Selexipag In Patients Research Articles

Efficacy and tolerability of triple sequential combination therapies with selexipag in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: insights from a single-centre study

Abstract Background and aims In this single-centre study we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of prostacyclin receptor agonist selexipag in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods The study included 110 out of the 1071 patients enrolled in the Evaluation of Pulmonary Hypertension Risk factors Associated with Survival study (EUPHRATES) and treated with selexipag added on background dual PAH therapies. The ESC/ERS 2022, SPAHR, French Registry, COMPERA 2.0 and REVEAL lite 2 models were used for risk predictions. Results Age (mean+SD) was 43.4+16.5 years and 84.5 % of patients were female. The PAH was idiopatic, and was associated with congenital heart disease (CHD), connective tissue disease (CTD) and drug in 47.2 %, 46.4 %, 5.5 % and 1 %, respectively. Background dual therapies, functional class (FC) was II, III and IV in 20 %, 65 %, and 15 % of patients. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD) was 314 + 134 m and serum N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level was 882+1732 ng/l. Tricuspid annular planary excursion (TAPSE) and tissue velocity (St), right atrial area and pulmonary arterial diameter were 2.02+0.48 cm,12.4+2.8 cm/sec,21.4+7.2 cm2 and 3.54+0.77 cm, respectively. Invasively evaluated pulmonary arterial mean pressure was 60.2±19.9 mm Hg, and pulmonary vascular resistance was 12.3±10.8 Wood units. COMPERA 2.0 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th risk strata were noted in 15.5 %, 31.8 %, 2.7 % and 10 %, and French Registry strata 0,1,2 and 3 were documented in 70 %, 14.5 %, 11 %, and 4.5 %, respectively. The SPAHR and REVEAL Lite 2 scores were 1.9+0.5 and 5.9+2.6, respectively. Background combinations were as follows; macitentan+tadalafil in 46.6 %, macitentan+sildenafil in13.6 %, macitentan+ riociguat in 6.8 %, bosentan +tadalafil in 8.7 %, bosentan+sildenafil in 16.5 %, bosentan+riociguat in 1 %, ambrisentan +tadalafil in 1.9 %, and ambrisentan+sildenafil in 2.9 % of patients. Maximally tolerable selexipag doses (ug)were 1600 bid in 21%, 1400 bid in 5 %, 1200 bid in 11%, 1000 bid in 17%, 800 bid in 12%, 600 bid in 9%, 400 bid in 14%, and 200 bid in 11%.Median follow-up period was 527( 278-831) days, and discontiuation rates of selexipag was 13.6 %. Headache, jaw-pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and flushing were main side effects. The changes in FC, 6MWD, Nt-pro-BNP and echocardiographic measures were not significant. French Registry score (p<0.001) and COMPERA 2.0 score (p<0.001) showed improvements, but SPAHR and REVEAL lite 2 did not. However, other PAH cohort compared with IPAH showed more pronounced improvements in REVEAL lite 2 and SPAHR scores. Clinical worsening and mortality rates were 23.6 % and 10.9 %, respectively. Survival for 1, 3 and 5 years were 95.8 %, 95.8 and 83.7 % in IPAH, and 92.6 %, 84.1 % and 78.8 % in other PAH patients. Conclusion Our results seem to be consistent with efficacy and tolerability of selexipag-included combinations in patients with PAH.

Efficacy and safety of selexipag in patients with inoperable or persistent/recurrent CTEPH (SELECT randomised trial).

SELECT was the first global randomised controlled trial of selexipag with standard of care in patients with inoperable or persistent/recurrent chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. SELECT was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, group-sequential, phase 3 study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03689244). Adults aged ≤85 years in World Health Organization Functional Class I-IV, with a 6-min walk distance of 100-450 m, were randomised (1:1) to receive selexipag (200-1600 µg twice daily titration until individual maximum tolerated dose)+standard of care or placebo+standard of care. Patients were recruited into the haemodynamic set (first 91 randomised patients to undergo right heart catheterisation (RHC); week 20) or non-haemodynamic cohort (remaining patients, no RHC required). The primary end-point was percent of baseline pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR; week 20). Safety was also assessed. Of 321 patients screened, 128 were randomised (haemodynamic set n=91 (selexipag n=47; placebo n=44)). In the haemodynamic set, 29 (31.9%) patients had previous pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), 20 (22.0%) balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA), and 14 (15.4%) both PEA and BPA; 28 (30.8%) were inoperable. The independent data monitoring committee recommended to stop the study for futility as no statistically significant difference was observed for the primary end-point (between-treatment geometric least squares mean ratio of PVR: 0.95, 95% CI 0.84-1.07; p=0.412). Adverse events were reported in 63 (98.4%) and 53 (82.8%) patients for selexipag and placebo, respectively. SELECT was discontinued for futility, as no treatment effect on the primary end-point (PVR) was observed. Safety data were consistent with the established safety profile of selexipag, with no new safety signals identified.

Selexipag in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with connective tissue disease (PAH-CTD): Real-world experience from EXPOSURE.

Selexipag is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), including PAH associated with connective tissue disease (CTD), and further insights into the management of selexipag-treated PAH-CTD patients in clinical settings are needed. These analyses of the ongoing, multicenter, prospective EXPOSURE (EUPAS19085) study describe characteristics, treatment patterns, tolerability, and outcomes of PAH-CTD patients initiating selexipag in Europe/Canada. All analyses were descriptive, with idiopathic PAH patients who typically display better prognosis included for context. Six hundred ninety-eight selexipag-treated patients had follow-up information; 178 (26%) had PAH-CTD.The median age was 68 years, patients were predominantly female (88%), and with WHO functional class III symptoms (63%); the median time since diagnosis was 1.7 years.There were 5% patients at low, 25% intermediate-low, 40% intermediate-high, and 30% high risk of 1-year mortality, according to the ESC/ERS 4-strata risk score. Most (80%) initiated selexipag as a triple oral therapy, and most of these (62%) remained on triple therapy 6 months post-baseline. Over a median (Q1-Q3) selexipag exposure period of 8.6 (2.5-17.2) months, 79 (44%) patients discontinued selexipag; 36 (20%) due to tolerability/adverse events. Sixty (34%) patients were hospitalized at least once; 120 hospitalizations occurred, with 49 (48%) deemed PAH-related. Survival at 1 year was 85%, and at 2 years was 71%; 29 (16%) patients died. These results describe the use of combination therapy with selexipag for patients with PAH-CTD. These findings suggest an opportunity to optimize the benefits of selexipag among patients with PAH-CTD by moving from escalating after years in response to clinical deteriorationto escalating sooner to prevent clinical deterioration.

EE295 Indirect Treatment Comparison and Cost-Minimization Analysis of Riociguat Versus Selexipag in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

EE295 Indirect Treatment Comparison and Cost-Minimization Analysis of Riociguat Versus Selexipag in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Indirect treatment comparison and cost-minimization analysis of riociguat versus selexipag in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

ABSTRACT Objectives The comparative efficacy between riociguat and selexipag in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has never been described in literature. Our aim was to prepare indirect treatment comparison (ITC) to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of riociguat in Czechia. Methods A systematic literature review identified two relevant trials with comparable endpoints to inform a Bucher ITC of relative and absolute effects. Given the comparable efficacy of riociguat and selexipag, a cost-minimization analysis (CMA) was conducted. Results A Bucher ITC provided evidence for the comparable relative efficacy of riociguat defined as the odds of unimproved functional class III 0.761 (95% CI 0.372 to 1.558; p = 0.455) compared to selexipag and a comparable absolute efficacy defined as a difference in the 6-minute walking distance of 10.560 meters (95% CI −10.692 to 31.812; p = 0.330). The CMA identified riociguat as the cost-saving therapy. Conclusions Switching to riociguat represents the cost-saving therapy for PAH patients who were inadequately compensated with the PDE5i+ERA therapy. Consequently, riociguat has been introduced to the list of reimbursed medicines in Czechia from October 2021. Based on two global trials, we prepared the first indirect treatment comparison followed with CMA of these therapies that may improve future decision-making for PAH indications.

Efficacy and safety of selexipag in real-life in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: early results of RAMPHA study

Abstract Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a syndrome characterized by marked remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature and leading to right heart failure and death. Selexipag, an oral prostacyclin IP receptor agonist, has been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality compared to patients treated with placebo. Purpose Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Selexipag in patients with PAH in real-life. Methods The RAMPHA study was a multicenter, observational and retrospective trial of patients who had PAH and began taking Selexipag between 2017–2021. We analyzed baseline characteristics, risk profiles, clinical assessments that were used for risk stratification and events in follow-up time. Results 29 patients aged 48±14 were initially studied. 23 (79%) were women. Within the pulmonary hypertension-classification, 10 (34,5%) had PAH associated-congenital heart disease, 9 (31%) had idiopathic HAP, 7 (24,1%) had PAH associated with connective tissue disease, 1 had PAH associated to HIV and 2 heritable PAH. The time from PAH diagnoses to the beginning of Selexipag treatment was 54 months (IQR 89). 89,7% (26) were in treatment with doubled combination therapy with PDE5i+ARE; Sildenafil was the most widely used PDE5i and bosentan (37,9%) the most used ARE. No patients were under treatment with intravenous prostacyclin analogue, but 3 were with Treprostinil (1 of them subcutaneous and 2 inhaled) and 2 patients with iloprost. Most patients were categorized in intermediate risk profile (figure 1), using the risk stratification strategy of ESC/ERS PH guidelines. In the approach of risk assessment before start with Selexipag, clinical, functional, exercise (with 6MWT) and echocardiographic variables were used in all the patients. Biochemical variables with NT-proBNP were used in 93% of the patients. Only 15 patients had a right catheterization to get haemodynamic parameters before the treatment. At follow up, 11 patients (38%) improved functional class, only 1 patient got worst (p=0,001). 3 patients improved risk-profile in the exercise test and, in the others, a quantitative improvement was found. NT-proBNP levels were not significant better (924ng/l IQR 1209 vs 760ng/l IQR 1397). There were not changes in RV function in the echocardiographic parameters. Selexipag was well-tolerated, 86% of the patients experienced side effects, but none had to discountinue the treatment. The most common side effect was headache. The titration lasted 68 days (IQR 72) and 38% of the patients got maximum doses. At the medium-term follow-up of 52 months, the free-event survival (worsening of PAH that resulted in hospitalization; initiation of parenteral prostanoid therapy or death to PAH; or any cause) was 80% (Figure 2). Conclusion Selexipag, added as triple combination therapy in patients with PAH intermediate risk, improved risk variables, was well tolerated and achieved a medium-long-term free-event survival greater than 80%. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Long-Term Survival, Safety and Tolerability with Selexipag in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Results from GRIPHON and its Open-Label Extension

IntroductionIn the event-driven GRIPHON randomised-controlled trial, the oral prostacyclin receptor agonist selexipag significantly reduced the risk of disease progression (composite primary endpoint of morbidity/mortality), compared with placebo, in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The ongoing open-label extension study (GRIPHON OL) collects further data on long-term safety, tolerability, and survival of PAH patients treated with selexipag. MethodsPatients randomised to selexipag or placebo in GRIPHON could enter GRIPHON OL either after experiencing a morbidity event during double-blind treatment or at the end of the study. Patients were followed for adverse events (AE) and survival from selexipag initiation up to 3 days and 30 days after end of treatment, respectively. Data are presented up to a cut-off date of 1 September 2019.ResultsOverall, 953 patients in GRIPHON and GRIPHON OL were treated with selexipag. At the time of selexipag initiation, 81.2% of patients were receiving background PAH therapy. Median (min, max) exposure to selexipag was 31.7 months (0, 106), corresponding to a total of 3054.4 patient-years. The most frequently reported AEs were related to known prostacyclin-related effects or underlying disease. There were 305 (32.0%) patients who experienced an AE leading to treatment discontinuation. Survival during GRIPHON and GRIPHON OL was assessed for the 574 patients randomised to selexipag in GRIPHON. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates (95%CI) at 1, 3, 5 and 7 years were 92.0% (89.4, 94.0), 79.3% (75.4, 82.6), 71.2% (66.5, 75.3) and 63.0% (57.4, 68.1), respectively.ConclusionsThese results provide the longest follow-up period published to date for a PAH therapy. The safety profile of selexipag over this extended treatment period was consistent with that observed in GRIPHON. A large proportion of the population was receiving background therapy at selexipag initiation, providing further insight into the long-term safety of selexipag as part of a combination therapy regimen.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT01106014 and NCT01112306Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-021-01898-1.

HEALTH OUTCOMES AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ORAL TREPROSTINIL AND SELEXIPAG ONE YEAR INTO TREATMENT: A UNITED STATES CLAIMS DATABASE ANALYSIS IN PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

TOPIC: Pulmonary Vascular Disease TYPE: Original Investigations PURPOSE: Previous comparisons of oral treprostinil (TRE) and selexipag (SLX) using real-world data have been limited to short duration follow-up periods or have used models to estimate healthcare costs. This analysis aims to characterize various outcomes and direct healthcare costs for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients being treated with TRE or SLX 1-year into treatment. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was completed using the IBM® MarketScan® Research Databases from January 2014 to June 2019. Patients were required to have a pulmonary hypertension inpatient or outpatient medical claim identified by International Classification of Disease Codes (ICD-9-CM: 416.0, 416.8, 416.9; ICD-10-CM: I27.0, I27.20, I27.21, I27.29, I27.81, I27.83, I27.89, I27.9) plus a prescription claim for TRE or SLX. The index date was defined as the day of the first claim for TRE or SLX. Patients were ≥18 years old and required to have a PH medical claim in the 6-month pre-index, continuous health insurance enrollment 6 months pre-index and 12 months post-index. Adherence was defined as having a medication possession ratio (MPR) ≥80% and persistence was defined by continuous therapy in the 1-year follow-up period without a medication gap of ≥60 days. RESULTS: 120 patients in the TRE cohort and 155 patients in the SLX cohort met inclusion criteria. Patients were of similar age (TRE: mean [SD] = 57.0 [16.1] vs. SLX: 57.2 [13.5]), similar sex (TRE: 70% female vs. SLX: 77.4%) and had a similar Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score (TRE: mean [SD] 3.5 [2.6] vs. SLX: 3.1 [2.0]). Concomitant PAH therapies received during the pre-index period were generally similar between cohorts, however, more patients on TRE compared to SLX (11.7% vs. 2.6%, p=0.003) transitioned from parenteral PAH treatment. In the 1-year following treatment, adherence and persistence were comparable: adherence was 83% for TRE and 81% for SLX (p=0.567) and persistence was 53% for TRE and 59% for SLX (p=0.373). Among the patients persistent on therapy at 1-year, median (IQR) annual pharmacy costs were $232,071 ($211,039-$256,402) for SLX compared with $107,511 ($45,647-$186,622) for TRE (p<0.01) representing 116% higher median annual pharmacy costs for SLX. A similar proportion within each group switched to parenteral prostacyclin therapy (TRE: 6.7% vs SLX: 5.2%, p=0.794) or inhaled prostacyclin therapy (TRE: 3.3% vs SLX: 3.2%, p=1.0) in the 1-year follow-up period. After adjusting for baseline differences between cohorts, total mean PAH-related healthcare costs (pharmacy + medical) in the 1-year follow-up period were $350,782 ($307,873-$394,849) for SLX compared to $229,564 ($198,791-$264,944) for TRE (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Real-world claims data show similar utilization and outcomes for TRE and SLX in patients with PAH with notable differences in costs in the 1-year following treatment initiation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Cost differences between TRE and SLX should be considered when selecting oral prostacyclin therapies given the broader economic impact on the U.S. healthcare system as well as potential costs specific to health insurers, pharmacy-benefit managers, employers, and patients. DISCLOSURES: Employee relationship with United Therapeutics Please note: >$100000 by Peter Classi, source=Web Response, value=Salary Consultant relationship with United Therapeutics Please note: 2020-current Added 04/27/2021 by Bonnie Dean, source=Web Response, value=Grant/Research Support Employee relationship with United Therapeutics Please note: 2017 to Present Added 04/27/2021 by Alex DeRuiter, source=Web Response, value=Salary Employee relationship with Xcenda, LLC Please note: 01/04/2020 Added 04/30/2021 by Henry Lee, source=Web Response, value=Salary Employee relationship with United Therapeutics Corporation Please note: >$100000 by Kellie Morland, source=Web Response, value=Salary Employee relationship with Xcenda LLC Please note: Jan 1, 2020 Added 04/27/2021 by Dana Stafkey-Mailey, source=Web Response, value=UT provided Xcenda Fin Support Employee relationship with United Therapeutics Corporation Please note: 11 Months Added 04/27/2021 by Benjamin Wu, source=Web Response, value=Salary

Temporarily switching from oral to intravenous selexipag in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic results from an open-label, phase III study

BackgroundThe oral IP receptor agonist selexipag is approved for the long-term treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Treatment interruptions should be avoided due to the progressive nature of the disease. An intravenous (IV) formulation of selexipag was developed to provide a treatment option for short-term interruptions to oral selexipag. In this prospective, multicenter, open-label study, the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of temporarily switching between oral and IV selexipag were investigated (NCT03187678, ClinicalTrials.gov).MethodsPAH patients receiving stable oral selexipag doses were enrolled. Following three consecutive IV selexipag infusions patients resumed oral selexipag. Corresponding IV and oral doses were selected to achieve comparable exposure to the active metabolite of selexipag. Safety outcomes were monitored throughout, and pharmacokinetic samples were obtained after oral and IV administration.ResultsAll 20 patients completed the study. Fifteen patients had adverse events (AEs), most were mild, and none resulted in discontinuation. Headache was the most common AE throughout the study (four patients). Three serious AEs occurred in two patients with underlying comorbidities when oral dosing had resumed. There were no changes in WHO functional class for any patient and no clinically symptomatic changes in blood pressure were observed. Comparable exposure to the active metabolite of selexipag was demonstrated following corresponding oral and IV selexipag doses.ConclusionsTemporarily switching between corresponding doses of oral and IV selexipag was well-tolerated with no unexpected safety findings and comparable exposure to the active metabolite. Treatment with IV selexipag is a feasible option to bridge temporary oral selexipag treatment interruptions.

Contemporary use of Selexipag in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease: a case series

BackgroundThere are significant risks of parenteral prostacyclin use in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD), which may limit their use. Selexipag is an oral, selective prostacyclin analogue that has been shown to reduce disease progression and improve exercise capacity in patients with PAH-CHD. Administering Selexipag in patients with PAH-CHD could potentially overcome some of the risks of parenteral therapy while improving clinical outcomes. Case summaryWe report five cases highlighting the clinical uses of Selexipag in patients with PAH-CHD. In the first two cases, Selexipag was initiated as part of a Treat-to-close strategy. In the third case, initiation of Selexipag improved symptoms and objective exercise capacity in a patient with Eisenmenger syndrome. In the fourth and fifth cases, rapid cross-titration protocols were used to transition from parenteral prostacyclins to Selexipag. In the fourth case, Selexipag was initiated in the context of significant side effects limiting parenteral prostacyclin use. In the fifth case, Selexipag was used to down-titrate from parenteral prostacyclins following closure of a sinus venosus atrial septal defect and redirection of anomalous pulmonary veins.DiscussionSelexipag is a promising oral therapy for patients with at various stages of the spectrum of PAH-CHD to improve symptoms, exercise capacity and, in some cases, haemodynamics. Our cases also highlight practical aspects of Selexipag use including targeting the individualized maximally tolerated dose for each patient, managing side effects and managing dose interruptions.

Experience with Selexipag to Treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Aim To present an own experience in using a medication selexipag in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) included into the V. A. Almazov National Medical Research Center registry and participating in the GRIPHON and GRIPHON OL clinical studies.Material and methods 26 patients with PAH were included into this study since 2010: 20 patients with idiopathic PAH, 4 patients with PAH associated with systemic scleroderma, and 2 patients with corrected congenital heart defects. At the time of randomization, 19 patients had been receiving therapy with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for at least one month. Among the patients treated with selexipag (n=14), 4 patients reached a high individual maintenance dose (1200-1600 µg b.i.d.), 4 patients reached a medium dose (600-1000 µg b.i.d.), and 6 patients reached a low dose (200-400 µg b.i.d.).Results The selexipag therapy exerted a positive effect on secondary endpoints, specifically, on changes in the functional class of pulmonary hypertension, serum concentration of NT-proBNP, and physical working capacity of patients. Adverse events associated with the selexipag treatment, which resulted in termination of study participation, were observed in one patient.Conclusion To achieve the main goal of drug therapy, low risk of death with selexipag it is critical to observe the titration schedule and to aim at reaching the highest individual maintenance dose.

CASE REPORT ON THE SUCCESSFUL USE OF A NEW SELECTIVE PROSTACYCLIN IP RECEPTOR AGONIST, SELEXIPAG, IN A PATIENT WITH IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a rather rare cardiovascular disease of unknown origin and, at the same time, the most common form of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It is characterized by increased mean pulmonary artery pressure of ≥ 25 mm Hg and increased pulmonary vascular resistance of &gt; 3 Wood units. One of the key components of IPH pathogenesis is the disorder in the prostacyclin pathway leading to hypertrophy of the smooth muscle and endothelial cells, fibrotic changes, inflammatory response and vasoconstriction, which results in small artery and arteriole remodeling. For severe cases of PAH, in Russia only used one drug acting on the prostacyclin pathway, i.e., iloprost for inhalation. However, this therapy has a number of restrictions on the use. Selexipag is the first selective oral prostacyclin IP-receptor agonist intended for the treatment of patients with PAH. The efficacy and safety of Selexipag in patients with PAH were investigated in GRIPHON study, the largest-scale clinical trial ever conducted in patients with pulmonary hypertension. The publication presents a case of successful use of Selexipag as a part of the combination therapy in a patient with IPAH.

3016Long-term survival and safety with selexipag in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: results from the GRIPHON study and its open-label extension

3016Long-term survival and safety with selexipag in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: results from the GRIPHON study and its open-label extension

Successful transition from Treprostinil to Selexipag in patient with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension

BackgroundIn this report, we describe the first successful case of transition from subcutaneous administration of treprostinil to selexipag in a patient with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), by evaluating hemodynamic changes and exercise tolerance.Case presentationA 38-year-old female with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) had received initial triple combination therapy (macitentan PO, tadalafil PO, and treprostinil SC) and achieved excellent improvement in hemodynamics. Afterwards, due to the development of side effects from subcutaneous administration, we replaced treprostinil therapy with oral selexipag, resulting in stable hemodynamic parameters and exercise capacities.ConclusionsWe report the first case of successful replacement of treprostinil (20.1 ng/kg/min) with selexipag (1600 μg BID) as a component of triple combination therapy, which provides incentive to perform a larger, prospective exchange study.

Selexipag, an Oral Prostacyclin-Receptor Agonist for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

To evaluate the data supporting the approval of selexipag and discuss its potential place in therapy for managing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). A systematic review of the literature for all relevant articles was performed through January 16, 2017, using MEDLINE and SCOPUS. A manual search of references from reports of clinical trials, review articles, and recent conference abstracts was performed to identify additional relevant studies. Eligible citations included in vitro or in vivo evaluations of selexipag, with no restrictions on patient population or indication. Data related to the patient populations and outcomes of interest were extracted from each citation. Single phase II and phase III trials have been published evaluating selexipag in patients with PAH. In 43 patients, the phase II trial showed that selexipag significantly reduced pulmonary vascular resistance by 30% versus placebo ( P = 0.0045) and improved 6-minute walk distance by 24 m ( P < 0.05). The larger phase III trial enrolled 1156 patients with PAH, showing that selexipag lowered the incidence of death or PAH-related complications by 40% versus placebo ( P < 0.001). Selexipag also improved 6-minute walk distance and lowered hospitalization risk. Common adverse events included headache, diarrhea, nausea, and jaw pain. The specific role of selexipag for managing PAH patients is unclear because of its modest efficacy, lack of mortality reduction, and cost similar to intravenous prostacyclins. Additional clinical trials exploring combination therapy as well as its role in other types of pulmonary hypertension are needed.

Selexipag in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Most Updated Evidence From Recent Preclinical and Clinical Studies.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a relatively rare disease that, due to its chronic nature, has always been difficult to treat effectively. Selexipag is an oral prostacyclin (PGI2 ) agonist that was approved by US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) in December 2015 for the treatment of PAH. After its success in phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials regarding the convenient oral twice-daily dosing and low side-effect profile, selexipag raised the hope of controlling the disease progression in PAH patients. In the recently completed multicentered phase 3 study (GRIPHON), selexipag has been shown to reduce death and hospitalization due to PAH significantly, an effect that was consistent across different ranges of maintenance dose. In the same study selexipag use was also associated with an increase in 6-minute walk distance (a measure of symptom severity) from baseline, but no significant improvement in all-cause mortality could be observed. The results of the ongoing phase 3 studies (TRITON and TRANSIT-1) are expected to throw some more light on the safety and efficacy of this novel molecule across various treatment scenarios. Hence, our article aims to summarize all the available information from preclinical and clinical studies published to date on the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety (in general and in scenarios such as hepatic and renal function impairment), significant drug interactions (with warfarin and antiretroviral drugs), and clinical significance of oral selexipag in patients with PAH.

Prognosis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

The study of rare diseases is limited by just that, their infrequency. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), for example, has a prevalence of 15 cases per million.1 Although there has been an explosion in knowledge of and therapies for this life-threatening disease over the past decade, most of our insight is based on small studies. The first therapy that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1995, intravenous epoprostenol, was based on the results of an 81-patient trial.2 The most recently approved therapy, inhaled treprostinil, in 2009, was based on the results of a 235-patient trial.3 Similarly, our understanding of the natural history of this disease is based on small observational series. Articles see pp 156 and 164 To further our comprehension of rare diseases, we often turn to “registries,” constructed as multicenter cohorts of patients who have the disease with longitudinal follow-up. Despite the inherent limitations of their observational and uncontrolled nature, which also represent strengths, these cohorts are useful to describe and compare patient characteristics, practice patterns, and outcomes. Observations from such registries can generate hypotheses that subsequently form the basis of further studies. Lastly, such cohorts facilitate the study of the prognostic profile of the disease via the derivation and validation of clinical prediction tools. In this issue of Circulation , data from the 2 of the most important present-day registries in PAH give us the opportunity to better understand the prognosis of PAH, its determinants, and outcomes in the current treatment era. Humbert and colleagues4 share data from the French National Registry, in which 354 consecutive idiopathic, heritable, and anorexigen-associated patients with PAH were enrolled from October 2002 to October 2003. They report 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates of 82.9%, 67.1%, and 58.2%, respectively. Sadly, despite the many advances in …