Development of lifitegrast: a novel T-cell inhibitor for the treatment of dry eye disease.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface characterized by symptoms of discomfort, decreased tear quality, and chronic inflammation that affects an estimated 20 million patients in the US alone. DED is associated with localized inflammation of the ocular surface and periocular tissues leading to homing and activation of T cells, cytokine release, and development of hyperosmolar tears. This inflammatory milieu results in symptoms of eye dryness and discomfort. Homing of T cells to the ocular surface is influenced by the binding of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1; CD11a/CD18; αLß2), a cell surface adhesion protein, to its cognate ligand, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1; CD54), which is expressed on inflamed ocular/periocular epithelium and vascular endothelium. LFA-1/ICAM-1 binding within the immunologic synapse enables both T-cell activation and cytokine release. Lifitegrast is a novel T-cell integrin antagonist that is designed to mimic the binding epitope of ICAM-1. It serves as a molecular decoy to block the binding of LFA-1/ICAM-1 and inhibits the downstream inflammatory process. In vitro studies have demonstrated that lifitegrast inhibits T-cell adhesion to ICAM-1-expressing cells and inhibits secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6, all of which are known to be associated with DED. Lifitegrast has the potential to be the first pharmaceutical product approved in the US indicated for the treatment of both symptoms and signs of DED. Clinical trials involving over 2,500 adult DED patients have demonstrated that topically administered lifitegrast 5.0% ophthalmic solution can rapidly reduce the symptoms of eye dryness and decrease ocular surface staining with an acceptable long-term safety profile. The purpose of this review is to highlight the developmental story - from bench top to bedside - behind the scientific rationale, engineering, and clinical experience of lifitegrast for the treatment of DED.

Six-Month Intraocular Pressure Reduction with a Topical Bimatoprost Ocular Insert: Results of a Phase II Randomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: Improving adherence to manage elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) remains an unmet need. A topical bimatoprost ocular insert was compared with twice-daily timolol eye drops in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) treated for 6 months. DESIGN: Parallel-arm, multicenter, double-masked, randomized, controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirty adult OAG or OHT patients. METHODS: Eligible patients were randomized 1:1 to receive a bimatoprost insert plus artificial tears twice daily or a placebo insert plus timolol (0.5% solution) twice daily for 6 months after a screening washout period. Diurnal IOP measurements (at 0, 2, and 8 hours) were obtained at baseline; weeks 2, 6, and 12; and months 4, 5, and 6. Key eligibility included washout IOP of 23 mmHg or more at time 0, IOP of 20 mmHg or more at 2 and 8 hours, and IOP of 34 mmHg or less at all time points; no prior incisional surgery for OAG or OHT; and no known nonresponders to prostaglandins. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary efficacy end point examined the difference in mean change from baseline in diurnal IOPs (point estimate, 95% confidence interval) across 9 coprimary end points at weeks 2, 6, and 12 comparing the bimatoprost arm with the timolol arm using a noninferiority margin of 1.5 mmHg. Secondary end points were diurnal IOP measurements at months 4, 5, and 6 and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: A mean reduction from baseline IOP of -3.2 to -6.4 mmHg was observed for the bimatoprost group compared with -4.2 to -6.4 mmHg for the timolol group over 6 months. The study met the noninferiority definition at 2 of 9 time points but was underpowered for the observed treatment effect. Adverse events were consistent with bimatoprost or timolol exposure; no unexpected ocular AEs were observed. Primary retention rate of the insert was 88.5% of patients at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically relevant reduction in mean IOP was observed over 6 months with a bimatoprost ocular insert and seems to be safe and well tolerated. The topically applied bimatoprost insert may provide an alternative to daily eye drops to improve adherence, consistency of delivery, and reduction of elevated IOP.

Safety of Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution 5.0% in Patients With Dry Eye Disease: A 1-Year, Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 1-year safety of lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5.0% in patients with dry eye disease compared with placebo. METHODS: SONATA (Safety Of a 5.0% coNcentrATion of lifitegrAst ophthalmic solution) was a multicenter, randomized, prospective, double-masked, placebo-controlled phase 3 study (NCT01636206). Adults (≥18 years) with dry eye disease (Schirmer test score ≥1 and ≤10 mm; corneal staining score ≥2.0) were randomized 2:1 to lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5.0% or placebo twice daily for 360 days. The primary objective was percentage and severity of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Secondary objectives were ocular safety measures: corneal fluorescein staining, drop comfort, best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and intraocular pressure over 7 visits. Exploratory objectives included concentration of lifitegrast in plasma. RESULTS: The safety population comprised 331 participants (220 lifitegrast; 111 placebo). There were no serious ocular TEAEs. Overall, 53.6% of participants receiving lifitegrast experienced ≥1 ocular TEAE versus 34.2% in the placebo group; most TEAEs were mild to moderate in severity. Rates of discontinuation because of TEAEs were 12.3% (lifitegrast) versus 9.0% (placebo). The most common (>5%) TEAEs occurring in either treatment group were instillation site irritation (burning), instillation site reaction, visual acuity reduced, dry eye, and dysgeusia (change in taste). Ocular safety parameters for lifitegrast were similar to placebo. The mean plasma lifitegrast concentration at 360 days (n = 43) was below the limit of detection. There was no indication of systemic toxicity or localized infectious complications secondary to chronic immunosuppression. CONCLUSIONS: Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5.0% seemed safe and well tolerated in this study, with no unexpected adverse events.

Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution 5.0% versus Placebo for Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: Results of the Randomized Phase III OPUS-2 Study.

PURPOSE: Lifitegrast is an integrin antagonist that decreases T-cell-mediated inflammation associated with dry eye disease (DED). We report the results of OPUS-2, a phase III study evaluating the efficacy and safety of lifitegrast compared with placebo for the treatment of DED. DESIGN: A 12-week, multicenter, randomized, prospective, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged ≥18 years with use of artificial tears within 30 days, inferior corneal staining score ≥0.5 (0-4 scale), Schirmer tear test (without anesthesia) ≥1 and ≤10 mm, and eye dryness score ≥40 (0-100 visual analogue scale [VAS]). METHODS: Subjects were randomized 1:1 after 14-day placebo run-in to lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5.0% or placebo twice daily for 84 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Co-primary efficacy end points were change, from baseline to day 84, in eye dryness score (VAS, both eyes) and inferior corneal fluorescein staining score in the designated study eye. Secondary end points were change, from baseline to day 84, in ocular discomfort score (0-4 scale) in study eye, eye discomfort score (VAS), total corneal staining score in the study eye, and nasal conjunctival lissamine green staining score (0-4 scale) in the study eye. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 718 subjects were randomized: placebo, n = 360; lifitegrast, n = 358 (intent-to-treat population). Lifitegrast-treated subjects experienced greater improvement in eye dryness than placebo-treated subjects (treatment effect, 12.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.51-16.70; P < 0.0001). There was no between-group difference in inferior corneal staining (treatment effect, 0.03; 95% CI, -0.10 to 0.17; P = 0.6186). There was nominally significant improvement of secondary symptom end points among lifitegrast-treated subjects: ocular discomfort (nominal P = 0.0005) and eye discomfort (nominal, P < 0.0001). There were no between-group differences on secondary signs: total corneal staining and nasal lissamine staining. More lifitegrast-treated subjects (33.7%) than placebo-treated subjects (16.4%) experienced ocular TEAEs; no ocular TEAEs were serious. CONCLUSIONS: Lifitegrast met the co-primary symptom end point (eye dryness) but not the co-primary sign end point (inferior corneal staining). Secondary end point findings were consistent with this pattern. Most ocular TEAEs were mild to moderate; there were no unexpected TEAEs. Lifitegrast warrants further consideration as a treatment for DED.

Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5.0% for treatment of dry eye disease: results of the OPUS-1 phase 3 study.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5.0% compared with placebo in subjects with dry eye disease. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, parallel arm, multicenter clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 588 adult subjects with dry eye disease. METHODS: Eligible subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive topically administered lifitegrast (5.0%) or placebo (vehicle) twice daily for 84 days after a 14-day open-label placebo run-in period. After enrollment (day 0), subjects were evaluated at days 14, 42, and 84. Key objective (fluorescein and lissamine staining scores [Ora scales]) and subjective (Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI], 7-item visual analog scale, and ocular discomfort score [Ora scale]) measures were assessed at all visits. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary objective efficacy measure (sign) was mean change from baseline inferior corneal staining score (ICSS) at day 84. The co-primary subjective efficacy measure (symptom) was the mean change from baseline in the visual-related function subscale score of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (VR-OSDI). Supportive measures included corneal fluorescein scores (superior, central, total region) and conjunctival lissamine scores (nasal, temporal, total region) and symptom scores at day 84. RESULTS: The study met the primary objective efficacy ICSS end point in demonstrating superiority of lifitegrast compared with placebo (P = 0.0007). Lifitegrast significantly reduced corneal fluorescein staining (superior, P = 0.0392; total cornea, P = 0.0148) and conjunctival lissamine staining (nasal, P = 0.0039; total conjunctiva, P = 0.0086) at day 84 versus placebo. Significant (P < 0.05) improvements in nasal and total lissamine scores were observed at day 14 and maintained through day 84. The study did not meet the co-primary subjective VR-OSDI measure (P = 0.7894). However, significant improvements were observed at day 84 in ocular discomfort (P = 0.0273) and eye dryness (P = 0.0291), the most common and severe symptoms reported at baseline in both groups. There were no unanticipated or serious ocular adverse events (AEs). The most frequent reported ocular AEs were transient intermittent instillation site symptoms (irritation, discomfort) primarily on the initial lifitegrast dose at day 0. CONCLUSIONS: Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5.0% significantly reduced corneal fluorescein and conjunctival lissamine staining and improved symptoms of ocular discomfort and eye dryness compared with placebo when administered twice daily over 84 days.

A phase 2 randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study of a novel integrin antagonist (SAR 1118) for the treatment of dry eye.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of an investigational integrin antagonist (SAR 1118) ophthalmic solution compared to placebo (vehicle) in subjects with dry eye disease. DESIGN: Multicenter, prospective, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial. METHODS: A total of 230 dry eye subjects selected with use of a controlled adverse environment were randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive SAR 1118 (0.1%, 1.0%, 5.0%) or placebo eye drops twice daily for 84 days. Principal eligibility criteria included exacerbation in corneal staining and ocular symptoms with controlled adverse environment exposure, no active lid margin disease, and Schirmer test (mm/5 min) >1 and <10. Ocular signs and symptoms (Ocular Surface Disease Index, OSDI) were assessed at day 14, 42, and 84. No supplemental artificial tears were allowed. Primary outcome measure was inferior corneal staining score at day 84. RESULTS: A dose response for the corneal staining score (P = .0566) was observed for SAR 1118 at day 84 compared to placebo. Mean change from baseline to day 84 showed significant improvements (P < .05) in corneal staining score, total OSDI, and visual-related function OSDI scores for SAR 1118 compared to placebo; improvements in tear production and symptoms were observed as early as day 14 (P < .05). Adverse events were mild and transient in nature with no serious ocular adverse events. SAR 1118 5.0% showed increased instillation site adverse events relative to placebo but were limited to the initial dose. CONCLUSION: SAR 1118 demonstrated improvements in signs and symptoms of dry eye compared to placebo and appears safe when administered over 84 days.

Safety and pharmacokinetics of a novel lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 antagonist ophthalmic solution (SAR 1118) in healthy adults.

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PKs) of topical SAR 1118 Ophthalmic Solution in healthy adults. SAR 1118 is an investigational small molecule lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1; CD11a/CD18; αLß2) antagonist that inhibits LFA-1 binding to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1; CD54) targeting T-cell-mediated inflammation. METHODS: A randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study of SAR 1118 was performed in 4 cohorts with 7 randomized subjects per cohort (2 placebo: 5 active drug subjects; 0.1%, 0.3%, 1.0%, 5.0%) in 28 healthy adults. Dosing was divided into 3 periods each separated by a 72-h treatment-free observation: once-daily (QD) × 1, twice-daily (BID) × 10, and thrice-daily (TID) × 10 days. Data obtained at the beginning and end of each period included: slit-lamp, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Schirmer tear test (STT) without anesthesia, tear film break-up time (TBUT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and tear/plasma samples for PK analysis. RESULTS: All subjects completed the study; there were no tolerability issues or missed treatments (total, 1,428 administered doses). No serious ocular or nonocular adverse events (AEs) occurred over 1,148 subject study days (41 days/subject) and no significant abnormalities were identified on ocular exam. There were 38 ocular AEs (N = 11 subjects) and 21 nonocular AEs (N = 11 subjects). Most AEs were mild in severity and occurred in the 0.3% and placebo groups. No changes were observed in CD3, CD4, and CD8 blood lymphocyte counts. Tear PK profiles support a QD/BID dosing schedule. Plasma levels of SAR 1118 in the 0.1% and 0.3% groups were below level of quantitation (BLQ; <0.50 ng/mL) at all time points and transiently detected within the first 5 min to ∼1 h following administration in the 1.0% and 5.0% groups. CONCLUSION: SAR 1118 Ophthalmic Solution appears safe and well-tolerated up to 5.0% TID in healthy adult subjects. PK analysis shows adequate ocular exposure with minimal systemic exposure.

Alteplase for the treatment of central venous catheter occlusion in children: results of a prospective, open-label, single-arm study (The Cathflo Activase Pediatric Study).

PURPOSE: Alteplase is approved for use in the restoration of function to occluded central venous access devices (CVADs); however, there are few prospective studies in children. This study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of alteplase in the treatment of CVAD occlusions in a pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study evaluating a maximum of two doses (< or =2 mg per dose) of alteplase was performed in pediatric patients. Inclusion criteria included patient age less than 17 years with an occluded CVAD (single-, double-, and triple-lumen catheter or implanted port). Patients with hemodialysis catheters, those with known mechanical occlusion, or those considered at high risk for bleeding or embolization were excluded. Assessment of function was made 30 and 120 minutes (if required) after each dose. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the safety of alteplase as measured by the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH); secondary objectives included the evaluation of specific targeted serious adverse events and efficacy of alteplase in the restoration of catheter function. RESULTS: A total of 310 patients (174 male patients, 136 female patients; mean age, 7.2 years; range, 0.04-18.3 y) were treated; 55 of the patients (17.7%) were younger than 2 years of age. No patients experienced ICH (95% CI, 0%-1.2%). Nine serious adverse events were noted in eight patients (2.6% incidence), two of which were attributed by the investigator to study drug administration (one case of sepsis and one case of a ruptured catheter lumen). The cumulative rate of restoration of CVAD function after serial administration of a maximum of two instillations of alteplase, each with a maximum dwell time of 120 minutes, was 82.9% (95% CI, 78.2%-86.9%). Similar rates of catheter function restoration were seen among all catheter types studied; there were no clinically meaningful differences among age or sex subgroups. CONCLUSION: The administration of alteplase is safe and effective for the restoration of function to CVADs in pediatric patients.

Alteplase as a catheter locking solution: in vitro evaluation of biochemical stability and antimicrobial properties.

PURPOSE: To reduce potential complications of fibrin deposition to catheter surfaces, there is increasing empiric use of alteplase as a catheter lock solution. The purpose is to evaluate the properties of alteplase when reconstituted in sterile water (SW) or bacteriostatic water (BW) for prolonged periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Alteplase in glass vials was reconstituted (1 mg/mL) with SW or BW (0.9% benzyl alcohol) in duplicates and stored at 37 degrees C. Biochemical assays were performed at days 0 and 7 and included optical clarity, protein concentration, percent protein monomer, and in vitro clot lysis activity. Microbiologic assays were performed on days 7 through 28 with use of a standardized antimicrobial effectiveness test (pass/fail) and pour-plate methods incubated at 22.5 degrees C (fungus, 3-7 days) or 32.5 degrees C (bacteria, 3-5 days). Organisms tested included Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. RESULTS: Biochemical assay results were as follows: on day 0, all samples were clear/colorless; protein concentrations were 1.10 mg/mL +/- 0 in SW and 1.11 mg/mL +/- 0 in BW; percent protein monomer was 8.2% +/- 0.07 in SW and 98.6% +/- 0.07 in BW; and in vitro clot lysis activity (in percent of relative activity) was 100% in all samples. On day 7, all samples were clear/colorless, protein concentrations were 1.11 mg/mL +/- 0.07 in SW and 1.11 mg/mL +/- 0.07 in BW; percent protein monomer was 97.4% +/- 0.21 in SW and 96.1% +/- 0.21 in BW; and in vitro clot lysis activity (relative activity compared with day 0) was 91% +/- 2.8 in SW and 90% +/- 2.8 in BW. Microbiologic assays (US Pharmacopeia [USP] antimicrobial effectiveness test) yielded a failing result for alteplase reconstituted in SW and a passing result for alteplase reconstituted in BW. CONCLUSIONS: Alteplase reconstituted with SW or BW remains relatively stable with retained bioactivity when stored at 37 degrees C for as long as 7 days. Despite the biochemical similarities of the two solutions, only alteplase in BW met USP criteria as an effective antimicrobial solution. Further clinical evaluation is warranted.

Alteplase stability and bioactivity after low-power ultrasonic energy delivery with the OmniSonics resolution system.

PURPOSE: Low-power ultrasonic (US) energy is capable of clot dissolution in vivo. The combination of US energy plus alteplase may further accelerate clot lysis; however, the effects of cavitation could potentially denature and inactivate the lytic protein. The purpose of this study was to determine the bioactivity and stability of alteplase when exposed to US energy with use of a novel intravascular US wire in an in vitro model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The model consisted of a 6.4-mm-diameter silicone tube closed at one end and filled with alteplase (1 mg/mL) in a water bath (37 degrees C). A 95-cm US wire (0.025-inch diameter, 20 kHz) was inserted into the tube and connected to a variable power generator. The wire delivers low-power acoustic energy 360 degrees around its 20-cm active length and was irrigated by a continuous infusion of purified water. Fresh 6-mL alteplase aliquots were exposed to US energy and tested in duplicates. Zero (control), 1 W, or 2 W of energy was delivered to individual test samples for zero (control), 0.5, 3, or 6 minutes. Alteplase samples were assayed for optical clarity and protein concentration with use of UV spectrophotometry, for percent protein monomer with use of high-performance size-exclusion chromatography, and for in vitro clot lysis activity. RESULTS: In the control samples, optical clarity was clear or colorless in all samples; protein concentration was 1.02 mg/mL +/- 0; protein monomer was 98%; and clot lysis activity was 108% per mg +/- 1. In the test samples, optical clarity was clear or colorless in all samples; protein concentrations at 0.5, 3, and 6 minutes were 0.98 mg/mL +/- 0.02, 0.93 mg/mL +/- 0.01, and 0.86 mg/mL +/- 0.02, respectively, at 1 W, and 1.00 mg/mL +/- 0.03, 0.94 mg/mL +/- 0.10, and 0.84 mg/mL +/- 0.17, respectively, at 2 W. Protein monomer was 98% for all samples. Clot lysis activity levels at 0.5, 3, and 6 minutes were 111% per mg +/- 1, 110% per mg +/- 1, and 115% per mg +/- 1, respectively, at 1 W, and 110% per mg +/- 0, 111% per mg +/- 1, and 116% per mg +/- 2, respectively, at 2 W. CONCLUSIONS: Alteplase solutions exposed to low-power US energy for as long as 6 minutes remained fully active and stable as determined by protein assays. Further investigation is warranted with use of combinations of US energy and alteplase.

Characterization of alteplase (tPA) following delivery through the AngioJet rheolytic catheter.

PURPOSE: To analyze alteplase solutions following delivery through the AngioJet Xpeedior rheolytic thrombectomy device to characterize the viability of proteins exposed to high shear stress. METHODS: Alteplase solutions were prepared by reconstitution in sterile water to obtain a targeted concentration of 1.0 mg/mL. A baseline control sample was obtained. The AngioJet system was modified by occluding the return line to allow collection of the dispersed fluid volume. Alteplase solutions (n=5) were delivered through the 6-F, 120-cm Xpeedior catheter and collected. All samples were assayed and compared to baseline using qualitative visual inspection, ultraviolet spectrophotometry, size exclusion chromatography, and in vitro clot lysis assays. RESULTS: Analysis of the test solutions demonstrated a mean protein recovery of 98.0%+/-3.5% of targeted concentration; the collected protein was fully active, as determined by clot lysis assays (specific activity > or =100%). All samples were clear and colorless. No significant fragmentation or aggregation of protein was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Alteplase solutions, when delivered through the AngioJet Xpeedior rheolytic thrombectomy device, remain stable and biologically active in vitro. Further clinical investigation is warranted using this method as a novel approach for pharmacomechanical thrombolysis.

TIPS reduction with use of stents or stent-grafts.

This report describes new techniques to perform TIPS reduction in patients with post-TIPS complications. Methods included hourglass-shaped stents and stent-grafts, and parallel stents and stent-grafts. All procedures were technically successful, resulting in increased portosystemic gradients and decreased symptoms, although patient outcomes were mixed. None of the patients experienced recurrent variceal hemorrhage or ascites in short-term follow-up. Stent-grafts have the advantage of immediate exclusion of blood flow outside the reducing stent, resulting in an immediate reduction of the caliber of the shunt. Techniques that allow fine adjustment of shunt diameters may have further advantages.

Thrombolysis for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) has been proposed as an alternative mode of therapy to anticoagulation in patients with massive, symptomatic deep vein thrombosis of the extremity. The major goal of therapy is to rapidly restore venous blood flow, reduce the pain and edema of the extremity, preserve venous valve function, and reduce chronic symptoms related to chronic venous hypertension (postthrombotic syndrome). In patients with iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) standard angiographic techniques are used to instrument a lower extremity vein (popliteal) and venography is performed followed by catheter-directed infusion of a plasminogen activator directly into the thrombus. Following lytic infusion, the interventionalist must evaluate the venous drainage to determine if there is an anatomic lesion that requires further endovascular treatment (eg, iliac vein compression syndrome). Posttreatment therapy usually consists of warfarin therapy and venous compression stockings for at least 3 to 6 months. The purpose of this article is to review the technical approach used in treating iliofemoral DVT and highlight the hurdles that face interventionalists in attempting to broaden this procedure to most types of lower extremity DVT.

Alteplase for treatment of occluded peripherally inserted central catheters: safety and efficacy in 240 patients.

PURPOSE: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) have dramatically improved intravenous therapy, but thrombotic occlusion remains a common problem. Despite the popularity of PICCs, there are few prospective data on the use of fibrinolytic agents to salvage these particular devices. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of alteplase treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A subgroup analysis was performed from a phase IIIB prospective, multicenter trial of 995 patients evaluating the use of alteplase to restore function in occluded venous catheters. Two hundred forty patients (126 men; mean age, 53.5 years; range, 2-90 y) with occluded single-lumen (n = 104) or double-lumen (n = 136) PICCs were identified and constitute the study population. Dysfunction was defined as the inability to withdraw 3 mL of blood. Alteplase (2 mg/2 mL) was instilled into the dysfunctional lumen and assessed at 30 and 120 minutes. If the lumen remained occluded, a second alteplase dose was instilled and assessed at 30 and 120 minutes. Patency was defined as the ability to withdraw 3 mL blood and infuse 5 mL of saline solution. The primary efficacy endpoint was the cumulative restored patency rate after a maximum of two doses of alteplase. The primary safety endpoint was the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage within 5 days of treatment. Serious adverse events were recorded for 30 days after treatment. RESULTS: The primary efficacy endpoint was 92.9% (95% CI: 88.8%, 95.8%). Cumulative efficacy 30 and 120 minutes after first and second doses were 59.4%, 81.1%, 89.1%, and 92.9%, respectively. The primary safety endpoint was 0.0%. One major hemorrhage was reported: a patient with acute flare of ulcerative colitis experienced hematochezia 3 days after treatment. One serious adverse event (fever) was attributed to study drug. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with use of a maximum of two doses of alteplase is safe and effective in restoring function to occluded PICCs.

Tenecteplase: stability and bioactivity of thawed or diluted solutions used in peripheral thrombolysis.

PURPOSE: Tenecteplase (TNK; TNKase) is a third-generation plasminogen activator approved for acute myocardial infarction with an enhanced safety profile compared to alteplase. The stability and bioactivity of reconstituted frozen/thawed and diluted tenecteplase solutions used in noncoronary peripheral thrombolysis was determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lyophilized TNK was freshly reconstituted in sterile water (5 mg/mL) and used as control. In freeze/thaw studies, reconstituted TNK aliquots were stored frozen for 4 weeks at -20 degrees C, thawed at ambient temperature, and assayed with and without an additional freeze/thaw cycle. Additional freshly reconstituted TNK aliquots were assayed after six freeze/thaw cycles when frozen at two separate temperatures (-20 degrees and -70 degrees C) and thawed at 2-8 degrees C or ambient temperature. In dilution studies, reconstituted TNK was diluted in 500-mL commercially available normal saline solution bags to concentrations of 0.01, 0.02, and 0.05 mg/mL. Samples were assayed after 0, 8, and 24 hours at ambient temperature. Optical clarity, pH, protein concentration, particle counts, and in-vitro clot-lysis assays were performed. Protein monomer (%), single-chain protein (%), and particle counts were performed in freeze/thaw studies. RESULTS: Frozen/thawed TNK aliquots met all specifications as freshly reconstituted product. For dilution studies (0.01, 0.02, and 0.05 mg/mL), the recovered protein retained 83%-100% bioactivity after 24 hours. The recovered protein rates over the course of 24 hours (relative to target concentration) were 70%-75%, 80%-85%, and 94%-95% at 0.01, 0.02, and 0.05 mg/mL, respectively. Assayed solutions were clear/colorless at all concentrations and time points. CONCLUSION: TNK is fully active after reconstitution and freezing/thawing. TNK dilutions used in clinical practice (0.01-0.05 mg/mL) demonstrated retention of biologic activity at 24 hours without precipitates.

The safety, efficacy, and pharmacoeconomics of low-dose alteplase compared with urokinase for catheter-directed thrombolysis of arterial and venous occlusions.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy, complications, and costs associated with low-dose (<2 mg/h) alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator [t-PA]) versus urokinase for the catheter-directed treatment of acute peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAO) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed during sequential time periods on two groups with involved extremities treated with either t-PA with subtherapeutic heparin (TPA group) or urokinase with full heparin (UK group) at a single center. Treatment group characteristics, success rates, complications, dosages, infusion time, and costs were compared. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients with 93 involved limbs underwent treatment (54 with DVT, 39 with PAO). The treatment groups were statistically identical (TPA: 45 limbs; 24 with DVT, 53.3%; 21 with PAO, 46.7%; UK: 48 limbs; 30 with DVT, 62.5%; 18 with PAO, 37.5%). The overall average hourly infused dose, total dose, infusion time, success rates, and cost of thrombolytic agent were as follows (+/- standard deviation): TPA, 0.86 +/- 0.50 mg/h, 21.2 +/- 15.1 mg, 24.6 +/- 11.2 hours, 89.4%, $466 +/- $331; and UK, 13.5 +/- 5.6 (10(4)) U/h, 4.485 +/- 2.394 million U, 33.3 +/- 13.3 hours, 85.7%, $6871 +/- $3667, respectively. Major and minor complication rates were: TPA, 2.2% and 8.9%; and UK, 2.1% and 10.4%, respectively. No statistical differences in success rates or complications were observed; however, t-PA was significantly (P <.05) less expensive and faster than urokinase. CONCLUSION: Low-dose t-PA combined with subtherapeutic heparin is equally efficacious and safe compared with urokinase. Infusions with t-PA were significantly shorter and less expensive than those with urokinase.

Alteplase: stability and bioactivity after dilution in normal saline solution.

PURPOSE: To characterize the biochemical stability and bioactivity of reconstituted alteplase when diluted to a concentration of 0.01 mg/mL in normal saline solution and stored at ambient temperature for as long as 24 hours in commercial saline solution bags. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two commercially available formulations of lyophilized alteplase (2-mg and 50-mg vials, respectively) were reconstituted with sterile water to a final concentration of 1 mg/mL. For each vial configuration, 5 mg of alteplase (5 mL) was added to a commercial 500-mL bag of normal saline solution to achieve a 0.01-mg/mL targeted concentration. Solutions were assayed for optical clarity, pH, protein concentration, and in-vitro clot lysis activity. Assays of the solutions were performed at time points of 0 (control), 4, 8, and 24 hours at ambient room temperature and compared to controls. RESULTS: On visual inspection, aliquots of the diluted protein solutions in clear glass vials remained clear/colorless after 24 hours. Bioactivity (clot lysis assay) over the course of 24 hours at ambient temperature remained essentially unchanged relative to control (2-mg vial: mean of 98.3%, range of 93.7%-103.3%; 50-mg vial: mean of 103.1%, range of 100.6%-108.3%). The mean protein recovery rates (relative to targeted concentration) over a 24-hour period were 43% (range, 39%-46%) and 42% (range, 40%-45%) for the 2-mg and 50-mg vial configurations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Alteplase diluted in normal saline solution at a concentration of 0.01 mg/mL is biochemically stable and active at ambient temperature for as long as 24 hours as assessed by in vitro clot lysis assays. Alteplase appears to have a bimodal solubility profile in normal saline solution and further studies are required to determine the activity and solubility of alteplase concentrations lower than 0.01 mg/mL.

Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase) for restoration of function to occluded central venous catheters in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of alteplase for restoring function to occluded central venous catheters in a pediatric population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A phase III, open-label, single-arm, multicenter trial was performed in 995 adult and pediatric patients with dysfunctional nondialysis catheters and ports. This report is a subset analysis of subjects between 2 and 18 years of age (N = 122) who were enrolled in the study. Alteplase (2 mg/2 mL) was instilled into the dysfunctional catheter lumen and assessed at 30 and 120 minutes. Subjects weighing > or =30 kg received 2 mL of alteplase; subjects <30 kg received 110% of the internal lumen volume (not exceeding 2 mL). Alteplase dosing was repeated once after 120 minutes if the catheter remained dysfunctional. The primary safety endpoint was the rate of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) within 5 days of treatment. RESULTS: The overall efficacy following up to two instilled doses of alteplase was 87%. In 70 patients (57%), restoration of catheter flow occurred by 30 minutes following a single dose of alteplase. Restoration of function was related to the duration of occlusion (P = 0.04). For catheters with occlusions of 0, 1 to 14, and >14 days duration, the efficacy was 91%, 78%, and 60%, respectively. Success was independent of the patient's age, sex, body weight, CVC type, or catheter age. There were no cases of death, ICH, major bleeding episodes, or embolic events attributable to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: An alteplase regimen of up to two 2-mg doses is safe and effective for restoration of function to occluded central venous catheters in a pediatric population.