A Phase 2 Trial of HQK-1001 (sodium 2,2-dimethylbutyrate), an Oral Fetal Globin Gene Inducer, in HbE-Beta Thalassemia in Thailand

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 251-251
Author(s):  
Suthat Fucharoen ◽  
Nattawara Chaneiam ◽  
Beer Poramin Patthamalai ◽  
Susan P Perrine

Abstract Abstract 251 Beta thalassemia intermedia (BTI) syndromes are characterized by globin chain imbalance, ineffective erythropoiesis, hemolytic anemia, and have no therapeutic approved for the underlying pathology. Higher fetal globin (HbF) expression can compensate for beta globin deficiency, reduce globin chain imbalance, and ameliorate phenotype within the same genotypes. HQK-1001 (HemaQuest Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA) is an orally bioavailable, non-cytotoxic, short-chain fatty acid derivative which induces fetal globin expression in multiple experimental models. In thalassemic erythroid progenitors in vitro, HQK-1001 prolongs STAT-5 phosphorylation and increases expression of the pro-survival protein Bcl-xL. In a Phase I/II dose-escalation trial in BTI, HQK-1001 administered at 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks was well–tolerated, demonstrated a t½ of 9–11 hours, and treatment resulted in an increase in HbF and total hemoglobin (Hgb), with best results observed at 20 mg/kg. This open-label Phase 2 trial evaluated HQK-1001 administered orally at 20 mg/kg once daily for 26 weeks in adult patients with HbE-β0 thalassemia (NCT01609595). Ten subjects were enrolled, ages 20–36 years, including 7/10 female and 5/10 splenectomized subjects. The beta globin molecular mutations of the subjects, in addition to Codon 26 (G-A), included Codon 41/42 (-TTCT), Codon 17 (A-T), Codon 110 (T-C), and IVS I-I (G-T). At the time of this analysis, 9 of 10 subjects have completed at least 20 weeks of dosing. HbF has increased in all subjects above baseline levels by a mean of 10% (range 4.3% to 20.9%) and total HbF has increased by a mean of 1.07 g/dL, (range 0.52–2.38 g/dL, with positive changes in total HbF observed in 9/10 subjects. Total Hgb has increased by >0.5 g/dL above baseline (mean of 1.27 g/dL, range 0.7 to 2.2 g/dL) in 3 subjects after 3 to 5 months of dosing. Treatment was well-tolerated. There have been no severe drug-related adverse events, no serious adverse events, and no clinically relevant laboratory abnormalities. One subject developed transient proteinuria and edema without changes in renal function 3 weeks following an episode of pharyngitis. This ongoing trial demonstrates consistent induction of fetal globin expression by HQK-1001 at a well-tolerated dose level in subjects with HbE-beta thalassemia. Disclosures: Fucharoen: HemaQuest Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Perrine:HemaQuest Pharmaceuticals: Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties.

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong Tao ◽  
Lei Fan ◽  
Yongping Song ◽  
Yu Hu ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
...  

AbstractThis study (ORIENT-4) aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of sintilimab, a humanized anti-PD-1 antibody, in patients with relapsed/refractory extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (r/r ENKTL). ORIENT-4 is a multicenter, single-arm, phase 2 clinical trial (NCT03228836). Patients with r/r ENKTL who failed to at least one asparaginase-based regimen were enrolled to receive sintilimab 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks for up to 24 months. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) based on Lugano 2014 criteria. Twenty-eight patients with r/r ENKTL were enrolled from August 31, 2017 to February 7, 2018. Twenty-one patients (75.0%, 95% CI: 55.1–89.3%) achieved an objective response. With a median follow-up of 30.4 months, the median overall survival (OS) was not reached. The 24-month OS rate was 78.6% (95% CI, 58.4–89.8%). Most treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were grade 1–2 (71.4%), and the most common TRAE was decreased lymphocyte count (42.9%). Serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred in 7 (25.0%) patients, and no patient died of adverse events. Sintilimab is effective and well tolerated in patients with r/r ENKTL and could be a novel therapeutic approach for the control of ENKTL in patients.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 3579-3579
Author(s):  
Andrew Wilber ◽  
Phillip W. Hargrove ◽  
Yoon-Sang Kim ◽  
Arthur W. Nienhuis ◽  
Derek A. Persons

Abstract Abstract 3579 Poster Board III-516 Beta-thalassemia results from severely reduced or absent expression of the beta-globin chain of hemoglobin, leading to severe anemia which is dependent upon transfusion for survival. The pathophysiology centers on the alpha- to beta-globin chain imbalance, which results in precipitation of excess alpha chains. These precipitates caused oxidative stress, membrane damage, and apoptosis of erythroid precursors in the bone marrow (BM). Allogeneic stem cell transplant can be curative but is only available to individuals with a matched donor. It is well known that increased levels of fetal hemoglobin (α2γ2;HbF), such as in the case of hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin, ameliorate the clinical severity of beta-thalassemia. We therefore developed a self-inactivating (SIN), erythroid-specific, gamma-globin lentiviral vector with the goal of reducing the chain imbalance through the production of HbF in red blood cells following transduction and transplantation of autologous HSCs. The vector, termed V5m3, contains 3.1-kb of transcriptional regulatory sequences from the β-globin locus control region, a 130-bp beta-globin promoter regulating transcription of the gamma-globin gene, and 3′ untranslated sequences from the native beta-globin gene. We previously showed that this vector was effective in correcting mouse models of beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD). We further modified V5m3 to include a 400-bp chicken HS4 insulator element. Mobilized peripheral blood (PB)- or steady state bone marrow (BM)-derived CD34+ cells from normal or thalassemic human donors were used to evaluate vector performance. A two-phase in vitro model of human erythropoiesis was used in which a seed population of CD34+ cells is first expanded and then differentiated into late stage erythroblasts over a two week period. Gene transfer is performed 48 hours after initiation of culture. In this model, we routinely observe a 1000-fold expansion in total cell numbers where the vast majority of maturing erythroid cells are late stage erythroblasts reflected by nearly complete enrichment for expression of transferrin receptor (CD71; ≥98%) and glycophorin A (CD235; ≥80%) and loss or reduced expression of CD34 and CD45. Erythroid cells generated from normal adult PB and BM CD34+ cells demonstrate an adult pattern of hemoglobin production (HbA>96%;HbF<2%), as measured by acetate gel electrophoresis and HPLC, making this model ideal to evaluate enhancement of HbF levels by gene transfer. Normal PB CD34+ cells from four independent donors were transduced with the gamma-globin vector (MOI=20) or a GFP control vector (MOI=5). Vector transduction had no effect on cell growth or differentiation as monitored by consistent increases in total cell numbers and the appearance of CD71 (transferrin receptor) and glycophorin A on most cells (≥98% and '80%, respectively). The GFP vector achieved an average transduction rate of 87+/−6% and erythroblasts expressed low levels of HbF (1.7+/−0.6). Gamma globin gene transfer with the V5m3 (N=2) and V5m3-400 (N=4) vectors resulted in HbF levels ranging from 6 to 25%, with an average vector copy number of 0.8 to 1.1. We next tested the V5m3-400 vector using BM CD34+ cells from two patients with beta-thalassemia major. High levels of gene transfer were obtained with both the GFP and the globin vector, as evidenced by bulk marking (74+/−6% GFP+) or PCR analysis of CFU for presence of the V5m3-400 vector (12/12 positive Exp 1); (18/20 Exp 2); (18/24 Exp 3). Again, gene transfer did not perturb erythroid differentiation as monitored by the appearance glycophorin A (88+/−9%; GFP control and 86+/−6%; V5m3-400) as well as cell morphology. Erythroblasts derived from GFP transduced cells had a mean HbF level of 26+/−5% whereas those derived from cells transduced with V5m3-400 demonstrated a 100% increase of HbF to 58+/−2% with an average vector copy number of 0.6-0.8. Importantly, cultures of cells transduced with the globin vector demonstrated an average of 30% reduction in apoptotic cells (10% tunnel+) cells compared to GFP transduced control cells (15% tunnel+), suggesting rescue of erythroblasts through correction of the globin chain imbalance. Our data show that potentially therapeutic levels of HbF in thalassemic erythroblasts can be obtained following gene transfer using a gamma-globin lentiviral vector. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2003 ◽  
Vol 121 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-30
Author(s):  
Sylvia Morais de Sousa ◽  
Letícia Khater ◽  
Luís Antônio Peroni ◽  
Karine Miranda ◽  
Marcelo Jun Murai ◽  
...  

CONTEXT: We verified molecular alterations in a 72-year-old Brazilian male patient with a clinical course of homozygous beta-thalassemia intermedia, who had undergone splenectomy and was surviving without regular blood transfusions. The blood cell count revealed microcytic and hypochromic anemia (hemoglobin = 6.5 g/dl, mean cell volume = 74 fl, mean cell hemoglobin = 24 pg) and hemoglobin electrophoresis showed fetal hemoglobin = 1.3%, hemoglobin A2 = 6.78% and hemoglobin A = 79.4%. OBJECTIVE: To identify mutations in a patient with the symptoms of beta-thalassemia intermedia. DESIGN: Molecular inquiry into the mutations possibly responsible for the clinical picture described. SETTING: The structural molecular biology and genetic engineering center of the Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil. PROCEDURES: DNA extraction was performed on the patient's blood samples. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done using five specific primers that amplified exons and the promoter region of the beta globin gene. The samples were sequenced and then analyzed via computer programs. RESULTS: Two mutations that cause the disease were found: -101 (C > T) and codon 39 (C > T). CONCLUSIONS: This case represents the first description of 101 (C > T) mutation in a Brazilian population and it is associated with a benign clinical course.


Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 10.1212/WNL.0000000000011863
Author(s):  
Marcus W. Koch ◽  
Kayla Sage ◽  
Sharanjit Kaur ◽  
Janet Kim ◽  
Graziela Cerchiaro ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo assess whether treatment with the generic drug domperidone can reduce the progression of disability in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), we conducted a phase 2 futility trial following the Simon two-stage design.MethodsWe enrolled patients in an open-label, Simon two-stage, single-center, phase 2, single-arm futility trial at the Calgary MS Clinic if they met the following criteria: age 18–60 years, SPMS, screening EDSS score of 4.0–6.5 and screening T25FW of 9 seconds or more. Patients received domperidone 10 mg QID for one year. The primary outcome was worsening of disability, defined as worsening of the T25FW performance by 20% or more at 12 months compared to at baseline. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02308137.ResultsBetween February 13, 2015 and January 3, 2020, 110 patients were screened, 81 received treatment, 64 completed follow-up, of whom 62 were analysed. The study did not meet its primary endpoint: 22 of 62 (35%) patients experienced significant worsening of disability, which is close to the expected proportion of 40%, and above the pre-defined futility threshold. Patients with higher prolactin levels during the study had a significantly lower risk of disability progression, which may warrant further investigation. Domperidone treatment was reasonably well tolerated, but adverse events occurred in 84% and serious adverse events in 15% of patients.ConclusionsDomperidone treatment could not reject futility in reducing disability progression in SPMS. The Simon two-stage trial model may be a useful model for phase 2 studies in progressive MS.Classification of evidenceThis study provides Class III evidence that in individuals with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis participating in a futility trial, domperidone treatment could not reject futility in reducing disability progression at 12 months.


Blood ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 766-770
Author(s):  
PT Curtin ◽  
YW Kan

We have previously described an English family with gamma delta beta- thalassemia in which a large deletion stops 25 kilobases (kb) upstream from the beta-globin gene locus, and yet the beta-globin gene is inactive in vivo. Affected family members had a beta-thalassemia minor phenotype with a normal hemoglobin A2 level. Gene mapping showed that these subjects were heterozygous for a chromosome bearing a large deletion that began in the G gamma-globin gene, extended through the epsilon-globin gene, and continued upstream for at least 75 kb. The A gamma-, delta-, and beta-globin gene loci on this chromosome were intact. To examine the possibility that an additional defect was present in the beta-globin gene, we cloned, sequenced, and examined the expression of the beta-globin gene from the affected chromosome. No mutation was found in the beta-globin gene sequence from 990 base-pairs 5′ to the cap site to 350 basepairs 3′ to the polyadenylation signal. The gene was subcloned into an expression vector and introduced into HeLa cells. Analysis of RNA derived from these cells, using a ribonuclease protection assay, revealed qualitatively and quantitatively normal transcription. Thus a structurally and functionally normal beta-globin gene is inactive in the presence of a large deletion more than 25 kb upstream. The loss of beta-globin gene function may be due to disturbance of chromatin conformation caused by the deletion or may be the result of loss of upstream sequences that are necessary for beta-globin gene expression in vivo.


Blood ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 1771-1776
Author(s):  
S Shiokawa ◽  
H Yamada ◽  
Y Takihara ◽  
E Matsunaga ◽  
Y Ohba ◽  
...  

A DNA fragment containing the deletion junction region from a Japanese individual with homozygous delta beta-thalassemia has been cloned. A clone containing the normal DNA surrounding the 3′ breakpoint of this deletion and a clone carrying the G gamma- and A gamma-globin genes of this patient were also isolated. Sequences of the deletion junction and both gamma-globin genes were determined. A comparison of these sequences with previously determined sequences of the normal counterparts revealed that the 5′ breakpoint is located between 2,134 and 2,137 base pairs (bp) 3′ to the polyA site of the A gamma-globin gene, the 5′ breakpoint is located just downstream of the 3′ border of the fetal gamma-globin duplication unit, and no molecular defects are evident within the gamma-globin gene region. A comparison between the sequences of the normal DNA surrounding the 3′ breakpoint and the normal DNA surrounding the 5′ breakpoint shows that deletion is the result of a nonhomologous recombination event. There are A+T-rich stretches near the 5′ and 3′ breakpoints in the normal DNA, and a portion of an Aly repeat is located in the region 3′ to the 3′ breakpoint. Southern blot analysis using probes 3′ to the beta-globin gene showed that the deletion extends in the 3′ direction further than any other deletions associated with delta beta-thalassemia and hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) heretofore reported. These results are discussed in terms of the mechanism generating large deletions in mammalian cells and three models for the regulation of gamma-globin and beta-globin gene expression in humans.


Author(s):  
Shaukat Ali ◽  
Shumaila Mumtaz ◽  
Hafiz Abdullah Shakir ◽  
Hafiz Muhammad Tahir ◽  
Tafail Akbar Mughal

Thalassemia is genetic blood disease cause by absence or decrease of one or more of the globin chain synthesis. Beta thalassemia is characterized by one or more mutations in beta globin gene. Absence or reduced amount the of beta globin chains cause ineffective erythropoiesis which leads to anemia. Beta thalassemia has been further divided into three main forms: Thalassemia minor/silent carrier, major and intermedia. More severe form is thalassemia major in which patients depend upon blood transfusion for survival and high level of iron occur as a consequence of consistent blood transfusion. Over loaded iron invokes the synthesis of reactive oxygen species that are toxic in redundancy and triggering the impairment to vascular, endocrine and hepatic system. Thalassemia can be diagnosed and detected through various laboratory tests such as blood smear, prenatal testing (genetic testing of amniotic fluid), DNA analysis (genetic testing) and complete blood count. Treatment of thalassemia intermedia is symptomatic but it can also be managed by splenectomy and folic supplementation. While thalassemia major can be treated by transplantation of bone marrow, regular transfusion of blood and iron chelation treatment, stimulation of fetal hemoglobin production, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and gene therapy.


Blood ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 79 (6) ◽  
pp. 1586-1592 ◽  
Author(s):  
SL Schrier ◽  
N Mohandas

Abstract We have previously shown that excess unpaired alpha- and beta-globin chains in severe alpha- and beta-thalassemia interacting with the membrane skeleton induce different changes in membrane properties of red blood cells (RBCs) in these two phenotypes. We suggest that these differences in membrane material behavior may reflect the specificity of the membrane damage induced by alpha- and beta-globin chains. To further explore this hypothesis, we sought in vitro models that induce similar membrane alterations in normal RBCs. We found that treatment of normal RBCs with phenylhydrazine produced rigid and mechanically unstable membranes in conjunction with selective association of oxidized alpha-globin chains with the membrane skeleton, features characteristic of RBCs in severe beta-thalassemia. Methylhydrazine, in contrast, induced selective association of oxidized beta-globin chains with the membrane skeleton and produced rigid but hyperstable membranes, features that mimicked those of RBCs in severe alpha- thalassemia. These findings suggest that consequences of oxidation induced by globin chains are quite specific in that those agents that cause alpha-globin chain accumulation at the membrane produce rigid but mechanically unstable membranes, whereas membrane accumulation of beta- globin chains results in rigid but mechanically stable membranes. These in vitro experiments lend further support to the hypothesis that membrane-associated alpha- and beta-chains induce oxidative damage to highly specific different skeletal components and that the specificity of this skeletal damage accounts for the differences in material membrane properties of these oxidatively attacked RBCs and perhaps of alpha- and beta-thalassemic RBCs as well.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Shoujaa ◽  
Yasser Mukhalalaty ◽  
Hossam Murad ◽  
Faizeh Al-Quobaili

Beta thalassemia (β-thal) is one of the most common worldwide inherited hemoglobinopathies. Proper identification and diagnosis of hemoglobin (Hb) variants provide a major challenge. In this report, we describe a 1-year-old boy, presented with the diagnosis of β-TM (beta thalassemia major), has received regular blood transfusions. The molecular analysis revealed the presence of rare Hb Castilla [Beta 32(B14) Leu>Arg; HBB: c.98T>G] variant associated with β0 [IVS-I-1 (G>A); AG^GTTGGT- >AGATTGGT beta0] (HBB:c.92+1G>A) Mutation in beta-globin (β-globin) gene. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Hb Castilla [Beta 32(B14) Leu>Arg] in ExonII of β-globin gene which were found in Syrian male proband. However, we should investigate abnormal hemoglobins in patients with beta thalassemia to determine whether they have involvement with β-thalassemia mutations in the clinical case of the patients or not.


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