1954. Immunogenicity against SARS CoV-2 ancestral strain and variants of two new COVID-19 recombinant adjuvanted vaccines compared to BNT162b2 as a third dose following two doses of BNT162b2: a single-blinded multicenter randomized controlled trial

Background

New adjuvanted recombinant protein vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as heterologous boosters could maximize the benefits of vaccination against SARS CoV-2.

Methods

In this randomized, single-blinded, multicenter trial, adults who had received two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2) 3–7 months before were randomly assigned to receive a boost of BNT162b2, Sanofi/GSK SARS-CoV-2 adjuvanted recombinant protein MV D614 (monovalent parental formulation) or SARS-CoV-2 adjuvanted recombinant protein MV B.1.351 vaccine (monovalent Beta formulation). The primary endpoint was the percentage of subjects with a ≥ 10-fold increase in neutralizing antibody titers for the Wuhan (D614) and B.1.351 (Beta) SARS-CoV-2 viral strains between D0 and D15.

Results

The percentages of participants whose neutralizing antibody titers against the Wuhan (D614) SARS-CoV-2 strain increased by a factor ≥ 10 between Day 0 and Day 15 was 55.3% (95% CI 43.4-66.7) in MV(D614) group (n=76), 76.1% (64.5-85.4) in MV(Beta) group (n=71) and 63.2% (51.3-73.9) in BNT162b2 group (n=76). These percentages were 44.7% (33.3-56.6), 84.5% (74.0-92.0) and 51.3% (39.6-63.0) for the B.1.351 (Beta) viral strain, respectively. Higher neutralizing antibodies rates against Delta and Omicron BA.1 variants were also elicited after Sanofi/GSK MV(Beta) vaccine compared to the other vaccines. Comparable reactogenicity profile was observed the three vaccines. Table 1.Characteristics of patients at inclusion (per-protocol population).Figure 2.Neutralizing antibodies against D614 (wild-type; Wuhan) SARS-CoV-2 and variants Beta, Delta and Omicron BA.1 at D0, D15 and D28 after the boost dose (“post D3”)with Sanofi/GSK-D614, Sanofi/GSK-B.1.351 or BNT162b2 (per-protocol population); dotted line represents the positivity threshold.Figure 4.Rates and grades of severity of solicited adverse events reported from D0 to D7 by participants from the three randomized groups of the safety population (G1, Sanofi/GSK-D614; G2, Sanofi/GSK-B.1.351; G3, BNT162b2) according to the Toxicity Grading Scale for Healthy Adult and Adolescent Volunteers Enrolled in Preventive Vaccine Clinical Trials (Modified FDA scale/September 2007)

Conclusion

All three vaccines boosted antibodies and neutralizing response after BNT162b2 initial course. Heterologous boosting with the Sanofi/GSK SARS-CoV-2 adjuvanted recombinant protein vaccine B.1.351 (Beta formulation) provided higher neutralizing antibodies response rates against variants, including Omicron BA.1, compared with the mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine.

Disclosures

Odile Launay, MD, PhD, AstraZeneca: Financial|GlaxoSmithKline: Advisor/Consultant|GlaxoSmithKline: Grant/Research Support|Johnson & Johnson: Advisor/Consultant|Johnson & Johnson: Grant/Research Support|MD: Advisor/Consultant|Moderna: Advisor/Consultant|MSD: Data safety monitoring board|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi Pasteur: Advisor/Consultant|Sanofi Pasteur: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi Pasteur: Data safety monitoring board Liem Binh Luong, MD, Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Honoraria Karine Lacombe, MD, PhD, Gilead: Advisor/Consultant|Janssen: Grant/Research Support|MSD: Grant/Research Support|ViiV Healthcare: Grant/Research Support Elisabeth Botelho-Nevers, MD, PHD, Janssen: Board Member|Pfizer: Board Member|Sanofi Pasteur: Board Member.

A simple clinical score to promote and enhance ferroportin disease screening

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Ferroportin disease is a rare genetic iron overload disorder which may be underdiagnosed, with recent data suggesting it occurs at a higher prevalence than suspected. Costs and the lack of defined criteria to prompt genetic testing preclude large-scale molecular screening. Hence, we aimed to develop a readily available scoring system to promote and enhance ferroportin disease screening.

METHODS

Our derivation cohort included probands tested for ferroportin disease from 2008 to 2016 in our rare disease network. Data were prospectively recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine significant criteria, and odds ratios were used to build a weighted score. A cut-off value was defined using a ROC curve with a predefined aim of 90% sensitivity. An independent cohort was used for cross validation.

RESULTS

Our derivation cohort included 1,306 patients. Mean age was 55±14 years, ferritin 1,351±1,357 μg/L, and liver iron concentration (LIC) 166±77 μmol/g. Pathogenic variants (n = 32) were identified in 71 patients. In multivariate analysis: female sex, younger age, higher ferritin, higher LIC and the absence of hypertension or diabetes were significantly associated with the diagnosis of ferroportin disease (AUROC in whole derivation cohort 0.83 [0.78-0.88]). The weighted score was based on sex, age, the presence of hypertension or diabetes, ferritin level and LIC. An AUROC of 0.83 (0.77-0.88) was obtained in the derivation cohort without missing values. Using 9.5 as a cut-off, sensitivity was 93.6 (91.7-98.3) %, specificity 49.5 (45.5-53.6) %, positive likelihood ratio 1.8 (1.6-2.0) and negative likelihood ratio 0.17 (0.04-0.37).

CONCLUSION

We describe a readily available score with simple criteria and good diagnostic performance that could be used to screen patients for ferroportin disease in routine clinical practice.

LAY SUMMARY

Increased iron burden associated with metabolic syndrome is a very common condition. Ferroportin disease is a dominant genetic iron overload disorder whose prevalence is higher than initially thought. They can be difficult to distinguish from each other, but the limited availability of genetic testing and the lack of definitive guidelines prevent adequate screening. We herein describe a simple and definitive clinical score to help clinicians decide whether to perform genetic testing.

Gender inequality among medical, pharmaceutical and dental practitioners in French hospitals: Where have we been and where are we now?

INTRODUCTION

Women are under-represented in senior academic and hospital positions in many countries. The authors aim to assess the place and the evolution of all appointed female and male health practitioners' working in French public Hospitals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data of this observational study were collected from the National Management Centre (Centre National de Gestion) from 2015 up to January 1, 2020. First, the authors described demographic characteristics and specialties of all appointed medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry doctors' working as Hospital Practitioners, Associate Professors, and Full Professors in French General and University-affiliated Hospitals in 2020. Then, they retrospectively reported the annual incidence of new entrance according to gender and professional status from 1999 to 2019 thanks to the appointment date of all practitioners in activity between 2015 and 2020.

RESULTS

In 2020, 51 401 appointed practitioners (49.7% of female) were in activity in French public hospitals with a large majority being medical doctors (92.4%) compared to pharmacists (6%) and dentists (1.6%). Women represented 52.5% of the Hospital Practitioners, 48.6% of the Associate Professors, and 22.0% of the Full Professors (p < 0.001). There were disparities between the rates of female Full Professors in medicine (20.6%), pharmacy (36.1%), and dentistry (44.3%, p < 0.001). Women were appointed Hospital Practitioners and Associate Professors earlier than men (respectively 37.1 versus 38.8 years, p < 0.001 and 36.1 versus 36.5 years, p = 0.04), and at a later age among Full Professors (43.7 versus 41.9 years, p < 0.001). Compared to men, the annual proportion of appointed women varied significantly between 1999 and 2019 from 47.6% to 60.4% for Hospital Practitioners, from 50.0% to 44.6% for Associate Professors, and from 11.2% to 33.3% for Full Professors (p < 0.001 for trend).

CONCLUSIONS

Although more and more women occupy positions in French hospitals, there is still a gender gap regarding access to Full Professor status in medicine and pharmacy, but not in dentistry. The disparity in numbers makes comparison difficult. Despite a trend towards gender equality during the last twenty years, it has not yet been achieved regarding access to the highest positions.

Description des patients adultes hospitalisés pour une grippe au cours de l’épidémie 2016–2017 : étude prospective multicentrique FLUVAC

Introduction

La surveillance épidémiologique de la grippe saisonnière 2016–2017 montre une activité forte, principalement liée à la circulation du virus A (H3N2). L’objectif de ce travail était de décrire les caractéristiques des patients adultes hospitalisés durant l’épidémie grippale.

Matériels et méthodes

À partir du 15 décembre 2016, tous les patients adultes hospitalisés pour un syndrome grippal évoluant depuis moins de 7 jours ont été prospectivement inclus dans le cadre de l’étude FLUVAC (Inserm) conduite dans 5 hôpitaux français dont l’objectif est d’évaluer l’efficacité de la vaccination antigrippale sur les grippes hospitalisées de l’adulte. Les caractéristiques démographiques, cliniques et virologiques ont été recueillies.

Résultats

Parmi, les 401 patients inclus jusqu’au 6 février, 155 (38 %) avaient une grippe documentée : dans 154 cas (99 %) il s’agissait d’un virus influenza de type A ; 9 patients avaient une co-infection avec un virus respiratoire (1 adénovirus, 1 bocavirus, 1 coronavirus, 1 métapneumovirus, 1 parainfluenzae, 2 Picornavirus, 2 virus respiratoire syncytiaux). Il y avait 83 hommes (53 %), l’âge médian était de 78 ans (intervalle interquartiles : 63–87), 34 % (53/155) avaient plus de 85 ans. Les symptômes étaient : fièvre (90 %, n = 139), malaise (20 %, n = 32), céphalées (23 %, n = 36), myalgies (25 %, n = 39), toux (89 %, n = 139), altération de l’état général (44 %, n = 68) et dyspnée (75 %, n = 117). La couverture vaccinale globale était de 51 % (79/155), 61 % (69/113) chez les plus de 65 ans, 24 % (10/41) chez les moins de 65 ans. Chez les moins de 65 ans, 68 % (28/41) avaient des comorbidités : maladie respiratoire chronique (34 %, n = 14), cardiopathie (17 %, n = 7), néphropathie chronique (12 %, n = 5), maladie neurologique (12 %, n = 5), diabète (10 %, n = 4), traitement immunosuppresseurs (29 %, n = 12), tabagisme actif (29 %, n = 12). Les complications en cours d’hospitalisation étaient principalement respiratoires dans 31 % des cas (5 SDRA, 24 recours à la ventilation mécanique), insuffisance cardiaque (13 %, n = 20) et insuffisance rénale (15 %, n = 24) dont 22 patients hospitalisés en réanimation (13 détresses respiratoires, 5 insuffisances rénales, 3 insuffisances cardiaques, 2 états de choc), d’âge médian 66 ans (59–75). Dans 86 % des cas (19/22), il existait chez ces patients une comorbidité : respiratoire (59 %, n = 13), cardiaques (36 %, n = 8), diabète (22 %, n = 4). À la date du 6 février, trois décès ont été recensés et 93 patients sont sortis à leur domicile.

Conclusion

L’analyse démographique des patients hospitalisés en France au cours de l’épidémie grippale 2016–2017 montre une forte activité en particulier chez les patients âgés ou présentant des comorbidités et une couverture vaccinale modérée.

Early diagnosis of NAFLD-NASH transition using mid infrared spectroscopy

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver in the absence of excessive drinking of alcohol. Initially considered as benign and self-limited, NAFLD may progress to the malignant stage of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) characterized by degenerate hepatocellular ballooning and lobular inflammation. NASH can lead to hepatic fibrosis and ultimately to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Unfortunately, the transition from NAFLD to NASH is difficult to detect so far. In this paper, we propose to evaluate the characterization of NASH using mid infrared fiber evanescent wave spectroscopy on blood serum. We used an heuristic variable selection method and a generalized linear model to classify NAFLD and NASH spectra. The obtained results proved that this technique is a promising non-invasive and simple diagnosis tool for NASH.

A dose-escalation study of SAR3419, an anti-CD19 antibody maytansinoid conjugate, administered by intravenous infusion once weekly in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma

PURPOSE

To determine recommended dose, dose-limiting toxicity, safety profile, pharmacokinetics, preliminary antitumor activity, and exploratory pharmacodynamics of SAR3419, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting CD19, administered alone by intravenous infusion weekly (qw), in a dose-escalation phase I study in patients with refractory/relapsed (R/R) non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Patients with R/R CD19(+) B-NHL were treated with escalating doses of SAR3419 repeated qw for eight to 12 doses. On the basis of clinical evidence of late or cumulative toxicities, the study protocol was amended to test an "optimized" administration schedule consisting of four qw doses followed by four biweekly (q2w) doses (qw/q2w) at the recommended dose with the intent of reducing drug accumulation.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were treated on seven dose levels ranging from 5 to 70 mg/m(2). SAR3419 recommended dose was determined as 55 mg/m(2) qw. Twenty-five patients received the qw/q2w schedule at 55 mg/m(2), which showed an improved safety profile compared with the qw schedule. Antilymphoma activity was observed with both schedules in around 30% of patients with either indolent or aggressive diseases. SAR3419 displayed a long terminal half-life (approximately 7 days) and a low clearance (approximately 0.6 L/d), with no dose effect. The qw/q2w schedule allowed limiting accumulation with a decrease in SAR3419 plasma trough and average concentrations by around 1.4-fold compared with the qw schedule.

CONCLUSION

While administered weekly, SAR3419 is well tolerated and active. The qw/q2w schedule that shows an improved safety profile and preserves antilymphoma activity is selected for clinical phase II studies.

Phase I study cohort evaluating an optimized administration schedule of SAR3419, an anti-CD19 DM4-loaded antibody drug conjugate (ADC), in patients (pts) with CD19 positive relapsed/refractory b-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NCT00796731)

8057

Background: The recommended dose (RD) of SAR3419 administered intravenously every 3 weeks (q3w) for 6 cycles is 160 mg/m2 and is 55 mg/m2 when administered weekly (q1w) for 8-12 doses. Reversible corneal deposits were dose limiting (DLT) in the q3w schedule. The q1w schedule was well tolerated and active. However, based on the occurrence of late/cumulative adverse events (AE) at the RD supported by pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses showing ADC plasma accumulation after 4 weekly doses, an optimized schedule consisting of 4 weekly doses followed by 4 bi-weekly doses at the RD was tested. Methods: The q1w study was extended to treat 25 pts with the optimized schedule for 8 to 12 doses. Results: Twenty-one pts were evaluable. Main histologies were diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL) (9; 43%) and follicular (6; 29%). Median number of prior regimens was 2 [1-8], 6 pts received prior autologous transplantation and 95% of pts were Ann Arbor stage III-IV at study entry. Median number of doses received was 8 as planned with a median relative dose intensity of 1.0 [0.8-1.0]. Most frequent AEs were asthenia (1 pt with grade 3) and gastrointestinal disorders in 7 pts each. No AE fulfilled the defined DLT criteria. Reversible grade 1 blurred vision/corneal event occurred in 1 pt. Grade 3-4 haematological toxicities were minor consisting of non complicated neutropenia in 4 pts, thrombocytopenia in 2 pts and anemia in 1 pt with no transfusion support. Six (29%) pts, among them 3 with DLBCL, achieved an objective response including 3 CRu (1 in a pt refractory to last regimen). In addition, 9 (43%) pts had stable disease. Response duration was [8-35+] weeks, 5 pts still responding at the cut-off date. Conclusions: The optimized administration schedule shows an improved safety profile compared to prior tested schedules. The clinical efficacy is preserved essentially in aggressive lymphoma. The optimized schedule is being assessed in 2 phase II studies evaluating SAR3419 either as a single agent or in combination with rituximab in pts with DLBCL histology.

Contribution of edema and cerebral blood volume to traumatic brain swelling in head-injured patients

OBJECT

The pathogenesis of traumatic brain swelling remains unclear. The generally held view is that brain swelling is caused primarily by vascular engorgement and that edema plays a relatively minor role in the swelling process. The goal of this study was to examine the roles of cerebral blood volume (CBV) and edema in traumatic brain swelling.

METHODS

Both brain-tissue water and CBV were measured in 76 head-injured patients, and the relative contribution of edema and blood to total brain swelling was determined. Comparable measures of brain-tissue water were obtained in 30 healthy volunteers and CBV in seven volunteers. Brain edema was measured using magnetic resonance imaging, implementing a new technique for accurate measurement of total tissue water. Measurements of CBV in a subgroup of 31 head-injured patients were based on consecutive measures of cerebral blood flow (CBF) obtained using stable xenon and calculation of mean transit time by dynamic computerized tomography scanning after a rapid bolus injection of iodinated contrast material. The mean (+/- standard deviation) percentage of swelling due to water was 9.37+/-8.7%, whereas that due to blood was -0.8+/-1.32%.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed that brain edema is the major fluid component contributing to traumatic brain swelling. Moreover, CBV is reduced in proportion to CBF reduction following severe brain injury.

[Evaluation of recombinant retrovirus and adenovirus for gene transfer to normal and pathologic intestinal tissue]

Intestinal tract is an attractive target for gene therapy. A number of diseases could benefit from gene transfer into this organ and in particular inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease. In the present report, we have evaluated the efficiency of retroviral and adenoviral recombinant vectors for transferring a marker gene (beta galactosidase from E. Coli) in two parts of the intestinal tract: the small bowel and the left part of the colon. Retroviruses were inefficient for the transfer of the marker gene in these two sites either in normal conditions or after induction of inflammation by treatment with acetic acid or trinitrobenzene. Conversely, beta galactosidase positive cells were found in small bowel as well as colon following gene transfer with adenoviral vectors. Moreover the location of the positive cells in the intestinal wall was dependent upon the route of injection of the adenoviral vectors (transparietal, endoluminal or intramural).