Trivalent mRNA vaccine-candidate against seasonal flu with cross-specific humoral immune response

Seasonal influenza remains a serious global health problem, leading to high mortality rates among the elderly and individuals with comorbidities. Vaccination is generally accepted as the most effective strategy for influenza prevention. While current influenza vaccines are effective, they still have limitations, including narrow specificity for certain serological variants, which may result in a mismatch between vaccine antigens and circulating strains. Additionally, the rapid variability of the virus poses challenges in providing extended protection beyond a single season. Therefore, mRNA technology is particularly promising for influenza prevention, as it enables the rapid development of multivalent vaccines and allows for quick updates of their antigenic composition. mRNA vaccines have already proven successful in preventing COVID-19 by eliciting rapid cellular and humoral immune responses. In this study, we present the development of a trivalent mRNA vaccine candidate, evaluate its immunogenicity using the hemagglutination inhibition assay, ELISA, and assess its efficacy in animals. We demonstrate the higher immunogenicity of the mRNA vaccine candidate compared to the inactivated split influenza vaccine and its enhanced ability to generate a cross-specific humoral immune response. These findings highlight the potential mRNA technology in overcoming current limitations of influenza vaccines and hold promise for ensuring greater efficacy in preventing seasonal influenza outbreaks.

Major Role of S-Glycoprotein in Providing Immunogenicity and Protective Immunity in mRNA Lipid Nanoparticle Vaccines Based on SARS-CoV-2 Structural Proteins

SARS-CoV-2 variants have evolved over time in recent years, demonstrating immune evasion of vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies directed against the original S protein. Updated S-targeted vaccines provide a high level of protection against circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2, but this protection declines over time due to ongoing virus evolution. To achieve a broader protection, novel vaccine candidates involving additional antigens with low mutation rates are currently needed. Based on our recently studied mRNA lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) platform, we have generated mRNA-LNP encoding SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins M, N, S from different virus variants and studied their immunogenicity separately or in combination in vivo. As a result, all mRNA-LNP vaccine compositions encoding the S and N proteins induced excellent titers of RBD- and N-specific binding antibodies. The T cell responses were mainly specific CD4+ T cell lymphocytes producing IL-2 and TNF-alpha. mRNA-LNP encoding the M protein did not show a high immunogenicity. High neutralizing activity was detected in the sera of mice vaccinated with mRNA-LNP encoding S protein (alone or in combinations) against closely related strains, but was undetectable or significantly lower against an evolutionarily distant variant. Our data showed that the addition of mRNAs encoding S and M antigens to mRNA-N in the vaccine composition enhanced the immunogenicity of mRNA-N and induced a more robust immune response to the N protein. Based on our results, we suggested that the S protein plays a key role in enhancing the immune response to the N protein when they are both encoded in the mRNA-LNP vaccine.

Novel Hydroxamic Acids Containing Aryl-Substituted 1,2,4- or 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Backbones and an Investigation of Their Antibiotic Potentiation Activity

UDP-3-O-(R-3-hydroxymyristoyl)-N-acetylglucosamine deacetylase (LpxC) is a zinc amidase that catalyzes the second step of the biosynthesis of lipid A, which is an outer membrane essential structural component of Gram-negative bacteria. Inhibitors of this enzyme can be attributed to two main categories, non-hydroxamate and hydroxamate inhibitors, with the latter being the most effective given the chelation of Zn2+ in the active site. Compounds containing diacetylene or acetylene tails and the sulfonic head, as well as oxazoline derivatives of hydroxamic acids, are among the LpxC inhibitors with the most profound antibacterial activity. The present article describes the synthesis of novel functional derivatives of hydroxamic acids-bioisosteric to oxazoline inhibitors-containing 1,2,4- and 1,3,4-oxadiazole cores and studies of their cytotoxicity, antibacterial activity, and antibiotic potentiation. Some of the hydroxamic acids we obtained (9c, 9d, 23a, 23c, 30b, 36) showed significant potentiation in nalidixic acid, rifampicin, and kanamycin against the growth of laboratory-strain Escherichia coli MG1655. Two lead compounds (9c, 9d) significantly reduced Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 growth in the presence of nalidixic acid and rifampicin.

Intratumor heterogeneity: models of malignancy emergence and evolution

Cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease characterized by the accumulation of genetic alterations that drive uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. Evolutionary dynamics plays a crucial role in the emergence and development of tumors, shaping the heterogeneity and adaptability of cancer cells. From the perspective of evolutionary theory, tumors are complex ecosystems that evolve through a process of microevolution influenced by genetic mutations, epigenetic changes, tumor microenvironment factors, and therapy-induced changes. This dynamic nature of tumors poses significant challenges for effective cancer treatment, and understanding it is essential for developing effective and personalized therapies. By uncovering the mechanisms that determine tumor heterogeneity, researchers can identify key genetic and epigenetic changes that contribute to tumor progression and resistance to treatment. This knowledge enables the development of innovative strategies for targeting specific tumor clones, minimizing the risk of recurrence and improving patient outcomes. To investigate the evolutionary dynamics of cancer, researchers employ a wide range of experimental and computational approaches. Traditional experimental methods involve genomic profiling techniques such as next-generation sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization. These techniques enable the identification of somatic mutations, copy number alterations, and structural rearrangements within cancer genomes. Furthermore, single-cell sequencing methods have emerged as powerful tools for dissecting intratumoral heterogeneity and tracing clonal evolution. In parallel, computational models and algorithms have been developed to simulate and analyze cancer evolution. These models integrate data from multiple sources to predict tumor growth patterns, identify driver mutations, and infer evolutionary trajectories. In this paper, we set out to describe the current approaches to address this evolutionary complexity and theories of its occurrence.

Naphthyl-Substituted Indole and Pyrrole Carboxylic Acids as Effective Antibiotic Potentiators-Inhibitors of Bacterial Cystathionine γ-Lyase

Over the past decades, the problem of bacterial resistance to most antibiotics has become a serious threat to patients' survival. Nevertheless, antibiotics of a novel class have not been approved since the 1980s. The development of antibiotic potentiators is an appealing alternative to the challenging process of searching for new antimicrobials. Production of H2S-one of the leading defense mechanisms crucial for bacterial survival-can be influenced by the inhibition of relevant enzymes: bacterial cystathionine γ-lyase (bCSE), bacterial cystathionine β-synthase (bCBS), or 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST). The first one makes the main contribution to H2S generation. Herein, we present data on the synthesis, in silico analyses, and enzymatic and microbiological assays of novel bCSE inhibitors. Combined molecular docking and molecular dynamics analyses revealed a novel binding mode of these ligands to bCSE. Lead compound 2a manifested strong potentiating activity when applied in combination with some commonly used antibiotics against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The compound was found to have favorable in vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity parameters. The high effectiveness and safety of compound 2a makes it a promising candidate for enhancing the activity of antibiotics against high-priority pathogens.

Targeted depletion of TRBV9+ T cells as immunotherapy in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis

Autoimmunity is intrinsically driven by memory T and B cell clones inappropriately targeted at self-antigens. Selective depletion or suppression of self-reactive T cells remains a holy grail of autoimmune therapy, but disease-associated T cell receptors (TCRs) and cognate antigenic epitopes remained elusive. A TRBV9-containing CD8+ TCR motif was recently associated with the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and acute anterior uveitis, and cognate HLA-B*27-presented epitopes were identified. Following successful testing in nonhuman primate models, here we report human TRBV9+ T cell elimination in ankylosing spondylitis. The patient achieved remission within 3 months and ceased anti-TNF therapy after 5 years of continuous use. Complete remission has now persisted for 4 years, with three doses of anti-TRBV9 administered per year. We also observed a profound improvement in spinal mobility metrics and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI). This represents a possibly curative therapy of an autoimmune disease via selective depletion of a TRBV-defined group of T cells. The anti-TRBV9 therapy could potentially be applicable to other HLA-B*27-associated spondyloarthropathies. Such targeted elimination of the underlying cause of the disease without systemic immunosuppression could offer a new generation of safe and efficient therapies for autoimmunity.

Observational study of pimecrolimus 1% cream for prevention of transcutaneous sensitization in children with atopic dermatitis during their first year of life

Introduction

Epidermal barrier dysfunction in children with atopic dermatitis can cause transcutaneous sensitization to allergens and allergic diseases. We evaluated the effectiveness of an early-intervention algorithm for atopic dermatitis treatment, utilizing pimecrolimus for long-term maintenance therapy, in reducing transcutaneous sensitization in infants.

Method

This was a single-center cohort observational study that enrolled children aged 1-4 months with family history of allergic diseases, moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, and sensitization to ≥ 1 of the investigated allergens. Patients who sought medical attention at atopic dermatitis onset (within 10 days) were group 1 "baseline therapy with topical glucocorticoids with subsequent transition to pimecrolimus as maintenance therapy"; patients who sought medical attention later were group 2 "baseline and maintenance therapy with topical glucocorticoids, without subsequent use of pimecrolimus". Sensitization class and level of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E were determined at baseline, and 6 and 12 months of age. Atopic dermatitis severity was evaluated using the Eczema Area and Severity Index score at baseline and 6, 9 and 12 months of age.

Results

Fifty-six and 52 patients were enrolled in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Compared with group 2, group 1 demonstrated a lower level of sensitization to cow's milk protein, egg white and house dust mite allergen at 6 and 12 months of age, and a more pronounced decrease in atopic dermatitis severity at 6, 9 and 12 months of age. No adverse events occurred.

Discussion

The pimecrolimus-containing algorithm was effective in treating atopic dermatitis and prophylaxis of early forms of allergic diseases in infants.

Trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ NCT04900948, retrospectively registered, 25 May 2021.

Scientific and Practical Innovations in Restoring Skin Barrier Properties in Children with Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial inflammatory skin disease. Its pathogenetic basis is epidermal barrier dysfunction, immune system dysregulation, as well as skin microbiome diversity decrease that occurs due to genetic predisposition. Considering these factors, the skin of patients with AD requires constant care and use of medications with active regenerative properties. The inclusion of anti-inflammatory components in the composition of modern emollients (zinc sulfate and sucralfate) is crucial for restoring the microbiome and immune mechanisms controlling the skin. This article presents data on pathogenetic applicability and clinical efficacy of emollients with anti-inflammatory compounds in patients with AD.

Filaggrin Defect at Atopic Dermatitis: Modern Treatment Options

Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic skin disease, its pathogenesis is associated with congenital or acquired deficiency of filaggrin protein. In recent years, extensive evidence on the causes of filaggrin deficiency has been obtained. The structure and functions of this protein are described, that opens new approaches for atopic dermatitis management.

Translational potential of base-editing tools for gene therapy of monogenic diseases

Millions of people worldwide have rare genetic diseases that are caused by various mutations in DNA sequence. Classic treatments of rare genetic diseases are often ineffective, and therefore great hopes are placed on gene-editing methods. A DNA base–editing system based on nCas9 (Cas9 with a nickase activity) or dCas9 (a catalytically inactive DNA-targeting Cas9 enzyme) enables editing without double-strand breaks. These tools are constantly being improved, which increases their potential usefulness for therapies. In this review, we describe the main types of base-editing systems and their application to the treatment of monogenic diseases in experiments in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, to understand the therapeutic potential of these systems, the advantages and disadvantages of base-editing systems are examined.

Cas-Based Systems for RNA Editing in Gene Therapy of Monogenic Diseases: In Vitro and in Vivo Application and Translational Potential

Rare genetic diseases reduce quality of life and can significantly shorten the lifespan. There are few effective treatment options for these diseases, and existing therapeutic strategies often represent only supportive or palliative care. Therefore, designing genetic-engineering technologies for the treatment of genetic diseases is urgently needed. Rapid advances in genetic editing technologies based on programmable nucleases and in the engineering of gene delivery systems have made it possible to conduct several dozen successful clinical trials; however, the risk of numerous side effects caused by off-target double-strand breaks limits the use of these technologies in the clinic. Development of adenine-to-inosine (A-to-I) and cytosine-to-uracil (C-to-U) RNA-editing systems based on dCas13 enables editing at the transcriptional level without double-strand breaks in DNA. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the application of these technologies in in vitro and in vivo experiments. The main strategies for improving RNA-editing tools by increasing their efficiency and specificity are described as well. These data allow us to outline the prospects of base-editing systems for clinical application.

Activity of nuclear factor κB in lymphocyte populations of children with psoriasis

Alterations in intracellular signaling pathways affecting immune cell activation, proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes in psoriasis could explain the complex pathogenesis of the disease. NF-κB is one of the intracellular signaling pathways, which is involved in regulation of numerous pro-inflammatory genes, and affects the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines directly involved in the development of psoriasis. The study was aimed to assess the number of cells with NF-κB translocation in lymphocyte populations of children with psoriasis depending in the disease severity and therapy. A total of 130 children with psoriasis vulgaris were examined. The comparison group included 30 healthy children. The study was conducted using the imaging flow cytometry Amnis ImageStreamX system. It was found that there were significant differences in the number of cells with NF-κB translocation in the lymphocyte populations of both children with psoriasis and comparison group. Children with psoriasis had a higher number of cells with NF-κB translocation in the populations of T helper cells, Tact, Treg, and Th17 compared to healthy children (p < 0.05). The number of cells with NF-κB translocation in children with psoriasis correlated with the disease severity PASI (Rmul = 0.32) and BSA (Rmul = 0.31) scores, as well as with the disease duration (p < 0.05). NF-κB determination could be considered an additional criterion for the disease severity assessment in children with psoriasis. The differences in the degree of reduction of the number of cells with NF-κB translocation 24 h after administration of biologics (adalimumab, etanercept, ustekinumab) have been shown. Studying NF-κB in cell populations offers the prospect of understanding pathogenetic mechanisms of inflammation and developing new therapeutic methods for psoriasis.

[The new pegylated interferon beta-1a (sampeginterferon beta-1a, BCD-054) in the treatment of remitting multiple sclerosis]

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of BCD 054 180 μg and 240 μg administered once every 2 weeks for the treatment of remitting multiple sclerosis compared to placebo and low dose interferon beta-1a (LIB) 30 μg administered once weekly. Results of a 20 week blinded interim analysis from a double blind, comparative, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical study are included.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This multinational, multicentre, double blind, comparative, placebo-controlled study enrolled 399 patients with the diagnosis of remitting multiple sclerosis: 114 patients in the sampeginterferon beta 1a and LIB groups each and 57 patients in the placebo group. To ensure the objectivity of data, the study protocol includes a blinded interim analysis to demonstrate the superiority of BCD 054 over placebo based on the number of combined unique active lesions (CUA) on MRI scans after 20 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

An integrated analysis of the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics was performed after 20 weeks of study. Mean CUA per scan was lower in the active treatment groups compared to placebo: 0,986±2,046, 0,619±1,055, 0,665±1,165, 1,673±2,376 (groups 1, 2, 3 and placebo group, respectively). The data for CUA per scan demonstrated the superiority of both BCD 054 180 μg and 240 μg over placebo. Patients receiving active treatment had fewer new and/or enlarging lesions after 20 weeks of treatment. The proportion of patients without new T2-weighted lesions was 74,3%, 86,7%, and 78,1% in groups 1, 2, and 3 compared to 64,9% in the placebo group. Manifestations of flu-like syndrome that is expected for interferon treatment were observed with the same incidence in all the active treatment groups. Its severity, duration or the need for symptomatic treatment did not appear to depend on the type of interferon used.

[Results of a phase 1 clinical study of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (BCD-132): pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety]

AIM

To study the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity of two intravenous dosing regimens of the new anti-B-cells drug BCD-132 (JSC BIOCAD, Russia) at ascending doses in patients with remitting multiple sclerosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-four patients with multiple sclerosis were sequentially randomized in the multicenter open-label uncontrolled multicohort phase I study (3+3 design) and assigned to 4 cohorts (8 groups). Patients in each cohort received an intravenous infusion of BCD-132 at a predefined dose ranging from 100 to 1000 mg based on the planned algorithm of dose escalation if no dose-limiting toxicities occurred.

RESULTS

The assessment of the number of cells positive for the main B-cell antigens over time demonstrated a direct effect of BCD-132 on B lymphocytes when used at a wide range of doses (100 to 1000 mg) in patients with remitting multiple sclerosis. No significant variation of the number of T-cells was observed, which clearly proves strict specificity of BCD-132 exclusively to B lymphocytes.

CONCLUSION

BCD-132 has an expected pharmacodynamic effect of long-term depletion of CD19⁺ and CD20⁺ B lymphocytes and an acceptable safety profile when used to treat patients with remitting multiple sclerosis at all tested doses.

The Role of Checkpoint Inhibitors and Cytokines in Adoptive Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy with Genetically Modified T Cells

This review focuses on the structure and molecular action mechanisms of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and major aspects of the manufacturing and clinical application of products for the CAR-T (CAR-modified T lymphocyte) therapy of hematological and solid tumors with special emphasis on the strategies for combined use of CAR-T therapy with immuno-oncological monoclonal antibodies (checkpoint inhibitors) and cytokines to boost survival, persistence, and antitumor efficacy of CAR-T therapy. The review also summarizes preclinical and clinical data on the additive effects of the combined use of CAR-T therapy with interleukins and monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoints.

[Efficacy, tolerability and safety of the treatment with teberif: the results of a 2-year randomized clinical trial of treatment naïve patients with remitting multiple sclerosis, who have not received DMT, after switching from other interferon β-1a]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the treatment with teberif/interferon β-1a, to analyze safety, tolerability and dynamics of key efficacy variables after switching from referent drug rebif to biosimilar teberif in patients with remitting multiple sclerosis (RMS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

During the main period of the international multicenter randomized study patients were randomized to receive treatment with teberif for 52 weeks, or rebif for 52 weeks, or placebo for 16 weeks to evaluate efficacy and safety of treatment. After the main study period, patients were group-independently switched to take open-label teberif treatment during the next 48 weeks.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The analysis of multiple evaluation parameters of the efficiency during the 1st study period (blinded) and the 2^nd study period (open-label) has shown that teberif and rebif demonstrate equivalent efficacy and stable 2-year efficacy of teberif was proven. There were no significant differences between teberif and rebif for all safety, and tolerability parameters. Switching from rebif to teberif didn't influence treatment efficacy. The 2-year study results confirmed a biosimilar teberif's benign tolerability and expected safety profile to other interferons β-1a in patients with RMS.

[Influence of Different Type of Surfactant on Bacteriolytic Activity of Lysozyme]

The influence ofvarious surfactants (anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS, cationic dodecyltrimethylarnmonium bromide, DTAB, and zwitterionic cocoamidopropylbetaine, CAPB) on the activity of the chicken egg lysozyme is investigated. Lysis of Gram-positive bacteria by the enzyme was carried out at pH 7.2 and ionic strength of 0.15 M. It was found that at low SDS and DTAB concentrations (less than 1 x 10(-5) M) the bacteriolytic activity increases by 30-140%. At higher concentrations (1 x 10(-5) - 1 x 10(4) M) the activity returns to the level observed in the absence of the surfactants. The elevated activity correlated with the formation of hydrophobic lysozyme-surfactant complexes. Introduction of CAPB at concentrations above 1 x 10(-5) M sig, nificantly diminished the bacteriolytic activity due to CAPB induced aggregation of lysozyme.

Efficacy and safety of BCD-017, a novel pegylated filgrastim: Results of open-label controlled phase II study in patients with breast cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy

e20593

Background: Pegfilgrastim (conjugate of filgrastim and 20 kDa polyethylene glycol (PEG) is approved for treatment of chemotherapy-associated neutropenia. BCD-017 (empegfilgrastim) is a covalent conjugate of filgrastim with 30 kDa PEG. Increased molecular weight of PEG molecule may provide additional benefits compared to pegfilgrastim. Methods: To compare efficacy and safety of filgrastim and BCD-017 at 3 mg and 6 mg doses an open-label, randomized, active-comparator, non-inferiority trial was conducted. 60 patients with histologically or cytologically confirmed breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive either subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of 3 mg BCD-017 (n=21), 6 mg BCD-017 (n = 20), or 5 mg/kg s.c. injections of filgrastim (n=19) administered daily until ANC ≥ 10x109 cells/L (maximum of 14 days) after chemotherapy (doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 and docetaxel 75 mg/m2) with stratification for weight and prior chemotherapy exposure. The primary efficacy endpoint was the incidence of severe neutropenia (ANC < 1.0x109 cells/L) during the first cycle of chemotherapy. Results: Incidence of severe neutropenia during the first chemotherapy cycle was 85,7%, 65,0% and 61,1% in BCD-017 3 mg, BCD-017 6 mg and filgrastim groups, respectively. Differences between BCD-017 groups and filgrastim group were not significant. Mean duration of grade 4 neutropenia in cycle 1 was 0,43, 0,40 and 0,33 days, accordingly (95% CI for difference between BCD-017 3 mg and filgrastim groups -0.22 to 0.41; 95% CI for difference between BCD-017 6 mg and filgrastim groups -0.25 to 0.38). Febrile neutropenia was observed only in BCD-017 3 mg and BCD-017 6 mg groups (one case in each group). A single administration of BCD-017 at the doses of 3 mg and 6 mg was as safe and well tolerated as standard daily filgrastim administration. There were no unexpected adverse events in all groups. Conclusions: The results of this study support comparable efficacy of single s.c. injection of 6 mg BCD-017 versus daily 5 mg/kg s.c. injections of filgrastim. Further phase III study of BCD-017 for treatment and prophylaxis of neutropenia in patients receiving chemotherapy is necessary. Clinical trial information: NCT01569087.

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and tolerability of BCD-017, a novel pegylated filgrastim: Results of open-label controlled phase I study with dose escalation in healthy volunteers

9060

Background: Pegfilgrastim (conjugate of filgrastim and 20 kDa PEG) is approved for treatment of chemotherapy-associated neutropenia. BCD-017 is a covalent conjugate of filgrastim with 30 kDa PEG. Increased molecular weight of PEG molecule may provide additional benefits compared to pegfilgrastim. We have conducted this open-label phase I study to assess the PK, PD and tolerability of BCD-017. Methods: 24 healthy male volunteers signed the informed consent and were sequentially assigned to receive 1, 3 or 9 mg of BCD-017 or 5 mcg/kg/day of filgrastim for 7 days, 6 volunteers per group. Outcome measures included absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and СD34+ cell count, PK parameters and adverse events (AEs). Results: BCD-017 induced a fast and significant increase of ANC. Median maximum ANC (ANCmax) for BCD-017 1, 3, 9 mg and filgrastim was 18.68 (10.62-21.02), 25.92 (15.43-28.07), 32.22 (18.22-45.79), and 28.21 (21-31.95) ×103 cells/mm3, respectively; median time to ANCmax was 24 (12-24); 48 (24-72); 72 (48-72); and 132,5 (12-169) h, respectively; median increase in СD34+ cells number 96 h post dose was 4.7 (1.2-6.5), 6.5 (1.7-12.3), 40.9 (24.5-102), and 17.8 (3.3-35.2) times, respectively. Filgrastim serum concentration was analyzed using ELISA. Median Cmax for BCD-017 3 and 9 mg and filgrastim was 45 (31-65), 446 (191-649), and 40 (20-54) ng/mL, respectively; median Tmax was 48 (24-72), 36 (24-48), and 8 (6-8) h respectively; median T1/2 was 65 (51-70), 46 (41-57), and 6.7 (6.2-7.6) h, respectively. BCD-017 was well tolerated. No dose-limiting AEs were observed. AEs included headache, back pain, myalgia, arthralgia, thrombocytopenia, hyperuricemia, alkaline phosphatase/LDH increased. All AEs were of grade 1-2. Compared to filgrastim, the best tolerability was observed in 3 mg group. Conclusions: BCD-017 is shown to be a potent stimulator of granulopoiesis. BCD-017 3 mg did not differ from filgrastim in terms of ANC increase and its safety was shown in healthy volunteers. Further phase II study of BCD-017 for treatment and prophylaxis of neutropenia in patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy is necessary.

Fluorinated cannabinoid CB2 receptor ligands: synthesis and in vitro binding characteristics of 2-oxoquinoline derivatives

Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) plays an important role in human physiology and the pathophysiology of different diseases, including neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Several classes of CB2 receptor ligands, including 2-oxoquinoline derivatives, have been previously reported. We report the synthesis and results of in vitro receptor binding of a focused library of new fluorinated 2-oxoquinoline CB2 ligands. Twelve compounds, 13-1618, 19, 21-24, 27, and 28 were synthesized in good yields in multiple steps. Human U87 glioma cells expressing either hCB1 (control) or hCB2 were generated via lentiviral transduction. In vitro competitive binding assay was performed using [(3)H]CP-55,940 in U87hCB1 and U87hCB2 cells. Inhibition constant (K(i)) values of compounds 13-16, 18, 19, 21-24, 27, and 28 for CB2 were >10,000, 2.8, 5.0, 2.4, 22, 0.8, 1.4, >10,000, 486, 58, 620, and 2400 nM, respectively, and those for CB1 were >10,000 nM. Preliminary in vitro results suggest that six of these compounds may be useful for therapy of neuropathic pain, neuroinflammatory diseases and immune disorders. In addition, compound 19, with its subnanomolar K(i) value, could be radiolabeled with (18)F and explored for PET imaging of CB2 expression.

Clinical and quality of life responses to high-dose chemotherapy plus autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple sclerosis: two case reports

During the last several years high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been established as a therapeutic option for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We report on the long-term effects of HDCT + ASCT in two female patients affected by secondary progressive and relapsing-remitting types of MS, respectively. As a result, disease stabilization was achieved in the first case and disease improvement in the second one. Both patients were off immunosuppressive or immunomodulating therapy throughout the post-transplant period. Notably, HDCT + ASCT resulted in an excellent quality of life (QoL) response in both cases. Our findings demonstrate that HDCT + ASCT could be considered as an effective treatment for MS patients. Moreover, QoL measurement seems to be an effective approach to assessment of treatment outcomes at long-term follow-up of patients with MS.