Efficacy and safety of intravitreal anti-tumour necrosis factor drugs in adults with non-infectious uveitis - a systematic review

Decoding Behcet's Uveitis: an In-depth review of pathogenesis and therapeutic advances

Behcet's disease (BD) is a rare but globally distributed vasculitis that primarily affects populations in the Mediterranean and Asian regions. Behcet's uveitis (BU) is a common manifestation of BD, occurring in over two-thirds of the patients. BU is characterized by bilateral, chronic, recurrent, non-granulomatous uveitis in association with complications such as retinal ischemia and atrophy, optic atrophy, macular ischemia, macular edema, and further neovascular complications (vitreous hemorrhage, neovascular glaucoma). Although the etiology and pathogenesis of BU remain unclear, numerous studies reveal that genetic factors (such as HLA-B51), dysregulated immune responses of both the innate and adaptive immune systems, infections (such as streptococcus), and environmental factors (such as GDP) are all involved in its development. Innate immunity, including hyperactivity of neutrophils and γδT cells and elevated NK1/NK2 ratios, has been shown to play an essential role in this disease. Adaptive immune system disturbance, including homeostatic perturbations, Th1, Th17 overaction, and Treg cell dysfunction, is thought to be involved in BU pathogenesis. Treatment of BU requires a tailored approach based on the location, severity of inflammation, and systemic manifestations. The therapy aims to achieve rapid inflammation suppression, preservation of vision, and prevention of recurrence. Systemic corticosteroids combined with other immunosuppressive agents have been widely used to treat BU, and beneficial effects are observed in most patients. Recently, biologics have been shown to be effective in treating refractory BU cases. Novel therapeutic targets for treating BU include the LCK gene, Th17/Treg balance, JAK pathway inhibition, and cytokines such as IL-17 and RORγt. This article summarizes the recent studies on BU, especially in terms of pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria and classification, auxiliary examination, and treatment options. A better understanding of the significance of microbiome composition, genetic basis, and persistent immune mechanisms, as well as advancements in identifying new biomarkers and implementing objective quantitative detection of BU, may greatly contribute to improving the adequate management of BU patients.

Effect of adalimumab as an anti-inflammatory agent on gene expression of retinal pigment epithelial cells

Adalimumab (ADA) is an anti-inflammatory antibody that has FDA approval as a systemic medication for treating noninfectious uveitis. It is also provisionally being investigated as an intravitreal injection for various retinal conditions. This study aimed to assess the effect of ADA on apoptotic, inflammatory, and fibrogenesis gene expression at mRNA and protein levels in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. RPEs were treated with serial concentrations of ADA (0.5x, x, 2x, and 4x; [x = 250 µg/mL]) for 24 hours. MTT assay was done and the mRNA and protein expressions were quantified using real-time PCR and ELISA assay, respectively. The mRNA levels of IL-1b and IL-6 were significantly increased in ADA-treated RPEs at 0.5x and x concentrations. However, the increase in cytokine secretion was observed only in IL-1b at x concentration. TGF-β was significantly upregulated in the 0.5x and 4x doses of ADA both at mRNA and protein levels. MTT assay, along with an unchanged BCL-2/BAX ratio confirmed the safety of ADA on RPEs at all studied concentrations. In conclusion, despite its safety, the 2x concentration of ADA was the only dose that did not ignite the expression of any of the studied inflammatory and fibrogenesis genes. This dosage, which is roughly equal to 2 mg intravitreal dose in a clinical setting, might be referred to as a reference starting point for future in-vivo studies in ocular conditions.

Challenges for further successful development of tumor necrosis factor targeting therapies for uveitis

INTRODUCTION

Uveitis is a heterogeneous group of ocular conditions characterized by inflammation of the uveal tract and is one of the leading causes of vision impairment. In developed countries, noninfectious uveitis (NIU) represents most cases and is challenging to treat due to its severity, chronicity, and high recurrence rates. The advent of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) agents have dramatically improved outcomes and changed treatment paradigms in NIU.

AREAS COVERED

The index article summarizes the present experience of anti-TNF-α agents in NIU pharmacotherapy and highlights the barriers to further research and development of anti-TNF-α agents for uveitis. Common challenges faced in NIU clinical drugs trials, specific difficulties in anti-TNF-α drug development, and promising competitor drug candidates are discussed and evaluated.

EXPERT OPINION

Anti-TNF-α agents have revolutionized NIU pharmacotherapy and greatly improved outcomes with good safety profiles. The great success of systemic infliximab and adalimumab in NIU treatment has resulted in little impetus for further development of this class of medication. Attempts have been made to deliver anti-TNF-α agents intravitreally but that has not been successful thus far. With expiring patents, competition from biosimilars and newer, novel molecules, it may not be viable to continue pursuing anti-TNF-α drug development.

The Challenge of Treating the Severest Forms of Chronic Noninfectious Posterior and Panuveitis

BACKGROUND

Noninfectious posterior and panuveitis may exhibit a chronic relapsing clinical course and are challenging to treat. Most affected patients are continuously treated with systemic immunosuppressive therapy, which is potentially associated with significant adverse side effects.

METHODS

A cohort of 18 patients presenting with severe noninfectious posterior or panuveitis were evaluated with respect to the clinical course of the disease, with particular focus on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), treatment duration, remission rates, reported negative side effects, and the necessity for switching medication.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 27.8 months. Although BCVA improved significantly, complete or partial remission was observed in only 66.7% of patients. Of the patients, 72.2% underwent a change in medical treatment due to either adverse events or inefficacy of medication.

CONCLUSION

Despite new immunosuppressive therapies, effective treatment of severe noninfectious posterior and panuveitis remains a major challenge. We discuss the urgent need for novel treatment strategies in order to prevent systemic adverse effects, and to improve visual outcome and quality of life.

Behçet uveitis: Current practice and future perspectives

Described as early as Hippocrates in his “Third Book of Endemic Diseases,” Behçet's Disease (BD), also known as “The Silk Road Disease” following its initial demographics, consists of a triad of recurrent oro-genital ulcers and associated uveitis. Current demographics and rising percentages of patients seen far beyond the Silk Road in Ocular Inflammatory Disease and Uveitis Clinics list BD uveitis as one of the frontliners of non-infectious autoinflammatory eye diseases. Clinical features of BD and juvenile-onset BD are detailed alongside various approaches in classification and suggested algorithms for diagnosis that are outlined in this review. With the ongoing Human Microbiome Project and studies such as the MAMBA study, the role of the human microbiome in BD is highlighted in the pathophysiology of BD to include the current research and literature perspective. Furthermore, with the advancement of recent diagnostic and investigative techniques, especially in the field of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), disease-related characteristics are updated to encompass SD, EDI and OCT-angiography characteristics of BD. Having entered the era of biologic therapy, the role of various specific cytokine-blocking biologic drugs, such as TNF-α inhibitors (e.g., adalimumab, infliximab), interferon α-2a inhibitors, IL-6 and IL-1 inhibitors are presented and contrasted alongside the conventional immunosuppressant drugs and the classic old gold standard: corticosteroids (systemic or local). Finally, with the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it was not possible to conclude the review without reviewing the latest evidence-based literature reporting BD morbidity in this era, the observed pattern and treatment recommendations as well as those related to reported post-vaccine complications and emergence of BD.

Topical Ocular Anti-TNFα Agent Licaminlimab in the Treatment of Acute Anterior Uveitis: A Randomized Phase II Pilot Study

Purpose

Licaminlimab is a new anti-TNFα antibody fragment for topical ocular application. This phase II study assessed the tolerability, treatment effect, and pharmacokinetics of licaminlimab in acute anterior uveitis (AAU).

Methods

In this multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, double-masked study, 43 adult patients with non-infectious AAU and Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) anterior chamber (AC) cell score of 2+ or 3+ were randomized (3:1 ratio) to licaminlimab (60 mg/mL, 8 drops/day for 15 days, 4 drops/day for 7 days, then matching vehicle for 7 days) or dexamethasone eye drops (8 drops/day for 15 days, tapering to 1 drop/day over 14 days). The primary efficacy end point was clinical response (≥2-step decrease in AC cell grade at day 15). A treatment effect was considered as established if the lower limit of the 95% posterior interval of the responder rate was >30%. Serum levels of licaminlimab were determined.

Results

The day 15 response rate for licaminlimab was 56%; the lower bound of the 95% credible interval was 40% (i.e. >30%), demonstrating a treatment effect according to prespecified criteria. By day 4, 36% of licaminlimab-treated patients were responders; 76% had an AC cell grade of 0 on ≥1 post-treatment visit. The day 15 dexamethasone response rate was 90% (no inferential between-arm comparison was planned). Both treatments were well-tolerated. Intraocular pressure increased from baseline with dexamethasone but not licaminlimab. Licaminlimab was undetectable in serum in most patients.

Conclusions

Licaminlimab is the first biologic demonstrated to have a treatment effect on an intraocular condition with topical ocular application. The trial met its primary objective and the observed responder rate for licaminlimab was 56.0%. Ocular administration of licaminlimab was well-tolerated in adult subjects with AAU for up to 35 days.

Identifying and Treating Ocular Manifestations in Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin condition that commonly presents with red, thickened, and scaling plaques. Given the prominent cutaneous manifestations of psoriasis, more subtle ophthalmic findings of the disease may initially go undetected, with the potential for significant ocular morbidity. Associated ocular disease can involve nearly any structure of the eye, with the eyelids most commonly being affected, resulting in relatively common signs and symptoms of ocular surface discomfort. The presence of intraocular inflammation (i.e., uveitis) or retinal involvement carry a heightened risk of vision loss, and are often more difficult to diagnose outside of the ophthalmology clinic. Early detection and treatment of ocular disease can limit morbidity and are critical to the management of these patients, which requires coordination of care between dermatologists and ophthalmologists. The objective of this article was to review the most common ocular conditions that affect psoriatic patients, when to consider referral to an ophthalmologist, and to summarize the adverse ocular effects of current psoriasis treatments.

A Review of Ocular Drug Delivery Platforms and Drugs for Infectious and Noninfectious Uveitis: The Past, Present, and Future

Uveitis refers to a broad group of inflammatory disorders of the eye that often require medical and surgical management to improve or stabilize vision and prevent vision-threatening pathological changes to the eye. Drug delivery to the eye to combat inflammation and subsequent complications from uveitic conditions is complex as there are multiple barriers to absorption limiting availability of the needed drug in the affected tissues. As such, there has been substantial interest in developing new drugs and drug delivery platforms to help reduce intraocular inflammation and its complications. In this review, we discuss the challenges of drug delivery, novel technologies recently approved for uveitis patient care and promising drug delivery platforms for uveitis and sequelae of ocular inflammation.

A Non-Infectious Uveitis Multidisciplinary Clinic in a Tertiary Referral Center: Clinical Impact and Added Value

Non-infectious uveitis (NIU) is a group of sight-threatening diseases that generates significant burden for the healthcare systems due to its adverse outcomes, irreversible structural complications in the eye with loss of visual function, limited clinical expertise and low-grade evidence for best practice. The usefulness of multidisciplinary care, specifically close collaboration between Rheumatologists and Ophthalmologists in NIU, has been emphasized in the literature. In this paper, the assessment tools and protocols used in our clinic are depicted and an overview of our activity with a brief description of the patients included in our registry, between 2018 and 2020 is provided. The cohort of 290 patients assessed in our NIU clinic, their demographics, sources of referral, details about immunosuppression treatment, and internal and external collaborations is described. This experience-based manuscript aims to describe the general functioning of our multidisciplinary NIU clinic, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of multidisciplinary team management in patients with NIU, ultimately initiating a dialogue on what an NIU clinic should be and providing information for newly NIU clinics start-up. In conclusion, establishing a standardized and multidisciplinary clinic in NIU allows to systematically observe and follow-up this infrequent disease at a tertiary hospital level, thus improving quality of care delivery and research avenues.

Intravitreal administration of adalimumab delays retinal degeneration in rd10 mice

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal dystrophies characterized by the progressive and irreversible loss of vision. We previously found that intraperitoneal administration of Adalimumab, a monoclonal anti-TNFα antibody, slowed down retinal degeneration in the murine model of RP, the rd10 mice. The aims of this study were to improve its neuroprotective effect and to deepen understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in this effect. We analyzed (i) the in vitro effect of Adalimumab on the TNFα-mediated cell death in retinal cells; (ii) the effect of a single intravitreal injection of Adalimumab on retinal degeneration in rd10 mice at postnatal day (P) 23. In vitro studies showed that TNFα induced caspase and poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) activation, downregulation of (kinase receptor-interacting protein 1) RIPK1 and upregulation of RIPK3 in retinal cells. Adalimumab reduced cell death probably through the inhibition of caspase 3 activation. In vivo studies suggested that PARP and NLRP3 inflammasome are mainly activated and to a lesser extent caspase-dependent mechanisms in rd10 retinas at P23. Necroptosis seems to be inhibited by the downregulation of RIPK1. Adalimumab prevented from retinal degeneration without affecting caspase -dependent mechanisms but decreasing PARP activation, microglia activation as well as NLRP3 inflammasome.

New Pharmacological Strategies for the Treatment of Non-Infectious Uveitis. A Minireview

Non-infectious uveitis (NIU) is a group of disorders characterized by intraocular inflammation at different levels of the eye. NIU is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in working-age population in the developed world. The goal of uveitis treatment is to control inflammation, prevent recurrences, and preserve vision, as well as minimize the adverse effects of medications. Currently, the standard of care for NIU includes the administration of corticosteroids (CS) as first-line agents, but in some cases a more aggressive therapy is required. This includes synthetic immunosuppressants, such as antimetabolites (methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, and azathioprine), calcineurinic inhibitors (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), and alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil). In those patients who become intolerant or refractory to CS and conventional immunosuppressive treatment, biologic agents have arisen as an effective therapy. Among the most evaluated treatments, TNF-α inhibitors, IL blockers, and anti-CD20 therapy have emerged. In this regard, anti-TNF agents (infliximab and adalimumab) have shown the strongest results in terms of favorable outcomes. In this review, we discuss latest evidence concerning to the effectiveness of biologic therapy, and present new therapeutic approaches directed against immune components as potential novel therapies for NIU.

A Translational Study of TNF-Alpha Antagonists as an Adjunctive Therapy for Preventing Hemophilic Arthropathy

Repeated intra-articular hemorrhages lead to hemophilic arthropathy in severe hemophilia. Inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)) might be involved in this pathogenesis. We hypothesized that anti-TNFα may provide adjuvant protection for hemophilic arthropathy management. We measured TNFα in synovial lavage from hemophilia mice subjected to hemarthrosis induction and synovial fluid from patients with hemophilic arthropathy (n = 5). In hemophilia mice, recurrent hemarthroses were induced, anti-TNFα was initiated either from day (D)7 after one hemarthrosis episode or D21 after three hemarthroses episodes (n ≥ 7/treatment group). In patients with hemophilic arthropathy (16 patients with 17 affected joints), a single dose of anti-TNFα was administered intra-articularly. Efficacy, characterized by synovial membrane thickness and vascularity, was determined. Elevated TNFα in synovial lavage was found in the hemophilia mice and patients with hemophilic arthropathy. Hemophilia mice subjected to three hemarthroses developed severe synovitis (Synovitis score of 6.0 ± 1.6). Factor IX (FIX) replacement alone partially improved the pathological changes (Synovitis score of 4.2 ± 0.8). However, anti-TNFα treatment initiated at D7, not D21, significantly provided protection (Synovitis score of 1.8 ± 0.9 vs. 3.9 ± 0.3). In patients with hemophilic arthropathy, intra-articular anti-TNFα significantly decreased synovial thickness and vascularity during the observed period from D7 to D30. Collectively, this preliminary study seems to indicate that TNFα may be associated with the pathogenicity of hemophilic arthropathy and anti-TNFα could provide adjuvant protection against hemophilic arthropathy. Further studies are required to confirm the preliminary results shown in this study.

Uveitis Therapy With Shark Variable Novel Antigen Receptor Domains Targeting Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha or Inducible T-Cell Costimulatory Ligand

Purpose

We assess the efficacy of two next-generation biologic therapies in treating experimental autoimmune uveitis.

Methods

Variable binding domains from shark immunoglobulin novel antigen receptors (VNARs) were fused with a mouse IgG2a constant domain (Fc) to generate VNAR-Fc molecules with binding specificity to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) or inducible T-cell costimulatory ligand (ICOSL). Treatment with VNAR-Fc fusion proteins was compared to treatment with dexamethasone or vehicle in the Lewis rat model of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). Inflammation control was determined by comparing OCT clinical and histologic scores, and aqueous humor protein concentration. The concentration of 27 inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humor was measured using a multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay platform.

Results

Administration of S17-Fc significantly decreased clinical, histologic, and aqueous protein levels when compared to vehicle treatment. Inflammation scores and aqueous protein levels in A5-Fc–treated animals were decreased compared to vehicle treatment, but not significantly. The concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1α), interleukin (IL)-1β, LPS-induced CXC chemokine (LIX), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and interferon (IFN)-γ were significantly decreased in the eyes of animals treated with dexamethasone. VNAR treatment demonstrated a trend towards decreased cytokine concentrations, but only VEGF and RANTES were significantly decreased by S17-Fc.

Conclusions

Treatment with the anti-TNFα VNAR S17-Fc ameliorates EAU as effectively as treatment with corticosteroids.

Translational Relevance

VNAR-Fc molecules are a next-generation therapeutic biologic that overcome the limitations of classical biologic monoclonal antibodies, such as complex structure, large size, and limited tissue penetration. This is a novel drug modality that could result in the development of new therapy options for patients with noninfectious uveitis.

Emerging drugs for the treatment of noninfectious uveitis

Introduction: Uveitis is a leading cause of visual impairment and a significant burden of blindness. Although corticosteroids and conventional immunosuppressive agents have been successfully used, these are non-specific, and their long-term use may induce significant adverse effects. Areas covered: This article discusses existing local and systemic applied treatments for ocular inflammation including corticosteroids, non-biologic, and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD). Potential drugs being studied in clinical trials are introduced for both local and systemic use. Expert opinion: Treatment options for uveitis continue to expand. Still, more efforts and research are needed to better understand the mechanisms potentially leading to clinical trials.

Miliary tuberculosis developing during adalimumab treatment for Behçet's disease with uveitis

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a key proinflammatory cytokine in non-infective uveitis (NIU). Adalimumab, an anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody, is approved for the treatment of severe NIU by the European Medicines Agency. There is a recognised risk of serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB), during anti-TNF-α therapy in systemic immune-mediated diseases. We describe miliary pulmonary TB during adalimumab therapy for severe NIU. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed report of this complication in a patient with uveitis. We present the challenges of managing vision-threatening uveitis during life-threatening infection necessitating withdrawal of adalimumab and oral immunosuppression therapy. Uveitis activity was controlled during anti-TB therapy with oral corticosteroid therapy.

Non-viral ocular gene therapy, pEYS606, for the treatment of non-infectious uveitis: Preclinical evaluation of the medicinal product

Non-infectious uveitis (NIU) is the first cause of blindness that can be cured if optimal anti-inflammatory therapy can be achieved. Systemic anti-TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) agents have been recently approved for NIU but no local delivery of anti-TNF is available. For sustained production of secreted therapeutic proteins into the eye, non-viral gene therapy using plasmid electrotransfer in the ciliary muscle has been proposed. In this paper, we report the development steps of pEYS606, a clinical-grade plasmid DNA, devoid of antiobiotic selection gene, encoding a fusion protein consisting of the extracellular domain of the soluble p55 TNF-α receptor linked to the human IgG1 Fc domain (hTNFR-Is/hIgG1 or Protein 6), with high affinity for human TNF-α, for non-viral gene transfer into the ocular ciliary muscle. Electrotransfer of pEYS606 in the ciliary muscle significantly reduced ocular inflammation in two well-established rat models of uveitis, the endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) and the experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). In addition, in EAU, a significant protection of photoreceptors was demonstrated after pEYS606 treatment. The improved pharmacokinetic profile of intraocularly-secreted protein as compared to direct intravitreous injection of recombinant protein allowed to demonstrate Protein 6 efficacy at very low concentrations. Based on these results, a phase I/II clinical trial is conducted [ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03308045].