Post-Marketing Safety Surveillance of Tofacitinib over 9 Years in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

INTRODUCTION

The safety of tofacitinib in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been demonstrated in clinical studies of ≤ 4 and 9.5 years, respectively. Post-marketing surveillance (PMS) data for tofacitinib from spontaneous and voluntary adverse event (AE) reports have been published for RA, but not PsA. To inform the real-world safety profile of tofacitinib in PsA, we evaluated AE reports submitted to the Pfizer safety database (including RA data for context).

METHODS

Endpoints included AEs, serious AEs (SAEs), AEs of special interest (AESIs; serious infections, herpes zoster, cardiovascular events, malignancies, venous thromboembolism), and fatal cases. Exposure was estimated using IQVIA global commercial sales data. Number, frequency, and reporting rates (RRs; number of events/100 patient-years' [PY] exposure) were summarized by indication and formulation (immediate release [IR] 5 or 10 mg twice daily], modified release [MR] 11 mg once daily, or all tofacitinib). The data-collection period differed by indication (PsA: 14 December 2017 [US approval, IR/MR] to 6 November 2021; RA: 6 November 2012 [US approval, IR] to 6 November 2021; MR approval, 24 February 2016).

RESULTS

A total of 73,525 case reports were reviewed (PsA = 5394/RA = 68,131), with 20,706/439,370 PY (PsA/RA) of exposure. More AEs were reported for IR versus MR (IR/MR: PsA = 8349/7602; RA = 137,476/82,153). RRs for AEs (IR/MR: PsA = 59.6/113.4; RA = 44.0/64.8) and SAEs (PsA = 8.1/13.6; RA = 8.0/9.5) were higher with MR versus IR. AE RRs (RA) in the first 4 years after IR approval were 95.9 (IR; 49,439 PY) and 147.0 (MR; 2000 PY). Frequency of SAEs, AESIs, and fatal cases was mostly similar across formulations and indications. The most frequently-reported AE Preferred Terms (PsA/RA) included drug ineffective (20.0%/17.8%), pain (9.7%/10.6%), condition aggravated (9.9%/10.5%), headache (8.8%/7.9%) and, for PsA, off-label use (10.5%/3.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Tofacitinib PMS safety data from submitted AE reports were consistent between PsA and RA, and aligned with its known safety profile. Exposure data (lower MR versus IR; estimation from commercial sales data), reporting bias, reporter identity, and regional differences in formulation use limit interpretation.

Malignancy risk with tofacitinib versus TNF inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis: results from the open-label, randomised controlled ORAL Surveillance trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate malignancies and their associations with baseline risk factors and cardiovascular risk scores with tofacitinib versus tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

In an open-label, randomised controlled trial (ORAL Surveillance; NCT02092467), 4362 patients with RA aged ≥50 years with ≥1 additional cardiovascular risk factor received tofacitinib 5 (N=1455) or 10 mg two times per day (N=1456) or TNFi (N=1451). Incidence rates (IRs; patients with first events/100 patient-years) and HRs were calculated for adjudicated malignancies excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), NMSC and subtypes. Post hoc analyses for malignancies excluding NMSC, lung cancer and NMSC included risk factors identified via simple/multivariable Cox models and IRs/HRs categorised by baseline risk factors, history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (HxASCVD) and cardiovascular risk scores.

RESULTS

IRs for malignancies excluding NMSC and NMSC were higher with tofacitinib (combined and individual doses) versus TNFi. Risk of lung cancer (most common subtype with tofacitinib) was higher with tofacitinib 10 mg two times per day versus TNFi. In the overall study population, the risk of malignancies excluding NMSC was similar between both tofacitinib doses and TNFi until month 18 and diverged from month 18 onwards (HR (95% CIs) for combined tofacitinib doses: 0.93 (0.53 to 1.62) from baseline to month 18 vs 1.93 (1.22 to 3.06) from month 18 onwards, interaction p=0.0469). Cox analyses identified baseline risk factors across treatment groups for malignancies excluding NMSC, lung cancer and NMSC; interaction analyses generally did not show statistical evidence of interaction between treatment groups and risk factors. HxASCVD or increasing cardiovascular risk scores were associated with higher malignancy IRs across treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of malignancies was increased with tofacitinib versus TNFi, and incidence was highest in patients with HxASCVD or increasing cardiovascular risk. This may be due to shared risk factors for cardiovascular risk and cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

NCT02092467, NCT01262118, NCT01484561, NCT00147498, NCT00413660, NCT00550446, NCT00603512, NCT00687193, NCT01164579, NCT00976599, NCT01059864, NCT01359150, NCT02147587, NCT00960440, NCT00847613, NCT00814307, NCT00856544, NCT00853385, NCT01039688, NCT02281552, NCT02187055, NCT02831855, NCT00413699, NCT00661661.

Association between baseline cardiovascular risk and incidence rates of major adverse cardiovascular events and malignancies in patients with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis receiving tofacitinib

Background

Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and has been investigated for psoriasis (PsO).

Objectives

This post hoc analysis examined baseline cardiovascular (CV) disease risk and its association with the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and malignancies in tofacitinib-treated patients with PsA and PsO.

Design

Included three phase III/long-term extension (LTE) PsA trials and seven phase II/phase III/LTE PsO trials of patients receiving ⩾ 1 dose of tofacitinib.

Methods

Incidence rates (IRs: patients with events/100 patient-years) for MACE and malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) were determined in subgroups according to history of atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD), baseline 10-year risk of ASCVD (in patients without history of ASCVD), and baseline metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Results

For patients with PsA (N = 783) and PsO (N = 3663), respectively, tofacitinib exposure was 2038 and 8950 patient-years (median duration: 3.0 and 2.4 years), and 40.9% and 32.7% had MetS. Excluding missing CV risk profile data, 51/773 (6.6%) and 144/3629 (4.0%) patients had history of ASCVD, and in patients without history of ASCVD, around 20.0% had intermediate/high baseline 10-year ASCVD risk. For PsA and PsO, IRs of MACE were greatest in those with history of ASCVD or high baseline 10-year ASCVD risk. For PsA, five of six patients with MACE had baseline MetS. Malignancy IRs in patients with PsA were greatest in those with intermediate/high baseline 10-year ASCVD risk. Of these, eight of nine patients with malignancies had baseline MetS. In the PsO cohort, IR of malignancies was notably greater with high versus low/borderline/intermediate baseline 10-year ASCVD risk.

Conclusion

In tofacitinib-treated patients with PsA/PsO, increased ASCVD risk and baseline MetS were associated with higher IRs for MACE and malignancies. Our results support assessing CV risk in patients with PsA/PsO and suggest enhanced cancer monitoring in those with increased ASCVD risk.

Registration ClinicalTrialsgov

NCT01877668/NCT01882439/NCT01976364/NCT00678210/NCT01710046/NCT01241591/NCT01186744/NCT01276639/NCT01309737/NCT01163253.

Plain Language Summary

People who have psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis may have more heart-related problems and cancer if they have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease: A study in people with psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis receiving tofacitinib Why was this study done? • People with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis (PsO) are more likely than the general population to have a disease affecting the heart and blood vessels [cardiovascular (CV) disease].• People who are more likely to have CV disease may also be more likely to have certain types of cancer.• Tofacitinib is a medicine to treat people with PsA and has been tested in people with PsO.• We wanted to know if the risk of CV disease affects the number of heart-related problems (including heart attack, stroke, or death) and cancer in people with PsA and PsO. What did the researchers do? • We used results from 10 clinical trials.• In these trials, people with PsA and PsO were taking tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice a day.• After the trials had ended, we measured people's risk of CV disease using a risk calculator. This risk calculator showed if they had a low, borderline, intermediate, or high risk of CV disease over the next 10 years. We also checked if they had had CV disease before treatment.• We checked if people had a group of conditions linked to CV disease: diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.• We counted the cases of heart-related problems and cancer in people once they started taking tofacitinib. What did the researchers find? In people with PsA and PsO taking tofacitinib:• There were more cases of heart-related problems and cancer in people who had intermediate or high risk of CV disease.• There were more cases of heart-related problems in people who had had CV disease before.• More people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity had heart-related problems and cancer than people without those conditions. What do the findings mean? • It is important to measure risk and assess history of CV disease in people with PsA and PsO, including those taking tofacitinib.• We should test for cancer in people with high risk of CV disease.

Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events with tofacitinib versus tumour necrosis factor inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with or without a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a post hoc analysis from ORAL Surveillance

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) with tofacitinib versus tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with or without a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in ORAL Surveillance.

METHODS

Patients with RA aged ≥50 years with ≥1 additional CV risk factor received tofacitinib 5 mg or 10 mg two times per day or TNFi. Hazard rations (HRs) were evaluated for the overall population and by history of ASCVD (exploratory analysis).

RESULTS

Risk of MACE, myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death were increased with tofacitinib versus TNFi in ORAL Surveillance. In patients with history of ASCVD (14.7%; 640/4362), MACE incidence was higher with tofacitinib 5 mg two times per day (8.3%; 17/204) and 10 mg two times per day (7.7%; 17/222) versus TNFi (4.2%; 9/214). HR (combined tofacitinib doses vs TNFi) was 1.98 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95 to 4.14; interaction p values: 0.196 (for HR)/0.059 (for incidence rate difference)). In patients without history of ASCVD, MACE HRs for tofacitinib 5 mg two times per day (2.4%; 30/1251) and 10 mg two times per day (2.8%; 34/1234) versus TNFi (2.3%; 28/1237) were, respectively, 1.03 (0.62 to 1.73) and 1.25 (0.76 to 2.07).

CONCLUSIONS

This post hoc analysis observed higher MACE risk with tofacitinib versus TNFi in patients with RA and history of ASCVD. Among patients without history of ASCVD, all with prevalent CV risk factors, MACE risk did not appear different with tofacitinib 5 mg two times per day versus TNFi. Due to the exploratory nature of this analysis and low statistical power, we cannot exclude differential MACE risk for tofacitinib 5 mg two times per day versus TNFi among patients without history of ASCVD, but any absolute risk excess is likely low.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02092467.

Biomarkers to predict risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving tofacitinib or tumour necrosis factor inhibitors

OBJECTIVE

In the ORAL (Oral Rheumatoid Arthritis triaL) Surveillance study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis aged ≥50 years with ≥1 additional cardiovascular risk factor, incidence of pulmonary embolism was higher with tofacitinib 10 mg two times per day than with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi). This exploratory post hoc analysis examined whether biomarkers explained the associations of tofacitinib versus TNFi with venous thromboembolism (VTE).

METHODS

ORAL Surveillance was a prospective, open-label, event-driven, non-inferiority, postauthorisation safety study. Patients were randomised 1:1:1 to receive tofacitinib 5 mg or 10 mg two times per day or a TNFi. For this analysis, 294 soluble, proteomic, genetic and antibody biomarkers (of which 79 had a known role in inflammation, coagulation, vascular biology or Janus kinase signalling) were quantified in serum collected at baseline, month 12 and study end.

RESULTS

Overall, 4362 patients were randomised and treated. The exploratory biomarker data set included 285 patients (57 VTE cases; 228 matched controls). D-dimer was quantified in 3732 patients (54 VTE cases; 3678 controls). No biomarker demonstrated a clear mechanistic association with the increased risk of VTE for tofacitinib versus TNFi. Month 12 D-dimer levels were positively associated with risk of a subsequent VTE within the tofacitinib 5 mg and 10 mg two times per day arms.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this post hoc analysis did not identify biomarkers that explained the increased VTE risk for tofacitinib versus TNFi. Individual VTE risk should be considered when making decisions about initiation or maintenance of tofacitinib treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02092467; ClinicalTrials.gov.

Tofacitinib for the treatment of ulcerative colitis: an integrated summary of up to 7.8 years of safety data from the global clinical program

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Tofacitinib is an oral small molecule JAK inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. We report an integrated summary of tofacitinib safety [exposure:≤7.8 years] from the global clinical program.

METHODS

Patients receiving tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily (BID) from completed phase [P]2/3 placebo-controlled studies, open-label, long-term extension study [final data cut-off: August 24, 2020], and interim analysis of a P3b/4 study [interim data cut-off: February 20, 2020; Overall plus P3b/4 (2020) Cohort], were included. Proportions with adverse events [AEs] and serious AEs, and incidence rates [IRs; unique patients with events/100 patient-years] for deaths and AEs of special interest [AESI] were evaluated. Opportunistic infections, malignancies, major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE], and gastrointestinal perforations were adjudicated.

RESULTS

In total, 1157 patients received ≥1 dose of tofacitinib (mean duration: 946.9 days); 955/1157 [83%] received a predominant dose of 10 mg BID; 412/1157 [35.6%] received tofacitinib for >4 years; 992/1157 [85.7%] had AEs, 244/1157 [21.1%] had serious AEs, and 134/1157 (11.6%) discontinued due to AEs. IRs [95% CIs] for all tofacitinib doses: deaths, 0.23 [0.09-0.46]; serious infections, 1.69 [1.26-2.21]; herpes zoster [non-serious and serious], 3.30 [2.67-4.04]; opportunistic infections, 1.03 [0.70-1.46]; malignancies [excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC)], 0.84 [0.55-1.24]; NMSC, 0.73 [0.45-1.10]; MACE, 0.29 [0.13-0.55]; deep vein thrombosis, 0.03 [0.00-0.18]; pulmonary embolism, 0.19 [0.07-0.42]; gastrointestinal perforations, 0.10 [0.02-0.28].

CONCLUSIONS

AESI IRs were stable to 7.8 years and generally <2.0 in the Overall plus P3b/4 (2020) Cohort, with the exception of herpes zoster [a known risk of tofacitinib treatment].

Long-term Risk of Herpes Zoster Infection in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis Receiving Tofacitinib

BACKGROUND

Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). We report herpes zoster (HZ) incidence and risk factors in the tofacitinib UC clinical program (up to 7.8 years).

METHODS

Proportions and incidence rates (IRs; unique patients with events/100 patient-years) of HZ were evaluated in 4 cohorts: Induction (phase 2 and 3 induction study data), Maintenance (phase 3 maintenance study data), Overall (data from all phase 2, 3, and open-label, long-term extension studies), and Overall plus interim 6-month phase 3b and 4 data. Herpes zoster risk factors were assessed by Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

In the Induction and Maintenance Cohorts, IRs for HZ (nonserious and serious) were numerically higher with tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily (BID) vs placebo and tofacitinib 10 vs 5 mg BID, respectively. With all tofacitinib doses (5 or 10 mg BID), IRs (95% confidence intervals) for HZ in the Overall and Overall plus phase 3b/4 Cohorts (total exposure, 2814.4 and 2999.7 patient-years, respectively) were 3.38 (2.73-4.15) and 3.30 (2.67-4.04), respectively. In the Overall plus phase 3b/4 Cohort, >90% of HZ were nonserious; >90% were mild/moderate; >90% resolved without discontinuing tofacitinib; 0.6% of patients had multiple HZ events. Herpes zoster IRs were stable when analyzed by 6-month intervals up to >30 months. Herpes zoster risk factors included older age, lower weight, geographic region, and prior tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Most HZ events were mild/moderate. Herpes zoster IRs remained stable over 7.8 years of exposure. Older age, lower weight, geographic region, and prior TNFi failure were associated with increased HZ risk.

CLINICALTRIALS.GOV

NCT00787202;NCT01465763;NCT01458951;NCT01458574;NCT01470612;NCT03281304.

OP0269 BIOMARKERS TO PREDICT RISK OF VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS RECEIVING TOFACITINIB OR TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR INHIBITORS

Background

In the ORAL Surveillance study of patients (pts) aged ≥50 yrs with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ≥1 additional cardiovascular risk factor (NCT02092467), the incidence of pulmonary embolism was higher with tofacitinib than with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi).1

Objectives

To explore whether biomarkers explained the associations of tofacitinib vs TNFi with venous thromboembolism (VTE) in ORAL Surveillance.

Methods

ORAL Surveillance was a prospective, open-label, event-driven, noninferiority, post-authorisation safety study. Pts were randomised 1:1:1 to receive tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily or a TNFi (adalimumab 40 mg every 2 weeks or etanercept 50 mg once weekly). For this exploratory post hoc analysis, 294 soluble, proteomic, genetic and antibody biomarkers were assessed (of which 79 have a known role in inflammation, coagulation, vascular biology and/or Janus kinase signalling). Biomarkers were quantified in serum collected at baseline (BL) and Month (M)12 in VTE cases and 4:1 matched controls. D-dimer was analysed with a larger control group (all eligible pts without VTE) and final adjudicated data from BL, M12 and study end.

Results

Of the 4362 randomised and treated pts, D-dimer was quantified in 3732 pts (54 with VTE; 3678 without) and the remaining biomarkers were analysed in 285 pts (57 VTE cases; 228 matched controls). BL characteristics were generally similar in those with or without VTE and between treatment groups. At BL, D-dimer levels were ≥2×upper limit of normal for ~50% of controls and 67% of VTE cases. Mean D-dimer levels decreased from BL to M12 in controls across treatment groups (Figure 1). Key findings from the biomarker analyses are shown in the Table 1. No biomarker showed a clear mechanistic association with the increased risk of VTE for tofacitinib vs TNFi, or demonstrated adequate performance for prognostic use in pts with RA.

Table 1.

Summary of results from biomarker analyses

BiomarkerKey resultsTier 1C-reactive protein•No association with VTE in any treatment arm at BL or M12D-dimer Thrombopoietin•Higher M12 levels were prospectively associated with greater risk of subsequent VTE with tofacitinib 10 mg BID ◦ For D-dimer, the same effect was observed with tofacitinib 5 mg BID •Treatment specificity of effects could not be establishedTier 2Factor VIII Thrombin–antithrombin complex Tissue factor pathway inhibitor Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 Protein C Antithrombin Apolipoprotein C-III Leptin•No clinically meaningful differences across treatment armsTiers 3 & 4Exploratory proteomic assays (276 markers from multiplex panels)•Two biomarkers with no known relationship to VTE (angiogenin and TNFSF13B) showed significant associations with pulmonary embolism in the tofacitinib 10 mg BID arm ◦ Treatment specificity of effects could not be established for either analyteGenetic biomarkersFactor V Leiden R506Q, prothrombin G20210A and JAK2 V617F mutations•Factor V Leiden and prothrombin risk alleles, individually or combined, were associated with increased incidence of VTE but did not explain excess events with tofacitinib •No VTE cases or matched controls had the JAK2 mutationAntibody biomarkersACA IgG and IgM, anti-β2GP1 IgG and IgM•No statistical differences were observed between treatment arms or between VTE cases and matched controls

ACA, anticardiolipin antibody; β2GP1, beta-2-glycoprotein 1; IgG, immunoglobulin G; IgM, immunoglobulin M; JAK2, Janus kinase 2; TNFSF13B, tumour necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 13B

Conclusion

This post hoc exploratory analysis did not identify biomarkers at BL or M12 that explain the increased VTE risk for tofacitinib vs TNFi. Notably, ORAL Surveillance was neither designed nor powered to compare the risk of VTE across treatments or to identify biomarkers with a mechanistic relationship to VTE. Individual VTE risk should be considered when making decisions about initiation or maintenance of tofacitinib treatment.

References

[1]Ytterberg et al. N Engl J Med 2022; 386: 316-326.

Acknowledgements

Study sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Medical writing support was provided by Julia King, CMC Connect, and funded by Pfizer Inc.

Disclosure of Interests

Zoltán Szekanecz Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Roche and Sanofi, Paid instructor for: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Gedeon Richter, Novartis, Pfizer Inc and Roche, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Roche and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Pfizer Inc, Christina Charles-Schoeman Consultant of: AbbVie, Gilead Sciences, Pfizer Inc and Sanofi-Regeneron, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer Inc, Ivana Vranic Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Ltd, Burak Sahin Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Sara A Paciga Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Zhenyu Wang Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Craig Hyde Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, David Martin Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Jeffrey I Weitz Speakers bureau: Anthos, Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Daiichi Sankyo, Ionis, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, PhaseBio, Portola and Servier Pharmaceuticals, Grant/research support from: Bayer AG and Boehringer Ingelheim

POS0674 RISK FACTORS FOR MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS IN PATIENTS AGED ≥50 YEARS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND ≥1 ADDITIONAL CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTOR: A POST HOC ANALYSIS OF ORAL SURVEILLANCE

Background

ORAL Surveillance (NCT02092467) was a post-approval safety study of tofacitinib vs TNF inhibitors (TNFi) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (pts) aged ≥50 yrs with ≥1 additional cardiovascular (CV) risk factor and an inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX).

Objectives

To identify independent risk factors for major adverse CV events (MACE) in ORAL Surveillance.

Methods

Pts on stable MTX were randomised 1:1:1 to receive tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily (BID) or a TNFi (adalimumab 40 mg every 2 weeks or etanercept 50 mg once weekly). Incidence rates (IRs; pts with first events/100 pt-yrs) and hazard ratios (HRs; tofacitinib vs TNFi) were assessed for adjudicated MACE (total/fatal/non-fatal), sudden cardiac death, and total/fatal/non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. Post hoc univariate Cox model analyses identified potentially independent baseline (BL) risk factors for MACE across treatments; those with p<0.10 were entered into a multivariate Cox model using backward selection (p<0.10 stay criteria). MACE HRs were produced for subgroups for BL risk factors with p<0.05 in the final multivariate Cox model.

Results

4362 pts were included (tofacitinib 5 mg BID, n=1455; tofacitinib 10 mg BID, n=1456; TNFi, n=1451). IRs for total/fatal/non-fatal MACE, sudden cardiac death, and total/non-fatal MI were higher with tofacitinib vs TNFi (Table 1). Fatal MI and stroke (including fatal/non-fatal events) IRs were similar across treatments (Table 1). Total MACE and MI IRs and risk were higher with tofacitinib vs TNFi (HRs >1) and higher for non-fatal MI for tofacitinib 5 mg BID (Table 1). Current smoking, aspirin use, history of chronic lung disease, history of diabetes, male sex and older age were BL risk factors for MACE. While MACE risk was generally higher with tofacitinib vs TNFi across all BL risk factors, increased risk was clearest in current/past smokers (vs never smoked) and aspirin users (vs non-users) (Figure 1). When age and smoking status were considered in combination, pts aged ≥65 yrs or who had ever smoked had a particularly elevated MACE risk vs never smokers aged ≥50–<65 yrs (Figure 1).

Table 1.

MACE, MI and stroke IRs (pts with first events/100 pt-yrs; 95% CI) and HRs (tofacitinib vs TNFi; 95% CI)

Tofacitinib 5 mg BID(N=1455)Tofacitinib 10 mg BID(N=1456)TNFi(N=1451)nIRHRnIRHRnIR(95% CI)(95% CI)(95% CI)(95% CI)(95% CI)MACE470.911.24511.051.43370.73(0.67, 1.21)(0.81, 1.91)(0.78, 1.38)(0.94, 2.18)(0.52, 1.01)Fatal MACE140.271.14190.391.63120.24(0.15, 0.45)(0.53, 2.47)(0.23, 0.60)(0.79, 3.36)(0.12, 0.41)Non-fatal MACE330.641.29320.661.33250.50(0.44, 0.90)(0.77, 2.17)(0.45, 0.93)(0.79, 2.24)(0.32, 0.73)Sudden cardiac death100.191.22130.261.6780.16(0.09, 0.35)(0.48, 3.10)(0.14, 0.45)(0.69, 4.04)(0.07, 0.31)MI190.371.69190.391.80110.22(0.22, 0.57)(0.80, 3.55)(0.23, 0.61)(0.85, 3.77)(0.11, 0.39)Fatal MI00NI30.061.0330.06(0.00, 0.07)(0.01, 0.18)(0.21, 5.11)(0.01, 0.17)Non-fatal MI190.372.32160.332.0880.16(0.22, 0.57)(1.02, 5.30)a(0.19, 0.53)(0.89, 4.86)(0.07, 0.31)Stroke180.351.03180.371.10170.34(0.21, 0.55)(0.53, 2.00)(0.22, 0.58)(0.57, 2.13)(0.20, 0.54)Fatal stroke40.08NI20.04NI00.00(0.02, 0.20)(0.00, 0.15)(0.00, 0.07)Non-fatal stroke140.270.80160.330.97170.34(0.15, 0.45)(0.40, 1.63)(0.19, 0.53)(0.49, 1.93)(0.20, 0.54)

aHR 95% CI excludes 1.

Data collected after pts who were randomised to tofacitinib 10 mg BID had their dose reduced to 5 mg. BID were included in the tofacitinib 10 mg BID group

. HRs (95% CI) were not informative when one of the treatments in the comparison had 0 events.

Risk period was defined as time from first dose to last dose +60 days or to the last contact date, whichever was earlier.

CI, confidence interval; NI, non-informative

Conclusion

MACE IRs and risk were higher with tofacitinib vs TNFi in ORAL Surveillance. BL risk factor findings could aid identification of RA pts with potentially highest risk for MACE, with a view to informing treatment decisions.

Acknowledgements

Study sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Medical writing support was provided by Kirsten Woollcott, CMC Connect, and funded by Pfizer Inc.

Disclosure of Interests

Christina Charles-Schoeman Consultant of: AbbVie, Gilead Sciences, Pfizer Inc and Sanofi-Regeneron, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer Inc, Maya H Buch Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Gilead Sciences, MSD, Pfizer Inc and Roche, Grant/research support from: Pfizer Inc, Roche and UCB, Maxime Dougados Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Roche and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Roche and UCB, Deepak L Bhatt Grant/research support from: Abbott, Afimmune, Amarin, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cardax, Chiesi, CSL Behring, Eli Lilly, Eisai, Ethicon, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Forest Laboratories, Fractyl, HLS Therapeutics, Idorsia, Ironwood, Ischemix, Janssen, Lexicon, Medtronic, MyoKardia, Novo Nordisk, Owkin, Pfizer Inc, PhaseBio, PLx Pharma, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi, Synaptic and The Medicines Company, Jon T Giles Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Gilead Sciences and UCB, Grant/research support from: Pfizer Inc, Steven R. Ytterberg Consultant of: Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Kezar Life Sciences and Pfizer Inc, Gary G Koch Shareholder of: IQVIA, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Acceleron, Amgen, Arena, AstraZeneca, Cytokinetics, Eli Lilly, Gilead, GSK, Huya Bioscience International, Johnson & Johnson, Landos Biopharma, Merck, Momentum, Novartis, Otsuka, Pfizer Inc, Sanofi and vTv Therapeutics, Employee of: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ivana Vranic Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Ltd, Joseph Wu Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Cunshan Wang Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Sujatha Menon Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Jose L. Rivas Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer SLU, Arne Yndestad Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Carol A. Connell Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Zoltán Szekanecz Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Roche and Sanofi, Paid instructor for: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Gedeon Richter, Novartis, Pfizer Inc and Roche, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Roche and Sanofi

OP0264 IMPACT OF BASELINE CARDIOVASCULAR RISK ON THE INCIDENCE OF MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS IN THE TOFACITINIB RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS CLINICAL PROGRAMME

Background

Results from ORAL Surveillance, a post-authorisation safety study, indicated that patients (pts) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) aged ≥50 yrs with ≥1 additional cardiovascular (CV) risk factor have an increased risk of major adverse CV events (MACE) with tofacitinib vs tumour necrosis factor inhibitors.1

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of baseline (BL) CV risk on MACE in the wider tofacitinib RA clinical programme.

Methods

Data for pts who received ≥1 tofacitinib dose in 21 Phase 1–3b/4 (excluding ORAL Surveillance) and 2 long-term extension tofacitinib RA studies were pooled and analysed post hoc as two cohorts: (1) overall cohort and (2) CV risk-enriched cohort (pts aged ≥50 yrs with ≥1 additional CV risk factor [current smoker, hypertension, HDL-cholesterol <40 mg/dL, diabetes mellitus, history of myocardial infarction (MI) or coronary heart disease (CHD)]). Data were summarised by average tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily (BID; average total daily dose of <15 or ≥15 mg, respectively). Incidence rates (IRs; pts with first events/100 pt-yrs) for adjudicated MACE were calculated. MACE IRs were stratified by pts’ BL CV risk profile: pts were first categorised by history of coronary artery disease (HxCAD), then pts without a HxCAD were categorised by 10-yr risk of MACE, per the ASCVD-PCE risk calculator2 with a 1.5 multiplier applied.3

Results

The overall cohort included 7964 pts (average tofacitinib 5 mg BID, n=3969; average tofacitinib 10 mg BID, n=3995); of these, 3125 (39.2%) pts were included in the CV risk-enriched cohort (average tofacitinib 5 mg BID, n=1614; average tofacitinib 10 mg BID, n=1511). In both treatment arms, as expected, higher proportions of pts in the CV risk-enriched cohort had a HxCAD or a high or intermediate 10-yr predicted risk of MACE at BL vs the overall cohort (Table 1). MACE IRs (95% CIs) were lower in the overall cohort (0.38 [0.26, 0.54] and 0.37 [0.27, 0.48] for average tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg BID, respectively) vs the CV risk-enriched cohort (0.72 [0.46, 1.09] and 0.67 [0.46, 0.93], respectively), and were similar between treatment arms. MACE IRs were lower than reported in ORAL Surveillance.1 In the overall cohort, adjudicated MACE most commonly occurred in pts with a HxCAD (IR [95% CI] 0.98 [0.02, 5.47] and 1.05 [0.13, 3.78] for average tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg BID, respectively), or in pts with a high 10-yr risk of MACE at BL (Figure 1). A lower predicted 10-yr MACE risk was associated with lower MACE IRs (Figure 1); trends were similar for the CV risk-enriched cohort (data not shown).

Table 1.

Proportions of pts with a HxCAD and pts without a HxCAD categorised by 10-yr risk of MACE, per ASCVD-PCE risk calculator2 with a 1.5 multiplier applied3

Average tofacitinib 5 mg BIDAverage tofacitinib 10 mg BIDOverall cohort(N=3969)CV risk-enriched cohort(N=1614)Overall cohort(N=3995)CV risk-enriched cohort(N=1511)HxCAD, n (%)61 (1.5)61 (3.8)65 (1.6)60 (4.0)No HxCAD: 10-yr risk of MACE, n (%)High (≥20%)440 (11.1)365 (22.6)337 (8.4)276 (18.3)Intermediate (≥7.5–<20%)853 (21.5)593 (36.7)788 (19.7)530 (35.1)Borderline (≥5–<7.5%)435 (11.0)234 (14.5)404 (10.1)195 (12.9)Low (<5%)2133 (53.7)342 (21.2)2058 (51.5)307 (20.3)Missing data47 (1.2)19 (1.2)343 (8.6)143 (9.5)

CAD is defined as any of MI or CHD.

n, number of pts with specified characteristic; N, number of evaluable pts

Conclusion

In the tofacitinib RA clinical programme, MACE were largely associated with BL CV risk in the overall cohort, consistent with results of ORAL Surveillance, although results should be interpreted with caution due to low pt-yrs of exposure in some pt groups. Noting this limitation, these findings emphasise the importance of assessing and addressing BL CV risk when treating pts with RA.

References

[1]Ytterberg et al. New Engl J Med 2022; 386: 316-326.

[2]American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association. ASCVD risk estimator. https://tools.acc.org/ldl/ascvd_risk_estimator/index.html#!/calulate/estimator/.

[3]Agca et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2017; 76: 17-28.

Acknowledgements

Study sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Medical writing support was provided by Kirsten Woollcott, CMC Connect, and funded by Pfizer Inc.

Disclosure of Interests

Maxime Dougados Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Roche and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Roche and UCB, Christina Charles-Schoeman Consultant of: AbbVie, Gilead Sciences, Pfizer Inc and Sanofi-Regeneron, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer Inc, Zoltán Szekanecz Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Roche and Sanofi, Paid instructor for: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Gedeon Richter, Novartis, Pfizer Inc and Roche, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Roche and Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Pfizer Inc, Jon T Giles Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Gilead Sciences and UCB, Grant/research support from: Pfizer Inc, Steven R. Ytterberg Consultant of: Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Kezar Life Sciences and Pfizer Inc, Deepak L Bhatt Grant/research support from: Abbott, Afimmune, Amarin, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cardax, Chiesi, CSL Behring, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Ethicon, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Forest Laboratories, Fractyl, HLS Therapeutics, Idorsia, Ironwood, Ischemix, Janssen, Lexicon, Medtronic, MyoKardia, Novo Nordisk, Owkin, Pfizer Inc, PhaseBio, PLx Pharma, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi, Synaptic and The Medicines Company, Gary G Koch Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Acceleron, Amgen, Arena, AstraZeneca, Cytokinetics, Eli Lilly, Gilead Sciences, GSK, Huya Bioscience International, Johnson & Johnson, Landos Biopharma, Merck, Momentum, Novartis, Otsuka, Pfizer Inc, Sanofi and vTv Therapeutics, Employee of: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ivana Vranic Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Ltd, Joseph Wu Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Cunshan Wang Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Kenneth Kwok Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Sujatha Menon Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Carol A. Connell Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Arne Yndestad Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Jose L. Rivas Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer SLU, Maya H Buch Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Gilead Sciences, MSD, Pfizer Inc and Roche, Grant/research support from: Pfizer Inc, Roche and UCB

POS0296 INTEGRATED SAFETY ANALYSIS OF TOFACITINIB IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS CLINICAL TRIALS

Background

Tofacitinib is an oral JAK inhibitor for the treatment of adults with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Objectives

To describe the tofacitinib safety profile from an integrated analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in patients (pts) with active AS.

Methods

Pooled data from Phase (P)2 (NCT01786668) and P3 (NCT03502616) RCTs in pts with AS were analysed in 3 cohorts (Table 1): the 16-Week (Wk) placebo (PBO)-controlled cohort (pts receiving tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily [BID] or PBO from Wks 0–12 [P2 RCT] or Wks 0–16 [P3 RCT]), the 48-Wk all tofacitinib 5 mg BID cohort and the 48-Wk all tofacitinib cohort (pts receiving ≥1 dose of tofacitinib 2, 5 or 10 mg BID), including pts receiving tofacitinib from Wks 0–12 (P2 RCT) or Wks 0–48 (P3 RCT). Pts receiving tofacitinib 5 mg BID were included in the 16-Wk PBO-controlled cohort and both 48-Wk tofacitinib cohorts. Adverse event (AE)/AEs of special interest incidence rates (IRs; pts with events/100 pt-yrs) were reported based on a 28-day risk period (time of first to last study drug dose +28 days). Baseline (BL) cardiovascular (CV) risk was calculated post hoc by the atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD)-pooled cohort equations calculator for pts without history of coronary artery disease (48-Wk tofacitinib cohorts).

Results

At BL, most pts (>76%) in the 48-Wk tofacitinib cohorts had <5% (low) 10-yr ASCVD risk (Figure 1). The most common treatment-emergent AEs were nasopharyngitis/upper respiratory tract infection. Serious AE IRs were higher with tofacitinib 5 mg BID vs PBO in the 16-Wk PBO-controlled cohort, and similar in the 48-Wk tofacitinib cohorts (Table 1). Discontinuation due to AEs was similar between groups in the 16-Wk PBO-controlled cohort and between the 48-Wk tofacitinib cohorts (Table 1). One pt receiving tofacitinib 5 mg BID (included in the 16-Wk PBO-controlled and both 48-Wk tofacitinib cohorts) had a serious infection (SI; meningitis; Table 1). No SIs with PBO. Herpes zoster (HZ; all non-serious) occurred in the 48-Wk all tofacitinib 5 mg BID (5 pts [1.6%]) and 48-Wk all tofacitinib cohorts (7 pts [1.7%]; Table 1) only. Most cases involved a single dermatome, but 1 pt (tofacitinib 10 mg BID) had HZ involving 2 adjacent dermatomes. Across cohorts, there were no deaths or adjudicated opportunistic infections (OIs), OIs excluding tuberculosis (TB), TB, malignancies excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), NMSC, major adverse CV events, thromboembolic events, gastrointestinal perforation or interstitial lung disease. Uveitis was reported in 1 (0.5%), 3 (1.6%), 4 (1.3%) and 6 (1.4%) pts in the tofacitinib 5 mg BID, PBO, 48-Wk all tofacitinib 5 mg BID and 48-Wk all tofacitinib groups, respectively; all but 1 pt (tofacitinib 2 mg BID) had history of uveitis. Psoriasis occurred in 1 (0.5%) pt (PBO) with history of psoriasis. There were no AEs of inflammatory bowel disease.

Table 1.

AEs and AEs of special interest

16-Wk PBO-controlled cohort48-Wk tofacitinib cohortsTofacitinib 5 mg BID N=185PBO N=18748-Wk all tofacitinib 5 mg BID N=31648-Wk all tofacitinib N=420AE, n (%), IR [95% CI per 100 pt-yrs]Serious AE3 (1.6) 5.28 [0.00, 11.25]2 (1.1) 3.56 [0.00, 8.49]8 (2.5) 3.49 [1.51, 6.87]9 (2.1) 3.45 [1.58, 6.55]Discontinuation due to AEs4 (2.2) 7.04 [0.14, 13.94]4 (2.1) 7.10 [0.14, 14.05]11 (3.5) 4.77 [2.38, 8.54]12 (2.9) 4.58 [2.37, 8.00]SI1 (0.5) 1.77 [0.00, 5.89]0 0.00 [0.00, 3.31]1 (0.3) 0.43 [0.01, 2.41]1 (0.2) 0.38 [0.01, 2.12]HZ0 0.00 [0.00, 3.28]0 0.00 [0.00, 3.31]5 (1.6) 2.18 [0.71, 5.08]7 (1.7) 2.68 [1.08, 5.53]All-cause mortality0 0.00 [0.00, 3.28]0 0.00 [0.00, 3.31]0 0.00 [0.00, 1.59]0 0.00 [0.00, 1.40]Malignancies excluding NMSC0 0.00 [0.00, 3.28]0 0.00 [0.00, 3.31]0 0.00 [0.00, 1.59]0 0.00 [0.00, 1.40]Major adverse CV event0 0.00 [0.00, 3.28]0 0.00 [0.00, 3.31]0 0.00 [0.00, 1.59]0 0.00 [0.00, 1.40]Venous thromboembolism0 0.00 [0.00, 3.28]0 0.00 [0.00, 3.31]0 0.00 [0.00, 1.59]0 0.00 [0.00, 1.40]

CI, confidence interval; n, number of pts with event within 28-day risk period

Conclusion

Tofacitinib 5 mg BID was well tolerated over 48 Wks in pts with AS, and safety was consistent with the established safety profile of tofacitinib.

Acknowledgements

Study sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Medical writing support was provided by Jennifer Arnold, CMC Connect, and funded by Pfizer Inc.

Disclosure of Interests

Atul Deodhar Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Aurinia, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celegene, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, MoonLake, Novartis, Pfizer Inc and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Pfizer Inc and UCB, Servet Akar Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer Inc and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer Inc and UCB, Grant/research support from: Pfizer Inc, Jeffrey Curtis Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, CorEvitas, LLC (formerly Corrona, LLC), Eli Lilly, Janssen, Myriad, Pfizer Inc, Radius, Roche and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, CorEvitas, LLC (formerly Corrona, LLC), Eli Lilly, Janssen, Myriad, Pfizer Inc, Radius, Roche and UCB, Bassel Zorkany Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eva, Eli Lilly, Hekma, Janssen, MSD, New Bridge, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis and Servier, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eva, Eli Lilly, Hekma, Janssen, MSD, New Bridge, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis and Servier, Marina Magrey Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer Inc and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie and UCB, Cunshan Wang Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Joseph Wu Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Solomon B Makgoeng Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Ivana Vranic Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Ltd, Sujatha Menon Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Dona Fleishaker Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Annette Diehl Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Lara Fallon Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Arne Yndestad Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Robert B.M. Landewé Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Galapagos NV, Novartis, Pfizer Inc and UCB

OP0027 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BASELINE CARDIOVASCULAR RISK AND INCIDENCE RATES OF MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS AND MALIGNANCIES IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND PSORIASIS RECEIVING TOFACITINIB

Background

Common comorbidities of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis (PsO) are cardiovascular (CV) disease and metabolic syndrome (MetS).1,2 Risk of CV disease may be associated with increased risk of future malignancies.3 Tofacitinib is a JAK inhibitor for treatment of PsA and has been investigated for treatment of PsO.

Objectives

To examine baseline (BL) CV risk and its association with incidence rates (IRs) of major adverse CV events (MACE) and malignancies in tofacitinib-treated patients (pts) with PsA and PsO.

Methods

Analysis included data from 3 (Phase [P]3/long-term extension [LTE]) trials of pts with PsA and 7 (P2/3/LTE) trials of pts with PsO receiving ≥1 dose of tofacitinib (5 or 10 mg twice daily). IRs (pts with events/100 pt-yrs) for MACE and malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) were stratified by: history of coronary artery disease (HxCAD [≥1 of myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, coronary artery procedure or stable angina pectoris]); BL 10-yr atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD) risk (ASCVD-pooled cohort equations calculator [only in pts without HxCAD]); and BL MetS (≥3 of hypertension, raised triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high waist circumference or high fasting glucose levels).

Results

Of 783 and 3663 pts with PsA and PsO, total tofacitinib exposure was 2038 and 8950 pt-yrs, and median duration of exposure was 3.0 and 2.4 yrs, respectively. In pts with PsA and PsO, 5.0% and 2.5% had HxCAD, respectively; in those without HxCAD, >20% had intermediate/high BL 10-yr ASCVD risk (Figure 1). At BL, 40.9% and 32.7% of pts with PsA and PsO had MetS, respectively. IRs of MACE were greatest in pts with PsA and PsO who had HxCAD/high BL 10-yr ASCVD risk (Table 1). In the PsA cohort, 5/6 pts with MACE had BL MetS. IRs of malignancies in pts with PsA were greatest in those with intermediate/high BL 10-yr ASCVD risk; 8/9 pts with malignancies in these risk categories had BL MetS (Table 1). In the PsO cohort, IR of malignancies was notably greater in those with high vs low/intermediate BL 10-yr ASCVD risk (Table 1).

Table 1.

IRs of MACE and malignancies in pts with PsA and PsO receiving tofacitinib, stratified by HxCAD, BL 10-yr ASCVD risk and BL MetS

MACEMalignanciesPsAPsOPsAPsOn/N[n1]IR (95% CI)n/N[n1]IR (95% CI)n/N[n1]IR (95% CI)n/N[n1]IR (95% CI)HxCADYes1/39[0]0.97 (0.02, 5.38)3/93[0]1.49 (0.31, 4.36)0/39[0]0.00 (0.00, 3.52)0/93[0]0.00 (0.00, 1.83)No5/744[5]0.25 (0.08, 0.59)20/3570[10]0.22 (0.13, 0.34)15/744[10]0.75 (0.42, 1.24)60/3570[26]0.66 (0.51, 0.85)BL 10-yr ASCVD risk categoryHigh risk (≥20%)1/35[1]1.26 (0.03, 7.01)7/179[4]1.67 (0.67, 3.43)1/35[1]1.26 (0.03, 7.03)15/179[10]3.57 (2.00, 5.89)Intermediate risk(≥7.5–<20%)2/121[2]0.62 (0.07, 2.23)9/716[6]0.50 (0.23, 0.95)8/121[7]2.46 (1.06, 4.86)23/716[9]1.28 (0.81, 1.92)Borderline risk(≥5–<7.5%)1/91[1]0.42 (0.01, 2.32)2/400[0]0.19 (0.02, 0.67)2/91[1]0.83 (0.10, 3.01)5/400[1]0.47 (0.15, 1.09)Low risk (<5%)1/487[1]0.08 (0.00, 0.42)2/2241[0]0.03 (0.00, 0.13)4/487[1]0.30 (0.08, 0.77)17/2241[6]0.30 (0.17, 0.47)BL MetSYes5/3200.60 (0.20, 1.40)10/11970.34 (0.16, 0.63)10/3201.20 (0.58, 2.21)26/11970.89 (0.58, 1.31)No1/4630.08 (0.00, 0.44)13/24660.20 (0.11, 0.35)5/4630.40 (0.13, 0.92)34/24660.54 (0.37, 0.75)

Follow-up time calculated up to the day of the first event and subject to risk period of 28 days beyond the last dose of study drug.

CI, confidence interval; N, total pts; n, pts with MACE/malignancies; n1, pts with MACE/malignancies and BL MetS.

Conclusion

In tofacitinib-treated pts with PsA and PsO, raised CV risk and MetS at BL were potentially associated with higher IRs of MACE and malignancies. Our findings support assessing CV risk in pts with PsA and PsO and enhanced monitoring for malignancies in those with raised CV risk.

References

[1]Karmacharya et al. Ther Adv Musculoskel Dis 2021; 13: 1-15.

[2]Garshick et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2021; 77: 1670-1680.

[3]Lau et al. JACC CardioOncol 2021; 3: 48-58.

Acknowledgements

Study sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Medical writing support was provided by Emma Mitchell, CMC Connect, and funded by Pfizer Inc.

Disclosure of Interests

Lars Erik Kristensen Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer Inc and UCB, Grant/research support from: Biogen, Janssen, Novartis and UCB, Bruce Strober Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Janssen and Ortho Dermatologics, Consultant of: AbbVie, Almirall, Amgen, Arcutis, Arena, Aristea, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cara, Celgene, Dermavant, Dermira, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Leo, Meiji Seika Pharma, Novartis, Ortho Dermatologics, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron, Sanofi-Genzyme, Sun Pharma and UCB, Denis Poddubnyy Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer Inc and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, BIOCAD, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Samsung Bioepis and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis and Pfizer, Ying Ying Leung Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Janssen and Novartis, Hyejin Jo Consultant of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Syneos Health, Kenneth Kwok Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Ivana Vranic Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Ltd, Dona Fleishaker Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Lara Fallon Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Arne Yndestad Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Dafna D Gladman Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc and UCB.

RA-MAP, molecular immunological landscapes in early rheumatoid arthritis and healthy vaccine recipients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with poorly defined aetiology characterised by synovial inflammation with variable disease severity and drug responsiveness. To investigate the peripheral blood immune cell landscape of early, drug naive RA, we performed comprehensive clinical and molecular profiling of 267 RA patients and 52 healthy vaccine recipients for up to 18 months to establish a high quality sample biobank including plasma, serum, peripheral blood cells, urine, genomic DNA, RNA from whole blood, lymphocyte and monocyte subsets. We have performed extensive multi-omic immune phenotyping, including genomic, metabolomic, proteomic, transcriptomic and autoantibody profiling. We anticipate that these detailed clinical and molecular data will serve as a fundamental resource offering insights into immune-mediated disease pathogenesis, progression and therapeutic response, ultimately contributing to the development and application of targeted therapies for RA.

Long-term efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of the adalimumab biosimilar, PF-06410293, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after switching from reference adalimumab (Humira®) or continuing biosimilar therapy: week 52-92 data from a randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial

Background/objective

REFLECTIONS B538–02 is a randomized, double-blind comparative study of the adalimumab (ADL) biosimilar PF-06410293, (ADL-PF), and reference ADL sourced from the European Union (ADL-EU) in patients with active RA. Therapeutic equivalence was demonstrated based on ACR20 responses at week 12 (primary endpoint). We report long-term safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of ADL-PF in patients who continued ADL-PF treatment throughout 78 weeks or who switched from ADL-EU to ADL-PF at week 26 or week 52.

Methods

Eligible patients (2010 ACR/EULAR RA diagnosis criteria for ≥ 4 months; inadequate response to MTX, ≤ 2 doses non-ADL biologic), stratified by geographic regions were initially randomized (1:1) in treatment period 1 (TP1) to ADL-PF or ADL-EU (40 mg subcutaneously, biweekly), both with MTX (10–25 mg/week). At week 26 (start of TP2), patients receiving ADL-EU were re-randomized to remain on ADL-EU or transition to ADL-PF for 26 weeks. At week 52 (start of TP3), all patients received open-label treatment with ADL-PF for 26 weeks and were followed after last treatment dose to week 92. To evaluate maintenance of response after switching or remaining on ADL-PF, ACR20, DAS28-4(CRP), and other measures of clinical response/remission were assessed through week 78 as secondary endpoints. Three groups were evaluated: biosimilar, week 26 switch, and week 52 switch.

Results

Overall, 507 patients participated in TP3. ACR20 response rates at week 52 were 88.4%, 88.2%, and 87.6% for the biosimilar, week 26, and week 52 switch groups, respectively. ACR20 response rates and DAS28-4(CRP) scores were sustained and comparable across groups in TP3. Incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) during TP3 and follow-up was 42.6% (biosimilar), 37.0% (week 26 switch), and 50.8% (week 52 switch); 3 (0.6%) patients (all week 52 switch) reported treatment-related serious AEs. ADL-PF was generally well tolerated, with a comparable safety profile across groups. Overall, incidences of patients with anti-drug antibodies in TP3 and follow-up were comparable among groups (46.1%, 46.5%, and 54.2%, respectively).

Conclusions

There were no clinically meaningful differences in safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy for patients who were maintained on ADL-PF for 78 weeks and those who had switched from ADL-EU at week 26 or week 52.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02480153. First posted on June 24, 2015; EU Clinical Trials Register; EudraCT number: 2014-000352-29. Start date, October 27, 2014

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-021-02626-4.

Randomised study of PF-06410293, an adalimumab (ADL) biosimilar, compared with reference ADL for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis: results from weeks 26-52, including a treatment switch from reference ADL to PF-06410293

Objective

To investigate the efficacy, safety, immunogenicity and pharmacokinetics of biosimilar adalimumab (ADL) PF-06410293 (ADL-PF; adalimumab-afzb) versus EU-sourced reference ADL (ADL-EU) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on longer-term treatment and after being switched from ADL-EU to ADL-PF.

Methods

In this multinational, double-blind study, patients with active RA were initially randomised to ADL-PF or ADL-EU for 26 weeks (treatment period (TP) 1). At the start of TP2 (weeks 26–52), patients in the ADL-EU arm were blindly re-randomised 1:1 to remain on ADL-EU (ADL-EU/ADL-EU; n=135) or switched to ADL-PF (ADL-EU/ADL-PF; n=134); patients receiving ADL-PF continued blinded treatment (ADL-PF/ADL-PF; n=283).

Results

The American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement (ACR20) response rates were comparable between treatment groups at all visits during TP2. At week 52, ACR20 response rates were 82.7% (ADL-PF/ADL-PF), 79.3% (ADL-EU/ADL-EU) and 84.3% (ADL-EU/ADL-PF). Other measures of deep response (ACR50/70, ACR/EULAR-defined remission, EULAR good response, and Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints Based on High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein <2.6) and Health Assessment Questionnaire−Disability Index were maintained over TP2 and comparable between groups. Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 43.5% (ADL-PF/ADL-PF), 44.4% (ADL-EU/ADL-EU) and 38.3% (ADL-EU/ADL-PF) of patients; there were no clinically meaningful differences in the safety profiles between groups. The percentage of patients who were antidrug antibody positive was comparable overall among ADL-PF/ADL-PF (47.3%), ADL-EU/ADL-EU (54.1%) and ADL-EU/ADL-PF (45.9%).

Conclusions

The similar efficacy, safety, immunogenicity and pharmacokinetics of ADL-PF and ADL-EU, maintained up to week 52, were unaffected by blinded treatment switch from ADL-EU to ADL-PF at week 26.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02480153; EudraCT number: 2014-000352-29.

AB0289 EFFICACY, SAFETY AND IMMUNOGENICITY IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS COMPARING PF-06410293 (ADL-PF), AN ADALIMUMAB (ADL) BIOSIMILAR, AND REFERENCE ADL: RESULTS FROM WEEK 26–52 OF A DOUBLE-BLIND, RANDOMISED PHASE 3 STUDY INCLUDING PATIENTS WHO SWITCHED FROM ADL-PF TO REFERENCE ADL AT WEEK 26

Background:

PF-06410293 (ADL-PF) is an adalimumab biosimilar approved for the treatment of several inflammatory and autoimmune indications.1The efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of ADL-PF and reference adalimumab sourced from the European Union (ADL-EU) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been demonstrated to be similar in a randomised controlled trial up to 26 weeks (wks; treatment period 1 [TP1]).2

Objectives:

To evaluate the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of ADL-PF and ADL-EU in patients with moderate to severe RA on longer-term treatment, and following a treatment switch from ADL-EU to ADL-PF in a subset of patients.

Methods:

This multinational, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study compared ADL-PF and ADL-EU in essentially biologic-naïve patients with active RA despite methotrexate (MTX) (NCT02480153). In TP1, patients were randomised (1:1) to ADL-PF or ADL-EU (40 mg subcutaneous injection every 2 wks) for 26 wks while continuing MTX (10–25 mg/wk). The primary endpoint was achievement of American College of Rheumatology response (ACR20) at Wk 12. At Wk 26, the start of treatment period 2 (TP2), patients receiving ADL-EU were blindly re-randomised (1:1) to remain on ADL-EU or switch to ADL-PF for 26 wks while patients receiving ADL-PF continued treatment in a blinded manner. Secondary efficacy endpoints at Wks 26, 30, 36, 44 and 52 (ACR20/50/70, European League Against Rheumatism [EULAR] response, Disease Activity Score [DAS] 28-4[CRP] <2.6 and ACR/EULAR defined remission), safety events and percentage of patients with anti-drug antibodies (ADA) were assessed.

Results:

In TP1, 597 patients were randomised to ADL-PF (n=297) or ADL-EU (n=300). At Wk 26, 552 patients were re-randomised for TP2 (continued ADL-PF, n=283; continued ADL-EU, n=135; switched from ADL-EU to ADL-PF, n=134). Patients who demonstrated at least minimal efficacy continued in TP2. Observed ACR20 rates were comparable between treatment groups at all visits during TP2 (Figure). Other measures of deep response (ACR70, EULAR good response, DAS28-4(CRP) <2.6 and ACR/EULAR defined remission) showed maintained efficacy during TP2 in all treatment groups. Incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events were comparable between treatment groups (Table). Overall, incidences of ADA through Wk 52 were comparable between treatment groups (47.3%, 54.1% and 45.9% for patients who continued ADL-PF, continued ADL-EU or switched from ADL-EU to ADL-PF, respectively). In patients who switched from ADL-EU to ADL-PF compared with patients who continued ADL-EU, the increase in ADA incidence over TP2 was 0.8% (from 45.1% to 45.9%) versus 6.7% (from 47.4% to 54.1%), respectively.

Conclusion:

TP2 results demonstrated comparable efficacy, safety and immunogenicity between ADL-PF and ADL-EU was maintained up to Wk 56 and was unaffected by a blinded switch from ADL-EU to ADL-PF at Wk 26.

References:

[1]Pfizer Inc, 2019.http://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=12780

[2]Fleischmann RM et al,Arthritis Res Ther2018;20:178.

Table.

All-causality TEAEs: Treatment Period 2 (Safety population)

Continued ADL-PF(n=283)Continued ADL-EU(n=135)Switched from ADL-EU to ADL-PF(n=133)Number of AEs243112100Patients with events, n (%) AEs123 (43.5)60 (44.4)51 (38.3) Serious AEs4 (1.4)6 (4.4)3 (2.3) ≥ Grade 3 AEs7 (2.5)7 (5.2)4 (3.0)TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation6 (2.1)8 (5.9)2 (1.5)Deaths000

ADL-EU, adalimumab sourced from the European Union; ADL-PF, adalimumab biosimilar PF-06410293; AE, adverse event; TEAE, treatment-emergent AE.

Acknowledgments:

Medical writing support, provided by Jacqui Oliver of Engage Scientific Solutions. The study was funded by Pfizer.

Disclosure of Interests:

Roy Fleischmann Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Akros, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer, IngelhCentrexion, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Genentech, Gilead, Janssen, Merck, Nektar, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Roche, Samsung, Sandoz, Sanofi Genzyme, Selecta, Taiho, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, ACEA, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi Genzyme, UCB, Daniel Alvarez Shareholder of: Pfizer, Employee of: Pfizer, Amy Bock Shareholder of: Pfizer, Employee of: Pfizer, Carol Cronenberger Shareholder of: Pfizer, Employee of: Pfizer, Ivana Vranic Shareholder of: Pfizer, Employee of: Pfizer, Wuyan Zhang Shareholder of: Pfizer, Employee of: Pfizer, Rieke Alten Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Galapagos, Galapagos NV, Gilead, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Novartis, Consultant of: Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Pfizer

A phase 2 study of tofacitinib, an oral Janus kinase inhibitor, in patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Tofacitinib, an orally administered Janus kinase inhibitor, blocks signaling through γ-chain-containing cytokines (interleukins 2, 4, 7, 9, 15, and 21). We performed a phase 2 trial to measure its efficacy in patients with moderate-to-severe active Crohn's disease.

METHODS

Patients (N = 139; age, ≥18 y) with moderate-to-severe active Crohn's disease were assigned randomly to groups given 1 mg (n = 36), 5 mg (n = 34), or 15 mg (n = 35) tofacitinib or placebo (n = 34), twice daily for 4 weeks, at 48 centers in 12 countries. The primary end point was the proportion of clinical responders at week 4 (decrease from baseline in the Crohn's Disease Activity Index score of ≥70 points [Response-70]). Secondary end points included clinical remission (Crohn's Disease Activity Index score of <150 points) at week 4.

RESULTS

A clinical response was observed in 36% (P = .467), 58% (P = .466), and 46% (P ≥ .999) of patients given the 1-, 5-, and 15-mg doses of tofacitinib, compared with 47% of patients given placebo. Clinical remission was observed in 31% (P = .417), 24% (P = .776), and 14% (P = .540) of patients given the 1-, 5-, and 15-mg doses of tofacitinib, compared with 21% of patients given placebo. The 15-mg dose of tofacitinib reduced levels of C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin from baseline. Adverse and serious adverse events were similar among groups. Dose-dependent increases in low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed in patients given the 5- or 15-mg doses of tofacitinib.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences in the percentage of patients with moderate-to-severe active Crohn's disease who achieved clinical responses (Response-70) or clinical remission after 4 weeks' administration of tofacitinib (1, 5, or 15 mg) or placebo twice daily. However, a large percentage of patients given placebo achieved Response-70 or remission. Reductions in C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin levels among patients given the 15-mg dose of tofacitinib indicate its biologic activity. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00615199.

Signaling prodromes of sudden cardiac death

The new criteria in detection of ARVC/D produced more subtle noninvasive parameters that raised sensitivity in diagnosis. Since heart rate dynamics have prognostic significance for the progression of a disease and for mortality, the main objective was to explore its value in disclosing risk for serious arrhythmias. Out of 100 ARVC/D patients, 35 with normal ECG Holter recordings (PVC<100) and no medical treatment (either antiarrhythmic or proarrhythmic drugs) were analyzed according to severity of ARVC/D (Group 1/mild, n=23 and Group 2/overt, n=12) and regarding positive late potentials (noise interval between 0.1-0.3 μV). Severity of ARVC/D is defined: group 1 with no clinical recognizable signs and group 2 with clinical readily recognizable signs. Group 3 (control) consisted of 35 randomly assigned healthy subjects. The differences between the 3 groups were assessed by ANOVA followed by Bonferroni`s post hoc multiple-range tests. NLD methods, as opposed to linear time and frequency, show very significant differences between investigated groups vs. control. NLD methods by mean of the standard deviations of all NN intervals of sinus beats for all 5-minute segments (SDNN index) showed prevalence of parasympathetic activity as opposed to control. This was even more obvious through interpolation of data as % of deviation of Mean NN interval in function % frequency (p<0.005). NLD methods describe complex rhythm fluctuations in ARVC/D patients that put insight at proarrhythmic potential of affected subjects. Furthermore, in combination with late potentials they improve recognizing hidden risks for serious arrhythmias.

Tofacitinib, an oral Janus kinase inhibitor, in active ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon for which current treatments are not universally effective. One additional treatment may be tofacitinib (CP-690,550), an oral inhibitor of Janus kinases 1, 2, and 3 with in vitro functional specificity for kinases 1 and 3 over kinase 2, which is expected to block signaling involving gamma chain-containing cytokines including interleukins 2, 4, 7, 9, 15, and 21. These cytokines are integral to lymphocyte activation, function, and proliferation.

METHODS

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial, we evaluated the efficacy of tofacitinib in 194 adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Patients were randomly assigned to receive tofacitinib at a dose of 0.5 mg, 3 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was a clinical response at 8 weeks, defined as an absolute decrease from baseline in the score on the Mayo scoring system for assessment of ulcerative colitis activity (possible score, 0 to 12, with higher scores indicating more severe disease) of 3 or more and a relative decrease from baseline of 30% or more with an accompanying decrease in the rectal bleeding subscore of 1 point or more or an absolute rectal bleeding subscore of 0 or 1.

RESULTS

The primary outcome, clinical response at 8 weeks, occurred in 32%, 48%, 61%, and 78% of patients receiving tofacitinib at a dose of 0.5 mg (P=0.39), 3 mg (P=0.55), 10 mg (P=0.10), and 15 mg (P<0.001), respectively, as compared with 42% of patients receiving placebo. Clinical remission (defined as a Mayo score ≤2, with no subscore >1) at 8 weeks occurred in 13%, 33%, 48%, and 41% of patients receiving tofacitinib at a dose of 0.5 mg (P=0.76), 3 mg (P=0.01), 10 mg (P<0.001), and 15 mg (P<0.001), respectively, as compared with 10% of patients receiving placebo. There was a dose-dependent increase in both low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Three patients treated with tofacitinib had an absolute neutrophil count of less than 1500.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis treated with tofacitinib were more likely to have clinical response and remission than those receiving placebo. (Funded by Pfizer; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00787202.).