OFF-times before, during, and after nighttime sleep periods in Parkinson's disease patients with motor fluctuations and the effects of opicapone: A post hoc analysis of diary data from BIPARK-1 and -2

INTRODUCTION

In BIPARK-1 and BIPARK-2, addition of once-daily opicapone to levodopa/carbidopa significantly reduced daily "OFF"-time relative to placebo in adults with Parkinson's disease (PD) and motor fluctuations. Diary data from these studies were pooled and analyzed post hoc to characterize "OFF"-times around nighttime sleep and to explore the effects of opicapone 50 mg.

METHODS

"OFF" before sleep (OBS), "OFF during the nighttime sleep period" (ODNSP), early morning "OFF" (EMO), and duration of nighttime sleep and awake periods were analyzed descriptively at baseline. Mean changes from baseline to Week 14/15 (end of double-blind treatment) were analyzed using two-sided t-tests in participants with data for both visits.

RESULTS

At baseline, 88.3 % (454/514) of participants reported having OBS (34.0 %), ODNSP (17.1 %), or EMO (79.6 %). Those with ODNSP had substantially shorter mean duration of uninterrupted sleep (4.4 h) than the overall pooled population (7.1 h). At Week 14/15, mean decrease from baseline in ODNSP duration was significantly greater with opicapone than with placebo (-0.9 vs. -0.4 h, P < 0.05). In participants with ODNSP at baseline, the decrease in total time spent awake during the night-time sleep period was significantly greater with opicapone than with placebo (-1.0 vs. -0.4 h, P < 0.05), as was the reduction in percent time spent awake during the night-time sleep period (-12.8 % vs. -4.5 %, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

"OFF"-times around nighttime sleep were common in BIPARK-1 and BIPARK-2. Opicapone may improve sleep by decreasing the amount of time spent awake during the night in patients with PD who have night-time sleep period "OFF" episodes.

Safety and efficacy of valbenazine for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease (KINECT-HD): a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Valbenazine is a highly selective vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor approved for treatment of tardive dyskinesia. To address the ongoing need for improved symptomatic treatments for individuals with Huntington's disease, valbenazine was evaluated for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease.

METHODS

KINECT-HD (NCT04102579) was a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, performed in 46 Huntington Study Group sites in the USA and Canada. The study included adults with genetically confirmed Huntington's disease and chorea (Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale [UHDRS] Total Maximal Chorea [TMC] score of 8 or higher) who were randomly assigned (1:1) via an interactive web response system (with no stratification or minimisation) to oral placebo or valbenazine (≤80 mg, as tolerated) for 12 weeks of double-blinded treatment. The primary endpoint was a least-squares mean change in UHDRS TMC score from the screening and baseline period (based on the average of screening and baseline values for each participant) to the maintenance period (based on the average of week 10 and 12 values for each participant) in the full-analysis set using a mixed-effects model for repeated measures. Safety assessments included treatment-emergent adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiograms, laboratory tests, clinical tests for parkinsonism, and psychiatric assessments. The double-blind placebo-controlled period of KINECT-HD has been completed, and an open-label extension period is ongoing.

FINDINGS

KINECT-HD was performed from Nov 13, 2019, to Oct 26, 2021. Of 128 randomly assigned participants, 125 were included in the full-analysis set (64 assigned to valbenazine, 61 assigned to placebo) and 127 were included in the safety-analysis set (64 assigned to valbenazine, 63 assigned to placebo). The full-analysis set included 68 women and 57 men. Least-squares mean changes from the screening and baseline period to the maintenance period in the UHDRS TMC score were -4·6 for valbenazine and -1·4 for placebo (least-squares mean difference -3·2, 95% CI -4·4 to -2·0; p<0·0001). The most commonly reported treatment-emergent adverse event was somnolence (ten [16%] with valbenazine, two [3%] with placebo). Serious treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in two participants in the placebo group (colon cancer and psychosis) and one participant in the valbenazine group (angioedema because of allergic reaction to shellfish). No clinically important ch anges in vital signs, electrocardiograms, or laboratory tests were found. No suicidal behaviour or worsening of suicidal ideation was reported in participants treated with valbenazine.

INTERPRETATION

In individuals with Huntington's disease, valbenazine resulted in improvement in chorea compared with placebo and was well tolerated. Continued research is needed to confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness of this medication throughout the disease course in individuals with Huntington's disease-related chorea.

FUNDING

Neurocrine Biosciences.

[Human chorionic gonadotropin-secreting gonadoblastomas in a girl of 45, X Turner syndrome: a case report and literature review]

Objective: To summarize the experience in diagnosis and treatment of 45, X Turner syndrome (TS) with gonadal Y chromosome mosaicism and bilateral gonadoblastoma (Gb) secreting human chorionic gonadotrophin(HCG). Methods: A female patient aged 5 years and 3 months was admitted to the hospital with a complaint of "enlarged breasts for 27 months, and elevated blood β-HCG for 8 months". The clinical data were summarized, and related literature up to March 2022 with the key words"Turner syndrome" "Gonadoblastoma" "Y chromosome" "human chorionic gonadotropin" "precocious" in PubMed, CNKI and Wanfang databases were reviewed. Results: The girl went to the local hospital for 2-month breast development at age of 3 years, and was found with a heart murmur diagnosed with "pulmonary venous malformation and atrial septal defect (secondary foramen type)". Surgical correction was performed. She experienced the progressive breast development, rapid linear growth and markedly advanced skeletal age, which cannot be explained by partial activation in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis determined at the age of 3 years and 7 months in local hospital. Then whole-exome sequencing revealed chromosome number abnormality 45, X, which was confirmed by Karyotyping. At the age of 4 years and 6 months, serum β-HCG was found to be elevated (24.9 U/L) with no lesion found at the local hospital. On physical examination, she was found with breast development, pubic hair development and clitoromegaly with elevated serum testosterone (1.96 μg/L) and β-HCG (32.3 U/L). Sex determining region Y(SRY) gene was negative in peripheral blood sample. Thoracic and abdominal CT, head and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging were normal. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed the presence of a left adnexal tumor and a right fibrous streak gonad. During surgery, simultaneous samples of bilateral gonadal and peripheral venous blood were obtained and serum β-HCG, estradiol and testosteron concentrations was higher to lower from left gonadal venous blood, right gonadal venous blood, to peripheral venous blood. Bilateral gonadectomy was performed. Histopathology revealed bilateral gonadoblastomas. SRY was positive in bilateral gonadal tissues. After surgery, serum E₂, testerone and β-HCG returned to normal. So far 4 cases of HCG-secreting gonadoblastoma had been reported worldwide. The phenotypes of the 4 cases were all female, with virilization or amenorrhea, and the preoperative peripheral blood β-HCG concentrations were 74.4, 5.0, 40 456.0, and 42.4 U/L, respectively. Conclusions: There is a high risk of Gb in TS with Y chromosome components. Gb is infrequently presented with breast development, and Gb associated with HCG secretion is rare. Karyotyping should be performed in a phenotypic female with masculinization, and virilization in TS indicates the presence of Y chromosome material with concurrent androgen secreting tumors.

Safety of AADC Gene Therapy for Moderately Advanced Parkinson Disease: Three-Year Outcomes From the PD-1101 Trial

Background and Objectives

To report final, 36-month safety and clinical outcomes from the PD-1101 trial of NBIb-1817 (VY-AADC01) in participants with moderately advanced Parkinson disease (PD) and motor fluctuations.

Methods

PD-1101 was a phase 1b, open-label, dose escalation trial of VY-AADC01, an experimental AAV2 gene therapy encoding the human aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) enzyme. VY-AADC01 was delivered via bilateral, intraoperative MRI-guided putaminal infusions to 3 cohorts (n = 5 participants per cohort): cohort 1, ≤7.5 × 10¹¹ vector genomes (vg); cohort 2, ≤1.5 × 10¹² vg; cohort 3, ≤4.7 × 10¹² vg.

Results

No serious adverse events (SAEs) attributed to VY-AADC01 were reported. All 4 non-vector–related SAEs (atrial fibrillation and pulmonary embolism in 1 participant and 2 events of small bowel obstruction in another participant) resolved. Requirements for PD medications were reduced by 21%–30% in the 2 highest dose cohorts at 36 months. Standard measures of motor function (PD diary, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III “off”-medication and “on”-medication scores), global impressions of improvement (Clinical Global Impression of Improvement, Patient Global Impression of Improvement), and quality of life (39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire) were stable or improved compared with baseline at 12, 24, and 36 months following VY-AADC01 administration across cohorts.

Discussions

VY-AADC01 and the surgical administration procedure were well-tolerated and resulted in stable or improved motor function and quality of life across cohorts, as well as reduced PD medication requirements in cohorts 2 and 3 over 3 years.

Trial Registration Information

NCT01973543.

Classification of Evidence

This study provides Class IV evidence that, in patients with moderately advanced PD and motor fluctuations, putaminal infusion of VY-AADC01 is well tolerated and may improve motor function.

Abnormal involuntary movement scale in tardive dyskinesia: Minimal clinically important difference

BACKGROUND

A minimal clinically important difference has not been established for the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale in patients with tardive dyskinesia. Valbenazine is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia in adults. Efficacy in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials was defined as the change from baseline in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale total score (sum of items 1-7).

OBJECTIVES

To estimate an minimal clinically important difference for the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale using valbenazine trial data and an anchor-based method.

METHODS

Data were pooled from three 6-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trials: KINECT (NCT01688037), KINECT 2 (NCT01733121), and KINECT 3 (NCT02274558). Valbenazine doses were pooled for analyses as follows: "low dose," which includes 40 or 50 mg/day; and "high dose," which includes 75 or 80 mg/day. Mean changes from baseline in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale total score were analyzed in all participants (valbenazine- and placebo-treated) with a Clinical Global Impression of Change-Tardive Dyskinesia or Patient Global Impression of Change score of 1 (very much improved) to 3 (minimally improved).

RESULTS

The least squares mean improvement from baseline to week 6 in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale total score was significantly greater with valbenazine (low dose: -2.4; high dose: -3.2; both, P < 0.001) versus placebo (-0.7). An minimal clinically important difference of 2 points was estimated based on least squares mean changes in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale total score in participants with a Clinical Global Impression of Change-Tardive Dyskinesia score ≤3 at week 6 (mean change: -2.2; median change: -2) or Patient Global Impression of Change score ≤3 at week 6 (mean change: -2.0; median change: -2).

CONCLUSIONS

Results from an anchor-based method indicate that a 2-point decrease in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale total score may be considered clinically important. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

The Effects of Valbenazine in Participants with Tardive Dyskinesia: Results of the 1-Year KINECT 3 Extension Study

BACKGROUND

Valbenazine, a highly selective vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor, is approved for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. This is the first report of long-term effects in adults with tardive dyskinesia.

METHODS

Participants with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or a mood disorder who completed the 6-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled period of KINECT 3 were eligible to enter the 42-week valbenazine extension (VE) period and subsequent 4-week washout period. The extension phase was conducted from December 16, 2014, to August 3, 2016. Participants who received placebo and entered the VE period were re-randomized 1:1 to valbenazine 80 or 40 mg while others continued valbenazine at the KINECT 3 dose. Safety assessments included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and scales for suicidal ideation/behavior, treatment-emergent akathisia or parkinsonism, and psychiatric symptoms. Efficacy assessments included the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) and Clinical Global Impression of Change-Tardive Dyskinesia (CGI-TD).

RESULTS

198 participants entered the VE period, 124 (62.6%) completed treatment (week 48), and 121 (61.1%) completed the follow-up visit after washout (week 52). During the VE period, 69.2% of participants had ≥ 1 TEAE, 14.6% had a serious TEAE, and 15.7% discontinued due to a TEAE. During washout, 13.1% of participants experienced a TEAE. No apparent risk for suicidal ideation or behavior was found. Long-term valbenazine treatment did not appear to induce or worsen akathisia or parkinsonism. Participants generally remained psychiatrically stable during the study. AIMS and CGI-TD measures indicated sustained tardive dyskinesia improvement, with scores returning toward baseline after 4 weeks of valbenazine washout.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term safety and tolerability of valbenazine were generally favorable, and maintenance of treatment effect was apparent with both doses during this long-term study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02274558.

Characterizing Treatment Effects of Valbenazine for Tardive Dyskinesia: Additional Results From the KINECT 3 Study

BACKGROUND

In the KINECT 3 (NCT02274558; October 2014 to September 2015) study, valbenazine efficacy in tardive dyskinesia (TD) was demonstrated based on mean changes from baseline in the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) total score (sum of items 1-7). Data from this study were analyzed further to provide a more clinically meaningful interpretation of the primary AIMS results.

METHODS

The study included adults who had a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or any mood disorder and also met DSM-IV criteria for neuroleptic-induced TD. Study participants received 6 weeks of double-blind treatment with valbenazine (40 or 80 mg/d) or placebo. Post hoc AIMS analyses, based on available data, included Cohen d effect sizes, response analyses with odds ratios (ORs) and numbers needed to treat (NNTs), and shift analyses.

RESULTS

At week 6 (N = 202), medium-to-high effect sizes were found for mean improvements in AIMS total score (40 mg/d, d = 0.52; 80 mg/d, d = 0.89). For AIMS total score responses of ≥ 10% to ≥ 70% improvement from baseline, statistical significance was found for valbenazine 80 mg/d versus placebo (P ≤ .01), with ORs (range, 3.0-10.3) and NNTs (range, 3-9) indicating clinical relevance. For response per AIMS item (score ≤ 1 at week 6), significant differences between valbenazine (both doses or 80 mg/d) and placebo were found in the lips, jaw, tongue, and upper extremities. In participants who had an AIMS item score ≥ 1 at baseline, the percentage with a ≥ 1-point improvement at week 6 (shift) was significantly higher with valbenazine (40 and/or 80 mg/d) versus placebo in all 7 body regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with primary published results for KINECT 3, these supplemental analyses indicate that participants treated with valbenazine (40 or 80 mg/d) had statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in TD severity both overall and in specific body regions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02274558.

Cardiovascular Profile of Valbenazine: Analysis of Pooled Data from Three Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials

Introduction

Valbenazine is a novel vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia in adults.

Objective

Using data from double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, analyses were conducted to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of once-daily valbenazine in patients with a psychiatric disorder who developed tardive dyskinesia after exposure to a dopamine-blocking medication.

Methods

Data were pooled from three 6-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials: KINECT (NCT01688037), KINECT 2 (NCT01733121), and KINECT 3 (NCT02274558). Data from the 42-week valbenazine extension period of KINECT 3 were also analyzed. Outcomes of interest included cardiovascular-related treatment-emergent adverse events, vital sign measurements, and electrocardiogram parameters.

Results

The pooled safety population included 400 participants (placebo, n = 178; valbenazine 40 mg/day, n = 110; valbenazine 80 mg/day, n = 112). A history of cardiac disorders was present in 11.8% of participants, and 74.3% were taking a concomitant medication with known potential for QT prolongation. Mean changes from baseline to week 6 in supine vital signs and QTcF (Fridericia correction) were as follows for placebo, valbenazine 40 mg/day, and valbenazine 80 mg/day, respectively: systolic blood pressure (0.2, − 2.1, − 1.8 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (− 0.1, − 1.6, − 1.2 mmHg), heart rate (− 1.7, − 2.2, − 1.7 bpm), QTcF interval (1.2, 1.1, 2.1 ms); all p > 0.05 for valbenazine vs. placebo. No statistically significant differences were observed between placebo and valbenazine in cardiovascular-related, treatment-emergent adverse events. No notable additional effects on cardiovascular outcomes were found with up to 48 weeks of valbenazine treatment.

Conclusions

Results from double-blind, placebo-controlled trials showed no apparent difference between valbenazine and placebo on cardiovascular outcomes. No additional cardiovascular risk was detected during a longer extension study with valbenazine.

Long-Term Safety and Tolerability of Valbenazine (NBI-98854) in Subjects with Tardive Dyskinesia and a Diagnosis of Schizophrenia or Mood Disorder

BACKGROUND

The short-term safety profile of once-daily valbenazine (NBI-98854) has been evaluated in several double-blind, placebo-controlled (DBPC) trials in adults with tardive dyskinesia (TD) who had a diagnosis of schizophrenia/schizoaffective (SCHZ) disorder or mood disorder. Studies with longer treatment duration (up to 48 weeks) were conducted to evaluate the long-term safety of this novel drug in subjects with TD.

METHODS

The pooled long-term exposure (LTE) population included valbenazine-treated subjects from 3 studies: KINECT (NCT01688037: 6-week DBPC, 6-week open-label); KINECT 3 (NCT02274558: 6-week DBPC, 42-week blinded extension, 4-week drug-free follow-up); KINECT 4 (NCT02405091: 48-week open-label, 4-week drug-free follow-up). Safety assessments included adverse events (AEs), laboratory tests, vital signs, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and extrapyramidal symptom (EPS) scales. Psychiatric stability was monitored using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) (SCHZ subgroup), as well as the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) (mood subgroup). All data were analyzed descriptively.

RESULTS

The LTE population included 430 subjects (KINECT, n = 46; KINECT 3, n = 220; KINECT 4, n = 164), 71.7% with SCHZ and 28.3% with a mood disorder; 85.5% were taking an antipsychotic (atypical only, 69.8%; typical only or typical + atypical, 15.7%). In the LTE population, treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) and discontinuations due to AEs were reported in 66.5% and 14.7% of subjects, respectively. The TEAE incidence was lower in the SCHZ subgroup (64.4%) than in the mood subgroup (71.9%). The 3 most common TEAEs in the SCHZ subgroup were urinary tract infection (UTI, 6.1%), headache (5.8%), and somnolence (5.2%). The 3 most common TEAEs in the mood subgroup were headache (12.4%), UTI (10.7%), and somnolence (9.1%). Mean score changes from baseline to end of treatment (Week 48) indicated that psychiatric stability was maintained in the SCHZ subgroup (PANSS Total, -3.4; PANSS Positive, -1.1; PANSS Negative, -0.1; PANSS General Psychopathology, -2.2; CDSS total, -0.4) and the mood subgroup (MADRS Total, 0.0; YMRS Total, -1.2). These scores remained generally stable during the 4-week drug-free follow-up periods. In the LTE population, mean changes in laboratory parameters, vital signs, ECG, and EPS scales were generally minimal and not clinically significant.

CONCLUSION

Valbenazine appeared to be well tolerated in adults with TD who received up to 48 weeks of treatment. In addition to long-term efficacy results (presented separately), these results suggest that valbenazine may be appropriate for the long-term management of TD regardless of underlying psychiatric diagnosis (SCHZ disorder or mood disorder).

Efficacy of Valbenazine (NBI-98854) in Treating Subjects with Tardive Dyskinesia and Mood Disorder

BACKGROUND

Valbenazine (VBZ, NBI-98854) is a novel vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor approved for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia (TD). The KINECT 3 study (NCT02274558) evaluated the effects of VBZ on TD in subjects with mood disorder or schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder (SCHZ, presented separately) who received up to 48 weeks of treatment.

METHODS

KINECT 3 included: 6-week, double-blind, placebo (PBO)-controlled (DBPC) period (205 completers); 42-week VBZ extension (VE) period (124 completers); 4-week washout period (121 completers). Subjects entering the DBPC were randomized 1:1:1 to once-daily VBZ 80 mg, VBZ 40 mg, or PBO; stable concomitant antipsychotic medication regimens were allowed. Subjects completing the DBPC and entering the VE period were re-randomized (blinded) from PBO to VBZ (80 or 40 mg) or continued VBZ treatment at the same dose. Efficacy assessments included: mean changes from baseline in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) total score (items 1-7); mean Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI-TD) scores; AIMS responders (subjects with ≥50% score reduction from baseline); and CGI-TD responders (subjects with score ≤2 ["much improved" or "very much improved"]). Treatment effect sizes (Cohen's d) and numbers needed to treat (NNTs) were analyzed for DBPC outcomes.

RESULTS

Efficacy analyses were conducted in 77 subjects (DBPC) and 73 subjects (VE) with a mood disorder. At Week 6 (end of DBPC), AIMS mean score improvements were greater in the VBZ groups (in a dose-related pattern) than in the PBO group (80 mg, -3.6, d = 0.94; 40 mg, -2.4, d = 0.55; PBO, -0.7). AIMS mean score changes at Week 48 (end of VE) showed continued TD improvement during long-term VBZ treatment (80 mg, -5.8; 40 mg, -4.2). By Week 52 (end of washout), AIMS mean scores in both dose groups were returning toward baseline levels, indicating re-emergence of TD. CGI-TD scores showed a similar pattern: Week 6 (80 mg, 2.7, d = 0.64; 40 mg, 2.9, d = 0.39; PBO, 3.2), Week 48 (80 mg, 2.0; 40 mg, 2.2), Week 52 (80 mg, 3.6; 40 mg, 2.8). AIMS responder rates (≥50% score reduction) were greater with VBZ vs PBO at Week 6 (80 mg, 38.5%, NNT = 4; 40 mg, 19.0%, NNT = 9; PBO, 7.7%), were increased at Week 48 (80 mg, 56.0%; 40 mg, 33.3%), and lower after VBZ washout (Week 52 80 mg, 16.7%; 40 mg, 27.8%). CGI-TD responder rates followed a similar pattern: Week 6 (80 mg, 34.6%, NNT = 6; 40 mg, 28.6%, NNT = 8; PBO, 15.4%), Week 48 (80 mg, 80.0%; 40 mg, 61.1%), Week 52 (80 mg, 25.0%; 40 mg, 44.4%).

CONCLUSION

Sustained TD improvements were found in subjects with a mood disorder who received up to 48 weeks of VBZ, with TD reverting toward baseline severity when assessed 4 weeks after treatment withdrawal. Together with results from SCHZ subjects and the long-term safety profile (presented separately), these results indicate that long-term VBZ can be beneficial for managing TD regardless of psychiatric diagnosis.

Efficacy of Valbenazine (NBI-98854) in Treating Subjects with Tardive Dyskinesia and Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder

BACKGROUND

Valbenazine (VBZ, NBI-98854) is a novel vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor approved for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia (TD). The KINECT 3 study (NCT02274558) evaluated the effects of VBZ on TD in subjects with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder (SCHZ) or mood disorder (mood disorder presented separately) who received up to 48 weeks of treatment.

METHODS

KINECT 3 included: 6-week, double-blind, placebo (PBO)-controlled (DBPC) period (205 completers); 42-week VBZ extension (VE) period (124 completers): 4-week washout period (121 completers). Subjects entering the DBPC were randomized 1:1:1 to once-daily VBZ 80 mg, VBZ 40 mg, or PBO; stable concomitant antipsychotic medication regimens were allowed. Subjects completing the DBPC and entering the VE period were re-randomized (blinded) 1:1 from PBO to VBZ (80 or 40 mg) or continued VBZ treatment at the same dose. Efficacy assessments included: mean changes from baseline in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) total score (items 1-7); mean Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI-TD) scores; AIMS responders (subjects with ≥50% score reduction from baseline): and CGI-TD responders (subjects with score ≤2 ["much improved" or "very much improved"]). Treatment effect sizes (Cohen's d) and numbers needed to treat (NNTs) were analyzed for DBPC outcomes.

RESULTS

Efficacy analyses were conducted in 148 subjects (DBPC) and 125 subjects (VE) with SCHZ. At Week 6 (end of DBPC), AIMS mean score improvements were greater in the VBZ groups (in a dose-related pattern) than in the PBO group (80 mg, -2.9, d = 0.88; 40 mg, -1.6, d = 0.52; PBO, +0.3). AIMS score changes at Week 48 (end of VE) showed continued TD improvement during long-term VBZ treatment (80 mg, -4.2; 40 mg, -2.5). By Week 52 (end of washout), AIMS scores were returning toward baseline levels, indicating re-emergence of TD. CGI-TD mean scores were as follows: Week 6 (80 mg, 3.0, d = 0.11; 40 mg, 2.9, d = 0.23; PBO, 3.2), Week 48 (80 mg, 2.2; 40 mg, 2.4), Week 52 (80 mg, 3.4; 40 mg, 3.3). AIMS responder rates (≥50% score reduction) were greater with VBZ than with PBO at Week 6 (80 mg, 40.9%, NNT = 4; 40 mg, 26.2%, NNT = 6; PBO, 9.3%), were increased at Week 48 (80 mg, 50.0%; 40 mg, 26.2%), and decreased after VBZ washout (80 mg, 21.6%; 40 mg, 9.5%). CGI-TD responder rates followed a similar pattern: Week 6 (80 mg, 29.5%, NNT = 17; 40 mg, 33.3%, NNT = 10; PBO, 23.3%), Week 48 (80 mg, 73.7%; 40 mg, 58.1%), Week 52 (80 mg, 29.7%; 40 mg, 33.3%).

CONCLUSION

Sustained TD improvements were found in subjects with SCHZ who received up to 48 weeks of VBZ, with TD reverting toward baseline when assessed 4 weeks after treatment withdrawal. Together with results from mood disorder subjects and the long-term safety profile (presented separately), these results indicate that long-term VBZ can be beneficial for managing TD regardless of psychiatric diagnosis category.

KINECT 3: A Phase 3 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Valbenazine for Tardive Dyskinesia

OBJECTIVE

Tardive dyskinesia is a persistent movement disorder induced by dopamine receptor blockers, including antipsychotics. Valbenazine (NBI-98854) is a novel, highly selective vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor that demonstrated favorable efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia in phase 2 studies. This phase 3 study further evaluated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of valbenazine as a treatment for tardive dyskinesia.

METHOD

This 6-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or a mood disorder who had moderate or severe tardive dyskinesia. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to once-daily placebo, valbenazine at 40 mg/day, or valbenazine at 80 mg/day. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline to week 6 in the 80 mg/day group compared with the placebo group on the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) dyskinesia score (items 1-7), as assessed by blinded central AIMS video raters. Safety assessments included adverse event monitoring, laboratory tests, ECG, and psychiatric measures.

RESULTS

The intent-to-treat population included 225 participants, of whom 205 completed the study. Approximately 65% of participants had schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and 85.5% were receiving concomitant antipsychotics. Least squares mean change from baseline to week 6 in AIMS dyskinesia score was -3.2 for the 80 mg/day group, compared with -0.1 for the placebo group, a significant difference. AIMS dyskinesia score was also reduced in the 40 mg/day group (-1.9 compared with -0.1). The incidence of adverse events was consistent with previous studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Once-daily valbenazine significantly improved tardive dyskinesia in participants with underlying schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or mood disorder. Valbenazine was generally well tolerated, and psychiatric status remained stable. Longer trials are necessary to understand the long-term effects of valbenazine in patients with tardive dyskinesia.

Factors associated with falling in early, treated Parkinson's disease: The NET-PD LS1 cohort

BACKGROUND

Recognizing the factors associated with falling in Parkinson's disease (PD) would improve identification of at-risk individuals.

OBJECTIVE

To examine frequency of falling and baseline characteristics associated with falling in PD using the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Exploratory Trials in PD Long-term Study-1 (NET-PD LS-1) dataset.

METHODS

The LS-1 database included 1741 early treated PD subjects (median 4year follow-up). Baseline characteristics were tested for a univariate association with post-baseline falling during the trial. Significant variables were included in a multivariable logistic regression model. A separate analysis using a negative binomial model investigated baseline factors on fall rate.

RESULTS

728 subjects (42%) fell during the trial, including at baseline. A baseline history of falls was the factor most associated with post-baseline falling. Men had lower odds of post-baseline falling compared to women, but for men, the probability of a post-baseline fall increased with age such that after age 70, men and women had similar odds of falling. Other baseline factors associated with a post-baseline fall and increased fall rate included the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, total functional capacity (TFC), baseline ambulatory capacity score and dopamine agonist monotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Falls are common in early treated PD. The biggest risk factor for falls in PD remains a history of falling. Measures of functional ability (UPDRS ADL, TFC) and ambulatory capacity are novel clinical risk factors needing further study. A significant age by sex interaction may help to explain why age has been an inconsistent risk factor for falls in PD.

Measuring disease progression in early Parkinson disease: the National Institutes of Health Exploratory Trials in Parkinson Disease (NET-PD) experience

IMPORTANCE

Optimizing assessments of rate of progression in Parkinson disease (PD) is important in designing clinical trials, especially of potential disease-modifying agents.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the value of measures of impairment, disability, and quality of life in assessing progression in early PD.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Inception cohort analysis of data from 413 patients with early, untreated PD who were enrolled in 2 multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical trials.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments (67 received creatine, 66 received minocycline, 71 received coenzyme Q10, 71 received GPI-1485, and 138 received placebo). We assessed the association between the rates of change in measures of impairment, disability, and quality of life and time to initiation of symptomatic treatment.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Time between baseline assessment and need for the initiation of symptomatic pharmaceutical treatment for PD was the primary indicator of disease progression.

RESULTS

After adjusting for baseline confounding variables with regard to the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part II score, the UPDRS Part III score, the modified Rankin Scale score, level of education, and treatment group, we assessed the rate of change for the following measurements: the UPDRS Part II score; the UPDRS Part III score; the Schwab and England Independence Scale score (which measures activities of daily living); the Total Functional Capacity scale; the 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire, summary index, and activities of daily living subscale; and version 2 of the 12-item Short Form Health Survey Physical Summary and Mental Summary. Variables reaching the statistical threshold in univariate analysis were entered into a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model using time to symptomatic treatment as the dependent variable. More rapid change (ie, worsening) in the UPDRS Part II score (hazard ratio, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.08-1.22] for 1 scale unit change per 6 months), the UPDRS Part III score (hazard ratio, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.06-1.13] for 1 scale unit change per 6 months), and the Schwab and England Independence Scale score (hazard ratio, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.12-1.48] for 5 percentage point change per 6 months) was associated with earlier need for symptomatic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

AND RELEVANCE In early PD, the UPDRS Part II score and Part III score and the Schwab and England Independence Scale score can be used to measure disease progression, whereas the 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire and summary index, Total Functional Capacity scale, and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey Physical Summary and Mental Summary are not sensitive to change.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifiers: NCT00063193 and NCT00076492.

Determinants of the timing of symptomatic treatment in early Parkinson disease: The National Institutes of Health Exploratory Trials in Parkinson Disease (NET-PD) Experience

OBJECTIVE

To assess the predictive value of baseline measures of impairment, disability, and quality of life for the timing of initiation of symptomatic treatment in early Parkinson disease (PD).

DESIGN

Inception cohort analysis.

SETTING

Ambulatory population from multiple sites in the United States and Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

Four hundred thirteen patients with early, untreated PD who participated in 2 double-blind trials that assessed the potential of experimental drugs to serve as disease-modifying agents in PD. Intervention Participants were randomized into treatment groups: creatine (n = 67), minocycline (n = 66), coenzyme Q10 (n = 71), GPI-1485 (n = 71), and placebo (n = 138). Main Outcome Measure Time between baseline assessment and need for the initiation of symptomatic treatment for PD. The following baseline variables were assessed for their relation to the main outcome measure, while adjusting for possible treatment effect: sex; age; level of education; race/ethnicity; disease duration; occupational status; and Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Survey, Modified Rankin Scale, Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale, Total Functional Capacity Scale, 39-item Parkinson Disease Questionnaire, and Geriatric Depression Scale scores. Variables reaching statistical threshold in univariate analyses (alpha = .15) were entered into a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model using time to symptomatic treatment as the dependent variable.

RESULTS

Approximately half (48.5%) of the participants reached end point within 12 months. Higher baseline impairment and disability, as determined by UPDRS III (motor section), UPDRS II (activities of daily living section, participant rating), and Modified Rankin Scale scores and level of education were independently associated with an earlier need for symptomatic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In early PD, greater impairment and disability and higher level of education are independently associated with an earlier need for symptomatic treatment.

Long-term outcomes of bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

In patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has been shown to improve motor function and decrease medication requirements in the short term. However, the long-term benefits of DBS are not yet established.

OBJECTIVE

It was the aim of this study to evaluate long-term outcomes of patients with PD treated with bilateral DBS of the STN.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty-three subjects who had bilateral STN DBS were followed prospectively after surgery. We evaluated subjects, using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), preoperatively, 12 months after surgery and at a long-term follow-up visit. Ratings were performed on and off dopaminergic medications. We compared postoperative UPDRS scores, dyskinesia ratings and medication dosages with preoperative values.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven subjects had evaluations beyond 18 months (median 33.7 months). Total UPDRS scores in the 'medication-off' state were improved by 37% (p < 0.001) at 12 months and 17.7% (p = 0.0051) at the long-term evaluation. Medication-off state UPDRS part III scores were significantly improved at both 1 year and at the last evaluation (37.6 and 29.3%; p < 0.001). Dopaminergic medication requirements were decreased by 35.3% (p < 0.001) during the first postoperative year and remained below preoperative levels at the long-term evaluation. Average duration of 'off' time remained decreased by about 40% at both 1 year and at the time of last evaluation. Subjects had a sustained reduction in dyskinesia severity (88.6% at 1 year and 68.8% at last evaluation).

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of subjects with advanced PD, bilateral STN stimulation improved 'off' medication motor function, reduced time spent in the medication-off state and reduced medication requirements for up to 4 years after surgery. We conclude that STN DBS is an effective long-term therapy for selected patients with advanced PD.

Unilateral Battery Depletion in Parkinson’s Disease Patients Treated with Bilateral Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation May Require Urgent Surgical Replacement

We describe 2 patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) treated with bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in whom unilateral stimulator battery depletion resulted in the rapid appearance of disabling PD symptoms (severe rigidity, bradykinesia and gait difficulty). Both patients did not respond to high doses of dopaminergic medications and were restored to their previous level of function only with battery replacement. One patient developed a deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli as a result of prolonged immobility. Although extreme worsening of PD secondary to battery depletion may be rare, such patients should have their stimulators replaced promptly.

An evaluation of oral ulcers in patients with AIDS and AIDS-related complex

BACKGROUND

Patients with HIV infection can have recurrent and persistent oral ulcers, not attributable to known infectious agents.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate prospectively oral ulcers in patients with HIV infection to determine whether an etiologic agent could be identified.

METHODS

Sixteen patients with HIV infection who had oral ulcers not attributable to known causes had culture of the base and a biopsy specimen taken from the ulcer. Cultures were obtained for herpes simplex and varicella-zoster viruses, mycobacteria, and fungi. By polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis with primer/probe sets for herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, human papillomavirus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, each biopsy specimen was analyzed for the presence of DNA from these organisms. Specimens were also evaluated histologically.

RESULTS

Histoplasmosis was detected histologically in one biopsy specimen, candidiasis in a second, and herpetic changes in a third. Viral cultures were positive for herpes simplex virus 1 in four cases and herpes simplex virus 2 in one case. PCR analysis detected DNA for herpes simplex virus 1 in one case and herpes simplex virus 2 in another; DNA from other pathogens was not identified. In the remaining eight patients, hematoxylin-and-eosin staining revealed eosinophilic ulcers in five cases and nonspecific changes in three cases.

CONCLUSION

The etiologic agent of recurrent or persistent oral ulcers in patients with AIDS and AIDS-related complex was not identified in 50% of patients. PCR analysis was not useful. Herpes simplex virus or other pathogens were not detected in ulcers containing numerous eosinophils.