Momentum-dependent scaling exponents of nodal self-energies measured in strange metal cuprates and modelled using semi-holography

The anomalous strange metal phase found in high-Tc cuprates does not follow the conventional condensed-matter principles enshrined in the Fermi liquid and presents a great challenge for theory. Highly precise experimental determination of the electronic self-energy can provide a test bed for theoretical models of strange metals, and angle-resolved photoemission can provide this as a function of frequency, momentum, temperature and doping. Here we show that constant energy cuts through the nodal spectral function in (Pb,Bi)2Sr2-xLaxCuO6+δ have a non-Lorentzian lineshape, consistent with a self-energy that is k dependent. This provides a new test for aspiring theories. Here we show that the experimental data are captured remarkably well by a power law with a k-dependent scaling exponent smoothly evolving with doping, a description that emerges naturally from anti-de Sitter/conformal-field-theory based semi-holography. This puts a spotlight on holographic methods for the quantitative modelling of strongly interacting quantum materials like the cuprate strange metals.

Revealing magnetic and physical properties of TbFe4.4Al7.6: experiment and theory

We report on the magnetic, electrical transport, caloric and electronic structure properties of TbFe4.4Al7.6polycrystalline alloy using experiment and theory. The alloy crystallizes in tetragonal structure with I4/mmm space group with lattice parametersa = b= 8.7234(5) Å andc= 5.0387(6) Å. It is ferrimagnetic with a compensation temperature ofTcmp∼151 K, Curie-Weiss temperatureθCW∼172.11 K and an effective magnetic momentμeff= (2.37±0.07)μB/f.u withZ= 2. At low temperatures, kinetic arrest-like first-order phase transition is realized through the thermal hysteresis between field-cooled cooling and field-cooled warming curves ofM(T) and virgin curves ofM(H) andρ(H)which are outside the hysteresis loops with metamagnetic transition. The high magnetic field suppression of multiple transitions and reduced coercive fieldHcoerand remnant magnetizationMremwith increasing temperature are reported.HcoerandMremcease to exist above the compensation temperatureTcmp. A correlation between the isothermal magnetization and resistivity is discussed. Specific heatC(T) analysis reveals a Sommerfeld parameter ofγ= 0.098 J⋅mol-1⋅K-2and a Debye temperature ofθD∼351.2 K. The sample is metallic as inferred from theρ(T)behavior and Sommerfeld parameter. The magnetoresistance of the alloy is low and negative which indicates the suppression of weak spin-fluctuations. This alloy avoids the tricritical point despite first-to-second order phase transition. The electronic and magnetic structure calculations, by making use of full potential linearized augmented plane wave method, suggest metallic ferrimagnetic ground state of TbFe4.4Al7.6with Tb atoms contributing ferromagnetically (5.87μB) and Fe atoms with antiferromagnetic contribution (2.67μB), in close agreement with the experimental observation.

Metaheuristic aided structural topology optimization method for heat sink design with low electromagnetic interference

This study investigates the application of the Metaheuristic Aided Structural Topology Optimization (MASTO) method as a novel approach to address the multiphysics design challenge of creating a heat sink with both high heat conductivity and minimal Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). A distinctive 2D layout with elongated fins is examined for electromagnetic traits, highlighting resonance-related EMI concerns. MASTO proves to be a valuable tool for navigating the complex design space, yielding thoughtfully optimized solutions that harmonize efficient heat dissipation with effective EMI control. By merging simulation findings with practical observations, this study underscores the potential of the MASTO method in achieving effective designs for intricate multiphysics optimization problems. Specifically, the method's capacity to address the complex interplay of heat transfer with convection and the suppression of electromagnetic emissions is showcased. Moreover, the study demonstrates the feasibility of translating these solutions into tangible outcomes through manufacturing processes.

Development of Cu2Se/Ag2(S,Se)-Based Monolithic Thermoelectric Generators for Low-Grade Waste Heat Energy Harvesting

With the ongoing climate and energy crises, thermoelectric conversion has slowly emerged as a clean and reliable alternative energy source for small Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Commercially available thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are typically composed of expensive and toxic Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric materials and require complicated and energy-intensive device assembly processes. As an alternative solution, we have developed a Ag- and Cu-chalcogenide-based monolithic TEG using simple, quick, and low-energy-cost device fabrication processes for low-grade waste heat recovery for energy harvesting. We used ductile Ag2S0.55Se0.45 and overstoichiometric Cu2.075Se, both possessing excellent transport properties around room temperature, with a zT value of ∼0.5 at 300 K. By optimizing the device fabrication process, we were successfully able to assemble the monolithic TEGs without any significant Ag- or Cu-ion migration and obtained a dense and robust device. Strategic optimization of the device structure was able to reduce the electrical contact resistance of the device, which resulted in increased power output. A maximum power density of 0.68 mW/cm2 at a ΔT = 30 K was obtained, which is comparable to a similar Bi2Te3-based monolithic TEG. These results show the potential of chalcogenide-based monolithic TEG as a simple and low-cost alternative to Bi2Te3-based TEGs for energy harvesting applications.

Orbital hybridisation effects in B2 phase Cr doped Co2MnAl

We investigate here the magnetic, transport, local structural and electronic properties of Co$_2$Mn$_1$$_-$$_x$Cr$_x$Al (x=0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2). Our results show that all the compounds stabilise in B2 phase and are ferromagnets. The results reveal disorder at the structural and magnetic levels. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analysis reveal signature of antisite disorder between Mn and Al atoms with equal ratio. The electronic structure calculations suggest enhancement in the half metallicity, localisation of electrons at the Fermi level and an increment in density of states (DOS) with doping. The combined results of electronic structure calculations and XANES studies suggest transfer of electrons to the Co site. The results of high temperature resistivity measurements suggest the conduction electrons are undergoing transition from delocalisation to weak localisation to activated behaviour with Cr doping. The extended x-ray absorption spectroscopic (EXAFS) analysis shows that the local structure around Mn atom is different from the global structure as obtained from the x-ray diffraction results.The behaviour of the edge region is in line with the trend as obtained from the compositional analysis. We observe link between the hybridisation of 3$\emph{d}$ like states at the Mn, Cr sites with that at the Co site and the transport properties. This could help in understanding the unusual decrement in the lattice parameter with doping. These results reveal the role of local structure in understanding the physical properties of such systems.

Puddle formation and persistent gaps across the non-mean-field breakdown of superconductivity in overdoped (Pb,Bi)2Sr2CuO6+δ

The cuprate high-temperature superconductors exhibit many unexplained electronic phases, but the superconductivity at high doping is often believed to be governed by conventional mean-field Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer theory¹. However, it was shown that the superfluid density vanishes when the transition temperature goes to zero^2,3, in contradiction to expectations from Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer theory. Our scanning tunnelling spectroscopy measurements in the overdoped regime of the (Pb,Bi)₂Sr₂CuO_6+δ high-temperature superconductor show that this is due to the emergence of nanoscale superconducting puddles in a metallic matrix^4,5. Our measurements further reveal that this puddling is driven by gap filling instead of gap closing. The important implication is that it is not a diminishing pairing interaction that causes the breakdown of superconductivity. Unexpectedly, the measured gap-to-filling correlation also reveals that pair breaking by disorder does not play a dominant role and that the mechanism of superconductivity in overdoped cuprate superconductors is qualitatively different from conventional mean-field theory.

Lattice effects on the physical properties of half-doped perovskite ruthenates

We investigate the unusual phase transitions in SrRuO₃and Sr_0.5Ca_0.5Ru1-xCr_xO₃(x = 0, 0.05 and 0.1) employing x-ray diffraction, resistivity, magnetic studies and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. Our results show the compounds undergo a crossover from itinerant ferromagnetism to localized ferromagnetism. The combined studies suggest Ru and Cr be in the 4+ valence state. A Griffith phase and an enhancement in Curie temperature (T_c) from 38 K to 107 K are observed with Cr doping. A shift in the chemical potential towards the valence band is observed with Cr doping. In the metallic samples, interestingly, a direct link between the resistivity and orthorhombic strain is observed. We also observe a connection between orthorhombic strain andT_cin all the samples. Detailed studies in this direction will be helpful to choose suitable substrate materials for thin-film/device fabrication and hence manoeuvre its properties. In the non-metallic samples, the resistivity is mainly governed due to disorder, electron-electron correlation effects and a reduction in the number of electrons at the Fermi level. The value of the resistivity for the 5% Cr doped sample suggests semi-metallic behaviour. Understanding its nature in detail using electron spectroscopic techniques could unravel the possibility of its utility in high-mobility transistors at room temperature and its combined property with ferromagnetism will be helpful in making spintronic devices.

Effect of the annealing treatment on structural and transport properties of thermoelectric Smy(FexNi1-x)4Sb12thin films

The crystallographic and transport properties of thin films fabricated by pulsed laser deposition and belonging to the Sm_y(Fe_xNi_1-x)₄Sb₁₂filled skutterudite system were studied with the aim to unveil the effect exerted by temperature and duration of thermal treatments on structural and thermoelectric features. The importance of annealing treatments in Ar atmosphere up to 523 K was recognized, and the thermal treatment performed at 473 K for 3 h was selected as the most effective in improving the material properties. With respect to the corresponding bulk compositions, a significant enhancement in phase purity, as well as an increase in electrical conductivity and a drop in room temperature thermal conductivity, were observed in annealed films. The low thermal conductivity, in particular, can be deemed as deriving from the reduced dimensionality and the consequent substrate/film interfacial stress, coupled with the nanometric grain size.

Involvement of the Thalamus, Hippocampus, and Brainstem in Hypsarrhythmia of West Syndrome: Simultaneous Recordings of Electroencephalography and fMRI Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

West syndrome is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by epileptic spasms, neurodevelopmental regression, and a specific EEG pattern called hypsarrhythmia. Our aim was to investigate the brain activities related to hypsarrhythmia at onset and focal epileptiform discharges in the remote period in children with West syndrome using simultaneous electroencephalography and fMRI recordings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen children with West syndrome underwent simultaneous electroencephalography and fMRI at the onset of West syndrome. Statistically significant blood oxygen level-dependent responses related to hypsarrhythmia were analyzed using an event-related design of 4 hemodynamic response functions with peaks at 3, 5, 7, and 9 seconds after the onset of each event. Six of 14 children had focal epileptiform discharges after treatment and underwent simultaneous electroencephalography and fMRI from 12 to 25 months of age.

RESULTS

At onset, positive blood oxygen level-dependent responses were seen in the brainstem (14/14 patients), thalami (13/14), basal ganglia (13/14), and hippocampi (13/14), in addition to multiple cerebral cortices. Group analysis using hemodynamic response functions with peaks at 3, 5, and 7 seconds showed positive blood oxygen level-dependent responses in the brainstem, thalamus, and hippocampus, while positive blood oxygen level-dependent responses in multiple cerebral cortices were seen using hemodynamic response functions with peaks at 5 and 7 seconds. In the remote period, 3 of 6 children had focal epileptiform discharge-related positive blood oxygen level-dependent responses in the thalamus, hippocampus, and brainstem.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive blood oxygen level-dependent responses with hypsarrhythmia appeared in the brainstem, thalamus, and hippocampus on earlier hemodynamic response functions than the cerebral cortices, suggesting the propagation of epileptogenic activities from the deep brain structures to the neocortices. Activation of the hippocampus, thalamus, and brainstem was still seen in half of the patients with focal epileptiform discharges after adrenocorticotropic hormone therapy.

Enhanced Performance of Monolithic Chalcogenide Thermoelectric Modules for Energy Harvesting via Co-optimization of Experiment and Simulation

With the development of application of wireless sensor nodes (WSNs), the need for energy harvesting is rapidly increasing. In this study, we designed and fabricated a robust monolithic thermoelectric generator (TEG) using a simple, low-energy, and low-cost device fabrication process. Our monolithic device consists of Ag₂S_0.2Se_0.8 and Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te₃ as n-type and p-type legs, respectively, while the empty space between the legs was filled with highly dense, flexible, and thin Ag₂S that serves as both an insulating spacer and a shock absorber, which potentially augments the robustness of preventing from damage from an external mechanical force. From the optimization of the device structure via finite element method (FEM) simulations, a three-pair device with dimensions of 12 mm × 10 mm × 10 mm was found to have a theoretical maximum power density of 8.2 mW cm^-2 at a ΔT of 50 K. For considering this inevitable contact resistance, experimental measurement and FEM simulation were combined for quantifying the junction resistance; a power density of 2.1 mW cm^-2 was established with the consideration of the contact resistance at the p-n junctions. Using these optimized structural parameters, a device was fabricated and was found to have a maximum power density of 2.02 mW cm^-2 at a ΔT of 50 K, which is in good agreement with our simulations. The results from our monolithic TEG show that despite the simple, low-energy, and low-cost device fabrication process, the power generation is still comparable to other reported TEGs. It is worth mentioning that our design could be extended to other chalcogenide materials of appropriate temperature regions and/or better zT. Besides, the quantification of contact resistance also exhibited reference value for the enhancement of thermoelectric conversion application. These results provide a convenient, economic, and efficient strategy for waste energy harvesting close to room temperature, which can broaden the applications of waste heat harvesting.

Synthesis and structural link to the electronic and magneto-transport properties of spin-orbit Mott insulator Sr2IrO4

We investigate the effect of sample preparation conditions on the link between the structural and physical properties of polycrystalline spin-orbit Mott insulator, Sr₂IrO₄. The samples were prepared in two batches. With the first batch prepared as per the commonly adopted procedure in literature and the second batch prepared adopting the same procedure as the first batch but with an additional annealing in vacuum. Interestingly, our results show that without change in the value of the Curie temperature (T_C), there occurs increase in the value of magnetization, resistivity, magneto-resistance (MR) and an increase in temperature range of stabilization of the canted antiferromagnetic structure. The temperature behaviour of the difference in the irreversible magnetization between the samples is in line with the difference in the Ir-O-Ir in-plane bond angle. At low temperatures, the conduction mechanism in the first batch of the sample is mainly governed by disorder while in the case of the other sample it is of Arrhenius type. The magneto-transport results have shown its strong link with the disorder and structural results. Although the nature and mechanism of the disorder needs to be investigated further, the present results throw light on the role of disorder and its connectivity between the structure and physical properties to understand its complex behaviours.

P-127 Identification of the optimal puncture position by image analysis may reduce oocyte degeneration in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Study question

Is it possible to identify the optimal puncture position by image analysis where oocyte degeneration is reduced in ICSI procedure?

Summary answer

Visualizing the likelihood of unintentional membrane rupture (UMR) using image analysis can reduce oocyte degeneration and thereby generate more embryos available for treatment.

What is known already

It is known that the oocyte degeneration after both conventional-ICSI and Piezo-ICSI are often observed when UMR occurs during the puncturing process and the likelihood of UMR may depends on the location of the puncture site on the oolemma. Identifying the appropriate puncturing position may decrease the likelihood of membrane rupture and thus degeneration, however, there are no studies identifying the optimal puncture position during ICSI.

Study design, size, duration

We have developed the ICSI Position Detector (IPD), which can identify an area where rupture is likely to occur and visualize it on a video monitor. This study included 1,110 mature oocytes retrieved from 190 consenting patients. Matured oocytes were inseminated either by Conventional-ICSI (n = 437, average maternal age: 39.1±4.6 y.o.) or Piezo-ICSI (n = 673, average maternal age: 38.6±4.5 y.o.). ICSI was performed blindly, moving images were recorded and analyzed retrospectively during ICSI using IPD.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Inseminated oocytes were subsequently divided into two groups according to IPD results, oocytes on which ICSI was performed at the position with a low chance of UMR (appropriate group), and with a high chance of UMR (non-appropriate group) by IPD. The rates of UMR, degeneration, fertilization (2PN), blastocyst formation, and good-quality blastocyst (Grade 3BB and above on day 5 by the Gardner scoring) were compared between the two groups of both conventional-ICSI and Piezo-ICSI.

Main results and the role of chance

The areas in which UMR is less likely to occur and more likely to occur are heterogeneously distributed. When ICSI was performed blindly, about half was from the non-appropriate position. In appropriate group of Piezo-ICSI, rates of UMR (4.3% vs. 17.4%, P < 0.001) and degeneration (1.0% vs. 5.7%, P < 0.001) were significantly lower than those of non-appropriate group, whereas rates of fertilization (88.0% vs. 78.4%, P < 0.01) and blastocyst formation (57.8% vs. 45.9%, P < 0.01) were significantly higher than those of non-appropriate group, respectively. The rate of good-quality blastocyst (28.8% vs. 24.9%) was in favor of appropriate group, but not significantly different. In appropriate group of Conventional-ICSI, rates of UMR (6.7% vs. 20.6%, P < 0.001) and degeneration (1.5% vs. 6.6%, P < 0.01) were significantly lower than those of non-appropriate group, whereas rate of fertilization (88.7% vs. 69.5, P < 0.001) was significantly higher than those of non-appropriate group, respectively. The rates of blastocyst formation (37.5% vs. 35.3%), good-quality blastocyst (21.3% vs. 18.7%) were all in favor of appropriate group, but not significantly different.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is a single private fertility clinic study. Its reproducibility should be assessed in different laboratory conditions and the hands of different operators. Moreover, specific studies should be addressed on the effect of the other putative confounders under investigation (e.g. kind of ovulation trigger, patient demographics, culture environment, etc.).

Wider implications of the findings

This study demonstrated that the IPD is useful to identify the optimal puncture location site to prevent UMR on ICSI procedure, resulting in reducing UMR and degeneration of the oocytes and increasing culture results, thereby, generating more embryos available for transfer or cryopreservation.

Trial registration number

not applicable

O-207 Incidence of Y chromosome microdeletions and microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro TESE) in patients with Japanese azoospermic patients

Study question

What is the frequency of azoospermia factor (AZF) microdeletions and sperm retrieval rate (SRR) by micro TESE in patients with these deletions?

Summary answer

AZFc is most frequent of Y chromosome microdeletions and a predictor of micro TESE outcome in Japanese azoospermic men.

What is known already

After Klinefelter syndrome, Y chromosome microdeletions are the second most frequent genetic cause of male infertility, with a prevalence of 2%-10% in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and three spermatogenesis loci in the Y chromosome long arm (Yq11) have been classified as AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc. The classical correlation of histopathology phenotypes with these three microdeletions comprises of complete absence of germ cells (Sertoli cell-only syndrome) in patients with AZFa microdeletions, maturation arrest of meiosis in patients with AZFb microdeletions, and hypospermatogenesis in patients with AZFc microdeletions, however, individual variation in the extent of deletions has led to various spermatogenic phenotypes.

Study design, size, duration

We performed a retrospective study based on two reproduction centers in Japan and evaluated 1373 azoospermic patients in our clinics between September 2013 and December 2021. We investigated the frequency of AZF microdeletions and SRR by micro TESE in patients with these microdeletions and therefore aimed to evaluate the correlation between AZF microdeletions and micro TESE results.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

A total of 1373 azoospermic were enrolled. After the diagnosis of azoospermia, karyotype analysis and detection of Y chromosome microdeletions were performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes of these patients. Y chromosome microdeletions in AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc regions were detected using Promega Y Chromosome AZF Analysis System version 2.0 (Promega Co.). Twenty sequence-tagged sites within the AZF region of Yq11 and the sex-determining region Y gene were targeted for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification.

Main results and the role of chance

One hundred and fifty-two AZF microdeletions (11.1%) were detected in the azoospermic patients. The most common deleted region was AZFc (60 cases, 4.4%). Among the patients, 17 (1.2%), 1 (0.1%), 42 (3.1%), 13 (1.0%), and 6 (0.5%) had AZFa, AZFa+b, AZFb+c, AZFb, and AZFa+b+c microdeletions, respectively. When the cases were grouped according to causes of infertility that could be detected, no Y chromosome microdeletions were detected in some groups (cases with Klinefelter Syndrome, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, congenital absence of vas deferens, and 47, XYY karyotype). Fifty-three azoospermic men with AZFc microdeletions underwent micro TESE, and spermatozoa were detected in 88.7% (47/53) of these men. In contrast, we detected spermatozoa in only 20.4% (109/534) of the azoospermic men without AZF microdeletions. The SRR was much higher in patients with AZFc microdeletions than that of patients without AZF deletions. Although three azoospermic men with AZFb+c microdeletions had also undergone micro TESE following patient request, we did not retrieve spermatozoa.

Limitations, reasons for caution

We excluded post chemotherapy NOA showing 46, XX and AZFa+b+c deletions post bone marrow transplantation from female donor. Additionally, we did not detect AZFc partial deletion including gr/gr deletion. The cohort size of this study is not small, however, our screened population of infertile men may be biased.

Wider implications of the findings

NOA patients with AZFc microdeletions had a high percentage of successful sperm retrieval by micro TESE. Our study emphasizes that diagnosis of Y chromosome microdeletions is critical for preconception genetic counseling and provides clinically valuable prognostic information to couples considering surgical sperm retrieval.

Trial registration number

None

O-130 Reproductive outcomes of normal ovarian reserve patients after progestin-primed ovarian stimulation with chlormadinone acetate vs GnRH antagonist: A retrospective study with inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting

Study question

To evaluate the effectiveness of chlormadinone acetate (CMA) for preventing premature LH surge in patients with normal ovarian reserve compared to cetrorelix.

Summary answer

In progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) than GnRH antagonist (GnRH-ant), the incidence of premature LH surge was significantly lower, without significant difference in oocyte maturation rate.

What is known already

The GnRH-ant protocol is one of the conventional protocols which has some disadvantages including increased premature LH surge rate and cancelation rate. In recent years, the PPOS protocol has attracted attention as a new ovarian stimulation using progestin as an alternative to GnRH analog for suppressing a premature LH surge, however its efficacy is still controversial. In addition, many studies have investigated the reproductive outcomes of PPOS using medroxy-progesterone acetate or dydrogesterone; however, there are few reports of CMA, an oral progestin, which is inexpensive and widely used in Japan.

Study design, size, duration

This retrospective cohort study was performed in a reproduction center between March 2018 and October 2020 which included 977 Japanese patients with normal ovarian reserve undergoing PPOS with CMA (n = 299), or GnRH antagonist (GnRH-ant) with cetrorelix (n = 608) in their first IVF cycle at the reproduction center. In subgroup analysis, pregnancy outcomes after frozen embryo transfers (FET) between PPOS (n = 284) and GnRH-ant (n = 579) were also compared.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The inclusion criteria were patients aged < 40 years and AMH ≧ 1.1 ng/mL, who underwent autologous oocyte retrieval in their first IVF cycle with freeze-all strategy. The primary outcome was the incidence of premature LH surge, the secondary outcomes was oocyte maturation rate. To reduce the impact of treatment bias and potential confounding factors, we conducted logistic regression models with inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting (IPTW).

Main results and the role of chance

After IPTW, baseline clinical data were well-balanced between the two groups, including age, AMH, BMI, the duration, type, and cause of infertility, antral follicle count, the history of recurrent spontaneous abortion, and previous IVF attempts. The premature LH surge rate was significantly lower with PPOS (3.1%) compared to GnRH-ant (20.1%) (odds ratio, 0.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.11–0.36). No significant differences were found in total gonadotropin dose (2400IU for PPOS vs 2400IU for GnRH-ant, p = 0.136), the number of oocyte retrieval (n = 15 vs n = 15, p = 0.484), oocyte maturation rate (78.8% vs 77.8%, p = 0.275), fertilization rate (73.0% vs 72.0%, p = 0.412), viable embryo rate per oocyte retrieval (40% vs 40%, p = 0.890), and good quality blastocyst rate (72.0% vs 69.6%, p = 0.092). However, the good quality day-3 embryo rate was significantly lower with PPOS (37.2% vs 49.1%, p < 0.05). There were no differences in the incidence of moderate-to-severe OHSS (0.3% vs 0.7%, p = 0.481). In FET cycles, the pregnancy outcomes, such as implantation rate (43.1 % vs 51.9 %, p = 0.013) and clinical pregnancy rate (46.5% vs 54.7%, p = 0.027) were significantly lower with PPOS, however, no significant differences were found in ongoing pregnancy rate (75.6% vs 80.5%, p = 0.325), and live birth rate (72.4% vs 79.5 %, p = 0.142).

Limitations, reasons for caution

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in a single center. The participants in this study were limited to Japanese ethnicity. The results need to be validated across different centers and other ethnicities.

Wider implications of the findings

This is the first report assessing the reproductive outcomes on PPOS using CMA, widely used in Japan. The PPOS with CMA significantly suppressed the premature LH surge rate compared to GnRH-ant protocol, without decrease in oocyte maturation rate.

Trial registration number

N/A

Magnetic behavior of Ru substituted skyrmion metal MnSi

We report on the structural and magnetic properties of Ru substituted skyrmion metal MnSi i.e. Mn1-xRu_xSi for the nominal compositions of0⩽x⩽0.5. The composition-temperature (x-T) phase diagram illustrates the substitution-driven changes in the magnetic behavior. It is confirmed that the magnetic ordering temperature (para-to helimagnetic)Ttrand the effective magneticμeffmoment decrease with increasingx. This indicates the suppression of magnetic order by the substitution of Ru in MnSi. However, the magnetic nature is sustained up to a concentration of aboutx= 0.1 above which the system exhibits spin-glass like nature as inferred from the negative Curie-Weiss temperatureθCW, reduced magnetic moment (of the order 10-2 μBf.u.-1) and linearM-H(at 2 K) inx= 0.5. Mn1-xRu_xSi is found to avoid the quantum phase transition and exhibits a composition-driven magnetic to spin-glass like transition.

POS0097 IDENTIFICATION OF NEW CANDIDATE DRUGS FOR PRIMARY SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME USING A DRUG REPURPOSING TRANSCRIPTOMIC APPROACH

Background

No immunomodulatory drug has ever demonstrated its efficacy in primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (pSS). Drug repurposing, or drug repositioning, refers to the use in another disease of an existing drug, originally approved or evaluated in a different disease.

Objectives

The objective of our study was to repurpose existing therapeutic drugs in pSS using a transcriptomic approach.

Methods

We generated pSS transcriptomic signatures from peripheral blood samples of patients with pSS compared to healthy controls in two cohorts (ASSESS and a Norwegian cohort) and data mined available pSS transcriptomic signatures in public databases. We compared each disease signature to transcriptomic signatures, obtained from the biological action of 2837 drugs, 2160 knock-in and 3799 knock-down genes, available in the Connectivity Map database. A median similarity score with regard to disease signatures was computed for each candidate drug/gene. Drugs and genes were selected if p<0.05 and similarity score >│80│. If this score is sufficiently high and statistically significant (>80, p<0.05), the tested drug or gene, mimics the signature of the disease. Conversely, if this score is sufficiently low and statistically significant (<-80, p<0.05), the tested drug or gene inverts the signature of the disease and might represent a potential treatment or therapeutic target of interest (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Methods of drug-repurposing transcriptomic analysis (adapted from Toro-Dominguez et al, Arthritis Res Ther 2017;19:54)

Results

1091 peripheral blood transcriptomes were analyzed from 6 independent studies (906 patients with pSS and 185 healthy controls). Our analysis identified 11 transcriptomic drug signatures significantly associated with pSS signature. We identified 72 transcriptomic knock-in (11) or knock-down (61) gene signatures significantly associated with that of pSS, including 21 with a negative similarity score (Table 1).

Table 1.

Knock-down and knock-in genes significantly associated with the pSS transcriptomic signatures

Type ofexperimentSimilarity scoreGenesNumber of genesKnock-in+IFNG, DUSP28, IFNB1, LYN, BCL2L2, TNFRSF1A, CD40, BCL10, NLK, ZNF39810-SLC52A2111Knock-down+SLC25A14, GOLIM4, DTYMK, DCXR, RRM2, IMPA1, CLTB, F12, CAB39, ID1, ISOC1, UBAP1, HIGD2A, UFD1L, SOD2, BTG1, PRKCI, HIST2H2BE, NISCH, TEAD4, MTX2, TYK2, GTF2B, NDUFS7, NNT, ACADSB, GSTP1, HOMER2, SORBS3, PCK2, PHB2, PDXK, TES, TM9SF2, TBX2, HOXA6, KIF2C, MED1, NR2F6, CD14, BECN141-TM9SF3, E2F3, PRMT3, KD, PKN2, SUCLA2, CD44, GRN, SP3, ATP5S, MYCBP2, TRAF7, POLA2, ADRB2, PSMG1, PPP2R3C, PMAIP1, ETFA, ANKRD37, SPECC1L2061

Type I and II interferons were highly ranked (similarity score >99), and their overexpression mimicked the disease signature. CD40 appeared also as a very relevant target (similarity score = 98.8). Three drugs had a significant negative similarity score: ampicillin (-88.69, p=0.0019), amylocaine (-88.28, p=0.0026), and droxinostat (-85.42, p=0.0027). Droxinostat is a HDAC inhibitor. HDAC activity has been shown to be an essential element of the coactivation system for IFN-induced gene regulation and the IFN-induced innate immune response.

Conclusion

This first drug repositioning transcriptomic approach in Sjögren’s syndrome confirms the interest of targeting interferons and identifies histone deacetylases as potential therapeutic targets.

Acknowledgements

Investigators of the ASSESS cohort: Emmanuelle Dernis, Valerie Devauchelle-Pensec, Philippe Dieude, Jean-Jacques Dubost, Anne-Laure Fauchais, Vincent Goeb, Eric Hachulla, Pierre Yves Hatron, Claire Larroche, Véronique Le Guern, Jacques Morel, Aleth Perdriger, Carinne Salliot, Stephanie Rist, Alain Saraux, Jean Sibilia, Olivier Vittecoq, Gaétane Nocturne, Philippe Ravaud, Raphaèle Seror

Centre de Ressources Biologiques de l’Hôpital Bichat: Sarah Tubiana

Johan G. Brun for contributing to the Norwegian cohort.

Funding Sources

This work was supported by the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking (IMI 2 JU) (NECESSITY grant 806975). The Joint Undertaking received support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program and from the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations. This work was also supported by R01 AR065953 Beth the NIH, United States. The contents are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily the official views of the NIH.

JEG received an unrestricted grant from Bristol-Myer-Squibbs to do the transcriptomic analysis of the ASSESS and Norwegian cohorts. JEG received a grant from Geneviève Garnier (Association Française du Syndrome de Gougerot-Sjögren et des syndromes secs).

The ASSESS cohort is promoted by the French Society of Rheumatology and received two research grants from the French Society of Rheumatology.

The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Disclosure of Interests

Renaud FELTEN: None declared, Tao Ye: None declared, Cédric Schleiss: None declared, Benno Schwikowski: None declared, Jean Sibilia: None declared, Fanny Monneaux: None declared, Hélène Dumortier: None declared, Roland Jonsson: None declared, Christopher Lessard: None declared, Wan Fai Ng: None declared, Tsutomu Takeuchi: None declared, Xavier Mariette: None declared, Jacques-Eric Gottenberg Grant/research support from: JEG received an unrestricted grant from Bristol-Myer-Squibbs to do the transcriptomic analysis of the ASSESS and Norwegian cohorts.

AB0545 THYMUS VARIANTS ON IMAGING IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME AND POLYMYOSITIS/DERMATOMYOSITIS PATIENTS

Background

The thymus, a primary lymphoid organ, plays a crucial role in immune system homeostasis [1,2]. Although several studies of an association between radiographic thymus variants and serological features in systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic scleroderma, have been reported [3-6], information in patients with other systemic autoimmune disease, especially in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) or polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) patients, is quite limited.

Objectives

We investigated the association between radiographic thymus variants and clinical and immunological features in patients with pSS and PM/DM, and clarified its significance.

Methods

Patients with pSS and PM/DM were randomly selected from all patients who had visited our department and underwent chest CT scan between April 2009 and March 2019. Patients with thymoma or thymic cyst and those aged less than 30 years were excluded. Thymic enlargement and thymus attenuation score in axial images of CT scans were quantitatively interpreted. We defined thymic enlargement as a thickness of more than 13 mm and graded the score by a four-point scale (score 0-3) according to previous studies [7, 8]. Association with radiographic thymus variants and clinical and immunological features was statistically analyzed.

Results

72 pSS and 47 PM/DM patients were enrolled. 90% and 63.8% were women and mean age was 62.7 ± 12.2 and 56.2 ± 13.7 years in pSS and PM/DM patients, respectively. Thymic enlargement was found in 16 (22.2%) and 14 (29.8%) patients with pSS and PM/DM, respectively. Thymus attenuation (score ≥ 2) was found in 11 (15.3%) and 9 (19.1%) patients with pSS and PM/DM, respectively. These findings were more frequent than in non-connective tissue diseases patients (9.1% and 9.1%, respectively). In pSS patients, radiographic thymus variants, both thymic enlargement and the thymus attenuation score, were significantly positively associated with body weight (P < 0.0073 and 0.037, respectively). Although there was no significant difference between immunological features such as titres of serum RF, the ratio of RF-positivity, SS-A antibody-positivity or SS-B antibody-positivity, and radiographic thymus variants, titres of serum RF tended to be positively associated with thymic enlargement (P = 0.057). In PM/DM patients, thymic enlargement was significantly positively associated with titres of serum RF (P = 0.046), and the thymus attenuation score was significantly positively associated with titres of serum IgG (P = 0.042) and significantly negatively associated with age (P = 0.033). There was no significant difference between the ratio of myositis specific antibody-positivity and radiographic thymus variants.

Conclusion

Radiographic thymus variants were frequently observed in pSS and PM/DM patients, and particularly, in case of PM/DM, may reflect an abnormal immune response involved in the pathogenesis.

References

[1]Gorozny JJ, et al. Trends Immunol 2001;22:251-255,

[2]Seddon B, et al. Immunol Today 2000;21:94-99,

[3]Truffault F, et al. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2017; 52:108-124,

[4]Berrih-Aknin S, et al. J Autoimmun 2014;52:90-110,

[5]Colaci M, et al. Rheumatology 2014;53:732-36,

[6]Murata O, et al. Rheumatology 2021;60:5595-5600,

[7]Ackman JB, et al. Radiology 2013;268:245-53,

[8]Naidich DP, et al. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven 1999:57-73.

Acknowledgements

I have no acknowledgements to declare.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

OP0062 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF ADALIMUMAB WITH LOW AND HIGH DOSE-METHOTREXATE IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WITH INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO METHOTREXATE: THE RANDOMISED CONTROLLED MIRACLE STUDY

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes not only joint pain but also bone destruction resulting in impairment of quality of life. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors have improved prognosis of patients with rheumatoid arthritis dramatically, especially in combination with methotrexate, however, the optimal dose of the concomitant methotrexate is unclear.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adalimumab in combination with reduced dose of methotrexate in patients with early RA with inadequate response to methotrexate.

Methods

The MIRACLE study was a multinational, randomized, open-label study in patients with RA with inadequate response to methotrexate conducted in Asia. It compared low dose and high dose methotrexate upon starting adalimumab. Methotrexate-naive patients with RA with a disease duration of less than two years started methotrexate at 6 to 8 mg/week and increased it to the maximum tolerable dose by week 12. Patients who have not achieved remission according to simplified disease activity index (SDAI) despite methotrexate ≥ 10 mg/week at week 24 were randomised to the maximum tolerable dose of methotrexate group (10 to 25 mg/week) or the reduced dose group (6 to 8 mg/week) and started to receive subcutaneous adalimumab 40 mg every other week. The primary endpoint was non-inferiority in the achievement of SDAI remission at week 48 in the reduced dose group compared with the maximum tolerable dose group with a non-inferiority margin of -15% based on two-sided 90% confidence interval. (NCT03505008)

Results

A total of 300 patients were enrolled in the study. Among them, 291 started methotrexate and were included in the analysis. The mean age was 57.7±15.2 years, female was 74.6%, and the mean disease duration from the diagnosis of RA was 21.1±56.2 days. Anti-CCP antibody was positive in 211 (73.0%) and the mean SDAI at study enrollment was 26.5±12.4. At week 24, with the mean dose of methotrexate of 12.6±2.9 mg/week, 108 patients (37.1%) achieved remission according to SDAI and continued MTX monotherapy. 134 patients (46.0%) were randomised and started adalimumab with 68 patients in the maximum tolerable dose group and 66 patients in the reduced dose group. At week 48, the remission achievement rates were 38.4 % and 44.8 %, respectively, with the adjusted risk difference of the reduced dose group to the maximum tolerable dose group of 6.4% (-7.0% to 19.8%, 90% CI), which met the criterion for noninferiority. No significant difference was found in health assessment questionnaire disability index ≤0.5 (59.1% vs 62.0%, respectively, p=0.72) and in radiological remission rates (Δmodified total Sharp score ≤0.5, 66.3% vs 62.0 %, respectively, p=0.59). Adverse drug reactions tended to be more frequent in the maximum tolerable dose group than in the reduced dose group (22.1% vs 9.1%, respectively, p=0.06).

Conclusion

The MIRACLE randomised study demonstrated that, in patients with inadequate response to methotrexate, the efficacy of adalimumab with reduced dose of concomitant methotrexate was not inferior to that with maximum tolerable dose of methotrexate with better safety profile.

Disclosure of Interests

Hiroya Tamai Speakers bureau: Eisai, Grant/research support from: Eisai, Kei Ikeda Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Gilead, Asahi-Kasei, Grant/research support from: Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Toshiaki Miyamoto: None declared, Hiroaki Taguchi: None declared, Chang-Fu Kuo: None declared, Kichul Shin: None declared, Shintaro Hirata Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Asahi-Kasei, Astellas, Ayumi, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Chugai, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Glaxo SmithKline, Janssen, Kyorin, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, UCB, Paid instructor for: AbbVie, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Consultant of: AbbVie, Astellas, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eisai, Gilead, Ily Lilly, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Asahi-Kasei, Eisai, Otsuka, Sanofi, Shionogi, Chugai, Pfizer, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, Eli Lilly, UCB, yutaka okano: None declared, Shinji Sato Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eisai, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eisai, Hidekata Yasuoka Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Astellas, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Kissei, Takeda, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Chugai, Novartis, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Janssen, Sanofi, Teijin, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Bayer, Glaxo Smith Kline, Paid instructor for: AbbVie, Consultant of: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei, Grant/research support from: Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Takeda, Daiichi-Sankyo, Chugai, Bristol-Myers, MSD, Astellas, In Ah Choi Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eisai, Sung-Hwan Park: None declared, Meng-Yu Weng Paid instructor for: Novartis, Eli Lilly, ChuGai, Abbvie, Consultant of: Abbvie, Masataka Kuwana Speakers bureau: Astellas, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Chugai, Eisai, Janssen, Mochida, Nippon Shinyaku, Ono Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Consultant of: Boehringer-Ingelheim, Kissei, Mochida, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Chugai, Eisai, MBL, Nippon Shinyaku, Ono Pharmaceuticals, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Yun Jong Lee Grant/research support from: Yuhan, Tomonori Ishii Speakers bureau: Chugai, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Glaxo Smith Kline, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Janssen, AbbVie, Eisai, Astellas, Jinhyun Kim: None declared, Hideto Kameda Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eisai, Toshihisa Kojima Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, Eisai, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Han Joo Baek: None declared, Ping-Ning Hsu: None declared, Chun-Ming Huang Paid instructor for: Abbvie, Pfizer, Tien-Tsai Cheng Paid instructor for: Abbvie, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Wan-Yu Sung: None declared, Takehiro Taninaga Shareholder of: Eisai.co.,Ltd., Employee of: Eisai.co.,Ltd., Masahiko Mori Shareholder of: Eisai.co.,Ltd., Employee of: Eisai.co.,Ltd., Hideaki Miyagishi Shareholder of: Eisai.co.,Ltd., Employee of: Eisai.co.,Ltd., Yasunori Sato Speakers bureau: Eisai Co., Ltd. Kowa Company, Ltd., Consultant of: MOCHIDA PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD, Tsutomu Takeuchi Speakers bureau: Astellas, AbbVie, Ayumi, Bristol Myers Squibb, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Glaxo Smith Kline, Janssen, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Nippon-kayaku, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, UCB, Grant/research support from: Asahi Kasei, AbbVie, Ayumi, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Chugai, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Sanofi, UCB, Yuko Kaneko Speakers bureau: Asahi Kasei, Astellas, Ayumi, Bristol Myers Squibb, Chugai, Eisai, Elli Lilly, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Chugai, Eisai, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, UCB.

POS0822 HYPERTROPHIC PACHYMENINGITIS IN ANTINEUTROPHIL CYTOPLASMIC ANTIBODY-ASSOCIATED VASCULITIS: A MULTICENTER SURVEY IN JAPAN

Background

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP), characterized by an inflammatory disorder indicating intracranial or spinal thickening of dura mater, is found to develop as a neurological involvement in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). Meanwhile, the previous studies focusing on HP in AAV have been reported as a single-institution study, and the analyses were performed in a small number of patients because HP is a rare neurological disorder. Therefore, neither etiological nor clinical characteristics of HP in AAV have been adequately elucidated.

Objectives

This study clarified the characteristics of HP in AAV by analyzing the information of multicenter study in Japan (Japan collaborative registry of ANCA-associated vasculitis: J-CANVAS).

Methods

We analyzed the clinical information from 541 Asian patients with AAV enrolled in J-CANVAS. Of them, newly diagnosed and relapsed AAV were included in 448 and 93, respectively. The epidemiological and clinical findings were compared between patients with and without HP. Clinical manifestations related to AAV were evaluated based on the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score version 3. To elucidate independent factors in HP development, logistic regression analyses were additionally performed.

Results

Of the total 541 patients (mean age: 71±14 years, M:F = 1:1.2), HP was demonstrated in 28 (5.17%), including 17 (3.79%) in newly diagnosed AAV and 11 (11.8%) in relapsed AAV. The classification of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) was significantly higher in patients with HP than those without HP (50% vs. 21%, p = 0.0007). In newly diagnosed AAV, patients with HP significantly had higher GPA classification and higher positivity for PR3-ANCA than those without HP (53% vs. 17%, p = 0.001; 29% vs. 9%, p = 0.015, respectively). Conversely, positivity for MPO-ANCA was significantly higher in patients with HP than those without HP in relapsed AAV (91% vs. 55%, p = 0.025), despite not significantly different in the classification of AAV. Headache and cranial neuropathies were significant neurological symptoms in patients with HP compared to those without HP (82% vs. 6.6%, p < 0.0001; 32% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.0001, respectively). Besides, ear, nose and throat (ENT) and mucous membranes/eyes were significantly higher involvements in patients with HP than in those without HP (54% vs. 26%, p = 0.003; 29% vs. 9%, p = 0.003, respectively). Moreover, higher complications of “conjunctive hearing loss” and “sudden visual loss”, which are included in the categories of ENT and mucous membranes/eyes involvement, respectively, were significantly indicated in patients with HP than those without HP (39% vs. 7.2%, p < 0.0001; 21% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.0001, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified that ENT (odds ratio [OR] 1.28, 95% confident interval [CI] 1.09 to 1.49, p = 0.002) and mucous membranes/eyes involvement (OR 1.37, CI 1.14 to 1.65, p = 0.0006), as well as conjunctive hearing loss (OR 4.52, CI 1.56 to 13.05, p = 0.005) and sudden visual loss (OR 1.84, CI 1.12 to 3.00, p = 0.015), were independent related factors in patients with HP.

Conclusion

GPA could be significantly classified in patients with HP. Notably, patients with HP significantly showed higher positivity for PR3-ANCA than those without HP in newly diagnosed AAV. Furthermore, sudden visual loss and conjunctive hearing loss might be implicated in HP development.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0394 CLINICAL OUTCOMES UP TO WEEK 48 OF ONGOING FILGOTINIB (FIL) RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA) LONG-TERM EXTENSION (LTE) TRIAL OF BIOLOGIC DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTIRHEUMATIC DRUG (bDMARD) INADEQUATE RESPONDERS (IR) INITIALLY ON FIL OR PLACEBO IN A PHASE 3 PARENT STUDY (PS)

Background

The preferential Janus kinase-1 inhibitor FIL is approved for treatment of moderate to severe active RA in Europe and Japan.

Objectives

Efficacy and safety of FIL were assessed in patients (pts) with IR to bDMARDs in a LTE trial (NCT03025308) enrolled from a Phase 3 PS (NCT02873936).1

Methods

bDMARD-IR pts received FIL 200 mg (FIL200), FIL 100 mg (FIL100), or placebo (PBO), all with stable conventional synthetic (cs)DMARDs up to 24 weeks (W). At W14 of the PS, pts with IR to FIL or PBO (<20% improvement in swollen [66] and tender [68] joint counts) switched to standard of care (SOC; investigator’s choice of treatment). Pts completing the PS on FIL, PBO, or SOC could enter the LTE. PS FIL pts were maintained, blinded, on their FIL dose; PS PBO and PS SOC pts were rerandomized, blinded, to FIL200 or FIL100. Efficacy data to LTE W48 and safety data to data cutoff (June 1, 2020) are reported.

Results

The PS included 147, 153, and 148 pts on FIL200, FIL100, and PBO. Pts continuing on LTE FIL200 and FIL100 at data cutoff: 80/121 (66%) and 76/110 (69%) from PS FIL200 and FIL100; 35/47 (75%) and 32/46 (70%) from PS PBO, and 13/23 (57%) and 13/22 (59%) from PS SOC. LTE baseline (BL) characteristics were similar in FIL200 and FIL100 pts. During LTE, PS FIL ACR20/50/70 response rates decreased modestly by W48 (Figure 1). Among PS PBO pts, response rates were lower at LTE BL, reaching similar levels to PS FIL pts by W48; rates increased to W48 in PS SOC pts on either FIL dose but not to levels of other groups. Percentages of pts attaining DAS28(CRP) ≤3.2, DAS28(CRP) <2.6, CDAI ≤10, and CDAI ≤2.8 were maintained up to W48 for FIL/FIL pts. PBO/FIL and SOC/FIL pts showed similar patterns to ACR responses (Figure 1). Exposure-adjusted incidence rates (EAIRs)/100 pt-years of exposure for treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE), serious AEs, and serious infection were higher in SOC/FIL pts vs FIL/FIL or PBO/FIL pts, but samples were small and confidence intervals overlapped. There were 5 deaths (Table 1).

Table 1.

EAIRs of TEAEs in LTE, as of June 1, 2020

EAIR (95% CI)FIL200+csD → FIL200+csD n=121PYE 228.4PBO+csD → FIL200+csD n=47PYE 98.1SOC+csD → FIL200+csD n=23PYE 42.1FIL100+csD → FIL100+csD n=110PYE 223.3PBO+csD → FIL100+csD n=46PYE 91.1SOC+csD → FIL100+csD n=22PYE 38.2TEAE46.9 (38.8, 56.6)38.7 (28.2, 53.2)52.2 (34.4, 79.3)40.3 (32.8, 49.5)40.6 (29.4, 56.1)49.8 (31.8, 78.0)TEAE Grade ≥310.5 (7.0, 15.7)10.2 (5.5, 18.9)19.0 (9.5, 38.0)10.3 (6.8, 15.5)13.2 (7.5, 23.2)18.3 (8.7, 38.5)TE serious AE12.3 (8.5, 17.8)12.2 (6.9, 21.5)21.4 (11.1, 41.1)8.1 (5.1, 12.8)13.2 (7.5, 23.2)21.0 (10.5, 41.9)Death1.3 (0.4, 4.1)1.0 (0, 5.7)0 (0, 8.8)0.4 (0.1, 3.2)0 (0, 4.0)0 (0, 9.7)TE infections34.2 (27.4, 42.6)22.4 (14.8, 34.1)35.6 (21.5, 59.1)22.4 (17.0, 29.5)26.3 (17.7, 39.3)39.3 (23.7, 65.2)TE serious infections3.5 (1.8, 7.0)2.0 (0.5, 8.2)7.1 (2.3, 22.1)0.9 (0.2, 3.6)2.2 (0.5, 8.8)7.9 (2.5, 24.4)Opportunistic infections0 (0, 1.6)0 (0, 3.8)0 (0, 8.8)0 (0, 1.7)0 (0, 4.0)0 (0, 9.7)TE herpes zoster2.2 (0.7, 5.1)1.0 (0.1, 7.2)0 (0, 8.8)0 (0, 1.7)2.2 (0.5, 8.8)2.6 (0.1, 14.6)TE MACE (adjudicated)1.3 (0.4, 4.1)1.0 (0.1, 7.2)0 (0, 8.8)0.9 (0.2, 3.6)1.1 (0.2, 7.8)0 (0, 9.7)TE DVT/PE (adjudicated)0.9 (0.2, 3.5)0 (0, 3.8)2.4 (0.1, 13.2)0.4 (0.1, 3.2)0 (0, 4.0)0 (0, 9.7)Malignancies (excluding NMSC)1.3 (0.4, 4.1)3.1 (1.0, 9.5)4.7 (0.6, 17.2)1.8 (0.7, 4.8)3.3 (1.1, 10.2)0 (0, 9.7)NMSC0 (0, 1.6)0 (0, 3.8)4.7 (0.6, 17.2)0 (0, 1.7)0 (0, 4.0)0 (0, 9.7)

DVT, deep vein thrombosis; MACE, major adverse cardiovascular event; NMSC, nonmelanoma skin cancer; PE, pulmonary embolism; TE, treatment-emergent

Conclusion

Efficacy was mostly maintained in PS FIL pts up to W48. Response among PS PBO and SOC pts increased from BL to W48, but response in PS SOC pts continued to be lower than in other groups; these pts may represent a refractory population. FIL safety was largely consistent between PS and LTE.

References

[1]Genovese MC et al. JAMA 2019;322:315–25.

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA. Medical writing support was provided by Claudine Bitel, PhD, of AlphaScientia, LLC, San Francisco, CA; and funded by Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA.

Disclosure of Interests

Maya H Buch Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Consultant of: AbbVie, Galapagos, Gilead, and Pfizer, Grant/research support from: Gilead and Pfizer, Tsutomu Takeuchi Speakers bureau: AbbVie, AYUMI, Bristol Myers Squibb, Chugai, Daiichi Sankyo, Dainippon Sumitomo, Eisai, Eli Lilly Japan, Gilead Sciences, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Novartis, Pfizer Japan, and Sanofi, Consultant of: Astellas, Chugai, and Eli Lilly Japan, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei, Astellas, Chugai, Daiichi Sankyo, Eisai, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Shionogi, Takeda, and UCB Japan, Vijay Rajendran Shareholder of: Galapagos, Employee of: Galapagos, Jacques-Eric Gottenberg Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly and Co., Galapagos, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Roche, Sanofi Genzyme, and UCB, Consultant of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Sanofi Genzyme, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer, Alena Pechonkina Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., YingMeei Tan Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Qi Gong Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Katrien Van Beneden Shareholder of: Galapagos, Employee of: Galapagos, Roberto Caporali Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Celltrion, Galapagos, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Celltrion, Galapagos, Janssen, Lilly, Fresenius-Kabi, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, and UCB

POS0530 MOLECULAR SIGNATURE IN SUSTAINED CLINICAL REMISSION INDUCED BY TOCILIZUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Clinical remission is a clinical goal in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sustained, biologics-free and true remission is an unachieved goal of the “treat-to-target” approach in most patients, and the determinants for achievement are still unclear. In our recent prospective study using multiomics analysis, we proposed that a molecular signature in peripheral whole blood can be a predictor for subsequent disease activity or activities of daily living.1 We also showed that tocilizumab (TCZ) induced deep clinical remission associated with gene expression in peripheral CD4+ T cells.2

Objectives

To consolidate and expand our hypothesis, we investigated the significance of molecular signatures in sustained remission in a larger scale cohort.

Methods

To build and validate the diagnostic model, we collected 73 peripheral blood samples from 30 patients with active RA, 30 patients in clinical remission induced by TCZ and 13 healthy controls. We then collected another 23 samples at a point before TCZ was halted due to sustained clinical remission. In total, 96 samples were analyzed by a multiomics platform, which included RNA sequencing and comprehensive proteomics.

Results

We first developed an optimized partial least-squares regression (PLSR) model using data from 5,436 genes and 255 proteins extracted in our previous model.1 The odds ratio in the model clearly reflected the clinical state with high fidelity (Figure 1). In that study, TCZ induced nearly half of the patients with clinical remission into molecular remission, with an odds ratio of less than zero. To clarify the characteristics of the molecular signature at sustained clinical remission under TCZ continuation, 23 samples were applied to the model. The odds ratio was largely the same as that for clinical remission. Next, we investigated the association with disease flare after cessation of TCZ. At some points before cessation, the median odds ratio in patients who experienced disease flare after stopping TCZ tended to be higher than that in patients with sustained remission after stopping TCZ in the transcriptomics model but not in the proteomics model. Thirty-five differentially expressed genes were identified between the two groups under the conditions of a >1.5-fold change and P-value<0.05.

Figure 1.

Odds ratio in the partial least-squares regression model using transcriptomics (A) and proteomics (B) data from rheumatoid arthritis and healthy control groups

Conclusion

Our larger scale study validated the idea in our previous study that TCZ induces molecular remission. A certain substantial gap associated with prognosis after quitting TCZ may exist as a molecular signature of sustained clinical remission induced by TCZ. These multiomics data sets enable us to understand sustained clinical remission at a molecular level.

References

[1]Nat Commun. 9(1):2775, 2018, 2) Sci Rep.11(1):16691, 2021

Graphs:

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge funding by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Disclosure of Interests

Nobuhiko Kajio: None declared, Katsuya Suzuki Speakers bureau: AbbVie, AsahiKasei, Astellas, Ayumi, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Pfizer, Sanofi, Viatris, Consultant of: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei, Janssen, Pfizer, Grant/research support from: Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eli Lilly, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Ono, Takeda, Kotaro Matsumoto: None declared, Hiroshi Iijima: None declared, Seiji Nakamura: None declared, Yohei Ishizawa: None declared, Jun Inamo: None declared, Masaru Takeshita: None declared, Keiko Yoshimoto: None declared, Yuko Kaneko Speakers bureau: Chugai, Consultant of: Chugai, Grant/research support from: Chugai, Tsutomu Takeuchi Speakers bureau: Chugai, Consultant of: Chugai, Grant/research support from: Chugai.

POS0459 APTAMER-BASED PROTEOMIC SCREENING IN IDENTIFICATION OF PATHOGENIC SIGNAL PATHWAY AND URINARY BIOMARKERS ASSOCIATED WITH HISTOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN LUPUS NEPHRITIS

Background

The current gold standard for the diagnosis and classification, assessment of the severity of lupus nephritis (LN) is a renal biopsy. On the other hand, since the procedure is highly invasive, there is a pressing need to identify biomarkers for predicting the presence and its histological severity of LN. In addition, the background pathogenesis of each histological findings is not clearly understood.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the urine biomarkers for predicting the presence and the severity of histological findings of LN, and to search the pathogenic signal pathway.

Methods

Urine samples from 24 biopsy-proven active LN patients were initially screened for the levels of 1305 distinct human proteins using an aptamer-based-targeted proteomic assay. We developed histological scoring system based on ISN/RPS lesion definitions and classification, NIH activity and chronicity score. Two experienced evaluators assessed the histological scores. Cluster analysis and pathway analysis were performed.

Results

A total of 24 LN patients were included: 20 (83%) had a proliferative histological class (III or IV +/-V), 4 (17%) pure membranous (V). Through cluster analysis, several histological subgroups were extracted according to correlation with each histological finding, and proteins which corelated with each histological scores were analyzed. We focused on two subgroups: one in which including active glomerular histological findings (endocapillary hypercellularity, karyorrhexis, neutrophil infiltration, subendothelial deposits) and the other in which including interstitial histological findings (interstitial inflammation, interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy). Histological scores in the former group showed strong positive correlation with protein group which contained 59 proteins (Group A), including CCL21, CXCL10, VCAM1. Histological scores in the latter group corelated with another protein group which contained 85 proteins (Group B), including MCP-1, CCL11. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed 16 pathways (PDGF Signaling, Granulocyte Adhesion and Diapedesis, etc) were upregulated in Group A and 11 pathways (IL-17 signaling, Fibrosis signaling pathway, etc) upregulated in Group B. Among group A and group B urine proteins, those showed strong correlation between respective histological findings were validated with ELISA assays.

Conclusion

An aptamer-based-targeted proteomic assay screening by combining with renal histological scoring system suggested several urine proteins can predict the severity and the presence of major renal histological findings, and suggested to be related with the pathogenesis in patients with LN.

Disclosure of Interests

Kazuoto Hiramoto: None declared, Shuntaro Saito: None declared, Hironari Hanaoka: None declared, Katsuya Suzuki: None declared, Jun Kikuchi: None declared, Hiroyuki Fukui: None declared, Ryo Takano Employee of: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation Sohyaku, Fumihiko Miyoshi Employee of: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation Sohyaku, Noriyasu Seki Employee of: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation Sohyaku, Kunio Sugahara Employee of: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation Sohyaku, Yuko Kaneko: None declared, Tsutomu Takeuchi: None declared.

POS0701 LONG-TERM EFFICACY OF BARICITINIB IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WHO HAVE HAD INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO csDMARDs: RESULTS FROM RA-BEYOND UP TO 7 YEARS OF TREATMENT

Background

Baricitinib (BARI), an oral selective Janus kinase 1/2 inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in patients (pts) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for up to 3 years (yrs) in a long-term extension (LTE) study RA-BEYOND.1

Objectives

Disclose efficacy of BARI in csDMARD-IR pts in the completed LTE study (up to 7 yrs).

Methods

In RA-BUILD, csDMARD-IR pts were randomized 1:1:1 to BARI 4 mg, 2 mg, or placebo (PBO). Completers to week (wk) 24 could enter the LTE and received BARI 4 or 2 mg. In RA-BEAM, MTX-IR pts were randomized 1:1:1 to BARI 4 mg, adalimumab (ADA) 40 mg, or PBO. Completers to wk 52 received BARI 4 mg in the LTE. Pts with no response could be rescued after wk 16 in both studies. Data were analysed by treatment assigned at baseline in originating studies as observed up to time of stepdown (if applicable), study discontinuation or completion, whichever occurred earlier. Efficacy response rates (RR) were assessed as proportions of pts with observed data up to yr 7 (wk 364) for low-disease activity (LDA) (SDAI ≤ 11, DAS28-hsCRP ≤ 3.2, CDAI ≤ 10), remission (REM) (SDAI ≤ 3.3, DAS28-hsCRP < 2.6, CDAI ≤ 2.8, Boolean), and physical function (HAQ-DI ≤ 0.5). No formal statistical comparisons were conducted.

Results

Approximately 56%/25% of pts in BARI 4 mg, 80%/31% in BARI 2 mg, and 60%/25% in PBO from RA-BUILD remained active at yr 3/7; 59%/17% of pts in ADA, 54%/16% in BARI 4 mg, and 67%/14% in PBO from RA-BEAM remained active at year 3/7. SDAI and CDAI had comparable RR for LDA and REM (Table 1). DAS-28CRP LDA RR were similar to SDAI and CDAI, while REM RR were about twice those of SDAI and CDAI (Table 1). HAQ-DI ≤ 0.5 RR was achieved by 25-30% of BARI-treated pts from both trials and maintained to the end of LTE.

Table 1.

Efficacy outcomes in RA-BEYOND

TimeaN/n (%)LDAREMHAQ-DI ≤0.5SDAICDAIDAS-28 CRPSDAICDAIDAS-28 CRPBooleanRA-BEYOND entryBARI 2 mg (BUILD)197/109197/103200/108197/38 (19.3)197/35 (17.8)200/72 (36.0)200/29 (14.5)200/50 (25.0)(55.3)(52.3)(54.0)BARI 4 mg (BUILD)188/113191/116189/112188/33191/35 (18.3)189/75 (39.7)189/26 (13.8)193/44 (22.8)(60.1)(60.7)(59.3)(17.6)BARI 4 mg (BEAM)412/288414/290412/280412/112414/108412/199412/78 (18.9)414/133 (27.3)(69.9)(70.0)(68.0)(27.2)(26.1)(48.3)Yr 3BARI 2 mg (BUILD)156/120158/116156/112156/41 (26.3)158/44 (27.8)156/81 (51.9)156/34 (21.8)159/38 (23.9)(76.9)(73.4)(71.8)BARI 4 mg (BUILD)107/76107/76107/74107/24107/26 (24.3)107/56 (52.3)107/17 (15.9)108/26 (24.1)(71.0)(71.0)(69.2)(22.4)BARI 4 mg (BEAM)222/166224/166222/164222/72224/71 (31.7)222/119222/48224/54 (24.1)(74.8)(74.1)(73.9)(32.4)(53.6)(21.6)Yr 7BARI 2 mg (BUILD)61/5061/4961/5161/17 (27.9)61/18 (29.5)61/40 (65.6)61/12 (19.7)62/16 (25.8)(82.0)(80.3)(83.6)BARI 4 mg (BUILD)45/3748/3745/3445/13 (28.9)48/16 (33.3)45/25 (55.6)45/8 (17.8)48/14 (29.2)(82.2)(77.1)(75.6)BARI 4 mg (BEAM)60/5364/5760/53 (88.3)60/18 (30.0)64/22 (34.4)60/38 (63.3)60/13 (21.7)64/14 (21.9)(88.3)(89.1)

N: Number of pts with observed data; n: Number of pts with response. aTime from randomization in originating studies. Entry to RA-BEYOND=wk 24 and wk 52; Yr 3=wk 156 and wk 160; and Yr 7=wk 360 and wk 364 of RA-BUILD and RA-BEAM, respectively.

Conclusion

In observed data, BARI demonstrated maintained efficacy in treatment and maintenance of physical function of a csDMARDs-IR RA pt population up to 7 yrs.

References

[1]Smolen JS, et al. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2021; 60(5):2256-66.

Disclosure of Interests

Roberto Caporali Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lilly and Company, Galapagos, Pfizer, Fresenius-Kabi, MSD, UCB, Roche,Janssen, Novartis, Sandoz, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lilly and Company, Galapagos, Pfizer, MSD, UCB, Janssen, Novartis, Sandoz, Daniel Aletaha Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Amgen, Eli Lilly and Company, Novartis, Roche, SoBi, Sanofi, Raimón Sanmartí Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly and Company, Grant/research support from: Eli Lilly and Company, Tsutomu Takeuchi Speakers bureau: AbbVie Japan GK, Ayumi Pharmaceutical Co., Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Ltd., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd. Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. Eisai Co., Ltd. Eli Lilly Japan K.K.; Gilead Sciences, Inc. Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K.; Mitsubishi-Tanabe Pharma Co.; Novartis Pharma Co.; Pfizer Japan Inc.; Sanofi K.K.; UCB Japan Co., Ltd., Consultant of: AbbVie Japan GK, Astellas Pharma, Inc.; Chugai Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd.; Eli Lilly Japan K.K.; Eisai Co., Ltd.; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K.; Mitsubishi-Tanabe Pharma Corp., Pfizer Japan Inc., Grant/research support from: AbbVie Japan GK, Asahikasei Pharma Corp., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., DNA Chip Research Inc.; Eisai Co., Ltd., Eli Lilly Japan K.K.; Mitsubishi-Tanabe Pharma Corp., UCB Japan Co., Ltd., Daojun Mo Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, Ewa Haladyj Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, Liliana Zaremba-Pechmann: None declared, Peter C. Taylor Consultant of: AbbVie, Biogen, Eli Lilly and Company, Fresenius, Galapagos, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Nordic Pharma, Pfizer Inc, Roche, and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Celgene, and Galapagos

AB0625 Association between Cytomegalovirus Reactivation and Renal Prognosis during Remission Induction Therapy for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been associated with atherosclerosis in patients with chronic renal failure, and may cause secondary nephrotic syndrome. Therefore, we hypothesized that the reactivation of CMV by immunosuppressive therapy in patients with vasculitis may affect renal function.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between CMV infection and renal function during ANCA-associated vasculitis remission induction therapy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study enrolled microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis patients at 25 sites in Japan who had a first or severe relapse between January 2017 and June 2020. Of these, patients with MPA or GPA who had a positive renal lesion score on BVAS (version 3) at baseline, or vasculitis findings on renal biopsy, CMV assayed by 48 weeks of treatment, were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of a positive CMV antigen test during the remission induction phase (0–48 weeks of treatment). Outcomes were the rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 48 weeks after initiation of treatment in both groups, as determined by (eGFR at 48 weeks - eGFR at the initiation of treatment)/eGFR at the initiation of treatment; where lower values were associated with worse renal function. General linear models adjusted for age, gender, presence of diabetes or chronic kidney disease, and the use of rituximab or cyclophosphamide were generated.

Results

A total of 387 patients had CMV antigen measured during ANCA-associated vasculitis treatment, of which 164 had renal involvement and eGFR measured at 48 weeks. Seventy-seven (47.0%) were male and the median age was 75 years (range 69–80 years). CMV reactivation was observed in 44 patients (26.8%). The beta coefficient of multiple regression analysis with CMV positive as 1 and negative as 0 was 0.08 (95% confidence interval -0.13 to 0.29) (p = 0.47). The rate of change in eGFR was higher in the CMV positive group, but not statistically significantly.

Conclusion

Contrary to our hypothesis, renal prognoses tended to be better when CMV reactivation was observed. The patients in the CMV reactivation group may have been treated more aggressively, and some patients with a poor prognosis who were not followed up for 48 weeks dropped out. Further research investigating the adjustment of treatment methods is required.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0235 INTEGRATED SAFETY ANALYSIS UPDATE FOR FILGOTINIB (FIL) IN PATIENTS (PTS) WITH MODERATELY TO SEVERELY ACTIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA) RECEIVING TREATMENT OVER A MEDIAN OF 2.2 YEARS (Y)

Background

The preferential Janus kinase-1 inhibitor FIL significantly improved signs and symptoms of RA in Phase 2 and 3 trials.1–5 FIL is approved for treatment of moderate to severe active RA in Europe and Japan. Integrated safety analysis of FIL with patient data through 2019 was presented at the 2020 ACR virtual meeting.6

Objectives

To report updated, as-treated data from the FIL integrated safety analysis with increased study drug exposure.

Methods

Data were integrated from 2 Phase 2 (NCT01668641, NCT01894516), 3 Phase 3 (NCT02889796, NCT02873936, NCT02886728), and 2 long-term extension (LTE) (NCT02065700, NCT03025308) trials. Phase 2 and 3 LTE data were through Nov 2020 and Jan 2021, respectively. The as-treated analysis set included all available data for pts receiving ≥1 dose FIL 200 (FIL200) or 100 mg (FIL100), including those rerandomized to FIL for LTE. Exposure-adjusted incidence rates (EAIR)/100 patient-y exposure (PYE) of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs; onset after first dose and no later than 30 days after last dose or new drug first dose date −1 day) and TEAEs of special interest (AESIs) are presented.

Results

3691 pts received FIL200 or FIL100 for 8085.1 PYE (median 2.2, maximum 6.8 y). In the as-treated set, 61% of FIL200 and 45% of FIL100 pts received FIL for ≥2 y, 19% and 5% for ≥3 y, and 11% and 0.5% for ≥4.5 y, respectively. EAIR for TEAEs was higher with FIL100 than FIL200; EAIRs for deaths were 0.5 and 0.3 for FIL200 and FIL100 (Figure 1). Incidences of infections and serious infections were numerically greater for FIL100 vs FIL200, while EAIRs for other AESIs were comparable between doses (Table 1). EAIRs for AESIs tended to decrease since the previous update, except for venous thromboembolism (total FIL 0.1 to 0.2) and malignancies excluding NMSC (total FIL 0.5 to 0.6).

Table 1.

TEAEs of special interest, as-treated set

TEAE, n (%) and EAIR per 100 PYE (95% CI)FIL 200 mgn=2267PYE=5302.5FIL 100 mgn=1647PYE=2782.6Total FILN=3691PYE=8085.1Infectious AEs1206 (53.2)747 (45.4)1927 (52.2)EAIR21.1 (19.7, 22.5)30.2 (26.8, 34.0)21.0 (19.9, 22.3)Serious infectious AEs80 (3.5)57 (3.5)137 (3.7)EAIR1.5 (1.1, 1.9)2.7 (1.9, 3.9)1.6 (1.3, 2.0)Opportunistic infections5 (0.2)4 (0.2)9 (0.2)EAIR0.1 (0, 0.2)*0.1 (0.1, 0.4)*0.1 (0.1, 0.2)*Active tuberculosis03 (0.2)3 (<0.1)EAIR00.1 (0, 0.3)*0 (0, 0.1)*Herpes zoster84 (3.7)30 (1.8)114 (3.1)EAIR1.6 (1.2, 2.0)1.1 (0.8, 1.5)*1.4 (1.1, 1.7)Major adverse cardiovascular eventsa19 (0.8)14 (0.9)33 (0.9)EAIR0.3 (0.2, 0.5)0.5 (0.3, 0.8)*0.4 (0.2, 0.6)Venous thromboembolismb11 (0.5)4 (0.2)15 (0.4)EAIR0.2 (0.1, 0.4)*0.1 (0.1, 0.4)*0.2 (0.1, 0.3)*Atrial systemic thrombotic eventsa1 (<0.1)1 (<0.1)2 (<0.1)EAIR0 (0, 0.1)0 (0, 0.3)0 (0, 0.1)Malignancy excluding NMSC32 (1.4)17 (1.0)49 (1.3)EAIR0.6 (0.4, 0.9)0.6 (0.4, 1.0)*0.6 (0.4, 0.8)NMSC15 (0.7)5 (0.3)20 (0.5)EAIR0.3 (0.2, 0.5)*0.2 (0.1, 0.4)*0.2 (0.2, 0.4)*Gastrointestinal perforations3 (0.1)1 (<0.1)4 (0.1)EAIR0.1 (0, 0.2)*0 (0, 0.3)*0 (0, 0.1)*

*Except when any study had 0 event within the treatment, the Poisson model was not adjusted by study. PYE was defined as (last dose date − first dose date + 1)/365.25.

a

Positively adjudicated.

b

Adjudicated as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

NMSC, nonmelanoma skin cancer

Conclusion

With 1 additional year of exposure since the 2020 report, FIL continues to be well tolerated with no new safety concerns emerging. EAIRs of TEAEs, including deaths, and AESIs remained stable or decreased since the 2020 report, except for slight increases in rates of NMSC and malignancies excluding NMSC. In the context of demonstrated efficacy, both FIL doses had an acceptable risk/benefit profile.

References

[1]Westhovens R et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2017;76:998–1008.

[2]Kavanaugh A et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2017;76:1009–19.

[3]Combe B et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2021;80:848–58.

[4]Genovese MC et al. JAMA 2019;322:315–25.

[5]Westhovens R et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2021;80:727–38.

[6]Winthrop K et al. Arthritis Rheumatol 2020;72(suppl 10); abstract 0229.

Acknowledgements

Funding for DARWIN 1 and 2 was provided by Galapagos NV, and funding for DARWIN 3, FINCH 1, 2, 3, and 4 was provided by Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA. Funding for this analysis was provided by Gilead Sciences, Inc. The sponsors participated in the planning, execution, and interpretation of the research. Medical writing support was provided by Gregory Bezkorovainy, MA, of AlphaScientia, LLC, San Francisco, CA; and funded by Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA.

Disclosure of Interests

Kevin Winthrop Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Co., Galapagos NV, Gilead Sciences, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Roche, Regeneron, Sanofi, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Pfizer, Yoshiya Tanaka Speakers bureau: Daiichi-Sankyo, Eli Lilly, Novartis, YL Biologics, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eisai, Chugai, AbbVie, Astellas, Pfizer, Sanofi, Asahi-Kasei, GSK, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Gilead Sciences, Inc., and Janssen, Consultant of: AbbVie, Ayumi, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eli Lilly, GSK, Taisho, and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Asahi-Kasei, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, and Takeda, Tsutomu Takeuchi Speakers bureau: AbbVie, AYUMI, Bristol Myers Squibb, Chugai, Daiichi Sankyo, Dainippon Sumitomo, Eisai, Eli Lilly Japan, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Novartis, Pfizer Japan, and Sanofi, Consultant of: Astellas, Chugai, and Eli Lilly Japan, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei, Astellas, Chugai, Daiichi Sankyo, Eisai, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Shionogi, Takeda, and UCB Japan, Alan Kivitz Shareholder of: Amgen, Gilead Sciences, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, and Sanofi, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Flexion, Genzyme, Horizon, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, and Sanofi, Paid instructor for: Celgene, Genzyme, Horizon, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, and Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Flexion, Genzyme, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi, and SUN Pharma Advanced Research, Mark C. Genovese Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Beigene, Eli Lilly and Co., Genentech, Inc., Gilead Sciences, Inc., Sanofi Genzyme, RPharm, and SetPoint, Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Alena Pechonkina Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Franziska Matzkies Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Beatrix Bartok Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Kun Chen Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Deyuan Jiang Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Iyabode Tiamiyu Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Robin Besuyen Shareholder of: Galapagos BV, Employee of: Galapagos BV, Sander Strengholt Shareholder of: Galapagos BV, Employee of: Galapagos BV, Gerd Rüdiger Burmester Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly and Co., Galapagos, Gilead Sciences, Inc., and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly and Co., Galapagos, Gilead Sciences, Inc., and Pfizer, Jacques-Eric Gottenberg Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly and Co., Galapagos BV, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Roche, Sanofi Genzyme, and UCB, Consultant of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Sanofi Genzyme, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer