Dupilumab Reduces Urticaria Activity, Itch, and Hives in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Regardless of Baseline Serum Immunoglobulin E Levels.

INTRODUCTION: In chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 may promote mast cell activation directly via IL-4 receptor expression, or indirectly via upregulated immunoglobulin E (IgE) production. Dupilumab significantly improved CSU signs and symptoms in the phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled LIBERTY-CSU CUPID Study A. This analysis explores the impact of dupilumab on CSU signs and symptoms and serum IgE levels in patients from LIBERTY-CSU CUPID Study A with serum total IgE above and below 100 IU/mL at baseline. METHODS: Patients with H1-antihistamine-refractory CSU received dupilumab (n = 70) or placebo (n = 68) for 24 weeks. Efficacy endpoints were change from baseline to weeks 12 and 24 in serum total IgE levels, Itch Severity Score over 7 days (ISS7), Urticaria Activity Score over 7 days (UAS7), and Hives Severity Score over 7 days (HSS7) in dupilumab- or placebo-treated patients with serum total IgE above and below 100 IU/mL at baseline. RESULTS: Dupilumab treatment significantly reduced median (interquartile range) IgE levels at week 12 [dupilumab: -31.9% (-41.9; -22.6); placebo: -6.3% (-21.3; 14.9)] and week 24 [dupilumab: -48.2% (-56.8; - 39.5); placebo: - 6.3% (-34.5; 14.8)]. Similar IgE reductions relative to baseline were observed in dupilumab-treated patients regardless of baseline IgE level. Dupilumab treatment improved ISS7, UAS7, and HSS7 over 12 and 24 weeks, regardless of baseline serum IgE level (interaction p ≥ 0.59 for all treatment by subgroup comparisons), with weak correlations (r < 0.2) observed between IgE level changes and ISS7, UAS7, and HSS7 outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Dupilumab significantly improved CSU signs and symptoms and reduced serum IgE, regardless of baseline IgE levels. In the current analysis, baseline total IgE had no predictive value as a dupilumab treatment response biomarker in CSU. Downregulation of IgE, a key mediator of mast cell activation and histamine release, may at least partially explain the effectiveness of dupilumab in reducing CSU signs and symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04180488.

Dupilumab for COPD with Blood Eosinophil Evidence of Type 2 Inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that blocks the shared receptor component for interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, key and central drivers of type 2 inflammation, has shown efficacy and safety in a phase 3 trial involving patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 inflammation and an elevated risk of exacerbation. Whether the findings would be confirmed in a second phase 3 trial was unclear. METHODS: In a phase 3, double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with COPD who had a blood eosinophil count of 300 cells per microliter or higher to receive subcutaneous dupilumab (300 mg) or placebo every 2 weeks. The primary end point was the annualized rate of moderate or severe exacerbations. Key secondary end points, analyzed in a hierarchical manner to adjust for multiplicity, included the changes from baseline in the prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) at weeks 12 and 52 and in the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ; scores range from 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating better quality of life) total score at week 52. RESULTS: A total of 935 patients underwent randomization: 470 were assigned to the dupilumab group and 465 to the placebo group. As prespecified, the primary analysis was performed after a positive interim analysis and included all available data for the 935 participants, 721 of whom were included in the analysis at week 52. The annualized rate of moderate or severe exacerbations was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70 to 1.06) with dupilumab and 1.30 (95% CI, 1.05 to 1.60) with placebo; the rate ratio as compared with placebo was 0.66 (95% CI, 0.54 to 0.82; P<0.001). The prebronchodilator FEV1 increased from baseline to week 12 with dupilumab (least-squares mean change, 139 ml [95% CI, 105 to 173]) as compared with placebo (least-squares mean change, 57 ml [95% CI, 23 to 91]), with a significant least-squares mean difference at week 12 of 82 ml (P<0.001) and at week 52 of 62 ml (P = 0.02). No significant between-group difference was observed in the change in SGRQ scores from baseline to 52 weeks. The incidence of adverse events was similar in the two groups and consistent with the established profile of dupilumab. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with COPD and type 2 inflammation as indicated by elevated blood eosinophil counts, dupilumab was associated with fewer exacerbations and better lung function than placebo. (Funded by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals; NOTUS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04456673.).

Dupilumab in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (LIBERTY-CSU CUPID): Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trials.

BACKGROUND: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent pruritic wheals (hives) and/or angioedema. Patients with CSU could remain symptomatic despite standard-of-care H1 antihistamines (H1-AH) or anti-IgE (omalizumab) treatment. Dupilumab blocks IL-4/IL-13 signaling and is approved for multiple type 2/atopic indications. OBJECTIVE: We conducted two phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials comparing dupilumab with placebo in patients with symptomatic CSU despite H1-AH. METHODS: In LIBERTY-CSU CUPID Study A, patients were omalizumab-naive (n = 138, aged ≥6 years). In Study B, patients were omalizumab-intolerant/incomplete responders (n = 108, aged ≥12 years). The primary end point was either change from baseline over 7 days in the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7) or Itch Severity Score (ISS7) at week 24, with the other as a key secondary end point, depending on regional regulatory requirements. Studies were pooled for safety assessment. RESULTS: In Study A, UAS7 and ISS7 improved with dupilumab versus placebo (difference -8.5 [95% CI, -13.2 to -3.9; P = .0003] and -4.2 [95% CI, -6.6 to -1.8; P = .0005]). In Study B, tested at α = 0.043 after interim analysis, UAS7 improved (difference -5.8 [95% CI, -11.4 to -0.3; P = .0390]), with a numerical trend in ISS7 (difference -2.9 [95% CI, -5.7 to -0.07; nominal P = .0449, not significant]). Pooled safety data were consistent between dupilumab and placebo and with the known dupilumab safety profile. CONCLUSIONS: Dupilumab reduced urticaria activity by reducing itch and hives severity in omalizumab-naive patients with CSU uncontrolled with H1-AH. Although the primary end point for Study B was not met, dupilumab effects were small in patients who were omalizumab-intolerant/incomplete responders.

An Undergraduate Laboratory Series Using C. elegans That Prepares Students for Independent Inquiry.

Undergraduate neuroscience laboratories provide valuable opportunities for students to learn about neurobiological systems through active learning. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a valuable model for teaching students how to use a reductionist approach to neuroscientific inquiry. This series of lab modules trains students to utilize foundational laboratory techniques such as worm handling and maintenance, fluorescence imaging, behavioral assays, and Western blot. Upon completing this series of laboratory exercises, students are well prepared to engage in independent research projects using these research techniques. As supported by student survey results, this series of C. elegans laboratory exercises leads to the development of essential research skills, which students may be able to apply to a wide range of future scientific endeavors.

Dupilumab for COPD with Type 2 Inflammation Indicated by Eosinophil Counts.

BACKGROUND: In some patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), type 2 inflammation may increase exacerbation risk and may be indicated by elevated blood eosinophil counts. Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, blocks the shared receptor component for interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, key drivers of type 2 inflammation. METHODS: In a phase 3, double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with COPD who had a blood eosinophil count of at least 300 per microliter and an elevated exacerbation risk despite the use of standard triple therapy to receive dupilumab (300 mg) or placebo subcutaneously once every 2 weeks. The primary end point was the annualized rate of moderate or severe exacerbations of COPD. Key secondary and other end points that were corrected for multiplicity were the change in the prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and in the scores on the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ; range, 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating a better quality of life) and the Evaluating Respiratory Symptoms in COPD (E-RS-COPD; range, 0 to 40, with lower scores indicating less severe symptoms). RESULTS: A total of 939 patients underwent randomization: 468 to the dupilumab group and 471 to the placebo group. The annualized rate of moderate or severe exacerbations was 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64 to 0.93) with dupilumab and 1.10 (95% CI, 0.93 to 1.30) with placebo (rate ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.86; P<0.001). The prebronchodilator FEV1 increased from baseline to week 12 by a least-squares (LS) mean of 160 ml (95% CI, 126 to 195) with dupilumab and 77 ml (95% CI, 42 to 112) with placebo (LS mean difference, 83 ml; 95% CI, 42 to 125; P<0.001), a difference that was sustained through week 52. At week 52, the SGRQ score had improved by an LS mean of -9.7 (95% CI, -11.3 to -8.1) with dupilumab and -6.4 (95% CI, -8.0 to -4.8) with placebo (LS mean difference, -3.4; 95% CI, -5.5 to -1.3; P = 0.002). The E-RS-COPD score at week 52 had improved by an LS mean of -2.7 (95% CI, -3.2 to -2.2) with dupilumab and -1.6 (95% CI, -2.1 to -1.1) with placebo (LS mean difference, -1.1; 95% CI, -1.8 to -0.4; P = 0.001). The numbers of patients with adverse events that led to discontinuation of dupilumab or placebo, serious adverse events, and adverse events that led to death were balanced in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with COPD who had type 2 inflammation as indicated by elevated blood eosinophil counts, those who received dupilumab had fewer exacerbations, better lung function and quality of life, and less severe respiratory symptoms than those who received placebo. (Funded by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals; BOREAS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03930732.).

Brain responses to painful electrical stimuli and cognitive tasks interact in the precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex, and inferior parietal cortex and do not vary across the menstrual cycle.

INTRODUCTION: Bidirectional effects between cognition and pain have been extensively reported. Although brain regions involved in cognitive and pain processing seem to partly overlap, it is unknown what specific brain regions are involved in the interaction between pain and cognition. Furthermore, the role of gonadal hormones on these interacting effects has not been examined. This study investigated brain activation patterns of the interaction between pain and cognition over different phases of the naturally occurring menstrual cycle. METHODS: Fifteen healthy normally cycling females were examined over the course of 4 different cycle phases. Sensory stimulation was applied using electrical pulses and cognitive performance was assessed using the Multi-Source Interference Task. Brain imaging consisted of functional magnetic resonance imaging using a repeated measures ANOVA group analysis approach. RESULTS: Sensory stimulation was found to interact with task performance in the left precuneus, left posterior cingulate cortex and right inferior parietal lobule. No effects of cycle phase were observed to interact with main effects of stimulation, task or interaction effects between task performance and sensory stimulation. CONCLUSION: Potential neural correlates of shared resources between pain and cognition were demonstrated providing further insights into the potential mechanisms behind cognitive performance difficulties in pain patients and opening avenues for new treatment options including targeting specific cognitive factors in pain treatment such as cognitive interference.

A Flame-Free Method for Sterilizing C. elegans Picks, Spatulas, and Scalpels.

Caenorhabtidis elegans (C. elegans) is an optimal model organism for research and education at primarily undergraduate institutions. Undergraduates can quickly learn the sterile technique required to maintain C. elegans cultures. Sterilization of platinum picks used to transfer worms from one plate to another is traditionally done by holding the pick in a flame from a Bunsen burner or ethanol lantern. However, Bunsen burners require a gas source, and both pieces of equipment pose the risk of accidental fire associated with an open flame. Demonstrated here is a technique for sterilizing worm picks, spatulas, and scalpels using an infrared bacteriological loop micro-incinerator. This equipment requires only an electrical outlet and minimizes potential fire hazards. By lowering risk and gas requirements, this technique is well suited for research and teaching in an undergraduate setting.

Behavioral Differences between Male and Hermaphrodite C. elegans.

C. elegans are microscopic nematodes used extensively as a model organism due to their simplicity, allowing researchers to study basic molecular processes in biology. Most C. elegans are hermaphrodites, possessing two X chromosomes and the ability to reproduce asexually, but approximately 0.1% are males, arising due to a spontaneous loss of an X chromosome. In order to evaluate the behavioral sex differences in C. elegans, we expanded upon existing literature and compared spontaneous movement, sensitivity to mechanosensation, and sensitivity to chemosensation between males and hermaphrodites. In our paradigms, we found that males and hermaphrodites exhibit similar spontaneous movement as well as similar slow and sustained behaviors such as chemotaxis, but differ in quick-response to mechanical and chemosensory stimuli.

Long Term Potentiation in Mouse Hippocampal Slices in an Undergraduate Laboratory Course.

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is thought to be a critical mechanism underlying learning and memory. Although LTP is now widely performed in neuroscience research laboratories and the theory behind it is taught in many undergraduate courses, it is rare for undergraduate students to have the opportunity to perform LTP experiments themselves. Here, we describe a series of two laboratory sessions in which upper level students learn how to perform LTP experiments in acute hippocampal slices from wild type mice. In Laboratory 1, students practice the techniques necessary to set up the experiments. These techniques include making solutions, pulling glass recording electrodes, performing brain removal, preparing hippocampal slices, and positioning electrodes in area CA1. For Laboratory 2, hippocampal slices are prepared in advance by the instructors. Students record LTP by stimulating the Schaffer collateral axons and recording postsynaptic field potential responses in the apical dendritic region of area CA1. Once the students determine appropriate stimulus strength, they collect baseline responses, deliver a tetanic stimulus, and then collect responses 10 and 30 minutes following tetanic stimulation. Students analyze the data in LabChart 7 (ADInstruments - North America, Colorado Springs, CO, 2011) and perform appropriate statistical tests to determine whether potentiation has occurred. These laboratory exercises provide a unique opportunity for students to gain an appreciation for the techniques that are fundamental to studies of neural electrophysiology and plasticity as evidenced through a learning assessment tool.

Effect of Roasting Levels and Drying Process of Coffea canephora on the Quality of Bioactive Compounds and Cytotoxicity.

Coffee is a popular drink consumed all over the world. Besides its long-recognized stimulant effect, it has important nutritional and health effects. However, the type of bean processing modifies the composition of brewed coffee and possibly its bioactivity. In this study, extracts obtained from green and roasted beans of Coffea canephora (Coffea canephora var. robusta) were submitted to spray- or freeze-drying and were tested for antiproliferative activity, using MTT assay, and their influence on the cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry analysis. Moreover, colors and nutrient contents were measured to identify the changes due to the roasting process. The results obtained showed that extracts from green and light roasted beans exhibited strong bioactive capacity. Coffee extracts promoted a decrease in cell viability, modulated cell cycle and induced apoptosis in human prostate carcinoma cell line (DU-145). The level of roasting reduced this property, but the type of drying did not in all cases.

Sarilumab improves patient-reported outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients with inadequate response/intolerance to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of the anti-interleukin-6 receptor monoclonal antibody sarilumab administered with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in the TARGET trial in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with inadequate response or intolerance to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNF-IR). METHODS: 546 patients (81.9% female, mean age 52.9 years) were randomised to placebo, sarilumab 150 or 200 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks + csDMARDs. PROs included patient global assessment (PtGA); pain and morning stiffness visual analogue scales; Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI); Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36); FACIT-Fatigue (FACIT-F); Work Productivity Survey-Rheumatoid Arthritis (WPS-RA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease (RAID). Changes from baseline at weeks 12 and 24 were analysed using a mixed model for repeated measures; post hoc analyses included percentages of patients reporting improvements ≥ minimum clinically important differences (MCID) and scores ≥ normative values. RESULTS: Sarilumab + csDMARDs doses resulted in improvements from baseline at week 12 vs placebo + csDMARDs in PtGA, pain, HAQ-DI, SF-36 and FACIT-F that were maintained at week 24. Sarilumab improved morning stiffness and reduced the impact of RA on work, family, social/leisure activities participation (WPS-RA) and on patients' lives (RAID). Percentages of patients reporting improvements ≥MCID and ≥ normative scores were greater with sarilumab than placebo. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with TNF-IR RA, 150 and 200 mg sarilumab + csDMARDs resulted in clinically meaningful patient-reported benefits on pain, fatigue, function, participation and health status at 12 and 24 weeks that exceeded placebo + csDMARDs, and were consistent with the clinical profile previously reported. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01709578; Results.

Efficacy and safety of sarilumab monotherapy versus adalimumab monotherapy for the treatment of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (MONARCH): a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group phase III trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare efficacy and safety of sarilumab monotherapy with adalimumab monotherapy in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who should not continue treatment with methotrexate (MTX) due to intolerance or inadequate response. METHODS: MONARCH was a randomised, active-controlled, double-blind, double-dummy, phase III superiority trial. Patients received sarilumab (200 mg every 2 weeks (q2w)) or adalimumab (40 mg q2w) monotherapy for 24 weeks. The primary end point was change from baseline in 28-joint disease activity score using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) at week 24. RESULTS: Sarilumab was superior to adalimumab in the primary end point of change from baseline in DAS28-ESR (-3.28 vs -2.20; p<0.0001). Sarilumab-treated patients achieved significantly higher American College of Rheumatology 20/50/70 response rates (sarilumab: 71.7%/45.7%/23.4%; adalimumab: 58.4%/29.7%/11.9%; all p≤0.0074) and had significantly greater improvement in Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (p=0.0037). Importantly, at week 24, more patients receiving sarilumab compared with adalimumab achieved Clinical Disease Activity Index remission (7.1% vs 2.7%; nominal p=0.0468) and low disease activity (41.8% vs 24.9%; nominal p=0.0005, supplemental analysis). Adverse events occurred in 63.6% (adalimumab) and 64.1% (sarilumab) of patients, the most common being neutropenia and injection site reactions (sarilumab) and headache and worsening RA (adalimumab). Incidences of infections (sarilumab: 28.8%; adalimumab: 27.7%) and serious infections (1.1%, both groups) were similar, despite neutropenia differences. CONCLUSIONS: Sarilumab monotherapy demonstrated superiority to adalimumab monotherapy by improving the signs and symptoms and physical functions in patients with RA who were unable to continue MTX treatment. The safety profiles of both therapies were consistent with anticipated class effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02332590.

Sarilumab and Nonbiologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inadequate Response or Intolerance to Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sarilumab plus conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in patients with active moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had an inadequate response or intolerance to anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy. METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated to receive sarilumab 150 mg, sarilumab 200 mg, or placebo every 2 weeks for 24 weeks with background conventional synthetic DMARDs. The co-primary end points were the proportion of patients achieving a response according to the American College of Rheumatology 20% criteria for improvement (ACR20) at week 24, and change from baseline in the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index (HAQ DI) at week 12. Each sarilumab dose was evaluated against placebo; differences between the 2 sarilumab doses were not assessed. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the treatment groups were similar. The ACR20 response rate at week 24 was significantly higher with sarilumab 150 mg and sarilumab 200 mg every 2 weeks compared with placebo (55.8%, 60.9%, and 33.7%, respectively; P < 0.0001). The mean change from baseline in the HAQ DI score at week 12 was significantly greater for sarilumab (least squares mean change: for 150 mg, -0.46 [P = 0.0007]; for 200 mg, -0.47 [P = 0.0004]) versus placebo (-0.26). Infections were the most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events. Serious infections occurred in 1.1%, 0.6%, and 1.1% of patients receiving placebo, sarilumab 150 mg, and sarilumab 200 mg, respectively. Laboratory abnormalities included decreased absolute neutrophil count and increased transaminase levels in both sarilumab groups compared with placebo. In this study, reductions in the absolute neutrophil count were not associated with an increased incidence of infections or serious infections. CONCLUSION: Sarilumab 150 mg and sarilumab 200 mg every 2 weeks plus conventional synthetic DMARDs improved the signs and symptoms of RA and physical function in patients with an inadequate response or intolerance to anti-TNF agents. Safety data were consistent with interleukin-6 receptor blockade and the known safety profile of sarilumab.

Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity Effect of Cocoa Beans Subjected to Different Processing Conditions in Human Lung Carcinoma Cells.

Lung cancer is a common malignancy in men and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men in the western world. Phenolic cocoa ingredients have a strong antioxidative activity and the potential to have a protective effect against cancer. In the present study, we have evaluated the influence of cocoa beans subjected to different processing conditions on cell viability and apoptosis of human lung cancer cells (A549). We measured the viability of lung cells treated with cocoa beans, unroasted slates (US), roasted slates (RS), unroasted well fermented (UWF) cocoa, and roasted well fermented (RWF) cocoa for 24 h. Using an MTT assay, we observed a decrease in the viability of A549 cells after treatment with cocoa bean extracts. Flow cytometer analysis revealed that cocoa beans increased the percentage of cells in sub-G1 phase and promoted up to twofold increase of apoptotic cells when compared to the control group. Taken together, the present study suggests that cocoa beans may have a protective effect against lung cancer.

Oral teriflunomide for patients with a first clinical episode suggestive of multiple sclerosis (TOPIC): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Teriflunomide is a once-daily oral immunomodulator approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of teriflunomide in patients with a first clinical episode suggestive of multiple sclerosis. METHODS: In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, we enrolled patients aged 18-55 years with clinically isolated syndrome (defined as a neurological event consistent with demyelination, starting within 90 days of randomisation, and two or more T2-weighted MRI lesions ≥3 mm in diameter) from 112 centres (mostly hospitals) in 20 countries. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) in a double-blind manner (by an interactive voice response system) to once-daily oral teriflunomide 14 mg, teriflunomide 7 mg, or placebo, for up to 108 weeks. Patients, staff administering the interventions, and outcome assessors were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was time to relapse (a new neurological abnormality separated by ≥30 days from a preceding clinical event, present for ≥24 h in the absence of fever or known infection), which defined conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis. The key secondary endpoint was time to relapse or new gadolinium-enhancing or T2 lesions on MRI, whichever occurred first. The primary outcome was analysed for the modified intention-to-treat population; safety analyses included all randomised patients who were exposed to the study drug, as treated. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00622700. FINDINGS: Between Feb 13, 2008, and Aug 22, 2012, 618 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to teriflunomide 14 mg (n=216), teriflunomide 7 mg (n=205), or placebo (n=197). Two patients in each of the teriflunomide groups did not receive the study drug, so the modified intention-to-treat population comprised 214 patients in the teriflunomide 14 mg group, 203 in the teriflunomide 7 mg group, and 197 in the placebo group. Compared with placebo, teriflunomide significantly reduced the risk of relapse defining clinically definite multiple sclerosis at the 14 mg dose (hazard ratio [HR] 0·574 [95% CI 0·379-0·869]; p=0·0087) and at the 7 mg dose (0·628 [0·416-0·949]; p=0·0271). Teriflunomide reduced the risk of relapse or a new MRI lesion compared with placebo at the 14 mg dose (HR 0·651 [95% CI 0·515-0·822]; p=0·0003) and at the 7 mg dose (0·686 [0·540-0·871]; p=0·0020). During the study, six patients who were randomly assigned to placebo accidently also received teriflunomide at some point: four received 7 mg and two received 14 mg. Therefore, the safety population comprised 216 patients on teriflunomide 14 mg, 207 on teriflunomide 7 mg, and 191 on placebo. Adverse events that occurred in at least 10% of patients in either teriflunomide group and with an incidence that was at least 2% higher than that with placebo were increased alanine aminotransferase (40 [19%] of 216 patients in the 14 mg group, 36 [17%] of 207 in the 7 mg group vs 27 [14%] of 191 in the placebo group), hair thinning (25 [12%] and 12 [6%] vs 15 [8%]), diarrhoea (23 [11%] and 28 [14%] vs 12 [6%]), paraesthesia (22 [10%] and 11 [5%] vs 10 [5%]), and upper respiratory tract infection (20 [9%] and 23 [11%] vs 14 [7%]). The most common serious adverse event was an increase in alanine aminotransferase (four [2%] and five [2%] vs three [2%]). INTERPRETATION: TOPIC is to our knowledge the first study to report benefits of an available oral disease-modifying therapy in patients with early multiple sclerosis. These results extend the stages of multiple sclerosis in which teriflunomide shows a beneficial effect. FUNDING: Genzyme, a Sanofi company.

Impact of smoking on long-term outcomes in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease treated with aspirin or clopidogrel: insights from the CAPRIE trial (Clopidogrel Versus Aspirin in Patients at Risk of Ischemic Events).

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to investigate the differential efficacy of clopidogrel or aspirin monotherapy according to smoking status in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease. BACKGROUND: Smoking enhances clopidogrel-induced platelet inhibition, which may explain the higher relative benefit among smokers observed in trials evaluating dual antiplatelet therapy. Whether smoking has an impact on clinical outcomes in patients requiring a single antiplatelet agent remains unknown. METHODS: This was a post-hoc analysis of the CAPRIE (Clopidogrel Versus Aspirin in Patients at Risk of Ischemic Events) trial that compared clopidogrel and aspirin monotherapy in patients (N = 19,184) with atherosclerotic vascular disease. RESULTS: Current smokers (n = 5,688) had an increased risk of ischemic events compared with never smokers (n = 4,135; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.24 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08 to 1.42]) and ex-smokers (n = 9,381; HR: 1.32 [95% CI: 1.18 to 1.47]) (p < 0.001). Clopidogrel was associated with a reduction in ischemic events among current smokers (8.3% vs. 10.8%; HR: 0.76 [95% CI: 0.64 to 0.90]), whereas no benefit over aspirin was seen in the combined group of ex-smokers/never-smoked patients (10.4% vs. 10.6%; HR: 0.99 [95% CI: 0.89 to 1.10]; p = 0.01 for interaction). Among current smokers, clopidogrel also reduced myocardial infarction, vascular death, and death from any cause compared with aspirin. No interaction between smoking status and study treatment was observed for bleeding events. CONCLUSIONS: In a post-hoc analysis of the CAPRIE population, current smokers appeared to have enhanced benefit with clopidogrel therapy for secondary prevention compared with aspirin. These results should be considered hypothesis generating for future prospective studies assessing the impact of specific platelet-inhibiting strategies according to smoking status.

Teriflunomide versus subcutaneous interferon beta-1a in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis: a randomised, controlled phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: In previous studies, teriflunomide significantly reduced the annualised relapse rate (ARR) and disability progression. OBJECTIVE: This phase 3, rater-blinded study (NCT00883337) compared teriflunomide with interferon-beta-1a (IFNß-1a). METHODS: Patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis were randomised (1:1:1) to oral teriflunomide 7-or 14 mg, or subcutaneous IFNß-1a 44 µg. The primary composite endpoint was time to failure, defined as first occurrence of confirmed relapse or permanent treatment discontinuation for any cause. Secondary endpoints included ARR, Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) and Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM). The study was completed 48 weeks after the last patient was randomised. RESULTS: Some 324 patients were randomised (IFNß-1a: 104; teriflunomide 7 mg: 109; teriflunomide 14 mg: 111). No difference in time to failure was observed. There was no difference in ARR between teriflunomide 14 mg and IFNß-1a, but ARR was significantly higher with teriflunomide 7 mg. FIS scores indicated more frequent fatigue with IFNß-1a, though differences were only significant with teriflunomide 7 mg. TSQM scores were significantly higher with teriflunomide. There were no unexpected safety findings. CONCLUSION: Effects on time to failure were comparable between teriflunomide and IFNß-1a. There was no difference between teriflunomide 14 mg and IFNß-1a on ARR, though ARR was higher with teriflunomide 7 mg. The teriflunomide safety profile was consistent with previous studies.

Teriflunomide effect on immune response to influenza vaccine in patients with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of teriflunomide on the efficacy and safety of seasonal influenza vaccine. METHODS: The 2011/2012 seasonal influenza vaccine (containing H1N1, H3N2, and B strains) was administered to patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) treated for ≥6 months with teriflunomide 7 mg (n = 41) or 14 mg (n = 41), or interferon-ß-1 (IFN-ß-1; n = 46). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with influenza strain-specific antibody titers ≥40, 28 days postvaccination. RESULTS: More than 90% of patients achieved postvaccination antibody titers ≥40 for H1N1 and B in all groups. For H3N2, titers ≥40 were achieved in ≥90% of patients in the 7 mg and IFN-ß-1 groups, and in 77% of the 14-mg group, respectively. A high proportion of patients already had detectable antibodies for each influenza strain at baseline. Geometric mean titer ratios (post/prevaccination) were ≥2.5 for all groups and strains, except for H1N1 in the 14-mg group (2.3). The proportion of patients with a prevaccination titer <40 achieving seroprotection was ≥61% across the 3 treatment groups and 3 influenza strains. However, fewer patients in the 14-mg than the 7-mg or IFN-ß-1 groups exhibited seroprotection to H3N2 (61% vs. 78% and 82%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Teriflunomide-treated patients generally mounted effective immune responses to seasonal influenza vaccination, consistent with preservation of protective immune responses. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that teriflunomide generally does not adversely impact the ability of patients with RMS to mount immune responses to influenza vaccination.

Impact of proton pump inhibitor therapy on the efficacy of clopidogrel in the CAPRIE and CREDO trials.

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may interfere with the metabolic activation of clopidogrel via inhibition of cytochrome P450 2C19, but the clinical implications remain unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: The impact of PPI use on the 1-year primary end point (ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction [MI], or vascular death) in the Clopidogrel versus Aspirin in Patients at Risk of Ischemic Events (CAPRIE) trial and the 28-day (all-cause death, MI, or urgent target vessel revascularization) and 1-year (all-cause death, MI, or stroke) primary end points in the Clopidogrel for Reduction of Events During Observation (CREDO) trial were examined. Clopidogrel appeared to elevate risk for the primary end point in CAPRIE among PPI users (estimated hazard ratio [EHR] 2.66, 95% CI 0.94 to 7.50) while lowering it for non-PPI users (EHR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.99, interaction P=0.047). Moreover, PPI use was associated with worse outcomes in patients receiving clopidogrel (EHR 2.39, 95% CI 1.74 to 3.28) but not aspirin (EHR 1.04, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.57, interaction P=0.001). Clopidogrel did not significantly alter risk for the 1-year primary end point in CREDO among PPI users (EHR 0.82, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.40) while lowering it for non-PPI users (EHR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.98, interaction P=0.682). Also, PPI use was associated with worse outcomes in both patients receiving clopidogrel (EHR 1.67, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.64) and those receiving placebo (EHR 1.56, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.30, interaction P=0.811). CONCLUSIONS: In CREDO, the efficacy of clopidogrel was not significantly affected by PPI use. However, in CAPRIE, clopidogrel was beneficial to non-PPI users while apparently harmful to PPI users. Whether this negative interaction is clinically important for patients receiving clopidogrel without aspirin needs further study.

The glutamate transporter, GLAST, participates in a macromolecular complex that supports glutamate metabolism.

GLAST is the predominant glutamate transporter in the cerebellum and contributes substantially to glutamate transport in forebrain. This astroglial glutamate transporter quickly binds and clears synaptically released glutamate and is principally responsible for ensuring that synaptic glutamate concentrations remain low. This process is associated with a significant energetic cost. Compartmentalization of GLAST with mitochondria and proteins involved in energy metabolism could provide energetic support for glutamate transport. Therefore, we performed immunoprecipitation and co-localization experiments to determine if GLAST might co-compartmentalize with proteins involved in energy metabolism. GLAST was immunoprecipitated from rat cerebellum and subunits of the Na(+)/K(+) ATPase, glycolytic enzymes, and mitochondrial proteins were detected. GLAST co-localized with mitochondria in cerebellar tissue. GLAST also co-localized with mitochondria in fine processes of astrocytes in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. From these data, we hypothesized that mitochondria participate in a macromolecular complex with GLAST to support oxidative metabolism of transported glutamate. To determine the functional metabolic role of this complex, we measured CO(2) production from radiolabeled glutamate in cultured astrocytes and compared it to overall glutamate uptake. Within 15 min, 9% of transported glutamate was converted to CO(2). This CO(2) production was blocked by inhibitors of glutamate transport and glutamate dehydrogenase, but not by an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase. Our data support a model in which GLAST exists in a macromolecular complex that allows transported glutamate to be metabolized in mitochondria to support energy production.