Subcutaneous Depots Research Articles

Development of a bio-relevant in vitro release testing method for subcutaneous and intramuscular oil depot formulations

Oil depot formulations constitute a class of long-acting injectables with clinical and commercial precedence used to prolong exposure for hydrophobic compounds. The development of long-acting injectable formulations can be guided by the use of in vitro release testing methods that simulate in vivo drug release under bio-relevant conditions. However, the development of such methods for oil depot formulations has been limited. This study presents a single-use in vitro release (IVR) cartridge holding a size exclusion chromatography (SEC) matrix for emulating subcutaneous or intra-muscular tissue. Utilizing rat in vivo data from literature as guidance, the aim was to explore development of an in vitro drug release testing approach for injectable oil depot formulations. Release of p-hydroxyazobenzene (PHAB) was investigated upon injection of oil solutions into the IVR cartridge followed by intermittent elution with 1 mL release medium by gravity flow. The in vitro release profiles were described by first-order kinetics and consistent with previously published in vivo release observations. Bovine serum albumin solution was the preferred release medium since it provided higher release rates than sodium dodecyl sulfate solutions. In contrast to in vivo studies, the in vitro PHAB release from sesame oil was concentration-dependent as a decreasing PHAB fraction may be bound to albumin at increasing PHAB concentrations (range 1–20 mg/mL). The SEC matrix confined the oil solution at the injection site; leading to a decreasing PHAB release rate with increasing injection volume similar to the in vivo situation. In vitro release of PHAB decreased with increasing oil-buffer distribution coefficients, exhibiting similar ranking as was observed in vivo in rats. The in vitro release cartridge used in this study was able to capture in vivo release observed for subcutaneously and intramuscularly injected oily PHAB solutions in rats and holds promise as an in vitro release testing approach for injectable depots.

Long-term effects of metformin on fat depots and insulin-glucose parameters in patients with prediabetes and chronic heart failure

Introduction. Chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (CHpEF) is a heterogeneous syndrome with a variety of pathophysiological factors, including obesity and impaired carbohydrate metabolism associated with an increase in visceral adipose tissue. Due to the positive effect of metformin on weight loss, in recent years special attention has been paid to its effect on fat depots.Aim. To study the effects of metformin XR after 12 months of administration on various fat depots and glucose metabolism parameters in patients with CHpEF, prediabetes and abdominal obesity (AO).Materials and methods. A single-center open-label randomized prospective controlled trial included 64 people (50% men, median age 58 [55.25; 59.75] years) with CHpEF, prediabetes and AO. All patients (groups A and B) received optimal CHpEF therapy. In group A (n = 32), metformin XR 1000–1500 mg/day was additionally prescribed. All patients underwent general clinical examination, calculation of insulin resistance indices, ultrasound lipometry with determination of the size of epicardial, preperitoneal and subcutaneous fat, in addition, the thickness of epicardial fat was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart.Results. In group A, after 12 months of the study, fasting plasma glucose levels decreased from baseline by 7.7% (p < 0.0001), glycated hemoglobin by 3.3% (p = 0.008), fasting insulin by 20% (p = 0.004) and HOMA-IR and FIRI indices by 25.3% (p = 0.001). In the control group, on the contrary, the values of glycated hemoglobin increased by 3.4% (p = 0.021), fasting insulin by 45% (p = 0.031), HOMA-IR and FIRI by 52.4% (p = 0.020). In group A, the thickness of epicardial fat decreased by 6.1% (p = 0.020) according to ultrasound and MRI lipometry by 16.7% (p = 0.029), preperitoneal fat by 3.0% (p = 0.009), subcutaneous fat by 11.2% (p = 0.001).Conclusion. Metformin XR therapy for 12 months in patients with prediabetes, CHpEF and AO against the background of optimal basic CHpEF therapy had a beneficial effect on glucose metabolism (decrease in fasting plasma glucose and insulin, glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance indices HOMA-IR, FIRI) and on subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue depots: epicardial and preperitoneal.

Two Regions with Different Expression of Lipogenic Enzymes in Rats' Posterior Subcutaneous Fat Depot.

Lipid metabolism in various adipose tissue depots can differ vastly. This also applies to lipogenesis, the process of synthesizing fatty acids from acetyl-CoA. This study compared the expression of some lipogenic enzymes: fatty acid synthase (FASN), ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY), and malic enzyme 1 (ME1) in different regions of the posterior subcutaneous adipose tissue in rats. Methods and Results: Posterior subcutaneous adipose tissue collected from twelve-month-old Wistar rats was divided into six parts (A-F). The expression of genes encoding lipogenic enzymes was assessed by measuring their activity and mRNA levels using real-time PCR. In the gluteal region of the fat pad, there were much higher levels of activity and mRNA for these lipogenic enzymes compared to the dorsolumbar region. The mRNA level of FASN increased by more than twentyfold, whereas the level of ME1 and ACLY increased eight- and fivefold respectively. This phenomenon was observed in both old and young animals. Furthermore, the lack of uncoupling protein one (Ucp1) expression suggests that neither the presence of brown adipocytes in the gluteal part nor the transformation of white adipocytes into beige contributed to the observed differences. Conclusion: These results indicate that the gluteal white adipose tissue appears to be a unique and separate subcutaneous fat depot.

TGF-β antagonism synergizes with PPARγ agonism to reduce fibrosis and enhance beige adipogenesis

ObjectivesAdipose tissue depots vary markedly in their ability to store and metabolize triglycerides, undergo beige adipogenesis and susceptibility to metabolic disease. The molecular mechanisms that underlie such heterogeneity are not entirely clear. Previously, we showed that TGF-β signaling suppresses beige adipogenesis via repressing the recruitment of dedicated beige progenitors. Here, we find that TGF-β signals dynamically regulate the balance between adipose tissue fibrosis and beige adipogenesis. MethodsWe investigated adipose tissue depot-specific differences in activation of TGF-β signaling in response to dietary challenge. RNA-seq and fluorescence activated cell sorting was performed to identify and characterize cells responding to changes in TGF-β signaling status. Mouse models, pharmacological strategies and human adipose tissue analyses were performed to further define the influence of TGF-β signaling on fibrosis and functional beige adipogenesis. ResultsElevated basal and high-fat diet inducible activation of TGF-β/Smad3 signaling was observed in the visceral adipose tissue depot. Activation of TGF-β/Smad3 signaling was associated with increased adipose tissue fibrosis. RNA-seq combined with fluorescence-activated cell sorting of stromal vascular fraction of epididymal white adipose tissue depot resulted in identification of TGF-β/Smad3 regulated ITGA5+ fibrogenic progenitors. TGF-β/Smad3 signal inhibition, genetically or pharmacologically, reduced fibrosis and increased functional beige adipogenesis. TGF-β/Smad3 antagonized the beneficial effects of PPARγ whereas TGF-β receptor 1 inhibition synergized with actions of rosiglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, to dampen fibrosis and promote beige adipogenesis. Positive correlation between TGF-β activation and ITGA5 was observed in human adipose tissue, with visceral adipose tissue depots exhibiting higher fibrosis potential than subcutaneous or brown adipose tissue depots. ConclusionsBasal and high-fat diet inducible activation of TGF-β underlies the heterogeneity of adipose tissue depots. TGF-β/Smad3 activation promotes adipose tissue fibrosis and suppresses beige progenitors. Together, these dual mechanisms preclude functional beige adipogenesis. Controlled inhibition of TβRI signaling and concomitant PPARγ stimulation can suppress adipose tissue fibrosis and promote beige adipogenesis to improve metabolism.

Exploring lipodystrophy gene expression in adipocytes: unveiling insights into the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and clustering diseases (metabolic syndrome) in Asian Indians.

Studying the molecular mechanisms of lipodystrophy can provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and other clustering diseases [metabolic syndrome (MetS)] and its underlying adipocentric disease (MetS disease). A high-confidence lipodystrophy gene panel comprising 50 genes was created, and their expressions were measured in the visceral and subcutaneous (both peripheral and abdominal) adipose depots of MetS and non-MetS individuals at a tertiary care medical facility. Most lipodystrophy genes showed significant downregulation in MetS individuals compared to non-MetS individuals in both subcutaneous and visceral depots. In the abdominal compartment, all the genes showed relatively higher expression in visceral depot as compared to their subcutaneous counterpart, and this difference narrowed with increasing severity of MetS. Their expression level shows an inverse correlation with T2D, MetS, and HOMA-IR and with other T2D-related intermediate traits. Results also demonstrated that individualization of MetS patients could be done based on adipose tissue expression of just 12 genes. Adipose tissue expression of lipodystrophy genes shows an association with MetS and its intermediate phenotypic traits. Mutations of these genes are known to cause congenital lipodystrophy syndromes, whereas their altered expression in adipose tissue contributes to the pathogenesis of IR, T2D, and MetS.

Octreotide subcutaneous depot for acromegaly: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial, ACROINNOVA 1.

Acromegaly, characterized by excessive growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), impacts quality of life (QoL) and mortality. Standard of care (SoC; octreotide long-acting repeatable or lanreotide autogel) treatment typically requires healthcare provider administration. CAM2029, a novel subcutaneous octreotide depot with increased bioavailability using FluidCrystal technology, enables self-administration and room-temperature storage. Assess superiority of CAM2029 versus placebo for biochemical control in patients with controlled acromegaly. 24-week, multinational, randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial (NCT04076462). 45 sites; ten countries. 72 patients on SoC with biochemical control at screening (IGF-1 ≤upper limit of normal [ULN]; mean GH <2.5 μg/L). Patients were randomized 2:1 to once-monthly CAM2029 (n=48) or placebo (n=24). Primary endpoint was proportion of patients with IGF-1 ≤ULN (Week 22/24 mean), with dose-reduced patients classified as non-responders; first key secondary endpoint was the same, including dose-reduced responders. Second key secondary endpoint was proportion of patients with IGF-1 ≤ULN (Week 22/24) and mean GH <2.5 μg/L (Week 24). At Week 22/24 (intention-to-treat analysis), CAM2029-treated patients demonstrated superior response rates versus placebo for IGF-1 (72.2% versus 37.5%; risk difference: 34.6, 95% confidence interval: 11.3, 57.9; p=0.0018), and combined IGF-1/GH (70.0% versus 37.5%; p=0.0035). CAM2029-treated patients had well-controlled symptoms, improved QoL and treatment satisfaction versus placebo and baseline. CAM2029 was well tolerated; safety was consistent with SoC. CAM2029 provides a convenient and effective treatment option for acromegaly, with superior biochemical control versus placebo. Symptom control, QoL and satisfaction were improved from baseline SoC.

7877 Adipose Depot Differences In Regenerative Properties Of Exosomes Derived From Human Adipose Stem Cells

Abstract Disclosure: M.A. Krause-Hauch: None. R. Patel: None. B. Osborne: None. P. Albear: None. N.A. Patel: None. Many patients struggle with chronic recalcitrant wounds that are the result of delayed healing. Underlying inflammation is one major risk factor for impaired dermal wound healing that may lead to pathologies such as infection and scarring. Adult human adipose stem cells (hASCs) have shown tremendous potential in regenerative medicine. The regenerative potential of hASCs is dependent on secreted bioactive material which is packaged and released in extracellular exosomes. We previously showed that hASC exosomes from the subcutaneous depot (sc) promoted repair in human dermal fibroblasts using in vitro assays. In this study, we evaluated exosomes derived from the omental depot (om) of hASC and compared its efficacy with sc-hASC. Our results show differences in levels of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) cargo between om-hASCexo and sc-hASCexo. Next, we evaluated their repair potential in a wound model in vivo. Male and female F344 rats were dorsally wounded via punch biopsy and silicone scaffolding was attached to prevent contraction. The wounds were then either not treated (control) or treated with 50μg om-hASCexo or sc-hASCexo every alternate day when each wound size was measured for 1 week to monitor healing progress. After 7 days, wounds treated with either om-hASCexo and sc-hASCexo closed significantly faster than untreated control wounds. While no difference was observed in closure percentage after 7 days for wounds treated with either om-hASCexo and sc-hASCexo, sc-hASCexo appeared to act faster earlier (1-2 days post wound) in the wound healing process while om-hASCexo acts faster during later stages (2-4 days post wound) of wound healing. The wound tissue was collected for biochemical and histological analysis. qPCR analysis on day 7 revealed that both om-hASCexo and sc-hASCexo treatment resulted in increased levels of Collagen 1 &amp; 3 and MMP9, while levels of TGF-β decreased with treatment. These results indicate that om-hASCexo and sc-hASCexo enhanced the wound healing process while decreasing inflammation of the wound. To determine the differences between om-hASCexo and sc-hASCexo treatments on wound healing pathways, RNAseq was performed. Results show specificity in pathway activation and gene expression between the om-hASCexo and sc-hASCexo treatments. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the regenerative mechanisms differ between the hASC depots from which exosomes are secreted. At a broader level, this finding may shed light on the body’s organ health and repair processes in normal or disease states. Presentation: 6/3/2024

7377 CAM2029, Octreotide Subcutaneous Depot, Improves Patient-Reported Outcomes From Standard-of-Care Baseline in Patients With Acromegaly: Interim Results From a Phase 3 Study (ACROINNOVA 2)

Abstract Disclosure: D. Ferone: Consulting Fee; Self; Camurus AB, Ipsen, Novartis-AAA, Recordati. Grant Recipient; Self; Camurus AB, Ipsen, Novartis-AAA, Recordati. Research Investigator; Self; Camurus AB. P. Maffei: Research Investigator; Self; Camurus AB. J. Silverstein: Consulting Fee; Self; Xeris Pharmaceuticals. Research Investigator; Self; Camurus AB. J.L. Spencer-Segal: Advisory Board Member; Self; Camurus AB. Research Investigator; Self; Camurus AB. A. Gilis-Januszewska: None. M. Doknic: Speaker; Self; Pfizer, Inc., Novo Nordisk, Merck, Sandoz. P. Kadioglu: None. P. Freda: Research Investigator; Self; Camurus AB. L. Katznelson: Advisory Board Member; Self; Camurus AB, Recordati. G. Fidan Yaylali: None. M. Harrie: Employee; Self; Camurus AB. Stock Owner; Self; Camurus AB. A. Svedberg: Employee; Self; Camurus AB. Stock Owner; Self; Camurus AB. A.M. Pedroncelli: Employee; Self; Camurus AB. Stock Owner; Self; Camurus AB. F. Tiberg: Employee; Self; Camurus AB. Stock Owner; Self; Camurus AB. Introduction: Standard-of-care (SoC) therapies for acromegaly typically require healthcare provider administration and can pose a significant treatment burden. CAM2029 is a novel subcutaneous octreotide depot designed for convenient once-monthly self-administration as a ready-to-use syringe or injection pen. In a 24-week Phase 3 trial (ACROINNOVA 1), CAM2029 achieved superior insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) response vs placebo in acromegaly patients (pts) previously controlled with SoC (octreotide LAR/lanreotide Autogel). We report patient-reported outcome (PRO) data from an interim analysis of a Phase 3, open-label trial of CAM2029 (ACROINNOVA 2; NCT04125836). Methods: ACROINNOVA 2 enrolled pts with acromegaly who completed ACROINNOVA 1 (prior CAM2029 or placebo groups) and new pts with IGF-1 ≤2x upper limit of normal during stable SoC. Pts received once-monthly CAM2029 20 mg for up to 52 weeks (28 weeks for prior placebo pts [week 24−52]). Primary endpoint was adverse events. PROs were assessed using Acromegaly Index of Severity (AIS, 0−18; sum of 6 scores [0−3; none−severe] for headache, sweating, fatigue, joint pain, paresthesia, soft tissue swelling) for symptoms; Acromegaly Quality of Life Questionnaire (AcroQoL, 0−100) for QoL; Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM, 0−100) and patient satisfaction scale (0−5) for treatment satisfaction; and Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ v2.0, 0−10) for satisfaction with self-administration. Higher scores signify improvements, except for AIS. Data are shown for the overall population. Results: At data cutoff (May 23, 2023), 54 roll-over pts (prior CAM2029 n=36; prior placebo n=18) and 81 new pts were enrolled; mean CAM2029 exposure was 56.3 weeks. CAM2029 was well tolerated with no unexpected side effects. Mean AIS score improved from baseline SoC to week 52 (−1.2; 95% CI: −1.8, −0.7); estimated proportion of pts with any acromegaly symptoms reduced by 15.1% (95% CI: −23.9, −6.3). At week 52 vs baseline: mean total AcroQoL increased by 3.5 (95% CI: 1.3, 5.7); mean TSQM increased for ‘convenience’ by 15.6 (95% CI: 11.8, 19.3), ‘effectiveness’ by 6.3 (95% CI: 2.8, 9.8), ‘satisfaction’ by 4.7 (95% CI: 1.1, 8.4), and for ‘side effects’ by 2.4 (95% CI: −2.0, 6.8). Mean patient satisfaction score at week 52 was 4.1 (95% CI: 3.9, 4.3); 32.6% and 19.3% of pts reported a ‘much better’ or ‘slightly better’ experience, respectively, with CAM2029 vs prior SoC. Mean SIAQ increased at week 48 vs pre-treatment, ‘satisfaction with way of taking medication’ by 1.6 (95% CI: 0.9, 2.2) and ‘feelings about injections’ by 0.8 (95% CI: 0.3, 1.3). Conclusion: CAM2029 improved symptom burden, QoL, treatment convenience, and patient satisfaction vs baseline SoC, including in pts with stable or controlled disease at baseline, supporting the clinical benefit of CAM2029 and its potential to address unmet needs for pts with acromegaly. Presentation: 6/2/2024

7376 Efficacy and Safety of CAM2029 in Patients With Controlled or Inadequately Controlled Acromegaly on Standard-of-Care Treatment: Interim Data for the “New to CAM2029” Patient Subgroup in a Phase 3 Study (ACROINNOVA 2)

Abstract Disclosure: D. Ferone: Consulting Fee; Self; Camurus AB, Ipsen, Novartis-AAA, Recordati. Grant Recipient; Self; Camurus AB, Ipsen, Novartis-AAA, Recordati. Research Investigator; Self; Camurus AB. J.L. Spencer-Segal: Advisory Board Member; Self; Camurus AB. Research Investigator; Self; Camurus AB. G. Fidan Yaylali: None. M. Doknic: Speaker; Self; Pfizer, Inc., Novo Nordisk, Merck, Sandoz. E. Isaeva: None. A. Dreval: None. A. Gilis-Januszewska: None. E. Gezer: None. I. Bancos: Advisory Board Member; Self; Diurnal, Spruce, Neurocrine, Adrenas, Sparrow, Corcept, HRA Pharmaceuticals, Recordati, Xeris, AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk. Grant Recipient; Self; Recordati, HRA Pharmaceuticals. L. Katznelson: Advisory Board Member; Self; Camurus AB, Recordati. M. Harrie: Employee; Self; Camurus AB. Stock Owner; Self; Camurus AB. A. Svedberg: Employee; Self; Camurus AB. Stock Owner; Self; Camurus AB. A.M. Pedroncelli: Employee; Self; Camurus AB. Stock Owner; Self; Camurus AB. F. Tiberg: Employee; Self; Camurus AB. Stock Owner; Self; Camurus AB. Background: Acromegaly is a rare, serious disorder characterized by overproduction of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). There is a need for new, convenient therapies that provide effective disease control. CAM2029 is a novel subcutaneous octreotide depot designed for convenient once-monthly self-administration (ready-to-use syringe or injection pen). In a 24-week, Phase 3 trial (ACROINNOVA 1), CAM2029 was superior to placebo at attaining IGF-1 response (≤upper limit of normal [ULN] at week 22/24: 72.2% vs 37.5%; P=0.0018) in patients with acromegaly previously controlled under standard of care (SoC; octreotide long-acting repeatable [LAR]/lanreotide Autogel). Here, we report interim data from another Phase 3 trial of CAM2029 (ACROINNOVA 2; NCT04125836), focusing on the “New to CAM2029” subgroup of patients whose acromegaly was either controlled or uncontrolled under SoC. Methods: This 52-week, Phase 3, open-label trial (with a 52-week extension) enrolled patients who had received CAM2029 or placebo in ACROINNOVA 1 (reported separately) and “New to CAM2029” patients who were adequately or inadequately controlled (IGF-1 ≤2x ULN) on a stable dose of octreotide LAR/lanreotide Autogel for ≥3 months (data reported here). In the main part of the trial, new patients received once-monthly CAM2029 20 mg for up to 52 weeks. The primary endpoint was adverse events (AEs). Secondary endpoints included (i) the proportion of patients with IGF-1 ≤1x ULN (weeks 50/52 mean), (ii) the change from baseline in IGF-1, and (iii) the combined IGF-1 and GH response. Baseline values reflected SoC treatment. Data cutoff: May 23, 2023. Results: Eighty-one new patients were enrolled (mean age 51.8 years; 59.3% female). No new or unexpected safety signals were observed. The most common treatment-emergent AEs were injection site erythema (n=22) or swelling (n=13), and headache (n=12). AEs were mostly mild (grade 1/2); there were no serious or Grade 3 treatment-related AEs attributed to CAM2029. IGF-I response increased from 14.8% at baseline SoC (12/81) to 33.3% (20/60 patients with available data) at weeks 50/52. The estimated increase in IGF-1 response (linear probability model) from baseline at week 52 was 21.9% (95% CI: 9.6, 34.1). Biochemical control for both IGF-1 and GH improved over time: 30.0% of patients (18/60) had a combined IGF-1 and GH response at the end of the main part of trial, vs 11.7% (7/60) at baseline. Conclusion: CAM2029 was well tolerated with a safety profile consistent with that of SoC. Biochemical control rates improved from SoC baseline over 52 weeks of CAM2029 treatment in the “New to CAM2029” patients. These findings reinforce the efficacy and safety of CAM2029 in patients with acromegaly, including patients with uncontrolled disease with current SoC treatment (octreotide LAR/lanreotide Autogel). Presentation: 6/1/2024

7373 CAM2029, Octreotide Subcutaneous Depot, Provides Sustained Biochemical Control of Acromegaly: Interim Results From a Phase 3 Study (ACROINNOVA 2)

Abstract Disclosure: D. Ferone: Consulting Fee; Self; Camurus AB, Recordati, Novartis-AAA, Ipsen. Grant Recipient; Self; Camurus AB, Recordati, Novartis-AAA, Ipsen. Research Investigator; Self; Camurus AB. J. Silverstein: Consulting Fee; Self; Xeris Pharmaceuticals. Research Investigator; Self; Camurus AB. P. Freda: Research Investigator; Self; Camurus AB. L. Katznelson: Advisory Board Member; Self; Camurus AB, Recordati. F. Gatto: Advisory Board Member; Self; Camurus AB. Research Investigator; Self; Camurus AB. P. Kadioglu: None. P. Maffei: Research Investigator; Self; Camurus AB. J. Seufert: Research Investigator; Self; Camurus AB. J.L. Spencer-Segal: Advisory Board Member; Self; Camurus AB. Research Investigator; Self; Camurus AB. E. Isaeva: None. A. Dreval: None. M. Harrie: Employee; Self; Camurus AB. Stock Owner; Self; Camurus AB. A. Svedberg: Employee; Self; Camurus AB. Stock Owner; Self; Camurus AB. A.M. Pedroncelli: Employee; Self; Camurus AB. Stock Owner; Self; Camurus AB. F. Tiberg: Employee; Self; Camurus AB. Stock Owner; Self; Camurus AB. Background: Acromegaly is characterized by excess growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) production. A key treatment goal is long-term biochemical control to minimize adverse effects of prolonged excess GH. CAM2029 is a novel, subcutaneous, octreotide depot, designed for convenient monthly self-administration using a pre-filled injection/pen. In a 24-week Phase 3 trial (ACROINNOVA 1, NCT04076462), CAM2029 achieved superior IGF-1 control vs placebo (IGF-1 ≤ upper limit of normal [ULN]: 72.2 vs 37.5%; P=0.0018) in acromegaly patients previously controlled with standard-of-care (SoC; octreotide long-acting repeatable/lanreotide Autogel). On trial completion, patients could roll over to a Phase 3, 52-week, open-label, long-term safety trial (ACROINNOVA 2, NCT04125836). Here, we report data from an interim analysis of roll-over patients in ACROINNOVA 2. Methods: Roll-over patients received monthly CAM2029 20 mg for 28 weeks in ACROINNOVA 2. Primary endpoint: occurrence of adverse events (AEs). Key secondary endpoints: proportion of patients with available assessments who had (i) IGF-1 ≤1x ULN (mean of weeks 50/52 measurements) and (ii) both IGF-1 ≤1x ULN (weeks 50/52 mean) and mean GH &amp;lt;2.5 µg/L (week 52). Data are reported according to prior treatment in ACROINNOVA 1. Safety data from the whole trial period are reported. Results: Fifty-four of the 64 patients completing ACROINNOVA 1 (prior CAM2029 n=36; prior placebo n=18) entered ACROINNOVA 2. At data cut-off (May 23, 2023) 28 and 15 patients in the prior CAM2029 and prior placebo groups, respectively, had completed treatment week 52; 7 and 3 were ongoing; 1 and 0 had discontinued. The medication was well tolerated with a safety profile comparable to SoC treatment; no new safety signals were observed. One treatment-related serious AE (cholelithiasis, moderate severity, resolved) occurred in the prior placebo group. Injection site treatment-emergent AEs (Grade ≤2) occurred in 50% of patients in the prior CAM2029 (18/36) and prior placebo (9/18) groups. Of evaluable patients in the prior CAM2029 and prior placebo groups, 89.3% (25/28) and 100% (15/15) had IGF ≤1x ULN at weeks 50/52; 88.5% (23/26) and 100% (14/14) had both IGF ≤1x ULN (week 50/52) and GH &amp;lt;2.5 µg/L (week 52). Mean IGF-1 levels remained &amp;lt;ULN throughout the 52-week study period for the prior CAM2029 group; in the prior placebo group, mean IGF-1 increased above 1x ULN during placebo treatment, returning to &amp;lt;ULN after switching to CAM2029 for 28 weeks. All patients previously treated with placebo regained IGF-I control upon switching to CAM2029. Conclusions: The safety profile of CAM2029 was consistent with SoC, with no new or unexpected safety signals during extended treatment. CAM2029 provided persistent control of IGF-1 and GH during 52 weeks of treatment. All patients in the prior placebo group regained biochemical control of acromegaly after switching to CAM2029. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Renal sinus adipose tissue: exploratory study of metabolic features and transcriptome compared with omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue.

The objective was to study metabolic characteristics and transcriptome of renal sinus adipose tissue (RSAT) located around renal arteries and veins. Adipose tissue biopsies from RSAT, omental (OAT), and subcutaneous (SAT) depots were obtained from healthy kidney donors (20 female, 20 male). Adipocyte glucose uptake rate and cell size were measured, and gene expression analyses using transcriptomics were performed. RSAT adipocytes were significantly smaller, with a higher basal glucose uptake rate, than adipocytes from SAT and OAT. Transcriptomic analyses revealed 29 differentially expressed genes between RSAT and OAT (RSAT: 23 lower, 6 higher) and 1214 differentially expressed genes between RSAT and SAT (RSAT: 859 lower, 355 higher). RSAT demonstrated molecular resemblance to OAT, both exhibiting lower metabolic gene expression and higher expression of immune-related pathways, including IL-17, TNFα, and NF-κB signaling than SAT. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis associated RSAT with immune response and nucleic acid transport processes. Despite its location near the renal hilum, RSAT closely resembled OAT and there was a lack of expression in the classical brown adipose tissue genes. Gene enrichment analyses suggest an inflammatory environment in RSAT compared with SAT and, to some extent, OAT. The findings suggest specific RSAT functions that could impact renal function and, possibly, the development of renal and cardiometabolic disorders.

The cell-permeant antioxidant D-thiol ester D-cysteine ethyl ester overcomes physical dependence to morphine in male Sprague Dawley rats.

The ability of morphine to decrease cysteine transport into neurons by inhibition of excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAA3) may be a key molecular mechanism underlying the acquisition of physical and psychological dependence to morphine. This study examined whether co-administration of the cell-penetrant antioxidant D-thiol ester, D-cysteine ethyl ester (D-CYSee), with morphine, would diminish the development of physical dependence to morphine in male Sprague Dawley rats. Systemic administration of the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone (NLX), elicited pronounced withdrawal signs (e.g., wet-dog shakes, jumps, rears, circling) in rats that received a subcutaneous depot of morphine (150mg/kg, SC) for 36h and continuous intravenous infusion of vehicle (20μL/h, IV). The NLX-precipitated withdrawal signs were reduced in rats that received an infusion of D-CYSee, but not D-cysteine, (both at 20.8μmol/kg/h, IV) for the full 36h. NLX elicited pronounced withdrawal signs in rats treated for 48h with morphine (150mg/kg, SC), plus continuous infusion of vehicle (20μL/h, IV) that began at the 36h timepoint of morphine treatment. The NLX-precipitated withdrawal signs were reduced in rats that received a 12h infusion of D-CYSee, but not D-cysteine, (both at 20.8μmol/kg/h, IV) that began at the 36h timepoint of morphine treatment. These findings suggest that D-CYSee may attenuate the development of physical dependence to morphine and reverse established dependence to the opioid in male Sprague Dawley rats. Alternatively, D-CYSee may simply suppress the processes responsible for NLX-precipitated withdrawal. Nonetheless, D-CYSee and analogues may be novel therapeutics for the treatment of opioid use disorders.

New concepts in the roles of AMPK in adipocyte stem cell biology.

Obesity is a major risk factor for many life-threatening diseases. Adipose tissue dysfunction is emerging as a driving factor in the transition from excess adiposity to comorbidities such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and cancer. However, the transition from healthy adipose expansion to the development of these conditions is poorly understood. Adipose stem cells, residing in the vasculature and stromal regions of subcutaneous and visceral depots, are responsible for the expansion and maintenance of organ function, and are now recognised as key mediators of pathological transformation. Impaired tissue expansion drives inflammation, dysregulation of endocrine function and the deposition of lipids in the liver, muscle and around vital organs, where it is toxic. Contrary to previous hypotheses, it is the promotion of healthy adipose tissue expansion and function, not inhibition of adipogenesis, that presents the most attractive therapeutic strategy in the treatment of metabolic disease. AMP-activated protein kinase, a master regulator of energy homeostasis, has been regarded as one such target, due to its central role in adipose tissue lipid metabolism, and its apparent inhibition of adipogenesis. However, recent studies utilising AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-specific compounds highlight a more subtle, time-dependent role for AMPK in the process of adipogenesis, and in a previously unexplored repression of leptin, independent of adipocyte maturity. In this article, I discuss historic evidence for AMPK-mediated adipogenesis inhibition and the multi-faceted roles for AMPK in adipose tissue.

Digital training for self-injectable contraceptives: a feasibility and acceptability pilot study

BackgroundSelf-injectable contraceptives, namely subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate 104 mg micronised formulation delivered via uniject system, reduce the need to travel to a facility for contraceptive access, but the initial, in-person,...

β-Adrenergic blockade attenuates adverse adipose tissue responses after burn.

Severe burn injuries are defined by a prolonged hypermetabolic response characterized by increases in resting energy expenditure, systemic catabolism, and multi-organ dysfunction. The sustained elevation of catecholamines following a burn injury is thought to significantly contribute to this hypermetabolic response, leading to changes in adipose tissue such as increased lipolysis and the browning of subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT). Failure to mitigate these adverse changes within the adipose tissue has been shown to exacerbate the post-burn hypermetabolic response and lead to negative outcomes. Propranolol, a non-selective β-blocker, has been clinically administered to improve outcomes of pediatric and adult burn patients, but there is inadequate knowledge of its effects on the distinct adipose tissue depots. In this study, we investigated the adipose depot-specific alterations that occur in response to burn injury. Moreover, we explored the therapeutic effects of β-adrenoceptor blockade via the drug propranolol in attenuating these burn-induced pathophysiological changes within the different fat depots. Using a murine model of thermal injury, we show that burn injury induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the epididymal (eWAT) but not in the inguinal (iWAT) WAT depot. Conversely, burn injury induces the activation of key lipolytic pathways in both eWAT and iWAT depots. Treatment of burn mice with propranolol effectively mitigated adverse burn-induced alterations in the adipose by alleviating ER stress in the eWAT and reducing lipolysis in both depots. Furthermore, propranolol treatment in post-burn mice attenuated UCP1-mediated subcutaneous WAT browning following injury. Overall, our findings suggest that propranolol serves as an effective therapeutic intervention to mitigate the adverse changes induced by burn injury, including ER stress, lipotoxicity, and WAT browning, in both adipose tissue depots. KEY MESSAGES: Burn injury adversely affects adipose tissue metabolism via distinct changes in both visceral and subcutaneous adipose depots. Propranolol, a non-selective β-adrenergic blocker, attenuates many of the adverse adipose tissue changes mediated by burn injury.

Therapeutic Insulin Analogue Concentrations at Infusion Sites Enhanced the Pro-Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis in an In Vitro Macrophage-Material Interaction Model.

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion for Type 1 diabetes relies upon insulin infusion sets (IIS) to reliably deliver insulin to a subcutaneous depot, where it is absorbed into systemic circulation. However, IIS are plagued by short wear times and high failure rates, due in part to inconsistent insulin absorption that can arise over time. While emerging evidence suggests that the local inflammatory response to the IIS cannula may impact both wear times and unreliable insulin adsorption, the mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of local infused insulin concentrations on the biomaterial host response to better understand the underlying factors that limit the IIS performance. We first modeled the insulin concentration for a constant basal infusion rate to select a relevant insulin concentration range of 0.1-10 U/mL within the infusion site. We then examined the influence of a commercial insulin analogue (Humulin-N) using an in vitro macrophage-material model, which uses adsorbed fibroblast lysate (containing damage-associated molecular patterns) to activate macrophages and recapitulates macrophage responses on implanted biomaterials. RAW-Blue macrophages cultured on lysate-adsorbed surfaces had increased nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activating protein 1 (AP-1) activity and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation compared to control surfaces. Humulin-N concentration (0.5-10 U/mL) enhanced the NF-κB/AP-1 activity and ROS accumulation in macrophages on lysate-adsorbed surfaces. However, Humulin-N had no effect on NF-κB/AP-1 or ROS in the absence of the inflammatory stimulus. Additionally, high insulin concentrations arising from therapeutic doses induced macrophage apoptosis with and without adsorbed lysate. This study contributes to emerging evidence that infused insulin affects the tissue response to IIS.

White adipocytes in subcutaneous fat depots require KLF15 for maintenance in preclinical models.

Healthy adipose tissue is essential for normal physiology. There are 2 broad types of adipose tissue depots: brown adipose tissue (BAT), which contains adipocytes poised to burn energy through thermogenesis, and white adipose tissue (WAT), which contains adipocytes that store lipids. However, within those types of adipose, adipocytes possess depot and cell-specific properties that have important implications. For example, the subcutaneous and visceral WAT confers divergent risk for metabolic disease. Further, within a depot, different adipocytes can have distinct properties; subcutaneous WAT can contain adipocytes with either white or brown-like (beige) adipocyte properties. However, the pathways that regulate and maintain this cell and depot-specificity are incompletely understood. Here, we found that the transcription factor KLF15 is required for maintaining white adipocyte properties selectively within the subcutaneous WAT. We revealed that deletion of Klf15 is sufficient to induce beige adipocyte properties and that KLF15's direct regulation of Adrb1 is a critical molecular mechanism for this process. We uncovered that this activity is cell autonomous but has systemic implications in mouse models and is conserved in primary human adipose cells. Our results elucidate a pathway for depot-specific maintenance of white adipocyte properties that could enable the development of therapies for obesity and associated diseases.

Body fat and circulating leptin levels in the captive short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

It is possible that the reproductive strategy of the short-beaked echidna is related to seasonal changes in fat deposition and energy availability, regulated by seasonal changes in endocrine function. We predicted that circulating leptin levels would be directly proportional to adiposity during most of the year, but that a change in this relationship would occur during the pre-breeding season to allow increased fat deposition. To test this hypothesis, we made use of a captive colony of echidnas to describe and quantify changes in fat distribution and the adipostatic hormone leptin. First we assessed seasonal changes in circulating leptin levels, body mass and adiposity for three male and three female adult echidnas maintained on a standard diet. Second, we explored the relationship between circulating leptin levels and increased caloric intake for an additional five adult female echidnas that were provided with supplemented nutrition. Third we visualised fat distribution in male and female adult echidnas using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after the breeding season, to determine where fat is deposited in this species. For echidnas maintained on the standard diet, there were no seasonal changes in body mass, body fat or plasma leptin levels. However, female echidnas provided with supplemented nutrition had significantly elevated plasma leptin levels during the breeding season, compared to the pre-and post- breeding periods. MRI showed substantial subcutaneous fat depots extending dorso-laterally from the base of the skull to the base of the tail, in both sexes. Pre-breeding season, both sexes had considerable fat deposition in the pelvic/rump region, whilst the female echidna accumulated most fat in the abdominal region. This study shows that male and female echidnas accumulate body fat in the pelvic/rump and the abdominal regions, respectively and that circulating leptin may promote fattening in female echidnas during the breeding season by means of leptin resistance. However, further research is required to evaluate the precise relationship between seasonal changes in leptin and adiposity.

Caloric restriction mitigates age-associated senescence characteristics in subcutaneous adipose tissue-derived stem cells.

Adipose tissue regulates metabolic balance, but aging disrupts it, shifting fat from insulin-sensitive subcutaneous to insulin-resistant visceral depots, impacting overall metabolic health. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are crucial for tissue regeneration, but aging diminishes their stemness and regeneration potential. Our findings reveal that aging is associated with a decrease in subcutaneous adipose tissue mass and an increase in the visceral fat depots mass. Aging is associated with increase in adipose tissue fibrosis but no significant change in adipocyte size was observed with age. Long term caloric restriction failed to prevent fibrotic changes but resulted in significant decrease in adipocytes size. Aged subcutaneous ASCs displayed an increased production of ROS. Using mitochondrial membrane activity as an indicator of stem cell quiescence and senescence, we observed a significant decrease in quiescence ASCs with age exclusively in subcutaneous adipose depot. In addition, aged subcutaneous adipose tissue accumulated more senescent ASCs having defective autophagy activity. However, long-term caloric restriction leads to a reduction in mitochondrial activity in ASCs. Furthermore, caloric restriction prevents the accumulation of senescent cells and helps retain autophagy activity in aging ASCs. These results suggest that caloric restriction and caloric restriction mimetics hold promise as a potential strategy to rejuvenate the stemness of aged ASCs. Further investigations, including in vivo evaluations using controlled interventions in animals and human studies, will be necessary to validate these findings and establish the clinical potential of this well-established approach for enhancing the stemness of aged stem cells.

A randomised phase 3 trial to assess efficacy and safety of CAM2029, an octreotide subcutaneous depot, in patients with acromegaly

A randomised phase 3 trial to assess efficacy and safety of CAM2029, an octreotide subcutaneous depot, in patients with acromegaly