Sustained Efficacy Research Articles

Nanomaterials in Medicine: Understanding Cellular Uptake, Localization, and Retention for Enhanced Disease Diagnosis and Therapy.

Nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as promising tools for disease diagnosis and therapy due to their unique physicochemical properties. To maximize the effectiveness and design of NMs-based medical applications, it is essential to comprehend the complex mechanisms of cellular uptake, subcellular localization, and cellular retention. This review illuminates the various pathways that NMs take to get from the extracellular environment to certain intracellular compartments by investigating the various mechanisms that underlie their interaction with cells. The cellular uptake of NMs involves complex interactions with cell membranes, encompassing endocytosis, phagocytosis, and other active transport mechanisms. Unique uptake patterns across cell types highlight the necessity for customized NMs designs. After internalization, NMs move through a variety of intracellular routes that affect where they are located subcellularly. Understanding these pathways is pivotal for enhancing the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents and imaging probes. Furthermore, the cellular retention of NMs plays a critical role in sustained therapeutic efficacy and long-term imaging capabilities. Factors influencing cellular retention include nanoparticle size, surface chemistry, and the cellular microenvironment. Strategies for prolonging cellular retention are discussed, including surface modifications and encapsulation techniques. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms governing cellular uptake, subcellular localization, and cellular retention of NMs is essential for advancing their application in disease diagnosis and therapy. This review provides insights into the intricate interplay between NMs and biological systems, offering a foundation for the rational design of next-generation nanomedicines.

Development of Lipid Nanoparticle Formulation for the Repeated Administration of mRNA Therapeutics.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA vaccines emerged as a rapid and effective solution for global immunization. The success of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines has increased interest in the use of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for the invivo delivery of mRNA therapeutics. Although mRNA exhibits robust expression profiles, transient protein expression is often observed, raising uncertainty regarding the frequency of its administration. Additionally, various RNA therapeutics may necessitate repeated dosing to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. Nevertheless, the impact of repeated administrations of mRNA/LNP on immune responses and protein expression efficacy remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the influence of the formulation parameters, specifically ionizable lipids and polyethylene glycol (PEG) lipids, on the repeat administration of mRNA/LNP. Our findings revealed that ionizable lipids had no discernible impact on the dose-responsive efficacy of repeat administrations, whereas the lipid structure and molar ratio of PEG lipids were primary factors that affected mRNA/LNP performance. The optimization of the LNP formulation with PEG lipid confirmed the sustained dose-responsive efficacy of mRNA after repeated administrations. This study highlights the critical importance of optimizing LNP formulations for mRNA therapeutics requiring repeated administrations.

Exploring the sustained impact of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program: a thematic analysis.

This study aimed to explore the time-varying impact of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, specifically examining its effects on various variables 3 months, 1 year, and 3 years after program completion. Additionally, the study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators in maintaining mindfulness practice over time and the preferred mindfulness practices among participants in three distinct time groups. The study utilized a qualitative research design, conducting semi-structured interviews with 45 participants who had completed the 8-week MBSR program at different time points. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data obtained from the interviews, allowing for the identification of key themes and patterns. The findings revealed that the effectiveness of the MBSR program varied at different times and across different variables. Immediately after completing the program, participants experienced a significant decrease in stress levels and an increase in awareness. One year later, the program continued to have positive effects on inner calm, coping mechanisms, and relationships. Three years after completing the program, its long-term impact was observed in the adoption of a mindful lifestyle, increased compassion and kindness, and ongoing personal growth. The study highlights the transformative potential of the MBSR program beyond short-term symptom relief. The long-term effects observed in overall wellbeing emphasize the sustained efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions. The identified barriers and facilitators in maintaining mindfulness practice provide insights for program implementation and individual engagement. By understanding the long-term impact and preferences of participants, tailored interventions can be developed to maximize the benefits of the MBSR program for individuals over time.

Long-term efficacy and safety of divozilimab during 2-year treatment of multiple sclerosis patients in randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial BCD-132-4/MIRANTIBUS

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody divozilimab (DIV) used as an intravenous infusion at a dose of 500 mg every 24 weeks during 100 weeks for the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), including relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS) with relapses. The multicenter, randomized, double-blind and double-masked phase III clinical trial (CT) BCD-132-4/MIRANTIBUS (NCT05385744) included 338 adult patients with MS distributed in a 1:1 ratio into two groups: DIV 500 mg and teriflunomide (TRF) 14 mg. After screening, subjects were included in the main CT period, which consisted of two cycles of therapy over 48 weeks, then entered an additional period from weeks 49 to 100, which included three cycles of therapy. The efficacy was assessed based on the results of brain MRI and registration of data on relapses. 308 subjects completed 5 therapy cycles according to the study protocol. An analysis of the effectiveness of DIV therapy over 2 years showed a persistent suppression of MRI and clinical activity of the disease in comparison with TRF, which was confirmed by all the studied MRI indicators (including CUA; total number of gadolinium-enhancing (GdE) lesions on T1-weighted scans ; number of new or enlarged lesions on T2-weighted scans; lesions volume change on T2-weighted scans; change in the volume of hypointense lesions on T1-weighted scans). The use of DIV was associated with a statistically significant decrease in ARR compared to TRF (p=0.0001). The ARR in the DIV group was 0.057, in the TRF group - 0.164 with 95% confidential interval for the frequency ratio [0.202; 0.593]. The incidence of GdE lesions on T1-weighted scans in the DIV group was significantly lower than in the TRF group. The average number of such lesions was 0.0±0.08 and 1.0±4.46 in the DIV and TRF groups, respectively (p<0.0001). Progression of EDSS was detected in 18 (10.7%) and 36 (21.3%) patients in the DIV and TRF groups, respectively (p=0.0075). The proportion of patients with relapses was 11.2% (n=19) in the DIV group and 23.1% (n=39) in the TRF group (p=0.0039). In the subpopulation of patients with SPMS, no cases of increase in EDSS were detected, and not a single case of exacerbation was recorded over 2 years of using DIV. Also, DIV has shown a favorable safety profile. Among the adverse reactions (AR), infusion reactions and laboratory abnormalities, such as a decrease in the number of leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, were most often recorded. Identified AR were expected, had mild to moderate severity, and resolved without any negative consequences. The results of the BCD-132-4/MIRANTIBUS CT indicate a high sustained efficacy and safety of long-term use of DIV in comparison with TRF during 2 years of therapy.

Sustained Efficacy of Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy (SNT) in Open-Label Repeated Treatment.

Sustained Efficacy of Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy (SNT) in Open-Label Repeated Treatment.

Long-term effectiveness and sustainability of EHC remediation in carbon tetrachloride-contaminated groundwater: Mechanistic understanding and practical applications

The presence of carbon tetrachloride in groundwater raises concerns for human health and the environment. Thus, there is an urgent need for a faster and more efficient groundwater remediation method. Our study found that the EHC remedial agent can achieve promising pilot remediation results quickly, as demonstrated in laboratory tests. During the pilot test, the contaminated groundwater was subjected to injection with the EHC remedial agent using in-situ high-pressure rotary jet technology. It was observed that indicators such as alkalinity and SO42− can signify the occurrence of biological reduction, with the presence of ZVI significantly shortening the beginning time of biological action within the EHC. The pilot test results reveal that the initial four days following the injection of the EHC witnessed only chemical reduction, with chemical and biological reduction coexisting from day 4 to day 45. Post the 45-day mark, the removal of contaminants solely relied on biological reduction. While chemical reduction displayed a rapid rate but limited duration, insufficient for ensuring long-term effectiveness in the remediation process, bioremediation offered sustained efficacy for continuous contaminant reduction. These findings signify a more eco-friendly and efficient approach to groundwater remediation, offering both human health and environmental benefits.

Efficacy of Hyperthermic Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy in an In Vitro Model Using a Human Gastric Cancer AGS Cell Line and an Abdominal Cavity Model.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) presents a major challenge in the treatment of late-stage, solid tumors, with traditional therapies limited by poor drug penetration. We evaluated a novel hyperthermic pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (HPIPAC) system using a human abdominal cavity model for its efficacy against AGS gastric cancer cells. A model simulating the human abdominal cavity and AGS gastric cancer cell line cultured dishes were used to assess the efficacy of the HPIPAC system. Cell viability was measured to evaluate the impact of HPIPAC under 6 different conditions: heat alone, PIPAC with paclitaxel (PTX), PTX alone, normal saline (NS) alone, heat with NS, and HPIPAC with PTX. Results showed a significant reduction in cell viability with HPIPAC combined with PTX, indicating enhanced cytotoxic effects. Immediately after treatment, the average cell viability was 66.6%, which decreased to 49.2% after 48 hours and to a further 19.6% after 120 hours of incubation, demonstrating the sustained efficacy of the treatment. In contrast, control groups exhibited a recovery in cell viability; heat alone showed cell viability increasing from 90.8% to 94.4%, PIPAC with PTX from 82.7% to 89.7%, PTX only from 73.3% to 74.8%, NS only from 90.9% to 98.3%, and heat with NS from 74.4% to 84.7%. The HPIPAC system with PTX exhibits a promising approach in the treatment of PC in gastric cancer, significantly reducing cell viability. Despite certain limitations, this study highlights the system's potential to enhance treatment outcomes. Future efforts should focus on refining HPIPAC and validating its effectiveness in clinical settings.

Supported-amine-catalyzed cascade synthesis of spiro-thiazolone-tetrahydrothiophenes: assessing HSA binding activity.

We have devised a supported-amine-catalyzed efficient synthesis of spiro-thiazolone-tetrahydrothiophenes via a sulfa-Michael/aldol cascade approach. The catalyst demonstrated sustained efficacy over 21 cycles. These derivatives were found to exhibit excellent binding abilities with purified human serum albumin as indicated by both in silico and in vitro-based experiments.

Real-world retention rate, effectiveness, and safety of netakimab in the treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis: First year results of the LIBRA post-registration safety study

Background. Netakimab has shown high efficacy in controlled clinical trials in the treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This article presents results of an observational study of netakimab using in routine clinical practice.Methods. Patients were recruited for the study from August 2020 to December 2021 at 23 centers in the Russian Federation. The study included patients who were prescribed netakimab therapy before enrollment, so clinical and medical history data for the first visit were entered retrospectively, and following visits at weeks 12, 24 and 52 of therapy were collected within the study. Drug survival rate has been calculated according to Kaplan – Meier analysis.Results. The study included 137 patients (93 men and 14 women) with AS. The average age of patients was 42.3 (±11.9) years, 34.3% of patients had previously received therapy with genetically engineered biologic drugs, mainly tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. At the end of the analyzed period (52 weeks of therapy), 90.4% [95% CI: 85.4–95.7] of patients continued treatment with netakimab. The BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP showed statistically significant decreases in scores from baseline at all time points. Netakimab was well tolerated by patients; adverse effects (AEs), related to therapy according to the investigator’s opinion, were reported in 7 (5.1%) patients. 2 patients stopped taking netakimab due to AEs: terminal ileitis and chronic colitis.Conclusions. In real-world clinical practice, netakimab demonstrated high retention rates, a favorable safety profile, and sustained efficacy throughout the first year of therapy.

Radiological Versus Clinical 1-Year Outcomes of Dupilumab in Refractory CRSwNP: A Real-Life Study.

To provide real-life evidence on long-term radiological changes in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) treated with dupilumab, and to assess possible differences between radiological and clinical results in terms of endoscopic findings and Patient-Reported-Outcomes (PROs). Consecutive patients treated with dupilumab for recalcitrant CRSwNP were required to undergo CT scan at baseline (T0) and after 12 (T1) since first administration. A group of patients also performed CT scan at 52 weeks (T2) to assess long-term outcomes. At each timepoint, patients underwent nasal endoscopy, assessment of Nasal-Polyp-Score (NPS), Lund-Kennedy-Score (LKS), and had to fill in the 22-item Sinonasal-Outcome-Test (SNOT-22) and Visual-Analogue-Scales (VAS) for sinonasal symptoms. In fifty-three included patients, from T0 to T1 we detected a significant reduction in mean Lund-Mackay score (LM), PROs (SNOT-22, VAS) and endoscopic (NPS, LKS) scores (p < 0.05). In the subset of patients that reached T2 (n = 30), compared to T1, we observed a further significant decrease in mean LM, SNOT-22, VAS, and NPS scores, but not in LKS (p = 0.420). At T1, the highest improvement was observed in PROs (SNOT-22: 56.26%), and polyp size (NPS: 49.83%). Conversely, between T1 and T2, sinus opacification was shown to be the most improved outcome (LM: 36.86%). Our experience showed that poorly controlled CRSwNP patients treated with dupilumab experienced significant improvement in radiologic, endoscopic and clinical disease severity. While in the initial 3 months, PROs garnered attention for showing earlier effectiveness, radiological outcomes revealed sustained and gradual efficacy in a longer term. Level 4. According to the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 level of evidence guidelines, this non-randomized retrospective cohort study is classified as level 4 evidence Laryngoscope, 134:2626-2633, 2024.

Ravulizumab in Myasthenia Gravis: A Review of the Current Evidence.

The terminal complement C5 inhibitor ravulizumab was engineered from the humanized monoclonal antibody eculizumab to have an extended half-life and duration of action. It binds to human terminal complement protein C5, inhibiting its cleavage into C5a and C5b, thus preventing the cascade of events that lead to architectural destruction of the postsynaptic neuromuscular junction membrane by the membrane attack complex, and consequent muscle weakness in patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). The 26-week randomized, placebo-controlled period (RCP) of the phase 3 CHAMPION MG study demonstrated the rapid efficacy of ravulizumab in reducing MG symptoms. Weight-based dosing of ravulizumab every 8 weeks provided sustained efficacy, in terms of patient-reported (Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living) and clinician-reported (Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis) endpoints in patients with anti-AChR antibody-positive gMG. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses showed therapeutic serum ravulizumab concentrations (>175 µg/mL) were achieved immediately after the first dose and were maintained throughout 26 weeks, irrespective of patient body weight; inhibition of serum free C5 was immediate, complete (<0.5 μg/mL), and sustained in all patients. Interim results from the open-label extension (OLE) showed that after 60 weeks, efficacy was maintained in patients continuing on ravulizumab. Rapid and sustained improvements in efficacy, similar to those seen in patients initiating ravulizumab in the RCP, were observed after initiation of ravulizumab treatment in patients who switched from placebo in the RCP to ravulizumab in the OLE. The findings from the RCP and OLE support ravulizumab's favorable safety profile. In conclusion, ravulizumab has a simple weight-based administration and long dosing interval. Its targeted mechanism of action without generalized immunosuppression is reflected in its rapid onset of symptom improvement, sustained efficacy and good safety profile in the treatment of patients with anti-AChR antibody-positive gMG.

Management of Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis with Brodalumab in Daily Practice: Real-World Evidence from the LIBERO Study in the Czech Republic.

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. Despite the availability of several therapies, many patients affected by this disease remain untreated, do not have adequate response, or suffer from treatment-related toxic effects. It has been shown that the interleukin (IL)-17 pathway plays a key role in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis. Brodalumab, the first human monoclonal IgG2 antibody that selectively binds to subunitA of the human IL-17 receptor, blocking interactions with a number of cytokines of the IL-17 family, has confirmed fast onset of action, high complete clearance rates, and sustained efficacy. Nevertheless, there is only a limited amount of published real-world evidence (RWE) data. This was an open-label, multicenter, real-world, prospective, non-interventional, non-controlled (single-arm) observational study (LIBERO-CZ) assessing the management of moderate to severe psoriasis with brodalumab in daily practice for up to 52weeks of treatment. Fifty-four patients (70.4% male, mean age 46.9 ± 13.4years, weight 95.6 ± 22.7kg, disease duration 18.6 ± 12.7years) were enrolled and included in the final analysis. Forty-nine of the patients completed the study and five discontinued prematurely; 51.8% of all the enrolled patients were biologic-naïve. At baseline, 28% patients were classified as severe (psoriasis area severity index (PASI) ≥ 20). Overall, the mean PASI decreased by 15.6 from 16.1 (± 5.0) at baseline to 0.5 (± 1.2) at the last visit. The primary endpoint of an absolute PASI ≤ 3 at week12 (as observed analysis) was achieved by 95.9% of patients. The static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) success (defined as clear = 0 and almost clear = 1) at week52 was achieved by 92.1% of patients. PASI75, PASI90, and PASI100 were achieved by 98.0%, 87.8%, and 75.5% of patients, respectively, after approximately 52weeks of treatment. The study also recorded very positive results concerning patient-reported outcomes. LIBERO-CZ confirms the fast onset and high clearance rates of brodalumab in real life in both biologic-naïve and biologic-experienced patients.

Preliminary evidence for sustained efficacy of CFTR modulator therapy with concomitant rifabutin administration

The concomitant use of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) and strong CYP3A inducers including rifampin and rifabutin is not recommended due to the risk of drug-drug interactions (DDI). This presents a significant challenge to the treatment of non-tuberculous mycobacteria precluding the first line treatment. While rifabutin induces CYP3A activity, its effect appears to be moderate compared to rifampin. In this study, we investigated three cases in which concomitant use of rifabutin and CFTR modulators (ETI or ivacaftor monotherapy) was used, and these cases suggest that addition of rifabutin did not compromise the efficacy of ETI or ivacaftor as evidenced by pulmonary function and sweat chloride testing. A full physiologically based pharmacokinetic model predicted lung concentrations of ETI upon rifabutin coadministration to exceed the half-maximal effective concentrations (EC50) determined from chloride transport in phe508del human bronchial epithelial cells. This study provides preliminary evidence in support of the use of rifabutin in patients receiving ETI.

Sustained Efficacy, Safety, and Improved Quality of Life in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassemia up to 9 Years Post Treatment with Betibeglogene Autotemcel (Beti-cel)

Introduction: Beti-cel gene therapy addresses the underlying cause of transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) by adding functional copies of a modified β-globin gene to autologous CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) via a third-generation, self-inactivating lentiviral vector (LVV), BB305, which produces functional adult hemoglobin (Hb), HbA T87Q, in red blood cells (RBCs). Here, we report efficacy, safety, and quality of life (QOL) data from adult and pediatric patients treated with beti-cel who were followed for up to 9 years after treatment. These outcomes may inform patient selection for real-world treatment with beti-cel. Methods: Patients with TDT who completed either a phase 1/2 (HGB-204 [NCT01745120]; HGB-205 [NCT02151526]) or phase 3 (HGB-207 [NCT02906202]; HGB-212 [NCT03207009]) beti-cel parent study and subsequently participated in the long-term, 13-year follow-up study LTF-303 (NCT02633943) were included in this analysis. Analyses were performed with data collected through January 30, 2023. Efficacy (including transfusion independence [TI], defined as a weighted average Hb ≥9 g/dL without packed RBC transfusions for ≥12 months) and safety are reported through last follow-up. QOL data are reported for studies HGB-204, HGB-207, and HGB-212 through month 36. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine key outcomes in subgroups based on patient age at enrollment (pediatric: &amp;lt;18 years; adult: ≥18 years). Results:As of January 30, 2023, 63 patients (median [range] age: 17 [4-35] years) had received beti-cel in a phase 1/2 or 3 study and enrolled in LTF-303, with a median (range) follow-up of 60.1 (23.8-109.5) months. Phase 3 studies used the commercial drug product manufacturing process. Ninety percent (37/41) of phase 3 patients achieved and maintained TI through last follow-up (up to 6 years; Table 1). TI rates by study, genotype, and age for phase 3 patients are also presented in Table 1. In phase 1/2 studies that used an older drug manufacturing process, 68.2% (15/22) of patients achieved TI; 14 of these patients sustained TI through last follow-up (up to 9 years). One patient no longer meets protocol-defined TI as a result of Hb level &amp;lt;9g/dL at year 6 due to acute health events unrelated to β-thalassemia, which were not attributed to loss of beti-cel treatment effect. Approximately 80% of pediatric and adult patients required only one mobilization cycle to achieve the drug product dose. The median percentage of drug product cells transduced with the BB305 LVV was comparable between adult and pediatric populations (78% and 80%, respectively), as were the month 6 median peripheral blood vector copy number (1.4 c/dg and 1.1 c/dg) and HbA T87Q (9.4 g/dL and 8.3 g/dL). Adult patients reported improvements in QOL up to month 36 as assessed by the Short Form-36 Health Survey Questionnaire mental and physical component summary scores, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, and EuroQol ( Table 2). Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory scores will be reported at the time of presentation. Overall, 19% (12/63) of patients experienced ≥1 beti-cel-related adverse event (AE); the most common beti-cel-related AEs (occurring in ≥3 patients) were abdominal pain (experienced in 5/63 [7.9%] patients) and thrombocytopenia (3/63 [4.8%] patients). Five patients experienced serious veno-occlusive liver disease; all 5 received defibrotide and recovered. No malignancies, insertional oncogenesis, or vector-derived replication-competent lentivirus were reported. Age subgroup safety analysis as of last follow-up will be reported in the final presentation. Conclusion: Beti-cel is a potentially curative gene therapy for patients with TDT across ages and genotypes through achievement of TI and normal or near-normal Hb. These data will inform real-world beti-cel treatment decisions for patients with TDT and providers.

The Clinical Outcome of Patients with Refractory/Relapsed Lymphoid Blastic Phase of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treated with CAR T-Cells Therapy

Introduction : Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) is an effective therapy for refractory/relapsed (R/R) philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ph+ ALL) patients in TKIs era. Patients with lymphoid blastic phase of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-LBC) also have BCR-ABL fusion oncogenes, and usually shows an aggressive clinical course with a poor prognosis. However, outcomes of CAR T therapy for patients with R/R CML-LBC is still uncertain. This study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of CAR T-cells therapy in patients with R/R CML-LBC and ph+ ALL. Patients and Methods : Clinical data from 13 patients with R/R CML-LBC and 121 R/R ph+ ALL patients who received CAR T treatments at our center from February 2017 to March 2023 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Before CAR T-cells treatment, fifty patients (11.2%) had primary refractory disease, 106 patients (79.1%) were experiencing the first relapse, and 13 patients (9.7%) were experiencing the second or more relapse. All patients received lymphodepletion with fludarabine (30 mg/m2 /d) and cyclophosphamide (300 mg/m2 /d) -based conditioning regimens on day −5 to −3. CAR T-cells were then infused at day 0. Among them, 8 patients with CML-LBC and 92 ph+ ALL patients received single CD19 CAR T therapy, others received tandem CD19/CD22 CAR T. Results:The baseline characteristics of all patients were shown in Table 1. Patients with CML-LBC carried a higher proportion of mutations in the ABL kinase region ( P=0.036).The clinical timeline of CML-LBC patients as shown in Figure 1A,and ABL kinase region mutations and gene mutations of patients are shown in Figure 1B. Patients with CML-LBC (58.3%) had significantly lower CR rates than ph+ ALL (97.2%) patients at +2 month after CAR-T therapy (P&amp;lt;0.001) ( Fig. 1B). ABL kinase region mutation (odds ratio, 0.091; 95% CI, 0.015-0.571) and CML-LBC (odds ratio, 0.063; 95% CI, 0.010-0.376) remained risk factors in multivariate logistic regression analysis of CR rate in all patients. Furthermore, minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative CR rates were 58.3% and 95.3% at +2 month after CAR T-cells therapy, respectively (P&amp;lt;0.001) ( Fig. 1B). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events among the two groups. Severe cytokine release syndrome (CRS, Grade ≥ 3) occurred in 7.7% of patients with CML-LBC and 8.3% in ph+ ALL patients (P=1.000). Moreover, patients with CML-LBC showed poorer 2-year prognoses than the ph+ ALL patients (overall survival: P=0.0068; leukemia-free survival: P&amp;lt;0.0001; cumulative incidence of relapse: P&amp;lt;0.001) ( Fig. 1C-1E). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that a poorer LFS was related to ABL kinase region mutation (hazard ratio, 3.257; 95% CI, 1.404-7.553) and CML-LB (hazard ratio, 3.803; 95% CI, 1.507-9.596). Conclusions: Worser sustained antitumor efficacy and long-term survival with CAR T-cells therapy in patients with CML-LBC compared to ph+ ALL patients, and ABL kinase region mutation is an independent risk factor for CR and LFS.

Transcriptomic without Clinical Response to Menin Inhibition As a Mechanism of Upfront Resistance in Samples from Mutliply Relapsed Patients with KMT2A-Rearranged Leukemia

Inhibitors of the Menin-KMT2A interaction are emerging as promising agents for the treatment of KMT2A-rearranged ( KMT2A-r) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Menin is required for the recruitment of the KMT2A-fusion to a subset of its target genes. Early phase clinical trials have shown highly encouraging results in patients with relapsed and refractory leukemias with KMT2A rearrangements and NPM1 mutations. In a recently reported early phase clinical trial evaluating the Menin inhibitor revumenib, about 50% of patients failed to show a clinical response despite robust downregulation of known Menin:KMT2A target genes, suggesting on target activity of the drug. This was the most common pattern of upfront resistance. We sought to understand upfront resistance (in contrast to the reported induced resistance via MEN1 mutations) in patient derived xenograft models. To this end, we evaluated the efficacy of Menin-inhibition in KMT2A-r leukemias with high-risk features: high-risk KMT2A fusion partners in AML ( MLLT10, MLLT4), infant ALL, and serial samples from patients with multiply relapsed ALL. We found that AML samples with high-risk fusion partners banked at initial diagnosis were sensitive to Menin-inhibition in xenografts. In contrast, three highly pretreated samples from patients with KMT2A-AFF1 ALL showed only a slight, or no decrease in latentcy in the Menin-inhibitor arm. Interestingly, Menin inhibition showed excellent in vivo efficacy against leukemia samples obtained from the same three patients earlier in their disease course. Therefore, prior chemotherapy (+/- immunotherapy) selects for Menin-inhibitor resistant cells without prior exposure to Menin inhibitor. Transcriptomic analysis (RNA-Seq) documents sustained on-target efficacy of the Menin inhibitor on a transcriptional level in resistant cells. None of the samples contained a MEN1 mutation at any time point. Targeted panel sequencing at initial diagnosis and relapse documented clonal evolution and the emergence of multiple co-mutations (particularly RAS pathway mutations and TP53 mutations), however, all co-mutations tested failed to induce resistance as a single alteration. It is possible that the cooperation of multiple emerging mutations (rather than a single mutation) is sufficient to drive AML in a KMT2A-fusion independent manner, thus mediating Menin resistance. A transcriptomic response (i.e. downregulation of KMT2A-fusion target genes) without a clinical response was the most common pattern of upfront resistance in the recently reported phase I/II clinical trial of the Menin inhibitor revumenib. We conclude that it will be critical to use Menin-inhibitors upfront or in early lines of therapy before substantial clonal evolution has occurred.

Early Progressions of Undetermined Significance (EPUS) in the Month Following CAR-T Cells for B-Cell NHL Is Mainly Related to Pseudoprogression

INTRODUCTION - Relapsed-refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (R/R-B-NHL) treatment remains challenging. In this context, CAR T-cell therapy has shown sustained efficacy in 40-60% of patients. Early progressions and pseudo-progression have been described after CAR T-cell therapy, but data are scarce. This study aims to assess incidence, risk factors and outcomes of early progression in patients treated with CAR T-cells for R/R B-NHL. PATIENTS &amp; METHODS - All patients were consecutively treated at the University Hospital of Montpellier with a commercial CAR T-cells for R/R-B-NHL between December 2019 and June 2022 and included in the CARTBANK cohort (ID RCB: 2019-A03032-55, NCT04290000). Cases were retrospectively reviewed for early progression. No antitumor treatment was initiated before the day 28 evaluation. Early Progressions of Undetermined Significance (EPUS) were defined as either: self-reported symptom of lymphoma (possible EPUS), clinically assessed progression (probable), or measured through imaging procedure (highly probable) after CAR T-cell infusion and before day 28 (D28) post evaluation. Pseudo-progression was defined as EPUS with partial or complete response on D28 evaluation. On the contrary, hyper-progression was defined as EPUS with confirmed progression on D28 evaluation. RESULTS - A total of 105 patients were included in the study, with a median age of 65 years (interquartile range: 55;70]) and 70% were male. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was the most common histology (89%), followed by follicular lymphoma (6%) and mantle cell lymphoma (5%). Patients had received a median of 2 previous lines of anti-cancer therapy [2;3]. Axicabtagene-ciloleucel was used in 77% of the cases, tisagenlecleucel in 18%, and brexucabtagene-autoleucel in 5%. Overall 18 patients (17%) had EPUS: 2 possible EPUS (11%), 6 (33%) probable EPUS and 10 (56%) highly probable EPUS (panel A). D28 evaluation revealed that most of EPUS were pseudo-progressions (n=13/18, 72%). Hyper-progression was observed in one patient (6%) and 4 patients (22%) died before first metabolic assessment and remained unclassified (panel B). The cause of death was suspected of progression for three of them and sepsis for one. All EPUS occurred before day 21 (median: 7 days [3;8]). Comparison of patients with and without EPUS showed that no clear risk factors for EPUS were identified. EPUS occurrence had no impact on PFS nor OS. The blood expansion of CAR-T cells and their level of exhaustion were monitored by multi-parametric flow cytometry. Regarding these pharmacokinetic parameters, no significant difference was obtained between patients with and without EPUS. Analysis of data regarding total metabolic volume is ongoing and will be presented. DISCUSSION - In this cohort, EPUS is observed in 17% of patients after CAR T-cells infusion for R/R B-NHL. Most of EPUS are related to pseudo-progression. These results should be confirmed in a dedicated study. Thus, early treatment before first evaluation should be avoided.

The Lack of Tolerable Treatments Options That Can Induce Durable Responses without Fear of Relapse after Discontinuation Represents a Significant Unmet Need for Patients (Pts) with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): Results from the ITP World Impact Survey (I-WISh) 2.0

Background: ITP is an acquired autoimmune disease characterized by transient or persistent thrombocytopenia. ITP substantially impairs pts' quality of life (QoL), including daily activities, social interactions, work and emotional wellbeing, with fatigue being the most common symptom reported by pts. Corticosteroids are the standard first-line treatment for ITP, while thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs), rituximab and fostamatinib are recommended for later lines; however, these treatments have limited sustained efficacy and may be associated with short- and long-term side effects that impact QoL. Aim: To assess pt and physician (MD) perceptions of current ITP treatment and treatment goals using data from I-WISh 2.0. Methods: I-WISh 2.0 was developed using findings from I-WISh 1.0 and surveyed 1018 pts with ITP aged &amp;gt;18 years and 431 MDs who managed ≥3 pts with ITP. I-WISh 2.0 was conducted from February to July 2022 in 15 countries. The surveys, developed by a steering committee (supported by Novartis) comprising expert ITP MDs and pt advocates, included questionnaires about prescribed ITP treatments, their impact on QoL and treatment satisfaction and goals. Results: Of 1018 pts (median age: 46 years), 67% were female and 48% reported ≥1 comorbidity. 97% (956/987) of pts had received ≥1 treatment for ITP and 12% (126/1018) had a splenectomy; 80% (811/1018) were receiving ITP treatment at survey completion and median time on most recent treatment was 30 weeks (n=608). Corticosteroids and TPO-RAs were the most common first- and second-line treatments prescribed by MDs, respectively (Figure 1); MDs estimated that 15% of their pts have opted against receiving ITP treatment (n=431). 73% of MDs (313/431) considered their pts' perception of medications when making treatment decisions. Pts reported a significant burden due to their current ITP medication: 34% (202/597) experienced daily disruption, 37% (214/576) were bothered by needing to plan meals, and 22% (204/939) had difficulty keeping up with daily medications. 19% (172/897) of pts were dissatisfied with their treatment's platelet level control, and 18% (155/843) disagreed that their medication effectively controlled their symptoms. Pts worried about their treatment's short- (48%; 400/833) and long-term (62%; 527/844) side effects. 38% (162/431) of MDs were neutral toward current ITP treatment options and 9% (37/431) were dissatisfied. Of the 37 dissatisfied MDs, limited options (68%), inability to achieve deep/stable remission (54%), lack of efficacy (43%) and inability to reach treatment goals (43%) were the most common reasons. 32% (327/1016) and 13% (127/1016) of pts believed they were not or did not know if they were in sustained remission, respectively. A treatment offering a sustained remission or cure for ITP was an important goal for 82% (823/1007) of pts. Of treatment goals mentioned in their top 3, the most common were healthy blood counts (56%), improving QoL (44%) and increasing energy levels (43%) for pts (n=1018), and reducing spontaneous bleeds (79%), healthy blood counts (60%) and improving QoL (52%) for MDs (n=431). Limiting time on treatment would substantially affect the treatment preference of 66% (668/1009) of pts. 38% (294/775) of pts did not want to take their ITP treatment for the foreseeable future; however, 67% (680/1013) were concerned about relapse if they stopped. Immunosuppression due to ITP treatment worried 414/787 (53%) pts, with 679/1007 (67%) considering it important when discussing treatment decisions. MDs considered corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants to have the most negative impact on fatigue (Figure 2), yet only 12% (52/431) strongly agreed they aimed to limit immunosuppressive effects. Conclusions: Pts with ITP are dissatisfied with current treatment options because of a perceived lack of efficacy, the burden of short- and long-term side effects, and the need for daily, life-long administration. Additionally, some commonly prescribed treatments for ITP are associated with fatigue. Pts and MDs would like new ITP treatments to offer a sustained period of remission or cure, and pts wish to be able to discontinue them without fear of relapse. There is an unmet need for well-tolerated therapies with disease-modifying potential that can safely achieve these goals.

Combined Safety Data for Sutimlimab in Cold Agglutinin Disease: A Post-Hoc Analysis of the Phase 3 Cardinal and Cadenza Studies

Background: Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare, chronic, autoimmune hemolytic anemia mediated by the classical complement pathway (CP).Sutimlimab is a first-in-class, humanized, monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits C1s of the C1 complex, preventing CP activation and CP-mediated hemolysis. CARDINAL (NCT03347396) was an open-label, single-arm, Phase 3 study of sutimlimab in patients with CAD and recent history of transfusion; CADENZA (NCT03347422) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase 3 study of sutimlimab in patients with CAD and no recent history of transfusion. Both studies had a 26-week treatment period (Part A) followed by a long-term extension (Part B), reporting data up to 2 years after the last patient finished Part A of CARDINAL and up to 1 year after the last patient finished Part A of CADENZA. With long-term treatment in both studies, sutimlimab demonstrated sustained efficacy with improvements in hemolysis and anemia, sustained clinically meaningful improvements in quality of life, and it had a favorable safety profile. Aims: To report combined safety data from Part A and B of the Phase 3 CARDINAL and CADENZA studies in sutimlimab-treated patients with CAD. Methods: In CARDINAL Part A, patients received sutimlimab on Days 0 &amp; 7, then biweekly until the end of Part B. In CADENZA Part A, patients received sutimlimab or placebo on Days 0 &amp; 7, then biweekly; in Part B, patients continued to receive biweekly sutimlimab or switched from placebo to receive sutimlimab on Days 0 &amp; 7, then biweekly. Data fromall enrolled patients who received at least 1 dose of sutimlimab in CARDINAL (N=24) and CADENZA (N=42), including a post-treatment follow-up 9 weeks after the last dose, were combined into the Safety Analysis Set. Endpoints for this analysis included the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), treatment-emergent serious adverse events (TESAEs), and adverse events of special interest (AESIs). AESIs were selected based on a list of important identified risks and important potential risks for sutimlimab. Results: The Safety Analysis Set included 66 patients. At baseline, the median age was 69.5 years (range 46-88) and the majority (72.7%) were female, with a median duration since CAD diagnosis of 5.7 years (range 0-33). The median patient follow-up was 129.1 weeks (range 5-175). Sixty-four (97.0%) patients experienced ≥1 TEAE ( Table 1). Eighty-six TEAEs assessed as related to sutimlimab by the investigator occurred in 30 (45.5%) patients. Fifty-three TESAEs were reported in 22 (33.3%) patients. Three (4.6%) patients each experienced one TESAE assessed as related or possibly related to sutimlimab by the investigator (related vitreous hemorrhage, related viral infection, and possibly related severe cerebral venous thrombosis). Seven patients discontinued sutimlimab treatment and/or the studies due to ≥1 TEAE, 4 in CARDINAL and 3 in CADENZA. Four patients died during the studies: 1 in CADENZA with a TESAE of lung squamous cell carcinoma and sutimlimab was withdrawn due to this TESAE prior to the patient's death; 3 in CARDINAL, 1 patient died after premature discontinuation of sutimlimab due to AEs (fatal infection of Klebsiella pneumoniae, acrocyanosis), 1 patient died due to a newly diagnosed hepatic cancer in the first month of the study, and 1 patient died due to exacerbation of CAD during the 9-week washout period approximately 1.5 months after the last dose of sutimlimab. No deaths were assessed as related to sutimlimab by the investigator. Treatment-emergent AESIs (selected based on a list of important identified risks and important potential risks for sutimlimab) are presented in Table 1. Fourteen TEAEs of serious infection were reported in 9 patients (13.6%; one assessed as related to sutimlimab by the investigator), 31 TEAEs of hypertension were reported in 17 patients (25.8%), 28 TEAEs of acrocyanosis and/or Raynaud's phenomenon were reported in 13 patients (19.7%), and 4 TEAEs of thromboembolic events were reported in 4 patients (6.1%). No TEAEs of serious hypersensitivity reaction and/or anaphylaxis, meningococcal infection or development of systemic lupus erythematosus were reported. Conclusion: The combined safety analysis of the Phase 3 CARDINAL and CADENZA studies (Part A and B) demonstrated that sutimlimab was generally well tolerated, with the type and frequency of TEAE consistent with an older and medically complex population.

Efficacy and Safety Is Maintained in Adult Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria Receiving Pegcetacoplan for up to 3 Years

Introduction: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, life-threatening disease characterized by complement-mediated hemolysis and thrombosis. Pegcetacoplan, the first complement component 3 (C3) inhibitor for PNH, increased hemoglobin (Hb) levels in complement component 5 inhibitor (C5i)-experienced and -naive adult patients with PNH in 2 phase 3 clinical trials (PEGASUS [NCT03500549] and PRINCE [NCT04085601], respectively). This integrated analysis of data from the pivotal phase 3 trials and the subsequent open-label extension (study 307; NCT03531255) evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of pegcetacoplan for PNH treatment. Methods: For this integrated analysis, baseline was defined as the initiation of pegcetacoplan, regardless of when in the trials this occurred. Patients initially received pegcetacoplan 1080 mg subcutaneously twice weekly; dose escalations to once every 3 days or 3 times weekly were permitted. Efficacy was evaluated from baseline up to Weeks 132 (2.5 years, PRINCE) and 156 (3 years, PEGASUS) by Hb, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; upper limit of normal [ULN] 226 IU/L), absolute reticulocyte count (ARC), and indirect bilirubin values; Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue scores; and transfusion avoidance rates (percentages of patients who did not require a transfusion during treatment). Safety was assessed by incidence of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs (SAEs) during pegcetacoplan monotherapy for up to 3 years. Results: Of the 133 patients in the phase 3 trials (PEGASUS, 80; PRINCE, 53), 114 enrolled in the extension study (PEGASUS, 64; PRINCE, 50). At least 75% had received a transfusion in the year before enrolling in PEGASUS or PRINCE. Prior to pegcetacoplan initiation, mean (SD) Hb levels were 8.95 (1.09) g/dL in PEGASUS, 9.27 (1.44) g/dL in PRINCE, and 9.08 (1.24) g/dL in the total population; median (interquartile range) LDH levels were 217.0 (184.8, 276.5) IU/L in PEGASUS, 1964.0 (1409.0, 2503.3) IU/L in PRINCE; and mean (SD) FACIT-Fatigue scores were 31.6 (11.7) in PEGASUS, 36.6 (10.0) in PRINCE, and 33.6 (11.3) in the total population. After pegcetacoplan initiation, mean Hb levels markedly improved from baseline and remained stable through Weeks 132 (2.5 years, PRINCE) and 156 (3 years, PEGASUS) ( Figure). Median LDH rapidly decreased and stabilized below the ULN ( Figure). Improvements in ARC and indirect bilirubin were similarly maintained. Average FACIT-Fatigue scores increased (indicating less fatigue) rapidly and were maintained near the general population norm of 43.6. Annual transfusion avoidance ranged from 71%-79% in PEGASUS and 80%-86% in PRINCE, with 52% of patients from PEGASUS avoiding transfusion for up to 3 years of pegcetacoplan treatment and 67% of patients from PRINCE avoiding transfusion for up to 2.5 years. Overall, &amp;gt;92% patients had compliance rates of at least 95%. Over 3 years, most patients experienced an AE; SAEs were reported in 50.0% of patients, with 4.5% experiencing a SAE deemed related to pegcetacoplan. Overall, 17 patients discontinued pegcetacoplan due to an AE; of those, 9 discontinued due to a hemolytic disorder, 7 of which discontinued within 1 year of starting pegcetacoplan. Over 3 years, 4 (3.0%) deaths occurred, none were deemed related to pegcetacoplan; 3 (2.3%) patients experienced a thrombotic event (in the context of multiple associated comorbidities or discontinuation of pegcetacoplan) and no cases of meningitis were reported. Overall, no new or unexpected safety findings were identified. Conclusions: Rapid improvements in Hb, LDH, ARC, indirect bilirubin, and FACIT-Fatigue values were observed and maintained up to 3 years in C5i-experienced patients and up to 2.5 years in C5i-naive patients. The transfusion burden was significantly reduced. No new safety findings were identified. This analysis demonstrates sustained efficacy and continued safety of long-term pegcetacoplan for patients with PNH, regardless of prior C5i treatment.