337 A Multicenter Open-label Pilot Study Evaluating Next-Dose Transition From Zolpidem to Lemborexant: Analysis of Female Subgroup

Introduction Dosing paradigms for transitioning patients to lemborexant (LEM) from zolpidem (ZOL: immediate [IR] or extended-release [ER]) were examined in E2006-A001-312 (Study 312; NCT04009577), an open-label pilot study. Given insomnia prevalence in women, post hoc analyses in female subjects were conducted. Methods Study 312 included: 3-week Screening Period (subjects continued ZOL); 2-week Titration Period (TITR); 12-week Extension Period (EXT); 4-week Follow-up. Adults with insomnia taking ZOL-IR or ZOL-ER intermittently (3–4 nights/week) or frequently (≥5 nights/week) were enrolled. Subjects with intermittent, or one week each of intermittent and frequent ZOL use, were assigned to Cohort-1 and started TITR with LEM 5mg (LEM5). Frequent ZOL users (Cohort-2) were randomized 1:1 to LEM5 (Cohort-2A) or LEM 10mg (LEM10; Cohort-2B). Subjects who transitioned to LEM could opt into EXT. Subjects could change LEM dose during TITR (only once) and during EXT. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects who transitioned to LEM at end of TITR. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were assessed by dose at time of TEAE. Results Overall, 35 subjects were female and 29/35 (82.9%) transitioned to LEM. In Cohort-1, 7 subjects began TITR; all transitioned to LEM (5 subjects ended TITR on LEM5; 2 ended on LEM10). In Cohort-2A, 14 subjects began TITR with LEM5; 12/14 (85.7%) transitioned (6 subjects each ended TITR on LEM5 or LEM10). In Cohort-2B, 14 subjects began TITR with LEM10; 10/14 (71.4%) transitioned to LEM (3 subjects ended TITR on LEM5 and 7 on LEM10). All 29 transitioned subjects opted into EXT, and 27/29 (93.1%) completed the study. Based on modal dose (most frequent dose taken during TITR and EXT combined) groups, median time to first dose change during EXT was 14.5 and 17.0 days for LEM5 and LEM10, respectively. Overall, most TEAEs were mild/moderate in severity. Across TITR and EXT, more TEAEs occurred with LEM10 than with LEM5; the most common TEAEs were somnolence (n=3) and abnormal dreams (n=3). Conclusion Most female subjects successfully transitioned from intermittent or frequent ZOL-IR/ZOL-ER use to LEM and completed the study. LEM was generally well tolerated. The safety profile was consistent with that observed in Phase 3 studies. Support (if any) Eisai Inc.

486 Timing and Duration of Adverse Events in a Clinical Trial of Lower-Sodium Oxybate in Participants With Narcolepsy With Cataplexy

Introduction This analysis evaluated treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) during a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized withdrawal trial (NCT03030599) of lower-sodium oxybate (LXB; Xywav™), an FDA-approved treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness or cataplexy in narcolepsy. Methods At study entry, participants were taking sodium oxybate (SXB) alone, SXB with other anticataplectics, other anticataplectics alone, or were anticataplectic treatment-naive. Participants taking SXB transitioned to the same LXB dose (gram-for-gram); oxybate-naive participants initiated LXB (4.5 g/night). TEAEs were analyzed in the safety population (N=201, received ≥1 study drug dose) during a 12-week open-label optimized treatment/titration period (while other anticataplectics were tapered/discontinued) and subsequent 2-week stable-dose period (SDP). TEAE duration was defined as time from TEAE start to end date (or end of SDP, if TEAE end date was unrecorded). Results LXB-emergent TEAEs varied by treatment at entry. Anticataplectic treatment-naive participants reported TEAEs including headache (n=36/90, 40%; median duration [range]=1 [1–76] day), nausea (n=19/90, 21%; duration=9 [1–37] days), and dizziness (n=15/90, 17%; duration=10 [1–117] days); peak incidence was week 2 (n=8/89, 9%) for headache, week 3 (n=3/88, 3%) for dizziness, and week 1 (n=6/90, 7%) for nausea. Anticataplectic treatment-naive participants (n=13/90, 14%) also reported decreased appetite, with relatively long duration (58 [2–358] days). Participants taking SXB alone reported TEAEs including headache (n=17/52, 33%; duration=1 [1–122] day) and diarrhea (n=4/52, 8%; duration=41 [2–101] days); peak headache incidence was week 4 (n=4/52, 8%); diarrhea had no peak. Participants taking other anticataplectics alone reported TEAEs including headache (n=14/36, 39%; duration=1 [1–94] day), nausea (n=9/36, 25%; duration=3 [1–16] days), and dizziness (n=9/36, 25%; duration=4 [1–29] days); peak incidence was week 1 (n=3/36, 8%) for headache, week 6 (n=2/32, 6%) for nausea, and week 4 (n=3/33, 9%) for dizziness. One participant taking SXB with other anticataplectics (n=1/23, 4%) reported headache in weeks 1–2 and 4; one reported nausea (4%) persisting from week 1 to 8. Overall, study discontinuations attributed to TEAEs were 20/57 (35%). Conclusion Most TEAEs with LXB treatment occurred early, were consistent with the known SXB safety profile, and were relatively short-lived (except decreased appetite). Participants previously taking SXB reported fewer TEAEs than oxybate-naive participants. Support (if any) Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

335 Evaluation of Dose Transition From Zolpidem to Lemborexant Across 14 Weeks: Results From a Multicenter Open-label Pilot Study

Introduction E2006-A001-312 (Study 312; NCT04009577) was an open-label pilot study that examined pre-specified dosing paradigms for transitioning patients from zolpidem (ZOL: immediate [IR] or extended-release [ER]) to the dual orexin receptor antagonist lemborexant (LEM; 5mg [LEM5] or 10mg [LEM10]). Methods Study 312 included a 3-week Screening Period (subjects continued ZOL), 2-week Titration Period (TITR), 12-week Extension Period (EXT), and 4-week Follow-up Period. Adults with insomnia who were intermittent (3–4 nights/week) or frequent (≥5 nights/week) ZOL-IR or ZOL-ER users participated. Intermittent ZOL users and subjects with one week each of intermittent and frequent ZOL usage were assigned to Cohort-1 and began TITR with LEM5. Frequent ZOL users were assigned to Cohort-2 and randomized 1:1 to LEM5 or LEM10. Subjects who successfully transitioned to LEM had the option to enter EXT. During TITR and EXT, subjects could change LEM dose (only once during TITR). The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects who transitioned to LEM at the end of TITR. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were assessed based on dose at time of TEAE. Results Fifty-three subjects enrolled (Cohort-1, n=10; Cohort-2, n=43). Of these, 43/53 (81.1%) transitioned to LEM at the end of TITR; all 43 (100.0%) entered EXT wherein 41/43 subjects received treatment. Three of these subjects discontinued treatment during EXT, so that 38/41 (92.7%) subjects entered EXT, received treatment and completed EXT. At the end of EXT, 25/41 (61.0%) subjects were receiving LEM10 and 16/41 (39.0%) were receiving LEM5. Based on modal dose (most frequent dose taken during TITR and EXT combined) groups, median time to first dose change was 14.5 days and 36.0 days for LEM5 and LEM10, respectively. The majority of TEAEs were mild/moderate in severity. Across the study (TITR and EXT), more TEAEs occurred with LEM10 than LEM5; the most common TEAEs were somnolence (n=4) and abnormal dreams (n=4). Conclusion Study results support the view that patients can successfully transition directly from ZOL to LEM. LEM was generally well tolerated; the safety profile was consistent with that observed in Phase 3 clinical development. Support (if any) Eisai Inc.

Evaluation of the Safety of Deutetrabenazine at Higher Doses to Treat Chorea in Huntington’s Disease

BackgroundIn the First-HD pivotal trial, the maximum deutetrabenazine dose evaluated to treat chorea associated with Huntington’s disease (HD chorea) was 48 mg/d, which is the approved maximum dose for this population. In ARC-HD, an open-label extension study evaluating the long-term efficacy and safety of deutetrabenazine to treat HD chorea, dosage ranged from 6 mg/d to 72 mg/d, with doses ≥12 mg/d administered twice daily. Doses in ARC-HD were increased by 6 mg/d per week in a response-driven manner based on efficacy and tolerability until 48 mg/d (Week 8). At the investigator’s discretion, further increases were permitted by 12 mg/d per week to a maximum of 72 mg/d. This post-hoc analysis evaluates the safety and tolerability of deutetrabenazine >48 mg/d compared to ≤48 mg/d to treat HD chorea in ARC-HD.MethodsPatient counts and safety assessments were attributed to patients when they received a dose of either ≤48 mg/d or >48 mg/d. For 9 selected adverse events (AEs), we compared AE rates adjusted for duration of drug exposure (as number of AEs/year) at ≤48 mg/d or >48 mg/d. The AE rates were determined after titration when participants were on stable doses of deutetrabenazine.ResultsAll 113 patients were exposed to doses ≤48 mg/d (177.1 patient-years) and 49 patients were ever exposed to doses >48 mg/d (74.1 patient-years). In patients taking deutetrabenazine >48 mg/d compared to ≤48 mg/d after the titration period, there were no apparent differences in exposure-adjusted AE rates.ConclusionsBased on clinical experience, some patients with HD may benefit from doses higher than 48 mg/d to adequately control chorea. These doses were tolerated without apparent increase in the exposure-adjusted rates of selected AEs after titration. This analysis does not address the occurrence of other AEs or whether adequate efficacy was achieved at lower doses, factors that may have influenced dose increases.FundingTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel

Efficacy and safety of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates (lower-sodium oxybate [LXB]; JZP-258) in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized withdrawal study in adults with narcolepsy with cataplexy

Study Objectives Evaluate efficacy and safety of lower-sodium oxybate (LXB), a novel oxybate medication with 92% less sodium than sodium oxybate (SXB). Methods Adults aged 18–70 years with narcolepsy with cataplexy were eligible. The study included a ≤30-day screening period; a 12-week, open-label, optimized treatment and titration period to transition to LXB from previous medications for the treatment of cataplexy; a 2-week stable-dose period (SDP); a 2-week, double-blind, randomized withdrawal period (DBRWP); and a 2-week safety follow-up. During DBRWP, participants were randomized 1:1 to placebo or to continue LXB treatment. Results Efficacy was assessed in 134 participants who received randomized treatment, and safety was assessed in all enrolled participants (N = 201). Statistically significant worsening of symptoms was observed in participants randomized to placebo, with median (first quartile [Q1], third quartile [Q3]) change in weekly number of cataplexy attacks from SDP to DBRWP (primary efficacy endpoint) in the placebo group of 2.35 (0.00, 11.61) versus 0.00 (−0.49, 1.75) in the LXB group (p < 0.0001; mean [standard deviation, SD] change: 11.46 [24.751] vs 0.12 [5.772]), and median (Q1, Q3) change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (key secondary efficacy endpoint) of 2.0 (0.0, 5.0) in the placebo group versus 0.0 (−1.0, 1.0) in the LXB group (p < 0.0001; mean [SD] change: 3.0 [4.68] vs 0.0 [2.90]). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events with LXB were headache (20.4%), nausea (12.9%), and dizziness (10.4%). Conclusions Efficacy of LXB for the treatment of cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness was demonstrated. The safety profile of LXB was consistent with SXB. Clinical trial registration NCT03030599.

Levetiracetam Induced Behavioral Abnormalities in a Patient with Seizure Disorder: A Diagnostic Challenge

Levetiracetam is a second-generation antiepileptic drug that is chemically unrelated to other antiepileptic drugs. Levetiracetam is a broad-spectrum antiseizure medication that is approved as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial and generalized tonic-clonic seizures in children and adults with epilepsy. The mechanism by which Levetiracetam induces behavioral changes remains unknown. Its proposed mechanism of action involves binding to synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) and this leads to neuronal inhibition. Though, the drug has a convenient dosing regimen and is relatively well tolerated, neuropsychiatric side effects can emerge beyond the initial titration period and may be the most common reason for drug discontinuation. Levetiracetam has been reported to cause varying degrees of psychiatric adverse effects including behavioral disturbance such as agitation, hostility and psychosis, and mood symptoms and suicidality. It has been shown to induce psychiatric side effects in 13.3% of adults, with only 0.7% presenting with severe symptoms such as depression, agitation, or hostility. The prevalence rate of development of psychosis in these patients is estimated to be about 1.4%. A review of literature has demonstrated a relative correlation between Levetiracetam use and the development of neurobehavioral symptoms which is increased in predisposed individuals. This research describes the case of a 28-year-old woman with seizure disorder and a psychiatric history of schizoaffective disorder who developed aggressive behavior, paranoia, and severe hostility following administration of Levetiracetam 750 mg orally twice daily. She developed acute behavioral symptoms which were reversed with cessation of Levetiracetam. This report emphasizes the need for developing an appropriately high index of suspicion in promoting surveillance and prompt identification of behavioral adverse effects associated with Levetiracetam especially in high-risk patient population.

Safety and acceptability of clozapine and risperidone in progressive multiple sclerosis: a phase I, randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled trial

ObjectiveBecause clozapine and risperidone have been shown to reduce neuroinflammation in humans and mice, the Clozapine and Risperidone in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (CRISP) trial was conducted to determine whether clozapine and risperidone are suitable for progressive multiple sclerosis (pMS).MethodsThe CRISP trial (ACTRN12616000178448) was a blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial with three parallel arms (n=12/arm). Participants with pMS were randomised to clozapine (100–150 mg/day), risperidone (2.0–3.5 mg/day) or placebo for 6 months. The primary outcome measures were safety (adverse events (AEs)/serious adverse events (SAE)) and acceptability (Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication-9).ResultsAn interim analysis (n=9) revealed significant differences in the time-on-trial between treatment groups and placebo (p=0.030 and 0.025, clozapine and risperidone, respectively) with all participants receiving clozapine being withdrawn during the titration period (mean dose=35±15 mg/day). Participants receiving clozapine or risperidone reported a significantly higher rate of AEs than placebo (p=0.00001) but not SAEs. Specifically, low doses of clozapine appeared to cause an acute and dose-related intoxicant effect in patients with pMS who had fairly severe chronic spastic ataxic gait and worsening over all mobility, which resolved on drug cessation.InterpretationThe CRISP trial results suggest that patients with pMS may experience increased sensitivity to clozapine and risperidone and indicate that the dose and/or titration schedule developed for schizophrenia may not be suitable for pMS. While these findings do not negate the potential of these drugs to reduce multiple sclerosis-associated neuroinflammation, they highlight the need for further research to understand the pharmacodynamic profile and effect of clozapine and risperidone in patients with pMS.Trial registration numberACTRN12616000178448.

0753 Cataplexy-Free Days in a Phase 3, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Withdrawal Study of JZP-258 in Adults With Narcolepsy With Cataplexy

Introduction Sodium oxybate (SXB) is a standard of care for the treatment of cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy. JZP-258 is an oxybate product candidate with 92% less sodium. This analysis evaluated cataplexy-free days/week, as a measure of treatment impact, in a placebo-controlled randomized withdrawal study of JZP-258 treatment in patients with narcolepsy. Methods Treatment for cataplexy at study entry included 1) SXB (SXB-only); 2) SXB plus other anticataplectics (SXB+other); 3) anticataplectics other than SXB (other anticataplectics); or 4) cataplexy treatment-naive (anticataplectic-naive). Participants (aged 18-70 years with narcolepsy with cataplexy) began JZP-258 treatment during a 12-week, open-label, optimized treatment and titration period (OLOTTP), followed by a 2-week stable-dose period (SDP). Participants were randomized to receive placebo or continue JZP-258 treatment during a 2-week, double-blind, randomized withdrawal period (DBRWP). Results Of 201 enrolled participants, 134 comprised the efficacy population (placebo, n=65; JZP-258, n=69). Median (Q1, Q3) cataplexy-free days/week at first week of OLOTTP (while initiating JZP-258) by prior treatment were SXB-only, 5.8 (2.0, 7.0); SXB+other, 6.4 (5.0, 7.0); other anticataplectics, 4.0 (1.8, 6.0); anticataplectic-naive, 3.5 (0, 5.8). At end of SDP (on stable dose of JZP-258), median (Q1, Q3) cataplexy-free days/week were 6.0 (3.5, 7.0), 6.1 (1.4, 7.0), 6.0 (2.6, 7.0), and 6.2 (4.0, 7.0), respectively. Prior to randomization, there was no difference in median cataplexy-free days/week between participants to be randomized to placebo (6.0 [3.5, 7.0]) or JZP-258 treatment (6.0 [3.0, 7.0]); during DBRWP, median cataplexy-free days/week decreased in participants randomized to placebo (3.5 [0, 5.83]) but remained similar in participants randomized to continue JZP-258 treatment (5.6 [2.8, 7.0]). The overall safety profile of JZP-258 was similar to SXB. Conclusion Number of cataplexy-free days/week increased with JZP-258 treatment in participants previously naive to oxybate. Number of cataplexy-free days/week decreased during placebo exposure in participants randomized to placebo. Support Jazz Pharmaceuticals

0478 A Multicenter Pilot Study to Evaluate Next-Dose Transition from Zolpidem to Lemborexant for the Treatment of Insomnia

Introduction Switching of medications for insomnia occurs often in clinical practice based on a variety of reasons. However, few clinical studies have examined methods for transitioning patients between different insomnia medications. This is especially important to consider when the classes of drugs are different (e.g., GABA-ergic agonism vs orexin receptor antagonism); thus, clinical guidance would be valuable. The safety and efficacy of the dual orexin receptor antagonist lemborexant (LEM) for the treatment of insomnia was confirmed in two Phase 3 studies, SUNRISE-1 (NCT02783729, E2006-G000-304) and SUNRISE-2 (NCT02952820, E2006-G000-303). This pilot study (NCT04009577, E2006-A001-312) was designed to assess pre-specified dosing approaches for directly transitioning from the sedative-hypnotic zolpidem (ZOL), a commonly prescribed sleep aid, to LEM. Methods This multicenter pilot study has enrolled subjects age ≥18 years with an insomnia diagnosis (DSM-5 criteria), who used ZOL (intermittently or frequently) as their only insomnia treatment. Following a 3-week Screening period, eligible subjects enter the Treatment Phase (2-week titration period: assigned to 1 of 3 treatment arms based on ZOL use during Screening), and then the Extension Phase (maintenance period up to 12 weeks). During both the Treatment and Extension Phases, the dose of LEM is flexible between 5 and 10 mg, depending on efficacy and tolerability. The primary endpoint is to evaluate the proportion of subjects taking ZOL who successfully transition to LEM (lemborexant 5 mg [LEM5] or lemborexant 10 mg [LEM10]) after 2 weeks of LEM treatment. Results Enrollment began July 15, 2019. It was initially projected that approximately 110 subjects would be screened to provide about 60 subjects for randomization across 3 treatment arms. Interim data will be presented (planned cutoff date Jan 08, 2020). Conclusion This pilot study will help inform on dosing guidance when transitioning a patient from a GABA-ergic drug to an orexin receptor antagonist. Support Eisai Inc.

0477 Characteristics of Insomnia Subjects Screened for Transitioning from Zolpidem Tartrate to Lemborexant in a Multicenter Pilot Study

Introduction Patients who take insomnia medication may change medications for reasons including lack of efficacy, adverse events, and dependence concerns. A pilot study (NCT04009577, E2006-A001-312) assessed a dosing approach for transitioning patients from zolpidem tartrate (ZOL; immediate or extended-release) to lemborexant, a dual orexin receptor antagonist. Here we describe characteristics of subjects who entered the study Screening Period and their reasons for wanting to change medications. Methods This multicenter pilot study was conducted in the U.S. and enrolled subjects age ≥18y with insomnia diagnosed per DSM-5 criteria, and who used ZOL (self-reported intermittently [3-4 nights/week] or frequently [≥5 nights/week]) as their only insomnia treatment. Subjects entered a 3-week Screening Period, during which frequency/dose of ZOL taken was recorded; subjects also wore an actigraph continuously. Eligible subjects thereafter entered the Treatment Phase to determine lemborexant dosing (5 or 10mg during a 2-week Titration Period with assignment to 1 of 3 treatment schedules based on ZOL usage frequency during Screening), followed by a 12-week Extension (Maintenance) Phase and a 4-week Follow-up Period. Results Forty-nine subjects entered the Screening period and completed the Chief Complaint Form through November 2019; mean(SD) age was 57.1(13.8)y, 67.3% were female, 69.4% were white, and 28.6% were black. 31 subjects reported using ZOL frequently and 15 reported using ZOL intermittently (3 missing). The most common sleep complaint was waking up too early (n=33), followed by difficulty staying asleep (n=13), and difficulty falling asleep (n=3). Reasons for wanting to switch from ZOL included: ZOL not working (n=19), concerns about taking ZOL (n=14), wanting to try something new/potentially better (n=6), side effects (n=5), and residual daytime sleepiness (n=4). 43/49 subjects completed screening through this period. Conclusion This study offers the opportunity to understand patients’ current use of insomnia medication and their motivation for wanting to change insomnia medications. Support Eisai Inc.