scholarly journals Open-label, randomised, clinical trial to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of a prophylactic vaccination of healthcare providers by administration of a heterologous vaccine regimen against Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: the study protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. e046835
Author(s):  
Ynke Larivière ◽  
Trésor Zola ◽  
Elke Stoppie ◽  
Vivi Maketa ◽  
Junior Matangila ◽  
...  

IntroductionThis article describes the protocol of an Ebola vaccine clinical trial which investigates the safety and immunogenicity of a two-dose prophylactic Ebola vaccine regimen comprised of two Ebola vaccines (Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo) administered 56 days apart, followed by a booster vaccination with Ad26.ZEBOV offered at either 1 year or 2 years (randomisation 1:1) after the first dose. This clinical trial is part of the EBOVAC3 project (an Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking), and is the first to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of two different booster vaccination arms in a large cohort of adults.Methods and analysisThis study is an open-label, monocentric, phase 2, randomised vaccine trial. A total of 700 healthcare providers and frontliners are planned to be recruited from the Tshuapa province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The primary and secondary objectives of the study assess the immunogenicity of the first (Ad26.ZEBOV), second (MVA-BN-Filo) and booster (Ad26.ZEBOV) dose. Immunogenicity is assessed through the evaluation of EBOV glycoprotein binding antibody responses after vaccination. Safety is assessed through the collection of serious adverse events from the first dose until 6 months post booster vaccination and the collection of solicited and unsolicited adverse events for 1 week after the booster dose.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol was approved by the National Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health of the DRC (n°121/CNES/BN/PMMF/2019). The clinical trial was registered on 4 December 2019 on ClinicalTrials.gov. Trial activities are planned to finish in October 2022. All participants are required to provide written informed consent and no study-related procedures will be performed until consent is obtained. The results of the trial will be added on ClinicalTrials.gov, published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT04186000; Pre-results.

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. e005726
Author(s):  
Gwen Lemey ◽  
Ynke Larivière ◽  
Trésor Matuvanga Zola ◽  
Vivi Maketa ◽  
Junior Matangila ◽  
...  

Implementing an Ebola vaccine trial in a remote area in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and being confronted with a dysfunctional health care system and acute unmet health needs of participants, ethical considerations were made regarding the ancillary care obligations of the sponsor and researchers. Spurred by the occurrence of non-related (serious) adverse events (NR-SAEs), the Universities of Antwerp and Kinshasa jointly developed an algorithm, accompanied by an algorithm policy. The algorithm consists of a set of consecutive questions with binary response options, leading to structured, non-arbitrary and consistent support and management for each NR-SAE. It is the result of dialogue and collaboration between the sponsor (University of Antwerp) and the principal investigator (University of Kinshasa), consultation of literature, and input of research ethics and social sciences experts. The characteristics of the project and its budgetary framework were taken into account, as well as the local socioeconomic and healthcare situation. The algorithm and related policy have been approved by the relevant ethics committee (EC), so field implementation will begin when the study activities resume in November 2021. Lessons learnt will be shared with the relevant stakeholders within and outside DRC.If NR-SAEs are not covered by a functioning social welfare system, sponsors and researchers should develop a feasible, standardised and transparent approach to the provision of ancillary care. National legislation and contextualised requirements are therefore needed, particularly in low/middle-income countries, to guide researchers and sponsors in this process. Protocols, particularly of clinical trials conducted in areas with ‘access to care’ constraints, should include adequate ancillary care arrangements. Furthermore, it is essential that local ECs systematically require ancillary care provisions to enhance the well-being and protection of the rights of research participants. This project was funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liat Deutsch ◽  
Inbal Houri ◽  
Ziv Ben-Ari ◽  
Amir Shlomai ◽  
Ella Veitsman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment with first generation protease inhibitors (PI)+peg-interferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of 65-75% but was associated with multiple side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir and Dasabuvir (3D)±RBV in HCV genotype 1 patients that failed previous treatment with first generation PIs. Methods: An investigator-initiated, open-label, multi-centre clinical trial. HCV Genotype 1 patients who were previously null/partial responders or relapsers to telaprevir, boceprevir or simepravir+pegIFN/RBV and met eligibility criteria were included. 3D±RBV were administrated for 12 or 24 weeks according to label. The primary outcome was antiviral response (SVR12); Secondary outcomes were patient reported outcomes, adverse events and resistance associated variants. Results: Thirty-nine patients initiated treatment according to study protocol (59% men, age 54.0±8.7 years, BMI 28.7±4.5 kg/m2). Thirty-seven (94.9%) completed the study. Thirty-five patients had genotype 1b (9 cirrhotics) and 4 had genotype 1a (2 cirrhotics). Intention-to-treat SVR12 was 92.3% and per-protocol SVR12 was 97.3%. The rate of advanced fibrosis (FibroScan® score F3-4) declined from 46.2% to 25.7% (P=0.045). Abnormal ALT levels declined from 84.6% to 8.6% (P<0.001). Seven patients (17.9%) experienced serious adverse events (3 Psychiatric admissions, 1 pneumonia, 1 ankle fracture, 2 palpitations), and 12 patients (30.8%) experienced self-reported adverse events, mostly weakness. Conclusion: 3D±RBV is safe and effective in achieving SVR among patients with HCV genotype 1 who failed previous first-generation PI treatment. Clinical trial number: NCT02646111


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trésor Zola Matuvanga ◽  
Ginger Johnson ◽  
Ynke Larivière ◽  
Emmanuel Esanga ◽  
Junior Matangila-Rika ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND As part of an Ebola outbreak preparedness initiative, a partnership between the University of Antwerp and the University of Kinshasa, through an Innovative Medicines Initiative-European Union (project ‘EBOVAC 3’), implemented a clinical trial on an Ebola vaccine regimen to be administered to health care provider participants (HCP-P) in Tshuapa Province (Democratic Republic of the Congo). The EBOVAC3 clinical trial used iris scan technology to identify all HCP-P participating in the vaccine trial so the right participant received the right vaccine at the right visit. OBJECTIVE To assess the acceptability, accuracy and feasibility of iris scan technology as an identification method within a population of HCP-P in a vaccine trial in a remote setting. METHODS A mixed-method study was utilized. The acceptability was assessed prior to the trial through 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) and assessed at enrolment. Feasibility and accuracy research was conducted using a longitudinal trial study design where iris scanning was compared to the unique study ID card to identify HCP-P at enrolment, and at their follow-up visits. RESULTS During the FGDs, main concerns raised by HCP-P about the iris scan technology were that it may cause physical problems to their eyes or expose them to spiritual problems through sorcery. Though, 99.1% (95%CI: 97.1;100.0) of HCP-P in the FGDs agreed to be identified by the iris scan. Also, at enrolment 99.0% (95%CI:98.3; 99.7) HCP-P accepted to be identified by iris scan. Iris scan technology correctly identified 93.1% (95%CI:91.2; 95.0) of the participants returning for scheduled follow-up visits. Iris scanning operation lasted no more than 2 minutes 30 seconds for 96.0% (95%CI: 99.0;100.0) and one attempt was enough to identify the majority of study volunteers [69.5% (95% CI:66.1;73.0)]. CONCLUSIONS Iris scan is highly acceptable as an identification tool in a clinical trial in HCP-Ps. Its operationalization during the trial demonstrated a high-level of accuracy that can reliably identify individuals. Iris scanning is found to be feasible in clinical trials but it requires a trained operator in order to reduce the duration and the number of attempts to identify a participant.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liat Deutsch ◽  
Inbal Houri ◽  
Ziv Ben-Ari ◽  
Amir Shlomai ◽  
Ella Veitsman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment with first generation protease inhibitors (PI)+peg-interferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of 65-75% but was associated with multiple side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir and Dasabuvir (3D)±RBV in HCV genotype 1 patients that failed previous treatment with first generation PIs. Methods An investigator-initiated, open-label, multi-centre clinical trial. HCV Genotype 1 patients who were previously null/partial responders or relapsers to telaprevir, boceprevir or simepravir+pegIFN/RBV and met eligibility criteria were included. 3D±RBV were administrated for 12 or 24 weeks according to label. The primary outcome was antiviral response (SVR12); Secondary outcomes were patient reported outcomes, adverse events and resistance associated variants. Results Thirty-nine patients initiated treatment according to study protocol (59% men, age 54.0±8.7 years, BMI 28.7±4.5 kg/m 2 ). Thirty-seven (94.9%) completed the study. Thirty-five patients had genotype 1b (9 cirrhotics) and 4 had genotype 1a (2 cirrhotics). Intention-to-treat SVR12 was 92.3% and per-protocol SVR12 was 97.3%. The rate of advanced fibrosis (FibroScan ® score F3-4) declined from 46.2% to 25.7% (P=0.045). Abnormal ALT levels declined from 84.6% to 8.6% (P<0.001). Seven patients (17.9%) experienced serious adverse events (3 Psychiatric admissions, 1 pneumonia, 1 ankle fracture, 2 palpitations), and 12 patients (30.8%) experienced self-reported adverse events, mostly weakness. Conclusion 3D±RBV is safe and effective in achieving SVR among patients with HCV genotype 1 who failed previous first-generation PI treatment. Clinical trial number NCT02646111 (submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov, December 28, 2015)


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-180
Author(s):  
Amanda Wilhelm ◽  
Karen E. Anderson ◽  
Hubert H. Fernandez ◽  
Hadas Barkay ◽  
Nayla Chaijale ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundDeutetrabenazine is approved to treat tardive dyskinesia (TD) in adults and is titrated weekly by 6 mg/day, from 12 to 48 mg/day, based on dyskinesia control and tolerability. This analysis compared the safety of deutetrabenazine during titration versus maintenance.MethodsSafety was assessed during titration versus maintenance using integrated data from two 12-week placebo-controlled studies (ARM-TD and AIM-TD) and the open-label extension study. Rates were compared for overall and serious adverse events (AEs), AEs leading to discontinuation, treatment-related AEs, common AEs (≥4%), and specific AEs (parkinsonism, suicidal ideation, akathisia, restlessness).ResultsIn titration versus maintenance, AE rates with placebo (n=130) were: overall, 43.1% vs 25.4%; serious, 4.6% vs 2.3%; leading to discontinuation, 3.1% vs 0; treatment-related, 26.9% vs 10.0%. For placebo, common AEs during titration were somnolence, headache, nausea, fatigue, and dry mouth; none occurred during maintenance. In titration versus maintenance, AE rates in fixed-dose deutetrabenazine 12–36 mg (n=216) were: overall, 33.3–38.9% vs 22.2–29.2%; serious, 2.8–6.9% vs 0–1.4%; leading to discontinuation, 2.8–5.6% vs 0; treatment-related, 8.3–16.7% vs 8.3–13.9%. For fixed-dose deutetrabenazine, common AEs during titration were headache, diarrhea, nasopharyngitis, depression, hypertension, and dry mouth; headache was the only common AE during maintenance. In titration versus maintenance, AE rates with flexible-dose deutetrabenazine (n=168) were: overall, 49.4% vs 32.7%; serious, 3.6% vs 2.4%; leading to discontinuation, 2.4% vs 0.6%. For flexible-dose deutetrabenazine, the only common AE during titration was somnolence; none occurred during maintenance. Rates of parkinsonism, suicidal ideation, akathisia, and restlessness were low and comparable in titration and maintenance.ConclusionsDeutetrabenazine was well-tolerated, with AE rates similar to placebo during both phases; AE rates were higher during titration and decreased during maintenance.FundingTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (Sup5) ◽  
pp. S7-S14
Author(s):  
Thomas E Serena ◽  
Neal M Bullock ◽  
Windy Cole ◽  
John Lantis ◽  
Lam Li ◽  
...  

Objectives: Perfusion and blood oxygen levels are frequently insufficient in patients with hard-to-heal wounds due to poor circulation, vascular disruption and vasoconstriction, reducing the wound's capacity to heal. This study aimed to investigate the effect of topical oxygen on healing rates in patients with hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) (i.e., non-responsive over four weeks). Method: This multicentre, open-label, community-based randomised clinical trial compared standard care (SOC) with or without continuous topical oxygen therapy (TOT) for 12 weeks in patients with DFUs or minor amputation wounds. SOC included debridement, offloading with total contact casting (TCC) and appropriate moisture balance. Primary endpoints were the number of patients to achieve complete wound closure and percentage change in ulcer size. Secondary endpoints were pain levels and adverse events. Results: For the study, 145 patients were randomised with index ulcers graded Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) 1 or 2, or Wagner 1 or 2. In the intention-to-treat analysis, 18/64 (28.1%) patients healed in the SOC group at 12 weeks compared with 36/81 (44.4%) in the SOC plus TOT group (p=0.044). There was a statistically significant reduction in wound area between the groups: SOC group mean reduction: 40% (standard deviation (SD) 72.1); SOC plus TOT group mean reduction: 70% (SD 45.5); per protocol p=0.005). There were no significant differences in changes to pain levels or adverse events. Conclusion: This study suggests that the addition of TOT to SOC facilitates wound closure in patients with hard-to-heal DFUs.


2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (12) ◽  
pp. 2065-2070 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa K Stamp ◽  
Peter T Chapman ◽  
Murray Barclay ◽  
Anne Horne ◽  
Christopher Frampton ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo determine the long-term safety and efficacy of allopurinol dose escalation (DE) to achieve target serum urate (SU) in gout.MethodsPeople, including those with chronic kidney disease, who completed the first 12 months of a randomised controlled trial continued into a 12-month extension study. Participants randomised to continue current dose for the first 12 months began allopurinol DE at month 12 if SU was ≥6 mg/dL (control/DE). Immediate DE participants who achieved target SU maintained allopurinol dose (DE/DE). The primary endpoints were reduction in SU and adverse events (AEs) at month 24.ResultsThe mean (SE) change in SU from month 12 to 24 was −1.1 (0.2) mg/dL in control/DE and 0.1 (0.2) mg/dL in DE/DE group (p<0.001). There was a significant reduction in the percentage of individuals having a gout flare in the month prior to months 12 and 24 compared with baseline in both groups and in mean tophus size over 24 months, but no difference between randomised groups. There were similar numbers of AEs and serious adverse events between groups.ConclusionsThe majority of people with gout tolerate higher than creatinine clearance-based allopurinol dose and achieve and maintain target SU. Slow allopurinol DE may be appropriate in clinical practice even in those with kidney impairment.Trial registration numberACTRN12611000845932


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Huang ◽  
Lishun Liu ◽  
Yun Song ◽  
Lan Gao ◽  
Min Zhao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background This study aimed to test the feasibility and titration methods to achieve specific BP control targets in hypertensive patients of rural China. Methods A randomized, controlled, open-label trial was conducted in Rongcheng, China. We enrolled 105 hypertensive participants aged over 60 years, and who had no history of stroke and cardiovascular disease. The patients were randomly assigned to one of three systolic BP target groups: standard: 140 - < 150mmHg; moderately intensive: 130 - < 140mmHg; and intensive: <130mmHg. Patients were followed for 6 months. Discussion The optimal target for SBP lowering is still uncertain worldwide and such information is critically needed, especially in China. However, in China the rates of awareness, treatment and control are only 46.9%, 40.7% and 15.3%, respectively. It is challenging to achieve BP control in the real world and it is very important to develop population-specific BP control protocols that fully consider the population’s characteristics, such as age, sex, socio-economic status, compliance, education level and lifestyle. This randomized trial showed feasibility and safety of the titration protocol to achieve desirable SBP targets (<150, <140, and <130mmHg) in a sample of rural Chinese hypertensive patients. The three BP target groups had similar baseline characteristics. After 6 months of treatment, the mean SBP measured at an office visit was 137.2mmHg, 131.1mmHg, and 124.2mmHg in the three groups. Home BP and central aortic BP measurements were also obtained. At 6 months, home BP measurements (2 hours after drug administration) showed a mean SBP of 130.9 mmHg in the standard group, 124.9 mmHg in the moderately intense group, and 119.7 mmHg in the intensive group. No serious adverse events were recorded over the 6-month study period. Rates of adverse events including dry cough, palpitations, and arthralgia were low and showed no significant differences between the three groups. This trial gained real world experience and laid the foundation for a future large-scale BP target study.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 524-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Kloner ◽  
Coleman Gross ◽  
Jinwei Yuan ◽  
Ansgar Conrad ◽  
Pablo E. Pergola

Introduction: Hyperkalemia (potassium >5.0 mEq/L) affects heart failure patients with renal disease regardless of the use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi). The open-label TOURMALINE study showed that patiromer, a sodium-free, nonabsorbed potassium binder, lowers serum potassium of hyperkalemic patients similarly when given with or without food; unlike prior studies, patients were not required to be taking RAASi. We conducted post hoc analyses to provide the first report of patiromer in patients not taking RAASi. Methods: Hyperkalemic patients received patiromer, 8.4 g/d to start, adjusted to achieve and maintain serum potassium of 3.8 to 5.0 mEq/L. If taking RAASi, stable doses were required. The primary end point was the proportion of patients with serum potassium 3.8 to 5.0 mEq/L at week 3 or 4. This analysis presents data by patients taking or not taking RAASi. Results: Demographics and baseline characteristics were similar in patients taking (n = 67) and not taking RAASi (n = 45). Baseline mean (SD) serum potassium was 5.37 (0.37) mEq/L and 5.42 (0.43) mEq/L in patients taking and not taking RAASi, respectively. Mean (SD) daily patiromer doses were similar (10.7 [3.2] and 11.5 [4.0] g, respectively). The primary end point was achieved in 85% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 74-93) of patients taking RAASi and in 84% (95% CI: 71-94) of patients not taking RAASi. From baseline to week 4, the mean (SE) change in serum potassium was −0.67 (0.08) mEq/L in patients taking RAASi and −0.56 (0.10) mEq/L in patients not taking RAASi (both P < .0001 vs baseline, P = nonsignificant between groups). Adverse events were reported in 26 (39%) patients taking RAASi and 25 (54%) not taking RAASi; the most common adverse event was diarrhea (2% and 11%, respectively; no cases were severe). Five patients (2 taking RAASi) reported 6 serious adverse events; none considered related to patiromer. Conclusions: Patiromer was effective and generally well-tolerated for hyperkalemia treatment, whether or not patients were taking RAAS inhibitors.


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