AVXS-101 (Onasemnogene Abeparvovec) for SMA1: Comparative Study with a Prospective Natural History Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) is the leading genetic cause of infant mortality for which therapies, including AVXS-101 (onasemnogene abeparvovec, Zolgensma®) gene replacement therapy, are emerging. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of AVXS-101 in infants with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) compared with a prospective natural history cohort and a cohort of healthy infants. METHODS: Twelve SMA1 infants received the proposed therapeutic dose of AVXS-101 (NCT02122952). Where possible, the following outcomes were compared with a natural history cohort of SMA1 infants (n = 16) and healthy infants (n = 27) enrolled in the NeuroNEXT (NN101) study (NCT01736553): event-free survival, CHOP-INTEND scores, motor milestone achievements, compound muscle action potential (CMAP), and adverse events. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of SMA1 infants in the AVXS-101 and NN101 studies were similar in age and genetic profile. The proportion of AVXS-101-treated infants who survived by 24 months of follow-up was higher compared with the NN101 study (100% vs 38%, respectively). The average baseline CHOP-INTEND score for NN101 SMA1 infants was 20.3, worsening to 5.3 by age 24 months; the average baseline score in AVXS-101-treated infants was 28.2, improving to 56.5 by age 24 months. Infants receiving AVXS-101 achieved motor milestones, such as sitting unassisted and walking. Improvements in CMAP peak area were observed in AVXS-101-treated infants at 6 and 24 months (means of 1.1 and 3.2 mV/s, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, AVXS-101 increased the probability of survival, rapidly improved motor function, and enabled motor milestone achievement in SMA1 infants.

Impact of Age and Motor Function in a Phase 1/2A Study of Infants With SMA Type 1 Receiving Single-Dose Gene Replacement Therapy.

BACKGROUND: This study characterizes motor function responses after early dosing of AVXS-101 (onasemnogene abeparvovec) in gene replacement therapy in infants with severe spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1). METHODS: This study is a follow-up analysis of 12 infants with SMA1 who received the proposed therapeutic dose of AVXS-101 in a Phase 1 open-label study (NCT02122952). Infants were grouped according to age at dosing and baseline Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders scores: (1) early dosing/low motor, dosed age less than three months with scores <20 (n = 3), (2) late dosing, dosed at age three months or greater (n = 6), and (3) early dosing/high motor, dosed age less than three months with scores ≥20 (n = 3). RESULTS: Early dosing/low motor group demonstrated a mean gain of 35.0 points from a mean baseline of 15.7, whereas the late dosing group had a mean gain of 23.3 from a mean baseline of 26.5. The early dosing/high motor group quickly reached a mean score of 60.3, near the scale maximum (64), from a mean baseline of 44.0. Despite a lower baseline motor score, the early dosing/low motor group achieved sitting unassisted earlier than the late dosing group (mean age: 17.0 vs 22.0 months). The early dosing/high motor group reached this milestone earliest (mean age: 9.4 months). CONCLUSIONS: The rapid, significant motor improvements among infants with severe SMA1 treated with AVXS-101 at an early age highlight the importance of newborn screening and early treatment and demonstrate the therapeutic potential of AVXS-101 regardless of baseline motor function.

Single-Dose Gene-Replacement Therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

BACKGROUND: Spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) is a progressive, monogenic motor neuron disease with an onset during infancy that results in failure to achieve motor milestones and in death or the need for mechanical ventilation by 2 years of age. We studied functional replacement of the mutated gene encoding survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) in this disease. METHODS: Fifteen patients with SMA1 received a single dose of intravenous adeno-associated virus serotype 9 carrying SMN complementary DNA encoding the missing SMN protein. Three of the patients received a low dose (6.7×1013 vg per kilogram of body weight), and 12 received a high dose (2.0×1014 vg per kilogram). The primary outcome was safety. The secondary outcome was the time until death or the need for permanent ventilatory assistance. In exploratory analyses, we compared scores on the CHOP INTEND (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders) scale of motor function (ranging from 0 to 64, with higher scores indicating better function) in the two cohorts and motor milestones in the high-dose cohort with scores in studies of the natural history of the disease (historical cohorts). RESULTS: As of the data cutoff on August 7, 2017, all 15 patients were alive and event-free at 20 months of age, as compared with a rate of survival of 8% in a historical cohort. In the high-dose cohort, a rapid increase from baseline in the score on the CHOP INTEND scale followed gene delivery, with an increase of 9.8 points at 1 month and 15.4 points at 3 months, as compared with a decline in this score in a historical cohort. Of the 12 patients who had received the high dose, 11 sat unassisted, 9 rolled over, 11 fed orally and could speak, and 2 walked independently. Elevated serum aminotransferase levels occurred in 4 patients and were attenuated by prednisolone. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with SMA1, a single intravenous infusion of adeno-associated viral vector containing DNA coding for SMN resulted in longer survival, superior achievement of motor milestones, and better motor function than in historical cohorts. Further studies are necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of this gene therapy. (Funded by AveXis and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02122952 .).

Initial combination therapy with metformin plus colesevelam in drug-naïve Hispanic patients with early type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate initial combination therapy with metformin plus colesevelam in drug-naïve Hispanic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients self-identified as Hispanic from a previous study were included in this exploratory post hoc analysis. Patients were randomized to metformin plus colesevelam or metformin plus placebo. The primary efficacy parameter was the mean change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels from baseline. RESULTS: Metformin plus colesevelam had a greater mean HbA1c reduction (-1.2 ± 0.1%) than metformin plus placebo (-0.8 ± 0.1%; P = 0.001) from mean baselines of 7.7% and 7.6%, respectively. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and apolipoprotein (apo) B levels were also reduced (P < 0.0001 for all), while triglyceride (P < 0.0001) and apoA-I (P < 0.05) levels were increased with metformin plus colesevelam treatment compared with metformin plus placebo. With metformin plus colesevelam versus metformin plus placebo, more patients achieved an HbA1c of < 7.0% (75% vs 56%) and LDL-C of < 100 mg/dL (49% vs 14%; both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Metformin plus colesevelam may be an effective initial treatment option for Hispanic patients with early type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Colesevelam hydrochloride to treat hypercholesterolemia and improve glycemia in prediabetes: a randomized, prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the bile acid sequestrant colesevelam hydrochloride in patients with hypercholesterolemia and prediabetes. METHODS: In this 16-week, randomized, double-blind study, adults with untreated prediabetes (2-hour postoral glucose tolerance test [OGTT] glucose > or =140 to 199 mg/dL, fasting plasma glucose [FPG] > or =110 to 125 mg/dL, or both), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) > or =100 mg/dL, and triglycerides <500 mg/dL were randomly assigned to receive colesevelam (3.75 g/d) or placebo. The primary end point was percent change in LDL-C from baseline to week 16 with last observation carried forward. Secondary end points included change in FPG, hemoglobin A1c (A1C), and 2-hour post-OGTT glucose level from baseline to week 16 and attainment of LDL-C and FPG targets. RESULTS: In total, 216 patients were randomized (colesevelam, 108; placebo, 108). In comparison with placebo, colesevelam significantly reduced LDL-C (mean treatment difference, -15.6%), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-9.1%), total cholesterol (-7.2%), apolipoprotein B (-8.1%) (P<.001 for all the foregoing), FPG (median, -2.0 mg/dL; P = .02), and A1C (mean, -0.10%; P = .02). Colesevelam did not significantly change 2-hour post-OGTT glucose (-1.9 mg/dL; P = .75) or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.5%; P = .80). In addition, colesevelam significantly increased triglyceride levels relative to placebo (median, 14.3%; P<.001). The proportion of patients achieving target levels with colesevelam versus placebo, respectively, was as follows: LDL-C <100 mg/dL (29% versus 11%; P<.001), A1C <6.0% (37% versus 25%; P = .05), FPG <110 mg/dL (48% versus 56%; P = .97), and normalization of glucose (FPG <100 mg/dL [40% versus 23%; P = .06]). Colesevelam had a weight-neutral effect and was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Colesevelam is an option for managing the lipid profile and normalizing glucose levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia and prediabetes. Further study is warranted to determine whether colesevelam slows or prevents progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes.

Initial combination therapy with metformin and colesevelam for achievement of glycemic and lipid goals in early type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of initial combination therapy with metformin plus colesevelam in patients with early type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In this 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, adults with type 2 diabetes (hemoglobin A1c [A1C] values of 6.5% to 10.0%) and hypercholesterolemia (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] levels > or =100 mg/dL) were randomly assigned (1:1) to colesevelam (3.75 g/d) or placebo in combination with open-label metformin (850 mg/d; uptitrated at week 2 to 1,700 mg/d). The primary efficacy evaluation was change in A1C from baseline to study end (week 16 with last observation carried forward). RESULTS: In total, 286 patients were randomized: metformin/colesevelam (n = 145) or metformin/placebo (n = 141). Mean A1C was reduced by 1.1% with metformin/colesevelam (from 7.8% at baseline to 6.6% at study end) and by 0.8% with metformin/placebo (from 7.5% to 6.7%), resulting in a treatment difference of -0.3% at study end (P = .0035). In addition, metformin/colesevelam significantly reduced LDL-C (-16.3%), total cholesterol (-6.1%), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-8.3%), apolipoprotein B (-8.0%), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (-17%) and increased apolipoprotein A-I (+4.4%) and triglycerides (+18.6%) versus metformin/placebo (P<.01 for all). The proportions of patients who achieved recommended goals with metformin/colesevelam versus metformin/placebo, respectively, were as follows: A1C <7.0% (67% versus 56% [P = .0092]), LDL-C <100 mg/dL (48% versus 18% [P<.0001]), and composite A1C <7.0% + LDL-C <100 mg/dL (40% versus 12% [P<.0001]). Safety and tolerability were similar between the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Metformin plus colesevelam may be a valid option for initial therapy to achieve glycemic and lipid goals safely in early type 2 diabetes.

Impact of metformin-induced gastrointestinal symptoms on quality of life and adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study assesses the impact of 1) metformin on GI symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and 2) metformin-associated GI symptoms on medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes newly beginning therapy. METHODS: Patients with T2DM aged>or=18 years starting metformin from January to June 2007 who filled their prescriptions for >or=3 months were identified from a health benefits company database. Via telephone, GI symptom impact was evaluated in a 360-patient sample using the validated Bowel Symptom Questionnaire and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health (SF-36) survey. Adherence was assessed using the medication possession ratio (MPR). Logistic regression adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates was used to assess the relationship between GI symptoms and MPR<80%. RESULTS: The most and least common GI symptoms reported were diarrhea (62.1%) and retching (21.1%), respectively. Most GI symptoms were associated with lower physical and mental HRQoL (P<0.05). Most changes in specific HRQoL reached the minimum important difference of 3 points. Bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain were significantly associated with MPR<80%. Adjustment for demographic, clinical, and HRQoL factors made these relationships less evident. CONCLUSIONS: Metformin-associated GI symptoms in patients with T2DM lead to lower physical and mental HRQoL, which may result in patient nonadherence or physician reluctance to optimally titrate the metformin dose.

The effect of colesevelam hydrochloride on insulin sensitivity and secretion in patients with type 2 diabetes: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effect of colesevelam hydrochloride on insulin sensitivity, potential binding to glucose, and chronic effect(s) on fasting and postprandial glucose and insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Patients meeting inclusion criteria were withdrawn from all antidiabetes agents for 2 weeks and randomized to colesevelam 3.75 grams/day (n = 17) or placebo (n = 18) for 8 weeks. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies were performed at baseline (week -1) and weeks 2 and 8. A meal tolerance test was conducted at weeks -1, 0, 2, and 8. The meal tolerance test and study drug were coadministered at week 0 to assess the direct effect of colesevelam on glucose absorption. RESULTS: Insulin sensitivity as measured by the insulin clamp method did not change, but the Matsuda Index, a measure of whole-body insulin sensitivity calculated from postmeal tolerance test glucose and insulin levels, increased significantly within the colesevelam group from baseline to week 8 with last observation carried forward (P = 0.020). The postprandial area under the curve for glucose decreased with colesevelam versus placebo at weeks 2 and 8 with last observation carried forward (P = 0.012 and P = 0.061, respectively); the area under the curve for insulin did not decrease in concert with the decrease in area under the curve for glucose at week 2 (P = 0.585). Colesevelam had no effect on postmeal tolerance test glucose levels at week 0. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that colesevelam has no effect on peripheral insulin sensitivity or glucose absorption, but may improve glucose control by improving whole-body insulin sensitivity, although not by an acute effect on glucose absorption. CLINICAL TRIAL IDENTIFIER: NCT00361153.

Rationale and design of a clinical trial to evaluate metformin and colesevelam HCl as first-line therapy in type 2 diabetes and colesevelam HCl in prediabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) can begin early in the progression from impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 DM. Metformin is recommended as initial drug therapy for managing hyperglycemia in type 2 DM. The bile acid sequestrant colesevelam hydrochloride (HCl) is approved in the United States for glycemic control in adults with type 2 DM. Colesevelam HCl improves glycemic control and reduces low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in patients inadequately controlled on metformin-, sulfonylurea-, or insulin-based therapy. This trial is designed to evaluate whether initial therapy with metformin + colesevelam HCl provides greater glucose control and additional lipid and lipoprotein benefits, as compared to metformin alone in drug-naïve patients with type 2 DM, and whether treatment with colesevelam HCl has a beneficial effect on lipid and glucose levels in drug-naïve patients with impaired glucose tolerance and/or impaired fasting glucose (prediabetes). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial, drug-naïve patients with type 2 DM will be randomized 1 : 1 to metformin + colesevelam HCl or metformin + matching placebo, while those with prediabetes will be randomized 1 : 1 to colesevelam HCl or placebo, for 16 weeks of treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint will be change in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) in patients with type 2 DM and change in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in patients with prediabetes. CONCLUSION: A potential limitation is that there is no direct comparator for the dual glucose- and lipid-lowering effect of colesevelam HCl in the prediabetes cohort. However, results of this trial will help to define the extent to which colesevelam HCl can help improve cardiometabolic risk factors for complications of type 2 DM in the first-line environment, and will also indicate the extent to which early intervention with colesevelam HCl can help to correct metabolic abnormalities associated with prediabetes.

Concomitant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin with colesevelam hydrochloride in patients with type 2 diabetes: a pooled analysis.

Colesevelam hydrochloride (COL), a bile acid sequestrant indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise for reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia, was shown in a pilot study to reduce both glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and LDL-C in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Three double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in T2DM have now independently confirmed the HbA1c and LDL-C reductions with COL. In each of the primary studies, a significant mean treatment difference in HbA1c (-0.54%, -0.50%, and -0.54%) and LDL-C (-15.9%, -12.8%, and -16.7%) resulted from the addition of 3.75 grams/day of COL to existing metformin, insulin, or sulfonylurea-based therapy, respectively, in patients with T2DM inadequately controlled on their current antidiabetic regimen. Here we report the results of a pooled analysis of data for the 1018 patients included in the three primary studies. By study end, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), LDL-C, total cholesterol (TC), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were significantly reduced with COL versus placebo. Triglyceride (TG) and ApoA-I were significantly increased in the COL group relative to placebo. HDL-C did not change in either group, and the between-group treatment difference was small and not significant. Results of this pooled analysis are consistent with results reported previously in each of the primary COL studies and indicate that the HbA1c and LDL-C-lowering effects of COL are consistent, occurring regardless of whether COL is added to metformin, insulin, or sulfonylurea-based therapy. In conclusion, COL represents a novel therapeutic option by significantly lowering both LDL-C and HbA1c in patients with T2DM, two important treatment goals to forestall vascular complications.