Safety and tolerability of nintedanib for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in routine UK clinical practice

Enhancing Outcomes in Chronic Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease Through Aggressive Management of Nintedanib-Induced Adverse Drug Reactions: A Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Nintedanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is integral in slowing pulmonary fibrosis progression in chronic fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, the occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) often limits its use, leading to treatment discontinuation, typically within 3-12 months. Discontinuation adversely affects patient outcomes. The study investigated whether aggressive ADR management can prolong nintedanib therapy and improve patient outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-center study enrolled Taiwanese patients with chronic fibrotic ILD who were treated with nintedanib from January 2016 to December 2022 in Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Patients were categorized into those who discontinued treatment within 180 days and those continuing beyond. Management of ADRs was identified through concurrent prescriptions for symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or hepatic dysfunction. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, pulmonary function tests, and instances of acute exacerbation were analyzed.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 94 patients, with 71 (75.5%) experiencing ADRs. Among these, 41 (43.6%) discontinued nintedanib within 180 days. The administration of medications for managing nausea/vomiting [17 (41.5%) versus 36 (67.9%), p = 0.0103] and diarrhea [12 (29.3%) versus 33 (62.3%), p = 0.0015] was less frequent in the discontinued group compared with the continued group. Additionally, a higher incidence of acute exacerbation was observed in the discontinued group (34.1% versus 20.8%, p = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

Aggressive management of ADRs may enhance patient tolerance to nintedanib, potentially prolonging treatment duration and improving outcomes in chronic fibrotic ILD.

Tolerability and efficacy of switching anti-fibrotic treatment from nintedanib to pirfenidone for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

In real-world studies, the rate of discontinuation of nintedanib (NT) varies from 4% to 53%. Switching anti-fibrotic treatment in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has not been adequately investigated, and data on the tolerability and efficacy of changes in anti-fibrotic treatment is limited in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with poor continuation of NT, efficacy and predictors of deterioration after switching from NT to pirfenidone (PFD) in patients with IPF.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

One hundred and seventy patients with IPF in whom NT was introduced between April 2017 and March 2022 were included to investigate NT continuation status and the effect of switching to PFD.

RESULTS

A total of 123 patients (72.4%) continued NT for 1 year and had a significantly higher %forced vital capacity (FVC) at NT introduction than those who discontinued within 1 year (80.9% ± 16.3% vs. 71.9% ± 22.1%, P = 0.004). The determinant of poor NT continuation was the high GAP stage. On the other hand, 28 of 36 patients who discontinued NT because of disease progression switched to PFD. Consequently, FVC decline was suppressed before and after the change. The predictor of deterioration after the switch was a lower body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with IPF, early NT introduction increased continuation rates, and switching to PFD was effective when patients deteriorated despite initial NT treatment.

Pirfenidone and Nintedanib in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Lights and Shadows

Pirfenidone and Nintedanib are specific drugs used against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) that showed efficacy in non-IPF fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Both drugs have side effects that affect patients in different ways and have different levels of severity, making treatment even more challenging for patients and clinicians. The present review aims to assess the effectiveness and potential complications of Pirfenidone and Nintedanib treatment regimens across various ILD diseases. A detailed search was performed in relevant articles published between 2018 and 2023 listed in PubMed, UpToDate, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, supplemented with manual research. The following keywords were searched in the databases in all possible combinations: Nintedanib; Pirfenidone, interstitial lung disease, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The most widely accepted method for evaluating the progression of ILD is through the decline in forced vital capacity (FVC), as determined by respiratory function tests. Specifically, a decrease in FVC over a 6-12-month period correlates directly with increased mortality rates. Antifibrotic drugs Pirfenidone and Nintedanib have been extensively validated; however, some patients reported several side effects, predominantly gastrointestinal symptoms (such as diarrhea, dyspepsia, and vomiting), as well as photosensitivity and skin rashes, particularly associated with Pirfenidone. In cases where the side effects are extremely severe and are more threatening than the disease itself, the treatment has to be discontinued. However, further research is needed to optimize the use of antifibrotic agents in patients with PF-ILDs, which could slow disease progression and decrease all-cause mortality. Finally, other studies are requested to establish the treatments that can stop ILD progression.

Predictive factors for dose reduction and discontinuation of nintedanib in fibrotic interstitial lung diseases: Real life data

Nintedanib, an intracellular inhibitor targeting multiple tyrosine kinases, has emerged as a standard treatment for various fibrotic lung diseases. Despite its efficacy, side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and hepatotoxicity often lead to dose reduction or discontinuation. In this retrospective analysis at an university hospital's interstitial lung disease clinic, we aimed to identify baseline characteristics associated with dose adjustment or treatment discontinuation. Of the 58 patients included, 41.4% maintained the full nintedanib dose, while 31.0% required dosage reduction, and 27.6% discontinued treatment due to adverse events, predominantly gastrointestinal and hepatotoxic effects. Multivariate analysis revealed body surface area (BSA) as an independent and significant baseline risk factor (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 0.22), suggesting a 78% decreased chance of requiring dose modification for every decimal point increase in BSA. A BSA cutoff of ≤1.73 m [2] exhibited a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 91.7%, with significant impact on one-year survival under full-dose treatment (p < 0.001). Lower BSA was associated with early onset adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal, supporting the need for regular clinical monitoring. The study emphasizes the importance of recognizing baseline factors to ensure the safety and tolerability of nintedanib, thereby preventing the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. These findings contribute to the evolving understanding of nintedanib management in fibrotic interstitial lung diseases, guiding clinicians in personalized treatment approaches.

Functional Progression after Dose Suspension or Discontinuation of Nintedanib in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Real-Life Multicentre Study

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease with rapidly progressive evolution and an unfavorable outcome. Nintedanib (NTD) is an antifibrotic drug that has been shown to be effective in slowing down the progression of the disease. The aim of our study was to examine the efficacy, especially in terms of the functional decline, and the safety profile of NTD in patients treated with the recommended dose and subjects who reduced or suspended the therapy due to the occurrence of adverse reactions.

METHODS

We conducted a real-life retrospective study based on the experience of NTD use in two centers between 2015 and 2022. Clinical data were evaluated at baseline, at 6 and 12 months after the NTD introduction in the whole population and in subgroups of patients who continued the full-dose treatment, at a reduced dosage, and at the discontinuation of treatment. The following data were recorded: the demographic features, IPF clinical features, NTD therapeutic dosage, tolerability and adverse events, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), the duration of treatment upon discontinuation, and the causes of interruption.

RESULTS

There were 54 IPF patients who were included (29.6% females, with a median (IQR) age at baseline of 75 (69.0-79.0) years). Twelve months after the introduction of the NTD therapy, 20 (37%) patients were still taking the full dose, 11 (20.4%) had reduced it to 200 mg daily, and 15 (27.8%) had stopped treatment. Gastrointestinal intolerance predominantly led to the dose reduction (13.0%) and treatment cessation (20.4%). There were two deaths within the initial 6 months (3.7%) and seven (13.0%) within 12 months. Compared to the baseline, the results of the PFTs remained stable at 6 and 12 months for the entire NTD-treated population, except for a significant decline in the DLCO (% predicted value) at both 6 (38.0 ± 17.8 vs. 43.0 ± 26.0; p = 0.041) and 12 months (41.5 ± 15.3 vs. 44.0 ± 26.8; p = 0.048). The patients who continued treatment at the full dose or a reduced dosage showed no significant differences in the FVC and the DLCO at 12 months. Conversely, those discontinuing the NTD exhibited a statistically significant decline in the FVC (% predicted value) at 12 months compared to the baseline (55.0 ± 13.5 vs. 70.0 ± 23.0; p = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the functional decline of the FVC at 12 months after the NTD initiation among patients discontinuing therapy but not among those reducing their dosage.

Improved Survival of IPF patients Treated With Antifibrotic Drugs Compared With Untreated Patients

PURPOSE

Pirfenidone and nintedanib unequivocally inhibit FVC decline, but have been inconsistently linked to reduced mortality in phase III studies. On the contrary, real-world data show a survival benefit of antifibrotic drugs. However, it is unknown what this benefit is across different Gender, Age, and Physiology (GAP) stages.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Is there a difference in transplant-free (TPF) survival of IPF patients receiving antifibrotic drugs (IPFAF) compared with an untreated cohort (IPFnon-AF)? Is this different for patients with GAP stage I, II, or III.

METHODS

This is a single-center observational cohort study using prospectively included patients diagnosed with IPF between 2008-2018. Primary outcomes were TPF survival difference and 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative mortality for IPFAF and IPFnon-AF. This was repeated after stratification for GAP stage.

RESULTS

In total, 457 patients were included. The median transplant-free survival was 3.4 years in IPFAF (n = 313) and 2.2 years in IPFnon-AF (n = 144, p = 0.005). For GAP stage II, a median survival of 3.1 and 1.7 years was noted for IPFAF (n = 143) and IPFnon-AF (n = 59, p < 0.001), respectively. A significantly lower 1-, 2-, and 3- year cumulative mortality was found for IPFAF with GAP stage II (1 yr: 7.0% vs 35.6%, 2 yr: 26.6% vs 55.9%, and 3 yr: 46.9% vs 69.5%). The 1-year cumulative mortality of IPFAF with GAP III was also significantly lower (19.0% vs 65.0%).

CONCLUSION

This large real-world study showed a survival benefit in IPFAF compared with IPFnon-AF. This especially holds true for patients with GAP stage II and III.

A Narrative Review of Real-World Data on the Safety of Nintedanib in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Nintedanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases. Placebo-controlled trials showed that the adverse event profile of nintedanib was characterised mainly by gastrointestinal events, particularly diarrhoea. We review the data from all published real-world studies of the safety of nintedanib in patients with IPF. These real-world data were consistent with the safety profile observed in clinical trials and described in the product label. The most common adverse events were diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, but these infrequently led to permanent treatment discontinuation. Liver enzyme elevations were observed, supporting the recommendation for regular monitoring of liver enzymes, particularly in the first few months of treatment. Bleeding and cardiovascular adverse events were rarely reported. As in clinical trials, in real-world studies, reductions of the nintedanib dose, treatment interruptions and use of anti-diarrhoeal medications were frequently employed to manage adverse events. Few data are available on the use of nintedanib in patients who are elderly or have advanced disease, but there are some data to suggest a greater rate of treatment discontinuation in these patients. Effective management of adverse events associated with nintedanib is important to minimise their impact.

[French practical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of IPF - 2021 update, full version]

BACKGROUND

Since the previous French guidelines were published in 2017, substantial additional knowledge about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has accumulated.

METHODS

Under the auspices of the French-speaking Learned Society of Pulmonology and at the initiative of the coordinating reference center, practical guidelines for treatment of rare pulmonary diseases have been established. They were elaborated by groups of writers, reviewers and coordinators with the help of the OrphaLung network, as well as pulmonologists with varying practice modalities, radiologists, pathologists, a general practitioner, a head nurse, and a patients' association. The method was developed according to rules entitled "Good clinical practice" in the overall framework of the "Guidelines for clinical practice" of the official French health authority (HAS), taking into account the results of an online vote using a Likert scale.

RESULTS

After analysis of the literature, 54 recommendations were formulated, improved, and validated by the working groups. The recommendations covered a wide-ranging aspects of the disease and its treatment: epidemiology, diagnostic modalities, quality criteria and interpretation of chest CT, indication and modalities of lung biopsy, etiologic workup, approach to familial disease entailing indications and modalities of genetic testing, evaluation of possible functional impairments and prognosis, indications for and use of antifibrotic therapy, lung transplantation, symptom management, comorbidities and complications, treatment of chronic respiratory failure, diagnosis and management of acute exacerbations of fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

These evidence-based guidelines are aimed at guiding the diagnosis and the management in clinical practice of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

French practical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis - 2021 update. Full-length version

BACKGROUND

Since the latest 2017 French guidelines, knowledge about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has evolved considerably.

METHODS

Practical guidelines were drafted on the initiative of the Coordinating Reference Center for Rare Pulmonary Diseases, led by the French Language Pulmonology Society (SPLF), by a coordinating group, a writing group, and a review group, with the involvement of the entire OrphaLung network, pulmonologists practicing in various settings, radiologists, pathologists, a general practitioner, a health manager, and a patient association. The method followed the "Clinical Practice Guidelines" process of the French National Authority for Health (HAS), including an online vote using a Likert scale.

RESULTS

After a literature review, 54 guidelines were formulated, improved, and then validated by the working groups. These guidelines addressed multiple aspects of the disease: epidemiology, diagnostic procedures, quality criteria and interpretation of chest CT scans, lung biopsy indication and procedures, etiological workup, methods and indications for family screening and genetic testing, assessment of the functional impairment and prognosis, indication and use of antifibrotic agents, lung transplantation, management of symptoms, comorbidities and complications, treatment of chronic respiratory failure, diagnosis and management of acute exacerbations of fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

These evidence-based guidelines are intended to guide the diagnosis and practical management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Anti-Inflammatory and/or Anti-Fibrotic Treatment of MPO-ANCA-Positive Interstitial Lung Disease: A Short Review

The presence of a lung lesion is common in microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and interstitial lung disease (ILD) can lead to a poor prognosis. Although myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (MPO-ANCA) are often present in patients with MPA, patients with ILD and MPO-ANCA positivity but without other manifestations of systemic vasculitis have also been reported. Therefore, the possible association between MPO-ANCA, MPA, and idiopathic ILD remains unclear. This problematic matter has influenced the treatment strategy of MPO-ANCA-positive ILD patients without systemic vasculitis. Clinicians should undertake treatment with careful consideration of the four major causes of death in MPO-ANCA-positive ILD: acute exacerbation of ILD, progressive lung fibrosis, infectious comorbidities, and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Further, clinicians need to carefully judge whether inflammation or fibrosis is the dominant condition with reference to the patient’s clinical domain and radiopathological lung features. Recently, anti-fibrotic agents such as nintedanib and pirfenidone were shown to be effective in treating various etiologies associated with ILD and have thus led to the widening of treatment options. In this review, the clinical characteristics, radiopathology, prognosis, and therapeutic options in patients with MPO-ANCA-positive ILD are summarized using limited information from previous studies.

Decision-Making Strategy for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease (RA-ILD)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common type of autoimmune arthritis. Patient clinical outcomes might be influenced by numerous respiratory diseases, but interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most important comorbidity. RA-associated ILD (RA-ILD) is divided into acute/subacute and chronic forms. In the acute/subacute course, if the disease is severe as indicated by a diffuse alveolar damage pattern, high-dose corticosteroids combined with antimicrobial agents should be promptly initiated while considering the differential diagnoses, primarily acute exacerbation (AE) of RA-ILD, drug-induced pneumonitis, and Pneumocystis pneumonia. As initial therapeutic management in the chronic course, the RA itself should be stabilized without delay; thereafter, the activity of ILD itself can be stabilized, considering the safety of each anti-rheumatic drug. The formation of the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern is the most important determinant because lung function can worsen more quickly with this pattern. However, because clinicians can fail to identify specific radiological patterns, it is important to determine whether each patient with RA-ILD has UIP-like lesions such as subpleural reticulation, traction bronchiectasis, and honeycombing especially progressively enlarged cysts. In patients with progressive RA-ILD and high risk for infection or AE of ILD in whom fibrosis is dominant, clinicians should consider starting an anti-fibrotic agent.

Antifibrotic Drug Use in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Data from the IPF-PRO Registry

Rationale: Two antifibrotic medications, nintedanib and pirfenidone, have been approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in the United States. Few data have been published on the use of these medications in clinical practice.

Objectives: To investigate patterns of use of antifibrotic medications in the United States.

Methods: The Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Prospective Outcomes (IPF-PRO) Registry, a multicenter U.S. registry, has enrolled patients with IPF that was diagnosed or confirmed at the enrolling center in the past 6 months. Data from patients enrolled from June 5, 2014, to March 4, 2018, were used to determine antifibrotic medication use (“treatment”) in the enrollment window and in a follow-up window approximately 6 months later. Associations between patient characteristics and treatment status were tested using logistic regression.

Results: Overall, 551 of 782 eligible patients (70.5%) were treated in the enrollment window. Younger age, lower forced vital capacity percentage predicted, oxygen use with activity, worse self-rated health (based on the Short Form 12 or St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score), referral to the enrolling center by a pulmonologist, use of a lung biopsy in diagnosis, and carrying a diagnosis of IPF to the enrolling center were associated with being treated. Among 534 patients treated at enrollment who had follow-up data, 94.0% remained treated in follow-up. Better self-rated health (based on the Short Form 12 mental component score or EuroQoL score) and not using oxygen with activity at enrollment were associated with continuing treatment in follow-up. Among 172 patients who were untreated at enrollment and had follow-up data, 29.7% started treatment in follow-up. Lower diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide percentage predicted, a family history of interstitial lung disease, a history of sleep apnea, and a definite diagnosis of IPF at enrollment were associated with starting treatment in follow-up.

Conclusions: The majority of patients in the IPF-PRO Registry were receiving an approved medication for IPF at enrollment. Treatment at enrollment was associated with greater disease severity, more compromised quality of life, and the use of oxygen with activity.

Clinical trial registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01915511).

Management of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Progress in the past 2 decades has led to widespread use of 2 medications to slow loss of lung function in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. Treatment of individual patients with currently available pharmacotherapies can be limited by side effects, and neither drug has a consistent effect on patient symptoms or function. Several promising new pharmacotherapies are under development. Comprehensive management of pulmonary fibrosis hinges on shared decision making. Patient and caregiver education, and early identification and management of symptoms and comorbidities, can help improve quality of life.

Baseline plasma KL-6 level predicts adverse outcomes in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis receiving nintedanib: a retrospective real-world cohort study

BACKGROUND

Nintedanib is effective for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), but some patients may exhibit a suboptimal response and develop on-treatment acute exacerbation (AE-IPF), hepatic injury, or mortality. It remains unclear which patients are at risk for these adverse outcomes.

METHODS

We analysed the demographic and clinical data, baseline plasma levels of Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) and surfactant protein A (SPA), and longitudinal clinical courses of a real-world cohort of IPF patients who received nintedanib ≥ 14 days between March 2017 and December 2020. Cox proportional-hazards regression, subdistribution hazards regression, and sensitivity analyses were performed to investigate the association between baseline predictors and AE-IPF, mortality, and nintedanib-related hepatic injury. The relationship between baseline predictors and pulmonary function decline was determined.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients were included, of whom 24 (42%) developed hepatic injury, 20 (35%) had AE-IPF, and 16 (28%) died on-treatment. A baseline plasma KL-6 level ≥ 2.5 ng/mL, and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) < 55% predicted, were associated with increased risk of hepatic injury (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] was 3.46; 95% CI 1.13-10.60; p = 0.029 for KL-6, and 6.05; 95% CI 1.89-19.32; p = 0.002 for DLCO). Both factors also predicted severe and recurrent hepatic injury. Patients with baseline KL-6 ≥ 2.5 ng/mL also had a higher risk of AE-IPF (aHR 4.52; 95% CI 1.63-12.55; p = 0.004). For on-treatment mortality, baseline KL-6 ≥ 3.5 ng/mL and SPA ≥ 600 pg/mL were significant predictors (aHR 5.39; 95% CI 1.16-24.97; p = 0.031 for KL-6, and aHR 12.28; 95% CI 2.06-73.05; p = 0.006 for SPA). Results from subdistribution hazard regression and sensitivity analyses supported these findings. Patients with elevated baseline plasma KL-6 levels also exhibited a trend towards faster pulmonary function decline.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with IPF who are receiving nintedanib, we have identified baseline predictors, in particular plasma KL-6 levels, for the risk of adverse outcomes. Patients with these predictors may require close monitoring for unfavourable responses during treatment. Our findings also support the prognostic role of molecular markers like KL-6 and may contribute to future formulation of more individualized therapeutic strategies for IPF.

Cardiovascular safety of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor nintedanib

The intracellular tyrosine kinase inhibitor nintedanib has shown great efficacy for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other interstitial lung diseases. However, the incidence rate of myocardial infarction (MI) among participants in landmark IPF trials was remarkable, peaking at 3/100 patient-years. Although subjects with IPF often have a high cardiovascular (CV) risk profile, the occurrence of MI in nintedanib-treated patients may not be fully explained by clustering of CV risk factors. Nintedanib inhibits the vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor and fibroblast growth factor pathways, which play important roles in the biology of the atherosclerotic plaque and in the response of the heart to ischaemia. Hence, unwanted CV effects may partly account for nintedanib-related MI. We review the evidence supporting this hypothesis and discuss possible actions for a safe implementation of nintedanib in clinical practice, building on the experience with tyrosine kinase inhibitors acquired in cardio-oncology.

Real-World Study Analysing Progression and Survival of Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis with Preserved Lung Function on Antifibrotic Treatment

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive and irreversible lung disease. Licensed treatment options for IPF are pirfenidone and nintedanib. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of antifibrotic therapy in patients with IPF with preserved lung function based upon a forced vital capacity (FVC) above 80%.

METHOD

This is a retrospective single-centre cohort study, performed as part of a service evaluation, between January 2007 and September 2018. Patient demographic, treatment and lung function profiles were collected using electronic patient records. A linear mixed model and Kaplan-Meier estimator were utilised to assess changes in FVC and survival over 36 months.

RESULTS

A total of 161 patients were included in this study. Mean age was 72 ± 4. Twenty-four (14.9%) received pirfenidone, 86 (53.4%) received nintedanib and 18 (11.2%) received both antifibrotics provided by a compassionate use program (CUP), as the National Institute of Heath and Clinical excellence (NICE) criteria for antifibrotics in the UK is restricted to an FVC 50-80%. Thirty-three (20.5%) patients did not receive treatment. Patients without antifibrotic therapy had a statistically higher baseline FVC compared to other groups: 3.55 l (100%) vs 2.85 l (89.7%) pirfenidone (p = 0.012), vs 2.99 l (93.5%) nintedanib (p = 0.04) and 3.10 l (92.7%) (p = 0.07) for both antifibrotics. FVC decline over 1 year was similar in groups receiving pirfenidone, nintedanib or no treatment [3.72% (158.1 ml) untreated vs 2.77% (139 ml) pirfenidone vs 2.96% (131 ml) nintedanib]; however, it was significantly greater in patients who received both antifibrotics [6.36% (233 ml), p = 0.01]. Use of antifibrotics was associated with a higher median survival post diagnosis; 3.5, 3 and 3.75 years respectively in pirfenidone, nintedanib and both antifibrotic cohorts, compared to the untreated cohort (2.5 years).

CONCLUSION

One in five untreated patients with an average FVC of 100% die within a median of 2.5 years. Antifibrotic therapy was associated with a higher median survival of 3-3.75 years despite treatment groups having lower baseline lung function.

Safety of Nintedanib in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Global Pharmacovigilance Data

INTRODUCTION

The safety and tolerability of nintedanib in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have been characterized using data from clinical trials.

METHODS

We further characterized the safety and tolerability of nintedanib in patients with IPF in clinical practice using the global pharmacovigilance database. The database included spontaneously reported adverse events and data collected via solicited reporting in patients treated with nintedanib from 15 October 2014 to 15 October 2018. Adverse events were coded using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. Cumulative exposure to nintedanib was estimated on the basis of sales data.

RESULTS

Cumulative exposure to nintedanib was estimated as 60,107 patient-years. Diarrhea was the most frequent event (301.6 events per 1000 patient-years). Most (97.0%) diarrhea events were non-serious. The median (25th, 75th percentile) time to onset of the first diarrhea event was 60 (11, 182) days. Elevated liver enzyme or bilirubin levels were reported at a rate of 31.5 events per 1000 patient-years. Bleeding was reported at a rate of 36.8 events per 1000 patient-years; 81.0% of events were non-serious. Major cardiovascular adverse events were reported at a rate of 13.4 events per 1000 patient-years and myocardial infarction at a rate of 4.3 events per 1000 patient-years. Gastrointestinal perforation was reported at a rate of 1.0 event per 1000 patient-years.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of pharmacovigilance data collected over 4 years, the safety profile of nintedanib in patients with IPF was consistent with that observed in clinical trials and described in the product label, with no new safety concerns observed.

Nintedanib Treatment for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients Who Have Been Switched from Pirfenidone Therapy: A Retrospective Case Series Study

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and effectiveness of nintedanib as a first-line therapy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients have been demonstrated by clinical trials and real-life studies. Our aim was to examine the safety profile and effectiveness of nintedanib when it is utilized as a second-line treatment in subjects who have discontinued pirfenidone.

METHODS

The medical charts of 12 patients who were switched from pirfenidone to nintedanib were examined retrospectively. The drug's safety was defined by the number of adverse events (AEs) that were reported; disease progression was evaluated based on the patient's vital status and changes in forced vital capacity (FVC) at 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

The numbers of patients experiencing AEs and of the AEs per patient in our study group didn't significantly differ with respect to a group of 56 individuals who were taking nintedanib as a first-line therapy during the study period (5/12 vs. 22/56; p = 0.9999, and 0.00 (0.00-1.00) vs. 0.00 (0.00-3.00); p = 0.517, respectively). Two out of the 3 patients who had been switched to nintedanib due to a rapid disease progression showed stabilized FVC values.

CONCLUSIONS

Nintedanib was found to have an acceptable safety profile in the majority of the IPF patients switched from pirfenidone. Prospective studies are warranted to determine if the drug can effectively delay disease progression in these patients.

Efficacy and safety of nintedanib in patients with advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

The two 52-week INPULSIS trials investigated nintedanib versus placebo in patients with IPF, FVC ≥50% predicted and DLco 30-79% predicted. The 24-week INSTAGE trial investigated nintedanib plus sildenafil versus nintedanib alone in patients with IPF and DLco ≤35% predicted. We used data from INPULSIS and INSTAGE to compare the effects of nintedanib in patients with IPF with less versus more severe impairment in gas exchange at baseline.

METHODS

Analyses were conducted in patients treated with nintedanib alone in the INPULSIS and INSTAGE trials and in patients treated with placebo in the INPULSIS trials. Outcomes included the rate of decline in FVC over 24 weeks, the proportions of patients who had a confirmed or suspected idiopathic acute exacerbation over 24 weeks, deaths over 24 weeks, and adverse events. Analyses were descriptive.

RESULTS

In total, 638 and 136 patients received nintedanib alone in the INPULSIS and INSTAGE trials, respectively, and 423 patients received placebo in the INPULSIS trials. Rates of FVC decline were - 52.3 and - 66.7 mL/24 weeks in patients treated with nintedanib alone in INPULSIS and INSTAGE, respectively, and - 102.8 mL/24 weeks in patients treated with placebo in INPULSIS. Confirmed or suspected idiopathic acute exacerbations were reported in 0.6 and 3.7% of patients treated with nintedanib alone in INPULSIS and INSTAGE, respectively, and 2.1% of patients treated with placebo in INPULSIS. Deaths occurred in 2.0, 11.0 and 1.9% of patients in these groups, respectively. Diarrhoea adverse events were reported in 52.5 and 48.5% of patients treated with nintedanib alone in INPULSIS and INSTAGE, respectively, and 16.1% of patients treated with placebo in INPULSIS.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on data from the INSTAGE and INPULSIS trials, nintedanib had a similar effect on FVC decline over 24 weeks, and a similar safety and tolerability profile, in patients with IPF and more versus less severe impairment in gas exchange. These data support the use of nintedanib in patients with IPF who have advanced disease.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

INPULSIS (NCT01335464 and NCT01335477); INSTAGE (NCT02802345).

Ongoing challenges in pulmonary fibrosis and insights from the nintedanib clinical programme

The approvals of nintedanib and pirfenidone changed the treatment paradigm in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and increased our understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms. Nonetheless, many challenges and unmet needs remain in the management of patients with IPF and other progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases.This review describes how the nintedanib clinical programme has helped to address some of these challenges. Data from this programme have informed changes to the IPF diagnostic guidelines, the timing of treatment initiation, and the assessment of disease progression. The use of nintedanib to treat patients with advanced lung function impairment, concomitant emphysema, patients awaiting lung transplantation and patients with IPF and lung cancer is discussed. The long-term use of nintedanib and an up-to-date summary of nintedanib in clinical practice are discussed. Directions for future research, namely emerging therapeutic options, precision medicine and other progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases, are described.Further developments in these areas should continue to improve patient outcomes.

Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with Nintedanib: an update

Introduction: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an incurable, progressive and debilitating disease. Nintedanib is one of two anti-fibrotic therapies available for the treatment of IPF and has been approved since 2014. Together with pirfenidone and antacid medications it has received a conditional recommendation for the treatment for IPF by international clinical practice guidelines.Areas covered: The authors review the mechanisms of action, pharmacological profile and update scientific data and our opinions on efficacy, safety profile and tolerability of nintedanib.Expert opinion: Nintedanib significantly slows disease progression in IPF patients with tolerable and manageable side effects. Its potential future role in the treatment of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases other than IPF is challenging.

Segurança e tolerabilidade de Nintedanibe em pacientes com fibrose pulmonar idiopática no Brasil

RESUMO Objetivo Ensaios clínicos mostraram que 150 mg de Nintedanibe duas vezes ao dia reduzem a progressão da doença em pacientes com Fibrose Pulmonar Idiopática (FPI), com um perfil de efeitos adversos que é controlável para a maioria dos pacientes. Antes da aprovação do Nintedanibe como tratamento para a FPI no Brasil, um Programa de Acesso Expandido (PEA) foi iniciado para fornecer acesso precoce ao tratamento e avaliar a segurança e a tolerância do Nintedanibe para este grupo de pacientes. Métodos Foram elegíveis para participar da PEA pacientes com diagnóstico de FPI nos últimos 5 anos, com capacidade vital forçada (CVF) ≥ 50% do previsto e capacidade de difusão dos pulmões para monóxido de carbono (DLco) 30%-79% do previsto. Os pacientes receberam Nintedanibe 150 mg, 2 vezes ao dia (bid). As avaliações de segurança incluíram eventos adversos que levaram à suspensão permanente do Nintedanibe e eventos adversos graves. Resultados O PEA envolveu 57 pacientes em 8 centros. A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino (77,2%) e brancos (87,7%). No início do estudo, a média de idade foi de 70,7 (7,5) anos e a CVF foi de 70,7 (12,5%) do previsto. A média de exposição ao Nintedanibe foi de 14,4 (6,2) meses; a exposição máxima foi de 22,0 meses. Os eventos adversos frequentemente relatados pelo pesquisador como relacionados ao tratamento com Nintedanibe foram diarreia (45 pacientes, 78,9%) e náusea (25 pacientes, 43,9%). Os eventos adversos levaram à suspensão permanente do Nintedanibe em 16 pacientes (28,1%) que passaram por um evento adverso grave. Conclusões No PEA brasileiro, o Nintedanibe apresentou um perfil aceitável de segurança e tolerância em pacientes com FPI, condizendo com dados de ensaios clínicos.