Lung eQTLs to help reveal the molecular underpinnings of asthma

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified loci reproducibly associated with pulmonary diseases; however, the molecular mechanism underlying these associations are largely unknown. The objectives of this study were to discover genetic variants affecting gene expression in human lung tissue, to refine susceptibility loci for asthma identified in GWAS studies, and to use the genetics of gene expression and network analyses to find key molecular drivers of asthma. We performed a genome-wide search for expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) in 1,111 human lung samples. The lung eQTL dataset was then used to inform asthma genetic studies reported in the literature. The top ranked lung eQTLs were integrated with the GWAS on asthma reported by the GABRIEL consortium to generate a Bayesian gene expression network for discovery of novel molecular pathways underpinning asthma. We detected 17,178 cis- and 593 trans- lung eQTLs, which can be used to explore the functional consequences of loci associated with lung diseases and traits. Some strong eQTLs are also asthma susceptibility loci. For example, rs3859192 on chr17q21 is robustly associated with the mRNA levels of GSDMA (P = 3.55×10⁻¹⁵¹). The genetic-gene expression network identified the SOCS3 pathway as one of the key drivers of asthma. The eQTLs and gene networks identified in this study are powerful tools for elucidating the causal mechanisms underlying pulmonary disease. This data resource offers much-needed support to pinpoint the causal genes and characterize the molecular function of gene variants associated with lung diseases.

Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genetic variants associated with lung diseases. The challenge now is to find the causal genes in GWAS–nominated chromosomal regions and to characterize the molecular function of disease-associated genetic variants. In this paper, we describe an international effort to systematically capture the genetic architecture of gene expression regulation in human lung. By studying lung specimens from 1,111 individuals of European ancestry, we found a large number of genetic variants affecting gene expression in the lung, or lung expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL). These lung eQTLs will serve as an important resource to aid in the understanding of the molecular underpinnings of lung biology and its disruption in disease. To demonstrate the utility of this lung eQTL dataset, we integrated our data with previous genetic studies on asthma. Through integrative techniques, we identified causal variants and genes in GWAS–nominated loci and found key molecular drivers for asthma. We feel that sharing our lung eQTLs dataset with the scientific community will leverage the impact of previous large-scale GWAS on lung diseases and function by providing much needed functional information to understand the molecular changes introduced by the susceptibility genetic variants.

A randomized placebo-controlled trial comparing the efficacy of etoricoxib 30 mg and ibuprofen 2400 mg for the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

We compared the efficacy of etoricoxib 30 mg to placebo and ibuprofen 2400 mg for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and knee.

DESIGN

In this 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-comparator-controlled trial, 548 patients (median age 63 years) with OA of the hip or knee were randomized to receive placebo, etoricoxib 30 mg q.d., or ibuprofen 800 mg t.i.d. Demonstration of etoricoxib's efficacy vs placebo and comparison of its efficacy to ibuprofen were assessed using three co-primary endpoints: Western Ontario and McMaster's University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain Subscale (WOMAC-PS); WOMAC Physical Function Subscale (WOMAC-PFS); and Patient Global Assessment of Disease Status (PGADS). Each primary endpoint utilizes a 0-100 mm visual analog scale. To demonstrate comparable efficacy of etoricoxib vs ibuprofen, the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the difference in the least squares (LS) mean change over 12 weeks for all three co-primary endpoints had to fall within +/-10 mm. Safety and tolerability data were collected throughout the study.

RESULTS

Mean baseline values for the three co-primary endpoints ranged from 62.52 to 70.14 mm. Both etoricoxib and ibuprofen demonstrated superior (P< or =0.002) efficacy for all primary endpoints. The LS mean (mm) changes (95% CI) over 12 weeks for etoricoxib and ibuprofen, respectively, compared to placebo were given as follows: WOMAC-PS: -11.66 (-16.31, -7.01) and -7.62 (-12.30, -2.94); WOMAC-PFS: -10.15 (-14.74, -5.57) and -7.23 (-11.85, -2.61); PGADS: -11.65 (-16.81, -6.50) and -8.11 (-13.30, -2.92). The efficacy of etoricoxib 30 mg was comparable to ibuprofen 2400 mg. All treatments were similarly well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with etoricoxib 30 mg q.d. provides superior efficacy vs placebo and comparable clinical efficacy vs ibuprofen 2400 mg (800 mg t.i.d.) for the treatment of OA of the hip and knee.

Pooled analysis of thrombotic cardiovascular events in clinical trials of the COX-2 selective Inhibitor etoricoxib

BACKGROUND

A pooled analysis of randomized clinical trials data was performed to compare the rate of thrombotic cardiovascular events (thrombotic events) in patients taking the COX-2 selective inhibitor (coxib) etoricoxib, a traditional NSAID, or placebo.

METHODS

Data collected during all phase IIb/III etoricoxib clinical trials > or = 4 weeks in duration were evaluated. The pooled data set includes clinical information from approximately 6500 patient-years (PYs) of drug exposure in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), or chronic low back pain (CLBP). Patients were treated with either etoricoxib (> or = 60 mg/day), the traditional NSAIDs naproxen (1000 mg/day), ibuprofen (2400 mg/day), diclofenac (150 mg/day), or placebo. The Relative risks (RRs) based on time to first occurrence of a thrombotic event in the etoricoxib group versus the comparator traditional NSAIDs or versus placebo were determined using patient-level data.

RESULTS

In the pooled dataset, a total of 74 thrombotic events occurred in 69 patients. The RRs for thrombotic events were 1.11 (95%CI: 0.32, 3.81) for etoricoxib (N = 2818) versus placebo (N = 1767); 0.83 (95%CI: 0.26, 2.64) for etoricoxib (N = 1266) versus the combined non-naproxen traditional NSAID group (ibuprofen and diclofenac; N = 718); and 1.70 (95%CI: 0.91, 3.18) for etoricoxib (N = 1960) versus naproxen (N = 1497).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no discernible difference in the incidence of thrombotic events in patients treated with etoricoxib versus non-naproxen traditional NSAIDs in this limited dataset. A trend toward more events with etoricoxib versus naproxen was observed. Despite the limited dataset available for this pooled analysis, these results are consistent with findings for other coxibs.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of etoricoxib compared with naproxen in two, 138-week randomised studies of patients with osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of etoricoxib 60 mg once daily and naproxen 500 mg twice daily over a 138-week treatment period in patients with osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

Two 1-year randomised, double blind, parallel group two-part base studies (part I 12 weeks; part II 40 weeks), followed by an 86-week extension, in patients with OA (hip or knee) were conducted at 80 clinical centres (19 countries). The studies had identical designs. Patients taking placebo in part I received etoricoxib or naproxen (1:1 ratio) in part II and the extension; patients taking etoricoxib or naproxen in part I continued to receive the same treatment throughout the entire length of the studies. Co-primary efficacy end points were patient global assessment of disease status, and WOMAC questionnaire pain subscale and physical function subscale (100 mm VAS). Efficacy over 138 weeks was assessed by graphical analysis. Safety was assessed by observation of adverse experiences and laboratory and physical evaluations.

RESULTS

997 patients entered (615 completed) the base studies. Of these patients, 463 patients entered the extensions. A total of 161 and 152 patients in the etoricoxib and naproxen groups, respectively, completed 138 treatment weeks. Etoricoxib and naproxen showed similar efficacy throughout the 138 weeks of treatment. For etoricoxib and naproxen, respectively, WOMAC pain assessments were 67 and 67 mm (baseline); 28 and 29 mm (1 year), and 34 and 33 mm (138 weeks). Results for the other efficacy end points were similar to those seen with the WOMAC pain assessments. Both etoricoxib and naproxen were generally well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Both etoricoxib and naproxen demonstrated long-term clinical efficacy for the treatment of OA. Etoricoxib and naproxen were generally well tolerated.

Cardiovascular outcomes with etoricoxib and diclofenac in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in the Multinational Etoricoxib and Diclofenac Arthritis Long-term (MEDAL) programme: a randomised comparison

BACKGROUND

Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective inhibitors have been associated with an increased risk of thrombotic cardiovascular events in placebo-controlled trials, but no clinical trial has been reported with the primary aim of assessing relative cardiovascular risk of these drugs compared with traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The MEDAL programme was designed to provide a precise estimate of thrombotic cardiovascular events with the COX-2 selective inhibitor etoricoxib versus the traditional NSAID diclofenac.

METHODS

We designed a prespecified pooled analysis of data from three trials in which patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis were randomly assigned to etoricoxib (60 mg or 90 mg daily) or diclofenac (150 mg daily). The primary hypothesis stated that etoricoxib is not inferior to diclofenac, defined as an upper boundary of less than 1.30 for the 95% CI of the hazard ratio for thrombotic cardiovascular events in the per-protocol analysis. Intention-to-treat analyses were also done to assess consistency of results. These trials are registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov with the numbers NCT00092703, NCT00092742, and NCT00250445.

FINDINGS

34 701 patients (24 913 with osteoarthritis and 9 787 with rheumatoid arthritis) were enrolled. Average treatment duration was 18 months (SD 11.8). 320 patients in the etoricoxib group and 323 in the diclofenac group had thrombotic cardiovascular events, yielding event rates of 1.24 and 1.30 per 100 patient-years and a hazard ratio of 0.95 (95% CI 0.81-1.11) for etoricoxib compared with diclofenac. Rates of upper gastrointestinal clinical events (perforation, bleeding, obstruction, ulcer) were lower with etoricoxib than with diclofenac (0.67 vs 0.97 per 100 patient-years; hazard ratio 0.69 [0.57-0.83]), but the rates of complicated upper gastrointestinal events were similar for etoricoxib (0.30) and diclofenac (0.32).

INTERPRETATION

Rates of thrombotic cardiovascular events in patients with arthritis on etoricoxib are similar to those in patients on diclofenac with long-term use of these drugs.

Evaluation of the effect of perioperative rofecoxib treatment on pain control and clinical outcomes in patients recovering from gynecologic abdominal surgery: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, the efficacy and safety of rofecoxib 50 mg was evaluated in patients undergoing major abdominal gynecologic surgery.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to receive rofecoxib 50 mg (n = 81) or placebo (n = 83) approximately 2 hours before total abdominal hysterectomy or myomectomy and once daily over the ensuing 4 days. Clinical measurements included average daily opioid use over the 5-day period (primary endpoint), pain intensity on movement, and opioid-related side effects.

RESULTS

Patients receiving rofecoxib required 32% less (P = .001) intravenous and oral opioids to relieve their postoperative pain from days 1 to 5 (primary endpoint), used 21% less (P = .011) on day 1, and 42% less (P < .001) from days 2 to 5. The rofecoxib group experienced less pain upon movement (P < .001), less sedation (P = .007), and a 24% reduction in the rate of antiemetic intake (P = .037) over the first 72 hours postsurgery. Earlier mean times to first flatus (-10.1 hours, P = .001), first bowel movement (-14.1 hours, P = .037), and time to hospital discharge (-10.9 hours; 95% confidence interval, -17.1 to -4.7) occurred in the rofecoxib group. There were no significant intergroup differences in blood loss, wound healing, or overall adverse experiences.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with placebo, perioperative administration of rofecoxib 50 mg provided significant opioid sparing, significantly better pain control, improved clinical outcomes, and was well tolerated.

Evaluation of the comparative efficacy and tolerability of rofecoxib and naproxen in children and adolescents with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: a 12-week randomized controlled clinical trial with a 52-week open-label extension

OBJECTIVE

To compare the safety and efficacy of rofecoxib* to naproxen for the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).

METHODS

This was a 12-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active comparator-controlled, non-inferiority study with a prespecified 52-week open-label active comparator-controlled extension. Children (ages 2-11 yrs) and adolescents (ages 12-17 yrs) received lower-dose (LD)-rofecoxib [0.3 mg/kg/day up to 12.5 mg/day (base study only)]; or higher-dose (HD)-rofecoxib (0.6 mg/kg/day up to 25 mg/day) or naproxen 15 mg/kg/day as oral suspensions. Adolescents received daily rofecoxib (LD) 12.5 (base study only) or (HD) 25 mg, or naproxen 15 mg/kg/day (maximum 1,000 mg/day) as tablets. The primary endpoint was the time-weighted average proportion of patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology Pediatric-30 (ACR Pedi 30) response criteria. A prespecified bound for the 95% confidence interval for the ratio of the percentage of ACR Pedi 30 responders was used to assess non-inferiority of treatment response between groups. Safety was assessed throughout the study.

RESULTS

A total of 310 patients ages 2-17 years (181 (3/4) age 11) were randomized to receive LD-rofecoxib (N=109), HD-rofecoxib (N=100), or naproxen (N=101). The ACR Pedi 30 response rates following 12 weeks of treatment were 46.2%, 54.5%, and 55.1%, respectively. The relative rates of response compared to naproxen were 0.81 (95% CI 0.61, 1.07) and 0.98 (95% CI 0.76, 1.26) for LD- and HD-rofecoxib, respectively. Both rofecoxib doses were not inferior to naproxen. Patients (N=227) entering the extension received HD-rofecoxib or naproxen with efficacy maintained during the extension. All treatments were generally well tolerated throughout the study.

CONCLUSION

Daily treatment of JRA patients with rofecoxib up to 12.5 or 25 mg was well tolerated, providing sustained clinical effectiveness comparable to naproxen 15 mg/kg. *On September 30, 2004, Merck & Co., Inc. announced the voluntary worldwide withdrawal of rofecoxib from the market.

Etoricoxib in the treatment of osteoarthritis over 52-weeks: a double-blind, active-comparator controlled trial [NCT00242489]

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and tolerability of etoricoxib, a COX-2 selective inhibitor, in osteoarthritis (OA) patients.

METHODS

A double-blind, randomized, multicenter study was conducted in 617 patients with OA of the knee. The base study was 14 weeks in duration and consisted of 2 parts; in Part I (6 weeks), patients were allocated to once daily oral etoricoxib 5, 10, 30, 60, 90 mg or placebo. In Part II (8 weeks); the placebo, etoricoxib 5 and 10 mg groups were reallocated to etoricoxib 30, 60, or 90 mg qd or diclofenac 50 mg t.i.d. Treatment was continued for consecutive 12 and 26 week extensions. Primary efficacy endpoints were the WOMAC VA 3.0 pain subscale and investigator global assessment of disease status. Safety and tolerability were assessed by collecting adverse events throughout the study.

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, the etoricoxib groups displayed significant (p < 0.05), dose-dependent efficacy for all primary endpoints in Part I; efficacy was maintained throughout the 52 weeks of the study. During the 46-week active-comparator controlled period, the etoricoxib groups demonstrated clinical efficacy that was similar to that of diclofenac 150 mg and was generally well tolerated, with a lower incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) nuisance symptoms compared with diclofenac (13.1, 14.7, and 13.5% for etoricoxib 30, 60, and 90 mg, respectively compared with 22.5% for diclofenac).

CONCLUSION

In this extension study, etoricoxib, at doses ranging from 30 to 90 mg, demonstrated a maintenance of significant clinical efficacy in patients with OA through 52 weeks of treatment. Etoricoxib displayed clinical efficacy similar to diclofenac 150 mg and was generally well tolerated.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of etoricoxib in the treatment of hemophilic arthropathy

This 2-part, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of etoricoxib, a COX-2 selective inhibitor, for the treatment of hemophilic arthropathy. In part 1 (6 weeks), 102 patients (> or = 12 years old) with hemophilic arthropathy were randomized to receive 90 mg etoricoxib once daily or placebo (1:1 ratio). In part 2 (6 months), 51 patients taking placebo in part 1 were randomized to receive 90 mg etoricoxib or 25 mg rofecoxib once daily; patients taking etoricoxib in part 1 continued the same treatment. Efficacy end points included Patient Assessment of Arthropathy Pain, Patient Global Assessment of Arthropathy Disease Status, and Investigator Global Assessment of Arthropathy Disease Status. Safety was evaluated at each study visit. Etoricoxib provided significant improvement in all end points versus placebo (P < .001). Fewer patients taking etoricoxib discontinued due to a lack of efficacy versus placebo (P = .048). During part 2, efficacy was maintained; etoricoxib and rofecoxib demonstrated similar results. The most common adverse experiences were upper respiratory infection and headache. The incidence of joint bleeding during part 1 was similar between etoricoxib (66.7%) and placebo (72.6%) and during part 2 between etoricoxib (77.0%) and rofecoxib (78.9%). We conclude that etoricoxib provided superior efficacy versus placebo for the treatment of hemophilic arthropathy and was generally safe and well tolerated.

Etoricoxib Provides Analgesic Efficacy to Patients After Knee or Hip Replacement Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study we assessed the analgesic effect of etoricoxib (a new cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor) in patients having had knee or hip replacement surgery. A total of 228 patients with moderate or severe pain were randomly allocated within 72 h after surgery to receive etoricoxib 120 mg, controlled-release naproxen sodium 1100 mg, or placebo (1:1:1) on day 1 followed by etoricoxib and placebo (1:2) on days 2 to 7. Patients reported pain scores, rescue (opioid-combination) medication use, and the response to study drug. On day 1, etoricoxib provided an analgesic effect superior to placebo and similar to controlled-release naproxen sodium as demonstrated by the total pain relief score over 8 h, the primary end-point; least-squares mean scores were 11.0, 11.5, and 5.6, respectively (P < 0.001 versus placebo). Similarly, a larger percentage of patients receiving etoricoxib and naproxen sodium than those receiving placebo reported good to excellent responses to study drug: 53%, 60%, and 26% respectively. On days 2-7, etoricoxib demonstrated a significant reduction of rescue medication use, 35% (P < 0.001 versus placebo). The clinical relevance of the decrease was confirmed by Patient's Global Evaluation (P < 0.05 versus placebo). Patients receiving etoricoxib also experienced significantly less "worst" and "average" pain than did those on placebo. Etoricoxib was generally well tolerated in this study; the incidence of adverse experiences was infrequent and similar across treatment groups. In summary, etoricoxib provided analgesia that was similar to controlled-release naproxen sodium on day 1 and superior to placebo with reduced supplemental opioid use over 7 days.

IMPLICATIONS

In a postsurgery setting (knee and hip replacements), etoricoxib 120 mg provided analgesia superior to placebo and similar to controlled-release naproxen sodium 1100 mg. Patients receiving etoricoxib suffered less pain and took less opioid rescue medication compared with patients on placebo.

The incidence of upper gastrointestinal adverse events in clinical trials of etoricoxib vs. non-selective NSAIDs: an updated combined analysis

OBJECTIVE

In spite of numerous studies demonstrating the serious gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity associated with non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), many patients at high GI risk continue to receive prescriptions for these drugs, often without gastroprotective agents. Etoricoxib, a COX-2 specific inhibitor, was developed to provide similar efficacy and less GI toxicity than non-selective NSAIDs. We compared the incidence of upper GI Perforations, symptomatic gastroduodenal Ulcers, and upper GI Bleeding (PUBs) in a combined analysis of all randomized, double-blind, clinical trials of chronic treatment with etoricoxib versus NSAIDs completed by June 2003.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data for 5441 individual subjects with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis were pooled from all 10 multinational etoricoxib trials completed by June 2003. Information on suspected PUBs was prospectively collected in all protocols, and all investigator-reported PUBs were judged by a blinded, external adjudication committee using pre-specified criteria. PUBs were analyzed using COX proportional hazards models using terms for treatment and known PUB risk factors.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The incidence of confirmed PUBs among patients treated with etoricoxib 60 mg, 90 mg, or 120 mg (combined N=3226) was compared to that among patients treated with ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen (combined N=2215).

RESULTS

The incidence of PUBs over 44.3 months was significantly lower with etoricoxib vs. NSAIDs [cumulative incidence 1.24% vs. 2.48%, p < 0.001; rate/100 patient-years 1.00 vs. 2.47; relative risk 0.48, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.32, 0.73]. Results of analysis of events occurring during the first year of treatment and subgroup analyses were consistent with the primary result.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with etoricoxib was associated with a significantly lower incidence of PUBs than was treatment with non-selective NSAIDs. The difference was consistent in subgroups of patients defined by a variety of known risk factors.

Evaluation of the comparative efficacy of etoricoxib and ibuprofen for treatment of patients with osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To directly compare the efficacy and safety of etoricoxib, 30 mg once daily, ibuprofen, 800 mg 3 times daily, and placebo for treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and knee.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of patients with OA of the knee or hip was performed between February 2003 and November 2003 in 61 medical centers in the United States. Qualified patients aged 40 to 89 years were randomized to receive placebo, etoricoxib, 30 mg once daily, or ibuprofen, 800 mg 3 times daily, for 12 weeks. Primary efficacy end points Included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain and physical function subscales and Patient Global Assessment of Disease Status. Response to treatment was assessed by the time-weighted average change from baseline over 12 weeks.

RESULTS

In 528 patients, baseline values for the 3 primary end points ranged from 67.78 to 72.60 mm (0-100 mm visual analog scale). Near-maximal efficacy was achieved by week 2 with both active treatments and sustained over the course of the trial. During the 12-week period, least squares mean changes in the primary end points (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and Patient Global Assessment of Disease Status subscales) ranged from -16.53 to -13.55 mm, -27.89 to -23.68 mm, and -26.53 to -22.97 mm in the placebo, etoricoxib, and Ibuprofen groups, respectively. Both etoricoxib and ibuprofen were more effective (P<.001) than placebo for all primary end points. Etoricoxib and ibuprofen treatment responses for the primary end points were determined to be comparable with use of prespecified comparability criteria. Results for all other efficacy end points were consistent with responses observed for the primary end points. Etoricoxib and ibuprofen generally were well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

For patients with OA, treatment with etoricoxib, 30 mg/d, is well tolerated and provides sustained clinical effectiveness that is superior to placebo and comparable to ibuprofen, 2400 mg/d.

Efficacy of cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibition by etoricoxib and naproxen on the axial manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis in the presence of peripheral arthritis

OBJECTIVE

The combined efficacy of selective and non-selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition on the axial manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the presence or absence of chronic peripheral arthritis was evaluated.

METHODS

In a post hoc subgroup analysis of a 6 week, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial, 387 patients with active axial AS were randomised to receive etoricoxib 90 mg or 120 mg once a day, naproxen 500 mg twice daily, or placebo. Randomisation was stratified by the presence or absence of chronic peripheral arthritis. The primary outcome measure was the time weighted average change from baseline of spine pain intensity. Efficacy data from the three groups receiving active treatment (the NSAID/COX-2 inhibitor group) were combined to improve precision. An analysis of covariance model was used to evaluate the effect of peripheral disease on treatment response.

RESULTS

93 patients were allocated to receive placebo and 294 to active treatment (naproxen or etoricoxib). The combined NSAID/COX-2 inhibitor group had a significant treatment response compared with the placebo group for all efficacy measures, both in patients with and without peripheral arthritis. A significantly greater difference in mean patient assessment of spine pain was found between active and placebo treatments in patients without compared with those with peripheral arthritis (p = 0.005; -32.5 mm v -17.0 mm, respectively). Similar differences, although not statistically significant, were seen for other end points.

CONCLUSION

NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors have a clinically relevant symptomatic effect on axial AS irrespective of the presence of peripheral arthritis. In this exploratory analysis spinal improvement appeared to be greater in patients without peripheral disease.

Evaluation of the efficacy of etoricoxib in ankylosing spondylitis: Results of a fifty-two-week, randomized, controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of etoricoxib, a cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) selective inhibitor, administered continuously over 52 weeks for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

METHODS

This 2-part, multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group, 52-week study evaluated 2 doses of etoricoxib (90 and 120 mg) compared with naproxen at 1,000 mg. A 6-week, active-comparator- and placebo-controlled period (part I) was followed by a 46-week active-comparator-controlled period (part II). The primary outcome measures (on 100-mm visual analog scales) were patient's assessment of spine pain, patient's global assessment of disease activity, and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index.

RESULTS

Of the 387 patients randomized to receive treatment, 301 (77.8%) completed part I and 284 (75.9%) completed part II. Compared with placebo over 6 weeks, those receiving 90 mg etoricoxib, 120 mg etoricoxib, and naproxen demonstrated significantly (P < 0.001) greater improvement in all primary end points; treatment effects (expressed as the difference in least squares mean change versus placebo) were 21-29 mm for spine pain, 18-25 mm for disease activity, and 11-15 mm for function. Compared with patients receiving naproxen, significantly greater improvement in all primary end points was demonstrated in the combined group receiving either 90 mg etoricoxib or 120 mg etoricoxib over 6 weeks, in each individual etoricoxib treatment group over 6 weeks, and in the combined etoricoxib group over 1 year (all P < 0.05); results for secondary and exploratory end points were generally consistent with those from the primary analysis. Among all groups, there were no significant differences in the incidence of overall clinical, drug-related, or serious adverse experiences (AEs) and discontinuations due to AEs. Safety observations during part II were generally consistent with those in part I.

CONCLUSION

Etoricoxib at doses of 90 mg and 120 mg demonstrated superior efficacy compared with placebo over 6 weeks, and compared with naproxen over 1 year. These study results demonstrate that etoricoxib is generally safe, well-tolerated, and efficacious for the treatment of AS.

The upper gastrointestinal safety of rofecoxib vs. NSAIDs: an updated combined analysis

BACKGROUND

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are nonspecific cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1/COX-2) inhibitors and are associated with gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity attributable to COX-1 inhibition. Rofecoxib, a COX-2 specific inhibitor, was developed to provide similar efficacy and less GI toxicity than NSAIDs.

OBJECTIVE

To update the results of a previously performed analysis of the incidence of upper GI perforations, symptomatic gastroduodenal ulcers, and upper GI bleeding (PUBs) with rofecoxib compared with non-selective NSAIDs.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We compared the incidence of PUBs in a combined analysis of 20 randomized, double-blind, clinical trials of rofecoxib versus NSAIDs. Men and women (N = 17,072) from multinational trial sites with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis were studied. There was no upper age limit in any of the trials. Investigator-reported PUBs were reviewed by a blinded, external adjudication committee using pre-specified criteria. The incidence of confirmed PUBs, the main outcome measure, among patients treated with rofecoxib 12.5 mg, 25 mg, or 50 mg (combined, N = 10 026) was compared to that among patients treated with ibuprofen, diclofenac, nabumetone, or naproxen (combined, N = 7046).

RESULTS

The incidence of PUBs over 24.8 months was significantly lower with rofecoxib vs. NSAIDs (cumulative incidence 1.6% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.001; rate/100 patient-years 0.74 vs. 1.87; relative risk 0.36, 95% CI 0.24, 0.54). Results of subgroup analyses and comparisons of rofecoxib with individual NSAID comparators were consistent with the primary result, as was an analysis in patients with no PUB risk factors.

DISCUSSION

The analysis demonstrated a consistently lower incidence of confirmed PUBs with rofecoxib than with NSAIDs over 24.8 months. These results confirm those of a previous smaller combined analysis of clinical trials with rofecoxib vs. non-selective NSAIDs in OA patients only, in which the risk reduction for confirmed PUBs was approximately 50%. In addition, this analysis demonstrated risk reductions with rofecoxib vs. NSAIDs in risk subgroups and in patients who did not have any known risk factors for PUBs consistent with the primary result. Some of the studies in this analysis required scheduled endoscopies. Asymptomatic upper GI ulcers or bleeding diagnosed during scheduled procedures were not included in the primary endpoint, which may have caused a bias against rofecoxib.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with rofecoxib was associated with a statistically significantly (p < 0.001) lower incidence of PUBs than was treatment with NSAIDs. The difference was maintained in subgroups of patients with risk factors, as well as in those with no risk factors, for PUBs.

Renal effects of etoricoxib and comparator nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in controlled clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Based on the experience with selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors, including rofecoxib, valdecoxib, and celecoxib, it was anticipated that etoricoxib, a new selective COX-2 inhibitor, would display mechanism-based, dose-dependent renal adverse effects (AEs) similar to those observed with nonselective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in long-term treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The present analysis examined pooled safety data from the etoricoxib clinical development program with the aim of comparing the renal AE profiles of etoricoxib 60, 90, and 120 mg/d with those of approved therapeutic dosages of the comparator nonselective NSAIDs, naproxen 1000 mg/d and ibuprofen 2400 mg/d, and with that of placebo.

METHODS

The etoricoxib program database included data from 8 placebo-controlled Phase III studies of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic low back pain. As part of the program-wide assessment of etoricoxib, the investigator-reported incidence of and discontinuations due to renal AEs, including hypertension, lower-extremity edema (LEE), elevated serum creatinine concentration (SCC), and congestive heart failure (CHF) were examined.

RESULTS

Data from 4770 patients were included in the analysis. Most patients were women (69.0%-80.3%), and most were white (68.0%-83.3%). The mean (SD) age at baseline ranged from 53.6 (12.1) to 62.2 (8.4) years. Overall, the incidence of renal AEs was low and generally similar between the active-treatment groups. In the placebo; etoricoxib 60-, 90-, and 120-mg; naproxen, and ibuprofen groups, the incidences of hypertension were 2.0%, 4.0%, 3.4%, 4.7%, 2.9%, and 6.6%, respectively, and the incidences of LEE were 1.9%, 3.2%, 1.5%, 1.3%, 2.3%, and 1.8%, respectively. The only significant difference found was the incidence of hypertension with etoricoxib 90 mg/d versus that with placebo (P=0.001); however, the rates of hypertension observed with etoricoxib at any dosage were not clinically meaningfully different versus comparator NSAIDs. Also, LEE was rarely of clinical significance with etoricoxib or comparator NSAIDs; related discontinuations were infrequent in all treatment groups. In addition, the incidences of elevated SCC and CHF were low among active-treatment groups (0.0% to 0.8% and 0.0% to 0.2%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this combined data review, the risks for renal AEs (i.e., hypertension, LEE, elevated SCC changes, and CHF) with etoricoxib 60, 90, and 120 mg/d were low, with a shallow dose response, and were generally similar to those found with the comparator NSAIDs naproxen 1000 mg/d and ibuprofen 2400 mg/d.

Comparison of cardiovascular thrombotic events in patients with osteoarthritis treated with rofecoxib versus nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, and nabumetone)

Aspirin, nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and specific cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors each have distinctive effects on COX-1-mediated thromboxane biosynthesis, the major determinant of platelet aggregation. It is unclear whether these effects are associated with differences in thrombogenic risks. To compare the risk for thrombotic cardiovascular events among patients receiving rofecoxib, nonselective NSAIDs, and placebo, cardiovascular safety was assessed in 5,435 participants in 8 phase IIB/III osteoarthritis trials. The median treatment exposure was 31/2 months. The primary end point assessed was the risk of any arterial or venous thrombotic cardiovascular adverse event (AE). A second analysis assessed differences in the Anti-Platelet Trialists' Collaboration (APTC) events, a cluster end point that consists of the combined incidence of (1) cardiovascular, hemorrhagic, and unknown death; (2) myocardial infarction; and (3) cerebrovascular accident. Similar rates of thrombotic cardiovascular AEs were reported with rofecoxib, placebo, and comparator nonselective NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, or nabumetone). In trials that compared rofecoxib with NSAIDs, the incidence of thrombotic cardiovascular AEs was 1.93/100 patient-years in the rofecoxib treatment group compared with 2.27/100 patient-years in the combined nonselective NSAID group. In trials that compared rofecoxib with placebo, the incidence of thrombotic cardiovascular AEs was 2.71/100 patient-years in the rofecoxib group compared with 2.57/100 patient-years in the placebo group. Consistent with the risks of cardiovascular AEs, similar rates of APTC events were reported with rofecoxib, placebo, and comparator nonselective NSAIDs. Thus, in the rofecoxib osteoarthritis development program, there was no difference between rofecoxib, comparator nonselective NSAIDs, and placebo in the risks of cardiovascular thrombotic events.

The morphology of the immature HIV-1 virion

Newly released HIV-1 particles exhibit an immature morphology, previously reported to be characterized by a doughnut/ring-shaped structure. In this study we showed that among immature extracellular virus particles not only were particles with doughnut-shaped morphology present, but particles with a crescent morphology were also observed. These particles occurred with different frequencies, depending on whether they were in the cell or in cell-free fractions. The crescent-shaped particles were more abundant in the cell-free fractions, whereas the particles in the cell fraction mainly exhibited doughnut-shaped morphology. The crescent-shaped structure may represent an assembly intermediate.

The role of Gag in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 virion morphogenesis and early steps of the viral life cycle

The phenotypes of a series of mutant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 proviruses with linker insertion and deletion mutations within the gag coding region were characterized. These mutants, with mutations in the matrix, capsid, and p2 coding regions, produced replication-defective virion particles with defects in the early steps of the viral life cycle. To investigate this phenotype further, the abilities of mutant virion particles to enter T cells, initiate and complete reverse transcription, and transport the newly transcribed proviral DNA were investigated. Only 4 of 10 of the mutants appeared to make wild-type levels of viral DNA. Biochemical analyses of the mutants revealed the middle region of CA as being important in determining virion particle density and sedimentation in velocity gradients. This region also appears to be critical in determining the morphology of mature virion particles by electron microscopy. Particles with aberrant morphology were uninfectious, and only those mutants which displayed cone-shaped cores were capable of carrying out the early steps of the viral life cycle. Thus, the normal morphology of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 appears to be critical to infectivity.

Sequences in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 U3 region required for in vivo and in vitro integration

A series of mutants with alterations in the U3 region of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat were made, and the effects of these mutations were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. When the subterminal 6 to 8 nucleotides of the U3 long terminal repeat were mutated, the resulting provirus was unable to efficiently replicate in vivo, and a mutant oligonucleotide which mimicked the mutation could not be efficiently cleaved but could be joined to target DNA by wild-type recombinant integrase protein in vitro. These results suggest that this region is important in the specific recognition of the viral DNA by the integrase protein.

Linker insertion mutations in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gag gene: effects on virion particle assembly, release, and infectivity

The phenotypes of a series of mutant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 proviruses with linker insertion and deletion mutations within the gag coding region were characterized. These mutants were tested for their ability to make and release viral particles in COS7 cells and for their viability in vivo. Of the 12 mutant proviruses, 4 did not make extracellular virion particles when transfected into COS7 cells. All four of these mutants had mutations in the C-terminal domain of CA. These mutants appeared to have defects both in the ability to accumulate high-molecular-weight intracellular structures containing Gag and Pol products and in the ability to release virion particles. Seven of the mutant proviruses retained the ability to make, release, and process virion particles from COS7 cells. These particles contained the Env glycoprotein, viral genomic RNA, and the mature products of the Gag and Gag-Pol polyproteins, yet they were noninfectious or poorly infectious. The defect in these mutants appears to be in one of the early steps of the viral life cycle. Thus, multiple regions throughout Gag appear to be important in mediating the early steps of the viral life cycle.

Sequence homology between two membrane transport ATPases, the Kdp-ATPase of Escherichia coli and the Ca2+-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum

We have determined the DNA sequences of the genes encoding the three structural proteins of the Kdp-ATPase, an ATP-driven potassium transport system of Escherichia coli. Regions of the predicted amino acid sequence of KdpB, the phosphorylated protein of the system, are homologous to regions of the Ca2+-ATPase of rabbit sarcoplasmic reticulum. The phosphorylated aspartate residue of the latter is within a region of homology.