A randomized clinical efficacy study targeting mPGES1 or EP4 in dogs with spontaneous osteoarthritis

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multisite, parallel-group field study in dogs with osteoarthritis conducted in the United States of America evaluating bedinvetmab, a canine anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody

OBJECTIVE

Bedinvetmab, a fully canine anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody, was evaluated in dogs for control of osteoarthritis-related pain in a study conducted to support registration in the USA.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, parallel-group study.

ANIMALS

General practice client-owned dogs with osteoarthritis (n = 272).

METHODS

Dogs were block randomized 1:1 to placebo (saline, n = 137) or bedinvetmab (n = 135; 0.5-1.0 mg kg-1) administered subcutaneously, once monthly. The primary end point, day 28 Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) treatment success (TS), required pain severity score (PSS; 0-10) decrease ≥1 and pain interference score (PIS; 0-10) decrease ≥ 2. CBPI TS rates [and number needed to treat (NNT)], change in scores [and standardized effect size (ES)], change in quality of life (QoL) and bedinvetmab half-life were calculated.

RESULTS

Significant (p < 0.05) improvement with bedinvetmab over placebo occurred (days 28, 42, 56, 84) for CBPI TS. Of cases evaluable for day 28 CBPI TS (placebo, n = 131; bedinvetmab, n = 128), success rates were 36.6% and 47.4%, respectively (p = 0.0410) (NNT, 9.3; PSS and PIS ES, 0.3). CBPI TS increased after the second dose in both groups, plateaued for bedinvetmab at day 42 and decreased for placebo beginning day 84. Day 84 NNT (4.3), PSS (0.4) and PIS (0.5) showed continued improvement with monthly dosing. After the first dose, mean (± standard deviation) bedinvetmab half-life was 19.1 (8.3) days. Adverse events were similar between groups and not considered treatment-related. There was a significant effect of bedinvetmab versus placebo on all CBPI components (PIS, PSS, QoL).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These results corroborated those previously reported and provide further support of safety and effectiveness of bedinvetmab (0.5-1.0 mg kg-1) administered subcutaneously at monthly intervals to dogs for control of osteoarthritis-related pain.

The standards of reporting trials in pets (PetSORT): Explanation and elaboration

Well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide the best evidence of the primary research designs for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. However, if RCTs are incompletely reported, the methodological rigor with which they were conducted cannot be reliably evaluated and it may not be possible to replicate the intervention. Missing information also may limit the reader's ability to evaluate the external validity of a trial. Reporting guidelines are available for clinical trials in human healthcare (CONSORT), livestock populations (REFLECT), and preclinical experimental research involving animals (ARRIVE 2.0). The PetSORT guidelines complement these existing guidelines, providing recommendations for reporting controlled trials in pet dogs and cats. The rationale and scientific background are explained for each of the 25 items in the PetSORT reporting recommendations checklist, with examples from well-reported trials.

Sustained release of locally delivered celecoxib provides pain relief for osteoarthritis: a proof of concept in dog patients

OBJECTIVE

Drug delivery platforms that allow for gradual drug release after intra-articular administration have become of much interest as a treatment strategy for osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of an intra-articular sustained release formulation containing celecoxib (CXB), a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective inhibitor.

METHODS

Amino acid-based polyesteramide microspheres (PEAMs), a biodegradable and non-toxic platform, were loaded with CXB and employed in two in vivo models of arthritis: an acute inflammatory arthritis model in rats (n = 12), and a randomized controlled study in chronic OA dog patients (n = 30). In parallel, the bioactivity of sustained release of CXB was evaluated in monolayer cultures of primary dog chondrocytes under inflammatory conditions.

RESULTS

Sustained release of CXB did not alleviate acute arthritis signs in the rat arthritis model, based on pain measurements and synovitis severity. However, in OA dog patients, sustained release of CXB improved limb function as objective parameter of pain and quality of life based on gait analysis and owner questionnaires. It also decreased pain medication dependency over a 2-month period and caused no adverse effects. Prostaglandin E2 levels, a marker for inflammation, were lower in the synovial fluid of CXB-treated dog OA patients and in CXB-treated cultured dog chondrocytes.

CONCLUSION

These results show that local sustained release of CXB is less suitable to treat acute inflammation in arthritic joints, while safe and effective in treating pain in chronic OA in dogs.

The influence of IL-1 and C-reactive protein levels in synovial fluid of companion dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis on various clinical disease parameters

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate IL-1 and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the synovial fluid in dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis and their relation to animals' clinical, radiographic, and thermographic disease signs.

SAMPLE

100 joints from police working dogs.

PROCEDURES

Synovial fluid, IL-1, and CRP levels, weight distribution, joint range of motion, thigh girth, digital thermography, and radiographic signs of the joints were recorded. Data from 4 clinical metrology instruments (CMIs) were collected. Results were compared by age, sex, and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals hip scores with the independent samples t test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient (P < .05).

RESULTS

The sample included 100 pelvic limbs, equally distributed between left and right pelvic limbs 30 males and 20 females, with a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.4 years and body weight of 26.7 ± 5.2 kg. IL-1 levels, particularly above 200 pg/mL, may be related to the development of caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte, which then expresses a toll on the patient's levels of pain and activity. It was unclear if the CRP levels were a consequence of inflammatory activity within the joint or a reflection of a better prognosis. Increasing body weight was related to worse CMI scores.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

We described the relation of IL-1 and CRP synovial concentration levels with several clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, laboratory findings, and CMI results of animals with osteoarthritis. Further studies are required to determine the interest of each parameter for the prognosis and treatment monitoring.

The beneficial role of companion animals in translational pain research

The use of spontaneous painful disease in companion pet animals has been highlighted as one of the changes that could be made to help improve translation of basic science to new therapeutics, acting as a bridge between preclinical and clinical studies, with the goal of accelerating the approval of new therapeutics. This review focuses on the utility of companion pet dogs for translational research by reviewing what outcome measures can be measured, and importantly, the relevance of these outcome measures to human translational research. It also details the practical considerations involved in incorporating companion dogs into human therapeutic development.

Grapiprant or carprofen following ovariohysterectomy in the cat: analgesic efficacy, hematological, biochemical and urinalysis evaluation

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare the analgesic effect between carprofen and grapiprant every 12 or 24 h on postoperative pain in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy, in addition to the effects on the hematological, biochemical and urinalysis variables.

METHODS

A total of 32 female cats were randomly divided into three groups, according to the treatment administered with the first dose given orally 90 mins before surgery, as follows: CAR (cats received 4 mg/kg carprofen, n = 11); GRA1 (cats received 2 mg/kg grapiprant, n = 10); and GRA2 (cats received 2 mg/kg grapiprant q12h, n = 11). Pain was assessed by UNESP-Botucatu Multidimensional Composite Pain Scale (UNESP) and Glasgow Feline Composite Measure Pain Scale (GLASGOW) for cats preoperatively (baseline) and at 1, 3, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h after extubation. Venous blood was collected at baseline, and 12 and 24 h after the administration of carprofen or grapiprant to perform a complete blood count (CBC), the percentage of Heinz bodies and serum biochemistry (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, creatinine and urea). Urinalysis was performed at baseline and 24 h after extubation. Glucose levels were evaluated at baseline and 1 h postoperatively.

RESULTS

Pain scores were not significantly different among groups in both scales, although pain was higher at 3 h in comparison with 24 h in all groups. In the GRA1 and GRA2 groups, 67% (14/21) of cats needed rescue analgesia compared with 18% (2/11) in the CAR group. Glucose increased from baseline to 1 h in the GRA1 and GRA2 groups. None of the CBC, serum biochemistry and urinalysis variables differed among groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Grapiprant did not promote adequate analgesia during the first 3 h postoperatively in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy compared with carprofen, and no benefits were observed by administering grapiprant every 12 h.

Effect of a single intra-articular administration of stanozolol in a naturally occurring canine osteoarthritis model: a randomised trial

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease with a high negative impact on patient’s quality of life and a high financial burden. It is a source of chronic pain and affects all mammals, including humans and dogs. As the dog is a common model for translation research of human OA, and exploring spontaneous dog OA can improve the health and well-being of both humans and dogs. To describe the effect of the intra-articular administration of stanozolol in a naturally occurring canine OA model, forty canine (N = 40) hip joints were randomly assigned to receive stanozolol or saline (control). On treatment day and at 8, 15, 30, 90, and 180 days post-treatment, several evaluations were conducted: weight distribution, joint range of motion, thigh girth, digital thermography, and radiographic signs. Also, synovial fluid C-reactive protein and interleukin-1 levels were evaluated. Results from four Clinical Metrology Instruments was also gathered. Results were compared with Repeated Measures ANOVA, with a Huynh–Feldt correction, paired-samples t-test, or Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with p < 0.05. OA was graded as mild (90%), moderate (5%), and severe (5%), including both sexes. They had a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.4 years and a bodyweight of 26.7 ± 5.2 kg. No differences were found between groups at treatment day in all considered evaluations. Weight distribution showed significant improvements with stanozolol from 15 days (p < 0.05) up to 180 days (p < 0.01). Lower values during thermographic evaluation in both views taken and improved joint extension at 90 (p = 0.02) and 180 days (p < 0.01) were observed. Pain and function scores improved up to 180 days. In the control group, radiographic signs progressed, in contrast with stanozolol. The use of stanozolol was safe and produced significant improvements in weight-bearing, pain score, and clinical evaluations in a naturally occurring canine OA model.

G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint disease characterized, for which there are no available therapies being able to modify the progression of OA and prevent long-term disability. Critical roles of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been established in OA cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone sclerosis and chronic pain. In this review, we describe the pathophysiological processes targeted by GPCRs in OA, along with related preclinical model and/or clinical trial data. We review examples of GPCRs which may offer attractive therapeutic strategies for OA, including receptors for cannabinoids, hormones, prostaglandins, fatty acids, adenosines, chemokines, and discuss the main challenges for developing these therapies.

Recommendations for Ethical Review of Veterinary Clinical Trials

Ethical review of both human and animal research is critical to ensuring that studies are conducted with due regard to the welfare and safety of enrolled subjects and to the integrity of the data. However, differences exist in laws, policies, and best practices between human and animal studies. Ethical review is required for most human studies. While the laws and standards are clear for humans and for laboratory animals, the laws and standards for clinical research for client-owned animals are not as well-defined. Here, we discuss gaps in ethical review of clinical animal research in the United States of America and propose expanded functions for veterinary clinical studies committees as a solution.

Effect of a single intra-articular high molecular weight hyaluronan in a naturally occurring canine osteoarthritis model: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex joint disease and chronic pain source, affecting a patient's quality of life and posing a financial burden. As the dog is considered a nearly ideal species for translation research of human OA and the most used model for research, exploring spontaneous dog OA under the One Health/One Medicine concept can improve both humans and dogs' health and well-being.

METHODS

In a clinical treatment experiment, forty (N=40) joints were selected and randomly assigned to a control group (CG), which received 0.9% NaCl or a treatment (HG), which received Hylan G-F 20. Evaluations were performed on treatment day (T0), 8, 15, 30, 90, and 180 days post-treatment. They consisted of four different Clinical Metrology Instruments (CMI), evaluation of weight distribution, joint range of motion, thigh girth, radiographic and digital thermography imaging, synovial fluid interleukin-1 (IL-1), and C-reactive protein concentrations. Results were compared with repeated measures ANOVA, with a Huynh-Feldt correction, Paired samples T-test, or Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, with p<0.05.

RESULTS

Patients had a mean age of 6.5±2.4 years and a bodyweight of 26.6±5.2kg, and joints graded as mild (n=28, 70%), moderate (n=6, 15%), and severe OA (n=6, 15%). No differences were found between groups at T0. Symmetry index and deviation showed significant improvements in HG from 30 days (p<0.01) up to 180 days (p=0.01). Several CMI scores, particularly pain scores, improved from 90 to 180 days. Radiographic signs progressed in both groups. In both groups, increasing body weight and age corresponded to worse clinical presentation. IA hyaluronan administration produced increased lameness in six cases, which resolved spontaneously.

CONCLUSIONS

This study characterizes the response to treatment with Hylan G-F 20, which can produce significant functional and pain level improvements in patients with OA, even those with factors related to worse response to treatment.

Management of Osteoarthritis Using 1 Intra-articular Platelet Concentrate Administration in a Canine Osteoarthritis Model

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) represents a significant burden to societies, as it affects quality of life and performance and implies a large cost in terms of health care. Autologous platelets are a regenerative treatment modality for OA that are thought to be a potential stimulation of the natural healing cascade.

PURPOSE

To describe the effect of the platelet concentrate V-PET in the management of OA in a naturally occurring canine model, using several outcome assessment modalities.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

A total of 40 joints of active working police dogs with hip OA were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) and a platelet concentrate group (PCG; treatment) and evaluated. At treatment day (T0) and 8, 15, 30, 90, and 180 days after treatment, weight distribution, joint range of motion at flexion and extension, thigh girth, digital thermography, radiographic signs, 4 clinical metrology instruments, and synovial fluid interleukin 1 and C-reactive protein levels were recorded. Results were compared using repeated-measures analysis of variance with a Huynh-Feldt correction, paired-samples t test, or Wilcoxon signed rank test, with P < .05.

RESULTS

Dogs were 6.5 ± 2.4 years old (mean ± SD) and had a body weight of 26.7 ± 5.2 kg. At T0, 32 (80%) joints were graded as having mild OA, 6 (15%) as moderate, and 2 (5%) as severe. No differences were found between groups at T0. Between the PCG and CG, the symmetry index showed significant improvements in the PCG from 8 days (P = .01) to 180 days (P = .01). Joint flexion also improved in the PCG up to 90 days (P < .05) and extension improved up to 180 days (P < .01). Several clinical metrology instrument scores also improved up to 90 to 180 days after treatment. In the CG, radiographic signs progressed, while the PCG showed some improved signs. In both groups, increasing body weight and age corresponded with worse clinical and laboratory findings.

CONCLUSION

A single injection of platelet concentrate had a positive effect, lasting up to 6 months, on several clinical, imaging, and laboratory signs in a naturally occurring canine OA model.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

We characterized the effects of this platelet concentrate in dogs, considered the gold standard of the study of OA, with a group of working animals with similar high demands as athletes.

The intra-articular administration of triamcinolone hexacetonide in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Its effects in a naturally occurring canine osteoarthritis model

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of an intra-articular (IA) administration of triamcinolone hexacetonide, compared with saline.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty (N = 40) hip joints were randomly assigned to a treatment group (THG, n = 20, receiving IA triamcinolone hexacetonide) and a control group (CG, n = 20, receiving IA saline). On treatment day (T0), and at 8, 15, 30, 90 and 180 days post-treatment, weight distribution, joint range of motion, thigh girth, digital thermography, radiographic signs, synovial fluid interleukin-1 and C-reactive protein levels were evaluated. Data from four Clinical Metrology Instruments was also gathered. Results were compared Repeated Measures ANOVA, with a Huynh-Feldt correction, Paired Samples T-Test or Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. A Kaplan-Meier test was performed to compare both groups, with p<0.05.

RESULTS

Joints were graded as mild (65%), moderate (20%) and severe (15%). Patients of both sexes, with a mean age of 6.5±2.4 years and bodyweight of 26.7±5.2kg, were included. No differences were found between groups at T0. Comparing THG to CG, weight distribution showed significant improvements in THG from 8 (p = 0.05) up to 90 days (p = 0.01). THG showed lower values during thermographic evaluation in the Lt view (p<0.01). Pain and function scores also improved from 30 to 180 days. Increasing body weight, age, and presence of caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte corresponded to worse response to treatment. Results of the Kaplan Meier test showed significant differences between groups, with THG performing better considering several evaluations and scores.

CONCLUSION

THG recorded significant improvements in weight-bearing and in with the considered CMIs, particularly pain scores. Lower thermographic values were registered in THG up to the last evaluation day. Age, sex, and radiographic findings did significantly influenced response to treatment.