Safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of a novel 24-valent pneumococcal vaccine in toddlers: A phase 1 randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) significantly reduced pneumococcal disease burden. Nevertheless, alternative approaches for controlling more serotypes are needed. Here, the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a 24-valent (1/2/3/4/5/6A/6B/7F/8/9N/9V/10A/11A/12F/14/15B/17F/18C/19A/19F/20B/22F/23F/33F) pneumococcal vaccine based on Multiple Antigen-Presenting System (MAPS) technology (Pn-MAPS24v) was assessed in toddlers. METHODS: In this phase 1, blinded, dose-escalation, active-controlled multicenter study conducted in the United States (September/2020-April/2022), 12-15-month-old toddlers primed with three doses of 13-valent PCV (PCV13) were randomized 3:2 to receive a single dose of one of three Pn-MAPS24v dose levels (1 µg/2 µg/5 µg per polysaccharide) or PCV13 intramuscularly. Reactogenicity (within 7 days), treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs, within 180 days), serious/medically attended adverse events (SAEs/MAAEs, within 180 days), and immunogenicity (serotype-specific anti-capsular polysaccharide immunoglobulin G [IgG] and opsonophagocytic activity [OPA] responses at 30 days post-vaccination) were assessed. RESULTS: Of 75 toddlers enrolled, 74 completed the study (Pn-MAPS24v 1 µg/2 µg/5 µg: 15/14/16, PCV13: 29). Frequencies of local (60 %/67 %/31 %) and systemic events (67 %/67 %/75 %) in the Pn-MAPS24v 1 µg/2 µg/5 µg and the PCV13 (55 %, 79 %) groups were in similar ranges. TEAEs were reported by 47 %/40 %/63 % of Pn-MAPS24v 1 µg/2 µg/5 µg recipients and 52 % of PCV13 recipients. No vaccine-related SAE was reported. At 30 days post-vaccination, for each of the 13 common serotypes, ≥93 % of participants in each group had IgG concentrations ≥0.35 µg/mL; >92 % had OPA titers ≥lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ), except for serotype 1 (79 %). For 7/11 unique serotypes (2/8/9N/11A/17F/22F/33F), at all dose levels, ≥78 % of Pn-MAPS24v recipients in each group had IgG concentrations ≥0.35 µg/mL and 80 %-100 % had OPA titers ≥LLOQ. CONCLUSIONS: In 12-15-month-old toddlers, a single dose of Pn-MAPS24v showed an acceptable safety profile, regardless of dose level; AEs were reported at similar frequencies by Pn-MAPS24v and PCV13 recipients. Pn-MAPS24v elicited IgG and OPA responses to all common and most unique serotypes. These results support further clinical evaluation in infants.

Safety and immunopharmacology of ASP0892 in adults or adolescents with peanut allergy: two randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: New treatment options with improved safety and novel mechanisms of actions are needed for patients with peanut allergy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of ASP0892, a peanut DNA vaccine, after intradermal (id) or intramuscular (im) administration in adult or adolescent patients with peanut allergy in two phase 1 studies. METHODS: ASP0892 or placebo was administered every 2 weeks for a total of 4 doses. The doses were 1 mg or 4 mg id or 4 mg im for adults, and 1 mg or 4 mg id for adolescents. Immunologic parameters were assessed longitudinally. RESULTS: Thirty-one adults (mean age 24.3 years, 17 males) received ASP0892 (9, 8, 8 patients for 1 mg id, 4 mg id or 4 mg im, respectively) or placebo (2 patients/group). Twenty adolescents (mean age 14.2 years, 11 males) received ASP0892 (8 patients/group) or placebo (2 patients/group). In both studies, the most common treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) was injection site pruritus. No deaths or treatment withdrawal were related to TEAEs. No serious TEAEs related to treatment were observed in adult or adolescent patients. ASP0892 treatment led to modest increases in allergen-specific IgG and/or IgG4 in adults (1 mg id, 4 mg im) and adolescents (1 mg id, 4 mg id). No improvements in clinical outcomes, including double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge, were found after ASP0892 treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In two phase 1 studies, ASP0892 was well tolerated with modest but not clinically relevant changes in immune responses. GOV IDENTIFIERS: NCT02851277, NCT03755713.

Distinct trajectories distinguish antigen-specific T cells in peanut-allergic individuals undergoing oral immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Despite similar clinical symptoms, peanut-allergic (PA) individuals may respond quite differently to the same therapeutic interventions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether inherent qualities of cell response at baseline could influence response to peanut oral immunotherapy (PnOIT). METHODS: We first performed ex vivo T-cell profiling on peanut-reactive CD154+CD137+ T (pTeff) cells from 90 challenge-confirmed PA individuals. We developed a gating strategy for unbiased assessment of the phenotypic distribution of rare pTeff cells across different memory CD4+ T-cell subsets to define patient immunotype. In longitudinal samples of 29 PA participants enrolled onto the IMPACT trial of PnOIT, we determined whether patient immunotype at baseline could influence response to PnOIT. RESULTS: Our data emphasize the heterogeneity of pTeff cell responses in PA participants with 2 mutually exclusive phenotypic entities (CCR6-CRTH2+ and CCR6+CRTH2-). Our findings lead us to propose that peanut allergy can be classified broadly into at least 2 discrete subtypes, termed immunotypes, with distinct immunologic and clinical characteristics that are based on the proportion of TH2A pTeff cells. PnOIT induced elimination of TH2A pTeff cells in the context of the IMPACT clinical trial. Only 1 PA patient with a low level of TH2A pTeff cells at baseline experienced long-lasting benefit of remission after PnOIT discontinuation. CONCLUSION: Dividing PA patients according to their individual peanut-specific T-cell profile may facilitate patient stratification in clinical settings by identifying which immunotypes might respond best to different therapies.

Phase 1/2 study of a novel 24-valent pneumococcal vaccine in healthy adults aged 18 to 64 years and in older adults aged 65 to 85 years.

BACKGROUND: Pneumococcal diseases remain prevalent despite available polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines. This phase 1/2 study evaluated safety/tolerability and immunogenicity of a novel 24-valent pneumococcal vaccine (ASP3772) based on high-affinity complexing of proteins and polysaccharides. METHODS: Pneumococcal vaccine-naïve adults aged 18-85 years were randomized to receive either ASP3772 or PCV13 (13-valent conjugate vaccine). Participants received a single intramuscular injection of ASP3772 (1-, 2-, or 5-µg dose per polysaccharide) or PCV13. A separate, nonrandomized group of PCV13-vaccinated participants (65-85 years) received PPSV23 (23-valent polysaccharide vaccine). Assessments were obtained through Day 7 for reactogenicity, through Day 30 for safety and tolerability, and through Month 6 for serious adverse events. Immunogenicity was measured at Day 30 using assays for functional opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) and pneumococcal serotype-specific anticapsular polysaccharide immunoglobulin G for each serotype. RESULTS: In both age cohorts, the most frequently reported local reactions were self-limited tenderness and pain after ASP3772 at all dose levels or after PCV13, occurring within 2-3 days. Fatigue, headache, and myalgia were the most frequently reported systemic reactions following either vaccine. Robust OPA responses for all serotypes were observed across all ASP3772 dose groups in both age cohorts. Older adults (aged 65-85 years) who received ASP3772 had significantly higher immune responses to several PCV13 serotypes and all non-PCV13 serotypes than participants who received PCV13. OPA responses to the ASP3772 5-µg dose were significantly higher for several serotypes in naïve participants than in older adults with prior exposure to PCV13 who were administered PPSV23 in this study. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that ASP3772 is well tolerated, highly immunogenic, and in adults may offer significantly broader protection than existing pneumococcal vaccines. CLINICALTRIALS: gov: NCT03803202.

Single- and multiple-dose safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic profiles of ASP0367, or bocidelpar sulfate, a novel modulator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta in healthy adults: Results from a phase 1 study.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: ASP0367, or bocidelpar sulfate, is an orally administered small molecule that potently and selectively modulates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) to address mitochondrial dysfunction occurring in diseases including primary mitochondrial myopathy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The objectives of this first-in-human trial were to evaluate the safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of ASP0367 in healthy participants. METHODS: In this double-blind phase 1 study, adult participants were randomized to single or multiple ascending oral doses of ASP0367 or placebo. The study duration was 1 and 14 days, respectively. Pharmacokinetic parameters under fed conditions were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 64 (single-dose cohort) and 37 (multiple-dose cohort) participants were included in the study. After single doses of 1 to 120 mg, ASP0367 was rapidly absorbed, with median time to maximum plasma concentration (tmax ) of 1.50 to 2.24 hours under fasting conditions; ASP0367 concentrations declined in a multiphasic manner after reaching maximum plasma concentration. Under fed conditions, tmax was delayed 1.7 hours. After multiple once-daily doses, mean half-life of ASP0367 10 to 75 mg ranged from 14.1 to 17.5 hours; steady state was reached after 4 days. Negligible accumulation was observed after repeated dosing. No participants receiving ASP0367 discontinued treatment, and all treatment-emergent adverse events were mild to moderate in severity; none were considered drug-related. No clinically significant changes were observed on laboratory or electrocardiographic evaluation. Treatment- and dose-dependent upregulation of six PPARδ target genes was observed with single and multiple doses of ASP0367. DISCUSSION: ASP0367, or bocidelpar sulfate, was well tolerated; rapid absorption, roughly dose-proportional bioavailability, and effects on PPARδ target genes were demonstrated in healthy adult participants.

ASP5094, a humanized monoclonal antibody against integrin alpha-9, did not show efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis refractory to methotrexate: results from a phase 2a, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, debilitating autoimmune condition characterized by joint synovial inflammation. Current treatments include methotrexate (MTX), biologic agents, and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. However, these agents are not efficacious in all patients and there are concerns regarding side effects and risk of infection as these treatments target immune-related pathways. Overexpression and activation of integrin alpha-9 (α9) on fibroblast-like synoviocytes are associated with RA disease onset and exacerbation. The humanized immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody ASP5094 was designed to inhibit human α9 and is currently under investigation for the treatment of RA. METHODS: This phase 2a, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study (NCT03257852) evaluated the efficacy, safety, and biological activity of intravenous ASP5094 10 mg/kg in patients with moderate to severe RA that was refractory to MTX. Patients received ASP5094 or placebo every 4 weeks for a total of three administrations. Both treatment groups used concomitant MTX. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients who responded per American College of Rheumatology 50% improvement using C-reactive protein (ACR50-CRP) after 12 weeks of treatment. Biological activity of ASP5094 was assessed via pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of known downstream effectors of α9. Safety was also assessed. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were enrolled and randomized to placebo (n = 33) or ASP5094 (n = 33). In the primary efficacy analysis, ACR50-CRP response rates were 6.3% and 18.2% at week 12 in the ASP5094 and placebo groups, respectively; a difference of - 11.9, which was not significant (2-sided P value = 0.258). No trends in ACR50 response rates were observed in subgroups based on demographics or baseline disease characteristics, and no significant differences between placebo and ASP5094 were identified in secondary efficacy or pharmacodynamic endpoints, despite achievement of target serum concentrations of ASP5094. Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild to moderate in severity, and ASP5094 was considered safe and well tolerated overall. CONCLUSION: Although no notable safety signals were observed in this study, ASP5094 was not efficacious in patients with moderate to severe RA with an inadequate response to MTX. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03257852 . Registered on 22 Aug. 2017.

NPT-IIb Inhibition Does Not Improve Hyperphosphatemia in CKD.

INTRODUCTION: Serum phosphate levels are insufficiently controlled in many patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and novel therapeutic strategies are needed. Blocking intestinal phosphate absorption mediated by sodium-dependent phosphate co-transporter type 2b (NPT-IIb) holds promise; thus, we evaluated the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the novel and specific small molecule NPT-IIb inhibitor ASP3325 for the first time in humans. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1a single (n = 88) and multiple (n = 36) ascending dose study in healthy subjects, and a randomized, open-label, uncontrolled, phase 1b study in hyperphosphatemic ESRD patients on hemodialysis (single oral dose, n = 5; multiple oral doses, n = 17). Primary efficacy measures were urinary phosphate and fecal phosphorous excretion (healthy subjects) and serum phosphate level (ESRD patients). RESULTS: No time- or dose-dependent changes in urinary phosphate or fecal phosphorous excretion were observed following single/multiple ASP3325 doses for 7 days in healthy subjects. In ESRD patients, ASP3325 administered 3 times daily for 2 weeks before or after a meal did not reduce serum phosphate levels. ASP3325 was safe and well tolerated in both populations. CONCLUSION: NPT-IIb inhibition with ASP3325 was not effective in reducing serum phosphate levels in ESRD patients. The relevance of NPT-IIb in humans and feasibility of oral NPT-IIb inhibitors for treatment of hyperphosphatemia in ESRD remain uncertain.

Clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the novel SGLT2 inhibitor ipragliflozin.

Ipragliflozin (Suglat(®)) is a potent and selective inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 that was recently launched in Japan. Its mechanism of action involves the suppression of glucose re-absorption in the kidney proximal tubules, causing excretion of glucose in the urine. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of currently available pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data on ipragliflozin, including studies in healthy subjects, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and special populations. In single- and multiple-dose studies, the maximum plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) for ipragliflozin increased in a dose-dependent manner. Although urinary excretion of ipragliflozin is low (approximately 1 %), tubular concentration of free ipragliflozin is adequate to provide pharmacological activities. No clinically relevant effects of age, gender or food on the exposure of ipragliflozin were observed. The AUC for ipragliflozin was 20-30 % greater in patients with moderate renal or hepatic impairment than in patients with normal renal or hepatic function. In drug-drug interaction studies, the pharmacokinetics of ipragliflozin and other oral antidiabetic drugs (metformin, sitagliptin, pioglitazone, glimepiride, miglitol and mitiglinide) were not significantly affected by their co-administration. Urinary glucose excretion (UGE) also increased in a dose-dependent manner, approaching a maximum effect at 50-100 mg dosages in Japanese healthy volunteers and patients with type 2 diabetes. The change in UGE from baseline (ΔUGE) tended to be lower in older subjects and female subjects, compared with younger subjects and male subjects, respectively. ΔUGE tended to decrease with decreasing renal function, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes with moderate or severe renal impairment.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of ipragliflozin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

AIMS: Ipragliflozin is a novel and highly selective sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that reduces plasma glucose levels by enhancing urinary glucose excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We examined the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of two oral doses of ipragliflozin in Japanese patients with T2DM. METHODS: In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, patients were treated with placebo, 50mg or 100mg ipragliflozin once daily for 14 days. Plasma and urine pharmacodynamic parameters were measured on Days -1 and 14, and pharmacokinetic parameters on Day 14. Pharmacodynamic characteristics included area under the curve (AUC) for plasma glucose and insulin for 0-3h (AUC0-3h) and 0-24h (AUC0-24h). Pharmacokinetic characteristics included AUC0-24h, maximum ipragliflozin concentration (Cmax), and time to maximum plasma ipragliflozin concentration (tmax). RESULTS: Thirty patients were enrolled; 28 were included in pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analyses and 30 in safety analyses. Administration of 50 and 100mg ipragliflozin significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose, as well as the AUC0-3h and AUC0-24h for plasma glucose relative to placebo. Both doses of ipragliflozin also reduced AUC0-24h for insulin, body weight, and glycoalbumin, while urinary glucose excretion increased remarkably. Cmax and AUC0-24h were 1.7- and 1.9-fold higher, respectively, in the 100-mg group than in the 50-mg group. CONCLUSIONS: Ipragliflozin increased urinary glucose excretion and improved fasting and postprandial glucose, confirming its pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties in Japanese patients with T2DM.

Ipragliflozin does not prolong QTc interval in healthy male and female subjects: a phase I study.

BACKGROUND: Ipragliflozin, a potent, selective sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, is in development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The International Conference on Harmonisation recommends that the safety investigation of new drugs include characterization of each agent's effects on the QT/QTc interval. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to assess the effect on cardiac repolarization (QTc interval) of repeated oral dosing of ipragliflozin at therapeutic (100 mg/d) and supratherapeutic (600 mg/d) levels in healthy subjects. METHODS: This was a double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, 4-way crossover study. Subjects were randomized to 1 of 4 treatment sequences each including the following 4 treatments: placebo for 7 days; ipragliflozin 100 mg/d for 7 days; ipragliflozin 600 mg/d for 7 days; and active control moxifloxacin 400 mg on day 7 only. The primary assessment of QTc was based on Fridericia's correction for heart rate (QTcF). Continuous 12-lead ECG interval extraction assessments were conducted on day 7. The least squares mean treatment difference from placebo and corresponding 2-sided 90% CIs were calculated for QTcF up to 14 hours postdose on treatment day 7. Ipragliflozin was deemed unlikely to have a clinically relevant effect on QTcF if the upper bound of the maximum treatment difference from placebo for ipragliflozin across all time points was < 10 ms. Assay sensitivity for QTcF interval prolongation was confirmed if the lower bound of the 2-sided 90% CIs for the mean moxifloxacin QTcF difference from placebo, determined at sampling time closest to average Tmax, was > 5 ms. RESULTS: A total of 88 subjects were randomized to treatment (n = 22 per sequence; 10 males and 12 females). The largest upper bounds of the 90% CIs of mean treatment differences from placebo were 4.44 and 3.39 ms for ipragliflozin 600 and 100 mg, respectively, in all subjects, indicating no clinically relevant effect on QTcF interval. No specific effects were observed when the data were analyzed according to sex. No subject showed outlier QTcF intervals > 480 ms or a time-matched change from baseline > 60 ms. Moxifloxacin confirmed assay sensitivity for QTcF interval prolongation; the lower bound of the 2-sided 90% CIs at 3 hours postdose was 11.7 ms (> 5 ms). CONCLUSIONS: No clinically meaningful QTc interval prolongation was observed in these healthy subjects who received ipragliflozin doses up to 600 mg/d for 7 days. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01232413.

The effect of moderate hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of ipragliflozin, a novel sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor.

BACKGROUND: Ipragliflozin (ASP1941), a potent selective sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, is in development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ipragliflozin is primarily eliminated via conjugation by the liver as five pharmacologically inactive metabolites (M1, M2, M3, M4 and M6). This study evaluated the effect of moderate hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of ipragliflozin and its metabolites. METHODS: In an open-label, single-dose, parallel-group study, 16 subjects (eight with moderate hepatic impairment [Child-Pugh score 7-9] and eight healthy, matched controls) received a single oral dose of 100-mg ipragliflozin. Plasma concentrations of ipragliflozin and its metabolites were determined. Adverse events (AEs) and other clinical laboratory parameters were monitored. RESULTS: All subjects completed the study. Least-squares geometric mean ratios (GMRs) (90 % confidence interval [CI]) for maximum plasma concentration (C max) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC∞) of ipragliflozin were 127 % (93-173 %) and 125 % (94-166 %), respectively, in moderate hepatic impairment versus controls. No changes in elimination half-life and protein binding of ipragliflozin were observed in moderate hepatic impairment subjects. Least-squares GMRs for C max and AUC∞ of M2, the major metabolite, were respectively 95 % (68-133 %) and 100 % (77-130 %) in moderate hepatic impairment versus controls. No deaths, other serious AEs or AEs leading to discontinuation occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate hepatic impairment had no clinically relevant effects on the single-dose pharmacokinetics of ipragliflozin and its major metabolite, M2. A single oral dose of ipragliflozin, 100 mg, was well tolerated in both healthy subjects and those with moderate hepatic impairment.

Renal glucose handling: impact of chronic kidney disease and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition in patients with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Ipragliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, stimulates glycosuria and lowers glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The objective of this study was to assess the pharmacodynamics of ipragliflozin in T2DM patients with impaired renal function. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Glycosuria was measured before and after a single ipragliflozin dose in 8 nondiabetic subjects and 57 T2DM patients (age 62 ± 9 years, fasting glucose 133 ± 39 mg/dL, mean ± SD) with normal renal function (assessed as the estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) (eGFR1 ≥90 mL · min(-1) · 1.73 m(-2)), mild (eGFR2 ≥60 to <90), moderate (eGFR3 ≥30 to <60), or severe reduction in eGFR (eGFR4 ≤15 to <30). RESULTS: Ipragliflozin significantly increased urinary glucose excretion in each eGFR class (P < 0.0001). However, ipragliflozin-induced glycosuria declined (median [IQR]) across eGFR class (from 46 mg/min [33] in eGFR1 to 8 mg/min [7] in eGFR4, P < 0.001). Ipragliflozin-induced fractional glucose excretion (excretion/filtration) was 39% [27] in the T2DM patients (pooled data), similar to that of the nondiabetic subjects (37% [17], P = ns). In bivariate analysis of the pooled data, ipragliflozin-induced glycosuria was directly related to eGFR and fasting glucose (P < 0.0001 for both, r(2) = 0.55), predicting a decrement in 24-h glycosuria of 15 g for each 20 mL/min decline in eGFR and an increase of 7 g for each 10 mg/dL increase in glucose above fasting normoglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: In T2DM patients, ipragliflozin increases glycosuria in direct, linear proportion to GFR and degree of hyperglycemia, such that its amount can be reliably predicted in the individual patient. Although absolute glycosuria decreases with declining GFR, the efficiency of ipragliflozin action (fractional glucose excretion) is maintained in patients with severe renal impairment.

Combination treatment with ipragliflozin and metformin: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Ipragliflozin (ASP1941) is a selective sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor in clinical development for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to evaluate the safety profile and tolerability of ipragliflozin as a glucose-lowering agent in combination with stable metformin therapy in patients with T2DM. A secondary objective was to evaluate the effect of ipragliflozin on the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of metformin. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with T2DM stable on metformin therapy (850, 1000, or 1500 mg bid) were randomized in a double-blind manner to receive ipragliflozin (300 mg qd; n = 18) or matching placebo (n = 18) for 14 days. Safety profiles, including monitoring of hypoglycemic events, treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), laboratory measurements, and vital signs were assessed throughout the study. The PK properties of metformin and ipragliflozin were determined in plasma. The geometric mean ratio and its 90% CI for the maximum plasma concentration and AUC(0-10) were calculated for metformin + ipragliflozin (day 14) versus metformin alone (day -1). Pharmacodynamic properties were assessed by measurement of urinary glucose excretion over 24 hours (UGE(0-24)). RESULTS: All the TEAEs, except 1, were mild. Fifteen TEAEs were observed in the ipragliflozin group (7 of 18 patients [38.9%]), and 19 TEAEs were observed in the placebo group in (8 of 18 patients [44.4%]). Treatment-related TEAEs were reported by 3 of 18 patients (16.7%) receiving metformin + ipragliflozin and by 5 of 18 patients (27.8%) receiving metformin + placebo. No hypoglycemic events (blood glucose level <54 mg/L [to convert to millimoles per liter, multiply by 0.0555]) were observed. The geometric mean ratios for C(max) and AUC(0-10) of metformin + ipragliflozin versus metformin alone were 1.11 (90% CI, 1.03-1.19) and 1.18 (90% CI, 1.08-1.28), respectively. After ipragliflozin treatment, UGE(0-24) on day 14 (74.9 g) was significantly higher than that in the placebo group (3.6 g) and at baseline (3.3 g). CONCLUSIONS: Combination treatment for 14 days with ipragliflozin and metformin was well tolerated in patients withT2DM without hypoglycemia. The addition of ipragliflozin (300 mg qd) to metformin therapy did not result in a clinically relevant change in the PK properties of metformin. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01302145.

Effect of Ipragliflozin (ASP1941), a novel selective sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, on urinary glucose excretion in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycaemia is associated with serious complications, significant morbidity and death. Despite the availability of a wide range of therapeutic options, many patients with diabetes mellitus fail to achieve or maintain recommended glycaemic goals. Ipragliflozin (ASP1941) is a novel, selective inhibitor of the sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 2, which is highly expressed in the proximal tubules of the kidneys. It suppresses renal glucose reabsorption and increases urinary glucose excretion (UGE), potentially providing an insulin-independent treatment option for type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This multiple ascending-dose study assessed the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ipragliflozin in healthy subjects after single doses and multiple once-daily doses for 10 days (dose levels: 5-600 mg). RESULTS: Ipragliflozin was well tolerated following single and multiple once-daily oral dosing. Ipragliflozin was rapidly absorbed with a median time to reach the maximum plasma concentration of 1.3 hours after the last dose. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve increased proportionally with increasing dose. The mean elimination half-life was 12 hours following the last dose. Ipragliflozin dose dependently increased UGE up to a maximum of approximately 59 g (327 mmol) of glucose excreted over 24 hours following multiple doses, without affecting plasma glucose levels in healthy subjects. CONCLUSION: Administration of ipragliflozin was well tolerated and resulted in a rapid, dose-dependent increase in glucosuria. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic data suggest that ipragliflozin is suitable for prolonged once-daily oral treatment.

Strategies for the assessment of protein aggregates in pharmaceutical biotech product development.

Within the European Immunogenicity Platform (EIP) ( http://www.e-i-p.eu ), the Protein Characterization Subcommittee (EIP-PCS) has been established to discuss and exchange experience of protein characterization in relation to unwanted immunogenicity. In this commentary, we, as representatives of EIP-PCS, review the current state of methods for analysis of protein aggregates. Moreover, we elaborate on why these methods should be used during product development and make recommendations to the biotech community with regard to strategies for their application during the development of protein therapeutics.

Pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of solifenacin in patients with renal insufficiency.

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of solifenacin in patients with mild, moderate, or severe renal disease, eighteen patients with renal disease and six healthy volunteers received a single oral dose of solifenacin (10 mg). Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed from blood samples drawn over a 360-h period. Safety and tolerability were also evaluated. Total mean +/- S.D. exposure (ng . h/mL) to solifenacin in healthy individuals (1190 +/- 403) was increased in patients with renal disease (mild: 1784 +/- 792, moderate: 1559 +/- 555, severe: 2530 +/- 700), and elimination half-life (mean +/- S.D. [h]) was prolonged (healthy: 68.2 +/- 27.2, mild: 89.1 +/- 34.5, moderate: 90.6 +/- 27.3, severe: 111 +/- 38.3). A significant correlation was found between creatinine clearance and pharmacokinetic parameters for exposure and apparent oral clearance. No deaths or serious adverse events occurred during the study. Solifenacin 10 mg was well tolerated in patients with renal disease. Solifenacin displays a higher exposure and a prolonged half-life in patients with renal impairment, especially severe. Therefore, while no special cautions are necessary for patients with mild/moderate renal impairment, patients with severe renal impairment should receive no more than 5 mg solifenacin once daily.

Open-label study of the safety and pharmacokinetics of solifenacin in subjects with hepatic impairment.

Determining the pharmacokinetics and safety of solifenacin succinate, a once-daily, oral antimuscarinic agent indicated for treatment of overactive bladder, in subjects with hepatic impairment. In this open-label study, 16 subjects (eight with moderate hepatic impairment [defined as a Child-Pugh score of 7 - 9], eight healthy) received a single oral 10 mg solifenacin dose. Blood and urine were collected for pharmacokinetic assessments. Pharmacokinetic parameters (primary: area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity [AUC(0-infinity)] and maximum plasma concentration [C(max)]) and safety were evaluated for solifenacin and its metabolites. There were no clinically relevant differences in safety. Moderate hepatic impairment increased AUC(0-infinity) by 60%, and the mean elimination half-life of solifenacin and several of its metabolites was longer versus healthy subjects. Mean C(max) values were comparable between the groups. A single oral dose of solifenacin was well tolerated in hepatically impaired and healthy subjects; however, moderate hepatic impairment influenced solifenacin pharmacokinetics. In patients with mild hepatic impairment, solifenacin may be used without special caution; however, in patients with moderate hepatic impairment, doses greater than 5 mg are not recommended and the 5 mg dose should be used with caution.

Pharmacokinetic effect of ketoconazole on solifenacin in healthy volunteers.

Solifenacin succinate (YM905) is a new, once-daily, orally administered muscarinic receptor antagonist designed to treat overactive bladder. The metabolism of solifenacin involves hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4; therefore, the pharmacokinetics of solifenacin may be affected by drugs that inhibit CYP3A4. This study aimed to examine the effects of co-administration of ketoconazole, a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetics of solifenacin in healthy volunteers. In a single-site, open-label, monosequence, crossover study, 17 healthy men and women aged 18 to 65 years received a single 10 mg oral dose of solifenacin, which is is the highest available dose. After a 14-day wash-out period, they began 20 days of oral ketoconazole at a dose of 200 mg once daily. A single 10 mg dose of solifenacin was administered again on day 7 of ketoconazole treatment. Pharmacokinetics was assessed using the standard measurements of maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to Cmax, area under the curve (AUC), and elimination half-life (t1/2). Co-administration of ketoconazole resulted in a 1.43 times increase in the C(max) of solifenacin and an approximately 2 times increase in AUC. The mean t1/2 of solifenacin was extended from 49.3 to 77.5 hr whereas time to Cmax did not change. No substantial increase in the overall rate of adverse events, and no significant effects on vital signs, electrocardiography, clinical laboratory values, or physical examinations were noted. Administration of 200 mg ketoconazole once daily in healthy male volunteers resulted in a 2 times increase in exposure of a single 10 mg dose of solifenacin. Since ketoconazole is one of the strongest inhibitors of CYP3A4, it is expected that co-administration of other CYP3A4 inhibitors will not result in a stronger increase in solifenacin exposure.

Pharmacokinetic interaction of solifenacin with an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel in healthy women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Solifenacin succinate (YM905; Vesicare, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tokyo, Japan) is a new once-daily, orally administered muscarinic receptor antagonist under investigation for the treatment of overactive bladder. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of solifenacin on the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of an oral contraceptive (OC) containing ethinyl estradiol (EE) and levonorgestrel (LNG). METHODS: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-period, crossover study, 24 healthy, young, white women received a combined OC (EE 30 microg + LNG 150 microg) daily for two 21-day cycles, separated by a 7-day washout. On day 12 of each cycle, subjects began a 10-day regimen of solifenacin 10 mg QD, which is 2 times the suggested starting dose, or placebo. Subjects crossed over to the other treatment arm for the second cycle. Primary PK end points were C(max) and AUC from time 0 to 24 hours (AUC(0-24 h)) for EE and LNG. Women ranged in age from 20 to 37 years and had a mean body weight of 64 kg, mean height of 167.4 cm, and mean body mass index of 23 kg/m2. Seven women had never smoked, while 5 were former smokers and 12 were regular smokers. Safety assessments included the nature, frequency, and severity of spontaneously reported or observed adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiogram, laboratory values, and physical examination. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of AUC(0-24 h)/product of baseline concentration and total blood sampling time, and C(max)/baseline concentration ratios of solifenacin versus placebo for EE and LNG found the 90% CI to be within the predefined range of 0.8 to 1.25 (EE: 0.854-1.164 and 0.822-1.167; LNG: 0.920-1.125 and 0.910-1.139). The number of samples with non-quantifiable luteinizing hormone (LH) and folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) levels were comparable after administration of the OC with either solifenacin or placebo. The adverse event most frequently reported was dry mouth (solifenacin, n = 25 [9 mild, 13 moderate, and 3 severe] vs placebo, n = 1 [moderate]). There were no clinically relevant effects on vital signs, electrocardiogram, or laboratory parameters. CONCLUSIONS: A PK interaction between solifenacin and the OC containing EE and LNG was not found in this study. Solifenacin was not found to have altered suppression of LH or FSH. The drug was well tolerated in these healthy, young, white, adult female volunteers.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of solifenacin succinate in healthy young men.

The pharmacokinetic profile of solifenacin succinate (YM905; Vesicare), a new once-daily bladder-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist, was examined in 2 controlled trials of healthy young men. A single-dose study evaluated 5-, 10-, 20-, 40-, 60-, 80-, and 100-mg doses. A multidose study evaluated 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-mg doses. In the single-dose study, mean time to maximal concentration and elimination half-life ranged from 3.3 to 4.8 and from 40.2 to 57.6 hours, respectively; in the multidose study, the corresponding ranges were 2.9 to 5.8 and 45.0 to 64.8. Plasma concentration and area under the curve increased linearly with single doses in both trials. At steady state, a less regular increase was seen, with higher values in the 20-mg group than in the 30-mg group. All doses in the single-dose study were well tolerated. At steady state, only the 30-mg dose was not well tolerated. The most commonly reported adverse events were dry mouth, blurred vision, and headache. Solifenacin 5 and 10 mg, either as single doses or at steady state, had minimal effect on salivary flow, visual nearpoint, and the incidence of adverse events. Solifenacin was well tolerated up to single doses of 100 mg and after multiple doses of 20 mg. Its pharmacokinetic profile makes it suitable for qd administration.