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Zeng L, Yang K, Wu Y, Yu G, Yan Y, Hao M, Song T, Li Y, Chen J, Sun L. Telitacicept: A novel horizon in targeting autoimmunity and rheumatic diseases. J Autoimmun 2024; 148:103291. [PMID: 39146891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103291] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
BLyS and APRIL have the capability to bind to B cells within the body, allowing these cells to evade elimination when they should naturally be removed. While BLyS primarily plays a role in B cell development and maturation, APRIL is linked to B cell activation and the secretion of antibodies. Thus, in theory, inhibiting BLyS or APRIL could diminish the population of aberrant B cells that contribute to SLE and reduce disease activity in patients. Telitacicept functions by binding to and neutralizing the activities of both BLyS and APRIL, thus hindering the maturation and survival of plasma cells and fully developed B cells. The design of telitacicept is distinctive; it is not a monoclonal antibody but a TACI-Fc fusion protein generated through recombinant DNA technology. This fusion involves merging gene segments of the TACI protein, which can target BLyS/APRIL simultaneously, with the Fc gene segment of the human IgG protein. The TACI-Fc fusion protein exhibits the combined characteristics of both proteins. Currently utilized for autoimmune disease treatment, telitacicept is undergoing clinical investigations globally to assess its efficacy in managing various autoimmune conditions. This review consolidates information on the mechanistic actions, dosing regimens, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety profile of telitacicept-a dual-targeted biological agent. It integrates findings from prior experiments and pharmacokinetic analyses in the treatment of RA and SLE, striving to offer a comprehensive overview of telitacicept's research advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuting Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
| | - Kailin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China; Psychosomatic laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Daqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Daqing, China.
| | - Yang Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ganpeng Yu
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang City, Ningxiang, China
| | - Yexing Yan
- Psychosomatic laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Daqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Daqing, China
| | - Moujia Hao
- Psychosomatic laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Daqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Daqing, China
| | - Tian Song
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwei Li
- School of Mathematics and Computational Science, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Hunan, China
| | - Junpeng Chen
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Psychosomatic laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Daqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Daqing, China; Tong Jiecheng Studio, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, China.
| | - Lingyun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Jesus D, Henriques C, Matos A, Doria A, Inês LS. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score Remission and Low Disease Activity States Discriminate Drug From Placebo and Better Health-Related Quality of Life. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024; 76:788-795. [PMID: 38258369 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate the ability of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS) remission and low disease activity (LDA) to discriminate active drug from placebo and to discriminate outcomes in the patients' perspective (health-related quality of life [HR-QoL]) in SLE trials. METHODS This was a post hoc analysis of the pooled Belimumab in Subjects With SLE (BLISS)-52 (NCT00424476) and BLISS-76 (NCT00410384) trials data. SLE-DAS remission and LDA attainment and discrimination between belimumab and placebo at 52 weeks were compared using chi-square tests. At week 52, 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue (FACIT-F) scores were compared between patients attaining SLE-DAS remission versus nonremission and SLE-DAS LDA versus non-LDA using the t-test and Mann-Whitney test. Mean changes from week 0 to 52 in SF-36 and FACIT-F scores were compared between groups using multivariate regression analysis adjusted for baseline scores. RESULTS At week 52, significantly more patients attained SLE-DAS LDA taking belimumab 1 mg/kg (17.9% vs 13.0%; P = 0.023; odds ratio [OR] 1.459; relative risk [RR] 1.377; number needed to treat [NNT] 20.4) and 10 mg/kg (21.7% vs 13.0%; P < 0.001; OR 1.853; RR 1.668; NNT 11.5) compared with placebo. Likewise, more patients attained SLE-DAS remission taking belimumab 10 mg/kg compared to placebo (14.7% vs 10.1%; P = 0.019; OR 1.532; RR 1.454; NNT 21.7). At week 52, patients attaining SLE-DAS remission and LDA presented higher SF-36 domain and summary scores (all P < 0.001) and FACIT-F scores (both P < 0.001). Mean improvements from baseline in SF-36 and FACIT-F scores were significantly higher in patients achieving SLE-DAS remission and LDA. CONCLUSION SLE-DAS remission and LDA showed discriminant ability for identifying patients receiving active drug in SLE clinical trials. Attainment of these SLE-DAS targets are associated with better HR-QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Jesus
- Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, Leiria, Portugal, and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhá, Portugal
| | - Carla Henriques
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal, and Centre for Mathematics, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Matos
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, and Research Centre in Digital Services (CISeD), Viseu, Portugal
| | | | - Luís S Inês
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhá, Portugal, and CHUC Lupus Clinic, Centro Hospitalar e Universit_ario de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Papachristodoulou E, Kyttaris VC. New and emerging therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Immunol 2024; 263:110200. [PMID: 38582250 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110200] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis treatment is still based on non-specific immune suppression despite the first biological therapy for the disease having been approved more than a decade ago. Intense basic and translational research has uncovered a multitude of pathways that are actively being evaluated as treatment targets in SLE and lupus nephritis, with two new medications receiving FDA approval in the last 3 years. Herein we provide an overview of targeted therapies for SLE including medications targeting the B lymphocyte compartment, intracellular signaling, co-stimulation, and finally the interferons and other cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Papachristodoulou
- Division of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vasileios C Kyttaris
- Division of Rheumatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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de Luca Montes RA, Huq M, Godfrey T, Oon S, Calderone A, Kandane-Rathnayake R, Louthrenoo W, Luo SF, Jan Wu YJ, Golder V, Lateef A, Navarra SV, Zamora L, Hamijoyo L, Sockalingam S, An Y, Li Z, Katsumata Y, Harigai M, Chan M, Goldblatt F, O'Neill S, Lau CS, Cho J, Hoi A, Karyekar CS, Morand EF, Nikpour M. Association of systemic lupus erythematosus standard of care immunosuppressants with glucocorticoid use and disease outcomes: a multicentre cohort study. Adv Rheumatol 2024; 64:38. [PMID: 38720354 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-024-00366-y] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines the association of standard-of-care systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) medications with key outcomes such as low disease activity attainment, flares, damage accrual, and steroid-sparing, for which there is current paucity of data. METHODS The Asia Pacific Lupus Collaboration (APLC) prospectively collects data across numerous sites regarding demographic and disease characteristics, medication use, and lupus outcomes. Using propensity score methods and panel logistic regression models, we determined the association between lupus medications and outcomes. RESULTS Among 1707 patients followed over 12,689 visits for a median of 2.19 years, 1332 (78.03%) patients achieved the Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS), 976 (57.18%) experienced flares, and on most visits patients were taking an anti-malarial (69.86%) or immunosuppressive drug (76.37%). Prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine were utilised with similar frequency across all organ domains; methotrexate for musculoskeletal activity. There were differences in medication utilisation between countries, with hydroxychloroquine less frequently, and calcineurin inhibitors more frequently, used in Japan. More patients taking leflunomide, methotrexate, chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid were taking ≤ 7.5 mg/day of prednisolone (compared to > 7.5 mg/day) suggesting a steroid-sparing effect. Patients taking tacrolimus were more likely (Odds Ratio [95% Confidence Interval] 13.58 [2.23-82.78], p = 0.005) to attain LLDAS. Patients taking azathioprine (OR 0.67 [0.53-0.86], p = 0.001) and methotrexate (OR 0.68 [0.47-0.98], p = 0.038) were less likely to attain LLDAS. Patients taking mycophenolate mofetil were less likely to experience a flare (OR 0.79 [0.64-0.97], p = 0.025). None of the drugs was associated with a reduction in damage accrual. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests a steroid-sparing benefit for most commonly used standard of care immunosuppressants used in SLE treatment, some of which were associated with an increased likelihood of attaining LLDAS, or reduced incidence of flares. It also highlights the unmet need for effective treatments in lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Azêdo de Luca Montes
- Rheumatology Department, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Internal Medicine, Universidade do Estado do Rio De Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier 524, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, 20550-900, Brazil
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne at St Vincent's Hospital, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia
- Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia
| | - Molla Huq
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne at St Vincent's Hospital, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia
| | - Timothy Godfrey
- Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia
| | - Shereen Oon
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne at St Vincent's Hospital, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia
| | - Alicia Calderone
- Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia
| | - Rangi Kandane-Rathnayake
- Monash University, Level 5, Block E, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Worawit Louthrenoo
- Chiang Mai University Hospital, 110 Intravororos Street, Muang District, Chang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Shue-Fen Luo
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5 Fuxing Street, Guishan Township, Taoyuan County, 333, Taiwan
| | - Yeong-Jian Jan Wu
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 222, Maijin Road, Anle District, Keelung City, 204, Taiwan
| | - Vera Golder
- Monash University, Level 5, Block E, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Aisha Lateef
- National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, #13-00, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sandra V Navarra
- University of Santo Tomas Hospital, España Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines
| | - Leonid Zamora
- University of Santo Tomas Hospital, España Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines
| | - Laniyati Hamijoyo
- University of Padjadjaran, JI Pasteur 38, Bandung West, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
| | | | - Yuan An
- People's Hospital Peking University Health Sciences Centre, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Western District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Zhanguo Li
- People's Hospital Peking University Health Sciences Centre, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Western District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yasuhiro Katsumata
- Tokyo Women's Medical University, 10-22 Kawada-Cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-0054, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Harigai
- Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 10-22 Kawada-Cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-0054, Japan
| | - Madelynn Chan
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Fiona Goldblatt
- Department of Rheumatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Sean O'Neill
- University of New South Wales and Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, 1 Campbell St, Liverpool, New South Wales, 2170, Australia
| | - Chak Sing Lau
- University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pok Fu Lam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Jiacai Cho
- National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, #13-00, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alberta Hoi
- Monash University, Level 5, Block E, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Chetan S Karyekar
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson and Johnson, 1125 Trenton Harbourton Rd, Titusville, NJ, 08560, USA
| | - Eric F Morand
- Monash University, Level 5, Block E, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Mandana Nikpour
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne at St Vincent's Hospital, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia.
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2206, Australia.
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
- The University of Melbourne at St Vincent's Hospital, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia.
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Parra Sánchez AR, van Vollenhoven RF, Morand EF, Bruce IN, Kandane-Rathnayake R, Weiss G, Tummala R, Al-Mossawi H, Sorrentino A. Targeting DORIS Remission and LLDAS in SLE: A Review. Rheumatol Ther 2023; 10:1459-1477. [PMID: 37798595 PMCID: PMC10654283 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-023-00601-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Remission is the established therapeutic goal for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is currently defined by the widely adopted Definition Of Remission In SLE (DORIS) criteria. Attainment of remission is rare in the clinical setting, thus an alternative, pragmatic treatment target of low disease activity, as defined by the Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS), provides a less stringent and more attainable treatment goal for a wider proportion of patients compared with DORIS remission. Randomized controlled trials and real-world analyses have confirmed the positive clinical benefits of achieving either DORIS remission or LLDAS. The treat-to-target (T2T) approach utilizes practical clinical targets to proactively tailor individual treatment regimens. Studies in other chronic inflammatory diseases using the T2T approach demonstrated significantly improved clinical outcomes and quality-of-life measures compared with established standard of care. However, such trials have not yet been performed in patients with SLE. Here we review the evolution of DORIS remission and LLDAS definitions and the evidence supporting the positive clinical outcomes following DORIS remission or LLDAS attainment, before discussing considerations for implementation of these outcome measures as potential T2T objectives. Adoption of DORIS remission and LLDAS treatment goals may result in favorable patient outcomes compared with established standard of care for patients with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agner R Parra Sánchez
- Amsterdam Rheumatology Center ARC, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ronald F van Vollenhoven
- Amsterdam Rheumatology Center ARC, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric F Morand
- Sub-Faculty of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ian N Bruce
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Gudrun Weiss
- Global Medical Affairs, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Raj Tummala
- Clinical Development, Late Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Hussein Al-Mossawi
- Clinical Development, Late Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alessandro Sorrentino
- Global Medical Affairs, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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Yeo SC, Barratt J. The contribution of a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and other TNF superfamily members in pathogenesis and progression of IgA nephropathy. Clin Kidney J 2023; 16:ii9-ii18. [PMID: 38053976 PMCID: PMC10695512 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfad200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) have led to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and potential disease-specific treatments. Specifically, a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of IgAN, mediating B-cell dysregulation and overproduction of pathogenic galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1). Animal and clinical studies support the involvement of APRIL in the pathogenesis and progression of IgAN. An elevated level of APRIL is found in IgAN when compared with controls, which correlates with the level of Gd-IgA1 and associates with more severe disease presentation and worse outcomes. Conversely, anti-APRIL therapy reduces pathogenic Gd-IgA1 and IgA immune complex formation and ameliorates the severity of kidney inflammation and injury. Genome-wide association studies in IgAN have identified TNFSF13 and TNFRSF13B, a cytokine ligand-receptor gene pair encoding APRIL and its receptor, respectively, as risk susceptibility loci in IgAN, further supporting the causal role of the APRIL signalling pathway in IgAN. Several novel experimental agents targeting APRIL, including atacicept, telitacicept, zigakibart and sibeprenlimab, are currently under investigation as potential therapies in IgAN. Preliminary results suggest that these agents are well-tolerated, and reduce levels of Gd-IgA1, with corresponding improvement in proteinuria. Further studies are ongoing to confirm the safety and efficacy of anti-APRIL approaches as an effective therapeutic strategy in IgAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- See Cheng Yeo
- Department of Renal Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Jonathan Barratt
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
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Studham M, Vazquez‐Mateo C, Samy E, Haselmayer P, Aydemir A, Rolfe PA, Merrill JT, Morand EF, DeMartino J, Kao A, Townsend R. Identifying lupus Patient Subsets Through Immune Cell Deconvolution of Gene Expression Data in Two Atacicept Phase II Studies. ACR Open Rheumatol 2023; 5:536-546. [PMID: 37710418 PMCID: PMC10570667 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To use cell-based gene signatures to identify patients with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) in the phase II/III APRIL-SLE and phase IIb ADDRESS II trials most likely to respond to atacicept. METHODS A published immune cell deconvolution algorithm based on Affymetrix gene array data was applied to whole blood gene expression from patients entering APRIL-SLE. Five distinct patient clusters were identified. Patient characteristics, biomarkers, and clinical response to atacicept were assessed per cluster. A modified immune cell deconvolution algorithm was developed based on RNA sequencing data and applied to ADDRESS II data to identify similar patient clusters and their responses. RESULTS Patients in APRIL-SLE (N = 105) were segregated into the following five clusters (P1-5) characterized by dominant cell subset signatures: high neutrophils, T helper cells and natural killer (NK) cells (P1), high plasma cells and activated NK cells (P2), high B cells and neutrophils (P3), high B cells and low neutrophils (P4), or high activated dendritic cells, activated NK cells, and neutrophils (P5). Placebo- and atacicept-treated patients in clusters P2,4,5 had markedly higher British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) A/B flare rates than those in clusters P1,3, with a greater treatment effect of atacicept on lowering flares in clusters P2,4,5. In ADDRESS II, placebo-treated patients from P2,4,5 were less likely to be SLE Responder Index (SRI)-4, SRI-6, and BILAG-Based Combined Lupus Assessment responders than those in P1,3; the response proportions again suggested lower placebo effect and a greater treatment differential for atacicept in P2,4,5. CONCLUSION This exploratory analysis indicates larger differences between placebo- and atacicept-treated patients with SLE in a molecularly defined patient subset.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Joan T. Merrill
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma CityOKUnited States
| | - Eric F. Morand
- Monash University School of Clinical SciencesClaytonAustralia
| | | | - Amy Kao
- EMD SeronoBillericaMAUnited States
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Pitsiu M, Yalkinoglu Ö, Farrell C, Girard P, Vazquez‐Mateo C, Papasouliotis O. Population pharmacokinetics of atacicept in systemic lupus erythematosus: An analysis of three clinical trials. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2023; 12:1157-1169. [PMID: 37332136 PMCID: PMC10431037 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
B cell stimulating factor (BLyS) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) are targets for novel treatments in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Atacicept is a recombinant, soluble fusion protein that blocks BLyS and APRIL activity. This study characterized the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of atacicept using a population PK model and identified covariates explaining the PK variability. Total atacicept concentrations from a phase I study in healthy volunteers and two phase II studies in patients with SLE, using subcutaneous administration, were modeled using a quasi-steady-state approximation of the target-mediated drug disposition model with first-order absorption. The model included 3640 serum atacicept concentration records from 37 healthy volunteers and 503 patients with SLE and described total atacicept concentrations of the three trials, providing precise estimates of all parameters. Body weight and baseline BLyS concentration were the only statistically significant covariates, whereas no differences were found between patients and healthy volunteers. Apparent clearance and volume of the central compartment increased with body weight and initial target concentration increased with baseline BLyS. The change on atacicept exposure was moderate, with a difference in area under the curve compared with the median of 20%-32% for body weight, and 7%-18% for BLyS. Therefore, the effects of these covariates on atacicept exposure are not expected to be clinically relevant. The model described the complete total atacicept concentration-time profiles without finding any differences between healthy subjects and patients with SLE and supports the 150 mg once weekly dose for further trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pitsiu
- Quantitative Pharmacology and PharmacometricsICON Clinical Research UK LtdMarlowUK
| | - Özkan Yalkinoglu
- Translational Medicinethe healthcare business of Merck KGaADarmstadtGermany
| | - Colm Farrell
- Quantitative Pharmacology and PharmacometricsICON Clinical Research UK LtdMarlowUK
| | - Pascal Girard
- Merck Institute of Pharmacometrics, Lausanne, Switzerland, an Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, GermanyAres Trading S.A.LausanneSwitzerland
| | | | - Orestis Papasouliotis
- Merck Institute of Pharmacometrics, Lausanne, Switzerland, an Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, GermanyAres Trading S.A.LausanneSwitzerland
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Han Y, Liu L, Zang B, Liang R, Zhao X, Liu B. Advances in natural products and antibody drugs for SLE: new therapeutic ideas. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1235440. [PMID: 37492083 PMCID: PMC10363611 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1235440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune systemic disease with a wide range of clinical symptoms, complex development processes, and uncertain prognosis. The clinical treatment of SLE is mainly based on hormones and immunosuppressants. Research on novel therapy strategies for SLE has flourished in recent years, especially the emergence of new targeted drugs and natural products that can modulate related symptoms. This review discusses the current experience including B-cell targeted drugs (belimumab, tabalumab, blisibimod, atacicept, rituximab, ofatumumab, ocrelizumab, obexelimab, and epratuzumab), T-cell targeted drugs (abatacept, dapirolizumab, and inhibitor of syk and CaMKIV), cytokines targeted drugs (anifrolumab and sifalimumab), and natural products (curcumin, oleuropein, punicalagin, sulforaphane, icariin, apigenin, and resveratrol). The aim of this paper is to combine the existing in vitro and in vivo models and clinical research results to summarize the efficacy and mechanism of natural drugs and targeted drugs in SLE for the reference and consideration of researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Bin Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Shandong, China
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Katarzyna PB, Wiktor S, Ewa D, Piotr L. Current treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: a clinician's perspective. Rheumatol Int 2023:10.1007/s00296-023-05306-5. [PMID: 37171669 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05306-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease. Its variable course makes it difficult to standardize patient treatment. This article aims at a literature review on available drugs for treating SLE and on drugs that have shown therapeutic effects in this disease. The PubMed/MEDLINE electronic search engine was used to identify relevant studies. This review presents the current therapeutic options, new biological therapies, and combination therapies of biologics with standard immunosuppressive and immunomodulating drugs. We have also underlined the importance to implement the treat-to-target strategy aimed at reducing or discontinuing therapy with glucocorticosteroids (GCs). The awareness of the benefits and risks of using GCs helps in refining their dosage and thereby obtaining a better safety profile. The advent of biological targeted therapies, and more recently, low-molecular-weight compounds such as kinase inhibitors, initiated numerous clinical trials in SLE patients and led to the approval of two biological drugs, belimumab, and anifrolumab, for SLE treatment. Progress in the treatment of SLE was reflected in the 2019 and 2021 recommendations of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR). However, a mass of recent clinical research data requires continuous consolidation to optimize patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawlak-Buś Katarzyna
- Department of Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
- Department of Rheumatology, Systemic Connective Tissue Diseases and Immunotherapy of Rheumatic Diseases, J. Struś Municipal Hospital, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Schmidt Wiktor
- Department of Rheumatology, Systemic Connective Tissue Diseases and Immunotherapy of Rheumatic Diseases, J. Struś Municipal Hospital, Poznań, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Dudziec Ewa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Leszczyński Piotr
- Department of Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Rheumatology, Systemic Connective Tissue Diseases and Immunotherapy of Rheumatic Diseases, J. Struś Municipal Hospital, Poznań, Poland
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11
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Morand EF, Abreu G, Furie RA, Golder V, Tummala R. Lupus low disease activity state attainment in the phase 3 TULIP trials of anifrolumab in active systemic lupus erythematosus. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:639-645. [PMID: 36690388 PMCID: PMC10176410 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-222748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) attainment is associated with improved outcomes. We investigated LLDAS attainment in anifrolumab-treated patients. METHODS We performed post hoc analysis of pooled Treatment of Uncontrolled Lupus via the Interferon Pathway (TULIP-1) (NCT02446912) and TULIP-2 (NCT02446899) anifrolumab phase 3 trial data in patients with moderate to severe SLE receiving standard therapy. LLDAS was defined as: SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 ≤4 without major organ activity, no new disease activity, Physician's Global Assessment ≤1, prednisone ≤7.5 mg/day and no non-standard immunosuppressant dosing. Time to first LLDAS attainment was compared between groups using Cox regression modelling; responses were compared using logistic regression. RESULTS Agnostic to treatment, 205/819 (25.0%) patients attained LLDAS at week 52; 186/205 (90.7%) were also British Isles Lupus Assessment Group-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA)-responders. Among BICLA-responders at week 52, 186/318 (58.5%) attained LLDAS; 203/380 (53.4%) SLE Responder Index-4 (SRI(4)) responders attained LLDAS. Improvements from baseline in patient global assessment scores at week 52 were threefold greater in LLDAS-attainers. At week 52, 30.0% of anifrolumab-treated patients and 19.6% of placebo were in LLDAS (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.5, p=0.0011). Compared with placebo, anifrolumab treatment was associated with earlier LLDAS attainment (time to first LLDAS, HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.35 to 2.30, p<0.0001), increased cumulative time in LLDAS (p<0.0001) and higher likelihood of sustained LLDAS (p<0.001). Anifrolumab treatment was also associated with higher rates of Definition of Remission in SLE remission at week 52 (15.3% vs 7.6%; OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.6, p=0.0013). CONCLUSIONS LLDAS attainment was highly associated with, but more stringent than, BICLA and SRI(4) responses. Compared with placebo, anifrolumab treatment was associated with earlier, more frequent, and more prolonged and sustained LLDAS. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS NCT02446912 and NCT02446899.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric F Morand
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gabriel Abreu
- Biometrics, Late Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Richard A Furie
- Division of Rheumatology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Great Neck, New York, USA
| | - Vera Golder
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Raj Tummala
- Clinical Development, Late Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
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12
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Fasano S, Milone A, Nicoletti GF, Isenberg DA, Ciccia F. Precision medicine in systemic lupus erythematosus. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:331-342. [PMID: 37041269 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-00948-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that has diverse clinical manifestations, ranging from restricted cutaneous involvement to life-threatening systemic organ involvement. The heterogeneity of pathomechanisms that lead to SLE contributes to between-patient variation in clinical phenotype and treatment response. Ongoing efforts to dissect cellular and molecular heterogeneity in SLE could facilitate the future development of stratified treatment recommendations and precision medicine, which is a considerable challenge for SLE. In particular, some genes involved in the clinical heterogeneity of SLE and some phenotype-related loci (STAT4, IRF5, PDGF genes, HAS2, ITGAM and SLC5A11) have an association with clinical features of the disease. An important part is also played by epigenetic varation (in DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNAs) that influences gene expression and affects cell function without modifying the genome sequence. Immune profiling can help to identify an individual's specific response to a therapy and can potentially predict outcomes, using techniques such as flow cytometry, mass cytometry, transcriptomics, microarray analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing. Furthermore, the identification of novel serum and urinary biomarkers would enable the stratification of patients according to predictions of long-term outcomes and assessments of potential response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Fasano
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, Università Degli Studi Della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Milone
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, Università Degli Studi Della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Francesco Nicoletti
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, Università Degli Studi Della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - David A Isenberg
- Department of Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Francesco Ciccia
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, Università Degli Studi Della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
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13
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Mok CC. Combination strategies for lupus nephritis: facts and controversies. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:527-536. [PMID: 36927191 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2192927] [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: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is an unmet need to improve the efficacy of therapeutic regimens in lupus nephritis (LN). Cocktail immunosuppressive therapy for the synergistic effect of individual drugs may enhance efficacy and enable dosage reduction. However, the potential increase in the risk of serious and opportunistic infections is a concern. Moreover, the timing of combination therapy, adoption of a step-up or step-down approach, and the choice of drugs is still controversial, partly related to the cost-effectiveness issue. AREAS COVERED Evidence of a combination of conventional, newer immunosuppressive, and biologic/targeted agents in LN. EXPERT OPINION Early combination of conventional regimens with anti-B cell activation factor (anti-BAFF) or calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) enhances the therapeutic effect without increasing serious adverse events in LN. However, combining anti-CD20 and anti-BAFF biologics appears to be less promising from the results of clinical trials. Initial combination strategy may be more cost-effective for patients at risk of treatment failure and renal function deterioration. With the availability of more options, the treat-to-target approach in LN is increasingly feasible and further studies are needed to compare the step-up and step-down approaches in the treatment of LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Chiu Mok
- Departments of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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14
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Connelly K, Kandane-Rathnayake R, Hoi A, Louthrenoo W, Hamijoyo L, Luo SF, Wu YJJ, Cho J, Lateef A, Lau CS, Chen YH, Navarra S, Zamora L, Li Z, An Y, Sockalingam S, Hao Y, Zhang Z, Chan M, Katsumata Y, Harigai M, Oon S, Bae SC, O'Neill S, Gibson KA, Basnayake B, Kikuchi J, Takeuchi T, Ng KPL, Tugnet N, Kumar S, Goldblatt F, Law A, Tee M, Tee C, Tanaka Y, Ohkubo N, Tan JY, Karyekar CS, Nikpour M, Golder V, Morand EF. Association of Modified Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Responder Index Attainment With Long-Term Clinical Outcomes: A Five-Year Prospective Study. Arthritis Rheumatol 2023; 75:401-410. [PMID: 36122172 DOI: 10.1002/art.42350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In trials of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the SLE Responder Index (SRI) is the most commonly used primary efficacy end point but has limited validation against long-term outcomes. We aimed to investigate associations of attainment of a modified version of the SRI (mSRI) with key clinical outcomes in SLE patients with up to 5 years of follow-up. METHODS We used data from a large multicenter, longitudinal SLE cohort in which patients received standard of care. The first visit with active disease (defined as SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 [SLEDAI-2K] score ≥6) was designated as baseline, and mSRI attainment (defined as a reduction in SLEDAI-2K ≥4 points with no worsening in physician global assessment ≥0.3 points) was determined at annual intervals from baseline up to 5 years. Associations between mSRI attainment and outcomes including disease activity, glucocorticoid dose, flare, damage accrual, Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS), and remission were studied. RESULTS We included 2,060 patients, with a median baseline SLEDAI-2K score of 8. An mSRI response was attained by 56% of patients at 1 year, with similar responder rates seen at subsequent annual time points. Compared to nonresponders, mSRI responders had significantly lower disease activity and prednisolone dose and higher proportions of LLDAS and remission attainment at each year, and less damage accrual at years 2 and 3. Furthermore, mSRI responder status at 1 year predicted clinical benefit at subsequent years across most outcomes, including damage accrual (odds ratio [OR] range 0.58-0.69, P < 0.05 for damage accrual ORs at all time points). CONCLUSION In SLE patients with active disease receiving standard of care, mSRI attainment predicts favorable outcomes over long-term follow-up, supporting the clinical meaningfulness of SRI attainment as an SLE trial end point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Connelly
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Alberta Hoi
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Worawit Louthrenoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Laniyati Hamijoyo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University/Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Shue Fen Luo
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei and Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Yeong-Jian Jan Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei and Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Jiacai Cho
- Rheumatology Division, University Medical Cluster, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Aisha Lateef
- Rheumatology Division, University Medical Cluster, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - C S Lau
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yi-Hsing Chen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sandra Navarra
- Joint and Bone Center, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Leonid Zamora
- Joint and Bone Center, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Zhanguo Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, People's Hospital Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan An
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, People's Hospital Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Sargunan Sockalingam
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yanjie Hao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuoli Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Madelynn Chan
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Yasuhiro Katsumata
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Masayoshi Harigai
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Shereen Oon
- Department of Rheumatology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sang-Cheol Bae
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases and Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sean O'Neill
- Rheumatology Department, Liverpool Hospital, and University of New South Wales and Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kathryn A Gibson
- Rheumatology Department, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bmdb Basnayake
- Division of Nephrology, Teaching Hospital, Kandy, Sri Lanka
| | - Jun Kikuchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Takeuchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Nicola Tugnet
- Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Fiona Goldblatt
- Department of Rheumatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, and Rheumatology Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, South Australia, Australia
| | - Annie Law
- Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Michael Tee
- University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | - Cherica Tee
- University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Naoaki Ohkubo
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | | | | | - Mandana Nikpour
- Department of Rheumatology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vera Golder
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric F Morand
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Buie J, Bloch L, Morand EF, van Vollenhoven RF, Werth VP, Touma Z, Lipsky P, Kalunian K, Askanase AD, Ines L, Reed C, Son M, Franson T, Costenbader K, Schanberg LE. Meeting report: the ALPHA project: a stakeholder meeting on lupus clinical trial outcome measures and the patient perspective. Lupus Sci Med 2023; 10:e000901. [PMID: 37537705 PMCID: PMC9930541 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-000901] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Drug development in lupus has improved over the past 10 years but still lags behind that of other rheumatic disease areas. Assessment of prospective lupus therapies in clinical trials has proved challenging for reasons that are multifactorial including the heterogeneity of the disease, study design limitations and a lack of validated biomarkers which greatly impacts regulatory decision-making. Moreover, most composite outcome measures currently used in trials do not include patient-reported outcomes. Given these factors, the Addressing Lupus Pillars for Health Advancement Global Advisory Committee members who serve on the drug development team identified an opportunity to convene a meeting to facilitate information sharing on completed and existing outcome measure development efforts. This meeting report highlights information presented during the meeting as well as a discussion on how the lupus community may work together with regulatory agencies to simplify and standardise outcome measures to accelerate development of lupus therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Buie
- Research, Lupus Foundation of America, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Lauren Bloch
- Health Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath LLP Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Eric F Morand
- Rheumatology, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ronald F van Vollenhoven
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center ARC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Victoria P Werth
- Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zahi Touma
- Division of Rheumatology, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Lipsky
- RILITE Research Institute, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Anca D Askanase
- Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - L Ines
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Univ Beira Interior, Covilha, Portugal
- Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitario de Coimbra EPE, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - MaryBeth Son
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Karen Costenbader
- Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Banjari M, Touma Z, Gladman DD. Improving measures of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:193-202. [PMID: 36503376 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2156339] [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: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disease with varied manifestations and course. Variation in presentation among patients, and within the same patient, there may be varied manifestations over time. It has been difficult to measure the extent of disease activity accurately. Several investigators and groups have developed definitions of disease activity and methods to measure it. Consequently, there are currently several instruments to measure disease activity as well as damage in patients with SLE. AREAS COVERED This review covers currently available evidence on measures of disease activity in SLE. It discusses potential avenues for further development of new measures and the refinement of existing tools to improve disease activity measures in research and clinical care settings. EXPERT OPINION Given the complexity and heterogeneity of the disease, further work and tools are needed to assess disease activity better. Organ-specific measures for cutaneous, renal, and joint manifestations are needed for a detailed assessment of disease activity in conjunction with the use of disease generic tools (e.g. SLEDAI). New tools such as the SLE Disease Activity Index-Glucocorticoid Index (SLEDAI-2 KG) incorporating glucocorticoid doses to describe disease activity, SLE-DAS and SLEDAI-2 K RI-50 to record partial improvements could also be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher Banjari
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Toronto, Lupus Clinic, Centre for Prognosis Studies in The Rheumatic Diseases, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahi Touma
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Toronto, Lupus Clinic, Centre for Prognosis Studies in The Rheumatic Diseases, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dvisiion of Rheumatology, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dafna D Gladman
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Toronto, Lupus Clinic, Centre for Prognosis Studies in The Rheumatic Diseases, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dvisiion of Rheumatology, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Krustev E, Clarke AE, Barber MRW. B cell depletion and inhibition in systemic lupus erythematosus. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:55-70. [PMID: 36342225 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2145281] [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: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by autoantibody expression and aberrant autoreactive B cells contribute to disease progression; therefore, B cell inhibition has been an attractive target for novel therapies. However, after more than two decades of research and over 40 randomized clinical trials, only one such therapy, belimumab, has been approved for use in SLE. AREAS COVERED In this review, we discuss the evidence for B cell-targeted therapies in SLE and lupus nephritis. Belimumab has been successful in several large clinical trials and is approved in several countries for use in SLE and lupus nephritis. Despite a lack of supporting phase III evidence, rituximab is used off-label in SLE. Several other B cell-targeted therapies have failed to meet their end points in late-stage clinical trials. Successful phase II trials have recently been reported for obinutuzumab and telitacicept with larger confirmatory trials currently underway. EXPERT OPINION Refinements in pharmaceutical mechanisms of action, trial design, and patient selection have resulted in recent preliminary successes, offering renewed optimism for B-cell targeted therapeutics in SLE management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Krustev
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ann E Clarke
- Division of Rheumatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Megan R W Barber
- Division of Rheumatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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18
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Eslami M, Willen D, Papasouliotis O, Schuepbach-Mallpell S, Willen L, Donzé O, Yalkinoglu Ö, Schneider P. Kinetics of free and ligand-bound atacicept in human serum. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1035556. [PMID: 36532058 PMCID: PMC9756848 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1035556] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BAFF (B cell activation factor of the TNF family/B lymphocyte stimulator, BLyS) and APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) are targeted by atacicept, a decoy receptor consisting of the extracellular domain of TACI (transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin (CAML) interactor) fused to the Fc portion of human IgG1. The purpose of the study was to characterize free and ligand-bound atacicept in humans. Total and active atacicept in serum of healthy volunteers receiving a single dose of subcutaneous atacicept or in patients treated weekly for one year were measured by ELISA, Western blot, or cell-based assays. Pharmacokinetics of free and bound atacicept were predicted based on total atacicept ELISA results. Persistence of complexes of purified atacicept bound to recombinant ligands was also monitored in mice. Results show that unbound or active atacicept in human serum exceeded 0.1 µg/ml for one week post administration, or throughout a 1-year treatment with weekly administrations. After a single administration of atacicept, endogenous BAFF bound to atacicept was detected after 8 h then increased about 100-fold within 2 to 4 weeks. Endogenous heteromers of BAFF and APRIL bound to atacicept also accumulated, but atacicept-APRIL complexes were not detected. In mice receiving intravenous injections of purified complexes pre-formed in vitro, atacicept-BAFF persisted longer (more than a week) than atacicept-APRIL (less than a day). Thus, only biologically inactive BAFF and BAFF-APRIL heteromers accumulate on atacicept in vivo. The measure of active atacicept provides further support for the once-weekly dosing regimen implemented in the clinical development of atacicept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahya Eslami
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Willen
- Clinical Pharmacology, Translational Medicine, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Orestis Papasouliotis
- Translational Medicine, Merck Institute for Pharmacometrics (an affiliate of Merck KGaA), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Laure Willen
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Özkan Yalkinoglu
- Clinical Pharmacology, Translational Medicine, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland,*Correspondence: Pascal Schneider,
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19
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Crow MK. Advances in lupus therapeutics: Achieving sustained control of the type I interferon pathway. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 67:102291. [PMID: 36183477 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Achieving sustained control of disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus has been impeded by the complexity of its immunopathogenesis as well its clinical heterogeneity. In spite of these challenges, gains in understanding disease mechanisms have identified immune targets that are currently under study in trials of candidate therapeutics. Defining the type I interferon (IFN-I) pathway and autoantibodies specific for nucleic acid binding proteins as core pathogenic mediators allows an analysis of approaches that could control production of those mediators and improve patient outcomes. This review describes therapeutic targets and agents that could achieve control of the IFN-I pathway. Toll-like receptor 7, involved in IFN-I production and differentiation of B cells, and long-lived plasma cells, the producers of autoantibodies specific for RNA-binding proteins, components of the immune complex drivers of IFN-I, are particularly attractive therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Crow
- Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research, Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medicine, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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20
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Samões B, Zen M, Abelha-Aleixo J, Gatto M, Doria A. Caveats and pitfalls in defining low disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103165. [PMID: 35931316 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103165] [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: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The treat-to-target strategy has been recently suggested in the management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) and Definitions Of Remission In SLE (DORIS) remission were outlined as two concentric targets. The achievement of LLDAS was shown to be associated with lower frequency of SLE flare, decreased damage progression, better quality of life, and reduced mortality. In addition, LLDAS has successfully been tested in post-hoc analyses of a number of randomized controlled trials. However, it has been recently underlined that LLDAS includes a high proportion of patients in remission, raising the question if these endpoints are sufficiently distinct to consider their separation clinically relevant. Some studies suggest that the protective effect of LLDAS on damage might be due to the inclusion of patients who are in remission. Notably, clinical low disease activity (LDA) seems to be uncommon in SLE due to the relapsing-remitting pattern of the disease, in which low level of activity only occurs transiently. Moreover, since the domains included in LLDAS have several limitations, such as the use of a binomial disease activity index, the exclusion of some mild manifestations and the consideration of items subjected to variability (physician global assessment and glucocorticoids dose), not all patients in LDA are adequately represented by LLDAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Samões
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia e Espinho, Rua Conceição Fernandes, s/n, 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
| | - Margherita Zen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Joana Abelha-Aleixo
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia e Espinho, Rua Conceição Fernandes, s/n, 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Andrea Doria
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
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21
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Barratt J, Tumlin J, Suzuki Y, Kao A, Aydemir A, Pudota K, Jin H, Gühring H, Appel G. Randomized Phase II JANUS Study of Atacicept in Patients With Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy and Persistent Proteinuria. Kidney Int Rep 2022; 7:1831-1841. [PMID: 35967104 PMCID: PMC9366370 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2022.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and persistent proteinuria are at risk of progression to kidney failure. Atacicept is a novel B-cell–targeted immunomodulator, shown to reduce immunoglobulin levels in patients with autoimmune diseases. Methods JANUS (NCT02808429) was a phase II study that assessed the safety, pharmacodynamic effects, and efficacy of atacicept in patients with IgAN and proteinuria ≥1 g/d or 0.75 mg/mg on 24-hour UPCR despite maximal standard of care therapy. Results A total of 16 patients were randomized 1:1:1 to placebo (n = 5), atacicept 25 mg (n = 6), or atacicept 75 mg (n = 5) once weekly using subcutaneous injection. Twelve (75%) completed ≥48 weeks of treatment; 8 (50%) completed 72 weeks of treatment and the 24-week safety follow-up period. Fourteen patients reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Most TEAEs were mild or moderate in severity. Three patients (placebo n = 1; atacicept 25 mg n = 2) reported serious TEAEs, none of which were treatment related. Dose-dependent reductions in IgA, IgG, IgM, and galactose-deficient (Gd)-IgA1 with atacicept at week 24 were maintained to week 72. Early reduction in proteinuria was observed at week 24 with atacicept. Renal function progressively declined with placebo but remained stable under exposure to atacicept. Conclusion Atacicept has an acceptable safety profile in patients with IgAN and is effective at reducing the levels of pathogenic factor Gd-IgA1, with potential improvements in proteinuria and renal function.
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22
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Treat-to-target in systemic lupus erythematosus: advancing towards its implementation. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:146-157. [PMID: 35039665 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00739-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The treat-to-target (T2T) concept has improved outcomes for patients with diabetes, hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis. This therapeutic strategy involves choosing a well-defined, relevant target, taking therapeutic steps, evaluating whether the target has been achieved, and taking action if it has not. The T2T principle has been embraced by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experts, but measurable and achievable outcomes, and therapeutic options, are needed to make this approach possible in practice. Considerable evidence has been generated regarding meaningful 'state' outcomes for SLE. Low disease activity has been defined and studied, and the most aspirational goal, remission, has been defined by the Definition of Remission in SLE task force. By contrast, current therapeutic options in SLE are limited, and more effective and safer therapies are urgently needed. Fortunately, clinical trial activity in SLE has been unprecedented, and encouraging results have been seen for novel therapies, including biologic and small-molecule agents. Thus, with the expected advent of such treatments, it is likely that sufficiently diverse therapies for SLE will be available in the foreseeable future, allowing the routine implementation of T2T approaches in the care of patients with SLE.
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23
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Assunção H, Jesus D, Larosa M, Henriques C, Matos A, Le Guern V, Rubiño F, da Silva JAP, Rua-Figueroa I, Costedoat-Chalumeau N, Doria A, Inês LS. Definition of Low Disease Activity State based on the SLE-DAS: Derivation and validation in a multicentre real-life cohort. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:3309-3316. [PMID: 34864894 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To derive and validate a definition of low disease activity (LDA) for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on the SLE Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS), in a real-life multicentre cohort of SLE patients. METHODS Derivation was conducted using data from a monocentric cohort of SLE (Portugal), and validation was performed in a multicentre cohort (Italy, France, and Spain). The Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) was used as comparator. We applied receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis against the LLDAS to determine the cut-off of SLE-DAS for LDA using bootstrap methodology. In a second step, we tested a definition of SLE-DAS LDA that included: (i) the statistically derived SLE-DAS upper threshold for LDA, and (ii) prednisone dose ≤7.5 mg/day. In the multicentre validation cohort, we assessed the classification performance of this SLE-DAS LDA definition. RESULTS We included 774 patients, 300 in the derivation and 474 in the validation cohorts, respectively. In the derivation cohort, the optimal cut-off to identify patients in LLDAS was SLE-DAS ≤2.48, presenting an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.965 (95%CI 0.935-0.994). When applied to the multicentre validation cohort, the SLE-DAS LDA definition showed a sensitivity of 97.1% and a specificity of 97.7% for LLDAS and an almost perfect agreement (Cohen's Kappa =0.933; p< 0.001). McNemar's test found no significant differences between the two definitions (p= 0.092). CONCLUSION The SLE-DAS LDA is a validated, accurate, and easy-to-use definition for classifying SLE patients in LDA state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Assunção
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra
| | - Diogo Jesus
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Leiria. Leiria, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior. Covilhã, Portugal
| | | | - Carla Henriques
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal.,Centre for Mathematics, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Matos
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal.,CISeD-Research Centre in Digital Services, Polytechnic of Viseu, Portugal
| | - Véronique Le Guern
- APHP, Internal Medicine Department, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France; Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Francisco Rubiño
- Rheumatology Department, Doctor Negrín University Hospital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - José A P da Silva
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Iñigo Rua-Figueroa
- Rheumatology Department, Doctor Negrín University Hospital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | | | - Andrea Doria
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luís S Inês
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior. Covilhã, Portugal
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Wallace DJ, Isenberg DA, Morand EF, Vazquez-Mateo C, Kao AH, Aydemir A, Pudota K, Ona V, Aranow C, Merrill JT. Safety and clinical activity of atacicept in the long-term extension of the phase 2b ADDRESS II study in systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:5379-5389. [PMID: 33547784 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Atacicept reduced SLE disease activity in the phase 2b ADDRESS II study, particularly in patients with high disease activity (HDA; SLEDAI-2K ≥10) at screening. We assessed long-term safety and efficacy of atacicept in the long-term extension (LTE) of ADDRESS II. METHODS In the 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ADDRESS II study, patients received weekly atacicept (75 or 150 mg) or placebo. Atacicept was continued at the same dose in atacicept-treated patients in the LTE; placebo-treated patients switched to atacicept 150 mg. Long-term safety was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included SLE responder index (SRI)-4 and SRI-6 response rates and flares. RESULTS In total, 253 patients entered the ADDRESS II LTE; 88 received atacicept 150 mg, 82 atacicept 75 mg and 83 placebo/atacicept 150 mg. Median active treatment duration in the LTE was 83.8 weeks. Frequencies of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were similar across groups (90.4-93.2%), and 12.5%, 14.6% and 21.7% of patients in the atacicept 150 mg, atacicept 75 mg and placebo/atacicept 150 mg groups reported serious TEAEs during the treatment period. The proportions of patients with TEAEs leading to discontinuation were 5.7%, 4.9% and 10.8%, respectively. SRI-4 and SRI-6 response rates were maintained with atacicept in the modified intent-to-treat and HDA populations and those on continuous 150 mg had a reduced risk of first severe flare and longer time to first severe flare vs those who initially received placebo. CONCLUSION Long-term treatment with atacicept 150 mg in SLE patients had an acceptable safety profile, with durable efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02070978.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Wallace
- Division of Rheumatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David A Isenberg
- Centre for Rheumatology/Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eric F Morand
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Victor Ona
- Global Safety, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc. (a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Billerica, MA
| | - Cynthia Aranow
- Center for Autoimmunity, Musculoskeletal and Hematologic Diseases, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | - Joan T Merrill
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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25
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Shi F, Xue R, Zhou X, Shen P, Wang S, Yang Y. Telitacicept as a BLyS/APRIL dual inhibitor for autoimmune disease. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2021; 43:666-673. [PMID: 34519594 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2021.1973493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenic roles for B cells in autoimmunity include produce pathogenic autoantibodies and modulate immune responses via the production of cytokines and chemokines. The B lymphocyte stimulator BLyS (also known as B-cell-activating factor, BAFF) and APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) are critical factors in the maintenance of the B-cell pool and humoral immunity, namely BLyS modulates the differentiation and maturation of immature B cell, while APRIL modulates the function and survival of long-lived plasma cell, which plays a prominent role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Telitacicept is a novel recombinant fusion protein of both the ligand-binding domain of the TACI receptor and the Fc component of human IgG and which is a BLyS/APRIL dual inhibitor. Moreover, telitacicept was developed by Remegen Co., Ltd. in China and is approved to treat systemic lupus erythematosus in China. We review the rationale, clinical evidence, and future perspectives of telitacicept for the treatment of autoimmune disease.HighlightThe B lymphocyte stimulator BLyS (also known as B-cell-activating factor, BAFF) and APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand), members of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family, and which are critical factors in the maintenance of the B-cell pool and humoral immunity.BAFF and APRIL are implicated in the pathogenesis of several human autoimmune diseases with autoreactive B-cell involvement, and targeting both is beneficial for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.Telitacicept is a novel recombinant fusion protein of both the ligand-binding domain of the TACI receptor and the Fc component of human IgG, as a BLyS/APRIL dual inhibitor and which has been approved by National Medical Products Administration (MNPA) for the treatment of patients with SLE in China.With more clinical trials underway, telitacicept may also be approved for the treatment of other autoimmune diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Shi
- School of Stomatology of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Ran Xue
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi 'an Jiaotong University, Chang'an District Hospital, Xi 'an, China
| | - Xuexiao Zhou
- School of Stomatology of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Pei Shen
- School of Stomatology of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Shengzhi Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Yun Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
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26
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Hoi A, Koelmeyer R, Bonin J, Sun Y, Kao A, Gunther O, Nim HT, Morand E. Disease course following High Disease Activity Status revealed patterns in SLE. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:191. [PMID: 34261522 PMCID: PMC8278658 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02572-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to examine the disease course of High Disease Activity Status (HDAS) patients and their different disease patterns in a real-world longitudinal cohort. Disease resolution till Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) has been a general treatment goal, but there is limited information on this subset of patients who achieve this. METHODS All consenting patients of the Monash Lupus Cohort who had at least 12 months of observation were included. HDAS was defined as SLEDAI-2K ≥ 10 ever, and HDAS episode as the period from the first HDAS clinic visit until attainment of LLDAS. We examined the associations of different HDAS patterns with the likelihood of damage accrual. RESULTS Of 342 SLE patients, 151 experienced HDAS at least once, accounting for 298 HDAS episodes. The majority of HDAS patients (76.2%) experienced Recurrent HDAS (> 1 HDAS visit), and a smaller subset (47.7%) had Persistent HDAS (consecutive HDAS visits for longer than 2 months). Recurrent or Persistent HDAS patients were younger at diagnosis and more likely to experience renal or serositis manifestations; persistent HDAS patients were also more likely to experience neurological manifestations. Baseline SLEDAI greater than 10 was associated with longer HDAS episodes. Recurrent and Persistent HDAS were both associated with an increased likelihood of damage accrual. The total duration of HDAS episode greater than 2 years and experiencing multiple HDAS episodes (≥4) was also associated with an increased likelihood of damage accrual (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.08-2.97, p = 0.02, and OR 3.31, 95% CI 1.66-13.26, p = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION HDAS episodes have a highly variable course. Recurrent and Persistent HDAS, and longer duration of HDAS episodes, increased the risk of damage accrual. In addition to a major signifier of severity in SLE, its resolution to LLDAS can determine the subsequent outcome in SLE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberta Hoi
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Level 5, Block E, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
- Department of Rheumatology, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
| | - Rachel Koelmeyer
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Level 5, Block E, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Julie Bonin
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Level 5, Block E, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Ying Sun
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Amy Kao
- EMD Serono, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc, a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Oliver Gunther
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Hieu T Nim
- Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Eric Morand
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Level 5, Block E, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
- Department of Rheumatology, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
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27
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Sharabi A. Updates on Clinical Trials in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2021; 23:57. [PMID: 34212269 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-021-01014-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Because of the complexity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), different approaches are undertaken while investigating potential therapeutic compounds to treat the disease. The purpose of this review is to summarize the results from recent clinical trials, which investigated different compounds for treating SLE. RECENT FINDINGS Targeting B cells and type I interferons constitutes the major focus in recent clinical trials. The potential for therapeutic effects of small molecule inhibition such as JAK, Tyk, and Btk is now being investigated for treating SLE. The immunoregulation of T cell activation in SLE is studied using low-dose IL-2 and CD40 ligand inhibition. There are clinical trials that study bispecific antibodies, with binding specificities for 2 different target molecules related to T- and B-cell activation or to different aspects of B cell activation. An approach of combination treatment is also being studied. Clinical trials are underway and new treatment compounds for SLE are being anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Sharabi
- Rheumatology Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel. .,Microbiology & Immunology Department, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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28
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Outcome Measures for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Clinical Trials. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2021; 47:415-426. [PMID: 34215371 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2021.04.007] [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] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The assessment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity in clinical trials has been challenging. This is related to the wide spectrum of SLE manifestations and the heterogeneity of the disease trajectory. Currently, composite outcome measures are most commonly used as a primary endpoint while organ-specific measures are often used as secondary outcomes. In this article, we review the outcome measures and endpoints used in most recent clinical trials and explore potential avenues for further development of new measures and the refinement of existing tools.
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29
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Immunological memory in rheumatic inflammation - a roadblock to tolerance induction. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 17:291-305. [PMID: 33824526 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00601-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Why do we still have no cure for chronic inflammatory diseases? One reason could be that current therapies are based on the assumption that chronic inflammation is driven by persistent 'acute' immune reactions. Here we discuss a paradigm shift by suggesting that beyond these reactions, chronic inflammation is driven by imprinted, pathogenic 'memory' cells of the immune system. This rationale is based on the observation that in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapies, therapy-free remission can be achieved by resetting the immune system; that is, by ablating immune cells and regenerating the immune system from stem cells. The success of this approach identifies antigen-experienced and imprinted immune cells as essential and sufficient drivers of inflammation. The 'dark side' of immunological memory primarily involves memory plasma cells secreting pathogenic antibodies and memory T lymphocytes secreting pathogenic cytokines and chemokines, but can also involve cells of innate immunity. New therapeutic strategies should address the persistence of these memory cells. Selective targeting of pathogenic immune memory cells could be based on their specificity, which is challenging, or on their lifestyle, which differs from that of protective immune memory cells, in particular for pathogenic T lymphocytes. The adaptations of such pathogenic memory cells to chronic inflammation offers entirely new therapeutic options for their selective ablation and the regeneration of immunological tolerance.
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30
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Bag-Ozbek A, Hui-Yuen JS. Emerging B-Cell Therapies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2021; 17:39-54. [PMID: 33488082 PMCID: PMC7814238 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s252592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystem, autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, whose hallmark is the production of autoantibodies. B cells are promising targets for novel SLE therapies. In 2011, belimumab (Benlysta®), a fully humanized monoclonal antibody inhibiting B-cell activation and proliferation, was the first medication in 50 years to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat adult SLE. This review discusses the current experience with B-cell-targeted therapies, including those targeting B-cell-surface antigens (rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, obinutuzumab, obexelimab, epratuzumab, daratumumab), B-cell survival factors (belimumab, tabalumab, atacicept, blisibimod), or B-cell intracellular functions (ibrutinib, fenebrutinib, proteasome inhibitors), for the management of SLE. It focuses on ongoing clinical trials and real-world post-marketing use, where available, including their safety profiles, and concludes with our recommendations for B-cell-centric approaches to the management of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Bag-Ozbek
- Division of Rheumatology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Joyce S Hui-Yuen
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY, USA
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Center for Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal, and Hematopoietic Diseases Research, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
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31
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Isenberg DA, Kao AH, Aydemir A, Merrill JT. Commentary: Systematic Review of Safety and Efficacy of Atacicept in Treating Immune-Mediated Disorders. Front Immunol 2020; 11:592639. [PMID: 33262771 PMCID: PMC7687657 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.592639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Isenberg
- Centre for Rheumatology/Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amy H. Kao
- Global Clinical Development, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA, United States (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Aida Aydemir
- Global Biostatistics, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA, United States (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Joan T. Merrill
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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Abstract
Following the advent of molecular targeted drugs, a paradigm shift in treatment similar to that in rheumatoid arthritis has been expected in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but clinical trials for drugs that many specialists believed to be effective have failed repeatedly. The causes are not simple, but include the heterogeneity of SLE, inclusion criteria, lack of appropriate disease activity measures, and relapse criteria. This review outlines the disease activity indices used in SLE, discusses their advantages and disadvantages, and describes the ideal activity index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Ohmura
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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