Predictors of Sustained Response With Tofacitinib Therapy in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

Background Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule JAK inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. We evaluate baseline characteristics as predictors of sustained response and remission in patients with ulcerative colitis receiving tofacitinib maintenance therapy. Methods Patients with clinical response following OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2 entered OCTAVE Sustain and were rerandomized to receive tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily or placebo. Baseline characteristics were stratified by week 52 efficacy endpoints (remission, sustained remission, clinical response, sustained clinical response). Associations between baseline characteristics and efficacy endpoints were evaluated using logistic regression analyses. Results Overall, 170 of 487 (34.9%) patients were in remission at week 52. In multivariable modeling, endoscopic subscore at baseline of OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2 (2 vs 3; odds ratio [OR], 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-2.44]), partial Mayo score (<2 vs ≥2; OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.27-2.90), and age (per 10-years; OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02-1.39) at baseline of OCTAVE Sustain (following 8 weeks’ tofacitinib induction therapy) were associated with higher odds of remission at week 52. Oral corticosteroid use (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.42-0.96) and C-reactive protein (per unit; OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89-0.99) at baseline of OCTAVE Sustain were associated with reduced likelihood of remission at week 52. In general, opposite associations were observed for time to loss of response. Conclusion Patients with greater clinical improvement after 8 weeks of tofacitinib induction therapy are more likely to maintain response or remission with tofacitinib regardless of dose received during maintenance, highlighting the importance of a robust response to induction therapy.

Splenectomy for Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia Revisited at the Era of Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists: New Insights for an Old Treatment

Introduction Although splenectomy is still considered as the most effective curative treatment for primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), its use has significantly declined in the last decade, especially since the emergence of thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO-RAs) and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies 1-3. The main objective of our study was to evaluate if splenectomy was still as effective in the modern era, particularly for patients who failed to respond to TPO-RAs and rituximab. One of the secondary objectives was to assess, among patients who did not respond to or relapse after splenectomy, the pattern of response to subsequent intervention with treatments used before splenectomy and particularly TPO-RAs. Methods This multicentre retrospective observational study involved adults who underwent surgical splenectomy for primary ITP in France from 2011 (authorization of TPO-RAs in France) to 2020. To be included in the study, patients had to fulfil the following criteria : age ³18 years, primary ITP diagnosis defined according to the usual international criteria 2. Patients with abnormal spleen histology (other than reactional lymphoid hyperplasia, white-pulp hypoplasia or red pulp hyperplasia) or yet definite secondary ITP were excluded. Response was defined according to international criteria 4. Sustained response was defined as the absence of ITP relapse at last visit. We performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression procedures to calculates the odds ratio associated with a sustained response. Results In total,185 patients, 98 (53 %) women, with median age at splenectomy of 43.3 [interquartile range 27.6-64.3] years, were included in 18 French university and general hospitals from the French reference center network. Most of the patients were splenectomised at the chronic phase of ITP (n=150, 81.1%) and only two patients had undergone surgery within 3 months after ITP onset. Of note, 100 (54.1%) and 135 (73.0%) patients received TPO-RAs and/or rituximab prior to the splenectomy, respectively. The median time of follow-up after splenectomy was 39.2 months [16.5-63.0]. Overall, 144 (77.8%) of patients had an initial response and 23 patients (12.4%) relapsed during follow-up leading to an overall rate of sustained response of 65.4%, similar to the one observed in the pre-TPO-RA's era 1. Characteristics of patients according to the period during which occurred the splenectomy is available in Table 1. Among the 14 patients who failed to respond to both eltrombopag and romiplostim prior to splenectomy a sustained response after splenectomy was observed in 7 (50%). Among the 13 patients who had failed after both TPO-RAs and rituximab, we observed a sustained response in 6 (46%). In the multivariate analysis, an older age (60-75 years: OR 0,39 [0,17-0,86], p=0.02; >75 years: OR 0,28 [0,10-0,75], p=0.013) and a history of more than 4 treatment lines for ITP before splenectomy (OR 0.25 [0.08-0.66], p=0.010) were significantly associated with a lack of sustained response after splenectomy. TPO-RAs were used for 57/64 (89.1%) patients who failed to respond to splenectomy. Among them, 21 were treated with one TPO-RA (i.e. eltrombopag or romiplostim) which was previously used before splenectomy without any efficacy and a response was observed in 13 (62%) of them. Conclusions In conclusion, splenectomy seems to be still a relevant option for treating adult primary ITP not responding to TPO-RAs and rituximab. Patients who fail to respond or relapse after splenectomy should be re-challenged with TPO-RAs. 1. Kojouri, K., Vesely, S. K., Terrell, D. R. & George, J. N. Splenectomy for adult patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a systematic review to assess long-term 2. Provan, D. et al. Updated international consensus report on the investigation and management of primary immune thrombocytopenia. Blood Adv. 3.Neunert, C. et al. American Society of Hematology 2019 guidelines for immune thrombocytopenia. Blood Adv. 3, 3829-3866 (2019). 4. Rodeghiero, F. et al. Standardization of terminology, definitions and outcome criteria in immune thrombocytopenic purpura of adults and children: report from an international working group. Blood 113, 2386-2393 (2009). Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Terriou: Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Ebbo: Grifols: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Octapharma: Other: Attendance Grant; Sobi: Other: Attendance Grant. Viallard: Novartis: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Grifols: Consultancy; LFB: Consultancy. Jeandel: Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Support for congress; Sobi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Other: Support for congress; GSK: Other: Support for congress; Pharming: Other: support for congress. Michel: Amgen: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Rigel: Honoraria; UCB: Honoraria; Alexion: Honoraria; Argenx: Honoraria. Godeau: Grifols: Consultancy; Sobi: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. Comont: Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Honoraria, Research Funding.

A Phase II Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Eltrombopag in Combination with Dexamethasone As First-Line Treatment in Adults Patients with Newly Diagnosed Primary ITP (XPAG-ITP)

BACKGROUND: Eltrombopag is an oral, small-molecule, non-peptide thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO-RA) that increases hematopoiesis by inducing proliferation and differentiation of early bone marrow progenitor cells leading to increased platelet production (Erickson-Miller et al., 2010, Sun et al., 2012). Eltrombopag has demonstrated efficacy in adult and pediatric patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and has a well-established safety profile. It is approved in Europe for the treatment of thrombocytopenia, from 6 months following diagnosis, in patients with primary ITP who are refractory to other treatments (e.g. corticosteroids, immunoglobulins). The efficacy of eltrombopag for achieving hemostatic platelet counts (≥ 50 × 10 9/L) in previously treated adult ITP patients with more than 6 months' disease duration is around 80 % (Wong et al., 2017). However, there is insufficient data on safety and efficacy of TPO-RAs in newly diagnosed ITP patients. AIM: The aim of this trial (NCT04346654; CETB115JDE01) is to compare the ability of eltrombopag in combination with a short course of high-dose dexamethasone to induce a sustained response off treatment in comparison to dexamethasone monotherapy in newly diagnosed primary ITP patients. METHODS: This is a Phase II, multicenter, randomized (1:1), open-label study (see Figure 1). Arm A: Eltrombopag + short course of high-dose dexamethasone Arm B: 1-3 cycles of high-dose dexamethasone Adult patients with newly diagnosed primary ITP who have platelet counts < 30 × 10 9/L and require treatment will be screened, and if eligible, will be randomized to either Arm A or Arm B. The study will be conducted in the following periods: Treatment / Tapering Period: Arm A: Patients will receive eltrombopag in combination with a short course of high-dose dexamethasone beginning at day 1. The dose of dexamethasone will be 40 mg QD (daily; quaque die) for 4 consecutive days and limited to 1 cycle. The starting dose of eltrombopag will be 50 mg QD in order to achieve the target platelet count of ≥ 50 × 10 9/L. Patients who reach platelet counts ≥ 30 × 10 9/L and maintain counts ≥ 30 × 10 9/L during the tapering phase (week 20 - week 26) will be eligible for treatment discontinuation starting from week 26. During the tapering phase, eltrombopag will be decreased by 25 mg every 2 weeks to a minimum dose of 25 mg every other day for all patients. Arm B: Treatment in the control arm consists of 1-3 cycles of high-dose dexamethasone administered orally at a dose of 40 mg QD for 4 consecutive days at 2-4 week intervals. Patients will be treated up to 12 weeks during the treatment period with dexamethasone. If the platelet counts are > 150 × 10 9/L no further course of dexamethasone will be given. Patients who reach platelet counts ≥ 30 × 10 9/L and maintain counts ≥ 30 × 10 9/L after 1-3 cycles of dexamethasone treatment will be eligible for treatment discontinuation. Observation period: After completion of the treatment period, patients will be observed for sustained response off treatment defined as: maintain platelet counts ≥ 30 × 10 9/L after treatment discontinuation and no bleeding events ≥ Grade II and without the use of any rescue therapy until week 52 and week 78 respectively, after study start The study is designed to include 106 adult patients with newly diagnosed primary ITP at 30 sites in Germany. Patients meeting any of the following criteria are not eligible for inclusion in this study: Previous history of treatment for ITP except 3 days of ITP rescue medication within 7 days before study randomization Patients with diagnosis of secondary thrombocytopenia Patients who have life threatening bleeding complications per physician´s discretion Patients with a history of thromboembolic events or known risk factors for thromboembolism The primary objective is the rate of sustained responses off treatment at 52 weeks. Key secondary objectives include the duration of sustained response off treatment, the rate of sustained response off treatment at 78 weeks as well as patient-oriented outcomes for health-related quality of life. Currently, the study is recruiting patients, expected to be completed by 2022. CONCLUSION: This trial will evaluate the potential of eltrombopag in combination with steroids to increase the rate of sustained response off treatment in comparison to steroids alone in patients with previously untreated primary ITP. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Binder: Deutsche Krebsgellschaft, Medconcept GmbH, event Lab. GmbH: Honoraria, Other: Speaker Activity; Amgen GmbH, Janssen-Cilage GmbH, DGHO, Art tempi, Tumorzentrum Anhalt MD, Uniklinikum Hamburg, Sanofi Aventis: Honoraria, Other: Speaker Activity. Matzdorff: Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Argenx: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Grifols: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company; UCB: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Meyer: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Grifols: Consultancy, Honoraria; SOBI: Consultancy, Honoraria. Tesanovic: Novartis Pharma GmbH: Current Employment. Sauer: Novartis Pharma GmbH: Current Employment. OffLabel Disclosure: Eltrombopag is approved in Europe for the treatment of thrombocytopenia, from 6 months following diagnosis, in patients with primary ITP who are refractory to other treatments (e.g. corticosteroids, immunoglobulins). In this study Eltrombopag will be administered as first-line therapy in ITP.

762. Real-World Utilization of C. difficile Drug Treatments and Associated Clinical Outcomes in a US Hospital System

Background IDSA recommends use of fidaxomicin or oral vancomycin for treatment of initial episode or first recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). This study aimed to evaluate impact of a clinical decision support order set driving appropriate use of fidaxomicin on utilization of CDI drug treatments and associated clinical outcomes. Methods This was a retrospective, quasi-experimental study evaluating CDI therapies pre- (8/2016-11/2017) and post- (5/2018-1/2020) CDI order set implementation at a level-one trauma center located in Virginia. Admitted adult patients were included if CDI testing was positive for a 1st or 2nd episode and received active CDI treatment. Exclusions included fulminant CDI and CDI diagnosis by PCR with < 3 bowel movements or laxative use within 24 hours. The primary outcome was CDI recurrence within 30 days of completing therapy in patients who achieved clinical cure. Secondary outcomes were evaluated at 30 and 90 days and included sustained response and CDI-related readmissions. Results After screening, 186 patients in the pre-group and 187 in the post-group were included. Median age was 68 [59-77], most patients had an initial CDI episode (88.2%) and were diagnosed with severe CDI (50.7%). Baseline characteristics were similar between each group on Charlson comorbidity index, ICU admission, CDI risk factors, and concomitant antibiotic use. Primary treatment options in the pre-group were most commonly metronidazole 47.9% and oral vancomycin 50.5%, and in the post-group were fidaxomicin 56.7% and oral vancomycin 41.7% (Figure 1). CDI recurrence rates at 30 days post-index medication (17.2% vs. 6.3%, p=0.004) were lower in the post-group (Table 1). Clinical cure (84.4% vs. 94.1%, p=0.002) and sustained response at 90 days (55.9% vs. 73.3%, p< 0.001) were higher in the post-group. CDI recurrence rates at 90 days and CDI-related readmissions at 30 and 90 days were also lower in the post group. Figure 1. CDI Treatment Utilization Table 1. Clinical Outcomes Conclusion Implementation of the CDI order set increased fidaxomicin use and was associated with a decrease in CDI recurrences and CDI-related readmissions and increase in clinical cure and sustained response. Findings suggest increased first-line use of fidaxomicin results in better clinical outcomes. Disclosures Lauren McDaniel, Pharm.D., BCIDP, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp (Grant/Research Support) Nathan Everson, Pharm.D., BCIDP, AAHIVE, Merck & Co. (Grant/Research Support) Melissa White, PharmD, Merck Sharpe & Co (Grant/Research Support) Engels N. Obi, PhD, Merck & Co. (Employee, Shareholder) Yiyun Chen, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc (Employee) Rose Kohinke, PharmD, Merck Sharpe & Co (Research Grant or Support)

15. Real-World Changes in Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) Treatment Utilization and Clinical Outcomes Associated with Updated 2017 IDSA Guidelines among Medicare Beneficiaries in the U.S

Background The 2017 IDSA CDI guideline update phased out metronidazole (MTZ) and recommended vancomycin (VAN) or fidaxomicin (FDX) for first-line use. This study examined changes in CDI antibiotic use and clinical outcomes among Medicare beneficiaries with CDI pre- vs. post- the guideline update. Methods This retrospective claims analysis used 2016-2018 national Medicare claims data. The two study samples included continuously eligible fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥66 years with a new CDI diagnosis followed by an antibiotic fill in the pre-period (04/01/2017-09/30/2017) and post-period (04/01/2018-09/30/2018), respectively. Outcomes included type of CDI antibiotic received; sustained response and CDI recurrence. Multivariable regressions compared pre- vs. post-period outcomes while controlling for sociodemographic and clinical factors. Results The pre-period (N=7,389) and post-period (N=7,746) samples had similar characteristics (59% > 75 years, 32% male). Post-guideline update, absolute rates of MTZ use declined 27.7% (relative change [RC] -34.1%, p< 0.001) and VAN use increased 26.9% (RC +150.2%, p< 0.001) (Figure 1). While FDX use increased 0.8% (RC +87.8%, p< 0.001), overall use remained low (1.63%). Surprisingly, clinical outcomes did not improve between the pre- and post-period (Table 1). Even after adjustment, overall sustained response rates decreased (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.93, p=0.0197) and overall CDI recurrence rates increased (OR: 1.13, p=0.0018) slightly in the post- vs. pre-period. Additional analyses by type of antibiotic showed that VAN (55.0% and 35.1%) was similar in outcomes to MTZ (54.2% and 33.0%), whereas FDX (71.4% and 20.9%) had higher sustained response and lower CDI recurrence rates, respectively (Figure 2). Figure 1. First-line use of CDI treatments, pre- vs. post- the guideline update, among Medicare beneficiaries with CDI Table 1. Clinical outcomes, pre- vs. post- the guideline update, among Medicare beneficiaries with CDI Figure 2. Clinical outcomes* by type of index CDI treatment among Medicare beneficiaries with CDI Note Pooled rates among patients on each index CDI treatment across the pre- and post-index periods. Conclusion The 2017 IDSA guideline update was associated with a substantial increase in VAN use and decrease in MTZ use. FDX use rates remained low (< 2%). Overall CDI outcomes did not improve post guideline update despite the shift to guideline-indicated VAN. This may be because VAN was not associated with meaningfully improved outcomes relative to MTZ. However, improved outcomes seen with FDX relative to VAN and MTZ suggest potential benefits from its greater use in Medicare patients. Disclosures Erik R. Dubberke, MD, MSPH, Ferring (Grant/Research Support)Merck (Consultant)Pfizer (Consultant, Grant/Research Support)Seres (Consultant)Summit (Consultant) Justin T. Puckett, BA, COVIA Health Solutions (Employee) Engels N. Obi, PhD, Merck & Co. (Employee, Shareholder) Sachin Kamal-Bahl, PhD, AbbVie (Consultant)Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Consultant)COVIA Health Solutions (Employee)Janssen, Inc. (Consultant)Merck (Consultant, Shareholder)Novartis (Consultant)Pfizer, Inc. (Consultant, Shareholder)PhRMA (Consultant) Kaushal Desai, PhD, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals (Shareholder)Merck & Co. Inc. (Employee) Bruce Stuart, PhD, COVIA Health Solutions (Consultant) Jalpa A. Doshi, PhD, Acadia (Consultant, Advisor or Review Panel member)Allergan (Advisor or Review Panel member)Biogen (Grant/Research Support)Boehringer Ingelheim (Other Financial or Material Support, Scientific lecture)Catabasis (Consultant)Humana (Grant/Research Support)Janssen, Inc. (Consultant, Grant/Research Support)MeiraGTX (Consultant)Merck (Grant/Research Support, Advisor or Review Panel member)Novartis (Grant/Research Support)Otsuka (Advisor or Review Panel member)Regeneron (Grant/Research Support)SAGE Therapeutics (Consultant)Sanofi (Grant/Research Support)Shire (Advisor or Review Panel member)The Medicines Company (Advisor or Review Panel member)

A real-world economic analysis of biologic therapies for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Italy: results of the CANOVA observational longitudinal study

Background Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease which can also involve joints. It is often associated with burdensome comorbidities which negatively impact prognosis and quality of life (QoL). Biologic agents have been shown to be effective in controlling disease progression, but their use is associated with higher costs compared with traditional systemic treatments. The economic analysis of the CANOVA (EffeCtiveness of biologic treAtmeNts for plaque psOriasis in Italy: an obserVAtional longitudinal study of real-life clinical practice) study aims to assess the costs and cost-effectiveness of biologics in a real-world context in Italy. Methods The annualised overall direct costs of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis management, the annualised cost of biologic drugs and the cost per responder in the Italian National Health System perspective were assessed. More specifically, the cost per response and cost per sustained response of the most prescribed biologic therapies for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis within the CANOVA study were assessed using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) at several score levels (75, 90 and 100%). Results The most frequently used biologic therapies for plaque psoriasis were secukinumab, ustekinumab, adalimumab originator, and ixekizumab. Cost of biologics was the driver of expenditure, accounting for about 98% of total costs. Adalimumab originator was the biologic with the lowest cost per responder ratio (range: €7848 - €31,378), followed by secukinumab (range: €9015 - €33,419). Ustekinumab (range: €11,689 – €39,280) and ixekizumab (range: €11,092 – €34,289) ranked respectively third and fourth, in terms of cost-effectiveness ratio. As concerns the cost per sustained response analysis, secukinumab showed the lowest value observed (€21,375) over the other options, because of its high response rate (86% vs. 60–80%), which was achieved early in time. Conclusion Biologic therapy is a valuable asset for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Concomitant assessment of treatment costs against the expected therapeutic response over time can provide physicians and payers additional insights which can complement the traditional risk-benefit profile assessment and drive treatment decisions.