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Gonzales-Luna AJ, Carlson TJ, Garey KW. Review Article: Safety of Live Biotherapeutic Products Used for the Prevention of Clostridioides difficile Infection Recurrence. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:S487-S496. [PMID: 38051970 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) represent a new class of therapeutics indicated to prevent the recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in adults. However, microbiota-based therapies have been used in CDI management before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated this new drug class. The regulation of these microbiome-based therapies has varied, and several safety concerns have arisen over time. Requirements established by the FDA regarding the development of LBPs minimizes many of these prior concerns, and phase III trials have proven the safety and efficacy of 2 stool donor-derived LBPs: fecal microbiota, live-jslm (Rebyota™; formerly RBX2660) and fecal microbiota spores, live-brpk (Vowst™; formerly SER-109). Mild gastrointestinal side effects are common, but no severe drug-related adverse events have been reported with their use to date. A third LBP entering phase III clinical trials, VE303, follows a novel approach by sourcing bacterial strains from clonal cell banks and has demonstrated a similarly favorable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne J Gonzales-Luna
- Department of Pharmacy and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Travis J Carlson
- Pharmacotherapy Division, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- University Hospital, University Health, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Kevin W Garey
- Department of Pharmacy and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, Texas, USA
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Lee C, Louie T, Bancke L, Guthmueller B, Harvey A, Feuerstadt P, Khanna S, Orenstein R, Dubberke ER. Safety of fecal microbiota, live-jslm (REBYOTA ™) in individuals with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection: data from five prospective clinical trials. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2023; 16:17562848231174277. [PMID: 37333464 PMCID: PMC10272687 DOI: 10.1177/17562848231174277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Microbiota-based treatments reduce the incidence of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections (rCDIs), but prospectively collected safety data needed to broaden patient access and protect public health have been limited. Objectives We provide cumulative safety data from five prospective clinical trials evaluating fecal microbiota, live-jslm (RBL) - the first microbiota-based live biotherapeutic product approved by the US Food and Drug Administration - for preventing rCDI in adults. Design Integrated safety analysis includes three phase II trials (PUNCH CD, PUNCH CD2, PUNCH Open-Label) and two phase III trials (PUNCH CD3, PUNCH CD3-OLS) of RBL. Methods Trial participants were at least 18 years of age with documented rCDI who completed standard-of-care antibiotic therapy before treatment with RBL. Assigned study treatment regimen was one or two doses of RBL (or placebo) administered rectally, depending on the trial design. In four of the five trials, participants with CDI recurrence within 8 weeks after RBL or placebo administration were eligible for treatment with open-label RBL. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were recorded for at least 6 months following last study treatment; in PUNCH CD2 and PUNCH Open-Label trials, TEAEs and serious TEAEs were collected through 12 and 24 months, respectively. Results Among the five trials, 978 participants received at least one dose of RBL (assigned treatment or after recurrence) and 83 participants received placebo only. TEAEs were reported in 60.2% of Placebo Only participants and 66.4% of RBL Only participants. Only abdominal pain, nausea, and flatulence were significantly higher in the RBL Only group compared with the Placebo Only group. Most TEAEs were mild or moderate in severity and were most frequently related to preexisting conditions. There were no reported infections for which the causative pathogen was traced to RBL. Potentially life-threatening TEAEs were infrequent (3.0% of participants). Conclusion Across five clinical trials, RBL was well tolerated in adults with rCDI. In aggregate, these data consistently demonstrated the safety of RBL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Lee
- Medical Microbiologist and Researcher, Island Health, Clinical Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Island Medical Program University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Thomas Louie
- University of Calgary and Foothills Medical Center, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lindy Bancke
- Rebiotix Inc., a Ferring Company, Roseville, MN, USA
| | | | - Adam Harvey
- Rebiotix Inc., a Ferring Company, Roseville, MN, USA
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Bainum TB, Reveles KR, Hall RG, Cornell K, Alvarez CA. Controversies in the Prevention and Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Adults: A Narrative Review. Microorganisms 2023; 11:387. [PMID: 36838352 PMCID: PMC9963748 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile remains a problematic pathogen resulting in significant morbidity and mortality, especially for high-risk groups that include immunocompromised patients. Both the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (IDSA/SHEA), as well as the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) recently provided guideline updates for C. difficile infection (CDI). In this narrative review, the authors reviewed available literature regarding the prevention or treatment of CDI in adults and focused on disagreements between the IDSA/SHEA and ACG guidelines, as well as articles that have been published since the updates. Several options for primary prophylaxis are available, including probiotics and antibiotics (vancomycin, fidaxomicin). The literature supporting fidaxomicin is currently quite limited. While there are more studies evaluating probiotics and vancomycin, the optimal patient populations and regimens for their use have yet to be defined. While the IDSA/SHEA guidelines discourage metronidazole use for mild CDI episodes, evidence exists that it may remain a reasonable option for these patients. Fidaxomicin has an advantage over vancomycin in reducing recurrences, but its use is limited by cost. Despite this, recent studies suggest fidaxomicin's cost-effectiveness as a first-line therapy, though this is highly dependent on institutional contracts and payment structures. Secondary prophylaxis should focus on non-antimicrobial options to lessen the impact on the microbiome. The oral option of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), SER109, and the now FDA-approved RBX2660 represent exciting new options to correct dysbiosis. Bezlotoxumab is another attractive option to prevent recurrences. Further head-to-head studies of newer agents will be needed to guide selection of the optimal therapies for CDI primary and secondary prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taryn B. Bainum
- Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Kelly R. Reveles
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Ronald G. Hall
- Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Kelli Cornell
- Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Carlos A. Alvarez
- Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
- Center of Excellence in Real-World Evidence, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
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Dubberke ER, Orenstein R, Khanna S, Guthmueller B, Lee C. Final Results from a Phase 2b Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of RBX2660: A Microbiota-Based Drug for the Prevention of Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection. Infect Dis Ther 2023; 12:703-709. [PMID: 36544075 PMCID: PMC9925615 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-022-00744-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Effective treatments for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) are urgently needed. RBX2660 is an investigational microbiota-based live biotherapeutic to reduce CDI recurrence following standard-of-care antibiotic treatment in individuals with rCDI. Here we report the final safety data through 24 months of follow-up as well as final efficacy data, reflecting alignment of the pre-specified statistical analysis plan definitions with the data presented. METHODS The PUNCH CD2 clinical trial was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, three-arm phase 2b study conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RBX2660 for the reduction of rCDI compared to placebo. Eligible patients were at least 18 years of age and had at least three episodes of CDI and at least two rounds of standard antibiotic treatment or had at least two episodes of severe CDI resulting in hospitalization. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to group A, two doses of RBX2660; group B, two doses of placebo; or group C, one dose of RBX2660 and one dose of placebo; all administered 7 ± 2 days apart. Treatment success was prevention of recurrence, defined as absence of diarrhea and no re-treatment for CDI any time after the first dose until 8 weeks after the second dose of the study treatment. Safety was assessed by reports of adverse events and symptoms. The final efficacy and safety are reported for data available through 24 months. RESULTS For the primary endpoint, treatment success at 8 weeks, 56.8% (25/45) of participants who received one dose of RBX2660 + one dose of placebo, 55.6% (25/45) of participants who received two doses of RBX2660, and 43.2% (19/44) of participants who received two doses of placebo in the final intention-to-treat (ITT) population were responders (both p = 0.2 vs placebo). In the per-protocol population, 87.5% (21/24) of participants who received one dose of RBX2660 + one dose of placebo and 58.1% (18/31) of those who received two doses of placebo had treatment success (p = 0.017; treatment difference, 29.4 [95% CI 7.6, 51.3]); 75.0% (21/28) of participants in the PP population who received two doses of RBX2660 were responders (p = 0.17 vs placebo). The safety profile of RBX2660, whether delivered as one or two doses, was similar to the placebo group. CONCLUSION While the phase 2b PUNCH CD2 clinical trial did not meet its pre-defined primary endpoint of treatment success at 8 weeks after two doses of RBX2660 vs two doses of placebo, clinically meaningful data were obtained to justify proceeding with the single dose regimen in the phase 3 clinical trial, PUNCH CD3, now complete. To date, the cumulative data for RBX2660 demonstrate consistent efficacy and safety outcomes for reduction of CDI recurrence in adults. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02299570.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik R Dubberke
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- , 660 S Euclid, Box 8051, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Christine Lee
- University of Victoria and British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
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Papazyan R, Ferdyan N, Srinivasan K, Gonzalez C, Shannon WD, Blount K, Fuchs BC. Human Fecal Bile Acid Analysis after Investigational Microbiota-Based Live Biotherapeutic Delivery for Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection. Microorganisms 2023; 11:135. [PMID: 36677428 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbiome-based therapeutics are increasingly evaluated as a strategy to reduce recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI), with proposed mechanisms including restoration of the microbiota and microbiota-mediated functions, such as bile acid (BA) metabolism. This study reports a quantitative and sensitive assay for targeted metabolomic assessment, and the application of the assay to profile BA composition in a Phase 2 trial of the investigational microbiota-based live biotherapeutic RBX2660 for reduction of rCDI. A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to extract and quantify 35 BAs from 113 participant stool samples from 27 RBX2660-treated rCDI participants in the double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The results demonstrate a high-confidence assay as represented by sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, and precision. Furthermore, the assay enabled the observation of primary BAs as the dominant BA species at baseline in stool samples from clinical trial participants, consistent with the expected loss of commensals after broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment. After RBX2660 administration, there was a significant drop in primary BAs concurrent with increased secondary BAs that sustained through 24 months post-RBX2660. Taken together, we describe a robust assay that demonstrates altered BA metabolism in rCDI patients treated with RBX2660 administration.
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Dubberke ER, Mullane KM, Gerding DN, Lee CH, Louie TJ, Guthertz H, Jones C. Clearance of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Concomitant With Administration of a Microbiota-Based Drug Targeted at Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection. Open Forum Infect Dis 2016; 3:ofw133. [PMID: 27703995 PMCID: PMC5047394 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofw133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) is a major healthcare-associated pathogen and a well known complication among transplant and immunocompromised patients. We report on stool VRE clearance in a post hoc analysis of the Phase 2 PUNCH CD study assessing a microbiota-based drug for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Methods. A total of 34 patients enrolled in the PUNCH CD study received 1 or 2 doses of RBX2660 (microbiota suspension). Patients were requested to voluntarily submit stool samples at baseline and at 7, 30, and 60 days and 6 months after the last administration of RBX2660. Stool samples were tested for VRE using bile esculin azide agar with 6 µg/mL vancomycin and Gram staining. Vancomycin resistance was confirmed by Etest. Results. VRE status (at least 1 test result) was available for 30 patients. All stool samples for 19 patients (63.3%, mean age 61.7 years, 68% female) tested VRE negative. Eleven patients (36.7%, mean age 75.5 years, 64% female) were VRE positive at the first test (baseline or 7-day follow-up). Of these patients, 72.7%, n = 8 converted to negative as of the last available follow-up (30 or 60 days or 6 months). Of the other 3: 1 died (follow-up data not available); 1 patient remained positive at all follow-ups; 1 patient retested positive at 6 months with negative tests during the interim. Conclusions. Although based on a small sample size, this secondary analysis demonstrated the possibility of successfully converting a high percentage of VRE-positive patients to negative in a recurrent CDI population with RBX2660.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik R Dubberke
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kathleen M Mullane
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago Medicine
| | - Dale N Gerding
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood; Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, Illinois
| | - Christine H Lee
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
| | - Thomas J Louie
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology-Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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