Treprostinil In Patients Research Articles

The safety and efficacy of treprostinil for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Introduction Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe and life-threatening condition characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure. Treprostinil, a prostacyclin analog, has vasodilatory and anti-remodeling effects on pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells, indicating promising benefits in enhancing exercise capacity, improving hemodynamics, and reducing morbidity in patients with PAH. Aim The primary objective of this systematic review and Meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy and safety of Treprostinil in patients with PAH. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception until July 2023. Randomized controlled trials comparing Treprostinil with Placebo were selected. We used the mean values to compare continuous data and odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous outcomes with their 95% confidence interval (CI). Results We included 7 studies with a total of 2,447 patients. The Treprostinil group was favored over the control group in terms of 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) (Mean difference (MD), meters (m)) (MD = 15.16 m, 95% confidence interval (CI) (10.42 – 19.90 )). Subgroup analysis based on the route of administration revealed a 6MWD of (MD = 13.55 m (95% CI (7.82 – 19.28)) for oral administration and (MD = 17.49 m, 95% CI (6.01 – 28.89)) for intravenous (IV)/subcutaneous (SC) administration, indicating enhanced exercise capacity. When evaluating the efficacy of Treprostinil for oral administration, there was a slight but non-significant trend toward functional improvement (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.36; 95% CI: 0.95 to 1.93) and no significant change in maintaining functional status (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.59 to 1.51). In terms of functional deterioration, the risk was also not significantly reduced (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.36 to 1.98). Safety assessment of the drug was based on clinical, mortality, and adverse events outcomes. Clinically, Treprostinil demonstrated a protective effect against disease progression, evidenced by a reduced risk of clinical worsening (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.52 to 0.91). Mortality rates were not significantly impacted by Treprostinil addition (OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.57 to 1.58 for oral, 0.80; 95% CI: 0.32 to 1.98 for IV/SC). However, the incidence of adverse events was notably higher among Treprostinil-treated patients, particularly with oral administration. Conclusion The addition of Treprostinil therapy for patients with PAH significantly improved exercise capacity, as evidenced by an increase in the 6MWD compared to control groups and demonstrated a reduced risk of clinical worsening. The incidence of adverse events was higher among Treprostinil-treated patients, especially with oral administration, potentially impacting quality of life.Forest plot of the 6MWD

COPD associated pulmonary hypertension: A post hoc analysis of the PERFECT study.

The PERFECT study, a randomized, controlled, double-blind study of inhaled treprostinil in patients with COPD and associated pulmonary hypertension (PH-COPD) was a negative trial that was terminated early. The reason(s) for the negative outcome remains uncertain. A post hoc analysis of data from the PERFECT study was undertaken to identify adverse responders and possibly potential responders. The goal was also to provide insight into phenotypes for possible inclusion and exclusion in future PH-COPD clinical trials. An adverse response on active treatment was seen in 36.4% (24/66) of the subjects compared to 27.6% (16/58) on placebo. There was no evidence to suggest that hyperinflation, bronchospasm, or occult heart failure played any role in the untoward outcomes of the study. The patients who died during the study all had baseline diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide ≤25% of predicted. Evidence of a potential response was seen in 10.6% (7/66) of the patients who received inhaled treprostinil. Patients who had evidence of a treatment response had a baseline mean pulmonary artery pressure of ≥40 mmHg and a forced expiratory volume in the first second of ≥40%. Change in N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide did not predict clinical response. This post hoc analysis provides information that may potentially enable improved selection of patients for future therapeutic trials in PH-COPD. These analyses are post hoc, observational, and exploratory. The thresholds defining the spectrum of responders are preliminary and may require further refinement and validation in future studies.

Inhaled treprostinil in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease with less severe haemodynamics: a post hoc analysis of the INCREASE study

BackgroundInhaled treprostinil (iTre) is the only treatment approved for pulmonary hypertension due to interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) to improve exercise capacity. This post hoc analysis evaluated clinical worsening and PH-ILD...

The risk profile change in patients with severe chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension treated with subcutaneous treprostinil.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is successfully treatable with pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), balloon pulmonary angioplasty, and medical therapy. Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Disease Management risk score (RRS) is able to predict long-term outcome in inoperable patients or in patients with residual PH after surgery. We performed a post hoc analysis of RRS in patients who were enrolled in the CTREPH study (NCT01416636), a randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing high-dose and low-dose subcutaneous (SC) treprostinil in patients with severe CTEPH that was classified by an interdisciplinary CTEPH team as nonoperable, or as persistent or recurrent pulmonary hypertension after PEA. Baseline mean RRS was similar in both treatment groups (8.7 in high-dose arm vs. 8.6 in low-dose arm), but mean RRS change from baseline to Week 24 was greater in the high-dose treprostinil group than in the low-dose treprostinil group (-0.88 vs. -0.17). The difference in RRS change from baseline to Week 24 between high dose versus low dose was statistically significant with mean difference of -0.70 (95% confidence interval: -1.36 to -0.05, p = 0.0352), and was driven mainly by improvement of World Health Organization functional class and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentration. SC treprostinil therapy administered in standard dose had positive effect on the risk profile measured by RRS in patients with inoperable or persistent/recurrent severe CTEPH. Although our study was limited by the small sample size and post hoc nature, assessment of risk profile is of great importance to this particular patient population with very poor prognosis.

Long-term inhaled treprostinil for pulmonary hypertension due to interstitial lung disease: INCREASE open-label extension study.

The 16-week randomised, placebo-controlled INCREASE trial (RCT) met its primary end-point by improving 6-min walk distance (6MWD) in patients receiving inhaled treprostinil for pulmonary hypertension due to interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD). The open-label extension (OLE) evaluated long-term effects of inhaled treprostinil in PH-ILD. Of 258 eligible patients, 242 enrolled in the INCREASE OLE and received inhaled treprostinil. Assessments included 6MWD, pulmonary function testing, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), quality of life and adverse events. Hospitalisations, exacerbations of underlying lung disease and death were recorded. At INCREASE OLE baseline, patients had a median age of 70 years and a mean 6MWD of 274.2 m; 52.1% were male. For the overall population, the mean 6MWD at week 52 was 279.1 m and the mean change from INCREASE RCT baseline was 3.5 m (22.1 m for the prior inhaled treprostinil arm and -19.5 m for the prior placebo arm); the median NT-proBNP decreased from 389 pg·mL-1 at RCT baseline to 359 pg·mL-1 at week 64; and the absolute (% predicted) mean forced vital capacity change from RCT baseline to week 64 was 51 mL (2.8%). Patients who received inhaled treprostinil versus placebo in the RCT had a 31% lower relative risk of exacerbation of underlying lung disease in the OLE (hazard ratio 0.69 (95% CI 0.49-0.97); p=0.03). Adverse events leading to drug discontinuation occurred in 54 (22.3%) patients. These results support the long-term safety and efficacy of inhaled treprostinil in patients with PH-ILD, and are consistent with the results observed in the INCREASE RCT.

Comparative evaluation of costs and healthcare resource utilization of oral selexipag versus inhaled treprostinil or oral treprostinil in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

BackgroundPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare vasculopathy progressively leading to right heart failure and death, is associated with considerable economic burden. Oral prostacyclin pathway agents (PPAs) like selexipag and treprostinil address an underlying PAH pathway, yet are often under-utilized. Data on head-to-head cost comparison of various PPAs is lacking.MethodsIn this retrospective study using a large health claims database, we compared the per-patient-per-year (PPPY) costs and healthcare resource utilization (HRU) among PAH patients taking either oral selexipag, inhaled treprostinil or oral treprostinil in the United States between July 2015 and March 2020. Patients with ≥1 prescription for one of the drugs of interest, ≥1 in-patient pulmonary hypertension (PH) diagnosis, or ≥ 2 outpatient PH diagnoses were included in this study. Baseline differences between the three groups were adjusted using an inverse probability of treatment weighting approach. 411 patients were selected for the final study cohorts.ResultsAll-cause hospitalization costs were highest for oral treprostinil ($39,983) compared to oral selexipag ($20,635) and inhaled treprostinil ($16,548; p = .037). Total PAH-related medical costs were 40% lower for patients on oral selexipag compared to patients on oral and inhaled treprostinil ($24,351 vs. $40,398 and $40,339, respectively; p = .006). PAH-related outpatient visits were lowest for patients on oral selexipag (14 PPPY visits) compared to oral treprostinil (16 PPPY visits) and inhaled treprostinil (22 PPPY visits; p = .001).ConclusionsCompared to oral and inhaled treprostinil, oral selexipag may incur lower medical costs and reduce PAH related outpatient visits for patients with PAH.

Long-term effect of subcutaneous treprostinil in patients with pulmonary hypertension: rationale and design of the phase IV, multicentre, observational TREPAR-HP study

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic, progressive condition with high morbidity and mortality due to right heart (RH) failure. Prognosis depends on RH adaptability and remodelling in response to increased pulmonary arterial pressure. There is little information regarding risk variables and prognostic factors in the Argentinian population, current risk scores have not been validated, and its impact on free-event survival is still unknown. Prostacyclin analogues are the first-line treatment for high-risk patients. However, there is limited evidence on its clinical benefits, long-term effects, and impact on RH remodelling in the Argentinian population.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The study was designed as a national, multicentre, prospective, observational, phase IV study including 100 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, treated with subcutaneous treprostinil and followed up for 48 months. The study will be conducted in parallel with the patients' standard management and treatment in each centre. The primary objective is to assess the long-term improvement or reversal of RH remodelling (RHRR) parameters obtained by echocardiography. Secondary objectives include the evaluation of the prognostic value of RHRR parameters and the rate of clinical events, the treatment effect in terms of pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricle systolic function, morbidity and all-cause mortality, quality of life, and safety and tolerability.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study will help to determine the clinical benefits, long-term effects, and impact on RH remodelling of prostacyclin analogues in Argentina.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Trial registration:</strong> The trial was registered at Registro Nacional de Investigaciones en Salud (RENIS) in Argentina (https://sisa.msal.gov.ar/sisa/#sisa; registration number IS003303).</p>

BREEZE: Open-label clinical study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of treprostinil inhalation powder as Tyvaso DPI™ in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Inhaled treprostinil is an approved therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease in the United States. Studies have confirmed the robust benefits and safety of nebulized inhaled treprostinil, but it requires a time investment for nebulizer preparation, maintenance, and treatment. A small, portable treprostinil dry powder inhaler has been developed for the treatment of PAH. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of treprostinil inhalation powder (TreT) in patients currently treated with treprostinil inhalation solution. Fifty‐one patients on a stable dose of treprostinil inhalation solution enrolled and transitioned to TreT at a corresponding dose. Six‐minute walk distance (6MWD), device preference and satisfaction (Preference Questionnaire for Inhaled Treprostinil Devices [PQ‐ITD]), PAH Symptoms and Impact (PAH‐SYMPACT®) questionnaire, and systemic exposure and pharmacokinetics for up to 5 h were assessed at baseline for treprostinil inhalation solution and at Week 3 for TreT. Adverse events (AEs) were consistent with studies of inhaled treprostinil in patients with PAH, and there were no study drug‐related serious AEs. Statistically significant improvements occurred in 6MWD, PQ‐ITD, and PAH‐SYMPACT. Forty‐nine patients completed the 3‐week treatment phase and all elected to participate in an optional extension phase. These results demonstrate that, in patients with PAH, transition from treprostinil inhalation solution to TreT is safe, well‐tolerated, and accompanied by statistically significant improvements in key clinical assessments and patient‐reported outcomes with comparable systemic exposure between the two formulations at evaluated doses (trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03950739).

THE IMPACT OF HEMODYNAMIC PARAMETERS ON INHALED TREPROSTINIL TREATMENT RESPONSE: A SUBGROUP ANALYSIS FROM THE INCREASE TRIAL

THE IMPACT OF HEMODYNAMIC PARAMETERS ON INHALED TREPROSTINIL TREATMENT RESPONSE: A SUBGROUP ANALYSIS FROM THE INCREASE TRIAL

Inhaled treprostinil and forced vital capacity in patients with interstitial lung disease and associated pulmonary hypertension: a post-hoc analysis of the INCREASE study

INCREASE was a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial that evaluated inhaled treprostinil in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and associated pulmonary hypertension. Treprostinil improved exercise capacity from baseline to week 16, assessed with the use of a 6-min walk test, compared with placebo. Improvements in forced vital capacity (FVC) were also reported. The aim of this post-hoc analysis was to further characterise the effects of inhaled treprostinil on FVC in the overall study population and in various subgroups of interest. In this post-hoc analysis, we evaluated FVC changes in the overall study population and in various subgroups defined by cause of disease or baseline clinical parameters. The study population included patients aged 18 years and older who had a diagnosis of ILD based on evidence of diffuse parenchymal lung disease on chest CT done within 6 months before random assignment (not centrally adjudicated). All analyses were done on the intention-to-treat population, defined as individuals who were randomly assigned and received at least one dose of study drug. The INCREASE study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02630316. Between Feb 3, 2017, and Aug 30, 2019, 326 patients were enrolled in the INCREASE trial. Inhaled treprostinil was associated with a placebo-corrected least squares mean improvement in FVC of 28·5 mL (SE 30·1; 95% CI -30·8 to 87·7; p=0·35) at week 8 and 44·4 mL (35·4; -25·2 to 114·0; p=0·21) at week 16, with associated percentage of predicted FVC improvements of 1·8% (0·7; 0·4 to 3·2; p=0·014) and 1·8% (0·8; 0·2 to 3·4; p=0·028). Subgroup analysis of patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia showed FVC differences of 46·5 mL (SE 39·9; 95% CI -32·5 to 125·5; p=0·25) at week 8 and 108·2 mL (46·9; 15·3 to 201·1; p=0·023) at week 16. Analysis of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis showed FVC differences of 84·5 mL (52·7; -20·4 to 189·5; p=0·11) at week 8 and 168·5 mL (64·5; 40·1 to 297·0; p=0·011) at week 16. The most frequent adverse events included cough, headache, dyspnoea, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and diarrhoea. In patients with ILD and associated pulmonary hypertension, inhaled treprostinil was associated with improvements in FVC versus placebo at 16 weeks. This difference was most evident in patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, particularly idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Inhaled treprostinil appears to be a promising therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis that warrants further investigation in a prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled study. United Therapeutics Corporation.

Inhaled Treprostinil and FVC Change in Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease and Associated Pulmonary Hypertension

Background: INCREASE was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 16-week study that evaluated the safety and efficacy of inhaled treprostinil in patients with interstitial lung disease and associated pulmonary hypertension (PH-ILD). The study met its primary endpoint of change in peak 6-minute walk distance at Week 16. Methods: Pulmonary function testing and exacerbations of underlying lung disease were conducted as safety assessments. This current analysis assessed the effects of inhaled treprostinil on the forced vital capacity (FVC). Findings: 326 patients were randomized to inhaled treprostinil or placebo. Inhaled treprostinil was associated with placebo-corrected improvements in the FVC of 28·5 mL (95% CI -30·8-87.7, p=0·345) and 44·4 mL (95% CI -25·3-114·1, p=0·211) at Weeks 8 and 16, respectively. The associated percent predicted FVC improvements at Weeks 8 and 16 were 1·79% (95% CI 0·37-3·21, p=0·014) and 1·80% (95% CI 0·20-3·39, p=0·028), respectively. Patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) demonstrated FVC improvements of 46·5 mL (n=129, 95% CI -32·55-125·5, p=0·247) and 108·2 mL (n=115, 95% CI 15·3-201·1, p=0·023) at Weeks 8 and 16, respectively. Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) demonstrated FVC improvements of 84·5 mL (n=78, 95% CI -20·4-189·5, p=0·113) and 168·5 mL (n=70, 95% CI 40·1-297·0, p=0·011) at Weeks 8 and 16, respectively. Interpretation: In patients with PH-ILD, inhaled treprostinil resulted in improvements in FVC compared to placebo. This difference was most evident in patients with IIP and in particular, IPF. Inhaled treprostinil appears to be a promising therapy for IPF that warrants further prospective clinical study. Trial Registration: The INCREASE study (NCT02630316) is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. Funding Statement: The INCREASE study was funded by United Therapeutics Corporation. Declaration of Interests: SDN has received research funding and consulting fees from United Therapeutics. He has received consulting fees from Boehringer-Ingelheim, Roche-Genentech and Galapagos. He is also on the speakers bureau for Boehringer-Ingelheim and Roche-Genentech. AW reports grants from United Therapeutics Corporation, during the conduct of the study. SR reports grants from United Therapeutics Corporation, during the conduct of the study; grants and personal fees from United Therapeutics, grants and personal fees from Janssen Pharmaceuticals, personal fees from Altavant Sciences, personal fees from Liquidia Technologies, Inc., personal fees from Insmed, Inc., personal fees from Bayer Pharmaceuticals, outside the submitted work. AC reports grants from United Therapeutics Corporation, during the conduct of the study. SJ reports grants from United Therapeutics Corporation, during the conduct of the study; grants and personal fees from Bayer Pharmaceuticals, grants from Bellerophon Therapeutics, grants and personal fees from Janssen Research and Development, outside the submitted work. HD reports grants from United Therapeutics Corporation during the conduct of the study; grants and personal fees from Actelion Pharmaceuticals, outside the submitted work. DZ reports grants from United Therapeutics Corporation, during the conduct of the study. SS reports grants from United Therapeutics Corporation, during the conduct of the study; personal fees and non-financial support from Bayer Pharmaceuticals, personal fees and non-financial support from United Therapeutics, personal fees and non-financial support from Actelion Pharmaceuticals, personal fees from Liquidia, personal fees from Altavant Sciences, from GSK, grants from ACCP CHEST ILD Research Grant, personal fees from Boehringer Ingelheim, outside the submitted work. CK reports grants from United Therapeutics Corporation, during the conduct of the study; personal fees from United Therapeutics, personal fees from Actelion, personal fees from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, personal fees from Genentech, outside the submitted work. LMG reports grants and personal fees from United Therapeutics Corporation, during the conduct of the study; personal fees from United Therapeutics Corporation, personal fees from Janssen and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, personal fees from Bayer Pharmaceuticals, outside the submitted work. PS reports personal fees from United Therapeutics Corporation, during the conduct of the study; personal fees from United Therapeutics Corporation, outside the submitted work. ES reports personal fees from United Therapeutics Corporation, during the conduct of the study; personal fees from United Therapeutics Corporation, outside the submitted work. LDE reports personal fees from United Therapeutics Corporation, during the conduct of the study; personal fees from United Therapeutics Corporation, outside the submitted work. AN reports personal fees from United Therapeutics Corporation, during the conduct of the study; personal fees from United Therapeutics Corporation, outside the submitted work. VFT reports grants from United Therapeutics Corporation, during the conduct of the study; personal fees from United Therapeutics, outside the submitted work. Ethics Approval Statement: The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board at each participating site. The study was monitored by an independent data and safety monitoring committee and was conducted in accordance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice.

Ambulatory Transition from Parenteral Prostanoid to Inhaled Treprostinil in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

The intravenous or subcutaneous delivery of prostanoid drugs for moderate to severe pulmonary arterial hypertension has been fraught with complications and patient dissatisfaction. Combination therapy including inhaled treprostinil is an attractive alternative in clinically stable patients. Uncertainties exist about the patient characteristics and the optimal setting (inpatient versus office/home) for transition. Sixteen stable patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and favorable risk profile were transitioned from parenteral prostanoid to combination therapy including inhaled treprostinil in the home setting. Nine patients were using intravenous treprostinil, two patients were using subcutaneous treprostinil, and five patients were using intravenous epoprostenol at a median dose of 80 (interquartile range, IQR 72-90), 76.5 (68 and 85), and 28 (IQR 26-30) ng/kg/min respectively. Patients were followed up for a median of 732.5days after transition (IQR 506.5-1294days). Patients tolerated the transition to inhaled treprostinil well without significant change in functional class (81.25% FC I/II before transition vs. 87.5% after), 6-min walk distance [349m (IQR 226-461m) to 364m (IQR 238-565m), p = 0.09] or NT-proBNP [149pg/ml (IQR 71.5-383pg/ml) to 186.5pg/ml (IQR 83.5-444pg/ml), p = 0.38]. Hemodynamic data, where available, showed significant improvements in mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance from 36mmHg (IQR 27-46.5mmHg) and 5.2 Wood Units (WU) (IQR 3.1-5.6 WU) to 28.5mmHg (IQR 22-35.5mmHg) and 3.2 WU (IQR 2.4-4.2 WU) (p-values 0.022 and 0.003). More patients were on triple therapy after transition, and side effects reported were less severe. For select patients, transition from a parenteral prostanoid-based therapy to a combination regimen including inhaled treprostinil in the home setting appears safe and well tolerated.

4972Upfront triple combination therapy with ambrisentan, tadalafil and subcutaneous treprostinil in incident patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension

Abstract Aim Current treatments strategies for high-risk patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are based on the use of parenteral prostanoids. The evidence to support triple upfront combination therapy remains largely based on expert consensus or small studies. Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an upfront triple combination therapy with ambrisentan, tadalafil and subcutaneous (sc) treprostinil in patients with severe PAH. Methods This is a multi-center retrospective analysis of patients with newly diagnosed severe PAH treated with upfront triple combination therapy with ambrisentan, tadalafil and sc treprostinil between 2014 and 2018. Clinical evaluations, WHO functional class (FC), 6-min walk distance, biomarkers and right heart catheterization were collected from the patients' medical records at baseline and during the follow-up. Results Overall, 20 patients (mean age 44±15 years, 15 female) were included. Over a median follow-up of 12 months, all patients were still alive on triple combination therapy. At baseline 11 patients were in WHO-FC 3 and 9 patients in WHO-FC 4. At follow-up, WHO-FC (2.0±0.5 vs 3.5±0.5, p<0.001, improved in all: 2, 16, and 2 patients in FC 1, 2 and 3, respectively), exercise capacity (431±67 vs 152±130 m, p<0.001), NT-proBNP (423±260 vs 3492±1864 pg/ml; p<0.001), and haemodynamics (right atrial pressure 5±2 vs 13±3 mmHg, p<0.001; mean pulmonary artery pressure 42±5 vs 60±9 mmHg, p<0.001; cardiac index 3.5±0.8 vs 1.8±0.3 l/min/m2, p<0.001; pulmonary vascular resistance 5.5±1.3 vs 16.4±4.4 Wood units, p<0.001; pulmonary arterial compliance 2.5±0.9 vs 0.8±0.3 ml/mmHg, p<0.001) significantly improved compared with baseline. No patient discontinued the therapy due to serious adverse events. Conclusions Triple upfront combination therapy with ambrisentan, tadalafil and sc treprostinil is safe and offers clinical and heamodynamics benefits in incident patients with severe PAH.

Intravenous treprostinil as an add-on therapy in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension who have an insufficient response to oral or inhaled therapies, current guidelines recommend the use of parenteral prostacyclin analogues, although the efficacy of this approach is unknown. This retrospective multicenter study evaluated patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension who received intravenous treprostinil as an add-on therapy. The risk at baseline and follow-up (6-12 months after the initiation of treprostinil) was classified as low, intermediate, or high according to current recommendations. The outcome was measured as transplant-free survival after the initiation of treprostinil therapy. A total of 126 patients were analyzed, almost all of them pre-treated with combinations of other pulmonary arterial hypertension medications. Before the initiation of intravenous treprostinil, 2 (2%) patients had a low-risk profile; 100 (79%), an intermediate-risk profile; and 24 (19%), a high-risk profile. At follow-up, 24 (19%) patients were classified as low-risk. These patients had a 5-year transplant-free survival rate >90%. In contrast, patients who remained at intermediate or high risk had transplant-free survival rates of 76%, 43%, and 28% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Failure to reach a low risk at follow-up was an independent predictor of transplant-free survival (hazard ratio, 9.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-71.60; p = 0.0331). Risk assessment at 6-12 months after the initiation of add-on intravenous treprostinil in patients with an insufficient response to nonparenteral treatments allows the prediction of transplant-free survival over the ensuing years. Achieving a low-risk profile is associated with excellent outcomes, whereas mortality is high in patients who remain at intermediate or high risk.

LONG-TERM CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN A SERIES OF PATIENTS TRANSITIONED FROM INFUSED OR INHALED TREPROSTINIL TO ORAL TREPROSTINIL

SESSION TITLE: Pulmonary Vascular Disease 2 SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/10/2018 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical impact of long term treatment with oral treprostinil in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) transitioned from infused or inhaled treprostinil. METHODS: Medical records of 4 patients with PAH treated long term with oral treprostinil after transition from infused or inhaled treprostinil maintenance therapy were examined. WHO Group I or IV pulmonary hypertension was confirmed based on standard diagnostic guidelines. Data extracted included demographics, changes in functional capacity, clinical worsening events and echocardiogram parameters of right heart function. The impact of side effects on compliance and treatment effect were included in the analysis. RESULTS: All patients were male aged 43 to 71 at the time of conversion to oral treprostinil. Two patients had idiopathic PAH, 1 familial PAH and 1 chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Two patients transitioned from long term infused treprostinil (> 40 months) and concurrent tadalafil. Two patients transitioned from long term inhaled treprostinil (> 19 months) and concurrent phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor or soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator. Oral treprostinil continued in combination with other PAH therapies in all cases. Duration of exposure to oral treprostinil ranged from 16 to 34 months. There was no therapy escalation due to clinical worsening. Two patients were hospitalized during the period of interest; none were for PAH related reasons. 6 minute walk distance was maintained or improved in 3 patients; transient decrease in 6 minute walk distance in 1 patient was related to temporary noncompliance. WHO functional class was maintained or improved in all patients. Improvement in right ventricular size or function were noted by echocardiography in 3 patients, while the fourth patient maintained right ventricular function without change. Serial data reflecting changes in functional capacity and echocardiographic features of PAH suggested patients transitioning from inhaled therapy may have experienced more beneficial impact. Three patients had significant gastrointestinal side effects that affected compliance or dose titration. CONCLUSIONS: Patients transitioned from infused or inhaled forms of treprostinil were able to maintain long term functional capacity and in some cases experienced further improvement in function and echocardiographic changes associated with PAH. A synergistic dependence on concurrent PAH therapies cannot be excluded. Long term use of oral treprostinil is associated with significant side effects which may affect compliance or dose titration. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: There is little known or reported about the effects of long term treatment with oral treprostinil. This report supports the long term use of oral treprostinil in PAH treatment regimens to maintain or improve functional capacity and prevent clinical worsening. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Regina Overton-Barnes, source=Web Response Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with United Therapeutics Please note: $5001 - $20000 Added 03/02/2018 by John Swisher, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria Clinical trial participant relationship with United Therapeutics Please note: $1-$1000 Added 03/02/2018 by John Swisher, source=Web Response, value=Grant/Research Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with Actelion Pharmaceuticals Please note: $5001 - $20000 Added 03/02/2018 by John Swisher, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with Gilead Please note: $5001 - $20000 Added 03/02/2018 by John Swisher, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria No relevant relationships by Eric Weaver, source=Web Response

Tolerability and clinical efficacy of inhaled treprostinil in patients with group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Treprostinil is a prostacyclin analogue that directly vasodilates pulmonary and systemic arterial vascular beds. The United States Food and Drug Administration approved inhaled treprostinil in July 2009 for the treatment of group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension. Inhaled treprostinil avoids issues with continuous infusion prostanoids. This study describes a single institutional experience with inhaled treprostinil. This was a retrospective review of group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension patients receiving inhaled treprostinil from July 2009 through September 2015. Patient demographics, vital signs, prognostic indicators, pulmonary arterial hypertension assessments, treprostinil dosing, pulmonary arterial hypertension medications, and physician assessment were collected. Prognostic indicators and the physician assessment were used to assess treatment response. A modified Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-term Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Disease Management (REVEAL) risk score was calculated prior to and after initiation of inhaled treprostinil. The mean time on inhaled treprostinil for the 16 patients was 21 ± 17 months. A total of 31% discontinued treatment. The New York Heart Association Functional Class, right ventricular size, and right ventricular function improved after inhaled treprostinil. Directional improvement in B-type natriuretic peptide, 6-minute walk distance, right arterial pressure and mean pulmonary artery pressure were also observed. The mean modified REVEAL risk score (RRS) was 7 ± 3 at baseline. The RRS decreased in 7 of the 11 patients that improved and remained stable in 2 patients. The majority of patients in this consecutive series receiving inhaled treprostinil tolerated treatment. Most patients remained on therapy for over 12 months. Clinical assessments of disease severity all changed directionally toward improvement and the overall risk assessment was improved or stable in 56% by the RRS.

The safety and tolerability of inhaled treprostinil in patients with pulmonary hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The primary aim was to explore the safety and tolerability of inhaled treprostinil when used in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) with concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with a diagnosis of pre-capillary PH (defined as pulmonary artery mean pressure of ≥ 25 mmHg and pulmonary artery wedge pressure or left ventricular end diastolic pressure of ≤ 15 mmHg) who were being initiated on inhaled treprostinil and had concomitant COPD (defined as FEV1/FVC ratio ≤ 70% with FEV1 ≥ 40% predicted) were considered for inclusion in this pilot study. Assessments included adverse events, physical exam, World Health Organization (WHO) functional class, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), modified Borg dyspnea score, and concomitant medication. At baseline and week 16 St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), arterial blood gas (ABG), and pulmonary function test (PFT) were assessed. The median age was 65 years (age range, 56–80 years) and five patients (56%) were men. Among the nine patients, a majority had an increase in 6MWT from baseline to week 16 (median change, 19 m). Only three of the nine patients (33%) had an increase in A-a gradient at week 16 (median change, –7). There was no difference in any of the following: arterial blood gases, WHO functional class, 6MWT results, or SGRQ scores from baseline to week 16. There was a statistically significant decline in several of the PFT measures, including FEV1 (median change, –0.18 L; P = 0.004; median change, –7% of predicted; P = 0.016), FVC (median change, –0.23 L; P = 0.027), and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (median change, –5% of predicted; P = 0.023). The small number of patients limits firm conclusions; however, inhaled treprostinil did not seem to adversely impact oxygenation in the majority of the study patients with pre-capillary PH and COPD. While there may have an adverse impact on some pulmonary function parameters, the clinical significance is unclear.

Relevance of angiopoietin-2 and soluble P-selectin levels in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension receiving combination therapy with oral treprostinil: a FREEDOM-C2 biomarker substudy.

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00887978.

Transition from intravenous or subcutaneous prostacyclin therapy to inhaled treprostinil in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: a retrospective case series.

Inhaled treprostinil represents an attractive alternative to the other available prostacyclin formulations by obviating the use of continuous infusions and its associated risks. Published evidence describing the process of transition from infusion prostacyclin therapy to inhaled treprostinil is limited. The purpose of this report is to describe an inpatient protocol for transitioning patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) from intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SQ) prostacyclin therapy to inhaled treprostinil. A retrospective case cohort study was performed evaluating medical records of three patients undergoing transition from IV/SQ continuous infusion prostacyclin therapy to inhaled treprostinil. The transition protocol and clinical data were collected prospectively. Haemodynamics, six-min walk distance (6MWD), World Health Organization (WHO) functional class, modified Borg Dyspnea Score and brain natriuretic peptide prior to and after transition remained similar. All patients were receiving concomitant oral PAH medications prior to and after conversion. Adverse effects during the change were mild. No patients discontinued inhaled treprostinil following transition. At long-term follow-up, functional class remained stable at WHO functional class II or better. Patient 1 and Patient 3 demonstrated stable to modest improvement in 6MWD, whereas Patient 2 had a slight decrease in 6MWD. The transition to inhaled treprostinil from IV/SQ infusion prostacyclin therapy appears to be safe in carefully selected patients. Our report describes a standard method used to transition patients from IV/SQ infusion prostacyclin to inhaled treprostinil.

Oral Treprostinil for the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Patients Receiving Background Endothelin Receptor Antagonist and Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor Therapy (The FREEDOM-C2 Study): A Randomized Controlled Trial

Treprostinil is a stable prostacyclin analog approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) as parenteral or inhaled therapy. Treprostinil diolamine, a sustained-release oral formulation of treprostinil, was studied to determine whether it could provide a more convenient prostacyclin treatment option for patients with less severe PAH. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral treprostinil in patients with PAH receiving stable background endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA), phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE-5I) therapy, or both. A 16-week, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 310 patients with PAH compared bid administration of oral treprostinil (n = 157) with placebo (n = 153). The primary end point was change in 6-min walk distance at week 16. Secondary efficacy end points were World Health Organization functional class, Borg dyspnea score, dyspnea-fatigue index, signs and symptoms of PAH, and clinical worsening. One hundred thirty-two patients (84%) receiving oral treprostinil and 138 (90%) receiving placebo completed the study. The mean ± SD dose of oral treprostinil at week 16 was 3.1 ± 1.9 mg bid. The Hodges-Lehmann placebo-corrected median difference in 6MWD at week 16 was 10.0 m (95% CI, -2 to 22 m; P = .089). There were no significant changes in secondary end points. The most common adverse events associated with oral treprostinil were headache (71%), diarrhea (55%), nausea (46%), flushing (35%), and jaw pain (25%). The addition of oral treprostinil to background ERA and PDE-5I therapy did not result in a statistically significant improvement in exercise capacity. Side effects were common but tolerated by most subjects. ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT00887978; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.