Safety of Adalimumab and Predictors of Adverse Events in 1693 Japanese Patients with Crohn's Disease

Evaluation of Treatment Patterns and Maintenance Dose Titration Among Patients With Crohn's Disease Initiating Biologics With 3 Years of Follow-Up

Background: There is limited real-world evidence on treatment patterns of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) initiating biologics with an extensive follow-up period. This study describes persistence and dose titration among CD patients with 3 years of follow-up. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted using the STATinMED RWD Insights all-payer medical and pharmacy data. Adult patients with at least 1 CD medical claim and at least 1 medical/pharmacy claim for a biologic (adalimumab [ADA], certolizumab pegol (CZP), infliximab [IFX] and its biosimilar products [IFX-BS], ustekinumab [UST], and vedolizumab [VDZ]) between September 2016 and October 2018 were identified. Commercially insured patients with continuous capture for at least 12 months before and at least 36 months after biologics initiation were selected. Confirmed CD patients were included in the final cohort. Baseline patient characteristics and treatment patterns over the 3-year follow-up period were evaluated. Results were summarized using means and SD or counts and percentages. Results: A total of 2309 confirmed patients with CD were identified (847 [36.7%] IFX, 534 [23.1%] ADA, 486 [21.1%] VDZ, 394 [17.1%] UST, 85 [3.7%] CZP, and 72 [3.1%] IFX-BS). CZP and IFX-BS were excluded due to small sample sizes. Approximately half of CD patients were between ages 35 and 54. Patients on UST had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score. Common comorbidities (>10%) included anemia, anxiety, depression, and hypertension. Persistence over 3 years' follow-up was highest for UST (61.4%) patients, followed by VDZ (58.0% ), ADA (52.1% , and IFX (48.1%). The discontinuation rate without switch or restart was highest for ADA (37.3%), followed by UST (30.7%), IFX (28.1%), and VDZ (25.3%). Over the 3 years of follow-up, the dose titration rate was highest for IFX (76.5%) and lowest for UST (50.8%). In particular, UST had the lowest dose escalation rate (35.5%) and highest dose-reduction rate (16.5%). Conclusions: Patients with CD on UST had the highest persistence and lowest dose escalation across different biologic users over the 3-year follow-up period, possibly suggesting a better clinical response of UST. Future studies with longer follow-up adjusting for confounders are needed to better understand treatment patterns among biologics users.

Regional risk of tuberculosis and viral hepatitis with tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor treatment: A systematic review

Background: TNFα inhibitors are regularly used to treat autoimmune diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis B are considered potential infectious complications, and screening and surveillance are therefore recommended. Current guidelines do not take into account regional differences in endemicity of these infections. Methods: A systematic literature review of TB and viral hepatitis in patients receiving TNFα-inhibitors was performed, searching in PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases. Studies were selected against predefined eligibility criteria and assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The number of TB and viral hepatitis cases/1,000 TNFα-inhibitor patients were evaluated, and regional variation compared. Results: 105 observational studies involving over 140,000 patients were included. Overall, 1% of patients developed TB or viral hepatitis B. TB cases/1,000 TNFα-inhibitor patients were 4-fold higher in Asia, Africa, and South America than in Europe, North America, and Australasia where only 0%-0.4% of patients developed TB. Hepatitis B cases/1,000 patients were over 15-fold higher in countries with high prevalence (China, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand) compared with low prevalence (p < 0.00001) where only 0.4% of patients developed hepatitis B. Only three of 143 patients developed viral hepatitis C, and there was insufficient data to allow regional sub-analysis. Conclusion: TB and viral hepatitis B infections in patients treated with TNFα inhibitors are largely confined to countries with high prevalence of these infections. As only 1/2,500 patients in low prevalence countries treated with TNFα inhibitors develop TB or viral hepatitis B, we suggest an individualized, risk-based approach, rather than universal screening for all patients.

The treatment of inflammatory bowel disease with monoclonal antibodies in Asia

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are chronic, systemic autoimmune diseases. As the incidence of IBD rapidly increases in Asia, increasing attention has been paid to developing additional treatment strategies. Presently, the end point of therapy is achieving clinical and endoscopic remission through the blockade of inflammatory cascades. Recent studies have shown that monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) use for precise molecular targeting of inflammatory pathways has a promising effect on IBD, especially moderate-to-severe CD and UC. Since the 1997 report on the use of infliximab (a monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]) in patients with CD, mAbs have expanded therapeutic options and have also complicated initial management options and subsequent treatment. This review comprehensively summarizes the clinical reports and studies related to the use of mAbs for the treatment of IBD in Asian countries and regions in recent years thus demonstrating the current status of mAbs use in Asia. In addition, the differences in the use of mAbs for the treatment of IBD between the Asia and the West are expounded. Ultimately, it is hoped that this review will provide new insights and a scientific basis for the clinical application of mAbs.

A scoping review on early inflammatory bowel disease: definitions, pathogenesis, and impact on clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) arise from a dysregulation of the balance between commensal microbiota and mucosal-associated immune system, in patients with genetic and environmental predisposition. Different pathophysiological mechanisms have been reported to influence disease history, with impact on disease phenotype and risk of complications.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to summarize the definitions of early CD and UC, analyze the underlying immunological mechanisms, and evaluate the impact of recognizing and treating early inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on patients' prognosis (short- and long-term outcomes).

DESIGN

To address this issue, we have performed a scoping review.

DATA SOURCES AND METHODS

Three online databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) were searched and the results were independently screened by two reviewers.

RESULTS

From 683 records identified, 42 manuscripts evaluating early IBD in adult patients were included. The 'early CD' concept was first described in 2008. Four years later, an international consensus proposed the definition of diagnosis up to 18 months, in patients without previous or current need for disease-modifying therapies. Several other definitions have been proposed; the '2 years since diagnosis' is the most used, regardless of disease characteristics or medication. The amount of evidence on early UC is lower and more recent. Regarding early disease pathogenesis, most theories emphasize the prominent role of innate immunity, followed by early-Th1 adaptive response.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of early CD seems to be crucial for the management of CD patients, impacting short-, medium-, and long-term outcomes. On the other hand, the early treatment of UC appears to be less advantageous, yet evidence comes from only a few retrospective studies.

Long-Term Safety and Effectiveness of Adalimumab in Japanese Patients with Noninfectious Intermediate, Posterior, or Panuveitis: Post-Marketing Surveillance of 251 Patients

Introduction

The aim of this nationwide, prospective post-marketing surveillance was to assess the safety and effectiveness of up to 52 weeks of adalimumab treatment in patients with noninfectious intermediate, posterior, or panuveitis in Japanese clinical practice.

Methods

This post-marketing surveillance was conducted at 60 medical facilities in Japan from October 2016 to June 2020. Patients with noninfectious intermediate, posterior, or panuveitis who were administered adalimumab (Humira^®, AbbVie Inc.) for the first time were eligible. Subcutaneous adalimumab was initially administered at 80 mg, followed by 40 mg 1 week later, then 40 mg every 2 weeks. Safety measures included the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs; primary endpoint). Effectiveness measures included visual acuity, anterior chamber cell grade, vitreous haze, macular edema, foveal retinal thickness, uveitis recurrence rate, and oral corticosteroid dose. Health-related quality of life was evaluated using the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25).

Results

During 52 weeks of surveillance, AEs and ADRs occurred in 70 (27.9%) and 47 (18.7%) of 251 patients, respectively. The most common ADR was infection (21/251 patients; 8.4%), including serious infections in eight (3.2%) patients. ADRs were more frequent in patients ≥ 65 years of age, those with concurrent diseases, and those with past medical history. Four patients developed tuberculosis. The uveitis recurrence rate was 24.8% (61/246 patients). All effectiveness measures tended to improve from baseline to week 52, and mean corticosteroid doses decreased. Clinically meaningful changes were observed for most VFQ-25 subscales.

Conclusions

The safety profile of adalimumab was generally consistent with previous reports, and no new safety concerns were identified.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02916017.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40123-022-00493-z.

Incidence comparison of adverse events in patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving different biologic agents: retrospective long-term evaluation

Background/Aims

Current literature is lacking in studies comparing the incidence of adverse events (AEs) in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) treated with adalimumab (ADA) or vedolizumab (VDZ) in a real-life scenario. Therefore, our primary aim was to compare the AEs occurring in patients taking ADA to those of patients taking VDZ.

Methods

In this single center study, data on AEs from IBD patients who underwent treatment with ADA and VDZ were retrospectively collected. AE rates per 100 person-years were calculated. A Cox regression model was used to estimate the hazard ratios of the AEs between the 2 drugs.

Results

A total of 16 ADA patients (17.2%) and 11 VDZ patients (7.6%) had AEs causing drug interruption during the study period (P=0.02). Most of the AEs were noninfectious extraintestinal events (50% in ADA and 54.5% in VDZ) while infections accounted for 31.2% of the AEs in patients treated with ADA and 27.3% in those treated with VDZ. The incidence rate of AEs causing withdrawal of therapy was 13.2 per 100 person-years for ADA and 5.3 per 100 person-years for VDZ, corresponding to a 76% lower risk in patients in VDZ. Considering the first year of treatment, we observed 34 subjects treated with ADA (36.5%) having at least 1 AEs and 57 (39.3%) among those taking VDZ (P=0.67).

Conclusions

VDZ has a lower incidence rate of AEs causing withdrawal of treatment compared to ADA but a similar risk of AEs not causing drug interruption. Real-life head-to-head studies are still necessary to further explore the safety profile of these drugs.

Safety of Biological Therapy in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

OBJECTIVES

Retrospective, observational, single-center, cohort study investigating the safety profile of biological therapy in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

Retrospective, observational, cohort study of pediatric patients with IBD, receiving infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, or ustekinumab for at least 2 months. Data related to the immediate and delayed adverse events (AEs) were collected, focusing on the reaction type and severity, the time of onset, the outcome and the temporary or definitive therapy discontinuation secondary to the AE. Number of suspected and confirmed coronavirus disease-209 (COVID-19) cases and their outcomes, as well as flu vaccination coverage were collected.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-five children were included (101 [55%] CD, 82 [44%] UC, and 2 [1%] IBDU): 149 received infliximab (IFX) (81%), 88 (48%) adalimumab (ADA), 18 (21%) vedolizumab, and 4 (2%) ustekinumab. The overall AE rates were 49%, 67% of whom likely medication-related. Eleven (6%) patients experienced more than 1 AE, 18 patients (10%) presented an immediate reaction, and 82 (45%) a delayed AE. Among the 90 patients experiencing at least 1 AE, 97% had mild-to-moderate AEs. Only 4 SAEs were reported (4%). Treatment discontinuation because of AE occurred in 25 patients (14%). Four COVID-19 cases were reported, all with a mild course.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm a good safety profile of biologics. Infusion reactions to IFX administration remain one of the main issues, significantly linked to its immunogenicity and consequently with an impact on its efficacy and durability.

Tuberculosis screening and management of latent tuberculosis infection prior to biologic treatment in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: A longitudinal population-based analysis using claims data

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Screening for tuberculosis before treating with biologic agents is recommended in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). We conducted this study to identify adherence to the recommended practice in a real-world setting in Japan.

METHODS

We used a community-based insurance claims database in a city in the Greater Tokyo Area in Japan. Between July 2012 and January 2019, we enrolled patients with IMIDs in the age range 15 to 74 years who had initiated biologic therapy. Tuberculosis screening was defined as (a) interferon-γ release assay and/or a tuberculin skin test (IGRA/TST) and (b) IGRA/TST and X-ray and/or CT scan (X-ray/CT) within 2 months before starting biologic agents. We analyzed the proportions of patients who underwent tuberculosis screening and their association with the patient- and treatment-related factors and treatment for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI).

RESULTS

Of 421 patients presumed to have initiated biologic therapy, 202 (48%) underwent IGRA/TST and 169 (40%) underwent IGRA/TST and X-ray/CT. Patients aged 65 to 74 years were more likely to undergo tuberculosis screening than those aged 45 to 64 years. Compared to infliximab, IGRA/TST was less frequently performed in patients treated with etanercept, adalimumab, golimumab, abatacept, and tocilizumab. Treatment for LTBI was provided to 67 (16%) patients. Proportions of patients receiving LTBI treatment did not significantly differ according to the screening status.

CONCLUSION

There was low adherence to the recommendations for tuberculosis screening and prophylactic treatment before biologic therapy. It is necessary to continue alerting clinical practitioners to the importance of screening for tuberculosis and treatment for LTBI.

Long-term safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in Japanese patients with Crohn's disease: 3-year results from a real-world study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Crohn's disease is a chronic disorder; therefore, it is essential to investigate long-term safety and efficacy of treatments. This study assessed the safety and effectiveness of adalimumab for up to 3 years in Japanese patients with Crohn's disease in real-world settings.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, single-cohort, observational study of patients with Crohn's disease. Safety assessments included incidence of adverse drug reactions. Effectiveness assessments included clinical remission, mucosal healing, and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI).

RESULTS

The safety and effectiveness analysis populations comprised 389 and 310 patients, respectively. Mean (standard deviation) exposure to adalimumab in the safety analysis population was 793.4 (402.8) days, with a 58.1% retention rate. A total of 105 patients (27.0%) and 43 patients (11.1%) experienced adverse drug reactions and serious adverse drug reactions, respectively, with no patient reporting tuberculosis or hepatitis B. Infections and serious infections were reported in 37 patients (9.5%) and 17 patients (4.4%), respectively. Malignancy was reported as an adverse drug reaction in 2 patients (0.5%). Remission rate increased from 37.8% (98/259) at baseline to 73.9% (167/226) at week 4 and remained > 70% over 3 years. Proportion of patients without mucosal ulcerations increased from 2.7% (2/73) at baseline to 42.3% (11/26) between years > 2 to ≤ 3. WPAI improvement started at 4 weeks, with the overall work impairment score improving from 42.7 (n = 102) at baseline to 26.9 (n = 84) at 4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this study confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness of adalimumab treatment in Japanese patients with Crohn's disease in the real-world setting.

Safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in the treatment of ulcerative colitis: results from a large-scale, prospective, multicenter, observational study

Background/Aims

Adalimumab has been shown to induce and maintain clinical remission in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC). However, no large-scale population-based studies have been performed in Japan. This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in clinical practice in Japanese patients with UC.

Methods

In this 52-week, prospective, multicenter, single-cohort, noninterventional, observational, postmarketing surveillance study, patients with moderate to severe UC received an initial subcutaneous injection of adalimumab 160 mg, followed by 80 mg at 2 weeks, and then 40 mg every other week. Safety assessments were the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and serious ADRs. Effectiveness assessments were clinical remission, corticosteroid-free remission, mucosal healing, and change in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels from baseline.

Results

Of 1,593 registered patients, 1,523 (male, 57.6%; mean age, 41.8 years) and 1,241 patients were included in the safety and effectiveness populations, respectively. ADRs were reported in 18.1% and serious ADRs in 4.9% of patients. Clinical remission was achieved in 49.7% of patients at week 4, increasing to 74.4% at week 52. Corticosteroid-free remission rates increased over time, from 10.4% at week 4 to 53.1% at week 52. More than 60% of patients demonstrated mucosal healing at weeks 24 and 52. Mean CRP levels (mg/dL) decreased from 1.2 at baseline to 0.6 at week 4 and 0.3 at week 52.

Conclusions

This large real-world study confirmed the safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in patients with UC in Japan. No new safety concerns were identified.

Is adalimumab safe and effective in patients with intestinal Behcet's disease in real-world practice?

Background/Aims

The safety and effectiveness of adalimumab was demonstrated in a phase 3 trial in Japanese patients with intestinal Behçet’s disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in Japanese patients with intestinal Behçet’s disease.

Methods

This prospective, all-case, post-marketing study was conducted at 254 centers in Japanese patients with intestinal Behçet’s disease receiving adalimumab. The primary endpoint was incidence of adverse drug reactions. Effectiveness endpoints included global improvement rating and change in C-reactive protein levels.

Results

Of the 473 registered patients, 462 and 383 included in the safety and effectiveness populations were administered adalimumab for a mean of 515.3 and 579.5 days, respectively. Overall, 395 patients (85.5%) received adalimumab at the recommended dose. Adverse drug reactions and serious adverse drug reactions were reported in 120 (25.97%) and 51 (11.04%) patients, respectively. The incidence of adverse drug reactions was significantly higher in patients with comorbidities (P<0.0001), patients taking concomitant oral corticosteroids (P<0.0001), and those not self-administering adalimumab (P=0.0257). At study end, global improvement rating was “effective” (n = 156, 40.7%) or “markedly effective” (n = 168, 43.9%) in 324 patients (overall effective, 84.6%). Mean C-reactive protein levels (mg/dL) decreased from 1.96 at baseline (n = 324) to 0.58 at week 24 (n = 208) and 0.25 at week 156 (n = 37).

Conclusions

This large real-world study confirmed the long-term safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in patients with intestinal Behçet’s disease. No new safety concerns were identified. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01960790)

Safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in Japanese patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Results from a real-world postmarketing study

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to assess the real-world safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

In this all-case, postmarketing surveillance study (NCT01412021) conducted in Japan, patients receiving adalimumab for JIA affecting multiple joints were observed for 24 weeks. The safety (adverse drug reactions [ADRs]/serious ADRs) and effectiveness (4-variable Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using erythrocyte sedimentation rate [DAS28-4/ESR] remission rate) were assessed.

RESULTS

In the safety population (n = 356), 90.3% (65/72; weight, ≥15-<30 kg) of patients received adalimumab 20 mg every 2 weeks (q2w) and 98.3% (236/240; weight ≥30 kg) received 40 mg q2w. Incidence of ADRs and serious ADRs was 29.8% (106/356) and 3.4% (12/356), respectively. Incidence of ADRs was significantly higher in patients aged <15 years vs. ≥15 years (34.6% vs. 21.1%, p = .0072), those with comorbidities vs. without (38.3% vs. 25.7%, p = .0155), and those receiving dose <40 mg q2w vs. ≥40 mg q2w (38.8% vs. 26.9%, p = .0418). DAS28-4/ESR remission rate improved from 21.7% (36/166) at baseline to 74.7% (112/150) at week 24.

CONCLUSIONS

Adalimumab was well tolerated and had acceptable safety and effectiveness in patients with JIA in the real-world setting.

Systematic review and meta-analysis: efficacy and safety of early biologic treatment in adult and paediatric patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing body of evidence showing that earlier use of biologics improves clinical outcomes in Crohn's disease (CD).

AIM

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of early biologic use in the treatment of CD.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase databases were searched for English language papers and conference abstracts published through April 30, 2019. Studies were selected for inclusion if patients initiated biologics within 2 years of a CD diagnosis or if earlier biologics use (top-down) was compared with a conventional step-up strategy. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to compare clinical remission (CR), relapse and endoscopic healing rates between early biologic treatment (<2 years of disease duration or top-down treatment strategy) and late/conventional treatment (biologic use after >2 years of disease duration or conventional step-up treatment strategy).

RESULTS

A total of 3069 records were identified, of which 47 references met the selection criteria for systematic review. A total of 18 471 patients were studied, with a median follow-up of 64 weeks (range 10-416). Meta-analysis found that early use of biologics was associated with higher rates of clinical remission (OR 2.10 [95% CI: 1.69-2.60], n = 2763, P < .00001), lower relapse rates (OR 0.31 [95% CI: 0.14-0.68], n = 596, P = .003) and higher mucosal healing rates (OR 2.37 [95% CI: 1.78-3.16], n = 994, P < .00001) compared with late/conventional management.

CONCLUSIONS

Early biologic treatment is associated with improved clinical outcomes in both adult and paediatric CD patients, not only in prospective clinical trials but also in real-world settings.

Comparative Risk of Serious Infections With Biologic and/or Immunosuppressive Therapy in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the comparative risk of serious infections with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists, non-TNF targeted biologics, tofacitinib, and immunosuppressive agents in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs).

METHODS

In a systematic search of publications, through March 18, 2018, we identified 15 observational studies (>500 person-years) of patients with IBD treated with TNF antagonists, non-TNF targeted biologics, tofacitinib, and/or immunosuppressive agents (thiopurines, methotrexate) that reported risk of serious infections. Only studies with active comparators were included, to allow appropriate comparative synthesis. We performed random-effects meta-analysis and estimated relative risk (RR) and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Compared with anti-TNF monotherapy, risk of serious infection increased with the combination of anti-TNF and an immunosuppressive agent (in 6 cohorts: RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.03-1.37), with anti-TNF and a corticosteroid (in 4 cohorts: RR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.33-2.03), or with all 3 drugs (in 2 cohorts: RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.04-1.77); there was minimal heterogeneity among studies. In contrast, monotherapy with an immunosuppressive agent was associated with a lower risk of serious infections than monotherapy with a TNF antagonist (7 cohorts: RR, 0.61; 95% CI 0.44-0.84) or a TNF antagonist with an immunosuppressive agent (2 cohorts: RR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.39-0.81). Infliximab-based therapy was associated with a lower risk of serious infections compared with adalimumab-based therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis (4 cohorts: RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.33-0.97), but not Crohn's disease (4 cohorts: RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.49-1.70). Few data were available on the comparative safety of biologic agents that do not inhibit TNF and tofacitinib.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapies for IBD that include TNF antagonists, especially with corticosteroids, are associated with a higher risk of serious infection, whereas monotherapy with an immunosuppressive agent is associated with a lower risk, compared with monotherapy with a TNF antagonist. Studies are needed to evaluate the comparative safety of non-TNF targeted biologics and small molecules for treatment of IBD.

Long-term retention of adalimumab treatment and associated prognostic factors for 1189 patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

There are few studies on the long-term efficacy of adalimumab treatment for patients with Crohn's disease. We have conducted a large, multicenter, retrospective cohort study to evaluate the long-term retention rate and prognostic factors associated with the discontinuation of adalimumab treatment in patients with Crohn's disease.

METHODS

Data were collected from all patients with Crohn's disease who had received at least one induction dose of 160 mg of adalimumab between October 2010 and December 2013 at 41 institutions. The cumulative retention rates of adalimumab treatment following the first administration were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors related to the cumulative retention rates were evaluated by log-rank tests and multivariate Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1189 patients were included in the study. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year cumulative retention rates of adalimumab were 81%, 72%, 65%, and 62%, respectively. The multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed female sex, previous infliximab use, perianal disease, concomitant treatment with prednisolone at baseline, higher C-reactive protein levels, and lower albumin levels as significant independent predictors of poor retention rate of adalimumab treatment. Significantly, more female patients than male patients discontinued adalimumab because of adverse events, especially skin reactions, infections, and arthralgia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrated a good retention rate of adalimumab in patients with Crohn's disease over a 4-year period. Female sex, perianal disease, concomitant treatment with prednisolone at baseline, previous infliximab use, higher C-reactive protein levels, and lower albumin levels were associated with poor retention of adalimumab treatment.

Efficacy of a concomitant elemental diet to reduce the loss of response to adalimumab in patients with intractable Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Secondary loss of response to adalimumab (ADA-LOR) commonly occurs in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) treated with adalimumab (ADA). We evaluated the efficacy of concomitant elemental diet (ED) therapy to reduce ADA-LOR in adult CD patients.

METHODS

Patients were divided into either an ED (≥900 kcal/day) or a non-ED group (<900 kcal/day). Cumulative non-ADA-LOR rates were compared between groups. The effects of ED intake to reduce ADA-LOR were also assessed in antitumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-naïve and infliximab (IFX)-intolerant or refractory CD patients. Serum ADA and TNF-α levels were measured.

RESULTS

We enrolled 117 CD patients into the ED (n = 25) or non-ED (n = 92) groups. Although the cumulative non-ADA-LOR rate was higher in the ED group than in the non-ED group, ED intake was not an independent reducing factor for ADA-LOR (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.725; 95% confidence interval: 0.448-1.180; P = 0.196) in all patients. ED intake was significantly more effective in reducing ADA-LOR in IFX-intolerant or refractory patients than in anti-TNF-α-naïve patients in a dose-related manner (P for interaction <0.20). Serum ADA levels did not differ between the groups. Serum TNF-α levels were significantly lower in the ED group than in the non-ED group at week 28 (P = 0.044) and week 52 (P = 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant ED therapy reduced ADA-LOR in IFX-intolerant or refractory patients in a dose-related manner. Reductions in the TNF-α levels by concomitant ED intake may contribute to reduce ADA-LOR in CD patients.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Adalimumab Monotherapy Versus Combination Therapy with Immunomodulators for Induction and Maintenance of Remission and Response in Patients with Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether the combination of adalimumab (ADA) and immunomodulators is superior to ADA monotherapy in patients with Crohn's disease.

METHODS

PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and other databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials, open-label, prospective cohort, and retrospective studies, and pooled analyses were included. Primary outcomes were induction (≤12 wk) and maintenance (up to 56 wk) of remission and response. Secondary outcomes were severe adverse events, opportunistic infections, and development of antibodies to adalimumab.

RESULTS

Twenty-four of 1194 articles were eligible for inclusion. No significant difference was noted between regimens for induction of remission (odds ratio [OR] 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70-1.06; P = 0.19) and response (OR 1.01; 95% CI: 0.62-1.65; P = 0.96). Similarly, no difference was noted for maintenance of remission (OR 0.97; 95% CI: 0.79-1.14; P = 0.75) or response (OR 0.91; 95% CI: 0.54-1.54; P = 0.74). Severe adverse events and opportunistic infections were not different between arms. Patients on combination therapy had lower odds of developing antibodies to adalimumab (OR 0.24; 95% CI: 0.07-0.82; P = 0.02). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses showed significantly higher odds of successful induction (OR 1.26; 95% CI: 1.06-1.49, P = 0.008) and opportunistic infections (OR 2.44; 95% CI: 1.07-5.54, P = 0.03) in anti-TNF-experienced patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of ADA and immunomodulators does not seem superior to ADA monotherapy for induction and maintenance of remission and response in Crohn's disease. Combination therapy is associated with lower immunogenicity. Analyses associating combination therapy with better induction of remission in anti-TNF-experienced patients and a higher rate of opportunistic infections deserve further evaluation.

A Retrospective Claims Database Study on Drug Utilization in Japanese Patients with Crohn's Disease Treated with Adalimumab or Infliximab

Introduction

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic and progressive disease in which the long-term management is important. This study sought to assess treatment persistence and dose escalation in the maintenance phase with adalimumab (ADA) or infliximab (IFX) in a Japanese real-world setting.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted using the Japan Medical Data Center database. CD patients with either ADA or IFX prescriptions between January 2012 and February 2015 were included. Outcomes of interest were (1) failure in the induction phase (defined as switch or discontinuation) and (2) persistence in the maintenance phase (defined as the absence of switch or discontinuation over 12 months since maintenance initiation).

Results

Overall, 133 patients (53 ADA; 80 IFX) were included. Of them, treatment failed in 26 patients (19.6%) in the induction phase. During the induction phase, there was a trend towards fewer treatment failures with ADA than IFX (88.7% vs. 75.0%; p = 0.051). Of those who completed induction, 64 patients (33 ADA; 31 IFX) had at least 12 months of valid insurance enrolment after the initiation of maintenance and 13 (5 ADA; 8 IFX) had either switch or discontinuation within 12 months after the initiation of maintenance. Probabilities of switch or discontinuation over 12 months after the maintenance date were 15.2% and 20.9% for ADA and IFX groups, respectively (p-log rank = 0.7764).

Conclusion

Japanese patients have a high primary response to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in the real-world setting, in line with the results of clinical trials. This initial therapeutic advantage can be lost during the maintenance phase, leading to dose escalation, treatment switch, or discontinuation. This study suggests that those events occurred in comparable proportions of patients treated with either ADA or IFX. However, these findings should be considered with caution given the retrospective nature and small size of the study.

Funding

Abbvie GK, Tokyo, Japan.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12325-016-0406-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.