Tolerogenic nanoparticles mitigate the formation of anti-drug antibodies against pegylated uricase in patients with hyperuricemia

Biologic drugs have transformed the standard of care for many diseases. However, many biologics induce the formation of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs), which can compromise their safety and efficacy. Preclinical studies demonstrate that biodegradable nanoparticles-encapsulating rapamycin (ImmTOR), but not free rapamycin, mitigate the immunogenicity of co-administered biologic drugs. Here we report the outcomes from two clinical trials for ImmTOR. In the first ascending dose, open-label study (NCT02464605), pegadricase, an immunogenic, pegylated uricase enzyme derived from Candida utilis, is assessed for safety and tolerability (primary endpoint) as well as activity and immunogenicity (secondary endpoint); in the second single ascending dose Phase 1b trial (NCT02648269) composed of both a double-blind and open-label parts, we evaluate the safety of ImmTOR (primary endpoint) and its ability to prevent the formation of anti-drug antibodies against pegadricase and enhance its pharmacodynamic activity (secondary endpoint) in patients with hyperuricemia. The combination of ImmTOR and pegadricase is well tolerated. ImmTOR inhibits the development of uricase-specific ADAs in a dose-dependent manner, thus enabling sustained enzyme activity and reduction in serum uric acid levels. ImmTOR may thus represent a feasible approach for preventing the formation of ADAs to a broad range of immunogenic biologic therapies.

A Randomized, Open-Label Study to Assess Efficacy of Weekly Assumption of Cholecalciferol versus Calcifediol in Older Patients with Hypovitaminosis D

The aim of this single-center, open-label, randomized controlled study was to evaluate which formulation of vitamin D—between cholecalciferol and calcifediol—is most effective in the treatment of hypovitaminosis D in older adults. Demographic characteristics, clinical history, and comprehensive geriatric assessment were recorded at admission. Eligible patients were randomly assigned an equivalent vitamin D supplement, either with cholecalciferol or calcifediol, from the time of hospital admission to three months after discharge. Among the 140 older patients included (mean age 83 ± 6.6 years, 57.8% females), 69 received cholecalciferol and 71 received calcifediol. The mean plasma values of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OH-vitamin D3) found at the time of enrollment were 16.8 ± 9.9 ng/mL in patients receiving cholecalciferol and 18.8 ± 13.3 ng/mL in those treated with calcifediol (p = 0.31). At the three month follow-up, the mean concentration of 25OH-vitamin D3 was significantly higher in patients treated with calcifediol than in those receiving cholecalciferol (30.7 ± 8.4 vs. 45.4 ± 9.8 ng/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). Supplementation with either cholecalciferol or calcifediol effectively results in reaching the optimal circulating values of 25OH-vitamin D3 in older patients suffering from hypovitaminosis D. However, supplementation with calcifediol led to average circulating values of 25OH-vitamin D3 that were significantly higher (over 50%) than those obtained with cholecalciferol.

Effects of Rifampicin On Pyrotinib Maleate Pharmacokinetics In Healthy Subjects

Purpose: Pyrotinib (PTN) is primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A4 isozyme. Rifampicin (RIF) is a strong CYP3A4 inducer. Thus, the effect of oral RIF on PTN pharmacokinetics (PK) was evaluated to provide dose recommendation when co-administered.Method: This phase I, open-label study investigated the effects of steady-state RIF administration on single-dose PK of PTN, in 18 healthy participants who received PTN 400 mg single doses on days 1 and 13, and were administrated with RIF 600 mg qd on days 6-16. Each dose for RIF was administrated on an empty stomach, PTN were administrated orally in the morning 30 min after the start of the standard meal. Serial PK samples for PTN were collected on day 1 and day 13. Plasma PTN PK parameters were determined with non-compartmental analysis. Geometric least-squares mean ratios (GMRs) and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated by the mixed-effected model for within-subject treatment comparisons. Safety assessments were performed throughout the study.Results: Eighteen subjects were enrolled and 15 completed the study. RIF significantly reduced PTN exposure: GMRs (90 % CI) for PTN + RIF versus PTN alone were 0.04 (0.034,0.049), 0.04 (0.037,0.054), and 0.11 (0.09,0.124) for area under the curve from time zero to time of last quantifiable concentration (AUC0-t), area under the curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0-∞ ), and maximum observed plasma concentration(Cmax), respectively. PTN alone and co-administered with RIF was well tolerated.Conclusion: Concurrent administration of PTN and RIF was associated with significantly decreased systemic exposure to PTN. The findings suggest that concomitant strong CYP3A4 inducers should be avoided during PTN treatment. Concurrent administration of PTN and RIF was well tolerated.

Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Calcipotriol and Apremilast Combination Against Cacipotriol Monotherapy in Psoriasis

Background Potentiating activity of tablet apremilast 30mg BD against psoriasis in combination with 0.005% calcipotriol ointment was studied in comparison with calcipotriol monotherapy. Methods Single centre, prospective, parallel group, open label study compared efficacy and safety of calcipotriol+apremilast combination with calcipotriol monotherapy. Patients of mild to severe psoriasis in age group 18-60 years were randomized to two groups – calcipotriol+apremilast group and calcipotriol group. Calcipotriol+apremilast group received apremilast 30 mg BD p.o. and 0.005% calcipotriol ointment local application BD for 8 weeks. While calcipotriol group received 0.005% calcipotriol ointment local application BD for 8 weeks. Primary endpoint for efficacy was percentage of patients in whom mPASI decreased by 75% from baseline. Safety was also monitored throughout. Results 106 patients were randomized: calcipotriol+apremilast (n = 56) and calcipotriol group (n = 53). More patients of calcipotriol+apremilast achieved treatment success compared to calcipotriol was also higher (51.85% vs 34.61%; p < 0.001). Similar percentage of patients reported adverse events: Calcipotriol+apremilast 45.49% (n = 23) and calcipotriol 42.30% (n = 22) Conclusion Addition of apremilast to calcipotriol is significantly more efficacious than calcipotriol monotherapy. This combination is as safe as monotherapy.