Abstract
Background
Ibezapolstat, a DNA polymerase IIIC inhibitor, currently in Phase 2 clinical development for treatment of C. difficile infection (CDI). Its unique mechanism of action targets low G+C content Gram-positive bacteria primarily Firmicutes including C. difficile. Phase I healthy volunteer results demonstrated a favorable microbiome profile suggestive of an anti-recurrence effect. The purpose of this study was to report clinical outcomes, pharmacokinetics, and microbiome changes from this Phase 2a clinical study and to continue to test for anti-recurrence microbiome properties.
Methods
Ibezapolstat 450 mg was given twice daily for 10 days to patients with mild-moderate CDI defined as diarrhea plus a positive C. difficile toxin test. Test of cure was evaluated at day 12 and sustained clinical cure at day 38. Stool samples were evaluated for C. difficile cultures and microbiome changes.
Results
Ten subjects (female: 50%) aged 50 ±15 years were enrolled. All ten subjects experienced a clinical cure by the test of cure visit at day 12 and all 10 subjects experienced a sustained clinical cure at the day 38 visit. Ibezapolstat was well tolerated with 1 adverse event (nausea) probably related to drug. Ibezapolstat systemic exposure was minimal with no plasma level reaching 1 ug/mL any time during therapy. Ibezapolstat colonic concentrations averaged 400 ug/g stool at day 3 and greater than 1,000 ug/g by day 10 of dosing. Six of the seven available baseline stool samples grew toxigenic C. difficile of various ribotypes including RT078-226 and RT014-020 (Ibezapolstat MIC range: 0.25-1 ug/mL). Follow-up cultures were no growth starting from day 3 stool cultures. Microbiome changes included overgrowth of Actinobacteria and/or Firmicute phylum species while on therapy.
Conclusion
Favorable clinical efficacy and safety results were observed in ibezapolstat patients with CDI including 100% clinical cure and sustained clinical cure. These results begin to validate our approach to ibezapolstat development in that the favorable microbiome effects seen in healthy Phase 1 volunteers may be predictive of beneficial patient outcomes, including low rates of recurrence. These results support the continued clinical development of ibezapolstat.
Disclosures
Kevin W. Garey, Pharm.D., M.S., FASHP, Summit Therapeutics (Research Grant or Support) Michael Silverman, MD, Acurx Pharmaceuticals (Consultant)
701. An Open-label Phase 2a Study of Ibezapolstat, a Unique Gram-positive Selective Spectrum (GPSS) Antibiotic, for Patients with Clostridioides difficile Infection