scholarly journals An Overview on the Ongoing Clinical Trials of COVID-19 Vaccines

2020 ◽  
Vol V (I) ◽  
pp. 39-48
Author(s):  
Syeda Komal Fatima ◽  
Ameena Tur Rasool ◽  
Ayesha Sabir ◽  
Gul Shahnaz

COVID-19 has posed a great threat to mankind, there is a dire need to introduce a vaccine to combat this global pandemic. Several vaccines are underway to complete their phase 3 clinical trials. This article highlights events surrounding the ongoing clinical trials of vaccines effective against COVID-19, and different procedures and formalities the vaccine will have to endure to get EUA. Clinical trials are discussed stepwise along with the clinical endpoint desired at the end of these trials. In line with antimicrobial resistance, vaccine resistance has also emerged in this era and needs focused consideration, and the probability of development of resistance in these vaccines is discussed. This article specifically covers the latest research reporting clinical efficacy, safety profile, and adverse events following the administration of doses to patients and concerns regarding the rushed approval of vaccines. Four vaccines have been discussed in detail; BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, Sputnik V, ChAdOx1.

2021 ◽  
pp. 106002802110313
Author(s):  
Diem-Phuong D. Dao ◽  
Vikram Nath Sahni ◽  
Dev Ram Sahni ◽  
Esther A. Balogh ◽  
Ayman Grada ◽  
...  

Objective Actinic keratoses (AKs) are cutaneous lesions that arise in sun-damaged skin. AKs may transform into squamous cell carcinoma in situ. Tirbanibulin 1% ointment is a new topical treatment for AKs, recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Data Sources The PubMed database was searched for articles published from 1960 to March 31, 2021, using the keywords tirbanibulin and Klisyri. Data Extraction Phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials were reviewed. Data Synthesis In phase 2 clinical trials, 43% of patients treated with tirbanibulin experienced complete clearance by day 57 (43% [95% CI = 32, 54]). Across two phase 3 clinical trials (pooled data), complete (100%) clearance occurred in 49% of patients in tirbanibulin groups and in only 9% of the vehicle groups (difference, 41% points; 95% CI = 35 to 47; P < 0.001). Although no comparative studies are available, tirbanibulin is applied for a shorter duration (5 days) compared with diclofenac 3% gel, fluorouracil 5% cream, and imiquimod 3.75% cream. Adverse events were mild and included pruritus, application site pain, and local skin reactions. Systemic adverse events such as necrosis and angioedema, observed with other AK treatments such as fluorouracil and imiquimod, were not observed with tirbanibulin, thus giving tirbanibulin a favorable safety profile. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice Tirbanibulin effectively reduces AK burden and recurrence and has a favorable safety profile with mild adverse events. In comparison, imiquimod, 5-flourouracil, and diclofenac can result in necrosis, angioedema, and arthralgias. Conclusion With a favorable safety profile and short regimen, tirbanibulin is an efficacious treatment for clinicians to utilize in their treatment toolbox when treating AKs on the face and scalp.


2009 ◽  
Vol 43 (9) ◽  
pp. 1456-1465 ◽  
Author(s):  
James V Scanlon ◽  
Benjamin P Exter ◽  
Michael Steinberg ◽  
Courtney I Jarvis

Objective: To systematically review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety profile of ustekinumab to inform pharmacists and other healthcare professionals of this new biologic therapy for psoriasis. Data Sources: A search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts was performed through July 2009, limited to publications in English, using the search terms CNTO-1275, ustekinumab, interleukin-12, interleukin-23, and/or psoriasis to identify literature sources. References from the retrieved articles were also evaluated to identify relevant literature. An abstract from a Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and unpublished Phase 3 clinical trials in progress (using www.clinicaltrials.gov ) were also reviewed. The Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency, and Health Canada Web sites were used to retrieve product monographs, regulatory guidances, and advisory committee briefing packets. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All available studies relevant to the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical safety/efficacy of ustekinumab for the treatment of psoriasis were included, with preference for human data. Data Synthesis: Ustekinumab, an anti-interleukin-12/23 monoclonal antibody, achieved the primary endpoint of 75% reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score in a large proportion of patients in the Phase 3 PHOENIX trials. Commensurate improvements were also seen in the Physician's Global Assessment and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores. These efficacy results were reproduced in the ACCEPT trial, demonstrating superiority of ustekinumab to etanercept. The frequency of adverse events was similar between ustekinumab and placebo; common adverse events reported included nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, arthralgia, cough, and injection site reactions. Phase 3 studies indicate that the optimal dosing appears to be 45 mg for patients weighing less than 100 kg or 90 mg for patients weighing more than 100 kg, with both doses administered subcutaneously. In these studies, the second dose was given 4 weeks after the first and then every 8–12 weeks thereafter, based upon response. Conclusions: Ustekinumab, a promising new therapy, reduces the extent and severity of psoriasis and was well tolerated in clinical trials. Ongoing clinical trials will allow clinicians to further assess the efficacy/safety profile of this novel biologic.


2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
pp. 205-210
Author(s):  
Gian Maria Busetto ◽  
Francesco Del Giudice ◽  
Daniele D'Agostino ◽  
Daniele Romagnoli ◽  
Andrea Minervini ◽  
...  

Background: Combination therapy with 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) and alpha-blocker can be considered as a gold standard intervention for medical management of lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). On the other hand, 5-ARI monotherapy and in particular Finasteride alone is currently getting focus of attention especially due to lack of systematic reviews investigating efficacy outcomes and/or adverse events associated. Objectives: Aim of the present critical review was to analyze current knowledge of clinical efficacy and incidence of adverse events associated with 5-ARI treatment for LUTS/BPH. Materials and methods: A systematic review of clinical trials of the literature of the past 20 years was performed using database from PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration and Embase. A total of 8821 patients were included in this study and inclusion criteria for studies selection were: data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) focusing their attention on the clinical role of Finasteride monotherapy for symptomatic BPH. Parameters of research included prostate specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume (PV), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPPS), postvoid residual urine (PVR), voiding symptoms of IPSS (voiding IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and adverse events (AEs). Results: Overall 12 original articles were included and critically evaluated. Sample sizes of patient actively treated with finasteride varied from 13 to 1524 cases analyzed in a single study. Follow-up after treatments ranged from 3 to 54 months. The effect of finasteride in reducing prostate volume (PV) was moderate (standardized mean difference (SMD) effect between 0.5 to 0.8 for all trials evaluable) while the effect on IPSS score and Qmax was considered significant (SMD in the 0.2 to 0.5 variation range). No severe AEs and/or psychiatric disorders were retrieved among the studies. Sexual health dysfunctions were significantly influenced by finasteride therapy when compared with placebo treated patients. Conclusions: Although significant clinical benefits of finasteride monotherapy were demonstrated, the effective size of the available reports included in the analysis is limited. Additional head-to-head studies would be needed to re-evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of 5-ARI in combination or not with alpha blockers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i7-i11
Author(s):  
P Hanlon ◽  
E Butterly ◽  
J Lewsey ◽  
S Siebert ◽  
F S Mair ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Frailty is common in clinical practice, but trials rarely report on participant frailty. Consequently, clinicians and guideline-developers assume frailty is largely absent from trials and have questioned the relevance of trial findings to frail people. Therefore, we examined frailty in phase 3/4 industry-sponsored clinical trials of pharmacological interventions for three exemplar conditions: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods We constructed a 40-item frailty index (FI) in 19 clinical trials (7 T2DM, 8 RA, 4 COPD, mean age 42–65 years) using individual-level participant data. Participants with a FI &gt;0.24 were considered “frail”. Baseline disease severity was assessed using HbA1c for T2DM, Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28) for RA, and % predicted FEV1 for COPD. Using generalised gamma regression, we modelled FI on age, sex and disease severity. In negative binomial regression we modelled serious adverse event rates on FI, and combined results for each index condition in a random-effects meta-analysis. Results All trials included frail participants: prevalence 7–21% in T2DM trials, 33–73% in RA trials, and 15–22% in COPD trials. Increased disease severity and female sex were associated with higher FI in all trials. Frailty was associated with age in T2DM and RA trials, but not in COPD. Across all trials, and after adjusting for age, sex, and disease severity, higher FI predicted increased risk of serious adverse events; the pooled incidence rate ratios (per 0.1-point increase in FI scale) were 1.46 (95% CI 1.21–1.75), 1.45 (1.13–1.87) and 1.99 (1.43–2.76) for T2DM, RA and COPD, respectively. Conclusion Frailty is identifiable and prevalent among middle aged and older participants in phase 3/4 drug trials and has clinically important safety implications. Trial data may be harnessed to better understand chronic disease management in people living with frailty.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (13) ◽  
pp. 3072-3084 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamira Maharaj ◽  
John J. Powers ◽  
Alex Achille ◽  
Melanie Mediavilla-Varela ◽  
Wael Gamal ◽  
...  

Abstract The in-clinic phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors idelalisib (CAL-101) and duvelisib (IPI-145) have demonstrated high rates of response and progression-free survival in clinical trials of B-cell malignancies, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, a high incidence of adverse events has led to frequent discontinuations, limiting the clinical development of these inhibitors. By contrast, the dual PI3Kδ/casein kinase-1-ε (CK1ε) inhibitor umbralisib (TGR-1202) also shows high rates of response in clinical trials but has an improved safety profile with fewer severe adverse events. Toxicities typical of this class of PI3K inhibitors are largely thought to be immune mediated, but they are poorly characterized. Here, we report the effects of idelalisib, duvelisib, and umbralisib on regulatory T cells (Tregs) on normal human T cells, T cells from CLL patients, and T cells in an Eμ-TCL1 adoptive transfer mouse CLL model. Ex vivo studies revealed differential effects of these PI3K inhibitors; only umbralisib treatment sustained normal and CLL-associated FoxP3+ human Tregs. Further, although all 3 inhibitors exhibit antitumor efficacy in the Eμ-TCL1 CLL model, idelalisib- or duvelisib-treated mice displayed increased immune-mediated toxicities, impaired function, and reduced numbers of Tregs, whereas Treg number and function were preserved in umbralisib-treated CLL-bearing mice. Finally, our studies demonstrate that inhibition of CK1ε can improve CLL Treg number and function. Interestingly, CK1ε inhibition mitigated impairment of CLL Tregs by PI3K inhibitors in combination treatment. These results suggest that the improved safety profile of umbralisib is due to its role as a dual PI3Kδ/CK1ε inhibitor that preserves Treg number and function.


Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 1645-1645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Moreno ◽  
Marco Montillo ◽  
Panayiotidis Panayiotis ◽  
Adrian Bloor ◽  
Jehan Dupuis ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Ofatumumab was given a conditional approval in the EU on April 2010 for the treatment of CLL refractory to fludarabine (F-ref) and alemtuzumab (A-ref), encouraging the retrieval of further data in patients treated in a “daily life” setting and to investigate treatment safety. Aims The main objective of this study was to obtain information on the safety profile of ofatumumab given outside clinical trials in patients with previously treated CLL. The secondary endpoints were efficacy, progression-free-survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Methods This was an observational, retrospective study. Patients were eligible regardless of prior treatments or disease status and provided they had not been included in ofatumumab clinical trials. Data on patients’ characteristics at diagnosis, prior treatment, adverse events response rate, PFS and OS were recorded. Results One-hundred and twenty patients were screened of which 103 from 25 centers in 10 European countries were eventually eligible for the study. There were 71 males; median age at initiation of ofatumumab was 64 years (range, 38-84); 66% patients were in advanced clinical stage (Rai III-IV/Binet C) and 33 patients presented bulky lymphadenopathy. Number of prior lines of therapy was 4 (range, 1-13). 94% had received prior F-based therapy, 54% received A-based therapy and 51% received both. Eighty-one percent had been previously exposed to rituximab-combination regimens. Fifty-four percent were F-ref, 70% A-ref and 41% were both F- and A-refractory. Cytogenetics within 3 months prior therapy was available in 52 patients of which 34 presented abnormalities (11 patients: 17p-; 9 patients: 11q-; 2 patients: 13q-; 1 patient: trisomy 12; 11 patients: two or more abnormalities including 17p- or 11q-). Forty-two of 50 patients showed unmutated IGHV genes. The median number of cycles of ofatumumab given was 9 (range, 0-16) and the median percentage of given/planned cycles was 83.3% (range, 0-133). In most patients the treatment dose and schedule were as follows: 300 mg 1st infusion followed by 2000 mg for subsequent infusions (8 weekly followed by 4 doses monthly). One hundred and sixty-one adverse events were reported in 68 patients, with 28 (17%) of them being considered as ofatumumab-related. Infusion related-reactions occurred in 19 (28%) patients (III-IV: 6%). Neutropenia was reported in 26% (III-IV: 19%), thrombocytopenia in 15% (III-IV: 12%) and anemia in 15% (III-IV: 7%). The non-hematological adverse events, included infection 44% (III-IV: 36%), fatigue 10% (III-IV: 4%), fever 10% (III-IV: 6%), rash 10% (III-IV: 3%), cough 7% (III-IV: 1%), diarrhea 6% (grade III-IV: 0%) and nausea 1% (III-IV: 0%). Hematologic toxicity correlated with the number of prior lines of therapy. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia and Richter syndrome were reported in one patient each. Two heavily pre-treated patients (5 and 6 prior lines of therapy, respectively) developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. The overall response rate (ORR) was 23% and the median PFS and OS were 5 and 12 months, respectively. The main causes of death were disease progression (61%) and infection (28%). Conclusions The safety profile of ofatumumab given outside clinical trials to patients with poor-prognosis and heavily pre-treated CLL was consistent with that observed in clinical trials. Although not unexpectedly the ORR was lower in this study, PFS and OS were in line with those reported in phase II trials. Disclosures: Montillo: Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; GSK: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Mundipharma: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Bloor:GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Paid speaker Other. Schuh:GSK: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Mundipharma: Honoraria. Geisler:Roche: Consultancy; GSK: Consultancy. Hillmen:GlaxoSmithKline: Honoraria, Research Funding. Stilgenbauer:GSK: Honoraria, support Other. Smolej:GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, travel grants Other. Jaeger:GSK: Honoraria, Research Funding. Leblond:Roche : Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Mundipharma: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Kimby:Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Teva: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Emergent BioSolutions: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Gilead Sciences: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Jansen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. 85-85
Author(s):  
Joseph W. Kim ◽  
Jennifer L. Marte ◽  
Marijo Bilusic ◽  
Nishith K. Singh ◽  
Christopher Ryan Heery ◽  
...  

85 Background: Recombinant poxviruses have been developed as therapeutic cancer vaccines. Here, we report the safety data from NCI clinical trials with poxviral vaccines. Methods: We evaluated all vaccine injections from 215 patients in 8 clinical trials involving poxviral viral vaccines. The Office of Biotechnology Activities, National Cancer Institute (NCI) Institutional Review Board, and NCI Scientific Review Committee approved all of these trials. Vaccines were consisted of recombinant vaccinia and recombinant fowlpox encoded with 3 human costimulatory molecules (TRICOM), and prostate specific antigen (PSA), or carcinoembryonic antigen, and/or mucin-1. Vaccines were administered at doses between 1.2x108 to 2x109 pfu, subcutaneously, in all patients. Twenty-one patients were also vaccinated intra-tumorally. 84 patients also received other concurrent treatment modalities, such as radiation, celecoxib, ipilimumab, samarium-153, or flutamide on 4 of these trials. All 8 clinical trials involved granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) 100mcg, or recombinant fowlpox encoding GM-CSF at 1x 108pfu as an immune adjuvant. Here, we report here the grade 2 or higher adverse events given at least a possible attribution to vaccine. Results: A total of 1,348 poxviral injections were given in 215 patients. No contact transmission, inadvertent inoculation, or any serious adverse events (AEs) related to vaccinia was observed. Below is the summary of proportion of vaccine administrations associated with specific AEs. Conclusions: These data demonstrate a favorable safety profile of the poxviral vaccines at a broad range of doses, routes of administration, in combination with other treatments, and in various tumor types. Clinical trial information: NCT00060528, NCT00096551, NCT00088413, NCT00081848, NCT00113984, NCT00450619, NCT00450463. [Table: see text]


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