risk order and has been designed to follow up with participants at 3-, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-months from initiation. Final reports will be generated and shared with the FDA when the studies are completed. CONCLUSIONS: Postmarket studies can help inform outcomes related to risk perceptions, tobacco use patterns, and health status related to IQOS® use in a real-world setting.

Abstract 5063: Optimizing benefit/risk in oncology: Review of post marketing dose optimization

Abstract Introduction: Molecularly targeted (MTAs) and immune-oncology (IO) agents are more selective with wider therapeutic window than cytotoxic agents resulting in maximal activity at doses &amp;lt; MTD. However, these agents commonly selected the MTD (or highest tested dose) which is assessed using dose-limiting toxicities in escalating doses in limited number of patients/dose. This led to several post-marketing requirement (PMR) studies to evaluate alternative dosing regimens to optimize the benefit-risk. Methods: Post-marketing dose optimization studies (required by FDA or sponsor initiated) for oncology MTAs/IO agents were reviewed. These studies/analyses were classified in to attempts to improve efficacy, safety, or ‘life cycle management’ (ie, fixed vs body size-based dosing, favorable route of administration, or extending the dosing interval). Approvals 1999-April/2022 were evaluated using FDA review documents and published literature. PMR studies for organ impairment, DDI, or food effect were excluded. Results: Overall, 27 (16 MTAs and 9 IO) out 126 FDA oncology approvals reviewed were identified to have conducted post-approval dose optimization studies (27/126, 21.4%). Dose optimization studies were either efficacy-driven (n = 4), safety-driven (n = 13), or to improve method of administration (ie, IV to SC route; body-weight to fixed dosing; less dosing frequency) (N = 14). Efficacy-driven PMRs evaluated a higher dose either for the overall population (1/4) or for a subgroup with lower exposure (3/4); the latter cases showed no clear benefit in this subgroup vs case-matched subgroup from the control arm. No changes of label dosing recommendations resulted from efficacy-driven PMRs. All safety-driven PMRs which evaluated lower doses were for drugs with a positive exposure-safety relationship and most had a flat exposure-efficacy relationship (9/13, 69%) suggesting that a lower dose might improve safety without compromising efficacy. Completed safety-driven PMR studies resulted in changing the approved dose in 2/7 cases (29%). Lower doses were commonly associated with better safety profiles, however, establishing efficacy non-inferiority vs approved doses was typically not successful except in 1 case where non-inferiority was met for the primary endpoint of overall survival; this did not lead to label change as secondary endpoints, eg, PFS, favored the higher dose.Attempts to improve method of administration tended to be feasible and resulted in a successful change of the label dose for drugs with relatively flat exposure-efficacy and safety profiles and with adequate efficacy/safety data at multiple dose levels. Conclusion: Our results suggest that safety or efficacy-driven post-marketing dose optimization studies were rarely successful in changing the label dose. Dose optimization could be more important for drugs with a steep exposure-safety relationship and a flat exposure-efficacy relationship. Citation Format: Pooneh Soltantabar, Hoi-Kei Lon, Kourosh Parivar, Diane Wang, Mohamed Elmeliegy. Optimizing benefit/risk in oncology: Review of post marketing dose optimization. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5063.

Radiofrequency Ablation Provides Rapid and Durable Pain Relief for the Palliative Treatment of Lytic Bone Metastases Independent of Radiation Therapy: Final Results from the OsteoCool Tumor Ablation Post-Market Study

PurposeThe OsteoCool Tumor Ablation Post-Market Study (OPuS One) was a prospective, multi-national, single-arm study to investigate safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for palliation of painful lytic bone metastases with 12 months of follow-up. RFA has demonstrated effective palliation of osseous metastases in small clinical studies with short-term follow-up; however, a long-term assessment with robust subject numbers is lacking.Materials and MethodsProspective assessments were conducted at Baseline, 3 days, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12-months. Pain and quality of life were measured prior to RFA and postoperatively using the Brief Pain Inventory, European Quality of Life—5 Dimension, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Care Quality of Life Questionnaire for palliative care. Radiation, chemotherapy and opioid usage, and related adverse events were collected.Results206 subjects were treated with RFA at 15 institutions in OPuS One. Worst pain, average pain, pain interference and quality of life significantly improved at all visits starting 3 days post-RFA and sustained to 12 months (P < 0.0001). Post hoc analysis found neither systemic chemotherapy nor local radiation therapy at the index site of RFA influenced worst pain, average pain, or pain interference. Six subjects had device/procedure-related adverse events.ConclusionRFA for lytic metastases provides rapid (within 3 days) and statistically significant pain and quality of life improvements with sustained long-term relief through 12 months and a high degree of safety, independent of radiation.Level of Evidence: 2b, Prospective, Non-Randomized, Post-Market studyThis journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Cervical Disc Arthroplasty vs Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion at 10 Years: Results From a Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial at 3 Sites

Over the past 20 years, multiple randomized controlled trials have shown cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) to be safe and effective for treating 1- and 2-level degenerative disc disease (DDD). The purpose of this postmarket study is to compare 10-year outcomes between CDA and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) from a randomized study at 3 centers. This study was a continuation of a randomized, prospective, multicenter clinical trial comparing CDA with the Mobi-C cervical disc (Zimmer Biomet) vs ACDF. Following completion of the 7-year US Food and Drug Administration study, 10-year follow-up was obtained from consenting patients at 3 high-enrolling centers. The clinical and radiographic endpoints collected at 10 years included composite success, Neck Disability Index, neck and arm pain, short form-12, patient satisfaction, adjacent-segment pathology, major complications, and subsequent surgery. A total of 155 patients were enrolled (105 CDA; 50 ACDF). Follow-up was obtained from 78.1% of patients eligible after 7 years. At 10 years, CDA demonstrated superiority to ACDF. Composite success was 62.4% in CDA and 22.2% in ACDF (P < 0.0001). The cumulative risk of subsequent surgery at 10 years was 7.2% vs 25.5% (P = .001), and the risk of adjacent-level surgery was 3.1% vs 20.5% (P = .0005) in CDA vs ACDF, respectively. The progression to radiographically significant adjacent-segment pathology at 10 years was lower in CDA vs ACDF (12.9% vs 39.3%; P = 0.006). At 10 years, patient-reported outcomes and change from baseline were generally better in CDA patients. A higher percentage of CDA patients reported they were "very satisfied" at 10 years (98.7% vs 88.9%; P = 0.05). In this postmarket study, CDA was superior to ACDF for treating symptomatic cervical DDD. CDA was statistically superior to ACDF for clinical success, subsequent surgery, and neurologic success. Results through 10 years demonstrate that CDA continues to be a safe and effective surgical alternative to fusion. The results of this study support the long-term safety and effectiveness of cervical disc arthroplasty with the Mobi-C.

Real-world five-year outcomes of FlexyRap® cobalt-chromium rapamycin-eluting stents with biodegradable polymer in patients with de-novo coronary artery disease.

The use of biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents (BP-DES) has been proven to minimize restenosis and stent thrombosis. The current post-marketing monitoring was observed at the 5-year clinical outcomes of individuals who had been treated with FlexyRap® DES in the real world. To assess the safety and effectiveness of FlexyRap® DES at the 5-year follow-up in real-world settings. Findings from a retrospective, multi-center, observational, post-market clinical follow-up study of patients treated with FlexyRap® DES for de novo coronary artery disease (CAD) were reported. During the 12-mo follow-up, the primary endpoint was target lesion failure, which was defined as the composite of cardiovascular death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TV-MI), and clinically driven target lesion revascularization. The data of 500 patients received with FlexyRap® DES was obtained at the completion of the surveillance timeline of 5-year. After the implantation of FlexyRap® DES, the device success rate was 100%. Adverse events that led to major bleeding, permanent disability, or death were not experienced in the patients. The major adverse cardiac event rate at 12-mo, 3-year, and 5-year follow-up was 1 (0.2%), 0 (0%), and 1 (0.2%) respectively with 0 (0%) cardiovascular death, 2 (0.4%) TV-MI, and 0 (0%) TLR compositely. Furthermore, late stent thrombosis was found in 2 (0.4%) patients at the follow-up of 12-mo, very late stent thrombosis was observed in 2 patients (0.4%) at 3-year follow-up. FlexyRap® DES was proved to be safe and efficacious in real-world patients with de novo CAD, indicating a lowered rate of cardiac events and stent thrombosis at 5-year follow-up.

12-Month clinical and radiographic outcomes of ViBone viable bone matrix in patients undergoing cervical and lumbar spinal fusion surgery

BackgroundTo investigate the clinical safety and efficacy of ViBone® Viable Bone Matrix (VBM), a next generation cellular bone matrix allograft that comprises all three essential bone-forming components: osteogenic, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive factors, and is optimized to enhance cell viability and bone formation.MethodsThis was a multi-center, prospective, post-market study evaluating the safety and efficacy of ViBone VBM in patients undergoing 1–3 level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or lumbar interbody fusion surgery. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up clinically and radiographically. Clinical assessment included Visual Analog Scale for pain (VAS-pain), the Neck Disability Index (NDI) for patients with cervical pathologies, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for patients with lumbar pathologies. Fusion success defined by an independent radiologist was determined radiographically by plain films.ResultsClinical outcomes evaluated with VAS-pain, NDI, and ODI scales were improved significantly at 6 and 12 months compared to baseline. All patients reached clinically significant improvements at 12 months. There were no adverse events or infections attributed to ViBone VBM. At 12 months, the fusion rate per patient was 88.1% in cervical and 97.6% in lumbar patients, while per-level fusion was 98.5% for cervical and 100% for lumbar segments.ConclusionsPatients undergoing cervical and lumbar spinal fusion implanted with ViBone VBM demonstrated favorable outcomes at 6 months and 12 months as measured by subjective clinical measures and radiographic fusion rates.Trial registration This study was registered as NCT03425682 on 1/29/2018.

Impact of Balya Protex Powder on Fatigue Levels in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Adhering to the Ayurveda-Based Comprehensive Diabetic Care Program

Chronic fatigue in diabetic patients can be the outcome of protein deficiency. Plant based protein is closer to nature and bodily acceptable, hence we chose to assess plant-based protein “Balya Protex Powder” over whey protein. A prospective, multicentre, post-market study was conducted in India. Patients with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus aged 18 years and above were included in this study. All patients adhered to the Comprehensive Diabetic Care (CDC) Program. Comparative data of change in fatigue score was collected retrospectively from type 2 diabetes mellitus patients assigned a low carbohydrate low calorie diet for 90 days. A total of 101 patients were included in this study, 50 patients consumed the Balya Protex Powder whilst 51 did not consume the Balya Protex powder whilst adhering to the CDC program. Weight of the patients decreased by 7.92% and 5.52% in the Balya Protex Powder consumption and Balya Protex Powder non-consumption group, respectively. Body mass index decreased by 5.93% and 5.18% in the Balya Protex Powder consumption and Balya Protex Powder non-consumption group, respectively. Abdomen girth decreased by 8.39% and 4.67% in the Balya Protex Powder consumption and Balya Protex Powder non-consumption group, respectively. Weakness grade decreased by 83.69% and 47.61% in the Balya Protex Powder consumption and Balya Protex Powder non-consumption group, respectively. All patients showed significant reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, however patients in the subgroup who were taking 30 gm of Balya Protex Powder daily showed 50% greater reduction in chronic fatigue score. It can be concluded that Balya Protex Powder consumption leads to good glycemic control with reduced fatigue in diabetic patients whilst adhering to the CDC program.

Revisiting Latex Gloves in Healthcare - A Post-Market Clinical Study

Sterile Surgical Gloves are worn to prevent contamination of the patient during invasive procedures and they help prevent surgical site infections and reduce the risk of exposure to blood and body fluid pathogens for the healthcare worker. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the safety and performance of Sterile Latex Surgical Gloves- Powdered and Powder Free, Sterile Latex Gynaecological Gloves- Powdered and Powder Free. Overall, 976 subjects participated in the study, out of which sterile latex surgical gloves were used by the users in 288 cases. Sterile latex surgical gloves powder free was used by users in 291 cases. Sterile Latex Gynaecological Gloves Powdered were used by users in 201 cases and Sterile Latex Gynaecological Gloves Powder Free was used in196 cases. From the clinical safety parameter analysis, sterile latex surgical gloves were safe to use and none of the users reported safety-related issues. The overall rating given by the user for product performance was excellent for all the products. All the users agreed that the product is meeting the product quality. The overall rating given by the user for product satisfaction is Excellent. None of the users have reported any undesirable events. Keywords: gloves, latex, allergy, healthcare workers

Remimazolam Compared to Propofol During Hysteroscopy: A Safety and Efficacy Analysis.

Propofol is the main drug used to induce sedation for endoscopic procedures, and few drugs had shaken its dominant clinical use for a decade until the development of remimazolam. Remimazolam has been demonstrated to perform well in post-marketing studies on sedation for colonoscopy or other procedures requiring short periods of sedation. This study aimed to establish whether remimazolam was effective and safe for inducing sedation for hysteroscopy. One hundred patients who were scheduled to undergo hysteroscopy were randomly assigned to receive induction with remimazolam or propofol. A dose of 0.25mg/kg remimazolam was administered. Propofol was started at 2-2.5mg/kg. Before remimazolam or propofol induction, 1μg/kg fentanyl was infused. Hemodynamic parameters, vital signs, and bispectral index (BIS) values were measured and adverse events recorded to evaluate safety. We comprehensively evaluated the efficacy and safety of the two drugs by the success rate of induction, fluctuation of vital signs, depth of anesthesia, adverse reactions, recovery time, and other indicators. Information on 83 patients was successfully recorded and carefully documented. The success rate of sedation in the remimazolam group (groupR) was 93%, which was lower than for the propofol group (groupP) (100%), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The incidence of adverse reactions in groupR (7.5%) was significantly lower than that in groupP (67.4%), and the results were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The fluctuation of vital signs in groupP was more severe after induction, especially in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Remimazolam avoids the injection pain produced by propofol sedation, has a better pre-sedation experience, had the advantage of stable hemodynamics after injection compared to propofol, and a lower respiratory depression rate in the study patients.

Effectiveness and economic impact of Dupilumab in asthma: a population-based cohort study

RationaleSevere asthma is burdened by relevant socio-economic and clinical impact. Randomized controlled trials on Dupilumab showed efficacy and a good safety profile, but post-market studies are needed.ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of Dupilumab on (i) the use of anti-asthmatic drugs, including oral corticosteroids (OCS), (ii) the rates of asthma exacerbation-related hospital admissions, and (iii) the healthcare costs in patients with asthma.MethodsData were retrieved from Healthcare Utilization database of Lombardy region (Italy). We compared healthcare resources use between the 6 months after Dupilumab initiation (“post-intervention period”) and (i) the 6 months before Dupilumab initiation (“wash-out period”) and (ii) the corresponding 6 months of the prior year (“pre-intervention period”).Main resultsIn a cohort of 176 patients, Dupilumab significantly reduced anti-asthmatic drugs use (including OCS and short-acting β2-agonists, inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)/long-acting β2-agonists and ICS alone) when comparing the “pre-intervention” to the “post-intervention” period. When considering hospital admissions, we observed a not statistically or marginally significant reduction between both periods before Dupilumab and the post-intervention period. Six-months discontinuation rate was 8%. Overall healthcare costs had a tenfold increase between the “pre-intervention” and “post-intervention” period, which was mainly led by the biologic drug cost. Conversely, expenditures connected to hospital admissions did not change.ConclusionsOur real-world investigation suggests that Dupilumab reduced anti-asthmatic drugs use, including OCS, in comparison to a corresponding period in the prior year. However, long-term healthcare sustainability remains an open issue.

The First Live-Cell Based Product in The Iranian Drug List; ReColorCell®.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disorder that can significantly affect the quality of life in patients. However, current treatment strategies such as phototherapy, topical glucocorticosteroids, or systemic immunosuppressants can be helpful in vitiligo management, and treatments for disease stability which is the main challenge in vitiligo management. Novel therapeutic modalities have made promising advances in this regard. Molecular targeted therapy to target Janus-activated kinase (JAK) such as Tofacitinib and Ruxolitinib in addition to the cell-based treatments are innovative therapeutic options, which are recently used for vitiligo treatment. Transplantation of non-cultured melanocytes-keratinocytes have been studied in Iran and phase one data published in 2010 on 10 patients that continued on 300 patients as phase three in 2018. Cell Tech Pharmed™ Co. registered and applied this cell-based product, ReColorCell®, as a GMP certified by Iranian Food and Drug Administration (IR-FDA). On 11th December 2021, ReColorCell® officially registered as the first cell-based product in the Iranian drug list (IDL). Currently, the post-market study of this product is ongoing.

Omadacycline in treating community-based infections: a review and expert perspective

ABSTRACT Introduction Omadacycline is approved for the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) and acute bacterial skin and soft tissue infection (ABSSSI). The integration of newer agents into clinical use involves understanding the nuances of clinical decision-making. This review will provide an in-depth focus on omadacycline in clinical practice. Areas covered Literature review of omadacycline utilizing PubMed was performed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of omadacycline pharmacology, microbiology, registrational Phase 3 clinical trials, and post-marketing clinical studies. In addition, the immunomodulatory and other attributes of tetracycline class of antibiotics, of which omadacycline is a member, are reviewed, introducing the concept of antibiotic selection with attention to the bacterial pathogen and human host relationship. Expert opinion Omadacycline builds upon the favorable attributes of tetracycline antibiotics and provides very reliable empiric coverage for both Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. Clinicians require a more robust understanding of antibiotics, including omadacycline, in order to optimize patient outcomes, streamline care, and reduce medical costs.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors-Associated Thrombosis: Incidence, Risk Factors and Management.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) target programmed cell death (PD) 1 receptor and its ligand PD-L1, and have become an integral part of treatment regimens in many cancers including lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and more. Cancer is associated with a significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism compared to non-cancer patients, and the risks increase further with anticancer therapies including ICIs. Cancer-associated thrombosis can lead to hospitalizations, delayed cancer treatment, and mortality. While thrombosis was not reported as a major complication in initial clinical trials leading to the approval of ICIs, emerging evidence from post-marketing studies revealed concerning risks of thrombosis in patients receiving ICIs. However, results remained heterogenous given differences in study designs and populations. Recent studies also showed that C-reactive protein dynamics might be an easily accessible biomarker for thrombosis and disease response in this population. In addition, early findings indicated that a commonly used anticoagulant for cancer-associated thrombosis, factor Xa inhibitors, might have potential synergistic antitumor effects when combined with ICIs. Herein we will review the current literature on the incidence, risk factors, and management of thrombosis in patients with cancer receiving ICIs. We aim to provide valuable information for clinicians in managing these patients.

Injection Site Reactions Before and After Intramuscular Injection Technique Revision: A Postmarketing Analysis of NALDEBAIN® From 2017 to 2022.

The NALDEBAIN® has been available since 2017, and high incidence of injection reactions in the phase 3 study has been reported. Since the first year in the market, the injection site reactions were still the majority of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in pharmacovigilance reports. The new intramuscular (IM) instruction and package was introduced in the middle of 2018. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the pharmacovigilance data and published postmarketing studies to investigate the impact of IM injection-related reactions in Taiwan between the period of 2017-2022. Individual case safety reports (ICSRs) and ADRs were classified by system organ class and preferred term. The reporting rate of ICSRs was used to evaluate the impact of the new IM instruction and package. A total of 37 ICSRs were identified from pharmacovigilance reports. Among them, 51% of IM injection-related reactions were reported after one single dose of NALDEBAIN administration. The reporting rate of IM injection-related reactions in pharmacovigilance data dropped from 125.00 to 3.56 per ten thousand exposures after IM instruction and package revision in 2018. In addition, the percentage of IM injection-related reactions also reduced in postmarketing studies from 27.5% to 4.5%. There were no serious IM injection-related reactions found in the pharmacovigilance and postmarketing dataset. Injection site reactions were common after intramuscularly administered oil-based agents during the first year which is later markedly reduced by changing the length of the needle and injection education.