RECOVER - the Real World Clinical Outcomes with Novel Modulator therapy combinations in people with cystic fibrosis

ABSTRACT

Background: Real-world, post-approval studies contribute significantly to the evidence surrounding the impact of new treatments, including CFTR modulators, but can be complex undertakings. Elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI) was approved by EMA sooner than expected in August 2020 during a global pandemic. Method: RECOVER, a multi-centre, post-approval study examining the impact of ETI, and conducted in 8 clinical sites in Ireland and the UK over 2 years, examines important outcomes in children and adults prescribed ETI. The study will be conducted in 2 phases in line with ETI approval 12+ and 6–11. In addition to routine data collected as part of normal care, key RECOVER endpoints include lung clearance index (LCI), spirometry-controlled CT, treatment adherence, GI symptoms, inflammation, liver disease markers, nasal inflammation and nitric oxide metabolism. Results: To date, 96 participants (56% female) out of a target of 137 in people with CFaged 12 and above, have been recruited (predominantly 12–18yrs to date). Recruitment and sample collection has been impacted by the effect of COVID-19 on CF care and CF centre attendance. Key challenges have included Sputum collection (risks of induction and non-sputum producing participants) and coordination of study activities with limited clinic attendance. Despite this, key baseline data, prior to commencing treatment, has been successfully collected on the majority of participants to date. For subjects recruited to date, 56% have F508del/F508del and 44% F508del/minimum function mutations, mean age is 16.1 years, mean FEV1 83.6% (23–111%), mean LCI 12.2 (6.9–24.3). Recruitment and data collection is ongoing. Conclusion: Despite the impact of accelerated approval and COVID-19, we have been able to proceed with study initiation, recruitment and sample collection. Data from RECOVER and other international post-approval studies is likely to add significantly to our understanding of the impact of ETI on people with CF.