Secondary Efficacy Parameters Research Articles

A Novel Herbal Composition Alleviates Functional Constipation, Reduces Gastrointestinal Transit Time, and Improves Bowel Function in Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Study

Background and objective A recent proof-of-concept pilot clinical study has demonstrated that consumption of CL18100F4, a proprietary herbal blend of Withania somnifera root and Abelmoschus esculentus fruit extracts, significantly relieved the participants from functional constipation and improved their quality of life. The objective of the present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to reevaluate the efficacy and tolerability of CL18100F4 in a larger number of subjects. Methods Male and female subjects (n = 135; age: 25–60 years), selected through Rome-IV criteria for functional constipation, were randomized into placebo and 300 or 500 mg of CL18100F4 groups and supplemented daily over 60 consecutive days. The primary efficacy outcome measure was Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptoms (PAC-SYM), evaluated at baseline and on days 7, 30, and 60 of supplementation. The secondary efficacy parameters included Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QOL), Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores, Gastrointestinal Transit Time (GIT), and Complete Spontaneous Bowel Movement (CSBM). Serum levels of Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, cortisol, gastrin, serotonin, Diamine oxidase (DAO), and Zonulin were measured. Results CL18100F4 supplementation significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the PAC-SYM, PAC-QOL, GSRS scores, and GIT and improved CSBM scores. CL18100F4 significantly improved (p < 0.001) sleep quality and decreased depression and anxiety symptoms in the participants. Notably, relief in constipation symptoms and improved gastrointestinal (GI) function were reported starting from day 7. Furthermore, CL18100F4 supplementation significantly (p < 0.001) increased the serum levels of IL-10, DAO, serotonin, gastrin, reduced IL-6, cortisol, and Zonulin. No major adverse events were observed. Participants’ vital signs, hematology, clinical biochemistry, and urinalysis parameters were within the normal ranges. Conclusion The present investigation demonstrates that CL18100F4 is tolerable and efficacious in relieving functional constipation, alleviating GI dysfunction, and improving associated non-GI factors in male and female adults.

Efficacy and safety of chiglitazar, a novel peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor pan-agonist, in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial (CMAP)

Chiglitazar (Carfloglitazar) is a novel non-thiazolidinedione (TZD) structured peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pan-agonist that has shown promising effects on glycemic control and lipid regulation in patients with type 2 diabetes in previous clinical studies. This randomized phase 3 trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of chiglitazar with placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes with insufficient glycemic control by strict diet and exercise alone. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive chiglitazar 32 mg (n = 167), chiglitazar 48 mg (n = 166), or placebo (n = 202) once daily. The primary endpoint was the change in glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at week 24 with superiority of chiglitazar over placebo. The results showed that both chiglitazar 32 and 48 mg resulted in significant and clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c, and placebo-adjusted estimated treatment differences at week 24 for chiglitazar 32 and 48 mg were −0.87% (95% confidential interval (CI): −1.10 to −0.65; P < 0.0001) and −1.05% (95% CI: −1.29 to −0.81; P < 0.0001), respectively. Secondary efficacy parameters including glycemic control, insulin sensitivity and triglyceride reduction were also significantly improved in the chiglitazar groups. The overall frequency of adverse events and study discontinuation attributable to adverse events were similar among the groups. Low incidences of mild edema and body weight gain were reported in the chiglitazar dose groups. The results from this phase 3 trial demonstrated that the PPAR pan-agonist chiglitazar possesses an overall good efficacy and safety profile in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with lifestyle interventions, thereby providing adequate supporting evidence for using this PPAR pan-agonist as a treatment option for type 2 diabetes.

Anti-pruritic effect of nemolizumab in hemodialysis patients with uremic pruritus: a phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study

BackgroundThe pathophysiology of uremic pruritus (UP), which is characterized by systemic and intractable itching, remains unclear. As interleukin (IL)-31 may be involved, we conducted a phase II, randomized, controlled study to evaluate nemolizumab (anti-IL-31 receptor A antibody) in Japanese hemodialysis patients with UP.MethodsPatients were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1:1) to one of four double-blind groups (receiving a single subcutaneous injection of nemolizumab 0.125, 0.5, or 2.0 mg/kg, or placebo on Day 1) or an open-label reference group (receiving oral nalfurafine hydrochloride 2.5–5 μg once daily for 12 weeks). The primary endpoint was the difference in the absolute change in pruritus visual analog scale (VAS) at Week 4 between placebo and each nemolizumab group.ResultsThe primary efficacy endpoint was not met. The mean change from baseline with all three nemolizumab doses at Week 1, and with 0.5 mg/kg at Week 4, was greater than with placebo. Least square mean differences (95% confidence intervals) in the absolute changes between the placebo arm and each nemolizumab arm were − 2.4 (− 19.7, 14.9) for 0.125 mg/kg, − 8.7 (− 26.6, 9.2) for 0.5 mg/kg, and 0.4 (− 17.0, 17.8) for 2.0 mg/kg. Secondary efficacy parameters including the Shiratori severity score and 5-D itch score failed to show between-group differences. Patients with higher serum IL-31 levels at screening tended to have greater pruritus VAS reductions following nemolizumab treatment.ConclusionsIn this phase II study in patients with UP, the primary efficacy parameter was not met. Nemolizumab was generally well tolerated with no clinically significant safety concerns.Clinical trial registrationJAPIC: JapicCTI-152961, https://www.clinicaltrials.jp/cti-user/trial/ShowDirect.jsp?japicId=JapicCTI-152961.

A comparative study in treatment of childhood vitiligo 0.03% tacrolimus versus 0.03% tacrolimus and topical steroids

Background: Vitiligo is an idiopathic, acquired cutaneous achromia, characterized by circumscribed milky white macules. It develops before the age of 20 years in 50% of the patients and before the age of 10 years in 25% of the patients. Methods: This was a 2-year, prospective, comparative study conducted in vitiligo patients with 1 year of active intervention. Fifty patients in the age group of 2–14 years were enrolled in the study. Randomization was performed according to computer-generated random code. Patients with code A received treatment with 0.03% tacrolimus alone and patients with code B received treatment with 0.03% tacrolimus and topical steroids. The primary efficacy variable was the Vitiligo Area Severity Index (VASI), and the secondary efficacy parameter includes the Physician's Global Improvement Score which was computed at the end of the study. The statistical analysis was carried out using statistical software STATA 6.0. Results: Out of these 50 patients, 47 patients completed the study for a period of 1 year. The area-wise VASI reduction and VASI reduction in vitiligo types were analyzed in patients with code A and code B. The mean Physician's Global Assessment Score was 3.041 in the tacrolimus group, and it was 3.261 in the tacrolimus with steroid group. Conclusion: This shows that 0.03% tacrolimus can be effectively used as topical monotherapy in patients with localized stable vitiligo without the adverse effects of topical steroids.

Abstract 16311: Efficacy and Safety of Inclisiran According to Sex: A Pooled Analysis of the ORION 9, 10 and 11 Trials

Introduction: Despite a later onset in life than males, ASCVD is the leading cause of death in females, additionally mortality is higher compared to males. Disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of CVD risk factors may contribute to this difference. Inclisiran is a novel siRNA that inhibits PCSK9 synthesis and lowers LDL-C. Three Phase III placebo-controlled trials evaluated efficacy and safety of inclisiran in patients with HeFH (ORION-9), ASCVD (ORION-10, -11) and ASCVD risk equivalents (ORION-11). Objective: To assess the impact of sex on the efficacy and safety profile of inclisiran. Methods: Patients from each trial were categorized by sex. The co-primary endpoints were percentage change in LDL-C from baseline to Day 510 and time-adjusted percentage change in LDL-C from baseline after Day 90 up to Day 540. Secondary efficacy and safety parameters were assessed over 18 months. Results: Of a total 3660 patients, 1190 (32.5%) were females and 2470 (67.5%) were males. At baseline, females were less likely to receive statins [high-intensity statins] (90% [70%] vs 93% [76%]), or have ASCVD (73.6% vs 90.3%), were more likely to have ASCVD-risk equivalent (26.4% vs 9.7%) vs males. The efficacy of inclisiran vs placebo in both co-primary endpoints was similar in both sexes. Females had higher LDL-C at baseline (122.9 mg/dL vs 105.8 mg/dL) and (secondary endpoints) placebo-corrected mean absolute reduction in LDL-C at Day 510 (62.6 vs 54.0 mg/dL, P &lt;0.05) and time-adjusted reduction from Days 90 to 540 (59.0 vs 51.5 mg/dL, P &lt;0.05) with inclisiran were greater in females than males. Most AEs were similar between inclisiran vs placebo for both sexes except for injection-site AEs that were higher in the inclisiran arm than placebo (females 9.4% vs 0.2%, males 2.8% vs 0.9%; Table). Conclusions: The efficacy and safety profile of inclisiran was generally similar in both sexes, except for more inclisiran injection-site AEs (mainly mild) vs placebo, which were more frequent in females.

Efficacy and safety of DBPR108 monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes: a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II clinical trial

Objective: DBPR108, a novel dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitor, has shown great antihyperglycemic effect in animal models. This study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DBPR108 monotherapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods: This was a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II clinical trial. The newly diagnosed or inadequately controlled untreated T2DM patients were randomized to receive 50, 100, 200 mg DBPR108 or placebo in a ratio of 1:1:1:1. The primary efficacy outcome was HbA1c change from baseline to week 12. Relevant secondary efficacy parameters and safety were assessed. The clinical trial registration is NCT04124484.Results: Overall, 271 of the 276 randomized patients, who received 50 mg (n = 68), 100 mg (n = 67), 200 mg (n = 69) DBPR108 or placebo (n = 67), were included in full analysis set. At week 12, HbA1c change from baseline was −0.04 ± 0.77 in placebo group, −0.51 ± 0.71, −0.75 ± 0.73, and −0.57 ± 0.78 (%, p < .001 vs. placebo) in 50, 100, and 200 mg DBPR108 groups, respectively. Since week 4, DBPR108 monotherapy resulted in significant improvements in secondary efficacy parameters. At end of 12-week treatment, the goal of HbA1c ≤7% was achieved in 29.85, 58.82, 55.22, and 47.83% of the patients in placebo, 50, 100, and 200 mg DBPR108 groups, respectively. The incidence of adverse events did not show significant difference between DBPR108 and placebo except mild hypoglycemia in DBPR108 200 mg group.Conclusions: The study results support DBPR108 100 mg once daily as the primary dosing regimen for T2DM patients in phase III development program.

Metformin plus megestrol acetate compared with megestrol acetate alone as fertility-sparing treatment in patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia and well-differentiated endometrial cancer: a randomised controlled trial.

To assess the efficacy of metformin in megestrol acetate (MA)-based fertility-sparing treatment for patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) and endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC). A randomised, single-centre, open-label, controlled trial conducted between October 2013 and December 2017. Shanghai OBGYN Hospital of Fudan University, China. A total of 150 patients (18-45years old) with primary AEH or well-differentiated EEC were randomised into an MA group (n=74) and an MA plus metformin group (n=76). Patients with AEH or EEC were firstly stratified, then randomised to receive MA (160mg orally, daily) or MA (160mg orally, daily) plus metformin (500mg orally, three times a day). The primary efficacy parameter was the cumulate complete response (CR) rate within 16weeks of treatment (16w-CR rate); the secondary efficacy parameters were 30w-CR rate and adverse events. The 16w-CR rate was higher in the metformin plus MA group than in the MA-only group (34.3 versus 20.7%, odds ratio [OR]2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]0.89-4.51, P=0.09) but the difference was more significant in 102 AEH patients (39.6 versus 20.4%, OR2.56, 95% CI 1.06-6.21, P=0.04). This effect of metformin was also significant in non-obese (51.4 versus 24.3%, OR3.28, 95% CI1.22-8.84, P=0.02) and insulin-sensitive (54.8 versus 28.6%, OR3.04, 95% CI1.03-8.97, P=0.04) subgroups of AEH women. No significant result was found in secondary endpoints. As a fertility-sparing treatment, metformin plus MA was associated with a higher early CR rate compared with MA alone in AEH patients. For AEH patients, metformin plus MA might be a better fertility-sparing treatment to achieve a higher early CR rate compared with MA alone.

Phase III Clinical Trial of Elizaria® and Soliris® in Adult Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: Results of Comparative Analysis of Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacological Data

Introduction: Complement C5-inhibitor eculizumab is a current standard of care in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Elizaria® is the first registered biosimilar of the reference medicinal product Soliris®. Purpose: To demonstrate Elizaria® comparative efficacy and safety vs. reference product Soliris® in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Methods: 32 patients with PNH were stratified based on the previous eculizumab treatment status (eculizumab-naive patients/patients treated with eculizumab at a maintenance regimen before enrollment) and randomized to receive Elizaria® (n = 16) or Soliris® (n = 16). Eculizumab-naive patients with baseline LDH level ≥1.5 times the upper limit of normal started induction phase of four weekly infusion of the study medications at dose of 600 mg, with subsequent maintenance therapy at dose of 900 mg every two weeks. Previously treated patients started the study treatment at the maintenance dose. The total treatment duration was 26 weeks. Comparative evaluation of chronic hemolysis based on the area under the curve "LDH concentration-time" (LDH AUC) during the maintenance therapy period was the primary endpoint of the study. The main secondary efficacy parameters were hemoglobin dynamics, breakthrough hemolysis and transfusion dependence. PK profile as well as through eculizumab and membrane attack complex (MAC) concentration were also assessed during the treatment. Results: Thirty patients have completed the study without significant protocol deviations (16 patients in Elizaria® group and 14 patients in Soliris® group). The LDH AUC was highly variable between the patients but the means were not statistically differ between the treatment groups: 62,957.6 ± 46,066.5 U/L*day (95% CI [38,410.4; 87,504.7]) and 49,702.6 ± 26,182.1 U/L*day (95% CI [34,585.5; 64,819.7]) in Elizaria® and Soliris® groups respectively. Point estimation of the intergroup difference in LDH AUC of 13255,0 U/L*days (95% CI [-10492,9; 37002,8]) comprises 12,3% of the pre-specified non-inferiority margin of 150,635 U/L*days, that is not supposed clinically significant difference (Figure 1). The treatment groups were also comparable on all the secondary efficacy parameters (Table 1). The comparative PK parameters of eculizumab and MAC concentration have been demonstrated in the treatment groups in all studied time points. Thus, the median elimination half-life (T1/2) of eculizumab amounted to 187,7 h (IQR 165,7) in Elizaria® group and to 282,0 h (IQR 152,3) in Soliris® group (p = 0.236). The minimum concentration (Cmin) of eculizumab amounted to (64.89 ± 25.96) µg/mL in Elizaria® group and to (94.13 ± 58.76) µg/mL in Soliris® group (p = 0.065). The median residence time (MRT) of eculizumab amounted to 269,5 h (IQR 257.3) in Elizaria® group and to 393,1 h (IQR 240,9) in Soliris® group (p = 0.206). By the end of the study, the mean MAC values one hour after the study products infusion amounted to (170.41 ± 72.21) ng/mL and (214.08 ± 93.57) ng/mL in Elizaria® and Soliris® groups, respectively (Figure 2). Both Elizaria® and Soliris® demonstrated the similar safety profile. Thirteen adverse drug reactions (ADR) in 5 patients were reported in the study: 9 - in 3 Elizaria® patients, whereas 4 were reported in 2 Soliris® patients. ADRs were observed in the following system organ classes: Investigations (9.4%), Blood and lymphatic system disorders (6.3%), Infections and infestations (6.3%), Renal and urinary disorders (3.1%), General disorders and administration site conditions (3.1%), Metabolism and nutrition disorders (3.1%). No new cases of anti-drug antibody formation have been revealed during the study. Conclusion: Thus, the results of the clinical trial confirm that proposed biosimilar Elizaria® is comparable to the reference product Soliris® in term of efficacy, safety, immunogenicity and PK/PD parameters in the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Disclosures Kulagin: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc:: Consultancy, Honoraria; JSC GENERIUM: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Ptushkin:Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc:: Consultancy, Research Funding; JSC GENERIUM: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy. Lukina:JSC GENERIUM: Research Funding; Sanofi Genzyme: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel Reimbursement, Research Funding; Shire: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel Reimbursement. Gapchenko:JSC GENERIUM: Employment. Markova:JSC GENERIUM: Employment. Zuev:JSC GENERIUM: Employment. Kudlay:JSC GENERIUM: Employment.

A Phase 2 Open-Label Study of Danicopan (ACH-0144471) in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) Who Have an Inadequate Response to Eculizumab Monotherapy

A Phase 2 Open-Label Study of Danicopan (ACH-0144471) in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) Who Have an Inadequate Response to Eculizumab Monotherapy

Recommandations discordantes entre HAS et CNGOF ; le point avec 200 IVG médicamenteuses tardives, réalisées hors AMM

ObjectivesThere are conflicting recommandations about late medical abortion: the French National College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF) and the French Superior Health Authority are opposed. The aim was to assess misoprostol's efficiency in medical abortions at 9 to 14 weeks gestational age (GA) MethodsThis is an epidemiologic retrospective study led from March 2017 till January 2019, in Evreux's hospital, France, including all patients undergoing a medical abortion from 9 to 14 weeks GA. We followed the CNGOF's recommandations published in 2016. The main efficacy parameter was the failure rate of medical abortion at 9 to 14 weeks GA. The secondary efficacy parameters were the number of patients absent at the post-medical abortion examination, the consumption of misoprostol, the consumption of symptomatic treatment, the type of complication and the length of hospital stay. Results200 patients were included: 19 patients had vacuum aspiration, so we report a 10.2 % failure rate (95% CI: 6.4%; 15.7%). 7 (3.5%) had vacuum aspiration for haemorrhage (2 (1%) receveived a blood transfusion) 9 (4.5%) had a vacuum aspiration for failure and 3 (1.5%) for retention. 71 (35.5%) patients were absent at the post-medical abortion examination. The mean consumption of misoprostol was 1234μg (441). The mean length of hospital stay was 12.2hours (8.28). ConclusionsThe abortion failure rate is 10.2%. Our study didn’t report any elements of bad tolerance of misoprostol in this indication.

Efficacy and Safety of Serenoa repens Extract Among Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in China: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Serenoa repens among patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia [LUTS/BPH]) in China. We conducted a double blind, placebo-controlled study of 354 patients with LUTS/BPH from 19 institutions, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Serenoa repens. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) into the Serenoa repens extract (320 mg) or placebo groups for 24 weeks. Primary efficacy parameters were changes in International Prostate Symptom Score and peak urinary flow from baseline to each assessment. Secondary efficacy parameters included improvement of storage symptom and voiding symptom scores, prostate volume, urinary frequency, and total prostate-specific antigen level. Other parameters assessed were quality of life score, a four-item male sexual function questionnaire score, and International Index of Erectile Function score across the consecutive double-blind visits. Statistically significant improvement in the peak urinary flow, International Prostate Symptom Score, scores of storage symptoms and voiding symptoms, quality of life score, four-item male sexual function questionnaire score, and International Index of Erectile Function score were observed in the Serenoa repens extract group compared with those in the placebo group (P <.05). Two (1.18%) of 169 patients in the placebo group and 3 (1.89) of 159 patients in the Serenoa repens extract group experienced 1 or more adverse events. The Serenoa repens extract was effective, safe, well-tolerated, and clinically and statistically superior to placebo in the target LUTS/BPH population.

Diagnostic Efficacy and Safety of Gadoxetate Disodium vs Gadobenate Dimeglumine in Patients With Known or Suspected Focal Liver Lesions: Results of a Clinical Phase III Study.

Purpose:The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy and safety of gadoxetate disodium vs gadobenate dimeglumine in patients with known or suspected focal liver lesions.Methods:This was a prospective, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, inter-individual Phase III study. The primary target—technical efficacy—was already published. Here, secondary efficacy parameters—sensitivity and specificity—and safety in specific patient populations are presented. Patients with suspected or known focal liver lesions scheduled for contrast-enhanced liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were recruited and categorized in 4 a priori specified subgroups: (1) all patients, (2) patients with liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]), (3) patients with cirrhosis, and (4) patients with HCC + cirrhosis. Dual multi-detector liver computed tomography (CT) served as standard of reference.Results:A total of 295 patients were included. While the overall increase in sensitivity across all 4 patient groups was comparable for gadoxetate disodium (increase from pre- to post-contrast ranging from 6.2% to 9.9%) and gadobenate dimeglumine (ranging from −2.9% to 10.0%), significant differences were seen for some of the subgroups. There was a significantly higher increase in sensitivity for gadoxetate disodium in patients with HCC (7%) and HCC + cirrhosis (12.8%) in comparison with gadobenate dimeglumine. Specificity decreased for both agents: gadoxetate disodium by −2.8% to −6.3% and gadobenate dimeglumine by −3.3% to −8.7%. Gadoxetate showed a significantly lower loss of specificity in all subgroups. Safety was comparable in both groups.Conclusions:Gadoxetate disodium proved to be an effective liver-specific MRI contrast agent. Some distinct advantages over gadobenate dimeglumine were demonstrated in patients with HCC and patients with HCC + liver cirrhosis for sensitivity and specificity in liver lesion detection.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 predicts outcome in community-acquired pneumonia: secondary analysis of two randomised controlled trials.

Acute systemic inflammatory conditions are accompanied by profound alterations of metabolism. However, the role of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a recently identified central regulator of metabolism, is largely unknown in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This study aims to characterise the pattern of FGF21 in pneumonia and associations with disease severity and outcome.This is a secondary analysis of two independent multicentre randomised controlled trials in patients presenting to the emergency department with CAP. Primary and secondary efficacy parameters included 30-day mortality, length of hospital stay, time to clinical stability and duration of antibiotic treatment.A total of 509 patients were included in the analysis. FGF21 levels at admission strongly correlated with disease severity, as measured by the Pneumonia Severity Index. Increased levels of FGF21 were associated with prolonged time to clinical stability, antibiotic treatment and hospitalisation. FGF21 levels at admission were significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors, yielding a 1.61-fold increased adjusted odds ratio of 30-day mortality (95% CI 1.21-2.14; p=0.001). Moreover, FGF21 was found to identify patients for 30-day mortality with superior discriminative power compared with routine diagnostic markers.Moderate-to-severe CAP patients with higher levels of FGF21 were at increased risk for clinical instability, prolonged hospitalisation and 30-day all-cause mortality.

A Phase 3, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of Vilazodone in Adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious illness in children and adolescents. Vilazodone is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor approved for MDD in adults. This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vilazodone in adolescent patients, ages 12–17 years, with MDD (NCT01878292).MethodsThis double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, fixed-dose study was conducted at 56 study centers in the United States and was 10 weeks in duration (a 1-week screening period, an 8-week double-blind treatment period, and a 1-week double-blind down-taper period). Outpatients with an MDD diagnosis based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision criteria were included in the study. Clinical inclusion criteria required a Children’s Depression Rating Scale–Revised (CDRS-R) total score of ≥ 40 and Clinical Global Impressions–Severity (CGI-S) score of ≥ 4. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to 8 weeks of double-blind treatment with placebo (n = 174), vilazodone 15 mg/day (n = 175), or vilazodone 30 mg/day (n = 180). The primary and secondary efficacy parameters were change from baseline to week 8 in CDRS-R total score and CGI-S score, respectively. Safety parameters included adverse events (AEs); clinical laboratory, vital sign, and electrocardiogram parameters; and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale.ResultsApproximately 86% of patients completed double-blind treatment. There was no statistically significant difference between vilazodone 15 mg/day or 30 mg/day and placebo in change from baseline in CDRS-R score. Change in CGI-S score was not significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. The most common treatment-emergent AEs were nausea, upper abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, nasopharyngitis, headache, and dizziness. Reports of suicidal ideation (placebo, 33.3%; vilazodone 15 mg/day, 36.0%; vilazodone 30 mg/day, 31.1%) and suicidal behavior (placebo, 1.8%; vilazodone 15 mg/day, 1.1%; vilazodone 30 mg/day, 1.1%) were similar between treatment groups. There were no deaths in the study.ConclusionsThe efficacy of vilazodone for the treatment of MDD in adolescent patients could not be confirmed in this study. Vilazodone was generally safe and well tolerated, with treatment-emergent AEs similar to those in adult patients.Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT01878292.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s40272-018-0290-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A multicentre, randomised, non-inferiority clinical trial comparing a nifurtimox-eflornithine combination to standard eflornithine monotherapy for late stage Trypanosoma brucei gambiense human African trypanosomiasis in Uganda

BackgroundWhile the combination of nifurtimox and eflornithine (NECT) is currently recommended for the treatment of the late stage human African trypansomiasis (HAT), single-agent eflornithine was still the treatment of choice when this trial commenced. This study intended to provide supportive evidence to complement previous trials.MethodsA multi-centre randomised, open-label, non-inferiority trial was carried out in the Trypanosoma brucei gambiense endemic districts of North-Western Uganda to compare the efficacy and safety of NECT (200 mg/kg eflornithine infusions every 12 h for 7 days and 8 hourly oral nifurtimox at 5 mg/kg for 10 days) to the standard eflornithine regimen (6 hourly at 100 mg/kg for 14 days). The primary endpoint was the cure rate, determined as the proportion of patients alive and without laboratory signs of infection at 18 months post-treatment, with no demonstrated trypanosomes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood or lymph node aspirates, and CSF white blood cell count < 20 /μl. The non-inferiority margin was set at 10%.ResultsOne hundred and nine patients were enrolled; all contributed to the intent-to-treat (ITT), modified intent-to-treat (mITT) and safety populations, while 105 constituted the per-protocol population (PP). The cure rate was 90.9% for NECT and 88.9% for eflornithine in the ITT and mITT populations; the same was 90.6 and 88.5%, respectively in the PP population. Non-inferiority was demonstrated for NECT in all populations: differences in cure rates were 0.02 (95% CI: -0.07–0.11) and 0.02 (95% CI: -0.08–0.12) respectively. Two patients died while on treatment (1 in each arm), and 3 more during follow-up in the NECT arm. No difference was found between the two arms for the secondary efficacy and safety parameters. A meta-analysis involving several studies demonstrated non-inferiority of NECT to eflornithine monotherapy.ConclusionsThese results confirm findings of earlier trials and support implementation of NECT as first-line treatment for late stage T. b. gambiense HAT. The overall risk difference for cure between NECT and eflornithine between this and two previous randomised controlled trials is 0.03 (95% CI: -0.02–0.08). The NECT regimen is simpler, safer, shorter and less expensive than single-agent DFMO.Trial registrationISRCTN ISRCTN03148609 (registered 18 April 2008).

Comparison of three different treatment modalities in the management of cancer cachexia.

The optimal treatment of cancer cachexia remains unknown. In this study, we compared the efficacy of three different treatment modalities in the management of cancer cachexia. Sixty-two assessable cachectic cancer patients were randomized to one of the following three arms: 1) megesterol acetate (MA) plus meloxicam (n = 23); 2) MA plus meloxicam plus oral eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-enriched nutritional supplement (n = 21); or 3) meloxicam plus oral EPA-enriched nutritional supplement (n = 18). Treatment duration was 3 months. The treatment arms were well balanced at baseline. The primary efficacy (body weight and lean body mass) and secondary efficacy (body mass index, quality of life, and serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α) parameters improved after treatment in all three arms. There were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups in the mean percentage changes in all efficacy parameters from baseline to end of study. MA plus meloxicam or EPA supplement plus meloxicam may be effective treatment options in the management of cancer cachexia. The combined use of these agents does not provide further advantages.

Efficacy and safety of paliperidone palmitate three-monthly formulation in East Asian patients with schizophrenia: subgroup analysis of a global, randomized, double-blind, Phase III, noninferiority study.

ObjectiveTo demonstrate the efficacy and safety of paliperidone palmitate three-monthly (PP3M) formulation in an East Asian population with schizophrenia by subgroup analysis of a double-blind (DB), multicenter, noninferiority study.Patients and methodsOf 1,429 patients who entered the open-label (OL) phase, 510 were East Asian (China: 296 [58%], Japan: 175 [34%], South Korea: 19 [4%] and Taiwan: 20 [4%]). In the 17-week OL phase, patients received paliperidone palmitate once-monthly (PP1M) formulation on day 1 (150 mg eq.), day 8 (100 mg eq.) and once-monthly thereafter (50–150 mg eq., flexible). Following the OL phase, patients (n=344 East Asian) entered DB phase and were randomized (1:1) to PP1M (n=174) or PP3M (n=170). Primary efficacy endpoint was the percentage of patients who remained relapse free at the end of the 48-week DB phase, using Kaplan–Meier cumulative survival estimate. Secondary efficacy endpoints included change from DB baseline to endpoint in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Clinical Global Impression Severity, Personal and Social Performance scores and symptomatic remission. Additional assessments included caregiver burden and safety.ResultsA total of 285/344 (83%) randomized East Asian patients completed the DB phase. The percentage of patients who had a relapse event was similar on comparing PP3M (17 [10.2%]) to PP1M (20 [11.8%]), and also for Japan (PP3M: 9 [17.6%], PP1M: 13 [23.2%]) and China (PP3M: 6 [5.9%], PP1M: 7 [6.9%]). Mean change from baseline in secondary efficacy parameters was similar to the global population, regardless of treatment. Symptomatic remission was attained by 50% of the treated patients. Caregiver burden was significantly reduced (P<0.001) following treatment with PP3M/PP1M. Frequency of treatment-emergent adverse events in PP3M group during DB phase was greater in the East Asian subgroup (81%) than the global population (68%) and was higher in Japan (92%) than China (75%).ConclusionResults suggest that PP3M is efficacious in the East Asian subgroup. Although treatment-emergent adverse events were slightly higher in the East Asian subgroup versus the global population, no new safety signals were identified.

A CLINICAL STUDY ON ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS OF COMBINATION THERAPY OF DAPAGLIFLOZIN AND METFORMIN IN THE TREATMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

ABSTRACTObjective: This study aimed at determination of safety and efficacy of combination therapy of dapagliflozin and metformin in the treatment of Type2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: A total of 50 patients were enrolled in the study depending on demographic parameters and clinical data of the patients. The primaryefficacy criterion was the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) after a minimum of 12 weeks of treatment. Secondary efficacy parameters wereHbA1c value after 12 weeks, fasting and 1 hrs postprandial glucose, serum insulin and triglyceride levels, after a standardized meal, all after 12 weeksof treatment. Safety and tolerability were evaluated by the incidence of adverse events reported by patients. Patient visits to the clinical center werescheduled at screening, start of the run-in period.Results: Reductions in levels of postprandial plasma glucose were observed in all the active treatment groups. The reductions in patients receivingmetformin plus dapagliflozin combination therapy were significantly greater (p&lt;0.0001). It was clear that lower postprandial plasma insulin levelsdespite higher postprandial plasma glucose levels suggest decreased β-cell function. Changes in fasting serum insulin observed from baseline to theend of treatment did not differ significantly between metformin plus dapagliflozin combination therapy and metformin monotherapy and showed noconsistent trend.Conclusion: The results from the study suggest that the combination of the drugs was effective in controlling glycemic levels and also were safe. Noserious adverse drug reactions were reported by the patients when used daily once for 6 months.Keywords: Dapagliflozin, Metformin, Postprandial and glycemic.

OA11.03 A Randomized, Multi-Center, Double-Blind Phase II Study of Fruquintinib in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Targeting the tumor microenvironment, such as tumor angiogenesis, has led to the successful development and approval of a number of targeted therapies thereby changing the standard of care for many types of cancer. However, treatment options are limited in third-line non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Fruquintinib is a potent and highly selective oral kinase inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors and is currently in late stage development for multiple cancers. This Phase II study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fruquintinib in third-line NSCLC patients (NCT02590965). A total of 91 patients were randomized to receive best supportive care (BSC) plus fruquintinib or BSC plus placebo in a 2:1 ratio from 12 Chinese clinical centers. Fruquintinib initial dose was 5 mg once daily and treatment was given in every 4-week cycle (3 weeks treatment followed by 1 week off). The primary objective was to compare progression free survival (PFS) between the two treatment groups. Secondary efficacy parameters included objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS). Tumor response was assessed per RECIST 1.1. As of August 7, 2015, median PFS was 3.8 months for the fruquintinib group comparing with 1.2 months for the placebo group (hazard ratio=0.27, p<0.001). The ORR was 16.4% for the fruquintinib group comparing with 0% for the placebo group (p=0.02). The DCR of the fruquintinib group was significantly higher than that of the placebo group with a difference of 53.8% (36.3, 71.4; 95% CI, p<0.001). OS was not mature and initial analysis revealed 3- and 6-month OS rates of 90.2% and 68.3% for the fruquintinib group, and 73.3% and 58.2% for the placebo group, respectively. Adverse event was reported in 68.9% and 60.0% patients in fruquintinib and placebo group, respectively. The incidence of serious adverse events was 3.3% in the fruquintinib group and 6.7% in the placebo group. Fruquintinib in third-line NSCLC met the primary efficacy endpoint of PFS and demonstrated superiority in the secondary endpoints of ORR and DCR as compared with placebo. OS has yet to mature. Fruquintinib was generally well tolerated and safety profile consistent with previously reported. These results support further development of fruquintinib in third-line NSCLC patients. A randomized, double-blind, multi-center Phase III registration study was initiated in December 2015 (NCT02691299). Clinical trial information: NCT02590965.

Effect of Evolocumab on Progression of Coronary Disease in Statin-Treated Patients

Reducing levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with intensive statin therapy reduces progression of coronary atherosclerosis in proportion to achieved LDL-C levels. Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors produce incremental LDL-C lowering in statin-treated patients; however, the effects of these drugs on coronary atherosclerosis have not been evaluated. To determine the effects of PCSK9 inhibition with evolocumab on progression of coronary atherosclerosis in statin-treated patients. The GLAGOV multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial (enrollment May 3, 2013, to January 12, 2015) conducted at 197 academic and community hospitals in North America, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, and South Africa and enrolling 968 patients presenting for coronary angiography. Participants with angiographic coronary disease were randomized to receive monthly evolocumab (420 mg) (n = 484) or placebo (n = 484) via subcutaneous injection for 76 weeks, in addition to statins. The primary efficacy measure was the nominal change in percent atheroma volume (PAV) from baseline to week 78, measured by serial intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) imaging. Secondary efficacy measures were nominal change in normalized total atheroma volume (TAV) and percentage of patients demonstrating plaque regression. Safety and tolerability were also evaluated. Among the 968 treated patients (mean age, 59.8 years [SD, 9.2]; 269 [27.8%] women; mean LDL-C level, 92.5 mg/dL [SD, 27.2]), 846 had evaluable imaging at follow-up. Compared with placebo, the evolocumab group achieved lower mean, time-weighted LDL-C levels (93.0 vs 36.6 mg/dL; difference, -56.5 mg/dL [95% CI, -59.7 to -53.4]; P < .001). The primary efficacy parameter, PAV, increased 0.05% with placebo and decreased 0.95% with evolocumab (difference, -1.0% [95% CI, -1.8% to -0.64%]; P < .001). The secondary efficacy parameter, normalized TAV, decreased 0.9 mm3 with placebo and 5.8 mm3 with evolocumab (difference, -4.9 mm3 [95% CI, -7.3 to -2.5]; P < .001). Evolocumab induced plaque regression in a greater percentage of patients than placebo (64.3% vs 47.3%; difference, 17.0% [95% CI, 10.4% to 23.6%]; P < .001 for PAV and 61.5% vs 48.9%; difference, 12.5% [95% CI, 5.9% to 19.2%]; P < .001 for TAV). Among patients with angiographic coronary disease treated with statins, addition of evolocumab, compared with placebo, resulted in a greater decrease in PAV after 76 weeks of treatment. Further studies are needed to assess the effects of PCSK9 inhibition on clinical outcomes. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01813422.