An update on the first decade of the European centralized procedure: how many innovative drugs?

AIMS

In a previous paper, we proposed an algorithm to assess the degree of therapeutic innovation of the agents approved by the European centralized procedure, which must be followed by biotechnological products and is optional for drugs claimed as innovative. A low overall degree of therapeutic innovation (about 30%) was found. This figure may be an underestimate of the actual level of innovation, because common biotechnological products, such as recombinant human insulins, must follow this procedure. To test the hypothesis that therapeutic innovation prevails among nonbiotechnological products, we evaluated separately the degree of therapeutic innovation of biotechnological vs. nonbiotechnological agents in the first decade of European Medicines Agency activity, also studying a possible time trend.

METHODS

We assessed, for each drug: (i) the seriousness of the target disease, (ii) the availability of previous treatments, and (iii) the extent of therapeutic effect according to the previously proposed algorithm.

RESULTS

Our analysis considered 251 medicinal products corresponding to 198 active substances, classified according to four main areas as therapeutic agents (88.9%), diagnostics (5.5%), vaccines (5.1%) and life-style drugs (0.5%). Among all therapeutic agents, 49 out of 176 agents (28%) were classified as having an important degree of therapeutic innovation. Fifteen out of 60 biotechnological therapeutic agents were considered important therapeutic innovations (25%), whereas this figure was 29% for nonbiotechnological agents.

CONCLUSIONS

Among active substances claimed as innovative by the manufacturers, only a minority deserve this definition according to our algorithm.

Serotonergic and non-serotonergic targets in the pharmacotherapy of visceral hypersensitivity

Visceral hypersensitivity is considered a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Targeting visceral hypersensitivity seems an attractive approach to the development of drugs for functional GI disorders. This review summarizes current knowledge on targets for the treatment of visceral hypersensitivity, and the status of current and future drug and probiotic treatment development, and the role of pharmacogenomic factors.

The beta3-adrenoceptor agonist SR58611A ameliorates experimental colitis in rats

Beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonists protect against experimental gastric ulcers. We investigated the effects of the beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonist SR58611A on 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced colitis in rats and analysed the expression of beta(3)-adrenoceptors in the colonic wall. SR58611A was administered orally (1-10 mg kg(-1)) for 7 days, starting the day before induction of colitis. Colitis was assessed by macroscopic and histological scores, tissue myeloperoxidase activity, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis were used to examine the expression of beta(3)-adrenoceptors. SR58611A significantly reduced the severity of colitis as well as the tissue levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6. Colitis was associated with a decreased expression of beta(3)-adrenoceptor mRNA in the mucosal/submucosal layer of distal colon and this reduction was not affected by SR58611A. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed beta(3)-adrenoceptors within the muscularis externa, in myenteric neurons and nerve fibres and in the submucosa. beta(3)-Adrenoceptor immunoreactivity was decreased in inflamed tissues compared to controls, particularly in the myenteric plexus; this reduction was counteracted by SR58611A. Amelioration of experimental colitis by the selective beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonist SR58611A suggests that beta(3)-adrenoceptors may represent a therapeutic target in gut inflammation.

Adverse events with sacubitril/valsartan in the real world: emerging signals to target preventive strategies from the FDA adverse event reporting system

AIMS

The aim of this study was to characterise clinical priority of adverse events with sacubitril/valsartan for targeting preventive measures.

METHODS

We used the US Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system (worldwide pharmacovigilance database) to compare adverse events recording sacubitril/valsartan as suspect with other cardiovascular drugs. Disproportionality analyses were performed by calculating the reporting odds ratios, deemed significant when the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval was greater than 1. Clinical priority was assigned to adverse events with significant disproportionality by scoring (range 0-10 points) five features (number of events, magnitude of the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval, mortality frequency, important/designated medical event, biological plausibility).

RESULTS

Sacubitril/valsartan was recorded in 20,021 reports, with 178 adverse events associated with significant disproportionality: 71.9%, 25.9% and 2.2% were classified as weak, moderate and strong clinical priorities, respectively. Increased reporting emerged for several cardiovascular adverse events, including 'renal failure' (N = 388; lower limit of the 95% confidence interval 2.26), 'hyperkalaemia' (314; 2.42) and 'angioedema' (309; 1.56). Sudden cardiac death (priority score 9 points) was the only designated medical event with strong clinical priority. Notably, sudden cardiac death occurred early after sacubitril/valsartan administration (average onset 124 days), with concomitant drugs known for pro-arrhythmic potential (e.g. amiodarone, escitalopram, mirtazapine, loop diuretics) in 26.2% of records.

CONCLUSION

The increased cardiovascular reporting of sacubitril/valsartan in the real world was largely predictable from pre-approval evidence, underlying disease and likely patients' comorbidities. The unexpected reporting of sudden cardiac death occurred well before the complete development of positive electrical remodelling induced by sacubitril/valsartan, and calls for stringent clinical monitoring (to reduce the pro-arrhythmic burden related to co-medications), and further investigation on appropriate combination with other preventive measures.

Key Learning Outcomes for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Education in Europe: A Modified Delphi Study

Harmonizing clinical pharmacology and therapeutics (CPT) education in Europe is necessary to ensure that the prescribing competency of future doctors is of a uniform high standard. As there are currently no uniform requirements, our aim was to achieve consensus on key learning outcomes for undergraduate CPT education in Europe. We used a modified Delphi method consisting of three questionnaire rounds and a panel meeting. A total of 129 experts from 27 European countries were asked to rate 307 learning outcomes. In all, 92 experts (71%) completed all three questionnaire rounds, and 33 experts (26%) attended the meeting. 232 learning outcomes from the original list, 15 newly suggested and 5 rephrased outcomes were included. These 252 learning outcomes should be included in undergraduate CPT curricula to ensure that European graduates are able to prescribe safely and effectively. We provide a blueprint of a European core curriculum describing when and how the learning outcomes might be acquired.

Initial treatment of hypertension and adherence to therapy in general practice in Italy

BACKGROUND

Antihypertensive agents are among the most used therapeutic classes. The approach to the pharmacological treatment of hypertension is guided by international recommendations and adherence to treatment is known to result in effective prevention of cardiovascular risk.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of use of antihypertensive agents in general practice in terms of drug choice for the initial treatment of hypertension and adherence to treatments among newly recruited patients.

METHODS

We collected the data of all antihypertensive drugs prescribed by general practitioners (GPs) and reimbursed between January 1998 and December 2002 by a Local Health Authority of Emilia Romagna (Ravenna district, 350,000 inhabitants). We selected subjects aged 40 years and older, permanently living in the area during the whole period of the study, who received their first prescription of antihypertensives between January and December 1999, with no prescription of antihypertensive agents in the previous year. For each patient, we documented the starting regimen and evaluated adherence to treatment in terms of persistence during the years (patients were defined persistent if they received at least one prescription per year) and in terms of daily coverage (patients were defined covered if they received an amount of drugs consistent with a daily treatment). Finally, switches or addition of other therapeutic classes during the 3-year period were identified.

RESULTS

A cohort of 6,043 subjects receiving their first antihypertensive treatment in 1999 was obtained. Regarding the starting regimen, monotherapies with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (n = 1,597; 26%) or calcium channel blockers (n = 1126; 19%) were the most frequently prescribed. Of the patients, 21% started with a drug combination regimen. Regarding adherence to treatment, 18% of the cohort received only one prescription throughout the 3 years, 13% received more than one prescription but stopped the therapy during the first year, 69% were persistent during the second year and 60% also during the third year. Only 34% were covered during the first year and 24% also during the second year, whereas only 20% of the patients resulted covered throughout the 3 years. Among persistent patients, 41% maintained the same antihypertensive regimen throughout the 3 years, 25% added other drugs to the initial treatment and 34% switched to completely different regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reflect the lack of convergence among guidelines on the drug class(es) to be considered as first choice in the initial treatment of hypertension. Although an intervention in this field may have important implications in terms of cost savings, the ongoing debate does not allow us to draw definite conclusions on whether measures should be taken by the National Health Authority. However, the lack of adherence to antihypertensive treatment is undoubtedly a matter of concern for public health and should be addressed with appropriate interventions.

Relaxatory responses of canine proximal stomach to esophageal and duodenal distension. Importance of vagal pathways

The viscerovisceral reflex control of gastric tone remains poorly characterized. We have previously demonstrated physiological variations in gastric tone that occur during fasting and after feeding. These variations are neurally regulated. We have now compared the reflex mechanisms modulating gastric tone that are elicited by esophageal or duodenal distension in fasted, conscious dogs. To determine the pathways involved in these reflexes, we combined the technique of vagal blockade (by cooling the supradiaphragmatic vagi isolated within a surgically implanted cooling jacket) with the administration of autonomic drugs. Gastric tone was measured as the air volume within an intragastric bag maintained at a constant, low pressure by an electronic barostat. Standardized distensions were performed by means of an inflatable balloon-catheter positioned either in the mid-esophagus (in three dogs) or in the distal duodenum (in three dogs). A profound and consistent gastric relaxation was induced by distension of either the esophagus (247 +/- 21 ml delta volume, P less than 0.05) or the duodenum (238 +/- 29 ml, P less than 0.05). Supradiaphragmatic vagal cooling abolished the gastric relaxatory response to duodenal distension and significantly reduced, but did not completely suppress, the response to esophageal distension. Neither cholinergic stimulation (intravenous bethanechol) nor adrenergic blockade (combined intravenous phentolamine and propranolol) had any significant effect on either gastric relaxatory response. Combined adrenergic and cholinergic (intravenous atropine) blockade induced gastric relaxation, but failed to suppress the gastric responses. We conclude that both esophageal and duodenal distension elicit gastric relaxation by a noncholinergic vagal mechanism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Therapeutic innovation in the European Union: analysis of the drugs approved by the EMEA between 1995 and 2003

Since January 1995, all European Union applications for marketing approval for medicinal products derived from biotechnology and other drugs considered potentially innovative follow the EMEA centralized procedure. In order to assess the overall degree of therapeutic innovation of these drugs, we considered, for each approved agent, its target, the availability of previous treatments and the extent of its therapeutic effect. The following scores for therapeutic innovation were assigned through a consensus process: 'A' (important), 'B' (moderate) and 'C' (modest). The overall degree of important/moderate therapeutic innovation was 47% of all therapeutic agents (32% important; 15% moderate). Most (80%) of the EMEA-approved therapeutic agents were for serious diseases. The remaining ones were for risk factors (7%) or nonserious diseases (13%).

Antibacterial macrolides: a drug class with a complex pharmacological profile

Macrolides are widely used antibacterial agents. Although generally well tolerated, they have a number of important additional pharmacological effects, which can sometimes result in significant adverse reactions. This review focuses on three of these side effects: the prokinetic action associated with stimulation of motilin receptors, the proarrhythmic effect due to prolongation of the QT interval of the electrocardiogram and the potential for drug interactions due to inhibition of drug metabolising enzymes. For macrolides that have obtained marketing authorisation in Italy, United Kingdom or United States of America, we also considered whether these actions are properly reported in the approved summaries of the product characteristics and tried to provide strategies to identify patients at risk of significant side effects when macrolides are administered.

Tachykinin-dependent and -independent components of peristalsis in the guinea pig isolated distal colon

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In the intestine, tachykinins regulate motility by participating in neuromuscular and neuro-neuronal transmission. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that colonic propulsion is regulated by an interplay between tachykinergic and cholinergic transmission.

METHODS

Propulsion was elicited by intraluminal distention of a thin rubber balloon, which traveled from the oral to the anal end of guinea pig isolated distal colon segments. The overall contribution of endogenous tachykinins to colonic propulsion was examined by blocking NK1, NK2, and NK3 receptors simultaneously.

RESULTS

NK2-receptor blockade by MEN 11420 inhibited propulsion, whereas blockade of NK(1) by SR 140333 or of NK3 receptors by SR 142801 had minor effects on motility. Blockade of muscarinic or nicotinic receptors by hyoscine or hexamethonium decelerated peristalsis up to propulsion arrest. In the presence of partial muscarinic receptor blockade, the NK1-receptor antagonist SR 140333 and the NK2-receptor antagonist MEN 11420 markedly inhibited propulsion. Propulsion was also inhibited by the NK3-receptor antagonist SR 142801 in the presence of partial nicotinic receptor blockade. The simultaneous administration of the 3 tachykinin antagonists inhibited propulsion by 50%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the existence of an interplay between tachykinergic and cholinergic pathways during peristalsis and the importance of endogenous tachykinins acting at multiple receptor sites in the control of colonic propulsion.

Serious Cutaneous Toxicities with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System

Cutaneous toxicities frequently occurred with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), although clinical and pharmacological features are incompletely characterized. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System was queried to describe ICI-related cutaneous toxicities, focusing on severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs): Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome. As compared with other anticancer drugs, a higher proportion of death (11.3% vs. 8.7%) and serious reports (42.7% vs. 34.6%) emerged for ICIs (p < .05). A higher frequency of coreported allopurinol and antiepileptics was recorded among 2,525 total SCARs (17% vs. 10%, ICIs and anticancer agents, respectively; p < .05). Mean times to onset were 47, 48, and 40 days (SJS, TEN, and DRESS, respectively), with comparable mean latency between monotherapy and combination regimens (41 days). This immune-related pattern advocates for long-lasting monitoring by oncologists and dermatologists.

Serious adverse events with tocilizumab: Pharmacovigilance as an aid to prioritize monitoring in COVID-19

Given its approval for the treatment of cytokine release syndrome, tocilizumab is under investigation in severe coronavirus disease-2019. To characterize serious adverse events (AEs) with tocilizumab, we queried the worldwide FDA Adverse Event Reporting System and performed disproportionality analysis, selecting only designated medical events (DMEs) where tocilizumab was reported as suspect, with a focus on hepatic reactions. The reporting odds ratios (RORs) were calculated, deemed significant by a lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (LL 95% CI) > 1. A total of 2,433 reports of DMEs were recorded with tocilizumab, mainly in rheumatic diseases. Statistically significant RORs emerged for 13 DMEs, with drug-induced liver injury (n = 91; LL 95% CI 3.07), pancreatitis (151; 1.41), and pulmonary fibrosis (222; 7.21) as unpredictable AEs. A total of 174 cases of liver-related DMEs were retrieved (proportion of deaths = 18.4%), with median onset of 27.5 days. These serious unpredictable reactions occurring in chronic real-world tocilizumab use may support patient care and monitoring of ongoing clinical trials.

Non-antiarrhythmic drugs prolonging the QT interval: considerable use in seven countries

AIMS

Many drugs belonging to different therapeutic classes appear to share a potentially fatal side-effect: ventricular tachyarrhythmias associated with QT prolongation. The aim of this study was to assess the relevance and the magnitude of the problem in seven countries by grouping all nonantiarrhythmic drugs according to the type of evidence on QT prolongation and analysing their sales data.

METHODS

We divided all nonantiarrhythmic QT-prolonging agents into the following categories (in increasing order of clinical relevance): group A, drugs with published clinical or preclinical evidence on QT prolongation or with relevant official warnings; group B, drugs with published clinical or preclinical evidence; group C, drugs with published clinical evidence; group D, drug with published clinical evidence on torsades de pointes or ventricular arrhythmias associated with QT prolongation; group E, drugs belonging to group D with official warnings. We retrieved 1998 sales data from community pharmacies in seven countries (Australia, Denmark, England, Germany, Greece, Italy and Sweden). Data for individual agents were expressed as defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (DDD/1000/day). Overall use in each country was calculated for each drug group. Groups D and E were considered as the most clinically relevant.

RESULTS

Among the 102 nonantiarrhythmic agents meeting at least one of the inclusion criteria, 33 drugs had sales data > or =1 DDD/1000/day and 71 drugs had a use > or =0.1 DDD/1000/day in at least one country. Among the 37 nonantiarrhythmic agents with published reports of ventricular arrhythmias associated with QT prolongation, 12 compounds had sales data > or =1 DDD/1000/day. Total consumption in each country ranged: from 51.9 to 94.7 DDD/1000/day for group A; from 51.6 to 92.7 DDD/1000/day for group B; from 37.1 to 76.6 DDD/1000/day for group C; from 12.9 to 29.1 DDD/1000/day for group D; and from 5.8 to 15.3 DDD/1000/day for group E.

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of wide variations in the sales of individual agents, the overall extent of use of nonantiarrhythmic QT-prolonging drugs was of the same order of magnitude in all countries. The significant use of drugs belonging to categories D and E should prompt careful risk/benefit assessment of each agent.

Drug- and herb-induced liver injury: Progress, current challenges and emerging signals of post-marketing risk

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and herb-induced liver injury is a hot topic for clinicians, academia, drug companies and regulators, as shown by the steadily increasing number of publications in the past 15 years. This review will first provide clues for clinicians to suspect idiosyncratic (unpredictable) DILI and succeed in diagnosis. Causality assessment remains challenging and requires careful medical history as well as awareness of multifaceted aspects, especially for herbs. Drug discontinuation and therapy reconciliation remain the mainstay in patent's management to minimize occurrence of acute liver failure. The second section will address novel agents associated with liver injury in 2014 (referred to as "signals"), especially in terms of clinical, research and drug development implications. Insights will be provided into recent trends by highlighting the contribution of different post-marketing data, especially registries and spontaneous reporting systems. This literature scrutiny suggests: (1) the importance of post-marketing databases as tools of clinical evidence to detect signals of DILI risk; and (2) the need for joining efforts in improving predictivity of pre-clinical assays, continuing post-marketing surveillance and design ad hoc post-authorization safety studies. In this context, ongoing European/United States research consortia and novel pharmaco-epidemiological tools (e.g., specialist prescription event monitoring) will support innovation in this field. Direct oral anticoagulants and herbal/dietary supplements appear as key research priorities.

Excipients in medicinal products used in gastroenterology as a possible cause of side effects

Although most adverse drug reactions are caused by the active substances, excipients may sometimes affect the safety profile of a medicinal product. The aim of this review is twofold: (1) To identify the excipients most frequently contained in oral medicinal products marketed in Italy for gastrointestinal indications, and to evaluate the main safety concerns, considering both intrinsic toxicity and patient-related risk factors. (2) To analyze possible differences with medicinal products marketed in the United Kingdom and USA in terms of excipients and relevant warnings reported in the label. We identified excipients with potential impact on safety profile and calculated frequency of use of each identified excipient in 98 selected medicinal products. We discussed possible safety concerns in clinical practice. We also analyzed US and UK Summary of Products Characteristics (SmPC) of oral gastrointestinal products by searching in appropriate collections of regulatory agencies. Eleven excipients with a safety impact were identified (sucrose, saccharin, aspartame, sorbitol, mannitol, lactose, ethanol, propylene glycol, parabens, menthol and silica) and no substantial differences were found between drugs marketed in the three countries concerning excipient content. Warnings were more detailed in the SmPC of UK or USA products rather than Italian products. Information about pharmaceutical excipients with known effects is important in clinical practice, but the frequent lack of details in the related section of the SmPCs makes it difficult for health professionals to provide relevant advice. The availability of alternative products of the same therapeutic class, but lacking specific excipient(s) should be considered in selected patients.

Skin Toxicities with Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 Inhibitors in Breast Cancer: Signals from Disproportionality Analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System

BACKGROUND

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-4/6 inhibitors have been associated with dermatologic reactions, especially alopecia, in pivotal trials.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to comprehensively describe skin toxicities with CDK4/6 inhibitors reported in the real world through the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

METHODS

Cutaneous adverse events (AEs) were characterized in terms of spectrum and clinical features, including seriousness (with fatality proportion), latency, and discontinuation. Disproportionality analyses were performed through the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) by comparing CDK4/6 inhibitors with other anticancer drugs used in breast cancer.

RESULTS

As of December 2020, a total of 7986 cutaneous events were reported with CDK4/6 inhibitors (15% of total AEs with CDK4/6 inhibitors), mainly by consumers (39.6%), with 43.5% classified as serious and 25% requiring discontinuation. In 49% of the cases, five or more noncutaneous events were co-reported. The most frequently reported cutaneous events were alopecia (N = 3528), rash (N = 1493), and pruritus (N = 1211): rashes were recorded in the first month (median onset 28 days), whereas alopecia and nail alterations were recorded after a median of 67 and 112 days, respectively. Several cutaneous AEs were associated with increased reporting, including vitiligo (N = 6; ROR 8.88; 95% CI 2.95-22.46) and bullous dermatitis with ribociclib (N = 7; ROR 2.90; 95% CI 1.13-6.27); erythema multiforme with abemaciclib (N = 9; ROR 5.80; 95% CI 2.57-11.48); onychoclasis (N = 142, ROR 2.27; 95% CI 1.83-2.79) and trichorrhexis (N = 22; ROR 3.27; 95% CI 1.78-5.93) with palbociclib.

CONCLUSIONS

Although causality cannot be demonstrated, a diverse reporting pattern of cutaneous AEs emerged from FAERS, including dermal/epidermal conditions, hair/nail disorders, and serious bullous conditions, with variable onsets and a remarkable proportion of discontinuations. The potential differential reporting among CDK4/6 inhibitors deserves further investigation.

Hepatitis B vaccination and the putative risk of central demyelinating diseases - A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The anti-hepatitis B immunization campaigns launched in the early 1990s were a major public health breakthrough and targeted various populations (at-risk adults, newborns, adolescents). However, debate is still active about a possible link between this vaccine and central demyelination. This study provides a pooled estimate of this risk based on a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of all available epidemiologic studies.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted in Medline, Embase, ISI Web of Science and the Cochrane Library from database inception to 10 May 2017. Grey literature was searched and snowballing was also undertaken. Only observational studies including a control group were retained. Primary outcome was multiple sclerosis diagnosed by recognized criteria. Study selection was performed by two independent reviewers with disagreements solved through discussion. This meta-analysis based on crude, adjusted estimates, or risks limited to the 3 months following immunization was performed using a generic inverse variance random-effect model. Heterogeneity was investigated; sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed when necessary. This study followed the PRISMA statement and the MOOSE reporting guideline (Study protocol registered in PROSPERO: CRD42015020808).

FINDINGS

Of the 2804 references reviewed, 13 studies with a control group were analysed. None of the pooled risk estimates for either multiple sclerosis or central demyelination following HB immunization reached statistical significance. When considering adjusted risk ratios, the following non-significant figures were obtained: 1.19 (95%CI: 0.93 - 1.52) and 1.25 (95%CI: 0.97 - 1.62), for multiple sclerosis and central demyelination, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

No evidence of an association between hepatitis B vaccination and central demyelination was found.

Risk-Benefit Profile of Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants in Established Therapeutic Indications: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Observational Studies

Since 2008, the direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have expanded the therapeutic options of cardiovascular diseases with recognized clinical and epidemiological impact, such as non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE), and also in the preventive setting of orthopedic surgical patients. The large body of evidence, not only from pivotal clinical trials but also from 'real-world' postmarketing observational findings (e.g. analytical epidemiological studies and registry data) gathered to date allow for a first attempt at verifying a posteriori whether or not the pharmacological advantages of the DOACs actually translate into therapeutic innovation, with relevant implications for clinicians, regulators and patients. This review aims to synthesize the risk-benefit profile of DOACs in the aforementioned consolidated indications through an 'evidence summary' approach gathering the existent evidence-based data, particularly systematic reviews with meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials, as well as observational studies, comparing DOACs with vitamin K antagonists. Clinical evidence will be discussed and compared with major international guidelines to identify whether an update is needed. Controversial clinically relevant safety issues will be also examined in order to highlight current challenges and unsettled questions (e.g. actual bleeding risk in susceptible populations). It is anticipated that the large number of publications on NVAF or VTE (44 systematic reviews with meta-analyses and 12 observational studies retained in our analysis) suggests the potential existence of overlapping studies and calls for common criteria to qualitatively and quantitatively assess discordances, thus guiding future research.

Animal models of chemically induced intestinal inflammation: predictivity and ethical issues

The debate about the ethical and scientific issues regarding the use of animals in research is mainly focused on these questions: a) whether preclinical studies in animals are still ethically acceptable; b) whether it is possible to establish more soundly their predictivity; c) what measures should be taken to reduce the clinical attrition often due to biased preclinical assessment of potential efficacy of new drugs. This review aims at a critical revision of animal models of chemically induced intestinal inflammation in drug development. These models, notwithstanding differences among species, still represent a major source of information about biological systems and can have undisputable translational value, provided that appropriate measures are taken to ensure that experiments are both scientifically and ethically justified. These measures include: a) more stringent application to preclinical experiments of standards used in clinical studies (such as sample size, randomization, inclusion/exclusion criteria, blinding); b) selection of the animal model after careful pathophysiological scrutiny bearing in mind inherent limitations of each model (e.g. acute self-limiting vs chronic disease, animal species, role of the intestinal immune system and microbiome); and c) experimental design duly considering the specific pharmacological profile of each agent to be screened (such as bioavailability, route of administration, full consideration of the pharmacological spectrum). In this perspective, the new European legislation is an opportunity to fully apply these standards so that in vivo animal models can provide an invaluable mean to study complex physiological and biochemical interactions, which cannot be completely simulated in silico and/or in vitro.

Strategies for Early Prediction and Timely Recognition of Drug-Induced Liver Injury: The Case of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 Inhibitors

The idiosyncratic nature of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) represents a current challenge for drug developers, regulators and clinicians. The myriad of agents (including medications, herbals, and dietary supplements) with recognized DILI potential not only strengthens the importance of the post-marketing phase, when urgent withdrawal sometimes occurs for rare unanticipated liver toxicity, but also shows the imperfect predictivity of pre-clinical models and the lack of validated biomarkers beyond traditional, non-specific liver function tests. After briefly reviewing proposed key mechanisms of DILI, we will focus on drug-related risk factors (physiochemical and pharmacokinetic properties) recently proposed as predictors of DILI and use cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors, relatively novel oral anticancer medications approved for breast cancer, as a case study to discuss the feasibility of early detection of DILI signals during drug development: published data from pivotal clinical trials, unpublished post-marketing reports of liver adverse events, and pharmacokinetic properties will be used to provide a comparative evaluation of their liver safety and gain insight into drug-related risk factors likely to explain the observed differences.

Differential role of cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 isoforms in the modulation of colonic neuromuscular function in experimental inflammation

This study examines the role played by cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms (COX-1 and -2) in the regulation of colonic neuromuscular function in normal rats and after induction of colitis by 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS). The expression of COX-1 and COX-2 in the colonic neuromuscular layer was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The effects of COX inhibitors on in vitro motility were evaluated by studying electrically induced and carbachol-induced contractions of the longitudinal muscle. Both COX isoforms were constitutively expressed in normal colon; COX-2 was up-regulated in the presence of colitis. In normal and inflamed colon, both COX isoforms were mainly localized in neurons of myenteric ganglia. In the normal colon, indomethacin (COX-1/COX-2 inhibitor), SC-560 [5-(4-chloro-phenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-trifluoromethylpyrazole] (COX-1 inhibitor), or DFU [5,5-dimethyl-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-methylsulfonyl)phenyl-2(5H)-furanone] (COX-2 inhibitor) enhanced atropine-sensitive electrically evoked contractions. The most prominent effects were observed with indomethacin or SC-560 plus DFU. In the inflamed colon, SC-560 lost its effect, whereas indomethacin and DFU maintained their enhancing actions. These results were more evident after blockade of noncholinergic pathways. In rats with colitis, in vivo treatment with superoxide dismutase or S-methylisothiourea (inhibitor of inducible nitric-oxide synthase) restored the enhancing motor effect of SC-560. COX inhibitors had no effect on carbachol-induced contractions in normal or DNBS-treated rats. In conclusion, in the normal colon, both COX isoforms act at the neuronal level to modulate the contractile activity driven by excitatory cholinergic pathways. In the presence of inflammation, COX-1 activity is hampered by oxidative stress, and COX-2 seems to play a predominant role in maintaining an inhibitory control of colonic neuromuscular function.

New developments in the treatment of functional dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia is a clinical syndrome defined by chronic or recurrent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen of unknown origin. Although generally accepted, investigators differently interpret this definition and clinical trials are often biased by inhomogeneous inclusion criteria. The poorly defined multifactorial pathogenesis of dyspeptic symptoms has hampered efforts to develop effective treatments. A general agreement exists on the irrelevant role played by Helicobacter pylori in the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia. Gastric acid secretion is within normal limits in patients with functional dyspepsia but acid related symptoms may arise in a subgroup of them. Proton pump inhibitors appear to be effective in this subset of patients with dyspepsia. Non-painful dyspeptic symptoms are suggestive of underlying gastrointestinal motor disorders and such abnormalities can be demonstrated in a substantial proportion of patients. Postprandial fullness and vomiting have been associated with delayed gastric emptying of solids, and early satiety and weight loss to postcibal impaired accommodation of the gastric fundus. Prokinetics have been shown to exert beneficial effects, at least in some patients with dyspepsia. In contrast, drugs enhancing gastric fundus relaxation have been reported to improve symptoms, although conflicting results have also been published. An overdistended antrum may also generate symptoms, but its potential pathogenetic role and the effects of drugs on this abnormality have never been investigated formally. Visceral hypersensitivity plays a role in some dyspeptic patients and this abnormality is also a potential target for treatment. Both chemo- and mechanoreceptors can trigger hyperalgesic responses. Psychosocial abnormalities have been consistently found in functional digestive syndromes, including dyspepsia. Although useful in patients with irritable bowel syndromes (IBS), antidepressants have been only marginally explored in functional dyspepsia. Among the new potentially useful agents for the treatment of functional dyspepsia, serotonin 5-HT(4) receptor agonists have been shown to exert a prokinetic effect. Unlike motilides, 5-HT(4) receptor agonists do not appear to increase the gastric fundus tone and this may contribute to improve symptoms. 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists have been investigated mainly in the IBS and the few studies performed in functional dyspepsia have provided conflicting results. Also, kappa-opioid receptor agonists might be useful for functional digestive syndromes because of their antinociceptive effects, but available results in functional dyspepsia are scanty and inconclusive. Other receptors that represent potential clinical targets for antagonists include purinoceptors (i. e., P2X2/3 receptors), NMDA receptors (NR2B subtype), protease-activated receptor-2, the vanilloid receptor-1, tachykinin receptors (NK(1)/NK(2)) and cholecystokinin (CCK)(1) receptors.

Pharmacovigilance assessment of the association between Fournier's gangrene and other severe genital adverse events with SGLT-2 inhibitors

OBJECTIVE

Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) exert cardiorenal protection in people with diabetes. By inducing glycosuria, SGLT2i predispose to genital infections. In addition, rare occurrence of Fournier's gangrene (FG) has been reported. We aimed to investigate such association through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adverse event (AE) reporting system (FAERS).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We mined the FAERS up to 2018q3 (before FDA warning about SGLT2i-associated FG) to retrieve reports including FG as an AE and SGLT2i as suspect or concomitant drugs, and calculated proportional reporting ratios (PRR).

RESULTS

We retrieved 47 cases of FG and 17 cases of other severe AEs of the genital area associated with SGLT2i. Patients with FG were ~10 years older than those with other severe genital AEs. Overall, 77% occurred in men. Three patients were concomitantly treated with systemic immunosuppressive drugs. Increased reporting frequency emerged for SGLT2i compared with other drugs, with a PRR ranging from 5 to 10. The disproportional reporting of FG with SGLT2i remained robust and consistently significant when restricting to the period when SGLT2i were available, to reports filed for glucose-lowering medications or for drugs with the diabetes indication, and after refining the definition of FG. FG was disproportionally associated with psoriasis and with the combination of immunosuppressants and SGLT2i.

CONCLUSIONS

Although causality cannot be demonstrated, SGLT2i may predispose to FG and other severe genital AEs. Since the use of SGLT2i is expected to increase significantly, clinicians should be aware of these severe, although rare, AEs and their predisposing factors.

Assessing the association between fluoroquinolones and emerging adverse drug reactions raised by regulatory agencies: An umbrella review

BACKGROUND

Regulatory agencies warned against fluoroquinolones for the management of minor infections because of the risk of emerging adverse events (collagen-associated adverse events, neuropsychiatric toxicity and long-term disability). We aimed to assess quality and credibility of evidence as well as causality regarding these putative associations.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and PROSPERO were searched, from inception to August 2019, for systematic reviews with meta-analyses investigating emerging adverse events. Two investigators extracted data to grade quality (through validated AMSTAR-2 tool), rank credibility of the evidence (convincing, highly suggestive, suggestive, weak) through adapted criteria including E-value calculation, and assess causality (Hill's criteria).

RESULTS

Seven systematic reviews of observational studies providing 16 risk estimates [seven, five and four, respectively, for aortic aneurysm/dissection (AAD), retinal detachment (RD) and any tendon disorders (ATD)] met inclusion criteria. No systematic reviews with meta-analysis investigating the risk of neuropsychiatric toxicity or long-term disability were found. The associations between fluoroquinolones and AAD/ATD showed highly suggestive credibility and were supported by strong evidence of causality (double increased risk, especially within first 2 months of treatment). Conflicting data concerning the emergence of RD were retrieved, resulting in weak evidence of causality. Quality of the evidence ranged from high to low for AAD, from moderate to critically low for RD, and it was moderate for ATD.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis supports credible, plausible and highly suggestive associations with AAD (rare occurrence but strong causality) and ATD. Limitations of both umbrella reviews and observational evidence should be considered.