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Himmelbauer M, Bajrami B, Basile R, Capacci A, Chen T, Choi CK, Gilfillan R, Gonzalez-Lopez de Turiso F, Gu C, Hoemberger M, Johnson DS, Jones JH, Kadakia E, Kirkland M, Lin EY, Liu Y, Ma B, Magee T, Mantena S, Marx IE, Metrick CM, Mingueneau M, Murugan P, Muste CA, Nadella P, Nevalainen M, Parker Harp CR, Pattaropong V, Pietrasiewicz A, Prince RJ, Purgett TJ, Santoro JC, Schulz J, Sciabola S, Tang H, Vandeveer HG, Wang T, Yousaf Z, Helal CJ, Hopkins BT. Discovery and Preclinical Characterization of BIIB129, a Covalent, Selective, and Brain-Penetrant BTK Inhibitor for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8122-8140. [PMID: 38712838 PMCID: PMC11129193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00220] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with an underlying pathology characterized by inflammation-driven neuronal loss, axonal injury, and demyelination. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase and member of the TEC family of kinases, is involved in the regulation, migration, and functional activation of B cells and myeloid cells in the periphery and the central nervous system (CNS), cell types which are deemed central to the pathology contributing to disease progression in MS patients. Herein, we describe the discovery of BIIB129 (25), a structurally distinct and brain-penetrant targeted covalent inhibitor (TCI) of BTK with an unprecedented binding mode responsible for its high kinome selectivity. BIIB129 (25) demonstrated efficacy in disease-relevant preclinical in vivo models of B cell proliferation in the CNS, exhibits a favorable safety profile suitable for clinical development as an immunomodulating therapy for MS, and has a low projected total human daily dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin
K. Himmelbauer
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Bekim Bajrami
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Rebecca Basile
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Andrew Capacci
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - TeYu Chen
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Colin K. Choi
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Rab Gilfillan
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | | | - Chungang Gu
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Marc Hoemberger
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Douglas S. Johnson
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - J. Howard Jones
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Ekta Kadakia
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Melissa Kirkland
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Edward Y. Lin
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Ying Liu
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Bin Ma
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Tom Magee
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Srinivasa Mantena
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Isaac E. Marx
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Claire M. Metrick
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Michael Mingueneau
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Paramasivam Murugan
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Cathy A. Muste
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Prasad Nadella
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Marta Nevalainen
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Chelsea R. Parker Harp
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Vatee Pattaropong
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Alicia Pietrasiewicz
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Robin J. Prince
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Thomas J. Purgett
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Joseph C. Santoro
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Jurgen Schulz
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Simone Sciabola
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Hao Tang
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - H. George Vandeveer
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Ti Wang
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Zain Yousaf
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Christopher J. Helal
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Brian T. Hopkins
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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2
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Montalban X, Piasecka-Stryczynska K, Kuhle J, Benkert P, Arnold DL, Weber MS, Seitzinger A, Guehring H, Shaw J, Tomic D, Hyvert Y, Harlow DE, Dyroff M, Wolinsky JS. Efficacy and safety results after >3.5 years of treatment with the Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor evobrutinib in relapsing multiple sclerosis: Long-term follow-up of a Phase II randomised clinical trial with a cerebrospinal fluid sub-study. Mult Scler 2024; 30:558-570. [PMID: 38436271 PMCID: PMC11080380 DOI: 10.1177/13524585241234783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evobrutinib - an oral, central nervous system (CNS)-penetrant, and highly selective Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor - has shown efficacy in a 48-week, double-blind, Phase II trial in patients with relapsing MS. OBJECTIVE Report results of the Phase II open-label extension (OLE; up to week 192 from randomisation) and a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sub-study. METHODS In the 48-week double-blind period (DBP), patients received evobrutinib 25 mg once-daily, 75 mg once-daily, 75 mg twice-daily or placebo (switched to evobrutinib 25 mg once-daily after week 24). Patients could then enter the OLE, receiving evobrutinib 75 mg once-daily (mean (± standard deviation (SD)) duration = 50.6 weeks (±6.0)) before switching to 75 mg twice-daily. RESULTS Of 164 evobrutinib-treated patients who entered the OLE, 128 (78.0%) completed ⩾192 weeks of treatment. Patients receiving DBP evobrutinib 75 mg twice-daily: annualised relapse rate at week 48 (0.11 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.04-0.25)) was maintained with the OLE twice-daily dose up to week 192 (0.11 (0.05-0.22)); Expanded Disability Status Scale score remained stable; serum neurofilament light chain fell to levels like a non-MS population (Z-scores); T1 gadolinium-enhancing lesion numbers remained low. No new safety signals were identified. In the OLE, evobrutinib was detected in the CSF of all sub-study patients. CONCLUSION Long-term evobrutinib treatment was well tolerated and associated with a sustained low level of disease activity. Evobrutinib was present in CSF at concentrations similar to plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Montalban
- Centre d’Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Jens Kuhle
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, MS Center and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Benkert
- Clinical Trial Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Douglas L Arnold
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; NeuroRx, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martin S Weber
- Institute of Neuropathology, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Fraunhofer-Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Jamie Shaw
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA
| | - Davorka Tomic
- Ares Trading SA, Eysins, Switzerland, an affiliate of Merck KGaA
| | | | - Danielle E Harlow
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA
| | - Martin Dyroff
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA
| | - Jerry S Wolinsky
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), Houston, TX, USA
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3
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Greenberg BM. Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment: A New Frontier. Neurol Clin 2024; 42:155-163. [PMID: 37980113 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2023.07.006] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause significant disability to patients via relapse-associated worsening and progression independent of relapses. The causes of neuronal and myelin damage can include lymphocyte-mediated inflammation and microglial activation. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an enzyme that mediates B cell activation and the proinflammatory phenotype of microglia. Inhibiting BTK provides a novel therapeutic target for MS but also has a complicated pharmacology based on binding specificity, CNS penetration, half-life, and enzyme inhibition characteristics. Multiple agents are being studied in phase 3 trials, and each agent will have unique efficacy and safety profiles that must be considered individually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Greenberg
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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4
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Martin DA, Telliez JB, Pleasic-Williams S, Zhang Y, Tierney B, Blatnik M, Gale JD, Banfield C, Zhou Y, Lejeune A, Zwillich SH, Stevens E, Tiwari N, Kieras E, Karanam A. Target Occupancy and Functional Inhibition of JAK3 and TEC Family Kinases by Ritlecitinib in Healthy Adults: An Open-Label, Phase 1 Study. J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 64:67-79. [PMID: 37691236 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.2347] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Ritlecitinib is a small molecule in clinical development that covalently and irreversibly inhibits Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) and the TEC family of kinases (BTK, BMX, ITK, TXK, and TEC). This phase 1, open-label, parallel-group study assessed target occupancy and functional effects of ritlecitinib on JAK3 and TEC family kinases in healthy participants aged 18-60 years who received 50 or 200 mg single doses of ritlecitinib on day 1. Blood samples to assess ritlecitinib pharmacokinetics, target occupancy, and pharmacodynamics were collected over 48 hours. Target occupancy was assessed using mass spectroscopy. Functional inhibition of JAK3-dependent signaling was measured by the inhibition of the phosphorylation of its downstream target signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (pSTAT5), following activation by interleukin 15 (IL-15). The functional inhibition of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK)-dependent signaling was measured by the reduction in the upregulation of cluster of differentiation 69 (CD69), an early marker of B-cell activation, following treatment with anti-immunoglobulin D. Eight participants received one 50 mg ritlecitinib dose and 8 participants received one 200 mg dose. Ritlecitinib plasma exposure increased in an approximately dose-proportional manner from 50 to 200 mg. The maximal median JAK3 target occupancy was 72% for 50 mg and 64% for 200 mg. Ritlecitinib 50 mg had >94% maximal target occupancy of all TEC kinases, except BMX (87%), and 200 mg had >97% for all TEC kinases. For BTK and TEC, ritlecitinib maintained high target occupancy throughout a period of 48 hours. Ritlecitinib reduced pSTAT5 levels following IL-15- and BTK-dependent signaling in a dose-dependent manner. These target occupancy and functional assays demonstrate the dual inhibition of the JAK3- and BTK-dependent pathways by ritlecitinib. Further studies are needed to understand the contribution to clinical effects of inhibiting these pathways.
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Hartung HP, Cree BA, Barnett M, Meuth SG, Bar-Or A, Steinman L. Bioavailable central nervous system disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1290666. [PMID: 38162670 PMCID: PMC10755740 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1290666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Disease-modifying therapies for relapsing multiple sclerosis reduce relapse rates by suppressing peripheral immune cells but have limited efficacy in progressive forms of the disease where cells in the central nervous system play a critical role. To our knowledge, alemtuzumab, fumarates (dimethyl, diroximel, and monomethyl), glatiramer acetates, interferons, mitoxantrone, natalizumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, and teriflunomide are either limited to the periphery or insufficiently studied to confirm direct central nervous system effects in participants with multiple sclerosis. In contrast, cladribine and sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators (fingolimod, ozanimod, ponesimod, and siponimod) are central nervous system-penetrant and could have beneficial direct central nervous system properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Bruce A.C. Cree
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Michael Barnett
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sven G. Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Amit Bar-Or
- Center for Neuroinflammation and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lawrence Steinman
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Beckman Center for Molecular Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States
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6
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Krämer J, Bar-Or A, Turner TJ, Wiendl H. Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors for multiple sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:289-304. [PMID: 37055617 PMCID: PMC10100639 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00800-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Current therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) reduce both relapses and relapse-associated worsening of disability, which is assumed to be mainly associated with transient infiltration of peripheral immune cells into the central nervous system (CNS). However, approved therapies are less effective at slowing disability accumulation in patients with MS, in part owing to their lack of relevant effects on CNS-compartmentalized inflammation, which has been proposed to drive disability. Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an intracellular signalling molecule involved in the regulation of maturation, survival, migration and activation of B cells and microglia. As CNS-compartmentalized B cells and microglia are considered central to the immunopathogenesis of progressive MS, treatment with CNS-penetrant BTK inhibitors might curtail disease progression by targeting immune cells on both sides of the blood-brain barrier. Five BTK inhibitors that differ in selectivity, strength of inhibition, binding mechanisms and ability to modulate immune cells within the CNS are currently under investigation in clinical trials as a treatment for MS. This Review describes the role of BTK in various immune cells implicated in MS, provides an overview of preclinical data on BTK inhibitors and discusses the (largely preliminary) data from clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Krämer
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Amit Bar-Or
- Center for Neuroinflammation and Neurotherapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
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7
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Dybowski S, Torke S, Weber MS. Targeting B Cells and Microglia in Multiple Sclerosis With Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: A Review. JAMA Neurol 2023; 80:404-414. [PMID: 36780171 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.5332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Importance Currently, disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) use 4 mechanisms of action: immune modulation, suppressing immune cell proliferation, inhibiting immune cell migration, or cellular depletion. Over the last decades, the repertoire substantially increased because of the conceptual progress that not only T cells but also B cells play an important pathogenic role in MS, fostered by the empirical success of B cell-depleting antibodies against the surface molecule CD20. Notwithstanding this advance, a continuous absence of B cells may harbor safety risks, such as a decline in the endogenous production of immunoglobulins. Accordingly, novel B cell-directed MS therapies are in development, such as inhibitors targeting Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK). Observations BTK is centrally involved in the B cell receptor-mediated activation of B cells, one key requirement in the development of autoreactive B cells, but also in the activation of myeloid cells, such as macrophages and microglia. Various compounds in development differ in their binding mode, selectivity and specificity, relative inhibitory concentration, and potential to enter the central nervous system. The latter may be important in assessing whether BTK inhibition is a promising strategy to control inflammatory circuits within the brain, the key process that is assumed to drive MS progression. Accordingly, clinical trials using BTK inhibitors are currently conducted in patients with relapsing-remitting MS as well as progressive MS, so far generating encouraging data regarding efficacy and safety. Conclusions and Relevance While the novel approach of targeting BTK is highly promising, several questions remain unanswered, such as the long-term effects of using BTK inhibitors in the treatment of inflammatory CNS disease. Potential changes in circulating antibody levels should be evaluated and compared with B cell depletion. Also important is the potential of BTK inhibitors to enter the CNS, which depends on the given compound. Remaining questions involve where BTK inhibitors fit in the landscape of MS therapeutics. A comparative analysis of their distinct properties is necessary to identify which inhibitors may be used in relapsing vs progressive forms of MS as well as to clarify which agent may be most suitable for sequential use after anti-CD20 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dybowski
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Torke
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin S Weber
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Göttingen, Germany
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8
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Montalban X, Wallace D, Genovese MC, Tomic D, Parsons-Rich D, Le Bolay C, Kao AH, Guehring H. Characterisation of the safety profile of evobrutinib in over 1000 patients from phase II clinical trials in multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: an integrated safety analysis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2023; 94:1-9. [PMID: 36418156 PMCID: PMC9763187 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-328799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Analyse the integrated safety profile of evobrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi), using pooled data from multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) trials. METHODS Phase II, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial data were analysed (N=1083; MS: n=213, 48 weeks (W); RA: n=390, 12W; SLE: n=480, 52W). The analysis included all patients who received ≥1 dose of evobrutinib (25 mg or 75 mg once daily, or 50 mg or 75 mgtwice daily) or placebo. Descriptive statistics and exposure-adjusted incidence rates (EAIR) were used to report treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). RESULTS Data from 1083 patients were pooled: evobrutinib, n=861; placebo, n=271 (sum >1083 due to MS trial design: n=49 received both placebo (W0-24) and evobrutinib 25 mg (W25-48)); median follow-up time (pt-years): evobrutinib, 0.501; placebo, 0.463. Across indications, the proportion of patients with TEAEs and the EAIR were similar for evobrutinib and placebo (66.2% (247.6 events/100 pt-years) vs 62.4% (261.4 events/100 pt-years)). By indication, the EAIR (events/100 pt-years) of TEAEs for evobrutinib versus placebo were: MS: 119.7 vs 148.3; RA: 331.8 vs 306.8; SLE: 343.0 vs 302.1. Two fatal events occurred (in SLE). The serious infections EAIR was 2.7 and 2.1 events/100 pt-years for evobrutinib and placebo. For previously reported BTKi-class effects, the EAIR of transient elevated alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase TEAEs (events/100 pt-years) with evobrutinib versus placebo was 4.8 vs 2.8/3.5 vs 0.7, respectively. IgG levels were similar in evobrutinib/placebo-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS This is the first BTKi-integrated safety analysis that includes patients with MS. Overall, evobrutinib treatment (all doses) was generally well tolerated across indications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS NCT02975349, NCT03233230, NCT02975336.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Montalban
- Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology, Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Wallace
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mark C Genovese
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Davorka Tomic
- Global Clinical Development, Ares Trading SA, Eysins, Switzerland, an affiliate of Merck KGaA
| | - Dana Parsons-Rich
- Global Clinical Development, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA (affiliation at the time the research was conducted)
- ECD-Early Clinical Development, Pfizer, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Amy H Kao
- Translational Innovation Platform in Immunology & Neuroscience, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA
| | - Hans Guehring
- Global Patient Safety, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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9
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Papasouliotis O, Mitchell D, Girard P, Dyroff M. Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling of evobrutinib in healthy adult participants. Clin Transl Sci 2022; 15:2899-2908. [PMID: 36165192 PMCID: PMC9747113 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Evobrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, has shown therapeutic potential in relapsing multiple sclerosis. This analysis aimed to develop pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD; BTK occupancy [BTKO]) models of evobrutinib and simulate PK and BTKO profiles under alternative dosing regimens. Data were obtained from two phase I evobrutinib studies in healthy adult participants (Japanese and non-Japanese). Overall, 2326 observations were available from 76 participants; n = 42 from Study MS200527_0017 Part A received evobrutinib 25, 75, or 200 mg once-daily oral doses for 6 days while fasted; n = 18 from Study MS200527_0019 and n = 16 from Study MS200527_0017 Part B received single evobrutinib 75 mg oral doses with food (low-fat meal) and while fasted. Population PK/PD modeling for evobrutinib concentrations and BTKO (fraction unbound) were performed using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. The effect of once-daily/twice-daily regimens and doses of 10-200 mg on BTKO were simulated. A two-compartment model with sequential zero-first order absorption and first-order elimination adequately described the data. Bioavailability increased by 49% with food compared with when fasted. There was no difference in PK parameters between Japanese and non-Japanese participants. The BTKO profile of evobrutinib was described by the irreversible binding population model. The simulated percentage of participants with minimum BTKO increased in a dose-dependent manner across the BTKO thresholds of interest (70%, 80%, 90%, and 95% occupancy). Evobrutinib doses of 25 mg once-daily, 50 mg twice-daily, or 75 mg twice-daily while fasted are possible choices for further development, assuming BTKO ≥70% at trough is needed to achieve efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orestis Papasouliotis
- Merck Institute for Pharmacometrics, Lausanne, Switzerland, an affiliate of Merck KGaADarmstadtGermany
| | | | - Pascal Girard
- Merck Institute for Pharmacometrics, Lausanne, Switzerland, an affiliate of Merck KGaADarmstadtGermany
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10
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Papasouliotis O, Mitchell D, Girard P, Dangond F, Dyroff M. Determination of a clinically effective evobrutinib dose: Exposure-response analyses of a phase II relapsing multiple sclerosis study. Clin Transl Sci 2022; 15:2888-2898. [PMID: 36126241 PMCID: PMC9747124 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacometric analysis of the double-blind, randomized, phase II study (NCT02975349) investigating the safety and efficacy of evobrutinib, explored exposure-response relationships and suitable dosing regimens of evobrutinib for relapsing multiple sclerosis. Population pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic modeling was applied to data collected in fasted patients treated with placebo or evobrutinib (25 mg once-daily [q.d.], 75 mg q.d., or 75 mg twice-daily [b.i.d.]) for 24 weeks, followed by a 24-week blinded extension (placebo patients switched to 25 mg q.d.). Model-based exposures for PK and Bruton's tyrosine kinase occupancy (BTKO) were used for exposure-response analyses (maximum 207 patients). PK, BTKO profiles, and annualized relapse rate (ARR) after 48 weeks of treatment under alternative dosing regimens were simulated. Exposure-response modeling identified a relationship between evobrutinib exposure and clinical response for total number of T1 Gd+ and new/enlarging T2 lesions at weeks 12-24, and ARR at week 48. Area under the concentration-time curve over 24 h at steady-state (AUC0-24,SS ) of 468 and ≥400 ng/ml h was associated with T1 Gd+/T2 lesion reduction and ARR improvement, respectively. These exposures were associated with steady-state (SS) predose BTKO ≥95%. Based on PK and BTKO profile simulations, evobrutinib 75 mg b.i.d. while fasted is predicted to maintain SS predose BTKO >95% in 92% of patients. Evobrutinib 45 mg b.i.d. with food is predicted to achieve similar exposure as 75 mg b.i.d. while fasted (predose BTKO >95% in 93% of patients). Evobrutinib 45 mg b.i.d. with food is predicted to have comparable exposure and BTKO to 75 mg b.i.d. without food (phase II) and will be pharmacologically effective and appropriate for clinical use in phase III multiple sclerosis studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orestis Papasouliotis
- Merck Institute for PharmacometricsLausanneSwitzerland, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Pascal Girard
- Merck Institute for PharmacometricsLausanneSwitzerland, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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11
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Bruton's Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Immunological Diseases: Current Status and Perspectives. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11102807. [PMID: 35628931 PMCID: PMC9145705 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11102807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors has changed the management of patients with B-cell lymphoid malignancies. BTK is an important molecule that interconnects B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling. BTK inhibitors (BTKis) are classified into three categories, namely covalent irreversible inhibitors, covalent reversible inhibitors, and non-covalent reversible inhibitors. Ibrutinib is the first covalent, irreversible BTK inhibitor approved in 2013 as a breakthrough therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. Subsequently, two other covalent, irreversible, second-generation BTKis, acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib, have been developed for lymphoid malignancies to reduce the ibrutinib-mediated adverse effects. More recently, irreversible and reversible BTKis have been under development for immune-mediated diseases, including autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenia, multiple sclerosis, pemphigus vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s disease, and chronic spontaneous urticaria, among others. This review article summarizes the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the role of BTKis in various autoimmune, allergic, and inflammatory conditions.
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12
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Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that often progresses to severe disability. Previous studies have highlighted the role of T cells in disease pathophysiology; however, the success of B-cell-targeted therapies has led to an increased interest in how B cells contribute to disease immunopathology. In this review, we summarize evidence of B-cell involvement in MS disease mechanisms, starting with pathology and moving on to review aspects of B cell immunobiology potentially relevant to MS. We describe current theories of critical B cell contributions to the inflammatory CNS milieu in MS, namely (i) production of autoantibodies, (ii) antigen presentation, (iii) production of proinflammatory cytokines (bystander activation), and (iv) EBV involvement. In the second part of the review, we summarize medications that have targeted B cells in patients with MS and their current position in the therapeutic armamentarium based on clinical trials and real-world data. Covered therapeutic strategies include the targeting of surface molecules such as CD20 (rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, ublituximab) and CD19 (inebilizumab), and molecules necessary for B-cell activation such as B cell activating factor (BAFF) (belimumab) and Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) (evobrutinib). We finally discuss the use of B-cell-targeted therapeutics in pregnancy.
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13
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Ucpinar S, Darpo B, Neale A, Nunn P, Shu J, Chu KA, Kavanagh M, Xue H, Phiasivongsa P, Thomas D, Smith PF. A thorough QTc study to evaluate the effects of oral rilzabrutinib administered alone and with ritonavir in healthy subjects. Clin Transl Sci 2022; 15:1507-1518. [PMID: 35301810 PMCID: PMC9199881 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to define the clinically relevant supratherapeutic dose of rilzabrutinib, an oral Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, and evaluate potential effects of therapeutic and supratherapeutic exposures on cardiac repolarization in healthy subjects. This was a two‐part phase I study (anzctr.org.au ACTRN12618001036202). Part A was a randomized, open‐label, three‐period, single‐dose crossover study (n = 12) with rilzabrutinib 100 mg ± ritonavir 100 mg or rilzabrutinib 1200 mg. Part B was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, four‐way, single‐dose crossover study (n = 39) with matched placebo, rilzabrutinib 400 mg ± ritonavir 100 mg, or moxifloxacin (positive control). Primary objectives: part A – pharmacokinetics (PK) of rilzabrutinib ± ritonavir, safety, and optimal dose for Part B; Part B – effect of rilzabrutinib therapeutic and supratherapeutic concentration on electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters. ECGs and PK samples were serially recorded before and post‐dose. In part A, rilzabrutinib 100 mg + ritonavir led to 17‐fold area under the concentration–time curve (AUC0–∞) and 7‐fold maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) increases over rilzabrutinib alone. Rilzabrutinib 1200 mg was discontinued due to mild‐to‐moderate gastrointestinal intolerance. In Part B, rilzabrutinib 400 mg + ritonavir increased rilzabrutinib mean AUC0–∞ from 454 to 3800 ng h/mL and Cmax from 144 to 712 ng/mL. The concentration–QTc relationship was slightly negative, shallow (−0.01 ms/ng/mL [90% CI −0.016 to −0.001]), and an effect >10 ms on QTcF could be excluded within the observed range of plasma concentrations, up to 2500 ng/mL. Safety was similar to other studies of rilzabrutinib. In conclusion, rilzabrutinib, even at supratherapeutic doses, had no clinically relevant effects on ECG parameters, including the QTc interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibel Ucpinar
- Principia Biopharma Inc, a Sanofi company, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Ann Neale
- Principia Biopharma Inc, a Sanofi company, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Philip Nunn
- Principia Biopharma Inc, a Sanofi company, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jin Shu
- Principia Biopharma Inc, a Sanofi company, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katherine A Chu
- Principia Biopharma Inc, a Sanofi company, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marianne Kavanagh
- Principia Biopharma Inc, a Sanofi company, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Dolca Thomas
- Principia Biopharma Inc, a Sanofi company, South San Francisco, CA, USA
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14
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Schneider R, Oh J. Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition in Multiple Sclerosis. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2022; 22:721-734. [PMID: 36301434 PMCID: PMC9607648 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-022-01229-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with a chronic and often progressive disease course. The current disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) limit disease progression primarily by dampening immune cell activity in the peripheral blood or hindering their migration from the periphery into the CNS. New therapies are needed to target CNS immunopathology, which is a key driver of disability progression in MS. This article reviews Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (BTKIs), a new class of experimental therapy that is being intensely evaluated in MS. We focus on the potential peripheral and central mechanisms of action of BTKIs and their use in recent clinical trials in MS. RECENT FINDINGS There is evidence that some BTKIs cross the blood-brain barrier and may be superior to currently available DMTs at dampening the chronic neuroinflammatory processes compartmentalized within the CNS that contribute to progressive worsening in people withMS (pwMS). Recently, evobrutinib and tolebrutinib have shown efficacy in phase II clinical trials, and there are numerous ongoing phase III clinical trials of various BTKIs in relapsing and progressive forms of MS. Results from these clinical trials will be essential to understand the efficacy and safety of BTKIs across the spectrum of MS and keydifferences between specific BTKIs when treating pwMS. Inhibition of BTK has emerged as an attractive strategy to target cells of the adaptive and innate immune system outside and within the CNS. BTKIs carry great therapeutic potential across the MS spectrum, where key pathobiology aspects seem confined to the CNS compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Schneider
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, St Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health, University of Toronto, 30 Bond St, PGT 17-742, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8 Canada ,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Jiwon Oh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, St Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health, University of Toronto, 30 Bond St, PGT 17-742, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8 Canada ,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
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15
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Scheible H, Dyroff M, Seithel‐Keuth A, Harrison‐Moench E, Mammasse N, Port A, Bachmann A, Dong J, van Lier JJ, Tracewell W, Mitchell D. Evobrutinib, a covalent Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor: Mass balance, elimination route, and metabolism in healthy participants. Clin Transl Sci 2021; 14:2420-2430. [PMID: 34374206 PMCID: PMC8604242 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly selective, covalent Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor evobrutinib is under investigation for treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Early clinical studies in healthy participants and patients with relapsing MS indicated that evobrutinib is well-tolerated and effective. We undertook a mass balance study in six men who received a single 75-mg oral dose of evobrutinib containing ~ 3.6 MBq (100 μCi) 14 C-evobrutinib, to determine the absorption, metabolic pathways, and routes of excretion of evobrutinib. The primary objectives of this phase I study (NCT03725072) were to (1) determine the rates and routes of total radioactivity excretion, including the mass balance of total drug-related radioactivity in urine and feces, (2) assess the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of total radioactivity in blood and plasma, and (3) characterize the plasma PKs of evobrutinib. Exploratory end points included identifying and quantifying evobrutinib and its metabolites in plasma and excreta (urine and feces) and exploring key biotransformation pathways and clearance mechanisms. Evobrutinib was primarily eliminated in feces (arithmetic mean percentage, SD, 71.0, 2.1) and, to a lesser extent, in urine (20.6, 2.0), with most of the total radioactivity (85.3%) excreted in the first 72 h after administration. No unchanged evobrutinib was detected in excreta. Evobrutinib was rapidly absorbed and substantially metabolized upon absorption. Only one major metabolite M463-2 (MSC2430422) was identified in plasma above the 10% of total drug exposure threshold, which classifies M463-2 (MSC2430422) as a major metabolite according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA; metabolites in safety testing [MIST]) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA; International Conference on Harmonization [ICH] M3). These results support further development of evobrutinib and may help inform subsequent investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Andreas Port
- The healthcare business of Merck KGaADarmstadtGermany
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16
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Arneson LC, Carroll KJ, Ruderman EM. Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Immunotargets Ther 2021; 10:333-342. [PMID: 34485183 PMCID: PMC8409514 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s288550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are an emerging class of drugs that inhibit B cell receptor activation, FC-γ receptor signaling, and osteoclast proliferation. Following on approval for treatment of hematologic malignancies, BTK inhibitors are now under investigation to treat a number of different autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While the results of BTK inhibitors in RA animal models have been promising, the ensuing human clinical trial outcomes have been rather equivocal. This review will outline the mechanisms of BTK inhibition and its potential impact on immune mediated disease, the types of BTK inhibitors being studied for RA, the findings from both preclinical and clinical trials of BTK inhibitors in RA, and directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Arneson
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kristen J Carroll
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eric M Ruderman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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17
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Kaul M, End P, Cabanski M, Schuhler C, Jakab A, Kistowska M, Kinhikar A, Maiolica A, Sinn A, Fuhr R, Cenni B. Remibrutinib (LOU064): A selective potent oral BTK inhibitor with promising clinical safety and pharmacodynamics in a randomized phase I trial. Clin Transl Sci 2021; 14:1756-1768. [PMID: 33834628 PMCID: PMC8504815 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Safe and effective new oral therapies for autoimmune, allergic, and inflammatory conditions remain a significant therapeutic need. Here, we investigate the human pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics (PDs), and safety of the selective, covalent Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, remibrutinib. Study objectives were explored in randomized single and multiple ascending dose (SAD and MAD, respectively) cohorts with daily doses up to 600 mg, and a crossover food effect (FE) cohort, in adult healthy subjects without (SAD [n =80]/FE [n =12]) or with asymptomatic atopic diathesis (MAD [n =64]). A single oral dose of remibrutinib (0.5-600 mg) was rapidly absorbed (time to maximum concentration = 0.5 h-1.25 h) with an apparent blood clearance of 280-560 L/h and apparent volume of distribution of 400-15,000 L. With multiple doses (q.d. and b.i.d.), no pronounced accumulation of remibrutinib was detected (mean residence time was <3 h). Food intake showed no clinically relevant effect on remibrutinib exposure suggesting no need for dose adaptation. With remibrutinib doses greater than or equal to 30 mg, blood BTK occupancy was greater than 95% for at least 24 h (SAD). With MAD, remibrutinib reached near complete blood BTK occupancy at day 12 predose with greater than or equal to 10 mg q.d. Near complete basophil or skin prick test (SPT) inhibition at day 12 predose was achieved at greater than or equal to 50 mg q.d. for CD63 and at greater than or equal to 100 mg q.d. for SPT. Remibrutinib was well-tolerated at all doses without any dose-limiting toxicity. Remibrutinib showed encouraging blood and skin PDs with a favorable safety profile, supporting further development for diseases driven by mast cells, basophils, and B-cells, such as chronic spontaneous urticaria, allergic asthma, or Sjögren's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kaul
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical ResearchBaselSwitzerland
| | - Peter End
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical ResearchBaselSwitzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Arvind Kinhikar
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical ResearchCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Angela Sinn
- Early Phase Clinical UnitParexel InternationalBerlinGermany
| | - Rainard Fuhr
- Early Phase Clinical UnitParexel InternationalBerlinGermany
| | - Bruno Cenni
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical ResearchBaselSwitzerland
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18
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Zhang S, Jin S, Griffin C, Feng Z, Lin J, Baratta M, Brake R, Venkatakrishnan K, Gupta N. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of the Oral Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor Mobocertinib (TAK-788) in Healthy Volunteers: Low-Fat Meal Effect and Relative Bioavailability of 2 Capsule Products. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2021; 10:1028-1043. [PMID: 34118178 PMCID: PMC8453943 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mobocertinib (TAK‐788) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor under investigation for treatment of non–small cell lung cancer with activating EGFR exon 20 insertions. This study examined the safety; tolerability; pharmacokinetics (PK), including food effects; and bioavailability of mobocertinib in healthy volunteers. In part 1, fasted volunteers were randomized to placebo or mobocertinib in single‐ascending‐dose cohorts (20‐160 mg). In part 2, mobocertinib (120/160 mg) was administered on day 1 of periods 1 and 2 under fasted or low‐fat meal conditions (2‐period, 2‐sequence crossover design). In part 3, fasted volunteers received mobocertinib 160 mg in 1 of 2 capsule products on day 1 of periods 1 and 2 with 7‐day washout. Safety and PK parameters were assessed. Sixty‐nine volunteers were enrolled (mean age, 29 years; 75% male). The most common adverse events (AEs; ≥10% of volunteers) were gastrointestinal AEs (25%‐50%) and headache (8%‐31%). No serious AEs were reported. A low‐fat meal did not affect the PK of mobocertinib or its active metabolites. The geometric mean terminal disposition phase half‐life (20 hours) supported once‐daily dosing. The 2 capsule products were bioequivalent. These data guided dosing and supported administration of mobocertinib without regard to low‐fat meal intake in ongoing and planned clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Zhang
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USAa wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| | - Shu Jin
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USAa wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| | - Celina Griffin
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USAa wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| | - Zhongling Feng
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USAa wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| | - Jianchang Lin
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USAa wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| | - Mike Baratta
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USAa wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| | - Rachael Brake
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USAa wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| | - Karthik Venkatakrishnan
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USAa wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| | - Neeraj Gupta
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USAa wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
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19
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Esfandiari E, Chen M, Smithson G, Blair D, Faessel H, Wagner J, Mclean L, Fedyk ER. A Phase I, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Single-Dose and Multiple-Rising-Dose Study of the BTK Inhibitor TAK-020 in Healthy Subjects. Clin Transl Sci 2021; 14:820-828. [PMID: 33650758 PMCID: PMC8212709 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a target for treatment of hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases. TAK‐020 is a highly selective covalent BTK inhibitor that inhibits both B cell receptor and fragment crystallizable receptor signaling. We assessed the safety/tolerability and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PDs) of TAK‐020 in healthy subjects. Each cohort of the single‐rising dose (n = 72; 9 cohorts) and the multiple‐rising dose (n = 48; 6 cohorts) portions of the study comprised six TAK‐020‐treated and two placebo‐treated, subjects aged 18–55 years (inclusive). The PD effects were assessed by measuring BTK occupancy and the inhibition of fragment crystallizable epsilon receptor 1 (FcεRI)‐mediated activation of basophils. Overall, treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were similar to placebo; there were no serious TEAEs or no TEAEs leading to discontinuation. TAK‐020 was rapidly absorbed (median time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) 45–60 minutes) with a half‐life of ~ 3–9 hours at doses ≥ 2.5 mg. TAK‐020 exposure was generally dose proportional for single doses ≤ 70 mg and after multiple doses of ≤ 60 mg once daily. Target occupancy was dose dependent, with doses ≥ 2.5 mg yielding maximum and sustained occupancy > 70% for > 96 hours. Single doses ≥ 4.4 mg reduced FcεRI‐mediated activation of basophils by > 80% and comparable inhibition was observed with daily dosing ≥3.75 mg for 9 days. Inhibition persisted for 24–72 hours postdose and the duration generally increased with dose. TAK‐020 was generally well‐tolerated in healthy subjects after single and multiple doses and demonstrated target engagement and pathway modulation. The PD effects outlasted drug exposures, as expected for covalent inhibition of BTK.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Chen
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Glennda Smithson
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Derek Blair
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Helene Faessel
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John Wagner
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lachy Mclean
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric R Fedyk
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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20
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Litzenburger T, Steffgen J, Benediktus E, Müller F, Schultz A, Klein E, Ramanujam M, Harcken C, Gupta A, Wu J, Wiebe S, Li X, Flack M, Padula SJ, Visvanathan S, Hünnemeyer A, Hui J. Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of BI 705564, a highly selective, covalent inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase, in Phase I clinical trials in healthy volunteers. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 87:1824-1838. [PMID: 32986868 PMCID: PMC9290462 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims To evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of single‐ and multiple‐rising doses (MRDs) of BI 705564 and establish proof of mechanism. Methods BI 705564 was studied in 2 placebo‐controlled, Phase I clinical trials testing single‐rising doses (1–160 mg) and MRDs (1–80 mg) of BI 705564 over 14 days in healthy male volunteers. Blood samples were analysed for BI 705564 plasma concentration, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) target occupancy (TO) and CD69 expression in B cells stimulated ex vivo. A substudy was conducted in allergic, otherwise healthy, MRD participants. Safety was assessed in both studies. Results All doses of BI 705564 were well tolerated. Geometric mean BI 705564 plasma terminal half‐life ranged from 10.1 to 16.9 hours across tested doses, with no relevant accumulation after multiple dosing. Doses ≥20 mg resulted in ≥85% average TO that was maintained for ≥48 hours after single‐dose administration. Functional effects of BTK signalling were demonstrated by dose‐dependent inhibition of CD69 expression. In allergic participants, BI 705564 treatment showed a trend in wheal size reduction in a skin prick test and complete inhibition of basophil activation. Mild bleeding‐related adverse events were observed with BI 705564; bleeding time increased in 1/12 participants (8.3%) who received placebo vs 26/48 (54.2%) treated with BI 705564. Conclusion BI 705564 showed efficient target engagement through durable TO and inhibition of ex vivo B‐cell activation, and proof of mechanism through effects on allergic skin responses. Mild bleeding‐related adverse events were probably related to inhibition of platelet aggregation by BTK inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fabian Müller
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG Biberach Germany
| | - Armin Schultz
- CRS Clinical Research Services Mannheim GmbH Mannheim Germany
| | - Elliott Klein
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Ridgefield CT USA
| | | | | | - Alpana Gupta
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Ridgefield CT USA
| | - Jing Wu
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Ridgefield CT USA
| | - Sabrina Wiebe
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG Biberach Germany
| | - Xiujiang Li
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Ridgefield CT USA
| | - Mary Flack
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Ridgefield CT USA
| | | | | | | | - Jianan Hui
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Ridgefield CT USA
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