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Lee H, Park J, Jang H, Lee SJ, Kim J. Population pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and efficacy modeling of SB12 (proposed eculizumab biosimilar) and reference eculizumab. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 80:1325-1338. [PMID: 38814441 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-024-03703-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe, compare similarity of pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD) and efficacy of SB12 and reference eculizumab (ECU) and find clinically significant covariate relationships. METHODS The PK, PD (terminal complement activity) and efficacy (LDH) data of SB12 and ECU were obtained from 289 subjects from phase I and phase III studies. One- and two-compartment PK models with first-order elimination were evaluated for SB12 and ECU. For PD and efficacy, both direct and indirect models were tested. The impact of covariates on PK, PD and efficacy parameters was assessed. Relationship between PK/PD and PD/efficacy was characterized. This modeling was performed using NONMEM version 7.4 (Icon Development Solutions, Ellicott City, MD, USA). RESULTS The two-compartment model adequately described the PK of SB12 and ECU, and the subject's weight was chosen as a clinically significant covariate affecting drugs' clearance and central volume of distribution. Treatment group was not a significant covariate affecting clearance. The direct response model using inhibitory sigmoid Emax and sigmoid Emax relationship well described the PK/PD relationship and PD/efficacy relationship of SB12 and ECU, respectively. Through this modeling, the relationships between PK, PD and efficacy were characterized. There were no differences in PK, PD and efficacy parameters between SB12 and ECU in pooled populations of healthy subjects and paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) patients. CONCLUSION The population modeling showed PK, PD and efficacy similarities between SB12 and ECU in pooled population of healthy subjects and PNH patients, supporting the totality of evidence on biosimilarity for SB12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyuna Lee
- Samsung Bioepis, Co., Ltd, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihye Park
- Samsung Bioepis, Co., Ltd, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyerin Jang
- Samsung Bioepis, Co., Ltd, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - So Jin Lee
- AIMS BioScience, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungryul Kim
- Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Yin J, Zhao M, Xu X, Zhang M, Xu Z, Li Z, Qin X, Li Z, Zhao C, Zhou H, Ma Y, Cao W, Wang G, Lin Y, Zhang J, Zhang X, Cai H, Qian W, Wang Y, Zhang X, Liu G, Wang J, Qiu W, Min L, Li J, Deng H, Chu L, Zhang Y, Fang J. A multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase 2 clinical study of telitacicept in adult patients with generalized myasthenia gravis. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16322. [PMID: 38726639 PMCID: PMC11235933 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of telitacicept in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who tested positive for acetylcholine receptor antibodies or muscle-specific kinase antibodies and were receiving standard-of-care therapy. METHODS Patients meeting the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to receive telitacicept subcutaneously once a week for 24 weeks in addition to standard-of-care treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean change in the quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) score from baseline to week 24. Secondary efficacy endpoints included mean change in QMG score from baseline to week 12 and gMG clinical absolute score from baseline to week 24. Additionally, safety, tolerability and pharmacodynamics were assessed. RESULTS Twenty-nine of the 41 patients screened were randomly selected and enrolled. The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) reduction in QMG score from baseline to week 24 was 7.7 (± 5.34) and 9.6 (± 4.29) in the 160 mg and 240 mg groups, respectively. At week 12, mean reductions in QMG scores for these two groups were 5.8 (± 5.85) and 9.5 (± 5.03), respectively, indicating rapid clinical improvement. Safety analysis revealed no adverse events leading to discontinuation or mortalities. All patients showed consistent reductions in serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG and IgM levels throughout the study. CONCLUSION Telitacicept demonstrated safety, good tolerability and reduced clinical severity throughout the study period. Further validation of the clinical efficacy of telitacicept in gMG will be conducted in an upcoming phase 3 clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yin
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xianhao Xu
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Meini Zhang
- Department of NeurologyFirst Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Zucai Xu
- Department of NeurologyAffiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Zunbo Li
- Department of NeurologyXi'an Gaoxin HospitalXi'anChina
| | - Xinyue Qin
- Department of NeurologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Zhuyi Li
- Department of NeurologyTangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University of PLA (formerly known as the Fourth Military Medical University)Xi'anChina
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of NeurologyHuashan Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of NeurologyAffiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
| | - Wenfeng Cao
- Department of NeurologyJiangxi Provincial People's HospitalNanchangChina
| | - Guoping Wang
- Department of NeurologyAnhui Provincial HospitalHefeiChina
| | - Yongzhong Lin
- Department of NeurologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Jizhong Zhang
- Department of NeurologyNanyang First People's HospitalNanyangChina
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of NeurologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Hongbin Cai
- Department of NeurologyLanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Weidong Qian
- Department of NeurologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuChina
| | - Yiqi Wang
- Department of NeurologyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Xinghu Zhang
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Guangzhi Liu
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of NeurologyThird Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Lianqiu Min
- Department of NeurologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouChina
| | - Jing Li
- Department of NeurologyXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Hui Deng
- Department of NeurologyFirst Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Lan Chu
- Department of NeurologyAffiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of NeurologyAffiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Jianmin Fang
- School of Life Science and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
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3
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Lee BJ, Arter Z, Doh J, Griffin SP, Vittayawacharin P, Atallah S, Shieh KR, Tran M, Jodele S, Kongtim P, Ciurea SO. Eculizumab for Shiga-toxin-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome in adults with neurological involvement. EJHAEM 2024; 5:548-553. [PMID: 38895057 PMCID: PMC11182416 DOI: 10.1002/jha2.902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The role of eculizumab in treating Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) patients with neurological involvement remains unclear. We describe two distinctly different STEC-HUS patients with neurologic involvement successfully managed with eculizumab, and perform a literature review of all published cases. Both patients had complete resolution of neurological symptoms after initiation of eculizumab. Eighty patients with STEC-HUS treated with eculizumab were identified in the literature, 68.7% had complete resolution of neurological symptoms. Based on our experience and literature review, three prevailing themes were noted: 1) Early eculizumab administration optimized neurological outcomes, 2) Symptom resolution may not be immediate, neurological symptoms may initially worsen before improvement, and 3) Plasma exchange yielded no benefit. Early administration of eculizumab may reverse neurotoxicity in patients with STEC-HUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J. Lee
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of California Irvine HealthOrangeCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy PracticeSchool of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCaliforniaUSA
| | - Zhaohui Arter
- Department of MedicineDivision of Hematology‐OncologyChao Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California Irvine HealthOrangeCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jean Doh
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of California Irvine HealthOrangeCaliforniaUSA
| | - Shawn P. Griffin
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of California Irvine HealthOrangeCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy PracticeSchool of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCaliforniaUSA
| | - Pongthep Vittayawacharin
- Department of MedicineDivision of Hematology‐OncologyChao Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California Irvine HealthOrangeCaliforniaUSA
- Division of HematologyDepartment of MedicineFaculty of Medicine Siriraj HospitalMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Steven Atallah
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of California Irvine HealthOrangeCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy PracticeSchool of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kevin R. Shieh
- Department of MedicineDivision of Hematology‐OncologyChao Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California Irvine HealthOrangeCaliforniaUSA
| | - Minh‐Ha Tran
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineDivision of Transfusion MedicineUniversity of California Irvine HealthOrangeCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sonata Jodele
- Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation and ImmuneDeficiencyCancer and Blood Disease InstituteCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Piyanuch Kongtim
- Department of MedicineDivision of Hematology‐OncologyChao Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California Irvine HealthOrangeCaliforniaUSA
| | - Stefan O. Ciurea
- Department of MedicineDivision of Hematology‐OncologyChao Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California Irvine HealthOrangeCaliforniaUSA
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4
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Li Z, Xu Q, Huang J, Zhu Q, Yang X, Zhang M, Zhang S, Huang S, Yu G, Zheng P, Qin X, Feng J. Efgartigimod as rescue treatment in acute phase of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A Case Report. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30421. [PMID: 38720715 PMCID: PMC11076956 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a central nervous system demyelinating disease. Current therapy methods, however, have limited effect on acute attacks except for intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP). Efgartigimod is a first-in-class novel human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) Fc fragment approved for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis. Its capacity to rapidly decrease serum IgG levels, including pathogenic autoantibodies, positions it as a potentially effective option for managing the acute phase of NMOSD. Case presentation We report the case of a 59-year-old female patient with acute NMOSD, presenting with vision loss and numbness in all four limbs. Despite an initial inadequate response to intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP), the addition of Efgartigimod to her treatment regimen led to rapid improvement, notably including a significant reduction in serum aquaporin-4 antibody titers, total IgG levels, and inflammation cytokine levels. Furthermore, no adverse events were reported during a four-month follow-up period. Conclusion As an adjunct to glucocorticoid therapy, Efgartigimod has proven effective and safe for this patient. However, to ascertain its potential as a novel therapeutic option for acute NMOSD, larger-scale prospective clinical trials are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhong Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiao Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jialu Huang
- 958th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Qiyuan Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaolin Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shaoru Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Siyuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gang Yu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyue Qin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinzhou Feng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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5
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Konen FF, Jendretzky KF, Ratuszny D, Schuppner R, Sühs KW, Pawlitzki M, Ruck T, Meuth SG, Skripuletz T. Ravulizumab in myasthenic crisis: the first case report. J Neurol 2024; 271:2898-2901. [PMID: 38388927 PMCID: PMC11055754 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12234-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Franz Felix Konen
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Dominica Ratuszny
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ramona Schuppner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kurt-Wolfram Sühs
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marc Pawlitzki
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Tobias Ruck
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Skripuletz
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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6
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Ilic J, Pujic B, Jakovljevic B, Sekulic B, Agic D, El Farra A, Micanovic B, Vejnovic T, Urosevic I, Savic A. Eculizumab for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: Two cases of successful pregnancy outcomes. Clin Case Rep 2024; 12:e8900. [PMID: 38725930 PMCID: PMC11079538 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a rare disease with the incidence ranging from 0.08 to 0.57 per 100,000 person-years. Up to 25% of cases in women are detected during pregnancy. We report two cases of successful pregnancy outcomes in patients treated with eculizumab, pointing out the importance of interdisciplinary approach in these high-risk pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovanka Ilic
- Clinic оf HematologyClinical Center оf VojvodinaNovi SadSerbia
| | - Borislava Pujic
- Clinic of AnesthesiaIntensive Care and Pain Therapy, Clinical Center оf VojvodinaNovi SadSerbia
| | | | - Borivoj Sekulic
- Clinic оf HematologyClinical Center оf VojvodinaNovi SadSerbia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty оf MedicineUniversity оf Novi SadNovi SadSerbia
| | - Danijela Agic
- Clinic оf HematologyClinical Center оf VojvodinaNovi SadSerbia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty оf MedicineUniversity оf Novi SadNovi SadSerbia
| | - Amir El Farra
- Clinic оf HematologyClinical Center оf VojvodinaNovi SadSerbia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty оf MedicineUniversity оf Novi SadNovi SadSerbia
| | | | - Tihomir Vejnovic
- Clinic of Gynecology and ObstetricsClinical Center оf VojvodinaNovi SadSerbia
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty оf MedicineUniversity оf Novi SadNovi SadSerbia
| | - Ivana Urosevic
- Clinic оf HematologyClinical Center оf VojvodinaNovi SadSerbia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty оf MedicineUniversity оf Novi SadNovi SadSerbia
| | - Aleksandar Savic
- Clinic оf HematologyClinical Center оf VojvodinaNovi SadSerbia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty оf MedicineUniversity оf Novi SadNovi SadSerbia
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7
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Kulasekararaj AG, Lehtinen AE, Forsyth C, Gandhi S, Griffin M, Körper S, Mikala G, Muus P, Overgaard U, Patriquin CJ, Pullon H, Shen YM, Spearing R, Szer J, De la Borderie G, Duda PW, Farzaneh-Far R, Ragunathan S, Sayegh CE, Vadysirisack DD, Schrezenmeier H. Phase II trials of zilucoplan in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Haematologica 2024; 109:929-935. [PMID: 37534517 PMCID: PMC10905099 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.281780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Austin G Kulasekararaj
- King's College Hospital-NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR/Wellcome King's Clinical Research Facility, London, UK and King's College London, London
| | - Anna-Elina Lehtinen
- Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center and University of Helsinki, Helsinki
| | | | - Shreyans Gandhi
- King's College Hospital-NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR/Wellcome King's Clinical Research Facility, London, UK and King's College London, London
| | | | - Sixten Körper
- University of Ulm, Institute of Transfusion Medicine, and Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen and University Hospital Ulm, Ulm
| | - Gabor Mikala
- Central Hospital of Southern Pest National Institute of Hematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest
| | - Petra Muus
- King's College Hospital-NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR/Wellcome King's Clinical Research Facility, London, UK and King's College London, London, UK; St. James's University Hospital, Leeds
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeff Szer
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hubert Schrezenmeier
- University of Ulm, Institute of Transfusion Medicine, and Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen and University Hospital Ulm, Ulm.
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8
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Polasek TM, Peck RW. Beyond Population-Level Targets for Drug Concentrations: Precision Dosing Needs Individual-Level Targets that Include Superior Biomarkers of Drug Responses. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024. [PMID: 38328977 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of precision dosing is to increase the chances of therapeutic success in individual patients. This is achieved in practice by adjusting doses to reach precision dosing targets determined previously in relevant populations, ideally with robust supportive evidence showing improved clinical outcomes compared with standard dosing. But is this implicit assumption of translatable population-level precision dosing targets correct and the best for all patients? In this review, the types of precision dosing targets and how they are determined are outlined, problems with the translatability of these targets to individual patients are identified, and ways forward to address these challengers are proposed. Achieving improved clinical outcomes to support precision dosing over standard dosing is currently hampered by applying population-level targets to all patients. Just as "one-dose-fits-all" may be an inappropriate philosophy for drug treatment overall, a "one-target-fits-all" philosophy may limit the broad clinical benefits of precision dosing. Defining individual-level precision dosing targets may be needed for greatest therapeutic success. Superior future precision dosing targets will integrate several biomarkers that together account for the multiple sources of drug response variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Polasek
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- CMAX Clinical Research, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard W Peck
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Pharma Research & Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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9
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Parra AP, Ramos N, Perurena-Prieto J, Manrique-Rodríguez S, Climente M, Quintanilla LG, Escolano Á, Miarons M. [Translated article] Pharmacokinetics of eculizumab in adult and pediatric patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and C3 glomerulopathy. FARMACIA HOSPITALARIA 2024; 48:T16-T22. [PMID: 38057242 DOI: 10.1016/j.farma.2023.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to analyze and describe the concentrations of eculizumab and the complement blockade in patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and C3 glomerulopathy, and to define a therapeutic margin where there is a high probability of achieving therapeutic efficacy. METHODS Observational, ambispective, and multicenter study that included adult and pediatric patients diagnosed with aHUS and C3 glomerulopathy from September 2020 to October 2022 in 5 hospitals in Spain. Eculizumab was administered at the doses recommended by the data sheet according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Pre- and post-dose concentrations of eculizumab were determined, as well as blockade of the classical complement pathway (CH50). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. To establish the cut-off point for eculizumab concentrations that predicted complement blockade, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. Lastly, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to contrast the differences in different parameters according to eculizumab concentrations. RESULTS Twenty-five patients were included, 19 adults (76.0%) and 6 pediatrics (24.0%), with median ages of 43.4 (interquartile range (IQR) 35.7-48.8) and 10.1 (IQR 9.6-11.3) years, respectively. Of these, 22 (88.0%) patients were diagnosed with aHUS and 3 (12.0%) with C3 glomerulopathy. A total of 111 eculizumab concentrations were determined. Mean pre- and post-dose concentration values detected during the maintenance phase were 243.8 (SD 240.6) μg/mL and 747.4 (standard deviation (SD) 444.3) μg/mL, respectively. Increased complement blockade was observed at higher pre-dose concentrations (P = .002) and decreased serum creatinine at both higher pre- and post-dose concentrations (P = .001 and P = .017, respectively). Using ROC curves, it was determined that a pre-dose concentration >149.0 μg/mL was optimal to achieve complement blockade, with an AUC of 0.87 (0.78-0.95). Finally, high inter-individual (48.9% variation coefficient (CV)) with low intra-individual variabilities (11.9% CV) in eculizumab clearance were observed. CONCLUSIONS The present study reports supratherapeutic concentrations of eculizumab in patients with aHUS, and defines higher concentrations than those described in the data sheet to achieve blockade, thus encouraging the personalization of treatment with eculizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Pau Parra
- Servicio de Farmacia, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Ramos
- Servicio de Nefrología, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Janire Perurena-Prieto
- Servicio de Inmunología, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Monica Climente
- Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura García Quintanilla
- Servicio de Farmacia, Área Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela e Barbanza (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Ángel Escolano
- Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Aragón, Spain
| | - Marta Miarons
- Servicio de Farmacia, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain.
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10
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Pau Parra A, Ramos N, Perurena-Prieto J, Manrique-Rodríguez S, Climente M, García Quintanilla L, Escolano Á, Miarons M. Pharmacokinetics of eculizumab in adult and pediatric patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and C3 glomerulopathy. FARMACIA HOSPITALARIA 2024; 48:16-22. [PMID: 37612186 DOI: 10.1016/j.farma.2023.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to analyze and describe the concentrations of eculizumab and the complement blockade in patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and C3 glomerulopathy, and to define a therapeutic margin where there is a high probability of achieving therapeutic efficacy. METHODS Observational, ambispective and multicenter study that included adult and pediatric patients diagnosed with aHUS and C3 glomerulopathy from September 2020 to October 2022 in five hospitals in Spain. Eculizumab was administered at the doses recommended by the data sheet according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Pre-dose and post-dose concentrations of eculizumab were determined, as well as blockade of the classical complement pathway (CH50). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. To establish the cut-off point for eculizumab concentrations that predicted complement blockade, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. Lastly, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to contrast the differences in different parameters according to eculizumab concentrations. RESULTS Twenty-five patients were included, 19 adults (76.0%) and 6 pediatrics (24.0%), with median ages of 43.4 (IQR 35.7-48.8) and 10.1 (IQR 9.6-11.3) years, respectively. Of these, 22 (88.0%) patients were diagnosed with aHUS and 3 (12.0%) with C3 glomerulopathy. A total of 111 eculizumab concentrations were determined. Mean pre-dose and post-dose concentration values detected during the maintenance phase were 243.8 (SD 240.6) μg/mL and 747.4 (SD 444.3) μg/mL, respectively. Increased complement blockade was observed at higher pre-dose concentrations (p=0.002) and decreased serum creatinine at both higher pre- and post-dose concentrations (p=0.001 and p=0.017, respectively). Using ROC curves, it was determined that a pre-dose concentration >149.0 μg/mL was optimal to achieve complement blockade, with an AUC of 0.87 (0.78-0.95). Finally, high inter-individual (48.9% CV) with low intra-individual variabilities (11.9% CV) in eculizumab clearance were observed. CONCLUSIONS The present study reports supratherapeutic concentrations of eculizumab in patients with aHUS, and defines higher concentrations than those described in the data sheet to achieve blockade, thus encouraging the personalization of treatment with eculizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Pau Parra
- Servicio de Farmacia, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, España
| | - Natalia Ramos
- Servicio de Nefrología, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, España
| | - Janire Perurena-Prieto
- Servicio de Inmunología, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, España
| | | | - Monica Climente
- Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, España
| | - Laura García Quintanilla
- Servicio de Farmacia, Área Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela e Barbanza (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, España
| | - Ángel Escolano
- Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Aragón, España
| | - Marta Miarons
- Servicio de Farmacia, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, España.
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Kümpfel T, Giglhuber K, Aktas O, Ayzenberg I, Bellmann-Strobl J, Häußler V, Havla J, Hellwig K, Hümmert MW, Jarius S, Kleiter I, Klotz L, Krumbholz M, Paul F, Ringelstein M, Ruprecht K, Senel M, Stellmann JP, Bergh FT, Trebst C, Tumani H, Warnke C, Wildemann B, Berthele A. Update on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) - revised recommendations of the Neuromyelitis Optica Study Group (NEMOS). Part II: Attack therapy and long-term management. J Neurol 2024; 271:141-176. [PMID: 37676297 PMCID: PMC10770020 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11910-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
This manuscript presents practical recommendations for managing acute attacks and implementing preventive immunotherapies for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), a rare autoimmune disease that causes severe inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS), primarily affecting the optic nerves, spinal cord, and brainstem. The pillars of NMOSD therapy are attack treatment and attack prevention to minimize the accrual of neurological disability. Aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G antibodies (AQP4-IgG) are a diagnostic marker of the disease and play a significant role in its pathogenicity. Recent advances in understanding NMOSD have led to the development of new therapies and the completion of randomized controlled trials. Four preventive immunotherapies have now been approved for AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD in many regions of the world: eculizumab, ravulizumab - most recently-, inebilizumab, and satralizumab. These new drugs may potentially substitute rituximab and classical immunosuppressive therapies, which were as yet the mainstay of treatment for both, AQP4-IgG-positive and -negative NMOSD. Here, the Neuromyelitis Optica Study Group (NEMOS) provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on NMOSD treatments and offers statements and practical recommendations on the therapy management and use of all available immunotherapies for this disease. Unmet needs and AQP4-IgG-negative NMOSD are also discussed. The recommendations were developed using a Delphi-based consensus method among the core author group and at expert discussions at NEMOS meetings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Kümpfel
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
| | - Katrin Giglhuber
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Orhan Aktas
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ilya Ayzenberg
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Judith Bellmann-Strobl
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vivien Häußler
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neuroimmunology and MS (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Havla
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hellwig
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Martin W Hümmert
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sven Jarius
- Molecular Neuroimmunology Group, Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ingo Kleiter
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Marianne-Strauß-Klinik, Behandlungszentrum Kempfenhausen für Multiple Sklerose Kranke, Berg, Germany
| | - Luisa Klotz
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Markus Krumbholz
- Department of Neurology and Pain Treatment, Immanuel Klinik Rüdersdorf, University Hospital of the Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf bei Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf bei Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, University Hospital of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marius Ringelstein
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, LVR-Klinikum, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Klemens Ruprecht
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Makbule Senel
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan-Patrick Stellmann
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neuroimmunology and MS (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- APHM, Hopital de la Timone, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Corinna Trebst
- Molecular Neuroimmunology Group, Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Clemens Warnke
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Brigitte Wildemann
- Marianne-Strauß-Klinik, Behandlungszentrum Kempfenhausen für Multiple Sklerose Kranke, Berg, Germany
| | - Achim Berthele
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany.
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12
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Stevens KH, Baas LM, van der Velden TJAM, Bouwmeester RN, van Dillen N, Dorresteijn EM, van Zuilen AD, Wetzels JFM, Michels MAHM, van de Kar NCAJ, van den Heuvel LP. Modeling complement activation on human glomerular microvascular endothelial cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1206409. [PMID: 37954621 PMCID: PMC10634509 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1206409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare kidney disease caused by dysregulation of the complement alternative pathway. The complement dysregulation specifically leads to damage to the glomerular endothelium. To further understand aHUS pathophysiology, we validated an ex vivo model for measuring complement deposition on both control and patient human glomerular microvascular endothelial cells (GMVECs). Methods Endothelial cells were incubated with human test sera and stained with an anti-C5b-9 antibody to visualize and quantify complement depositions on the cells with immunofluorescence microscopy. Results First, we showed that zymosan-activated sera resulted in increased endothelial C5b-9 depositions compared to normal human serum (NHS). The levels of C5b-9 depositions were similar between conditionally immortalized (ci)GMVECs and primary control GMVECs. The protocol with ciGMVECs was further validated and we additionally generated ciGMVECs from an aHUS patient. The increased C5b-9 deposition on control ciGMVECs by zymosan-activated serum could be dose-dependently inhibited by adding the C5 inhibitor eculizumab. Next, sera from five aHUS patients were tested on control ciGMVECs. Sera from acute disease phases of all patients showed increased endothelial C5b-9 deposition levels compared to NHS. The remission samples showed normalized C5b-9 depositions, whether remission was reached with or without complement blockage by eculizumab. We also monitored the glomerular endothelial complement deposition of an aHUS patient with a hybrid complement factor H (CFH)/CFH-related 1 gene during follow-up. This patient had already chronic kidney failure and an ongoing deterioration of kidney function despite absence of markers indicating an aHUS flare. Increased C5b-9 depositions on ciGMVECs were observed in all samples obtained throughout different diseases phases, except for the samples with eculizumab levels above target. We then tested the samples on the patient's own ciGMVECs. The C5b-9 deposition pattern was comparable and these aHUS patient ciGMVECs also responded similar to NHS as control ciGMVECs. Discussion In conclusion, we demonstrate a robust and reliable model to adequately measure C5b-9-based complement deposition on human control and patient ciGMVECs. This model can be used to study the pathophysiological mechanisms of aHUS or other diseases associated with endothelial complement activation ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kes H. Stevens
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Laura M. Baas
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Thea J. A. M. van der Velden
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Romy N. Bouwmeester
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Niels van Dillen
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Eiske M. Dorresteijn
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Arjan D. van Zuilen
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jack F. M. Wetzels
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Marloes A. H. M. Michels
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Nicole C. A. J. van de Kar
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Lambertus P. van den Heuvel
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics/Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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13
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San PP, Jacob S. Role of complement in myasthenia gravis. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1277596. [PMID: 37869140 PMCID: PMC10585143 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1277596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis is a prototypic neuroimmune disorder with autoantibodies targeting the acetylcholine receptor complex at the neuromuscular junction. Patients present with mainly ocular muscle weakness and tend to have a generalized muscle weakness later in the clinical course. The weakness can be severe and fatal when bulbar muscles are heavily involved. Acetylcholine receptor antibodies are present in the majority of patients and are of IgG1 and IgG3 subtypes which can activate the complement system. The complement involvement plays a major role in the neuromuscular junction damage and the supporting evidence in the literature is described in this article. Complement therapies were initially studied and approved for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and in the past decade, those have also been studied in myasthenia gravis. The currently available randomized control trial and real-world data on the efficacy and safety of the approved and investigational complement therapies are summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pyae Phyo San
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Saiju Jacob
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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14
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Riedl Khursigara M, Chung E, Tjon J, Noone D, Chami R, Licht C, Teoh CW. Utilizing therapeutic drug monitoring to optimize therapy with eculizumab and mycophenolate mofetil in a child with C3 glomerulonephritis. Pediatr Nephrol 2023; 38:3483-3487. [PMID: 36884075 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-023-05927-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN) can be a devastating disease with poor response to immunosuppressive therapy. Complement inhibition with eculizumab has had equivocal results in patients with C3GN. CASE-DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT We report a case of a 6-year-old boy with C3GN presenting with nephrotic syndrome, severe hypertension and impaired kidney function. He did not respond to initial treatment with prednisone and mycophenolate (mofetil and sodium), and subsequent treatment with standard dosing of eculizumab. Pharmacokinetic studies identified a lack of eculizumab exposure and subsequent intensification of treatment with weekly dosing of eculizumab led to significant clinical improvement: his kidney function normalized, hypertension (weaned off 3 antihypertensive drugs), edema and proteinuria improved. Additionally, exposure to mycophenolic acid (MPA), active metabolite of mycophenolate, determined by area under the concentration-time curve of MPA was low throughout, despite significant dosing escalation. CONCLUSIONS This case report demonstrates that individualized therapy guided by therapeutic drug monitoring might be needed in patients with nephrotic range proteinuria treated with eculizumab and mycophenolate (mofetil and sodium), an important finding that needs to be considered for further treatment trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erin Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Tjon
- Department of Pharmacy, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Damien Noone
- Division of Nephrology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rose Chami
- Division of Pathology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christoph Licht
- Division of Nephrology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chia Wei Teoh
- Division of Nephrology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, Canada.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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15
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Sarmoko, Ramadhanti M, Zulkepli NA. CD59: Biological function and its potential for drug target action. GENE REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2023.101772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
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16
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Diep J, Potter D, Mai J, Hsu D. Atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome with refractory multiorgan involvement and heterozygous CFHR1/CFHR3 gene deletion. BMC Nephrol 2023; 24:127. [PMID: 37147581 PMCID: PMC10161558 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-023-03153-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We present this challenging case report of Atypical Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS) presenting with multi-organ involvement in a patient and heterozygous CFHR1/CFHR3 gene variant, which was refractory to initial eculizumab therapy. CASE PRESENTATION A forty-three year old female presented with aHUS and had heterozygous disease-associated deletions in the complement genes CFHR1/CFHR3. She had progressive kidney failure and severe extra-renal manifestations including cardiomyopathy and haemorrhagic cystitis; as well as pulmonary, gastrointestinal and neurological involvement. The initial kidney biopsy revealed thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) changes involving all glomeruli. Clinical improvement was initially seen during eculizumab initiation with suppressed CH50 level, but a new rhinovirus/enterovirus upper respiratory tract infection triggered further severe multi-organ disease activity. The extra-renal manifestations stabilised, then ultimately improved after a period of eculizumab dose intensification. However, the impact on dose intensification on this improvement is unclear. Despite the extra-renal clinical improvement, she ultimately progressed to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), commencing peritoneal dialysis for three years before undergoing a successful uncomplicated cadaveric kidney transplant without prophylactic eculizumab. Two years after transplant, she has excellent transplant graft function without any further disease recurrence. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the concept of extra-renal manifestations in aHUS initially resistant to eculizumab, which potentially responded to dose intensification. Whilst organ injuries are potentially reversible with timely targeted treatment, it appears that the kidneys are most vulnerable to injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Diep
- Department of Renal Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool, BC NSW 1871, Australia.
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Daniela Potter
- Department of Renal Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool, BC NSW 1871, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jun Mai
- Department of Renal Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool, BC NSW 1871, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Danny Hsu
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Haematology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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17
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ter Avest M, Bouwmeester RN, Duineveld C, Wijnsma KL, Volokhina EB, van den Heuvel LPWJ, Burger DM, Wetzels JFM, van de Kar NCAJ, ter Heine R. Proposal for individualized dosing of eculizumab in atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome: patient friendly and cost-effective. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2023; 38:362-371. [PMID: 35238929 PMCID: PMC9923710 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfac056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eculizumab is a lifesaving yet expensive drug for atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS). Current guidelines advise a fixed-dosing schedule, which can be suboptimal and inflexible in the individual patient. METHODS We evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) [classical pathway (CP) activity levels] of eculizumab in 48 patients, consisting of 849 time-concentration data and 569 CP activity levels. PK-PD modelling was performed with non-linear mixed-effects modelling. The final model was used to develop improved dosing strategies. RESULTS A PK model with parallel linear and non-linear elimination rates best described the data with the parameter estimates clearance 0.163 L/day, volume of distribution 6.42 L, maximal rate 29.6 mg/day and concentration for 50% of maximum rate 37.9 mg/L. The PK-PD relation between eculizumab concentration and CP activity was described using an inhibitory Emax model with the parameter estimates baseline 101%, maximal inhibitory effect 95.9%, concentration for 50% inhibition 22.0 mg/L and Hill coefficient 5.42. A weight-based loading dose, followed by PK-guided dosing was found to improve treatment. On day 7, we predict 99.95% of the patients to reach the efficacy target (CP activity <10%), compared with 94.75% with standard dosing. Comparable efficacy was predicted during the maintenance phase, while the dosing interval could be prolonged in ∼33% of the population by means of individualized dosing. With a fixed-dose 4-week dosing interval to allow for holidays, treatment costs will increase by 7.1% and we predict 91% of the patients will reach the efficacy target. CONCLUSIONS A patient-friendly individualized dosing strategy of eculizumab has the potential to improve treatment response at reduced costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mendy ter Avest
- Department of Pharmacy, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Romy N Bouwmeester
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline Duineveld
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kioa L Wijnsma
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Elena B Volokhina
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lambertus P W J van den Heuvel
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - David M Burger
- Department of Pharmacy, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jack F M Wetzels
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole C A J van de Kar
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob ter Heine
- Department of Pharmacy, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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18
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Michels MAHM, Volokhina EB, van de Kar NCAJ, van den Heuvel LPJ. Challenges in diagnostic testing of nephritic factors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1036136. [PMID: 36451820 PMCID: PMC9702996 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1036136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Nephritic factors (NeFs) are autoantibodies promoting the activity of the central enzymes of the complement cascade, an important first line of defense of our innate immune system. NeFs stabilize the complement convertase complexes and prevent their natural and regulator-mediated decay. They are mostly associated with rare complement-mediated kidney disorders, in particular with C3 glomerulopathy and related diseases. Although these autoantibodies were already described more than 50 years ago, measuring NeFs for diagnostic purposes remains difficult, and this also complicates our understanding of their clinical associations. In this review, we address the multifactorial challenges of NeF diagnostics. We describe the diseases NeFs are associated with, the heterogenic mechanisms of action of different NeF types, the different methods available in laboratories used for their detection, and efforts for standardization. Finally, we discuss the importance of proper NeF diagnostics for understanding the clinical impact of these autoantibodies in disease pathophysiology and for considering future complement-directed therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes A. H. M. Michels
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Elena B. Volokhina
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Innatoss Laboratories, Oss, Netherlands
| | - Nicole C. A. J. van de Kar
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Lambertus P.W. J. van den Heuvel
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics/Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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19
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Rose RH, Sepp A, Stader F, Gill KL, Liu C, Gardner I. Application of physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models for therapeutic proteins and other novel modalities. Xenobiotica 2022; 52:840-854. [PMID: 36214113 DOI: 10.1080/00498254.2022.2133649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The past two decades have seen diversification of drug development pipelines and approvals from traditional small molecule therapies to alternative modalities including monoclonal antibodies, engineered proteins, antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), oligonucleotides and gene therapies. At the same time, physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for small molecules have seen increased industry and regulatory acceptance.This review focusses on the current status of the application of PBPK models to these newer modalities and give a perspective on the successes, challenges and future directions of this field.There is greatest experience in the development of PBPK models for therapeutic proteins, and PBPK models for ADCs benefit from prior experience for both therapeutic proteins and small molecules. For other modalities, the application of PBPK models is in its infancy.Challenges are discussed and a common theme is lack of availability of physiological and experimental data to characterise systems and drug parameters to enable a priori prediction of pharmacokinetics. Furthermore, sufficient clinical data are required to build confidence in developed models.The PBPK modelling approach provides a quantitative framework for integrating knowledge and data from multiple sources and can be built on as more data becomes available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel H Rose
- Certara UK Limited, Simcyp Division, Level 2-Acero, 1 Concourse Way, Sheffield, S1 2BJ, UK
| | - Armin Sepp
- Certara UK Limited, Simcyp Division, Level 2-Acero, 1 Concourse Way, Sheffield, S1 2BJ, UK
| | - Felix Stader
- Certara UK Limited, Simcyp Division, Level 2-Acero, 1 Concourse Way, Sheffield, S1 2BJ, UK
| | - Katherine L Gill
- Certara UK Limited, Simcyp Division, Level 2-Acero, 1 Concourse Way, Sheffield, S1 2BJ, UK
| | - Cong Liu
- Certara UK Limited, Simcyp Division, Level 2-Acero, 1 Concourse Way, Sheffield, S1 2BJ, UK
| | - Iain Gardner
- Certara UK Limited, Simcyp Division, Level 2-Acero, 1 Concourse Way, Sheffield, S1 2BJ, UK
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20
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Sridharan M, Go RS, Willrich MAV. Clinical Utility and Potential Cost Savings of Pharmacologic Monitoring of Eculizumab for Complement-Mediated Thrombotic Microangiopathy. MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS: INNOVATIONS, QUALITY & OUTCOMES 2022; 6:458-464. [PMID: 36160640 PMCID: PMC9489510 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the treatment options for complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy (CM-TMA), also known as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, is the administration of the C5 complement inhibitor eculizumab. In vivo studies have reported a complete complement blockade with eculizumab serum concentrations above 50 μg/mL in the case of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. The eculizumab trough levels and C5 functional activity were monitored in patients with CM-TMA being treated with eculizumab. For those with eculizumab trough concentrations of more than 100 μg/mL, the frequency of eculizumab 1200-mg doses was decreased. In this article, we describe the pharmacologic monitoring data with the use of C5 functional activity and mass spectrometric assessments of eculizumab to allow for a tailored eculizumab schedule for 10 patients with CM-TMA. In 9 out of 10 (90%) patients with a standard administration schedule, eculizumab trough concentrations were more than 100 μg/mL. At the time of the last eculizumab follow-up (median, 250 days; range, 85-898 days), the interval between eculizumab infusions was extended to every 3-6 weeks for 8 patients; no disease relapse was found with the modified dosing interval. Altering the administration of maintenance eculizumab from every 2-3 weeks to 3-6 weeks yields a savings of $78,185 per patient for a 6-month eculizumab treatment course. Although larger standardized cohorts are necessary to confirm these findings, our data suggest that monitoring eculizumab levels in conjunction with C5 assessment allows for safe modification of eculizumab dosing and results in considerable cost savings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria A V Willrich
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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21
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van Vugt LK, Schagen MR, de Weerd A, Reinders ME, de Winter BC, Hesselink DA. Investigational drugs for the treatment of kidney transplant rejection. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:1087-1100. [PMID: 36175360 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2130751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Kidney transplant rejection remains an important clinical problem despite the development of effective immunosuppressive drug combination therapy. Two major types of rejection are recognized, namely T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), which have a different pathophysiology and are treated differently. Unfortunately, long-term outcomes of both TCMR and ABMR remain unsatisfactory despite current therapy. Hence, alternative therapeutic drugs are urgently needed. AREAS COVERED This review covers novel and investigational drugs for the pharmacological treatment of kidney transplant rejection. Potential therapeutic strategies and future directions are discussed. EXPERT OPINION The development of alternative pharmacologic treatment of rejection has focused mostly on ABMR, since this is the leading cause of kidney allograft loss and currently lacks an effective, evidence-based therapy. At present, there is insufficient high-quality evidence for any of the covered investigational drugs to support their use in ABMR. However, with the emergence of targeted therapies, this potential arises for individualized treatment strategies. In order to generate more high-quality evidence for such strategies and overcome the obstacles of classic, randomized, controlled trials, we advocate the implementation of adaptive trial designs and surrogate clinical endpoints. We believe such adaptive trial designs could help to understand the risks and benefits of promising drugs such as tocilizumab, clazakizumab, belimumab, and imlifidase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas K van Vugt
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike R Schagen
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annelies de Weerd
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marlies Ej Reinders
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Brenda Cm de Winter
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis A Hesselink
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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22
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Waheed W, Newman E, Aboukhatwa M, Moin M, Tandan R. Practical Management for Use of Eculizumab in the Treatment of Severe, Refractory, Non-Thymomatous, AChR + Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: A Systematic Review. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2022; 18:699-719. [PMID: 35855752 PMCID: PMC9288180 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s266031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disorder caused by specific autoantibodies at the neuromuscular junction. MG is classified by the antigen specificity of these antibodies. Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies are the most common type (74–88%), followed by anti-muscle specific kinase (MuSK) and other antibodies. While all these antibodies lead to neuromuscular transmission failure, the immuno-pathogenic mechanisms are distinct. Complement activation is a primary driver of AChR antibody-positive MG (AChR+ MG) pathogenesis. This leads to the formation of the membrane attack complex and destruction of AChR receptors and the postsynaptic membrane resulting in impaired neurotransmission and muscle weakness characteristic of MG. Broad-based immune-suppressants like corticosteroids are effective in controlling MG; however, their long-term use can be associated with significant adverse effects. Advances in translational research have led to the development of more directed therapeutic agents that are likely to alter the future of MG treatment. Eculizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits the cleavage of complement protein C5 and is approved for use in generalized MG. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology of MG; the therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of eculizumab, as well as the practical guidelines for its use in MG; future studies exploring the role of eculizumab in different stages and subtypes of MG subtypes; the optimal duration of therapy and its discontinuation; the characterization of non-responder patients; and the use of biomarkers for monitoring therapy are highlighted. Based on the pathophysiologic mechanisms, emerging therapies and new therapeutic targets are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Waheed
- Department of Neurological Sciences, The University of Vermont and the University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Eric Newman
- Department of Neurological Sciences, The University of Vermont and the University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Marwa Aboukhatwa
- Pharmacotherapy Department, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Maryam Moin
- Department of Neurology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Rup Tandan
- Department of Neurological Sciences, The University of Vermont and the University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
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23
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Eculizumab as a fast-acting rescue therapy in a refractory myasthenic crisis: a case report. J Neurol 2022; 269:6152-6154. [PMID: 35705882 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11222-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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24
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Kulasekararaj AG, Brodsky RA, Nishimura JI, Patriquin CJ, Schrezenmeier H. The importance of terminal complement inhibition in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Ther Adv Hematol 2022; 13:20406207221091046. [PMID: 35663504 PMCID: PMC9160915 DOI: 10.1177/20406207221091046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, chronic hematologic disorder associated with inappropriate terminal complement activity on blood cells that can result in intravascular hemolysis (IVH), thromboembolic events (TEs), and organ damage. Untreated individuals with PNH have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Patients with PNH experiencing IVH often present with an elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; ⩾ 1.5 × the upper limit of normal) level which is associated with a significantly higher risk of TEs, one of the leading causes of death in PNH. LDH is therefore used as a biomarker for IVH in PNH. The main objective of PNH treatment should therefore be prevention of morbidity and mortality due to terminal complement activation, with the aim of improving patient outcomes. Approval of the first terminal complement inhibitor, eculizumab, greatly changed the treatment landscape of PNH by giving patients an effective therapy and demonstrated the critical role of terminal complement and the possibility of modulating it therapeutically. The current mainstays of treatment for PNH are the terminal complement component 5 (C5) inhibitors, eculizumab and ravulizumab, which have shown efficacy in controlling terminal complement-mediated IVH, reducing TEs and organ damage, and improving health-related quality of life in patients with PNH since their approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2007 and 2018, respectively. Moreover, the use of eculizumab has been shown to reduce mortality due to PNH. More recently, interest has arisen in developing additional complement inhibitors with different modes of administration and therapeutics targeting other components of the complement cascade. This review focuses on the pathophysiology of clinical complications in PNH and explores why sustained inhibition of terminal complement activity through the use of complement inhibitors is essential for the management of patients with this chronic and debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin G. Kulasekararaj
- Department of Haematological Medicine, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK
- National Institute of Health Research/Wellcome King’s Clinical Research Facility and King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | - Jun-ichi Nishimura
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Christopher J. Patriquin
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, University Health Network – Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hubert Schrezenmeier
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, and Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, and University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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25
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van den Broek B, van der Flier M, van de Kar NCAJ, Wetzels JFM, de Jonge MI, de Groot R, Wijnsma KL, Langereis JD. Eculizumab impairs killing of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome patients vaccinated with MenB-4C. Kidney Int 2022; 101:1293-1295. [PMID: 35597592 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan van den Broek
- Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Michiel van der Flier
- Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole C A J van de Kar
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jack F M Wetzels
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marien I de Jonge
- Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald de Groot
- Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Kioa L Wijnsma
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen D Langereis
- Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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26
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Cheng WY, Sarda SP, Mody-Patel N, Krishnan S, Yenikomshian M, Kunzweiler C, Vu JD, Cheung HC, Duh MS. Real-World Eculizumab Dosing Patterns Among Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria in a US Population. CLINICOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2022; 14:357-369. [PMID: 35535299 PMCID: PMC9078865 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s346816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Current pharmacologic management of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) consists of C5 inhibitors, eculizumab and ravulizumab; however, because patients experience incomplete symptom control, off-label doses may be utilized. We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of provider-based claims data to assess the real-world eculizumab dosing patterns in PNH patients. Patients and Methods Patients were ≥12 years, received ≥2 eculizumab infusions between January 1, 2015 and September 30, 2019, and had ≥3 months of continuous clinical activity prior to index. The index date was the first claim for eculizumab. Patients with ≥1 diagnosis of another indication for eculizumab were excluded. Treatment patterns including the proportion with high, label-recommended, and low dosages during induction (first 28 days) and maintenance (beginning day 29) phases were described. The proportion and time-to-first dose escalation, defined as an increase in dose or frequency of infusion, were assessed among a subset of patients (ie, escalation analysis cohort). Results A total of 707 patients were examined. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) starting dose was 862mg (412mg) and was higher than label-recommended 600mg for 64% of the patients. Mean (SD) dose per infusion was 859mg (391mg) during the induction phase; average dose was higher than label-recommended 600mg for 68%. Mean (SD) dose per infusion during the maintenance phase was 1005mg (335mg); average dose was higher than label-recommended 900mg for 43%. Dose escalation occurred in 40/121 escalation analysis cohort patients. Median time-to-first dose escalation was ~12 months. Conclusion Results suggest that deviations from label-recommended dosing patterns were common. Future budget impact assessments of eculizumab should account for real-world dosing patterns to comprehensively assess costs and benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Y Cheng
- Analysis Group, Inc., Boston, MA, USA
- Correspondence: Wendy Y Cheng, Analysis Group, Inc., 111 Huntington Ave, 14th Floor, Boston, MA, 02199, USA, Tel +1 617 425 8219, Fax +1 617 425 8000, Email
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27
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McCombe JA, Pittock SJ. Anti-complement Agents for Autoimmune Neurological Disease. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:711-728. [PMID: 35553024 PMCID: PMC9294087 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01223-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of the diversity of autoimmune neurological diseases affecting all levels of the nervous system. A growing understanding of disease pathogenesis has enabled us to better target specific elements of the immune system responsible for the cell dysfunction and cell destruction seen in these diseases. This is no better demonstrated than in the development of complement directed therapies for the treatment of complement mediated autoimmune neurological conditions. Herein, we describe the basic elements of the complement cascade, provide an overview of select autoimmune neurological diseases whose pathogenesis is mediated by complement, the effector system of autoantigen bound autoantibodies, and discuss the complement directed therapies trialed in the treatment of these diseases. Several complement-directed therapies have demonstrated benefit in the treatment of autoimmune neurological diseases; we also review the trials resulting in the approval of these therapies for the treatment of AChR Ab-positive myasthenia gravis (MG) and neuromyelitis spectrum disorder. Finally, on the heels of the recent successes described, we discuss possibilities for the future, including additional targeted therapies with greater ease of administration, improved risk profiles, and other possible uses for therapeutics targeting elements of the complement cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A McCombe
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sean J Pittock
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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28
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Vitkauskaitė M, Vinikovas A, Miglinas M, Rimševičius L, Čerkauskaitė A, Mačionienė E, Ašakienė E. Complement inhibitor eculizumab in thrombotic microangiopathy: Single‐center case series. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e05573. [PMID: 35317070 PMCID: PMC8922540 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.5573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Artūras Vinikovas
- Faculty of MedicineVilnius UniversityVilniusLithuania
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Nephro‐Urology and SurgeryFaculty of MedicineInstitute of Clinical MedicineVilnius UniversityVilniusLithuania
| | - Marius Miglinas
- Faculty of MedicineVilnius UniversityVilniusLithuania
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Nephro‐Urology and SurgeryFaculty of MedicineInstitute of Clinical MedicineVilnius UniversityVilniusLithuania
| | - Laurynas Rimševičius
- Faculty of MedicineVilnius UniversityVilniusLithuania
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Nephro‐Urology and SurgeryFaculty of MedicineInstitute of Clinical MedicineVilnius UniversityVilniusLithuania
| | - Agnė Čerkauskaitė
- Faculty of MedicineVilnius UniversityVilniusLithuania
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Nephro‐Urology and SurgeryFaculty of MedicineInstitute of Clinical MedicineVilnius UniversityVilniusLithuania
| | - Ernesta Mačionienė
- Faculty of MedicineVilnius UniversityVilniusLithuania
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Nephro‐Urology and SurgeryFaculty of MedicineInstitute of Clinical MedicineVilnius UniversityVilniusLithuania
| | - Eglė Ašakienė
- Faculty of MedicineVilnius UniversityVilniusLithuania
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Nephro‐Urology and SurgeryFaculty of MedicineInstitute of Clinical MedicineVilnius UniversityVilniusLithuania
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29
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Weber B, Chan D, Hammer S. Eculizumab Use in a Temporarily Dialysis-Dependent Patient With Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia Coli Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome With Neurological Complications. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2022; 27:90-95. [PMID: 35002565 DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-27.1.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS) is the most common cause of acute renal failure in children, and it is associated with thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia. Although this disease primarily affects the kidney, it can also contribute to cellular damage in other organ systems, such as the CNS. Eculizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to complement proteins to prevent complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis in atypical HUS. In STEC-HUS, complement activation also occurs by Shiga toxin, and previous cases of eculizumab use in the setting of neurological involvement have been shown to be successful. We report the successful use of eculizumab in the setting of typical STEC-HUS-induced neurological symptoms including seizure, altered mental status, and left arm weakness. The patient also experienced concomitant renal failure requiring dose adjustment for hemodialysis. Following 2 doses of eculizumab, our patient was discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility with resolution of her renal injury, seizures, and altered mentation without adverse effects from eculizumab throughout the admission. Based on our case study, it appears that eculizumab may be given during or between hemodialysis without dose adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Weber
- Department of Pharmacy (BW), Legacy Health, Portland, OR.,Department of Pharmacy (BW), DCH Regional Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, AL
| | - Dominic Chan
- Department of Pharmacy (DC), Legacy Health, Portland, OR
| | - Sandy Hammer
- Department of Pharmacy (SH), Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Portland, OR
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30
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Huang TL, Chu YC. What's new in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder treatment? Taiwan J Ophthalmol 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/2211-5056.355329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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31
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Huang TL, Chu YC. What's new in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder treatment? Taiwan J Ophthalmol 2022; 12:249-263. [PMID: 36248092 PMCID: PMC9558477 DOI: 10.4103/2211-5056.355617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Optic neuritis, an optic nerve inflammatory disease presenting with acute unilateral or bilateral visual loss, is one of the core symptoms of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The diagnosis of NMOSD-related optic neuritis is challenging, and it is mainly based on clinical presentation, optical coherence tomography, magnetic resonance imaging scans, and the status of serum aquaporin-4 antibodies. In the pathogenesis, aquaporin-4 antibodies target astrocytes in the optic nerves, spinal cord and some specific regions of the brain eliciting a devastating autoimmune response. Current pharmacological interventions are directed against various steps within the immunological response, notably the terminal complement system, B-cells, and the pro-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin 6 (IL6). Conventional maintenance therapies were off-label uses of the unspecific immunosuppressants azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil as well as the CD20 specific antibody rituximab and the IL6 receptor specific antibody tocilizumab. Recently, four phase III clinical trials demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the three novel biologics eculizumab, inebilizumab, and satralizumab. These monoclonal antibodies are directed against the complement system, CD19 B-cells and the IL6 receptor, respectively. All three have been approved for NMOSD in the US and several other countries worldwide and thus provide convincing treatment options.
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32
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Gomathy SB, Agarwal A, Vishnu VY. Molecular Therapy in Myasthenia Gravis. Neurology 2022. [DOI: 10.17925/usn.2022.18.1.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder caused by antibodies that act against the myoneural junction. Conventional immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids, azathioprine and mycophenolate are associated with long-term side effects and many patients do not achieve remission and may become refractory. Thus, there is an unmet need for target-specific therapies that act faster, have fewer side effects and lead to stable disease remission. However, many of the novel therapeutic agents being described are not meeting their primary endpoints. We reviewed the current status of novel immunotherapies for MG, their mechanisms of action, along with the side effect profiles. Fast onset of action, sustained disease remission and relatively low frequency of side effects of the new agents are attractive. However, the unknown long-term safety and high cost are precluding factors. Better preclinical studies and more randomized trials are needed before novel agents are routinely employed.
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Benoit SW, Fukuda T, VandenHeuvel K, Witte D, Fuller C, Willis J, Dixon BP, Drake KA. Case Report: Atypical HUS Presenting With Acute Rhabdomyolysis Highlights the Need for Individualized Eculizumab Dosing. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:841051. [PMID: 35281224 PMCID: PMC8906567 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.841051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is an ultra-rare orphan disease caused by dysregulated complement activation resulting in thrombotic microangiopathy. Although complement-mediated endothelial injury predominantly affects the renal microvasculature, extra-renal manifestations are present in a significant proportion of patients. While eculizumab has significantly improved the morbidity and mortality of this rare disease, optimizing therapeutic regimens of this highly expensive drug remains an active area of research in the treatment of aHUS. CASE PRESENTATION This report describes the case of a previously healthy 4 year-old male who presented with rhabdomyolysis preceding the development of aHUS with anuric kidney injury requiring dialysis. Clinical stabilization required increased and more frequent eculizumab doses compared with the standardized weight-based guidelines. In the maintenance phase of his disease, pharmacokinetic analysis indicated adequate eculizumab levels could be maintained with an individualized dosing regimen every 3 weeks, as opposed to standard 2 week dosing, confirmed in this patient over a 4 year follow up period. Cost analyses show that weight-based maintenance dosing costs $312,000 per year, while extending the dosing interval to every 3 weeks would cost $208,000, a savings of $104,000 per year, relative to the cost of $72,000 from more frequent eculizumab dosing during his initial hospitalization to suppress his acute disease. CONCLUSION This case exemplifies the potential of severe, multisystem involvement of aHUS presenting with extra-renal manifestations, including rhabdomyolysis as in this case, and highlights the possibility for improved clinical outcomes and higher value care with individualized eculizumab dosing in patients over the course of their disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie W Benoit
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Immune Deficiency, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Tsuyoshi Fukuda
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Katherine VandenHeuvel
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - David Witte
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Christine Fuller
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | | | - Bradley P Dixon
- Renal Section, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Keri A Drake
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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Vitiello A, Ferrara F. Commentary of the mRNA vaccines COVID-19. Asian J Pharm Sci 2021; 16:531-532. [PMID: 34849160 PMCID: PMC8609436 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Complement as a powerful "influencer" in the brain during development, adulthood and neurological disorders. Adv Immunol 2021; 152:157-222. [PMID: 34844709 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The complement system was long considered as only a powerful effector arm of the immune system that, while critically protective, could lead to inflammation and cell death if overactivated, even in the central nervous system (CNS). However, in the past decade it has been recognized as playing critical roles in key physiological processes in the CNS, including neurogenesis and synaptic remodeling in the developing and adult brain. Inherent in these processes are the interactions with cells in the brain, and the cascade of interactions and functional consequences that ensue. As a result, investigations of therapeutic approaches for both suppressing excessive complement driven neurotoxicity and aberrant sculpting of neuronal circuits, require broad (and deep) knowledge of the functional activities of multiple components of this highly evolved and regulated system to avoid unintended negative consequences in the clinic. Advances in basic science are beginning to provide a roadmap for translation to therapeutics, with both small molecule and biologics. Here, we present examples of the critical roles of proper complement function in the development and sculpting of the nervous system, and in enabling rapid protection from infection and clearance of dying cells. Microglia are highlighted as important command centers that integrate signals from the complement system and other innate sensors that are programed to provide support and protection, but that direct detrimental responses to aberrant activation and/or regulation of the system. Finally, we present promising research areas that may lead to effective and precision strategies for complement targeted interventions to promote neurological health.
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Smith VM, Nguyen H, Rumsey JW, Long CJ, Shuler ML, Hickman JJ. A Functional Human-on-a-Chip Autoimmune Disease Model of Myasthenia Gravis for Development of Therapeutics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:745897. [PMID: 34881241 PMCID: PMC8645836 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.745897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic and progressive neuromuscular disease where autoantibodies target essential proteins such as the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) causing muscle fatigue and weakness. Autoantibodies directed against nAChRs are proposed to work by three main pathological mechanisms of receptor disruption: blocking, receptor internalization, and downregulation. Current in vivo models using experimental autoimmune animal models fail to recapitulate the disease pathology and are limited in clinical translatability due to disproportionate disease severity and high animal death rates. The development of a highly sensitive antibody assay that mimics human disease pathology is desirable for clinical advancement and therapeutic development. To address this lack of relevant models, an NMJ platform derived from human iPSC differentiated motoneurons and primary skeletal muscle was used to investigate the ability of an anti-nAChR antibody to induce clinically relevant MG pathology in the serum-free, spatially organized, functionally mature NMJ platform. Treatment of the NMJ model with the anti-nAChR antibody revealed decreasing NMJ stability as measured by the number of NMJs before and after the synchrony stimulation protocol. This decrease in NMJ stability was dose-dependent over a concentration range of 0.01-20 μg/mL. Immunocytochemical (ICC) analysis was used to distinguish between pathological mechanisms of antibody-mediated receptor disruption including blocking, receptor internalization and downregulation. Antibody treatment also activated the complement cascade as indicated by complement protein 3 deposition near the nAChRs. Additionally, complement cascade activation significantly altered other readouts of NMJ function including the NMJ fidelity parameter as measured by the number of muscle contractions missed in response to increasing motoneuron stimulation frequencies. This synchrony readout mimics the clinical phenotype of neurological blocking that results in failure of muscle contractions despite motoneuron stimulations. Taken together, these data indicate the establishment of a relevant disease model of MG that mimics reduction of functional nAChRs at the NMJ, decreased NMJ stability, complement activation and blocking of neuromuscular transmission. This system is the first functional human in vitro model of MG to be used to simulate three potential disease mechanisms as well as to establish a preclinical platform for evaluation of disease modifying treatments (etiology).
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia M. Smith
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
- Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Huan Nguyen
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | | | | | | | - James J. Hickman
- Hybrid Systems Lab, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
- Hesperos, Inc., Orlando, FL, United States
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Singh P, Gao X, Kleijn HJ, Bellanti F, Pelto R. Eculizumab Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Patients With Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder. Front Neurol 2021; 12:696387. [PMID: 34803867 PMCID: PMC8597263 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.696387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the approved 900/1,200 mg dosing regimen for the terminal complement component 5 (C5) inhibitor eculizumab in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Methods: Data were analyzed from 95 patients with aquaporin-4-IgG-positive NMOSD who received eculizumab during the PREVENT study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01892345). Relationships were explored between eculizumab exposure and free complement C5 concentrations, terminal complement activity, and clinical outcomes. Results: Pharmacokinetic data were well-described by a two-compartment model with first-order elimination, and time-variant body-weight and plasmapheresis/plasma exchange effects. Steady-state serum eculizumab concentrations were achieved by Week 4 and were sustained, with serum trough eculizumab concentrations maintained above the 116 μg/ml threshold for complete complement inhibition throughout 168 weeks of treatment in all post-baseline samples from 89% of patients. Complete inhibition of terminal complement was achieved at Day 1 peak and pre-dosing trough eculizumab concentration in nearly all post-baseline samples assessed (free C5 <0.5 μg/ml in all post-baseline samples from 96% of patients; in vitro hemolysis <20% in all post-baseline samples from 93% of patients). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of time to first relapse showed separation of eculizumab-treated patients from those receiving placebo, but no separation based on eculizumab exposure quartile, indicating an optimized dose regimen with maximized efficacy. Conclusions: The approved eculizumab dosing regimen (900/1,200 mg) for adults with aquaporin-4-IgG-positive NMOSD is confirmed by rigorous quantitative model-based analysis of exposure-response. The data demonstrate that eculizumab's mechanism of action translates into clinical effect by achieving rapid, complete, and sustained terminal complement inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratap Singh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Pharmacometrics, PK/PD M&S, Clinical Development and Translational Sciences, Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Ryan Pelto
- Department of Pharmacometrics, PK/PD M&S, Clinical Development and Translational Sciences, Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Boston, MA, United States
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Mahroum N, Zoubi M, Lavine N, Ohayon A, Amital H, Shoenfeld Y. The mosaic of autoimmunity - A taste for more. The 12th international congress of autoimmunity 2021 (AUTO12) virtual. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102945. [PMID: 34509655 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Notwithstanding the fact that the 12th international congress of autoimmunity (AUTO12) was held virtual this year, the number of the abstracts submitted and those presented crossed the thousand marks. Leading investigators and researchers from all over the world presented the latest developments of their research in the domain of autoimmunity and its correlation with various diseases. In terms of mechanisms of autoimmunity, an update on the mechanisms behind the association of autoimmunity with systemic diseases focusing on hyperstimulation was presented during AUTO12. In addition, a new mechanism of ASIA syndrome caused by an intrauterine contraceptive device was revealed demonstrating a complete resolution of symptoms following device removal. In regard to the correlation between autoimmunity and neurogenerative diseases, the loss of structural protein integrity as the trigger of immunological response was shown. Schizophrenia as well, and its correlation to pro-inflammatory cytokines was also addressed. Furthermore, and as it was said AUTO12 virtual due to COVID-19 pandemic, various works were dedicated to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 in terms of autoimmune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis, treatment and complications of COVID-19. For instance, the correlation between autoimmunity and the severity of COVID-19 was viewed. Moreover, the presence and association of autoantibodies in COVID-19 was also demonstrated, as well as the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic diseases. Finally, immune-mediated reactions and processes secondary to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was displayed. Due to the immense importance of all of the topics addressed and while several hundreds of works were presented which cannot be summed up in one paper, we aimed hereby to highlight some of the outstanding abstracts and presentations during AUTO12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naim Mahroum
- Internal Medicine B and Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Magdi Zoubi
- Internal Medicine B and Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Noy Lavine
- Internal Medicine B and Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel; St. George School of Medicine, University of London, London, UK
| | - Aviran Ohayon
- Internal Medicine B and Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel; St. George School of Medicine, University of London, London, UK
| | - Howard Amital
- Internal Medicine B and Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Ariel University, Ariel, Israel; Saint Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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Abstract
Severe COVID-19 is characterized by lung and multiorgan inflammation and coagulation in the presence of overactivation of the complement system. Complement is a double edged-sward in SARS-Cov-2 infection. On one hand, it can control the viral infection in milder cases, on the other hand in cases with severe and prolonged infection massive complement activation occurs, which can intensify lung and systemic inflammation and promote a procoagulant and prothrombotic state. Several uncontrolled studies and controlled clinical trials with different complement inhibitors have been performed and others are ongoing. Results are promising in some but negative in others. Further studies are required to elucidate the benefit to risk profile of complement inhibitors in COVID-19 patients at different stages of the disease and to clarify the best targets in the complement cascade.
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40
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Kulagin AD, Ptushkin VV, Lukina EA, Davydkin IL, Korobkin AV, Shamrai VS, Konstantinova TS, Kaporskaya TS, Mitina TA, Ksenzova TI, Zuev EV, Markova OA, Gapchenko EV, Kudlay DA. Randomized multicenter noninferiority phase III clinical trial of the first biosimilar of eculizumab. Ann Hematol 2021; 100:2689-2698. [PMID: 34398258 PMCID: PMC8510904 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-021-04624-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Currently, eculizumab is the main effective treatment for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The aim of this randomized multicenter noninferiority study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Biosimilar (Elizaria) in comparison with the Originator (Soliris) in patients with PNH. Biosimilar and Originator were administered at a dose of 600 mg weekly for 4 weeks at the initial stage in naive patients, as well as for maintenance therapy at a dose of 900 mg every 2 weeks in all patients. The primary endpoint was a comparative assessment of hemolytic activity based on the area under the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration–time curve during the maintenance therapy. Thirty-two (32) patients were randomized for therapy with Biosimilar (n = 16) or Originator (n = 16). The mean values of LDH concentration–time curve were similar in both treatment groups without statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Evaluation of secondary endpoints has shown no statistically significant differences between the groups. Safety values were comparable in both treatment groups. The data obtained confirm that the Biosimilar is not inferior to the Originator in terms of the main efficacy parameter, and is also comparable with it in terms of safety and additional efficacy parameters. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04463056
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander D Kulagin
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute, Pavlov University, 6/8 L'va Tolstogo St, Saint Petersburg, 197022, Russia.
| | | | - Elena A Lukina
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tatyana A Mitina
- Moscow Regional Clinical Research Institute Named After M.F. Vladimirsky, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Evgeny V Zuev
- JSC GENERIUM, Volginsky Settlement, Vladimir Region, Russia
| | | | | | - Dmitry A Kudlay
- JSC GENERIUM, Volginsky Settlement, Vladimir Region, Russia.,I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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Menon D, Urra Pincheira A, Bril V. Emerging drugs for the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2021; 26:259-270. [PMID: 34228579 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2021.1952982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Advances in understanding the immune pathomechanisms in myasthenia gravis (MG) allow for the development of novel targeted immune therapies. By working at specific points in the immunopathogenesis, these agents have the potential to provide rapid and efficacious responses compared to conventional immunosuppressive therapy (IST), addressing unmet needs and consequently are a research priority.Areas covered: This paper reviews the advances in MG treatment modalities with their scientific rationale. A search of clinicaltrials.gov and a literature search of PubMed from January 2015 to the end of June 2021 was done using the search terms: MG, treatment, immune targets to obtain information on recent developments of complement inhibitors, FcRn receptor inhibitors, direct and indirect B cell inhibitors, CAR and CAAR- T cell therapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Specific agents in various phases of clinical development, evidence from ongoing trials and potential roadblocks are examined.Expert opinion: Despite several promising novel agents, existing data as to the timing of initiation and duration of treatment, long-term safety profile and utility in certain patient subsets are limited and require further research. Despite these considerations, the future of MG treatment is transitioning from broad-spectrum IST toward precise, target-driven and personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Menon
- Department of Medicine, Ellen & Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alejandra Urra Pincheira
- Department of Medicine, Ellen & Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Vera Bril
- Department of Medicine, Ellen & Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Vitiello A, Ferrara F. Brief review of the mRNA vaccines COVID-19. Inflammopharmacology 2021; 29:645-649. [PMID: 33932192 PMCID: PMC8087898 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-021-00811-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic continues to claim victims worldwide, representing a health and socioeconomic challenge with few precedents in human history. The therapeutic agents used to treat COVID-19 infection are mostly aimed at avoiding the most serious complications and organ damage that in a percentage of cases can be fatal. Recently, the first COVID-19 vaccines have been authorised, starting a massive vaccination campaign worldwide. The COVID-19 vaccines authorized or under testing use different methods of action such as mRNA, DNA vaccine, viral vector, protein subunit, and virus inactivated immunization strategies. The mRNA vaccines are the first authorised vaccines with this new method of action, initiating a new era of preventive medicine. To date, data indicate that they may be effective against the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variants. Short-term studies indicated an acceptable safety profile but long-term immunity as well as safety is not yet available. In this article, we briefly describe mRNA vaccines and highlight some aspects yet to be fully defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Vitiello
- Clinical Pharmacologist, Pharmaceutical Department, Usl Umbria 1, A.Migliorati Street, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrara
- Hospital Pharmacist Manager, Pharmaceutical Department, Usl Umbria 1, A.Migliorati Street, 06132 Perugia, Italy
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43
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Iorember F, Nayak A. Deficiency of CFHR plasma proteins and autoantibody positive hemolytic uremic syndrome: treatment rationale, outcomes, and monitoring. Pediatr Nephrol 2021; 36:1365-1375. [PMID: 32529325 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-020-04652-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Deficiency of Complement Factor H Related (CFHR) plasma proteins and Autoantibody Positive Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (DEAP-HUS) is a subtype of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, known to be associated with significant morbidity. Its pathogenesis is linked to the production of IgG autoantibodies against complement factor H, a regulator of the alternative complement pathway. The binding of the autoantibodies to the C terminal of complement factor H interferes with its regulatory function, leading to increased activation of the alternative complement pathway and consequent endothelial cellular damage. Early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate therapy is reported to lead to favorable outcomes. Institution of plasma exchange therapy within 24 h of diagnosis has been shown to rapidly lower antibody levels, leading to clinical improvement. Adjunctive immunosuppression therapy suppresses antibody production and helps in maintaining long-term clinical remission of the disease. Available data advocates a treatment regimen that combines plasma therapy (preferably plasma exchange) and immunosuppression to halt disease process and sustain long-term disease remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca Iorember
- Division of Nephrology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
| | - Anjali Nayak
- Division of Nephrology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Rodolico C, Nicocia G, Damato V, Antonini G, Liguori R, Evoli A. Benefit and danger from immunotherapy in myasthenia gravis. Neurol Sci 2021; 42:1367-1375. [PMID: 33543421 PMCID: PMC7861968 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05077-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In the last years, significant advances have improved the knowledge of myasthenia gravis (MG) immunopathogenesis and have enabled to realize new molecules with a selective action targeting compounds of the immunological system. This review discusses emerging treatments for MG, including complement inhibitors, neonatal Fc receptor targeting agents, and B cell interfering drugs, focusing on benefit and danger. In the second section of the review, several related adverse events of immunotherapy, including MGonset, are debated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Rodolico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Giulia Nicocia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Antonini
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - Amelia Evoli
- Department of Neurosciences, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Awidi M, Jain M, Baur R. Transplant-associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy Treated with Eculizumab and Romiplostim. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2021; 8:002294. [PMID: 33768076 DOI: 10.12890/2021_002294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) can occur after solid organ transplantation. It results in thrombocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia and microvascular occlusion. TA-TMA is not fully understood and treatment has not been clearly established. However, there is increasing evidence to suggest an immune-complement mediated component to its development. Eculizumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the cleavage of C5 into pro-inflammatory, prothrombotic terminal complement elements and has been utilized in the treatment of atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome. We report a case of TA-TMA successfully treated with eculizumab and romiplostim. This case adds to the evidence that TA-TMA is triggered by complement dysregulation and suggests possible interventions for refractory cases. LEARNING POINTS Transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) may occur in solid organ transplant patients.Eculizumab may be used for the treatment of TA-TMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Awidi
- Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Meenu Jain
- Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Russell Baur
- Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
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Modeling Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Therapeutic Antibodies: Progress, Challenges, and Future Directions. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13030422. [PMID: 33800976 PMCID: PMC8003994 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13030422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
With more than 90 approved drugs by 2020, therapeutic antibodies have played a central role in shifting the treatment landscape of many diseases, including autoimmune disorders and cancers. While showing many therapeutic advantages such as long half-life and highly selective actions, therapeutic antibodies still face many outstanding issues associated with their pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD), including high variabilities, low tissue distributions, poorly-defined PK/PD characteristics for novel antibody formats, and high rates of treatment resistance. We have witnessed many successful cases applying PK/PD modeling to answer critical questions in therapeutic antibodies’ development and regulations. These models have yielded substantial insights into antibody PK/PD properties. This review summarized the progress, challenges, and future directions in modeling antibody PK/PD and highlighted the potential of applying mechanistic models addressing the development questions.
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Mihalcik L, Chow V, Ramchandani M, Hinkle B, McBride HJ, Lebrec H. Use of nonclinical toxicity studies to support biosimilar antibody development. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 122:104912. [PMID: 33662478 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2021.104912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincent Chow
- Amgen Inc., One Amgen Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | | | - Beth Hinkle
- Amgen Inc., One Amgen Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | | | - Herve Lebrec
- Amgen Inc., One Amgen Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA.
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Daly RC, Rosenbaum AN, Dearani JA, Clavell AL, Pereira NL, Boilson BA, Frantz RP, Behfar A, Dunlay SM, Rodeheffer RJ, Schirger JA, Taner T, Gandhi MJ, Heimbach JK, Rosen CB, Edwards BS, Kushwaha SS. Heart-After-Liver Transplantation Attenuates Rejection of Cardiac Allografts in Sensitized Patients. J Am Coll Cardiol 2021; 77:1331-1340. [PMID: 33706876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2021.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients undergoing heart transplantation, significant allosensitization limits access to organs, resulting in longer wait times and high waitlist mortality. Current desensitization strategies are limited in enabling successful transplantation. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to describe the cumulative experience of combined heart-liver transplantation using a novel heart-after-liver transplant (HALT) protocol resulting in profound immunologic protection. METHODS Reported are the results of a clinical protocol that was instituted to transplant highly sensitized patients requiring combined heart and liver transplantation at a single institution. Patients were dual-organ listed with perceived elevated risk of rejection or markedly prolonged waitlist time due to high levels of allo-antibodies. Detailed immunological data and long-term patient and graft outcomes were obtained. RESULTS A total of 7 patients (age 43 ± 7 years, 86% women) with high allosensitization (median calculated panel reactive antibody = 77%) underwent HALT. All had significant, unacceptable donor specific antibodies (DSA) (>4,000 mean fluorescence antibody). Prospective pre-operative flow cytometric T-cell crossmatch was positive in all, and B-cell crossmatch was positive in 5 of 7. After HALT, retrospective crossmatch (B- and T-cell) became negative in all. DSA fell dramatically; at last follow-up, all pre-formed or de novo DSA levels were insignificant at <2,000 mean fluorescence antibody. No patients experienced >1R rejection over a median follow-up of 48 months (interquartile range: 25 to 68 months). There was 1 death due to metastatic cancer and no significant graft dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS A heart-after-liver transplantation protocol enables successful transplantation via near-elimination of DSA and is effective in preventing adverse immunological outcomes in highly sensitized patients listed for combined heart-liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Daly
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Andrew N Rosenbaum
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Joseph A Dearani
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alfredo L Clavell
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Naveen L Pereira
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Barry A Boilson
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Robert P Frantz
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Atta Behfar
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; VanCleve Cardiac Regenerative Medicine Program, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Shannon M Dunlay
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Richard J Rodeheffer
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - John A Schirger
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Timucin Taner
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Manish J Gandhi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Charles B Rosen
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Brooks S Edwards
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sudhir S Kushwaha
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; William J von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
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Abstract
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is an atypical type of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), which is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA), thrombocytopenia, and thrombi in small blood vessels, leading to end-organ damage. aHUS causes an over-activation of the complement pathway. There are many etiologies of aHUS, including inherited and acquired. This condition has a high mortality rate, as it is often detected late in the disease course. Eculizumab, an inhibitor of the terminal complement pathway, needs to be prescribed as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed. There is limited evidence, however, regarding the duration of treatment. Therefore, it is vital to conduct further analysis on other alternatives and pharmacokinetics with this type of complement inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Sethi
- Internal Medicine, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Raj Moses
- Oncology, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, USA
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Iluta S, Pasca S, Dima D, Mester G, Urian L, Bojan A, Zdrenghea M, Trifa A, Balacescu O, Tomuleasa C. Haematology patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, pretreated with eculizumab or siltuximab, develop oligosymptomatic disease. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2021; 29:e8. [PMID: 33541912 PMCID: PMC9614117 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2021-002694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Iluta
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Sergiu Pasca
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu HaTieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty of Medicine, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Delia Dima
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriela Mester
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Laura Urian
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Anca Bojan
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihnea Zdrenghea
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Adrian Trifa
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Balacescu
- Department of Genetics, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania .,Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu HaTieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty of Medicine, Cluj Napoca, Romania
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