Long-term safety and efficacy of budesonide in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Steroid-refractory immune mediated hepatitis managed with budesonide in patients with metastatic melanoma: proof of concept and literature review

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have advanced the treatment of metastatic melanoma. However, some patients develop ICI-associated toxicities like hepatitis (ie, immune-mediated hepatitis; IMH). Although these toxicities usually resolve with steroids, steroid-refractory events may occur, which may be a major source of morbidity and mortality without obviously defined treatment algorithms. Herein, we present 2 patients with metastatic melanoma who had IMH that was steroid-refractory and only partially mycophenolate-responsive, but fully resolved with budesonide. The case suggests that budesonide is a potential option to treat IMH that is refractory to standard treatments, but further investigation in a larger series is needed to identify the most optimal setting for budesonide use.

The Efficacy of Budesonide as Intrapolyp Injection Agent in the Management of Type 2 CRSwNP

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of budesonide as an intrapolyp injection in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in comparison to control and systemic steroids.

METHOD

In a prospective double-blinded controlled randomized clinical trial, 150 patients with CRSwNP were divided into 3 groups in a ratio 1:1:1 where group (A) was given oral prednisolone 1 mg/kg tapered daily for 2 weeks, group (B) was given budesonide intrapolyp injection weekly for 5 consecutive weeks, and group (C) was given intrapolyp injection with saline as the control group. Patients were assessed upon Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) score, Total Nasal Polyp score (TNPS), Serum IgE, absolute eosinophilic count, and morning cortisol level before treatment, 1 week and 6 months after completing their treatment protocol.

RESULTS

SNOT 22 score improved significantly in all groups compared to those at baseline. Reduction in the oral and injection groups was much greater than the control group (P2 < 0.001), (P3 < 0.001), and the same trend concerning TNPS score (P2 < 0.001), (P3 < 0.001) but with no significant change in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Intrapolyp steroid injection is considered a safe and effective method in nasal polyposis with limited side effects in comparison to systemic steroids. Using Budesonide as an agent for intrapolyp injection appears to be promising. It's advisable in patients with multiple relapses or high-risk patients to avoid repeated courses of oral steroids.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2 Laryngoscope, 134:2085-2092, 2024.

Budesonide-Loaded Hyaluronic Acid Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery to the Inflamed Intestinal Mucosa in a Rodent Model of Colitis

The aim of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of budesonide- (BDS-) loaded hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (HANPs) for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using an acute model of colitis in rats. The therapeutic efficacy of BDS-loaded HANPs in comparison with an aqueous suspension of the drug with the same dose (30 μg/kg) was investigated 48 h following induction of colitis by intrarectal administration of acetic acid 4% in rats. Microscopic and histopathologic examinations were conducted in inflamed colonic tissue. Tissue concentration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was assessed by ELISA assay kit, while the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was measured spectrophotometrically. Results from in vivo evaluations demonstrated that administrations of BDS-HANPs ameliorated the general endoscopic appearance, quite close to the healthy animals with no signs of inflammation and reduced the cellular infiltration, as well as the TNF-α level, and the MPO activity. It was found that delivery by BDS-loaded HANPSs alleviated the induced colitis significantly better than the same dose of the free drug. These data further suggest the potential of HANPs as a targeted drug delivery system to the inflamed colon mucosa.

Budesonide as induction therapy for incomplete microscopic colitis: A randomised, placebo-controlled multicentre trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Incomplete microscopic colitis (MCi) is a subtype of microscopic colitis (MC). Budesonide is recommended as a first-line treatment for MC. However, randomised trials on efficacy of treatment in MCi are missing. We therefore performed a randomised, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate budesonide as induction therapy for MCi.

METHODS

Patients with active MCi were randomly assigned to either budesonide 9 mg once daily or placebo for 8 weeks in a double-blind, double-dummy design. The primary endpoint was clinical remission, defined as a mean of <3 stools/day and a mean of <1 watery stool/day in the 7 days before week 8.

RESULTS

Due to insufficient patient recruitment, the trial was discontinued prematurely. The intention-to-treat analysis included 44 patients (21 budesonide and 23 placebo). The primary endpoint of clinical remission at week 8 was obtained by 71.4% on budesonide and 43.5% on placebo (p = 0.0582). All clinical secondary endpoints were in favour of budesonide. Budesonide decreased the number of soft or watery stools (16.3 vs. 7.7, p = 0.0186) and improved health-related quality of life for all four dimensions of the short health scale. Adverse events with a suspected relation to study drug were reported in one patient in the budesonide group and two patients in the placebo group. Neither serious nor severe adverse events occurred during the double-blind phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Budesonide decreased the frequency of soft or watery stools and improved the patients' quality of life significantly in MCi, but the primary endpoint was not met due to the low sample size (type 2 error). Budesonide was safe and well tolerated during the 8-weeks treatment course.

Glucocorticoid use and complications following immune checkpoint inhibitor use in melanoma

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated benefit in the treatment of cancer, but are associated with toxicities, which often require treatment with glucocorticoids.

AIMS

We aimed to determine the prevalence of glucocorticoid use in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors for melanoma in a single centre.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients with advanced melanoma treated with an immune checkpoint inhibitor between September 2010 and January 2017. Patients treated with glucocorticoids had a cumulative dose and duration of glucocorticoid treatment calculated. New onset hyperglycaemia was also identified.

RESULTS

Of 412 patients receiving immune checkpoint therapy, 157 (38%) required glucocorticoids to treat toxicities. The median cumulative glucocorticoid dose was 2,795 mg (prednisolone equivalent) with a median duration of 61 days. Twenty-seven patients receiving glucocorticoids were noted to develop new onset hyperglycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Immune-related adverse events frequently occur in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Consequently, patients receive prolonged courses of glucocorticoids. Awareness of glucocorticoid-induced side effects is required.

Evidence of Systemic Absorption of Enteral Budesonide in Patients with Fontan-Associated Protein-Losing Enteropathy

To evaluate for evidence of systemic glucocorticoid absorption in cases of Fontan-associated protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) treated with enteral budesonide, we reviewed the charts of 27 patients with Fontan-associated PLE followed at Children's Hospital Colorado from 2005 to 2018. Cases were excluded for lack of budesonide thserapy or a treatment duration of less than 6 months. Charts were examined by two endocrinologists for review of prior biochemical endocrine evaluations, alterations in linear growth, and physical exam findings consistent with steroid excess. Twelve patients met inclusion criteria. Eight had prior documented cortisol screening. Three patients were tested while on treatment with a median fasting AM cortisol of 0.9 mcg/dL; two of these had a concomitantly measured ACTH, both below the detectable limit. Five patients were tested while weaning or having discontinued budesonide, with a median fasting AM cortisol of 9.1 mcg/dL. Eleven patients had decreases in height velocity associated with starting budesonide. Six patients had documentation of cushingoid features by an endocrinologist. In this cohort of children treated with budesonide for PLE following Fontan, clinical signs of systemic glucocorticoid absorption were frequent. Cortisol secretion was suppressed while on therapy, with adrenal recovery noted once budesonide was discontinued. Growth failure and cushingoid features were common findings. While these findings should be confirmed in larger cohorts, we recommend that the evaluation for systemic absorption of exogenous steroids be considered in patients treated with long-term enteral budesonide given the potential risk for adrenal crisis in times of physiologic stressors.

Colonic hypereosinophilia in ulcerative colitis may help to predict the failure of steroid therapy

BACKGROUND

Although glucocorticosteroids (GS) and mesalazine are effective and widely employed to treat moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC), information regarding the factors responsible for response to such therapy is still scarce. One of these factors is thought to be an increased number of mucosal eosinophils. The aim of our study was to determine whether the presence of hypereosinophilia in colonic mucosa of UC patients might influence the short-term response to l treatment with GS and mesasalazine.

METHODS

Clinical, endoscopic, and pathologic data from patients with a recent diagnosis of moderate UC, who had not undergone treatment, were obtained, and the short-term outcome after 1 month of conventional first-line treatment (mesalazine plus GS) was evaluated.

RESULTS

There were 53 patients with a median age of 37 years (95% CI 30-47).Overall, at the end of treatment period 16 (30%) patients responded, whereas a response was not observed in the other 37 (70%) patients. Interestingly, all patients of this latter group had colonic mucosal hypereosinophilia. No significant differences were found between the two groups concerning sex and age at diagnosis, but hypereosinophilia was inversely correlated with the duration of the disease (p = 0.054), and significantly correlated to the localization of UC (p = 0.0023). In addition, The Mayo score was significantly higher in patients with hypereosinophilia (median 8; 95% CI 8-9;) when compared to patients without hypereosinophilia (median 7; 95% CI 7-7, p < 0.0001) including the Mayo endoscopic subscore (median 3; 95% CI 2-3 vs median 2; 95% CI 2-2, respectively; p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of colonic mucosal hypereosinophilia may be useful to predict the short-term outcome to conventional first-line therapy in treatment-naïve UC patients. It remains to be seen whether this might be important in modifying the first-line therapy in this subgroup of patients.

Molecular dissection of an inhibitor targeting the HIV integrase dependent preintegration complex nuclear import

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in developing nations where high cost and logistical issues severely limit the use of current HIV therapeutics. This, combined HIV's high propensity to develop resistance, means that new antiviral agents against novel targets are still urgently required. We previously identified novel anti-HIV agents directed against the nuclear import of the HIV integrase (IN) protein, which plays critical roles in the HIV lifecycle inside the cell nucleus, as well as in transporting the HIV preintegration complex (PIC) into the nucleus. Here we investigate the structure activity relationship of a series of these compounds for the first time, including a newly identified anti-IN compound, budesonide, showing that the extent of binding to the IN core domain correlates directly with the ability of the compound to inhibit IN nuclear transport in a permeabilised cell system. Importantly, compounds that inhibited the nuclear transport of IN were found to significantly decrease HIV viral replication, even in a dividing cell system. Significantly, budesonide or its analogue flunisolide, were able to effect a significant reduction in the presence of specific nuclear forms of the HIV DNA (2-LTR circles), suggesting that the inhibitors work though blocking IN, and potentially PIC, nuclear import. The work presented here represents a platform for further development of these specific inhibitors of HIV replication with therapeutic and prophylactic potential.

Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis and Colitis: a Comprehensive Review

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, including eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroenteritis, and colitis, refer to a spectrum of clinical diseases that present with variable degrees of infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract by eosinophils in the absence of other known causes of tissue eosinophilia. Clinical symptoms and laboratory findings are usually non-specific and may or may not be accompanied by peripheral blood eosinophilia. The extent of eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal wall varies from mucosal to transmural and serosal involvement. Diagnosis requires presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, demonstration of gastrointestinal eosinophilia by biopsy, and exclusion of other known causes of tissue eosinophilia. Many studies have pointed toward the eosinophil as the major offender; however, the exact functional role of the eosinophil in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders remains unclear. The roles of T-helper-2 cytokines and other mediators, such as eotaxin-1 and interleukin-5, have gained significant importance in the pathobiology of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders. Current understanding of treatment is based on case reports and a few case series, as there is a lack of large prospective studies. Steroids are currently the mainstay of therapy, but the roles of other drugs such as leukotriene inhibitors, mast cell stabilizers, interleukin-5 inhibitors, and anti-immunoglobulin E, along with other targets in the immune pathway, are currently being explored.

Eosinophilic disorders of the gastro-intestinal tract: an update

Eosinophilic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE), are rare chronic pathologies of the digestive system, with an immuno-mediated pathogenesis. Recent data suggest that, together with the “classic” IgE-response to allergens, also a delayed hypersensitivity mechanism could be involved in the development of eosinophilic disorders. EoE and EGE were studied only in the latest decades and as a consequence accurate data are not yet available, concerning not only pathogenesis, but also epidemiology, treatment and outcomes. The diagnosis of EoE is centered on endoscopic findings but the certainty is obtained by histological examination from biopsy samples, that has a sensitivity of 100% when based on five samples. The currently available treatments include topical corticosteroids, specific diets and endoscopic treatment. Concerning EGE, three subtypes (mucosal, muscular, and serosal) were identified. The diagnosis is based, as for EoE, on endoscopic and histological assessment, and the treatment includes pharmacological and dietetic approaches. Further studies are warranted in order to better define the etiology and pathogenesis of eosinophilic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and thus to develop more appropriate and specific therapies.

Twice-daily Budesonide 2-mg Foam Induces Complete Mucosal Healing in Patients with Distal Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Mucosal healing is an important therapeutic goal for ulcerative colitis. Once-daily administration of budesonide 2-mg foam is widely used for inducing clinical remission. No study has assessed the usefulness of twice-daily budesonide 2mg foam on mucosal healing in ulcerative colitis patients. We explored the efficacy for mucosal healing of once- or twice-daily budesonide foam in distal ulcerative colitis patients.

METHODS

This study was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. In all, 165 patients with active, mild to moderate distal ulcerative colitis were randomised to three groups: once- or twice-daily budesonide 2mg/25ml foam, or placebo foam, for 6 weeks. Complete mucosal healing [endoscopic subscore = 0] and the safety profile were assessed at Week 6. Prespecified and post hoc analyses were used.

RESULTS

The percentages of complete mucosal healing in the twice-daily budesonide foam group were 46.4% compared with 23.6% in the once-daily group [p = 0.0097], or 5.6% in the placebo group [p < 0.0001]. The percentages of clinical remission and the percentages of endoscopic subscore ≤ 1 in the twice-daily budesonide foam group were 48.2% and 76.8%, compared with 50.9% and 69.1% in the once-daily group [no difference], or 20.4% and 46.3% in the placebo group [p = 0.0029 and p = 0.0007], respectively. In the subgroup of patients with previous use of a 5-aminosalicylic acid suppository or enema, there was a greater percentage of complete mucosal healing in the twice-daily budesonide foam group [32.0%] compared with that in the once-daily [8.7%, p = 0.0774] or placebo groups [4.8%, p = 0.0763], though there was no significant difference. No serious adverse event occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

A significantly greater percentage of patients receiving twice-daily administration of budesonide foam compared with once-daily administration/placebo achieved complete mucosal healing. This is the first study to evaluate the endoscopic efficacy of twice-daily administration of 6-week budesonide foam treatment for ulcerative colitis.

Budesonide MMX for the Induction of Remission of Mild to Moderate Ulcerative Colitis: A Pooled Safety Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cumulative safety and tolerability of budesonide MMX, a once-daily oral corticosteroid for inducing mild to moderate ulcerative colitis remission, was examined.

METHODS

Data from three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II or III studies [budesonide MMX 9 mg, 6 mg, or 3mg for 8 weeks]; one phase II study [randomisation to budesonide MMX 9 mg or placebo for 4 weeks, then open-label budesonide MMX 9 mg for 4 weeks]; and one open-label study [budesonide MMX 9 mg for 8 weeks] were pooled.

RESULTS

Patients randomised to budesonide MMX 9 mg [n = 288], 6 mg [n = 254], or placebo [n = 293] had similar rates of adverse events [AEs] [27.1%, 24.8%, and 23.9%, respectively] and serious AEs [2.4%, 2.0%, and 2.7%, respectively]; treatment-related AEs and serious AEs were reported by 11.8% and 13.5%, and 5.9% and 2.2%, respectively, of patients receiving budesonide MMX 3mg [n = 17] or open-label budesonide MMX 9 mg [n = 89]. Mean morning plasma cortisol concentrations were normal from baseline to final visit across randomised groups; in patients receiving open-label budesonide, mean cortisol concentration was 129.9 nmol/l after 4 weeks, returning to normal concentrations at final visit. Budesonide MMX was not associated with an overall increased risk for glucocorticoid-related adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Budesonide MMX 9 mg was associated with normal mean cortisol concentrations at final visit and an AE incidence comparable to placebo. Overall, budesonide MMX was safe and well tolerated for inducing remission of patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.

Induction of clinical and colonoscopic remission of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis with budesonide MMX 9 mg: pooled analysis of two phase 3 studies

BACKGROUND

Conventional oral corticosteroids are effective at reducing inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis (UC); however, systemic adverse effects limit their use. Budesonide MMX is an extended-release, second-generation corticosteroid that targets delivery of budesonide to the entire colon.

AIM

To analyse efficacy and safety outcomes from two phase 3 studies of budesonide MMX in patients with mild-to-moderate active UC.

METHODS

Patients were assigned to budesonide MMX 9 mg, budesonide MMX 6 mg, or placebo once daily in two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-week studies (CORE I and II). Pooled data were analysed for pre-defined primary (combined clinical and colonoscopic remission), secondary and exploratory endpoints. Primary endpoint data were analysed to evaluate the potential influence of demographical and baseline disease characteristics on remission.

RESULTS

Modified intent-to-treat population (histological evidence of baseline inflammation) had 232, 230 and 210 patients in budesonide MMX 9 mg, budesonide MMX 6 mg and placebo groups respectively. Combined clinical and colonoscopic remission rates were significantly greater than placebo (6.2%) for the budesonide MMX 9 mg group (17.7%; P = 0.0002), but not the budesonide MMX 6 mg group (10.9%). The primary endpoint of remission with budesonide MMX 9 mg was significantly greater than placebo in most subgroups analysed. Symptom resolution and colonoscopic improvement rates were significantly greater with budesonide MMX 9 mg vs. placebo. Budesonide MMX was safe and well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

This pooled analysis showed that budesonide MMX 9 mg is efficacious, safe and well tolerated for inducing remission of mild-to-moderate UC.