Patent Application
20240173313
This disclosure relates to the field of therapeutic tyrosine kinase inhibitors, in particular Bruton tyrosine kinase (“BTK”) inhibitors, to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS).
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease affecting more than 1 million people worldwide. It is the most common cause of neurological disability in young and middle-aged adults and has a major physical, psychological, social and financial impact on subjects and their families. MS involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body's immune system is directed against the central nervous system (CNS). In the course of the disease, scleroses, i.e., lesions or scars, appear in the myelin sheath of nerve cells, disrupting transmission of electrical signals. Scleroses accumulate over time and result in the debilitating symptoms experienced by MS patients. MS patients generally experience one of four clinical courses of disease, each of which might be mild, moderate, or severe: clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing remitting, secondary progressive and primary progressive. About 85% of MS patients have the relapsing remitting form of the disease, in which they experience clearly defined relapses (also called flare-ups or exacerbations), which are episodes of acute worsening of neurologic function, followed by partial or complete recovery periods (remissions) that are free of disease progression. Within the scope of the present disclosure, “relapsing multiple sclerosis,” “relapsing MS,” or “RMS” may include clinically isolated syndrome (“CIS”), relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (“RRMS”), and relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (“R-SPMS.”) See, e.g., Lublin et al., Defining the clinical course of multiple sclerosis; the 2013 revisions, Neurology 2014; 83:278-286.
Immunomodulatory drugs have been the mainstay of MS therapy. Recent results from clinical studies have demonstrated efficacy of agents that target B lymphocytes, especially B-cell-depleting agents like ocrelizumab (anti-CD20) (Hauser et al., N Engl J Med. 2017; 376(3):221-34). Targeting B-cells represents a departure from the prevailing dogma based on animal models that demonstrated therapeutic benefits from modulating T-cell activity and positions the B cell as the centerpiece of current MS drug development (Lehmann-Horn K et al., Int J Mol Sci. 2017; 18(10):2048). The importance of immune cells residing in the CNS is also well known and needs to be considered in MS pathogenesis (Hemmer B et al, Nat Clin Pract Neurol. 2006; 2(4):201-11).
Despite these recent advances, there is still a significant unmet need for therapies that target neuroinflammation in the CNS with a goal of halting long-term disability and neurodegeneration in people with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) and with progressive forms of the disease (primary progressive multiple sclerosis, (“PPMS”) and non-relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, (“NR-SPMS”)) (Stys P K et al, Nat Rev Neurosci. 2012; 13(7):507-14). Even the most recent high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies act mainly on adaptive immunity in the periphery with only modest or temporary ability to halt neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes and stop disease progression, as also demonstrated by recent studies in progressive forms of MS (Montalban X et al, N Engl J Med. 2017; 376(3):209-20; Kappos L et al, Lancet 2018; 391(10127):1263-73).
Beyond the existing strategy to modulate cellular elements of adaptive immunity, there is mounting evidence that innate immunity, mediated by myeloid cell lineages (bone-marrow-derived monocytes/macrophages and CNS-resident microglial cells), is responsible for many of the neurodegenerative aspects of MS that persist in spite of the effectiveness of approved disease-modifying therapies in preventing acute relapses (Hemmer B et al., Lancet Neurol. 2015; 14(4):406-19; Rahmanzadeh R et al., Rev Neurosci. 2018 Jun. 8). Immunomodulation directed at innate immunity has potential to curtail “smoldering neuroinflammation” and other manifestations of disease progression that remain unaddressed by current, approved therapies.
The Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) pathway is critical to signaling in B lymphocytes and myeloid cells including CNS microglia. Each of these cell types has been implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Further, as BTK signaling is vital for maturation of B cells into antibody-secreting plasma cells, BTK inhibition can modulate both cellular and humoral immunity. Accordingly, an inhibitor of BTK signaling represents a dual mechanism targeting both aspects of the immune system.
Accordingly, compounds that inhibit BTK that are able to both inhibit antigen-induced B-cell activation responsible for neuroinflammation and modulate maladaptive microglial cells linked to neuroinflammation in the brain and spinal cord may be useful in treating RMS with superior benefits when compared to currently available therapies.
Rebound disease activity, characterised by recrudescence of neurological symptoms and brain lesions, has been reported after stopping some MS disease-modifying treatments. For example, post-treatment egress of autoreactive lymphocytes from lymph nodes is a proposed mechanism underlying rebound disease activity for sphingosine-1-phosphate (SiP) receptor modulators. (Barry B, et al. Neurol Ther 2019; 8(2):241-50; Gonzilez-Suarez I, et al. Brain Behav 2017; 7:e00671). Thus, there is a need for new treatments that do not result in rebound disease activity in patients with RMS after discontinuation of treatment.
Drug-induced liver injury has been identified in the ongoing tolebrutinib Phase 3 trials. The reported events occurred between months 2 to 3 after the start of tolebrutinib administration, and the elevation of liver enzymes appears reversible after tolebrutinib discontinuation. Thus, there is a need to mitigate the risk of hepatic injury and provide safe treatment for patients with RMS.
Accordingly, the following embodiments are provided. In some embodiments, a method of reducing the incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse in a subject having relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in need thereof is provided comprising the steps of: a) administering to a subject in need thereof a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one for at least 12 weeks; and b) ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor, wherein the incidence of MS relapse in the subject after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than the incidence of MS relapse in the subject during 1 year prior to administration of the BTK inhibitor.
In some embodiments, the subject remains relapse-free for at least 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor.
In some embodiments, the subject remains relapse-free for at least 6 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor.
In some embodiments, the subject remains relapse-free for at least 21 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor.
In some embodiments, a method of reducing the number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions or the number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions in a subject having relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in need thereof is provided comprising the steps of: a) administering to a subject in need thereof a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one for at least 12 weeks; and b) ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor, wherein the number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions or the number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than the baseline of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions or new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject during the 4 weeks prior to administration of the BTK inhibitor.
In some embodiments, the total number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions or the number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 2.
In some embodiments, the total number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 1.
In some embodiments, the total number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions or the number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 1.
In some embodiments, the total number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 3.
In some embodiments, the total number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 6 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 1.
In some embodiments, a method of reducing the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions in a subject having relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in need thereof is provided comprising the steps of: a) administering to a subject in need thereof a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one for at least 12 weeks; and b) ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor, wherein the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than the baseline number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject prior to administration of the BTK inhibitor.
In some embodiments, the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 4.
In some embodiments, the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 2.
In some embodiments, the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions from baseline measured in the subject up to 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 1.
In some embodiments, the dose of the BTK inhibitor is 60 mg daily.
In some embodiments, the lesions are measured by MRI.
In some embodiments, the subject is administered the BTK inhibitor for at least 16 weeks.
In some embodiments, the subject is administered the BTK inhibitor for at least 24 weeks.
In some embodiments, the subject is administered the BTK inhibitor for at least 48 weeks.
In some embodiments, the subject is administered the BTK inhibitor for at least 72 weeks.
In some embodiments, the subject is administered the BTK inhibitor for at least 96 weeks.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in a patient in need thereof is provided comprising determining whether the patient has elevated transferrin or elevated ferritin levels and when the patient is found to not have elevated transferrin or elevated ferritin levels, administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in a patient in need thereof is provided comprising determining the patient's iron panel, and when the patient is found to have a suitable iron panel, administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one, wherein the patient does not have elevated transferrin or elevated ferritin levels.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided comprising the steps of: (a) performing an iron panel test in a patient's blood or serum; (b) detecting levels of the iron panel test that are within normal ranges; and (c) administering a therapeutically effective amount BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to the patient, wherein the iron panel test measures any one or more of levels of iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) in a patient's blood or serum and wherein the normal ranges of the iron panel test include one or more of (i) an iron level of 60 to 170 μg/dL, (ii) a ferritin level of ≤500 μg/L (iii) a transferrin saturation level 50% in a male patient or ≤40% in a female patient, and (iv) a TIBC of 240 to 450 μg/dL.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided comprising the steps of: (a) detecting a level of transferrin saturation in a patient's blood or serum that is within normal range; and (b) administering a therapeutically effective amount BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to the patient, wherein the transferrin saturation level that is within normal range in the blood or serum of a male patient is a transferrin saturation of ≤50%, and the transferrin saturation level that is within normal range in the blood or serum of a female patient is a transferrin saturation of ≤40%.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided comprising the steps of: (a) detecting a level of ferritin in a patient's blood or serum that is within normal range; and (b) administering a therapeutically effective amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to the patient, wherein the ferritin level that is within normal range in the blood or serum of the patient is ≤500 μg/L. In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided comprising the steps of: (a) performing liver function tests in a patient; (b) detecting suitable liver function in the patient; and (c) administering a therapeutically effective amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to the patient, wherein the liver function tests measure one or more of the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), albumin, alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin, and total protein in a patient's blood, and wherein the patient having a suitable liver function has one or more of ALT ≤1.5× upper limit of normal (ULN), AST levels of ≤1.5×ULN, alkaline phosphatase ≤2×ULN (unless caused by non-liver related disorder or explained by a stable chronic liver disorder) and total bilirubin ≤1.5×ULN (unless due to Gilbert syndrome or non-liver-related disorder).
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided comprising the steps of: (a) administering a therapeutically effective amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (Compound) to a patient in need thereof, (b) measuring the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the patient; (c) detecting a level of ALT of >8× upper limit of normal (ULN); (d) ceasing administration of the Compound to the patient; and optionally (e) monitoring the level of ALT in the patient; and (f) resuming administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the Compound to the patient when the patient's level of ALT is determined to be <1.5×ULN.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided comprising the steps of: (a) administering a therapeutically effective amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (Compound) to a patient in need thereof, (b) measuring the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the patient; (c) detecting a level of ALT of >5× upper limit of normal (ULN) during a period of at least two weeks; (d) ceasing administration of the Compound to the patient; and optionally (e) monitoring the level of ALT in the patient; and (f) resuming administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the Compound to the patient when the patient's level of ALT is determined to be <1.5×ULN.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided comprising the steps of: (a) administering a therapeutically effective amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (Compound) to a patient in need thereof, (b) measuring the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the patient; (c) detecting a level of ALT of >3× upper limit of normal (ULN); (d) measuring one or more of total bilirubin and international normalized ratio (INR) in a patient; (e) detecting one or more of total bilirubin >2×ULN and INR >1.5; (f) ceasing administration of the Compound to the patient; and optionally (g) monitoring the level of ALT in the patient; and (h) resuming administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the Compound to the patient when the patient's level of ALT is determined to be <1.5×ULN.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided comprising the steps of: (a) administering a therapeutically effective amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (Compound) to a patient in need thereof, (b) measuring the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the patient; (c) detecting a level of ALT of >3× upper limit of normal (ULN); (d) ceasing administration of the Compound to the patient if the patient experiences one or more of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, right upper quadrant pain or tenderness, fever, rash, and eosinophilia >5%; and optionally (e) monitoring the level of ALT in the patient; and (f) resuming administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the Compound to the patient when the patient's level of ALT is determined to be <1.5×ULN.
In some embodiments, the level of ALT in step (b) is determined at least monthly.
In some embodiments, the level of ALT in step (d) is monitored at least weekly.
In some embodiments, the level of ALT in step (d) is monitored every 2 to 3 days.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in a patient in need thereof is provided comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to the patient, wherein the patient is not receiving potent and moderate inducers of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) or potent inhibitors of CYP2C8 hepatic enzymes.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in a patient in need thereof is provided comprising the steps of: (a) advising the patient to limit alcohol consumption during treatment; and (b) administering a therapeutically effective amount BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to the patient, wherein the patient is female and is advised to limit alcohol consumption to 14 grams/day or less, or the patient is male and is advised to limit alcohol consumption to 28 grams/day or less.
In another embodiment, the dose of the BTK inhibitor is about 5 mg to about 60 mg. In another embodiment, the dose is 5 mg. In another embodiment, the dose is 15 mg. In another embodiment, the dose is 30 mg. In another embodiment, the dose is 60 mg. In another embodiment, the BTK inhibitor compound is administered as monotherapy. In some embodiments, RMS is chosen from clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), and relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (R-SPMS). In another embodiment, the subject is a human.
In some embodiments, the dose is once daily. In some embodiments, the dose is administered once daily with food. In some embodiments, a dose of 15 mg is administered once daily with food. In some embodiments, a dose of 30 mg is administered once daily with food. In some embodiments, a dose of 60 mg is administered once daily with food.
Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the disclosure provides illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the desired subject matter in any way. In the event that any literature incorporated by reference contradicts any term defined in this specification, this specification controls. While the present teachings are described in conjunction with various embodiments, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.
Unless otherwise stated, the following terms used in the specification and claims are defined for the purposes of this disclosure and have the following meaning:
As used herein, “the BTK inhibitor,” “the BTK inhibitor compound,” “tolebrutinib,” and “the compound”, refers to (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one having the following structure:
which is also known as 4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1-[(3R)-1-(prop-2-enoyl)piperidin-3-yl]-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one having the following structure:
and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
A “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” or a “pharmaceutically acceptable excipient” means a carrier or an excipient that is useful in preparing a pharmaceutical composition that is generally safe, non-toxic and neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable, and includes a carrier or an excipient that is acceptable for veterinary use as well as human pharmaceutical use. “A pharmaceutically acceptable carrier/excipient” as used in the specification and claims includes both one and more than one such excipient.
“Treating” or “treatment” of a disease includes:
“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may but need not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not.
A “therapeutically effective amount” means the amount of the BTK inhibitor compound, that, when administered to a mammal for treating a disease, is sufficient to effect such treatment for the disease. The “therapeutically effective amount” will vary depending on the compound, the disease and its severity and the age, weight, etc., of the mammal to be treated.
“Ceasing” or “cessation” when used regarding administration of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) means that the API is no longer being administered to the subject on either a temporary or permanent basis.
Before describing the present teachings in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to specific compositions or process steps, as such may vary.
It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a conjugate” includes a plurality of conjugates and reference to “a cell” includes a plurality of cells and the like.
Numeric ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range. Measured and measurable values are understood to be approximate, taking into account significant digits and the error associated with the measurement. Also, the use of “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “contain”, “contains”, “containing”, “include”, “includes”, and “including” are not intended to be limiting. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the teachings.
Unless specifically noted in the above specification, embodiments in the specification that recite “comprising” various components are also contemplated as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” the recited components; embodiments in the specification that recite “consisting of” various components are also contemplated as “comprising” or “consisting essentially of” the recited components; and embodiments in the specification that recite “consisting essentially of” various components are also contemplated as “consisting of” or “comprising” the recited components (this interchangeability does not apply to the use of these terms in the claims.)
The terms “or a combination thereof” and “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to any and all permutations and combinations of the listed terms preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, ACB, CBA, BCA, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AAB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.
“Or” is used in the inclusive sense, i.e., equivalent to “and/or,” unless the context requires otherwise.
In some embodiments, a BTK inhibitor compound, (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one is administered for treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the BTK inhibitor compound is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one. In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of the BTK inhibitor compound is administered. In some embodiments, a dose of 5 to 60 mg of the BTK inhibitor compound is administered.
The BTK inhibitor compound can be prepared according to the methods and schemes described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 9,688,676 B2, in particular the content of column 62, line 8 to column 65 line 32, and column 67, line 28 to column 69, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The following preparation of the compound of (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one, is given to enable those skilled in the art to prepare the BTK inhibitor compound. The synthetic route should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure, but merely as being illustrative and representative thereof.
Exemplary synthesis of (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one:
Into a 100 mL round-bottom flask was placed (R)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1-(piperidin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (150 mg, 0.37 mmol, 1.00 equiv), DCM-CH3OH (6 mL), TEA (113 mg, 1.12 mmol, 3.00 equiv). This was followed by the addition of prop-2-enoyl chloride (40.1 mg, 0.44 mmol, 1.20 equiv) dropwise with stirring at 0° C. in 5 min. The resulting solution was stirred for 2h at 0° C. The resulting mixture was concentrated under vacuum. The residue was applied onto a silica gel column with dichloromethane/methanol (30:1). The crude product (100 mg) was purified by Prep-HPLC under the following conditions (Column, XBridge Prep Cis OBD Column, 5 μm, 19*150 mm; mobile phase, water with 0.05% TFA and ACN (25.0% ACN up to 45.0% in 8 min). 54.5 mg product of (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one was obtained as a white solid. LC-MS m/z: 465.2 (M+1).
Provided herein are methods of reducing the incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse in a subject having relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in need thereof comprising the steps of: a) administering to a subject in need thereof a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one for at least 12 weeks; and b) ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor, wherein the incidence of MS relapse in the subject after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than the incidence of MS relapse in the subject during 1 year prior to administration of the BTK inhibitor. Also provided herein are methods of reducing the number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions or the number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions in a subject having relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in need thereof comprising the steps of: a) administering to a subject in need thereof a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one for at least 12 weeks; and b) ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor, wherein the number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing TI hyperintense lesions or the number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than the baseline of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions or new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject during the 4 weeks prior to administration of the BTK inhibitor. Also provided herein are methods of reducing the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions in a subject having relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in need thereof is provided comprising the steps of: a) administering to a subject in need thereof a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one for at least 12 weeks; and b) ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor, wherein the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than the baseline number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject prior to administration of the BTK inhibitor. In some embodiments the dose of the BTK inhibitor is about 5 to about 60 mg. In some embodiments, the subject is a mammal. In some embodiments, the mammal is a human. In some embodiments, the subject has one or more symptoms of RMS prior to treatment and the treatment reduces or eliminates the one or more symptoms. In some embodiments, the subject suffers from neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, or spasticity caused by RMS.
In some embodiments, a subject with RMS has at least one documented relapse within the previous year, and/or greater than two documented relapses within the previous two years, and/or greater than one active Gd-enhancing brain lesion on an MRI scan in the past six months and prior to screening.
In some embodiments, the subject remains relapse-free for at least 4 weeks, at least 5 weeks, at least 6 weeks, at least 7 weeks, at least 8 weeks, at least 9 weeks, at least 10 weeks, at least 11 weeks, at least 12 weeks, at least 13 weeks, at least 14 weeks, at least 15 weeks, at least 16 weeks, at least 17 weeks, at least 18 weeks, at least 19 weeks, at least 20 weeks, or at least 21 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor.
In some embodiments, a dose of about 5-10 mg, 10-15 mg, 15-20 mg, 20-25 mg, 25-30 mg, 30-35 mg, 35-40 mg, 40-45 mg, 45-50 mg, 50-55 mg, or 55-60 mg is administered. In some embodiments, the dose is 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 40 mg, 45 mg, 50 mg, 55 mg, or 60 mg. In some embodiments, the dose is 5 mg. In some embodiments, the dose is 15 mg. In some embodiments, the dose is 30 mg. In some embodiments, the dose is 60 mg.
In some embodiments, the dose is administered daily. The daily dose can be delivered as a single dose or split into multiple parts. For example, in some embodiments, the dose is administered once a day (e.g., about every 24 hours). In some embodiments, the dose is administered twice daily. In some embodiments, the dose is subdivided into two parts to be administered twice per day (e.g., about every 12 hours). In some embodiments, the dose is subdivided into three parts to be administered three times per day (e.g., about every 8 hours). In some embodiments, the dose is subdivided into four parts to be administered four times per day (e.g., about every 6 hours).
In some embodiments, the dose is administered orally. In some embodiments, the dose is administered in the form of tablets. In some embodiments, the dose is administered in the form of pills, capsules, semisolids, powders, sustained release formulations, solutions, suspensions, elixirs, aerosols, or any other appropriate compositions.
In some embodiments, the subject is administered the BTK inhibitor compound for a period of at least about 12, 16, 24, 48, 72, or 96 weeks. In some embodiments, the subject is administered the BTK inhibitor compound for a period of at least about 12 weeks. In some embodiments, the dose is once daily.
In some embodiments, the dose is administered with food. In some embodiments, the dose is administered once daily with food. In some embodiments, the dose of 5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg, or 60 mg is administered with food. In some embodiments, the dose of 5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg, or 60 mg is administered once daily with food. In some embodiments, the dose of 60 mg is administered once daily with food. In some embodiments, the dose is administered in oral solution or tablets. In some embodiments, the dose is administered in oral solution or tablets with food. In some embodiments, the dose is administered once daily in oral solution or tablets. In some embodiments, the dose is administered once daily in oral solution or tablets with food. In some embodiments, the dose of 60 mg is administered in oral solution or tablets. In some embodiments, the dose of 60 mg is administered in oral solution or tablets with food. In some embodiments, the dose of 60 mg is administered once daily in oral solution or tablets. In some embodiments, the dose of 60 mg is administered once daily in oral solution or tablets with food.
In some embodiments, administration of the BTK inhibitor reduces new active brain lesions. In some embodiments, administration of the BTK inhibitor reduces new active gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions. In some embodiments, administration of the BTK inhibitor reduces new or enlarging T2 lesions.
In some embodiments, administration of the BTK inhibitor reduces the number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions as measured by MRI. In some embodiments, the number of new Gd-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions is less than 1. In some embodiments, the number of new Gd-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions is equal to or less than 0.77, 0.7, 0.6. 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, or 0.1. In some embodiments, no new Gd-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesion is formed after 12 weeks of BTK inhibitor treatment.
In some embodiments, administration of the BTK inhibitor reduces the number of new or enlarging T2 lesions as measured by MRI. In some embodiments, the number of new or enlarging T2 lesions is equal to or less than 2. In some embodiments, the number of new or enlarging T2 lesions is equal to or less than 1.9, 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6. 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, or 0.1. In some embodiments, no new or enlarging T2 lesion is formed after 12 weeks of BTK inhibitor treatment.
In some embodiments, administration of the BTK inhibitor reduces the total number of Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions after 12 weeks of the BTK inhibitor treatment.
In some embodiments, the dose is 60 mg, and one or zero new Gd-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions is formed after 12 weeks of BTK inhibitor treatment. In some embodiments, zero new Gd-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions is formed after 12 weeks of BTK inhibitor treatment. In some embodiments, the number of new or enlarging T2 lesions is equal to or less than 2. In some embodiments, the number of new or enlarging T2 lesions is equal to or less than 2, 1.9, 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6. 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, or 0.1.
In some embodiments, the administration of the BTK inhibitor reduces the total number of Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions after 12 weeks of the BTK inhibitor treatment.
In some embodiments, the total number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions or the number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 2 or equal to or less than 1. In some embodiments, the total number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions or the number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is zero. In some embodiments, the total number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing TI hyperintense lesions or the number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 1. In some embodiments, the total number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing TI hyperintense lesions or the number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is zero.
In some embodiments, the total number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks, 20 weeks, 19 weeks, 18 weeks, 17 weeks, 16 weeks, 15 weeks, 14 weeks, 13 weeks, 12 weeks, 11 weeks, 10 weeks, 9 weeks, 8 weeks, 7 weeks 6 weeks, 5 weeks, or 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 2. In some embodiments, the total number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks, 20 weeks, 19 weeks, 18 weeks, 17 weeks, 16 weeks, 15 weeks, 14 weeks, 13 weeks, 12 weeks, 11 weeks, 10 weeks, 9 weeks, 8 weeks, 7 weeks 6 weeks, 5 weeks, or 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 1. In some embodiments, the total number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks, 20 weeks, 19 weeks, 18 weeks, 17 weeks, 16 weeks, 15 weeks, 14 weeks, 13 weeks, 12 weeks, 11 weeks, 10 weeks, 9 weeks, 8 weeks, 7 weeks 6 weeks, 5 weeks, or 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is zero.
In some embodiments, the total number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 3, equal to or less than 2, equal to or less than 1, or is zero. In some embodiments, the total number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 6 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 3, equal to or less than 2, equal to or less than 1, or is zero.
In some embodiments, the total number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks, 20 weeks, 19 weeks, 18 weeks, 17 weeks, 16 weeks, 15 weeks, 14 weeks, 13 weeks, 12 weeks, 11 weeks, 10 weeks, 9 weeks, 8 weeks, 7 weeks 6 weeks, 5 weeks, or 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 3. In some embodiments, the total number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks, 20 weeks, 19 weeks, 18 weeks, 17 weeks, 16 weeks, 15 weeks, 14 weeks, 13 weeks, 12 weeks, 11 weeks, 10 weeks, 9 weeks, 8 weeks, 7 weeks 6 weeks, 5 weeks, or 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 2. In some embodiments, the total number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks, 20 weeks, 19 weeks, 18 weeks, 17 weeks, 16 weeks, 15 weeks, 14 weeks, 13 weeks, 12 weeks, 11 weeks, 10 weeks, 9 weeks, 8 weeks, 7 weeks 6 weeks, 5 weeks, or 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 1. In some embodiments, the total number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks, 20 weeks, 19 weeks, 18 weeks, 17 weeks, 16 weeks, 15 weeks, 14 weeks, 13 weeks, 12 weeks, 11 weeks, 10 weeks, 9 weeks, 8 weeks, 7 weeks 6 weeks, 5 weeks, or 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is zero. In some embodiments, the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 4. In some embodiments, the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 2. In some embodiments, the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions from baseline measured in the subject up to 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 1.
In some embodiments, the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks, 20 weeks, 19 weeks, 18 weeks, 17 weeks, 16 weeks, 15 weeks, 14 weeks, 13 weeks, 12 weeks, 11 weeks, 10 weeks, 9 weeks, 8 weeks, 7 weeks 6 weeks, 5 weeks, or 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 4. In some embodiments, the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks, 20 weeks, 19 weeks, 18 weeks, 17 weeks, 16 weeks, 15 weeks, 14 weeks, 13 weeks, 12 weeks, 11 weeks, 10 weeks, 9 weeks, 8 weeks, 7 weeks 6 weeks, 5 weeks, or 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 3. In some embodiments, the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks, 20 weeks, 19 weeks, 18 weeks, 17 weeks, 16 weeks, 15 weeks, 14 weeks, 13 weeks, 12 weeks, 11 weeks, 10 weeks, 9 weeks, 8 weeks, 7 weeks 6 weeks, 5 weeks, or 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 2. In some embodiments, the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks, 20 weeks, 19 weeks, 18 weeks, 17 weeks, 16 weeks, 15 weeks, 14 weeks, 13 weeks, 12 weeks, 11 weeks, 10 weeks, 9 weeks, 8 weeks, 7 weeks 6 weeks, 5 weeks, or 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than 1. In some embodiments, the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject up to 21 weeks, 20 weeks, 19 weeks, 18 weeks, 17 weeks, 16 weeks, 15 weeks, 14 weeks, 13 weeks, 12 weeks, 11 weeks, 10 weeks, 9 weeks, 8 weeks, 7 weeks 6 weeks, 5 weeks, or 4 weeks after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is zero.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one for use in a method of reducing the incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse in a subject having relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in need thereof comprising the steps of: a) administering to a subject in need thereof a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one for at least 12 weeks; and b) ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor, wherein the incidence of MS relapse in the subject after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than the incidence of MS relapse in the subject during 1 year prior to administration of the BTK inhibitor. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one for use in a method of reducing the number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions or the number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions in a subject having relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in need thereof comprising the steps of: a) administering to a subject in need thereof a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one for at least 12 weeks; and b) ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor, wherein the number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions or the number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than the baseline of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions or new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject during the 4 weeks prior to administration of the BTK inhibitor. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one for use in a method of reducing the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions in a subject having relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in need thereof is provided comprising the steps of: a) administering to a subject in need thereof a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one for at least 12 weeks; and b) ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor, wherein the total number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject after ceasing administration of the BTK inhibitor is equal to or less than the baseline number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 hyperintense lesions measured in the subject prior to administration of the BTK inhibitor.
In some embodiments, the BTK inhibitor compound is administered as monotherapy. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering the BTK inhibitor compound and at least one additional therapeutic agent. The additional therapeutic agent may be administered concurrently or sequentially with the BTK inhibitor compound.
Determination of the frequency of administration can be made by persons skilled in the art, such as an attending physician based on considerations of the condition being treated, age of the subject being treated, severity of the condition being treated, general state of health of the subject being treated and the like. In some embodiments, BTK inhibitor compounds are administered in a therapeutically effective amount for treatment of RMS. The therapeutically effective amount is typically dependent on the weight of the subject being treated, his or her physical or health condition, the extensiveness of the condition to be treated, or the age of the subject being treated, pharmaceutical formulation methods, and/or administration methods (e.g., administration time and administration route).
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a dose of about 5 to about 60 mg of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, the administration of the inhibitor reduces the number of new active brain lesions. In some embodiments, the lesions are Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions. In some embodiments, the number of lesions is detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
In some embodiments, a method of treating RMS is provided, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a dose of about 5-10 mg, 10-15 mg, 15-20 mg, 20-25 mg, 25-30 mg, 30-35 mg, 35-40 mg, 40-45 mg, 45-50 mg, 50-55 mg, or 55-60 mg of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, a method of treating RMS is provided, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a dose of about 5 mg of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, a method of treating RMS is provided, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a dose of about 15 mg of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, a method of treating RMS is provided, the method comprising administering in a subject in need thereof a dose of about 30 mg of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, a method of treating RMS is provided, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a dose of about 60 mg of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided, comprising the steps of performing an iron panel test using a patient's blood or serum, and if the patient has a suitable iron panel, administering a therapeutically acceptable amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to the patient. In some embodiments the iron panel test measures any one or more of levels of iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) in a patient's blood or serum. In some embodiments, a suitable iron panel includes one or more of the following: (i) an iron level of 60 to 170 μg/dL, (ii) a ferritin level of ≤500 μg/L (iii) a transferrin saturation level ≤50% in a male patient or ≤40% in a female patient, and (iv) a TIBC of 240 to 450 μg/dL.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided, comprising the steps of performing an iron panel test in a patient's blood or serum, detecting levels of the iron panel test that are within normal ranges, and administering a therapeutically acceptable amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to the patient. In some embodiments the iron panel test measures any one or more of levels of iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) in a patient's blood or serum. In some embodiments, the normal ranges of the iron panel test include one or more of (i) an iron level of 60 to 170 μg/dL, (ii) a ferritin level of ≤500 μg/L (iii) a transferrin saturation level ≤50% in a male patient or ≤40% in a female patient, and (iv) a TIBC of 240 to 450 μg/dL.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (Compound) for use in a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), comprising the steps of performing an iron panel test in a patient's blood or serum, detecting levels of the iron panel test that are within normal ranges, and administering a therapeutically acceptable amount of Compound to the patient. In some embodiments the iron panel test measures any one or more of levels of iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) in a patient's blood or serum. In some embodiments, the normal ranges of the iron panel test include one or more of (i) an iron level of 60 to 170 μg/dL, (ii) a ferritin level of ≤500 μg/L (iii) a transferrin saturation level ≤50% in a male patient or ≤40% in a female patient, and (iv) a TIBC of 240 to 450 μg/dL.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided, comprising the steps of determining the level of transferrin saturation in a patient's blood or serum, and if the level of transferrin saturation is suitable, administering a therapeutically effective amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to the patient. In some embodiments, a suitable transferrin saturation level in the blood or serum of a male patient is a transferrin saturation of ≤50%. In some embodiments, a suitable transferrin saturation level in the blood or serum of a female patient is a transferrin saturation of ≤40%.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided, comprising the steps of detecting a level of transferrin saturation in a patient's blood or serum that is within normal range, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to the patient. In some embodiments, a transferrin saturation level that is within normal range in the blood or serum of a male patient is a transferrin saturation of ≤50%. In some embodiments, a transferrin saturation level that is within normal range in the blood or serum of a female patient is a transferrin saturation of ≤40%.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (Compound) for use in a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), comprising the steps of detecting a level of transferrin saturation in a patient's blood or serum that is within normal range, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of Compound to the patient. In some embodiments, a transferrin saturation level that is within normal range in the blood or serum of a male patient is a transferrin saturation of ≤50%. In some embodiments, a transferrin saturation level that is within normal range in the blood or serum of a female patient is a transferrin saturation of ≤40%.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided, comprising the steps of determining the level of ferritin in a patient's blood or serum, and if the level of ferritin is suitable, administering a therapeutically acceptable amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to the patient. In some embodiments, a suitable ferritin level in the blood or serum of a patient is ≤500 μg/L.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided, comprising the steps of detecting a level of ferritin in a patient's blood or serum that is within normal range, and administering a therapeutically acceptable amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to the patient. In some embodiments, a ferritin level that is within normal range in the blood or serum of a patient is ≤500 μg/L.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (Compound) for use in a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), comprising the steps of detecting a level of ferritin in a patient's blood or serum that is within normal range, and administering a therapeutically acceptable amount of Compound to the patient. In some embodiments, a ferritin level that is within normal range in the blood or serum of a patient is 500 μg/L.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided, comprising the steps of performing liver function tests in a patient, and if the patient has suitable liver function, administering a therapeutically acceptable amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to the patient. In some embodiments, the liver function tests measure one or more of the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), albumin, alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin, and total protein in a patient's blood. In some embodiments a patient having a suitable liver function has one or more of ALT levels of ≤1.5× upper limit of normal (ULN), AST levels of ≤1.5×ULN, alkaline phosphatase ≤2×ULN (unless caused by non-liver related disorder or explained by a stable chronic liver disorder) and total bilirubin ≤1.5×ULN (unless due to Gilbert syndrome or non-liver-related disorder).
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided, comprising the steps of performing liver function tests in a patient, detecting suitable liver function, and administering a therapeutically acceptable amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to the patient. In some embodiments, the liver function tests measure one or more of the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), albumin, alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin, and total protein in a patient's blood. In some embodiments a patient having a suitable liver function has one or more of ALT levels of ≤1.5× upper limit of normal (ULN), AST levels of ≤1.5×ULN, alkaline phosphatase ≤2×ULN (unless caused by non-liver related disorder or explained by a stable chronic liver disorder) and total bilirubin ≤1.5×ULN (unless due to Gilbert syndrome or non-liver-related disorder).
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (Compound) for use in a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), comprising the steps of performing liver function tests in a patient, detecting suitable liver function, and administering a therapeutically acceptable amount of Compound to the patient. In some embodiments, the liver function tests measure one or more of the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), albumin, alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin, and total protein in a patient's blood. In some embodiments a patient having a suitable liver function has one or more of ALT levels of ≤1.5× upper limit of normal (ULN), AST levels of ≤1.5×ULN, and alkaline phosphatase 2×ULN (unless caused by non-liver related disorder or explained by a stable chronic liver disorder) and total bilirubin ≤1.5×ULN (unless due to Gilbert syndrome or non-liver-related disorder).
In some embodiments, the liver function tests are performed at least about every 6 months, at least about every 5 months, at least about every 4 months, at least about every 3 months, at least about every 2 months, or at least about monthly. In some embodiments, the liver function tests are performed at least about every 12 weeks, at least about every 11 weeks, at least about every 10 weeks, at least about every 9 weeks, at least about every 8 weeks, at least about every 7 weeks, at least about every 6 weeks, at least about every 5 weeks, at least about every 4 weeks, at least about every 3 weeks, at least about every 2 weeks, or at least about weekly.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided, comprising the steps of:
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (Compound) for use in a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), comprising the steps of:
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided, comprising the steps of:
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (Compound) for use in a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), comprising the steps of:
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided, comprising the steps of:
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (Compound) for use in a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), comprising the steps of:
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided, comprising the steps of:
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (Compound) for use in a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), comprising the steps of:
In some embodiments, the ALT level in a patient is measured at least about every 6 months, at least about every 5 months, at least about every 4 months, at least about every 3 months, at least about every 2 months, or at least about monthly. In some embodiments, the ALT level in a patient is measured at least about every 12 weeks, at least about every 11 weeks, at least about every 10 weeks, at least about every 9 weeks, at least about every 8 weeks, at least about every 7 weeks, at least about every 6 weeks, at least about every 5 weeks, at least about every 4 weeks, at least about every 3 weeks, at least about every 2 weeks, or at least about weekly.
In some embodiments, after ceasing administration of the compound, the ALT level in a patient is monitored about every 2 to 3 days, about every 3 days, about every 2 days, or about daily.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided, comprising administering a therapeutically acceptable amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to a patient, wherein the patient is not receiving potent and moderate inducers of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) or potent inhibitors of CYP2C8 hepatic enzymes. In some embodiments the potent CYP3A inducers are selected from rifampin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, St John's Wort extract, avasimibe, lumacaftor, rifapentine, rifabutin, and phenytoin. In some embodiments the moderate CYP3A inducers are selected from semagacestat, asunaprevir, beclabuvir, daclatasvir, cenobamate, nafcillin, lesinurad, modafinil, bosentan, telotristat ethyl, thioridazine, elagolix and rifabutin. In some embodiments, potent CYP2C8 inhibitors are selected from Gemfibrozil and Clopidogrel.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (Compound) for use in a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), comprising administering a therapeutically acceptable amount of Compound to a patient, wherein the patient is not receiving potent and moderate inducers of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) or potent inhibitors of CYP2C8 hepatic enzymes. In some embodiments the potent CYP3A inducers are selected from rifampin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, St John's Wort extract, avasimibe, lumacaftor, rifapentine, rifabutin, and phenytoin. In some embodiments the moderate CYP3A inducers are selected from semagacestat, asunaprevir, beclabuvir, daclatasvir, cenobamate, nafcillin, lesinurad, modafinil, bosentan, telotristat ethyl, thioridazine, elagolix and rifabutin. In some embodiments, potent CYP2C8 inhibitors are selected from Gemfibrozil and Clopidogrel.
In some embodiments, a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is provided, comprising the steps of advising the patient to limit alcohol consumption during treatment, and administering a therapeutically acceptable amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to the patient. In some embodiments, the patient is female and is advised to limit alcohol consumption to 1 drink per day or less. In some embodiments, 1 drink is approximately 14 grams of alcohol (e.g., 350 mL beer, 140 mL wine, or 40 mL spirits). In some embodiments, the patient is male and is advised to limit alcohol consumption to 2 drinks per day or less. In some embodiments, 2 drinks is approximately 28 grams of alcohol.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one (Compound) for use in a method of treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), comprising the steps of advising the patient to limit alcohol consumption during treatment, and administering a therapeutically acceptable amount of a BTK inhibitor comprising (R)-1-(1-acryloylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one to the patient. In some embodiments, the patient is female and is advised to limit alcohol consumption to 1 drink per day or less. In some embodiments, 1 drink is approximately 14 grams of alcohol (e.g., 350 mL beer, 140 mL wine, or 40 mL spirits). In some embodiments, the patient is male and is advised to limit alcohol consumption to 2 drinks per day or less. In some embodiments, 2 drinks is approximately 28 grams of alcohol.
The choice of formulation depends on various factors such as the mode of drug administration (e.g., for oral administration, formulations in the form of tablets, pills or capsules are preferred) and the bioavailability of the drug substance. Recently, pharmaceutical formulations have been developed especially for drugs that show poor bioavailability based upon the principle that bioavailability can be increased by increasing the surface area, i.e., decreasing particle size. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,107,288 describes a pharmaceutical formulation having particles in the size range from 10 to 1,000 nm in which the active material is supported on a crosslinked matrix of macromolecules. U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,684 describes the production of a pharmaceutical formulation in which the drug substance is pulverized to nanoparticles (average particle size of 400 nm) in the presence of a surface modifier and then dispersed in a liquid medium to give a pharmaceutical formulation that exhibits remarkably high bioavailability. Bioavailability of drugs that decompose at stomach pH can be increased by administration of such drugs in a formulation that releases the drug intraduodenally.
The compositions are comprised of in general, the BTK inhibitor compound and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient such as binders, surfactants, diluents, buffering agents, antiadherents, glidants, hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymers, retardants, stabilizing agents or stabilizers, disintegrants or superdisintegrants, antioxidants, antifoaming agents, fillers, flavors, colors, lubricants, sorbents, preservatives, plasticizers, or sweeteners, or mixtures thereof, which facilitate processing of the BTK inhibitor compound and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof into preparations which can be used pharmaceutically. Any of the well-known techniques and excipients may be used as suitable and as understood in the art, see for example, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Twenty-first Ed., (Pharmaceutical Press, 2005); Liberman, H. A., Lachman, L., and Schwartz, J. B. Eds., Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Vol. 1-2 Taylor & Francis 1990; and R. I. Mahato, Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Second Ed. (Taylor & Francis, 2012).
In certain embodiments, the formulations may include one or more pH adjusting agents or buffering agents, for example, acids such as acetic, boric, citric, fumaric, maleic, tartaric, malic, lactic, phosphoric and hydrochloric acids; bases such as sodium hydroxide, sodium phosphate, sodium borate, sodium citrate, sodium acetate, sodium lactate and tris-hydroxymethylaminomethane; and buffers such as citrate/dextrose, sodium bicarbonate, ammonium chloride, and the like. Such buffers used as bases may have other counterions than sodium, for example, potassium, magnesium, calcium, ammonium, or other counterions. Such acids, bases and buffers are included in an amount required to maintain pH of the composition in an acceptable range.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include one or more salts in an amount required to bring osmolality of the composition into an acceptable range. Such salts include those having sodium, potassium or ammonium cations and chloride, citrate, ascorbate, borate, phosphate, bicarbonate, sulfate, thiosulfate or bisulfite anions; suitable salts include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium thiosulfate, sodium bisulfite and ammonium sulfate.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include one or more antifoaming agents to reduce foaming during processing which can result in coagulation of aqueous dispersions, bubbles in the finished film, or generally impair processing. Exemplary anti-foaming agents include silicon emulsions or sorbitan sesquoleate.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include one or more antioxidants, such as non-thiol antioxidants, for example, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), sodium ascorbate, ascorbic acid or its derivative, and tocopherol or its derivatives. In certain embodiments, antioxidants enhance chemical stability where required. Other agents such as citric acid or citrate salts or EDTA may also be added to slow oxidation.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include one or more preservatives to inhibit microbial activity. Suitable preservatives include mercury-containing substances such as merfen and thiomersal; stabilized chlorine dioxide; and quaternary ammonium compounds such as benzalkonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and cetylpyridinium chloride.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include one or more binders. Binders impart cohesive qualities and include, e.g., alginic acid and salts thereof; cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose (e.g., Methocel®), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose (e.g., Klucel®), ethylcellulose (e.g., Ethocel®), and microcrystalline cellulose (e.g., Avicel®); microcrystalline dextrose; amylose; magnesium aluminum silicate; polysaccharide acids; bentonites; gelatin; polyvinyl-pyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer; crosspovidone; povidone; starch; pregelatinized starch; tragacanth, dextrin, a sugar, such as sucrose (e.g., Dipac®), glucose, dextrose, molasses, mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol (e.g., Xylitab®), and lactose; a natural or synthetic gum such as acacia, tragacanth, ghatti gum mucilage of isapol husks, polyvinylpyrrolidone (e.g., Polyvidone® CL, Kollidon® CL, Polyplasdone® XL-10), larch arabogalactan, Veegum®, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, waxes, sodium alginate, and the like.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include dispersing agents and/or viscosity modulating agents. Dispersing agents and/or viscosity modulating agents include materials that control the diffusion and homogeneity of a drug through liquid media or a granulation method or blend method. In some embodiments, these agents also facilitate the effectiveness of a coating or eroding matrix. Exemplary diffusion facilitators/dispersing agents include, e.g., hydrophilic polymers, electrolytes, Tween®60 or 80, PEG, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP; commercially known as Plasdone®), and the carbohydrate-based dispersing agents such as, for example, hydroxypropyl celluloses (e.g., HPC, H-PC-SL, and HPC-L), hydroxypropyl methylcelluloses (e.g., HPMC K100, RPMC K4M, HPMC K15M, and HPMC K100M), carboxymethylcellulose sodium, methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl-cellulose, hydroxypropyl-cellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate, hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose acetate stearate (HPMCAS), noncrystalline cellulose, polyethylene oxides, magnesium aluminum silicate, triethanolamine, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), vinyl pyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer (S630), 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenol polymer with ethylene oxide and formaldehyde (also known as tyloxapol), poloxamers (e.g., Pluronics F68®, F88®, and F10®8, which are block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide); and poloxamines (e.g., Tetronic 908®, also known as Poloxamine 908®, which is a tetrafonctional block copolymer derived from sequential addition of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide to ethylenediamine (BASF Corporation, Parsippany, N.J.)), polyvinylpyrrolidone K12, polyvinylpyrrolidone K17, polyvinylpyrrolidone K25, or polyvinylpyrrolidone K30, polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer (S-630), polyethylene glycol, e.g., the polyethylene glycol can have a molecular weight of about 300 to about 6000, or about 3350 to about 4000, or about 7000 to 5400, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, polysorbate-80, sodium alginate, gums, such as, e.g., gum tragacanth and gum acacia, guar gum, xanthans, including xanthan gum, sugars, cellulosics, such as, e.g., e.g., sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polysorbate-80, sodium alginate, polyethoxylated sorbitan monolaurate, polyethoxylated sorbitan monolaurate, povidone, carbomers, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), alginates, chitosans and combinations thereof. Plasticizcers such as cellulose or triethyl cellulose can also be used as dispersing agents. Dispersing agents particularly useful in liposomal dispersions and self-emulsifying dispersions are dimyristoyl phosphatidyl choline, natural phosphatidyl choline from eggs, natural phosphatidyl glycerol from eggs, cholesterol and isopropyl myristate. In general, binder levels of about 10 to about 70% are used in powder-filled gelatin capsule formulations. Binder usage level in tablet formulations varies whether direct compression, wet granulation, roller compaction, or usage of other excipients such as fillers which itself can act as moderate binder. Formulators skilled in art can determine the binder level for the formulations, but binder usage level of up to 90% and more typically up to 70% in tablet formulations is common.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include one or more diluents which refer to chemical compounds that are used to dilute the compound of interest prior to delivery. Diluents can also be used to stabilize compounds because they can provide a more stable environment Salts dissolved in buffered solutions (which also can provide pH control or maintenance) are utilized as diluents in the art, including, but not limited to a phosphate buffered saline solution. In certain embodiments, diluents increase bulk of the composition to facilitate compression or create sufficient bulk for homogenous blend for capsule filling. Such compounds include e.g., e.g., lactose, starch, mannitol, sorbitol, dextrose, microcrystalline cellulose such as Avicel®; dibasic calcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate; tricalcium phosphate, calcium phosphate; anhydrous lactose, spray-dried lactose; pregelatinized starch, compressible sugar, such as Di-Pac® (Amstar); hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate stearate, sucrose-based diluents, confectioner's sugar; monobasic calcium sulfate monohydrate, calcium sulfate dihydrate; calcium lactate trihydrate, dextrates; hydrolyzed cereal solids, amylose; powdered cellulose, calcium carbonate; glycine, kaolin; mannitol, sodium chloride; inositol, bentonite, and the like.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include one or more disintegrants which includes both the dissolution and dispersion of the dosage form when contacted with gastrointestinal fluid. Disintegration agents or disintegrants facilitate the breakup or disintegration of a substance. Examples of disintegration agents include a starch, e.g., e.g., a natural starch such as corn starch or potato starch, a pregelatinized starch such as National 1551 or sodium starch glycolate such as Promogel® or Explotab®, a cellulose such as a wood product, methylcrystalline cellulose, e.g., e.g., Avicel®, Avicel® PH101, Avicel® PH 102, Avicel® PH105, Elceme® P100, Emcocel®, Vivacel®, and Solka-Floc®, methylcellulose, croscarmellose, or a cross-linked cellulose, such as cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl-cellulose (Ac-Di-Sol®), cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose, or cross-linked croscarmellose, a cross-linked starch such as sodium starch glycolate, a cross-linked polymer such as crosspovidone, a cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, alginate such as alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid such as sodium alginate, a clay such as Veegum® HV (magnesium aluminum silicate), a gum such as agar, guar, locust bean, Karaya, pectin, or tragacanth, sodium starch glycolate, bentonite, a natural sponge, a surfactant, a resin such as a cation-exchange resin, citrus pulp, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate in combination starch, and the like.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include erosion facilitators. Erosion facilitators include materials that control the erosion of a particular material in gastrointestinal fluid. Erosion facilitators are generally known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Exemplary erosion facilitators include, e.g., hydrophilic polymers, electrolytes, proteins, peptides, and amino acids.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include one or more filling agents which include compounds such as lactose, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, dibasic calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose powder, dextrose, dextrates, dextran, starches, pregelatinized starch, sucrose, xylitol, lactitol, mannitol, sorbitol, sodium chloride, polyethylene glycol, and the like.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include one or more flavoring agents and/or sweeteners e.g., acacia syrup, acesulfame K, alitame, anise, apple, aspartame, banana, Bavarian cream berry, black currant, butterscotch, calcium citrate, camphor, caramel, cherry, cherry cream chocolate, cinnamon, bubble gum, citrus, citrus punch, citrus cream, cotton candy, cocoa, cola, cool cherry, cool citrus, cyclamate, cyclamate, dextrose, eucalyptus, eugenol, fructose, fruit punch, ginger, glycyrrhizinate, glycyrrhiza (licorice) syrup, grape, grapefruit, honey, isomalt, lemon, lime, lemon cream, monoammonium glyrrhizinate, maltol, mannitol, maple, marshmallow, menthol, mint cream, mixed berry, neohesperidine DC, neotame, orange, pear, peach, peppermint, peppermint cream, Powder, raspberry, root beer, rum, saccharin, safrole, sorbitol, spearmint, spearmint cream, strawberry, strawberry cream, stevia, sucralose, sucrose, sodium saccharin, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, mannitol, talin, xylitol, sucralose, sorbitol, Swiss cream, tagatose, tangerine, thaumatin, tutti frutti, vanilla, walnut, watermelon, wild cherry, wintergreen, xylitol, or any combination of these flavoring ingredients, e.g., anise-menthol, cherry-anise, cinnamon-orange, cherry-cinnamon, chocolate-mint, honey-lemon, lemon-lime, lemon-mint, menthol-eucalyptus, orange-cream, vanilla-mint, and mixtures thereof.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include one or more lubricants and glidants which are compounds that prevent, reduce or inhibit adhesion or friction of materials. Exemplary lubricants include, e.g., stearic acid, calcium hydroxide, talc, sodium stearyl lumerate, a hydrocarbon such as mineral oil, or hydrogenated vegetable oil such as hydrogenated soybean oil, higher fatty acids and their alkali-metal and alkaline earth metal salts, such as aluminum, calcium, magnesium, zinc, stearic acid, sodium stearates, glycerol, talc, waxes, boric acid, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, sodium chloride, leucine, a polyethylene glycol (e.g., PEG4000) or a methoxypolyethylene glycol such as Carbowax®, sodium oleate, sodium benzoate, glyceryl behenate, polyethylene glycol, magnesium or sodium lauryl sulfate, colloidal silica such as Syloid®, Cab-O-Sil®, a starch such as corn starch, silicone oil, a surfactant, and the like.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include one or more plasticizers which are compounds used to soften the enteric or delayed release coatings to make them less brittle. Suitable plasticizers include, e.g., polyethylene glycols such as PEG 300, PEG 400, PEG 600, PEG 1450, PEG 3350, and PEG 800, stearic acid, propylene glycol, oleic acid, triethyl citrate, dibutyl sebacate, triethyl cellulose and triacetin. In some embodiments, plasticizers can also function as dispersing agents or wetting agents.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include one or more solubilizers which include compounds such as triacetin, triethylcitrate, ethyl oleate, ethyl caprylate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium doccusate, vitamin E TPGS, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, N-hydroxyethylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cyclodextrins for example Captisol®, ethanol, n-butanol, isopropyl alcohol, cholesterol, bile salts, polyethylene glycol 200-600, glycofurol, transcutol, propylene glycol, and dimethyl isosorbide and the like. In one embodiment, the solubilizer is vitamin E TPGS and/or Captisol® or ß-hydroxypropylcyclodextrin.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include one or more suspending agents which include compounds such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, e.g., polyvinylpyrrolidone K112, polyvinylpyrrolidone K17, polyvinylpyrrolidone K25, or polyvinylpyrrolidone K30, vinyl pyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer (S630), polyethylene glycol, e.g., the polyethylene glycol can have a molecular weight of about 300 to about 6000, or about 3350 to about 4000, or about 7000 to about 5400, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose acetate stearate, polysorbate-80, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium alginate, gums, such as, e.g., gum tragacanth and gum acacia, guar gum, xanthans, including xanthan gum, sugars, cellulosics, such as, e.g., sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, polysorbate-80, sodium alginate, polyethoxylated sorbitan monolaurate, polyethoxylated sorbitan monoleate, povidone and the like.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include one or more surfactants which include compounds such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium docusate, Tween 20, 60 or 80, triacetin, vitamin E TPGS, sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polysorbates, polaxomers, bile salts, glyceryl monostearate, copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, e.g., Pluronic® (BASF), and the like. Some other surfactants include polyoxyethylene fatty acid glycerides and vegetable oils, e.g., polyoxyethylene (60) hydrogenated castor oil; and polyoxyethylene alkylethers and alkylphenyl ethers, e.g., octoxynol 10, octoxynol 40. In some embodiments, surfactants may be included to enhance physical stability or for other purposes.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include one or more viscosity enhancing agents which include, e.g., methyl cellulose, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose acetate stearate, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalate, carbomer, polyvinyl alcohol alginates, acacia, chitosans and combinations thereof.
In certain embodiments, the formulations may also include one or more wetting agents which include compounds such as oleic acid, glyceryl monostearate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monolaurate, triethanolamine oleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, sodium docusate, sodium oleate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium doccusate, triacetin, Tween 80, vitamin E TPGS, ammonium salts and the like.
Pharmaceutical preparations disclosed herein can be obtained by mixing one or more solid excipient such as carrier, binder, filling agent, suspending agent, flavoring agent, sweetening agent, disintegrating agent, dispersing agent, surfactant, lubricant, colorant diluent, solubilizer, moistening agent, plasticizer, stabilizer, penetration enhancer, wetting agent, anti-foaming agent, antioxidant, preservative, or one or more combination thereof with one or more of the compounds described herein, optionally grinding the resulting mixture, and processing the mixture of granules, after adding suitable excipients, if desired, to obtain tablets.
Pharmaceutical preparations disclosed herein also include capsules made of gelatin, as well as soft, sealed capsules made of gelatin and a plasticizer, such as glycerol or sorbitol. Capsules may also be made of polymers such as hypromellose. The capsules can contain the active ingredients in admixture with filler such as lactose, binders such as starches, and/or lubricants such as talc or magnesium stearate and, optionally, stabilizers. In soft capsules, the active compounds may be dissolved or suspended in suitable liquids, such as fatty oils, liquid paraffin, lipids, solubilizers, or liquid polyethylene glycols. In addition, stabilizers may be added. All formulations for oral administration should be in dosages suitable for such administration.
These formulations can be manufactured by conventional pharmacological techniques. Conventional pharmacological techniques include, e.g., one or a combination of methods: (1) dry mixing, (2) direct compression, (3) milling, (4) dry or non-aqueous granulation, (5) wet granulation, (6) fusion, or (7) extrusion. See, e.g., Lachman et al., The Theory and Practice of Industrial Pharmacy, 3rd ed. (1986). Other methods include, e.g., spray drying, pan coating, melt granulation, granulation, fluidized bed spray drying or coating (e.g., wurster coating), tangential coating, top spraying, tableting, extruding, extrusion/spheronization, and the like.
It should be appreciated that there is considerable overlap between excipients used in the solid dosage forms described herein. Thus, the above-listed additives should be taken as merely exemplary, and not limiting, of the types of excipients that can be included in solid dosage forms described herein. The type and amounts of such excipient can be readily determined by one skilled in the art, according to the particular properties desired.
In some embodiments, the solid dosage forms described herein are enteric coated oral dosage forms, i.e., as an oral dosage form of a pharmaceutical composition as described herein which utilizes an enteric coating to effect the release of the compound in the intestine of the gastrointestinal tract. An “enterically coated” drug and/or tablet refers to a drug and/or tablet that is coated with a substance that remains intact in the stomach but dissolves and releases the drug once the intestine (in one embodiment small intestine) is reached. As used herein “enteric coating”, is a material, such as a polymer material or materials which encase the therapeutically active agent core either as a dosage form or as particles. Typically, a substantial amount or all of the enteric coating material is dissolved before the therapeutically active agent is released from the dosage form, so as to achieve delayed dissolution of the therapeutically active agent core or particles in the small and/or large intestine. Enteric coatings are discussed, for example, Loyd, V. Allen, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Twenty-first Ed., (Pharmaceutical Press, 2005; and P. J. Tarcha, Polymers for Controlled Drug Delivery, Chapter 3, CRC Press, 1991. Methods for applying enteric coatings to pharmaceutical compositions are well known in the art, and include for example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0045822.
The enteric coated dosage form may be a compressed or molded or extruded tablet (coated or uncoated) containing granules, powder, pellets, beads or particles of the BTK inhibitor compound and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and/or other excipients, which are themselves coated or uncoated provided at least the tablet or the BTK inhibitor compound is coated. The enteric coated oral dosage form may also be a capsule (coated or uncoated) containing pellets, beads or granules of the BTK inhibitor compound and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and/or other excipients, which are themselves coated or uncoated provided at least one of them is coated. Some examples of coatings that were originally used as enteric coatings are beeswax and glyceryl monostearate; beeswax, shellac and cellulose; and cetyl alcohol, mastic and shellac as well as shellac and stearic acid (U.S. Pat. No. 2,809,918); polyvinylacetate and ethyl cellulose (U.S. Pat. No. 3,835,221). More recently, the coatings used are neutral copolymers of polymethacrylic acid esters (Eudragit L30D). (F. W. Goodhart et al, Pharm. Tech., p. 64-71, April, 1984); copolymers of methacrylic acid and methacrylic acid methyl ester (Eudragit S), or a neutral copolymer of polymethacrylic acid esters containing metallic stearates (Mehta et al U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,728,512 and 4,794,001), cellulose acetate succinate, and hypromellose phthalate.
Any anionic polymer exhibiting a pH-dependent solubility profile can be used as an enteric coating in the methods and compositions described herein to achieve delivery to the intestine. In one embodiment, delivery can be to the small intestine. In another embodiment, delivery can be to the duodenum. In some embodiments the polymers described herein are anionic carboxylic polymers. In other embodiments, the polymers and compatible mixtures thereof, and some of their properties, include, but are not limited to:
Colorants, surfactants, anti-adhesion agents, antifoaming agents, lubricants (e.g., carnauba wax or PEG) and other additives may be added to the coatings besides plasticizers to solubilize or disperse the coating material, and to improve coating performance and the coated product.
To accelerate the dissolution of the enteric coat, a half-thickness, double coat of enteric polymer (for instance, Eudragit L30 D-55) may be applied, and the inner enteric coat may have a buffer up to pH 6.0 in the presence of 10% citric acid, followed by a final layer of standard Eudragit L 30 D-55. Applying two layers of enteric coat, each half the thickness of a typical enteric coat, Liu and Basit were able to accelerate enteric coating dissolution compared to a similar coating system applied, unbuffered, as a single layer (Liu, F. and Basit, A. Journal of Controlled Release. 147 (2010) 242-245.)
The intactness of the enteric coating may be measured, for example, by the degradation of the drug within the micropellets. The enteric coated dosage forms or pellets may be tested in dissolution testing first in gastric fluid and separately in intestinal fluid as described in USP to determine its function.
The enteric coated tablets and capsules formulation containing the disclosed compounds can be made by methods well known in the art. For example, tablets containing a compound disclosed herein can be enterically coated with a coating solution containing Eudragit®, diethylphthlate, isopropyl alcohol, talc, and water using a side vented coating pan (Freund Hi-Coater).
Alternatively, a multi-unit dosage form comprising enteric-coated pellets that can be incorporated into a tablet or into a capsule can be prepared as follows.
Core material: The core material for the individually enteric coating layered pellets can be constituted according to different principles. Seeds layered with the active agent (i.e., the BTK inhibitor compound and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable sale thereof), optionally mixed with alkaline substances or buffer, can be used as the core material for the further processing. The seeds which are to be layered with the active agent can be water insoluble seeds comprising different oxides, celluloses, organic polymers and other materials, alone or in mixtures or water-soluble seeds comprising different inorganic salts, sugars, non-pareils and other materials, alone or in mixtures. Further, the seeds may comprise the active agent in the form of crystals, agglomerates, compacts etc. The size of the seeds is not essential for the present disclosure but may vary between approximately 0.1 and 2 mm. The seeds layered with the active agent are produced either by powder or solution/suspension layering using for instance granulation or spray coating layering equipment.
Before the seeds are layered, active agent may be mixed with further components. Such components can be binders, surfactants, fillers, disintegrating agents, alkaline additives or other and/or pharmaceutically acceptable ingredients alone or in mixtures. The binders are for example polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl-cellulose (HPC), carboxymethylcellulose sodium, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), or sugars, starches or other pharmaceutically acceptable substances with cohesive properties. Suitable surfactants are found in the groups of pharmaceutically acceptable non-ionic or ionic surfactants such as for instance sodium lauryl sulfate.
Alternatively, the active agent optionally mixed with suitable constituents can be formulated into a core material. Said core material may be produced by extrusion/spheronization, balling or compression utilizing conventional process equipment. The size of the formulated core material is approximately between 0.1 and 4 mm and for example, between 0.1 and 2 mm. The manufactured core material can further be layered with additional ingredients comprising the active agent and/or be used for further processing.
The active agent is mixed with pharmaceutical constituents to obtain preferred handling and processing properties and a suitable concentration of the active agent in the final preparation. Pharmaceutical constituents such as fillers, binders, lubricants, disintegrating agents, surfactants and other pharmaceutically acceptable additives may be used.
Alternatively, the aforementioned core material can be prepared by using spray drying or spray congealing technique.
Enteric Coating Layer(s): Before applying the enteric coating layer(s) onto the core material in the form of individual pellets, the pellets may optionally be covered with one or more separating layer(s) comprising pharmaceutical excipients optionally including alkaline compounds such as pH-buffering compounds. This/these separating layer(s), separate(s) the core material from the outer layers being enteric coating layer(s). This/these separating layer(s) protecting the core material of active agent should be water soluble or rapidly disintegrating in water.
A separating layer(s) can be optionally applied to the core material by coating or layering procedures in suitable equipment such as coating pan, coating granulator or in a fluidized bed apparatus using water and/or organic solvents for the coating process. As an alternative the separating layer(s) can be applied to the core material by using powder coating technique. The materials for the separating layers are pharmaceutically acceptable compounds such as, for instance, sugar, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, water soluble salts of enteric coating polymers and others, used alone or in mixtures. Additives such as plasticizers, colorants, pigments, fillers anti-tacking and anti-static agents, such as for instance magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, talc and other additives may also be included into the separating layer(s).
When the optional separating layer is applied to the core material it may constitute a variable thickness. The maximum thickness of the separating layer(s) is normally only limited by processing conditions. The separating layer may serve as a diffusion barrier and may act as a pH-buffering zone. The optionally applied separating layer(s) is not essential for the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the separating layer(s) may improve the chemical stability of the active substance and/or the physical properties of the novel multiple unit tableted dosage form.
Alternatively, the separating layer may be formed in situ by a reaction between an enteric coating polymer layer applied on the core material and an alkaline reacting compound in the core material. Thus, the separating layer formed comprises a water-soluble salt formed between the enteric coating layer polymer(s) and an alkaline reacting compound which is in the position to form a salt.
One or more enteric coating layers are applied onto the core material or onto the core material covered with separating layer(s) by using a suitable coating technique. The enteric coating layer material may be dispersed or dissolved in either water or in suitable organic solvents. As enteric coating layer polymers, one or more, separately or in combination, of the following can be used, e.g., solutions or dispersions of methacrylic acid copolymers, cellulose acetate phthalate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate trimellitate, carboxymethylethylcellulose, shellac or other suitable enteric coating polymer(s).
The enteric coating layers contain pharmaceutically acceptable plasticizers to obtain the desired mechanical properties, such as flexibility and hardness of the enteric coating layers. Such plasticizers are for instance, but not restricted to triacetin, citric acid esters, phthalic acid esters, dibutyl sebacate, cetyl alcohol, polyethylene glycols, polysorbates or other plasticizers.
The amount of plasticizer is optimized for each enteric coating layer formula, in relation to the selected enteric coating layer polymer(s), selected plasticizer(s) and the applied amount of said polymer(s), in such a way that the mechanical properties, i.e. flexibility and hardness of the enteric coating layer(s), for instance exemplified as Vickers hardness, are adjusted so that if a tablet is desired the acid resistance of the pellets covered with enteric coating layer(s) does not decrease significantly during compression of pellets into tablets. The amount of plasticizer is usually above 5% by weight of the enteric coating layer polymer(s), such as 15-50% and further such as 20-50%. Additives such as dispersants, colorants, pigments polymers e.g. poly(ethylacrylate, methylmethacrylate), anti-tacking and anti-foaming agents may also be included into the enteric coating layer(s). Other compounds may be added to increase film thickness and to decrease diffusion of acidic gastric juices into the acid susceptible material. The maximum thickness of the applied enteric coating is normally only limited by processing conditions and the desired dissolution profile.
Over-Coating Layer: Pellets covered with enteric coating layer(s) may optionally further be covered with one or more over-coating layer(s). The over-coating layer(s) should be water soluble or rapidly disintegrating in water. The over-coating layer(s) can be applied to the enteric coating layered pellets by coating or layering procedures in suitable equipment such as coating pan, coating granulator or in a fluidized bed apparatus using water and/or organic solvents for the coating or layering process. The materials for over-coating layers are chosen among pharmaceutically acceptable compounds such as, for instance sugar, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium and others, used alone or in mixtures. Additives such as plasticizers, colorants, pigments, fillers, anti-tacking and anti-static agents, such for instance magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, talc and other additives may also be included into the over-coating layer(s). The over-coating layer may further prevent potential agglomeration of enteric coating layered pellets, further it may protect the enteric coating layer towards cracking during the compaction process and enhance the tableting process. The maximum thickness of the applied over-coating layer(s) is normally limited by processing conditions and the desired dissolution profile. The over-coating layer may also be used as a tablet film coating layer.
Enteric coating of soft gelatin capsules may contain an emulsion, oil, microemulsion, self-emulsifying system, lipid, triglycerides, polyethylene glycol, surfactants, other solubilizers and the like, and combinations thereof, to solubilize the active agent. The flexibility of the soft gelatin capsule is maintained by residual water and plasticizer. Moreover, for gelatin capsules the gelatin may be dissolved in water so that spraying must be accomplished at a rate with relatively low relative humidity such as can be accomplished in a fluid bed or Wurster. In addition, drying should be accomplished without removing the residual water or plasticizer causing cracking of the capsule shell. Commercially available blends optimized for enteric coating of soft gelatin capsules such as Instamodel EPD (Enteric Polymeric Dispersion), available from Ideal Cures, Pvt. Ltd. (Mumbai, India). On a laboratory scale enteric coated capsules may be prepared by: a) rotating capsules in a flask or dipping capsules in a solution of the gently heated enteric coating material with plasticizer at the lowest possible temperature or b) in a lab scale sprayer/fluid bed and then drying.
For aqueous active agents, it can be especially desirable to incorporate the drug in the water phase of an emulsion. Such “water-in-oil” emulsion provides a suitable biophysical environment for the drug and can provide an oil-water interface that can protect the drug from adverse effects of pH or enzymes that can degrade the drug. Additionally, such water-in-oil formulations can provide a lipid layer, which can interact favorably with lipids in cells of the body, and can increase the partition of the formulation onto the membranes of cells. Such partition can increase the absorption of drugs in such formulations into the circulation and therefore can increase the bioavailability of the drug.
In some embodiments the water-in-oil emulsion contains an oily phase composed of medium or long chain carboxylic acids or esters or alcohols thereof, a surfactant or a surface-active agent, and an aqueous phase containing primarily water and the active agent.
Medium and long chain carboxylic acids are those ranging from C8 to C22 with up to three unsaturated bonds (also branching). Examples of saturated straight chain acids are n-dodecanoic acid, n-tetradecanoic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, montanic acid and melissic acid. Also useful are unsaturated monoolefinic straight chain monocarboxylic acids. Examples of these are oleic acid, gadoleic acid and erucic acid. Also useful are unsaturated (polyolefinic) straight chain monocarboxylic acids. Examples of these are linoleic acid, ricinoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid and behenolic acid. Useful branched acids include, for example, diacetyl tartaric acid. Unsaturated olefinic chains may also be hydroxylated or ethoxylated to prevent oxidation or to alter the surface properties.
Examples of long chain carboxylic acid esters include, but are not limited to, those from the group of: glyceryl monostearates; glyceryl monopalmitates; mixtures of glyceryl monostearate and glyceryl monopalmitate; glyceryl monolinoleate; glyceryl monooleate; mixtures of glyceryl monopalmitate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl monooleate and glyceryl monolinoleate; glyceryl monolinolenate; glyceryl monogadoleate; mixtures of glyceryl monopalmitate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl monooleate, glyceryl monolinoleate, glyceryl monolinolenate and glyceryl monogadoleate; acetylated glycerides such as distilled acetylated monoglycerides; mixtures of propylene glycol monoesters, distilled monoglycerides, sodium steroyl lactylate and silicon dioxide; d-alpha tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate; mixtures of mono- and di-glyceride esters such as Atmul; calcium stearoyl lactylate; ethoxylated mono- and di-glycerides; lactated mono- and di-glycerides; lactylate carboxylic acid ester of glycerol and propylene glycol; lactylic esters of long chain carboxylic acids; polyglycerol esters of long chain carboxylic acids, propylene glycol mono- and di-esters of long chain carboxylic acids; sodium stearoyl lactylate; sorbitan monostearate; sorbitan monooleate; other sorbitan esters of long chain carboxylic acids; succinylated monoglycerides; stearyl monoglyceryl citrate; stearyl heptanoate; cetyl esters of waxes; stearyl octanoate; C8-C30 cholesterol/lavosterol esters; and sucrose long chain carboxylic acid esters. Examples of the self-emulsifying long chain carboxylic acid esters include those from the groups of stearates, palmitates, ricinoleates, oleates, behenates, ricinolenates, myristates, laurates, caprylates, and caproates. In some embodiments the oily phase may comprise a combination of 2 or more of the long chain carboxylic acids or esters or alcohols thereof. In some embodiments medium chain surfactants may be used and the oil phase may comprise a mixture of caprylic/capric triglyceride and C8/C10 mono-/di-glycerides of caprylic acid, glyceryl caprylate or propylene glycol monocaprylate or their mixtures.
The alcohols that can be used are exemplified by the hydroxyl forms of the carboxylic acids exemplified above and also stearyl alcohol.
Surface active agents or surfactants are long chain molecules that can accumulate at hydrophilic/hydrophobic (water/oil) interfaces and lower the surface tension at the interface. As a result, they can stabilize an emulsion. In some embodiments, the surfactant may comprise: Tween® (polyoxyethylene sorbate) family of surfactants, Span® (sorbitan long chain carboxylic acid esters) family of surfactants, Pluronic® (ethylene or propylene oxide block copolymers) family of surfactants, Labrasol®, Labrafil® and Labrafac® (each polyglycolyzed glycerides) families of surfactants, sorbitan esters of oleate, stearate, laurate or other long chain carboxylic acids, poloxamers (polyethylene-polypropylene glycol block copolymers or Pluronic®), other sorbitan or sucrose long chain carboxylic acid esters, mono and diglycerides, PEG derivatives of caprylic/capric triglycerides and mixtures thereof or mixture of two or more of the above. In some embodiments the surfactant phase may comprise a mixture of Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80®) and sorbitan monooleate (Span 80®).
The aqueous phase may optionally comprise the active agent suspended in water and a buffer.
In some embodiments, such emulsions are coarse emulsions, microemulsions and liquid crystal emulsions. In other embodiments such emulsion may optionally comprise a permeation enhancer. In other embodiments, spray-dried dispersions or microparticles or nanoparticles containing encapsulated microemulsion, coarse emulsion or liquid crystal can be used.
In some embodiments, the solid dosage forms described herein are non-enteric time-delayed release dosage forms. The term “non-enteric time-delayed release” as used herein refers to the delivery so that the release of the drug can be accomplished at some generally predictable location in the intestinal tract more distal to that which would have been accomplished if there had been no delayed release alterations. In some embodiments the method for delay of release is a coating that becomes permeable, dissolves, ruptures, and/or is no longer intact after a designed duration. The coating in the time-delayed release dosage forms can have a fixed time to erode after which the drug is released (suitable coating include polymeric coating such as HPMC, PEO, and the like) or has a core comprised of a superdisintegrant(s) or osmotic agent(s) or water attractant such as a salt, hydrophilic polymer, typically polyethylene oxide or an alkylcellulose, salts such as sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sugar, such as glucose, lactose, or sucrose, or the like, which draw water through a semi-permeable membrane or a gas generating agent such as citric acid and sodium bicarbonate with or without an acid such as citric acid or any of the aforementioned acids incorporated in dosage forms. The semi-permeable membrane, while mostly not permeable to the drug nor the osmotic agent, is permeable to water that permeates at a near constant rate to enter the dosage form to increase the pressure and ruptures after the swelling pressure exceeds a certain threshold over a desired delay time. The permeability through this membrane of the drug should be less than 1/10 than water and in one embodiment less than 1/100 the water permeability. Alternatively, a membrane could become porous by leaching an aqueous extractable over a desired delay time.
Osmotic dosage forms have been described in Theeuwes U.S. Pat. No. 3,760,984, and an osmotic bursting dosage form is described in Baker U.S. Pat. No. 3,952,741. This osmotic bursting dosage form can provide a single pulse of release or multiple pulses if different devices with different timings are employed. The timing of the osmotic burst may be controlled by the choice of polymer and the thickness or the area of the semipermeable membrane surrounding the core that contains both the drug and the osmotic agent or attractant. As the pressure in the dosage form increase with additional permeated water, the membrane elongates until its breaking point, and then the drug is released. Alternatively, specific areas of rupture can be created in the membrane by having a thinner, weaker area in the membrane or by adding a weaker material to an area of the coating membrane. Some preferred polymers with high water permeabilities that may be used as semipermeable membranes are cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose nitrate, crosslinked polyvinyl, alcohol, polyurethanes, nylon 6, nylon 6.6, and aromatic nylon. Cellulose acetate is an especially preferred polymer.
In another embodiment, the time-delayed coating that begins its delay to releasing drug after the enteric coating is at least partially dissolved is comprised of hydrophilic, erodible polymers that upon contact with water begin to gradually erode over time. Examples of such polymers include cellulose polymers and their derivatives including, but not limited to, hydroxyalkyl celluloses, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose; polysaccharides and their derivatives; polyalkylene oxides, such as polyethylene oxide or polyethylene glycols, particularly high molecular weight polyethylene glycols; chitosan; poly(vinyl alcohol); xanthan gum; maleic anhydride copolymers; poly(vinyl pyrrolidone); starch and starch-based polymers; maltodextrins; poly (2-ethyl-2-oxazoline); poly(ethyleneimine); polyurethane; hydrogels; crosslinked polyacrylic acids; and combinations or blends of any of the foregoing.
Some preferred erodible hydrophilic polymers suitable for forming the erodible coating are poly(ethylene oxide), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and combinations of poly(ethylene oxide) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. Poly(ethylene oxide) is used herein to refer to a linear polymer of unsubstituted ethylene oxide. The molecular weight of the poly(ethylene oxide) polymers can range from about 105 Daltons to about 107 Daltons. A preferred molecular weight range of poly(ethylene oxide) polymers is from about 2×105 to 2×106 Daltons and is commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, Mich.) referred to as SENTRYR POLYOX™ water-soluble resins, NF (National Formulary) grade. When higher molecular weights of polyethylene oxide are used, other hydrophilic agents, such as salts or sugars, like glucose, sucrose, or lactose, that promote erosion or disintegration of this coating, are also included.
The time-delayed dosage form can be a mechanical pill such as an Enterion® capsule or pH sensitive capsule which can release the drug after a pre-programmed time or when it receives a signal which can be transmitted or once it leaves the stomach.
The amount of the compound of the disclosure in a formulation can vary within the full range employed by those skilled in the art. Typically, the formulation will contain, on a weight percent (wt %) basis, from about 0.01-99.99 wt % of the BTK inhibitor compound based on the total formulation, with the balance being one or more suitable pharmaceutical excipients. In one embodiment, the compound is present at a level of about 1-80 wt %.
The foregoing disclosure has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example, for purposes of clarity and understanding. Therefore, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the following appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
The following examples are provided to illustrate certain disclosed embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure in any way. In the Examples discussed below, the BTK inhibitor, as defined above, may be also referred as “the compound” or “the drug” interchangeably.
The goal of this Phase 2b study is to define a safe, optimal dose of the BTK inhibitor. The proposed mechanism of action for the BTK inhibitor is inhibition of formation of new active brain lesions in MS as measured by MRI and thus predicted to demonstrate clinical efficacy in further trials in MS patients. This study assesses dose-response by measuring changes in the number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions associated with inflammation. This radiographic outcome has been established as a highly-reliable predictive biomarker for clinical efficacy in pivotal studies in MS and has been demonstrated to be a predictive biomarker for clinical efficacy (reduction in ARR) in Phase 3 registration studies (Sormani et al, Ann Neurol. 2009; 65(3):268-75; Sormani et al, Neurology, 2010; 75(4):302-9)). Dose-response for lesion suppression is assessed, based on 4 dose levels and a short placebo period, with a 2-step statistical approach. The BTK inhibitor efficacy relative to placebo is assessed by evaluating inhibition of the formation of new active brain lesions as measured by MRI. The study is also to characterize safety and tolerability of the BTK inhibitor in participants with RMS.
This study employs a number of secondary outcome measures in an effort to collect additional data on the potential benefit of the BTK inhibitor in neuroinflammation.
Exploratory assessments, such as analysis of NfL (neurofilament light) levels in serum and advanced imaging methods, are expected to start to build evidence for the BTK inhibitor activity on neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, and potential effects on remyelination and tissue preservation.
aThe participant should return for a follow-up visit 2 to 4 weeks after premature end-of-treatment.
bScreening activities can be done any time starting from 4 weeks to Day 1 before intervention.
cOnly participants who do not enroll into the LTS study should come for a Week 18 to 20 follow-up visit
dA full physical examination is performed at screening; a brief physical examination is sufficient thereafter. The brief physical examination needs to be extended as needed as per the judgment of the Investigator if any new findings occur.
eSample or measurement to be taken before treatment.
fFor a detailed list of laboratory tests, refer to Example 1.16. Pre-study tests may be accepted, if they are performed in the period Week −4 to Day −1.
gHematology only
hSerum β-HCG is tested at screening; urine β-HCG is sufficient thereafter unless a pregnancy is detected or the urine test it is inconclusive and a serum test needs to be used for verification.
iBaseline EDSS can be done in the frame of 3 days before Day 1.
jMRI can be performed within a window of ±5 days. The screening MRI should be performed as close before Day 1 as feasible.
kParticipants are consented for pharmacogenetics sampling.
lOn site visit days, participants should not take the IMP before the visit but should bring their drug wallets to the visit in order that the time of administration can be recorded in order to schedule PK sampling.
mTreatment adherence diaries are dispensed for a 4-week period, collected, and clarified at the following visits. Treatment compliance is reported with the help of diary data.
Objectives and endpoints for the treatment are shown in Table 2.
Appropriateness of Measurements
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of inflammatory activity in the brain are collected as in most RMS clinical trials. Number of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions is used as the primary endpoint to assess the efficacy of the BTK inhibitor. Because MS results in a leaky blood-brain barrier, accumulation of Gd contrast agent in brain tissue is related to inflammatory activity in MS patients. This radiographic outcome has been established as a highly-reliable predictive biomarker for clinical efficacy in pivotal studies in MS. Central review is used to identify new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions not present at the previous MRI. The total count of Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions are also used as a secondary endpoint to detect any effect on pre-existing inflammatory foci. The number of new and enlarging T2 lesions, a marker of inflammatory activity and brain tissue destruction in RMS, also is evaluated in central review to collect additional data with respect to the efficacy of the BTK inhibitor. The total volume of T2 lesions (MS burden) and the number of T1-hypointense lesions (black holes) also are assessed as supportive data with respect to efficacy.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements include change in brain volume, which is considered to be a marker of CNS degeneration but is also related to inflammatory events in RMS patients. Several MS drugs are known for their capacity to slow down brain atrophy, which is assessed in search of a possible signal.
Clinical relapse is the main clinical expression of RMS. Relapse-related endpoints (ARR, proportion of relapse-free participants) are widely used as endpoints in clinical trials. Although the short duration of this trial does not allow expectation of a significant difference between dose groups in occurrence of relapse and relapse is considered rare in PPMS, it is assessed due to its clinical importance and in an attempt to collect additional efficacy data.
The EDSS is widely used to measure neurological disability in clinical trials and routine settings (Kurtzke J F, Neurology. 1983; 33(11):1444-52). Large changes are not expected during the period of this study, but it is used as supportive data for efficacy.
Overall design: a Phase 2b, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, dose-ranging study to investigate the MRI efficacy and the safety of 12 weeks administration of the BTK inhibitor. People diagnosed with RMS are eligible for enrollment as long as they meet all inclusion and no exclusion criteria.
All participants are centrally assigned to 1 of 8 arms (4 dose groups in each of 2 cohorts at equal ratio to start with the BTK inhibitor (in Cohort 1) or placebo (in Cohort 2) period before cross-over, using an Interactive Voice/Web Response System (IVRS/IWRS).
Upon completing the double-blinded treatment period, participants are given the option to enroll in a long-term safety (LTS) follow-up study to assess safety and tolerability of the BTK inhibitor.
Number of participants: Approximately 160 people are screened to randomize approximately 120 participants (based on a 25% screening failure rate) to the study intervention such that approximately 105 evaluable participants (based on an approximately 15% dropout rate, providing at least 26 participants for each dose level of the BTK inhibitor) complete 12 weeks of the BTK inhibitor treatment. Participants from Cohort 2 (n=60) receive 4 weeks of placebo before crossing over to the BTK inhibitor, providing data that can be utilized in estimating a dose-response curve and comparison to placebo. This approach is based on the assumption of a theoretical constant rate of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions over 12 weeks under placebo. The approach minimizes placebo exposure to study participants. A brief description of handling placebo data and analysis and additional details including sample size determination is provided in Example 1.14.
Intervention groups and duration: The 4-week period of placebo is introduced either after or before 12-week treatment with the BTK inhibitor (Cohorts 1 and 2, respectively). Participants are randomly assigned in an equal ratio to each of 8 groups (4 dose groups within each of 2 cohorts). See Table 5 for the overview of the study intervention.
Rationale: This study is blinded for dose and for administration sequence. It is focused on dose finding but also takes into account the need to minimize participant exposure to placebo. Accordingly, the dose range is evaluated using 4 doses: 5, 15, 30, and 60 mg once daily. In addition, to minimize exposure to placebo while maintaining the blinding of Investigators and participants, each participant is assigned to a 4-week placebo period that occurs during either the first or the last 4 weeks of the study. The 4-week period of placebo is introduced either after or before 12-week treatment with the BTK inhibitor (Cohorts 1 and 2, respectively). Participants are randomly assigned to 1 of 8 arms (4 dose groups at an equal ratio in each of the 2 cohorts). The duration of administration of placebo is limited to 4 weeks to minimize placebo exposure; a cross-over design allows all participants to be treated with the BTK inhibitor. This cross-over design blinds for administered intervention and permits a more objective evaluation of safety events at the beginning of the study and of efficacy endpoints. The duration of treatment period of the BTK inhibitor of 12 weeks should allow to detect its effect on suppressing the formation of new Gd-enhancing T1 lesions. Recent communication on an evobrutinib study in RMS patients confirms that meaningful reduction of such lesions may be observed from the Week 12 already (Merck Press release—Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Announces Positive Phase IIB Results for Evobrutinib in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. 7 Mar. 2018).
Dose regimen: The dose range chosen for this study is informed by several assessments. First, allometric modeling intended to translate BTK occupancy by the BTK inhibitor in preclinical animals (mouse, rat, and dog) predicts an optimal dose range between 1 and 100 mg once daily in humans. Second, Phase 1 multiple-ascending-dose measurements of BTK occupancy in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) show an asymptotic approach to saturation of the receptor by the BTK inhibitor at the 7.5 mg once daily dose with a more rapid approach to saturation at higher doses. Finally, measurements of absolute CD19+ B-cell counts show a dose-dependent increase (observed maximally at Day 4) of up to 80% relative to baseline. The BTK-induced increase in circulating B-cells is predicted from the literature, as BTK inhibition alters expression of cell surface adhesion molecules leading to egress from lymph nodes (Burger J A et al., Nat Rev Cancer. 2018; 18(3):148-67). The dose-response relationship for this effect is maximal at approximately 30 mg once daily. Taking all of these elements into consideration, a dose range between 5 and 60 mg once daily has been set to provide the best chance of capturing the optimal dose for the BTK inhibitor in RMS.
End of Study Definition: A participant is considered to have completed the study if he/she has completed all phases of the study including the last visit. The end of the study is defined as the date of the last visit of the last participant in the study.
Participants are eligible to be included in the study only if all of the following criteria apply as shown in Table 3.
Participants are excluded from the study if any of the following criteria apply as shown in Table 4.
Study intervention is defined as any investigational intervention(s), marketed product(s), placebo, or medical device(s) intended to be administered to a study participant according to the study protocol.
This study intervention includes an IMP and a noninvestigational medicinal product (NIMP). To maintain blinding, participants receive 4 tablets once per day of the BTK inhibitor and/or placebo in a blinded fashion. Details for the interventions are provided in Table 5.
NIMP: A radiological, signal-enhancing, intravenous (IV) contrast medium is used for T1 contrast-enhanced MRI sequences. A locally approved medium is used.
All participants are centrally assigned to 1 of 8 arms (4 dose groups in each of the 2 cohorts at equal ratio to start with the BTK inhibitor (in Cohort 1) or placebo (in Cohort 2) period before cross-over, using an IVRS/IWRS. A participant cannot be randomly assigned more than once in the study. Before the study is initiated, the telephone number and call-in directions for the IVRS and/or the log in information and directions for the IWRS are provided to each site. Study interventions are dispensed at the study visits summarized in the Schedule of Activities (Table 1). Returned study interventions should not be re-dispensed to the participants.
Blind Breaks (IVRS/IWRS): The IVRS/IWRS is programmed with blind-breaking instructions. In case of an emergency, the Investigator has the sole responsibility for determining if unblinding of a participant's treatment assignment is warranted. Participant safety must always be the first consideration in making such a determination. If the Investigator decides that unblinding is warranted, the Investigator should make every effort to contact the Sponsor prior to unblinding a participant's treatment assignment unless this could delay emergency treatment of the participant. If a participant's treatment assignment is unblinded, the Sponsor must be notified within 24 hours after breaking the blind. The date and reason that the blind was broken must be recorded in the source documentation and case report form, as applicable.
This study is blinded for dose and the BTK inhibitor-placebo administration sequence. Tablets of different BTK inhibitor dose levels and placebo are identical. Due to ethical considerations, placebo duration is restricted to 4 weeks, which allows more objective evaluation of safety events at the beginning of the study period, and also adds to objectivity of evaluation of clinical endpoints.
Investigators do not have access to MRI data except for any non-MS-related findings, which are communicated in order to evaluate the safety of the participant. The radiology service for the site is in charge of timely reporting of any non-MS findings on MRI to the Investigator
The Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) is used to periodically monitor safety of this study. Unblinded data are provided for IDMC review by an unblinded independent statistician. Study team members, Investigators, and study participants do not have access to unblinded data.
Any medication or vaccine (including over-the-counter or prescription medicines, vitamins, and/or herbal supplements) that the participant is receiving at the time of enrollment or receives during the study is recorded along with reasons for use, dates of administration including start and end dates, and dosage information including dose and frequency.
The same data are collected for all prior medications received during the 4 weeks before enrollment, also for all prior MS treatments and treatments considered clinically important to assess MS or concomitant disease. Standard treatment of MS relapse with high-dose glucocorticoids is permitted. Local guidance is to be followed for such treatments.
In addition to the medicines excluded in Table 4, the following medications are prohibited throughout the study:
Paracetamol/acetaminophen, at doses of ≤3 grams/day, is permitted for use at any time during the study. Short courses (up to 5 days) of NSAIDs (other than acetylsalicylic acid) at the recommended dose may be given during the course of the study if clinically necessary for the treatment of an existing medical condition or a new event. The Investigator records the use of NSAIDs (and any other comedication) in the CRF.
In vitro experimentation and in silico modeling have demonstrated the potential for gastric acid reducing agents to reduce plasma exposure of the BTK inhibitor. Use of proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) should be avoided. Use of antacids (e.g., calcium carbonate) should be staggered with respect to the BTK inhibitor dosing, with antacid administration occurring no less than 2 hours before or 2 hours after the BTK inhibitor administration. Use of H2-receptor antagonists (e.g., ranitidine) should also be staggered with respect to the BTK inhibitor dosing, with H2-receptor antagonist administration occurring no less than 10 hours before or 2 hours after the BTK inhibitor administration. See Table 13 for a list of example drugs with a potential to affect plasma exposure of the BTK inhibitor via reduction of gastric acid.
Based on preclinical drug metabolism studies, the BTK inhibitor is a substrate of the CYP3A and CYP2C8 isoenzymes, and therefore, it is possible that plasma exposures of the BTK inhibitor would be altered if co-administered with other drugs that either induce or inhibit CYP3A and/or CYP2C8 metabolism. This has not been studied in humans to date and therefore, drugs that strongly inhibit or induce CYP3A or CYP2C8 should be avoided, if possible. See Table 12 for the list of drugs not to be used.
Dose reduction is not foreseen in this study. Participants, Investigators, and the Sponsor's team are blinded with respect to assigned dose levels. Treatment might need to be interrupted or permanently discontinued if deemed necessary due to an AE (Examples 1.4E and 1.8).
A separate, open-label, LTS study is offered to participants completing the Week 16 visit of this study. Upon completing the double-blinded treatment period, participants already enrolled in the DRI study and all subsequent participants are given the option to enroll in an LTS follow-up study to assess safety and tolerability of the BTK inhibitor.
Withdrawal of consent for treatment should be distinguished from (additional) withdrawal of consent for follow-up visits and from withdrawal of consent for nonparticipant contact (e.g., medical record checks) follow up. The site should document any case of withdrawal of consent.
Definitive Discontinuation: The IMP should be continued whenever possible. In case the IMP is stopped, it should be determined whether the stop can be made temporarily; definitive IMP discontinuation should be a last resort. Any IMP discontinuation is fully documented in the eCRF. In any case, the participant should remain in the study as long as possible. Definitive intervention discontinuation is any intervention discontinuation associated with the definitive decision from the Investigator not to re-expose the participant to the IMP at any time during the study, or from the participant not to be re-exposed to the IMP, whatever the reason. Discontinuation of the study intervention for abnormal liver function should be considered by the Investigator when a participant meets one of the conditions outlined in the Section 10.6 or if the Investigator believes that it is in best interest of the participant. If a clinically significant finding is identified in the ECG (including, but not limited to changes from baseline in QT interval corrected using Fridericia's formula [QTcF]) after enrollment, the Investigator or qualified designee determines if the participant can continue in the study and if any change in participant management is needed. Review of ECG findings by a cardiologist needs to be taken into consideration for a decision of a definitive discontinuation of study intervention because of ECG changes. This review of the ECG printed at the time of collection is documented. Any new clinically relevant finding is reported as an AE.
See the SoA (Table 1) for data to be collected at the time of intervention discontinuation (end-of-treatment visit) and follow up and for any further evaluations that need to be completed. Any abnormal laboratory value or ECG parameter is immediately rechecked for confirmation after 24 hours before a decision of definitive discontinuation of the intervention for the concerned participant is made. In case of premature discontinuation of the intervention, the end-of-treatment visit is conducted.
Participants are followed up according to the study procedures specified in this protocol up to study completion, or up to recovery or stabilization of any AE to be followed up as specified in this protocol, whichever comes last. If possible, and after the definitive discontinuation of intervention, the participants are assessed using the procedure normally planned for the last treatment day with the IMP including a PK sample. Details are provided in the SoA (Table 1). All cases of definitive intervention discontinuation are recorded by the Investigator in the appropriate pages of the eCRF when considered as confirmed.
Temporary intervention discontinuation may be considered by the Investigator because of suspected AEs and/or laboratory abnormalities and/or ECG abnormalities. For all temporary intervention discontinuations, the duration of the discontinuation should be recorded by the Investigator in the appropriate pages of the eCRF. Temporary intervention discontinuation decided by the Investigator corresponds to >1 dose not administered to the participant.
Re-initiation of intervention with the IMP is done under close and appropriate clinical/and or laboratory monitoring once the Investigator has considered, according to his/her best medical judgment, that the responsibility of the IMP(s) in the occurrence of the concerned event was unlikely and if the selection criteria for the study are still met (refer to Table 3).
Investigators should discuss key visits with participants. The value of all study data should be emphasized as important to the public health value of the study.
Participants who withdraw from the study intervention should be explicitly asked about the contribution of possible AEs to their decision, and any AE information elicited must be documented.
All study withdrawals should be recorded by the Investigator in the appropriate screens of the eCRF and in the participant's medical records. In the medical record, at least the date of the withdrawal and the reason should be documented.
In addition, a participant may withdraw consent to participate in the study. Withdrawal of consent for intervention should be distinguished from withdrawal of consent for follow-up visits and from withdrawal of consent for nonparticipant contact follow up, e.g., medical record checks. The site should document any case of withdrawal of consent.
Participants who have withdrawn from the study cannot be re-randomized (treated) in the study. Their participant and kit numbers are not reused.
A participant is considered lost to follow-up if he or she repeatedly fails to return for scheduled visits and is unable to be contacted by the study site.
The following actions are taken if a participant fails to return to the clinic for a required study visit:
Study procedures and their timing are summarized in the SoA (Table 1). Protocol waivers or exemptions are not allowed. Procedures conducted as part of the potential participant's routine clinical management (e.g., blood count) and obtained before signing of the informed consent form (ICF) may be utilized for screening or baseline purposes, provided the procedures meet the protocol-specified criteria and were performed within the time frame defined in the SoA (Table 1). In case of premature discontinuation of study intervention, the end-of-treatment visit is conducted. The participant returns 2 to 4 weeks after a premature end-of-treatment visit.
Cranial (brain) MRI with and without Gd contrast is performed. Basic MRIs are performed for all participants at all study sites and consist of T2- and T1-weighted sequences without and with Gd contrast. Due to a potential safety risk related to deposition of certain IV Gd contrast agents in the brain, these agents should be used in accordance with local recommendations/regulations (Fischer J S et al. “The Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite Measure (MSFC): an integrated approach to MS clinical outcome assessment,” National MS Society Clinical Outcomes Assessment Task Force. Mult Scler. 1999; 5(4):244-50).
New T1 Gd-enhancing hyperintense and new and enlarging T2 lesions are evaluated at each visit as per the SoA (Table 1), comparing lesion count to that from the previous MRI scan. Unless specified otherwise, the baseline brain MRI is used as the reference to assess all MRI-derived endpoints. The baseline MRI is the last MRI performed before the randomization visit. Standardized endpoint evaluation is assured by central review of brain MRI scans. Blinded central review is performed for all MRI-derived endpoints. Magnetic resonance imaging reviewers are blinded to treatment assignments and to other participant data. Spinal MRIs may be required if spine MS lesions are suspected by the Investigator. Spinal MRIs are evaluated locally and reported in the eCRF. No central review is performed for spinal MRIs.
Magnetic resonance imaging for exploratory efficacy evaluation employs regional and whole brain volume evaluation, additional analyses of T1 and T2 imaging, and sequences such as magnetic transfer ratio and susceptibility-weighted imaging.
Unscheduled assessment visits for a suspected multiple sclerosis relapse: Participants are instructed to immediately report new neurological symptoms and recurring or worsening of previous symptoms to the Investigator. Any reported symptoms are to be collected. If a participant reports symptoms that may be consistent with relapse, an unscheduled assessment visit with the Investigator is scheduled as soon as possible (whenever possible within 7 days of onset of the symptoms). The Investigator assesses whether the reported episode is consistent with the definition of MS relapse (see Example 1.6B). If it is consistent with the definition of MS relapse or if there is any doubt and relapse cannot be ruled out, an EDSS assessment should be performed. Unscheduled visit activities are detailed in SoA (Table 1), they need to be adapted, if other pathology than MS is cause for it, and additional examinations or laboratory tests are needed for safety follow up and optimal treatment decisions.
Multiple sclerosis relapse: For the purposes of this study, MS relapse is defined as acute, new neurological symptoms or worsening of previous neurological symptoms with an objective change on neurological examination. Symptoms must:
Note: An exacerbation or recurrence of symptoms and signs that can be reasonably attributed to transient impairment of conduction in previously demyelinated pathways due to drugs (such as rarely occurs a few hours after injection of interferon beta), raised core body temperature (the Uhthoff phenomenon), or systemic cytokine release (such as occurs with the administration of alemtuzumab) are not considered a relapse.
The Investigator performs the EDSS evaluation (Kurtzke J F, Neurology. 1983; 33(11):1444-52) as indicated in the SoA (Table 1).
The Investigator rates functional systems in the context of a standard neurological examination and reports these ratings as per the EDSS reporting instructions together with information on the participant's mobility, gait, and use of assistive devices. Standard EDSS assessments of neurological symptoms in each of 7 functional domains (visual, brainstem, pyramidal [motor], cerebellar [coordination], sensory, cerebral and bowel/bladder) are performed. Ambulation also is scored as part of the evaluation. Fatigue may optionally be evaluated, but it does not contribute to the EDSS score.
Time points for all safety assessments are provided in the SoA (Table 1). The definitions of AEs and SAEs can be found in Example 1.8B. For the purpose of this protocol, MS relapses (Example 1.6B) are waived from reporting as AEs except if they meet the criteria of an SAE. Nonserious MS relapses are collected on a special eCRF page and are analyzed as an efficacy endpoint. Following an MS relapse assessment, (Example 1.6B), events that are concluded as not meeting the criteria of an MS relapse are reported as AEs.
A complete physical examination includes, at a minimum, assessments of general appearance, head and neck, abdomen, lymph nodes, skin (signs of bleeding include bruises, petechial rash), cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems. Height and weight also are measured and recorded. The brief physical examination includes, at a minimum, assessments of the skin, lungs, cardiovascular system, and abdomen (liver and spleen). Investigators should pay special attention to clinical signs related to previous serious illnesses. Any new finding or worsening of a previous finding should be reported as a new AE. The SoA (Table 1) provides a schedule of physical examinations.
Temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure are assessed. The same method for temperature measurement should be used throughout the study. Blood pressure and pulse measurements are assessed in sitting or supine position with a completely automated device. Same position measurements should be used throughout the study for the same participant. Manual techniques are used only if an automated device is not available. Caffeinated drinks to be avoided before blood pressure measurements. Blood pressure and pulse measurements should be preceded by at least 5 minutes of rest for the participant in a quiet setting without distractions (e.g., television, cell phones). Vital signs (to be taken before blood collection for laboratory tests) consist of 1 pulse, 3 blood pressure measurements (3 consecutive blood pressure readings are recorded at intervals of at least 1 minute), and respiratory rate. The average of the 3 blood pressure readings is recorded.
Single twelve-lead ECGs are obtained as outlined in the SOA (Table 1) using an ECG machine that automatically calculates the heart rate and measures PR, QRS, QT, and QTc intervals. At least one longer rhythm monitoring recording needs to be part of each ECG testing. The ECG is reviewed by a cardiologist for confirmation of abnormality and clinical evaluation. Refer to Example 1.4E for QTc withdrawal criteria and any additional QTc readings that may be necessary.
See Example 1.16 for the list of clinical laboratory tests to be performed and to the SoA (Table 1) for the timing and frequency. The Investigator will review the laboratory report, document this review, and record any clinically relevant changes occurring during the study in the AE section of the eCRF. Clinically significant abnormal laboratory findings are those that are not associated with the underlying disease, unless judged by the Investigator to be more severe than expected for the participant's condition. All laboratory tests with values considered clinically significantly abnormal during participation in the study or within 4 weeks after the last dose of study intervention should be repeated until the values return to normal or baseline or are no longer considered clinically significant by the Investigator or medical monitor. If such values do not return to normal/baseline within a period of time judged reasonable by the Investigator, the etiology should be identified and the Sponsor notified. All protocol-required laboratory assessments, as defined in Example 1.16, are conducted in accordance with the laboratory manual and the SoA (Table 1). If laboratory values from non-protocol specified laboratory assessments performed at the institution's local laboratory require a change in participant management or are considered clinically significant by the Investigator (e.g., SAE or AE or dose modification), then the results are recorded in the eCRF.
The BTK inhibitor is considered to be CNS-active, and therefore routine suicide risk monitoring is performed. The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and thorough clinical evaluation of complaints are used for suicide risk assessment. Any observations or events of clinical importance are reported as AEs. The C-SSRS is a tool used to assess the lifetime suicidality of a participant and to track suicidal events through the study. The structured interview prompts recollection of suicidal ideation, including the intensity of the ideation, behavior and attempts with actual/potential lethality. The scale is administered by the Investigator or a qualified designee at the time points indicated in the SoA (Table 1).
An AESI is an AE (serious or nonserious) of scientific and medical concern specific to the Sponsor's product or program, for which ongoing monitoring and immediate notification by the Investigator to the Sponsor is required. Such events may require further investigation in order to characterize and understand them. Adverse events of special interest may be added, modified or removed during a study by protocol amendment.
Other Project Specific AESIs
ECG observation of QTc ≥500 ms or of clinically significant arrhythmia (e.g., atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter) confirmed by a cardiologist, including serious infection, particularly any opportunistic infection; major hemorrhagic events, including symptomatic bleeding in a critical area or organ, such as CNS or intraocular bleeding resulting in an SAE; thrombocytopenia platelet count <100×109/L.
AE is reported by the participant (or, when appropriate, by a caregiver, surrogate, or the participant's legally authorized representative).
The Investigator and any qualified designees are responsible for detecting, documenting, and recording events that meet the definition of an AE or SAE and remain responsible for following up AEs that are serious, considered related to the study intervention or study procedures, or that caused the participant to discontinue the study intervention (See Example 1.4E).
The definition of an AE or SAE can be found in Example 1.8B.
Adverse Event (AE): An AE is any untoward medical occurrence in a participant or clinical study participant, temporally associated with the use of study intervention, whether or not considered related to the study intervention. AE can therefore be any unfavorable and unintended sign (including an abnormal laboratory finding), symptom, or disease (new or exacerbated) temporally associated with the use of study intervention.
Events Meeting the AE Definition:
Lack of efficacy or failure of expected pharmacological action per se is reported as an AE or SAE, but is captured in the efficacy assessments.
Events NOT Meeting the AE Definition:
If an event is not an AE per definition above, then it cannot be an SAE even if serious conditions are met (e.g., hospitalization for signs/symptoms of the disease under study, death due to progression of disease).
Serious adverse event (SAE): A SAE is any untoward medical occurrence that at any dose:
Recording and Follow-Up of Ae and/or SAE
AE and SAE recording: When an AE/SAE occurs, all documentation (e.g., hospital progress notes, laboratory reports, and diagnostics reports) related to the event are reviewed and all relevant AE/SAE information in the eCRF are recorded. It is not acceptable for the Investigator to send photocopies of the participant's medical records to the Sponsor's representative instead of completion of the AE/SAE eCRF page. Medical records may need to be submitted as additional data for SAE and AESI reporting. They are anonymized in such a case by replacing the participant's name and initials by the participant number of this study. There may be instances when copies of medical records for certain cases are requested by the Sponsor. In this case, all participant identifiers, with the exception of the participant number, are redacted on the copies of the medical records before submission to the Sponsor. The Investigator attempts to establish a diagnosis of the event based on signs, symptoms, and/or other clinical information. Whenever possible, the diagnosis (not the individual signs/symptoms) is documented as the AE/SAE.
Assessment of intensity: Intensity of AE/SAE reported during the study is assessed and assigned to one of the following categories:
An event is defined as “serious” when it meets at least one of the predefined outcomes as described in the definition of an SAE, NOT when it is rated as severe.
Assessment of causality: The Investigator is obligated to assess the relationship between study intervention and each occurrence of each AE/SAE. A “reasonable possibility” of a relationship conveys that there are facts, evidence, and/or arguments to suggest a causal relationship, rather than a relationship cannot be ruled out. The Investigator uses clinical judgment to determine the relationship. Alternative causes, such as underlying disease(s), concomitant therapy, and other risk factors, as well as the temporal relationship of the event to study intervention administration are considered and investigated. The Investigator also consults the Investigator's Brochure (IB) and/or Product Information, for marketed products, in his/her assessment.
For each AE/SAE, the Investigator documents in the medical notes that he/she has reviewed the AE/SAE and has provided an assessment of causality. There may be situations in which an SAE has occurred, and the Investigator has minimal information to include in the initial report to the Sponsor. However, it is very important that the Investigator always assess causality for every event before the initial transmission of the SAE data to the Sponsor. The Investigator may change his/her opinion of causality in light of follow-up information and send a SAE follow-up report with the updated causality assessment. The causality assessment is one of the criteria used when determining regulatory reporting requirements.
Follow-up of AEs and SAEs: The Investigator is obligated to perform or arrange for the conduct of supplemental measurements and/or evaluations as medically indicated or as requested by the representative of the monitoring team to elucidate the nature and/or causality of the AE or SAE as fully as possible. This may include additional laboratory tests or investigations, histopathological examinations, or consultation with other health care professionals. New or updated information are recorded in the originally completed eCRF. If a participant dies during participation in the study or during a recognized follow-up period, the Investigator provides the Sponsor's representative with a copy of any post-mortem findings including histopathology. New or updated information is recorded in the originally completed eCRF. The Investigator submits any updated SAE data to the Sponsor within 24 hours of receipt of the information.
REPORTING OF SAEs: SAE reporting to the Sponsor via an electronic data collection tool. The primary mechanism for reporting an SAE to the Sponsor is the electronic data collection tool. If the electronic system is unavailable for more than 24 hours, then the site uses the paper SAE data collection tool (see herein). The site enters the SAE data into the electronic system as soon as it becomes available. After the study is completed at a given site, the electronic data collection tool is taken off-line to prevent the entry of new data or changes to existing data. If a site receives a report of a new SAE from a study participant or receives updated data on a previously reported SAE after the electronic data collection tool has been taken off-line, then the site can report this information on a paper SAE form (see Example 1.8C) or to the Sponsor by telephone.
SAE reporting to the Sponsor via case report form (CRF): Facsimile transmission of the SAE paper CRF is the preferred method to transmit this information to the Sponsor. In rare circumstances and in the absence of facsimile equipment, notification by telephone is acceptable with a copy of the SAE data collection tool sent by overnight mail or courier service. Initial notification via telephone does not replace the need for the Investigator to complete and sign the SAE CRF pages within the designated reporting time frames.
All AEs (including SAEs) are collected from the signing of the ICF until EOT at the time points specified in the SOA (Table 1). All SAEs and AESI are recorded and reported to the Sponsor or designee within 24 hours, as indicated in Example 1.8B. The Investigator submits any updated SAE data to the Sponsor within 24 hours of it being available. Investigators are not obligated to actively seek AE or SAE after conclusion of the study participation. However, if the Investigator learns of any SAE, including a death, at any time after a participant has been discharged from the study, and he/she considers the event to be reasonably related to the study intervention or study participation, the Investigator promptly notifies the Sponsor. The method of recording, evaluating, and assessing causality of AE and SAE and the procedures for completing and transmitting SAE reports are provided in Example 1.8B.
Care is taken not to introduce bias when detecting AEs and/or SAEs. Open-ended and non-leading verbal questioning of the participant is the preferred method to inquire about AE occurrences.
After the initial AE/SAE report, the Investigator is required to proactively follow each participant at subsequent visits/contacts. At the prespecified study end date, all SAEs, and nonserious AESIs (as defined in Example 1.8B), are followed until resolution, stabilization, the event is otherwise explained, or the participant is lost to follow up (as defined in Example 1.4E3).
Details of all pregnancies in female participants and female partners of male participants are collected after the start of study intervention and until the last visit of the study. If a pregnancy is reported, the Investigator informs the Sponsor within 24 hours of learning of the pregnancy and should the procedures outlined in Example 1.17. Abnormal pregnancy outcomes (e.g., spontaneous abortion, fetal death, stillbirth, congenital anomalies, ectopic pregnancy) are considered SAEs.
Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, observation of QTc ≥500 ms, or other clinically significant arrhythmia are AESIs in this study and subject to expedited reporting to the Sponsor. All other cardiovascular events are reported per standard safety reporting and safety oversight practices (including data review by IDMC). Central ECG review is performed to assure consistency in ECG evaluation. Death events are reported per standard SAE reporting rules to clarify the cause of death and to report the diagnosis of the fatal event as an SAE.
Multiple sclerosis relapses, determined from the evaluations described in Example 1.6B, as with all efficacy endpoints, are exempt from being reported as AEs except when they meet the definition of an SAE. Hospitalization for MS relapse, if done routinely at the site (e.g., for high dose IV methylprednisolone), is not considered as a seriousness criterion for this study. Other worsening of neurological symptoms that do not meet the definition of MS relapse is reported as AEs according to general safety reporting rules.
Magnetic resonance imaging scans need to be reviewed locally for any non-MS pathology. In case of such findings, the MRI report needs to be provided to the Investigator for appropriate safety reporting. When available, a diagnosis of pathology as a cause of such MRI findings or the findings themselves are reported as an AE until the diagnosis is clear. Multiple sclerosis findings on MRI do not need to be reported unless they are deemed unusual and thus a distinct safety finding.
Sponsor does not recommend specific treatment for an overdose. In the event of an overdose, the Investigator should:
Decisions regarding dose interruptions or modifications are made by the Investigator in consultation with the Medical Monitor based on clinical evaluation of the participant.
Samples for the BTK inhibitor PK analysis are collected 1 hour post-dose (±0.5 hour) at visits during Weeks 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 for all participants in both cohorts. An additional PK sample is collected 3 hours post-dose (±0.5 hour) at visits during Weeks 4 and 12 for all participants in both cohorts. Data of the most recent meal prior to PK sampling are noted in the eCRF.
A total of 2 mL of blood is to be collected for each PK sample. The total amount of blood for PK per participant and the total number of samples taken in the study are presented in Table 6.
The BTK inhibitor is assayed by a validated LC/MS method.
The BTK inhibitor concentrations at selected time points after IMP intake are reported using descriptive statistics. Additional PK parameters such as Cmax, tmax, and AUC at steady state are estimated using a population PK approach.
Venous blood samples collected for PBMCs are used for measurement of lymphocyte subset analysis BTK occupancy at baseline (pre-dose) and 1 hour post-dose (±0.5 hour) of the BTK inhibitor dosing at visits during Weeks 12 and 16 (as part of a biomarker substudy).
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells are prepared from whole blood to determine BTK occupancy. Percentage of BTK occupancy at selected time points are reported using descriptive statistics.
A 6 mL blood sample is collected for DNA isolation from participants who have consented to participate in the genetic analysis component of the study. Participants who do not wish to participate in the genetic research may still participate in the study. Samples are collected to investigate allelic variants of drug-metabolizing enzymes and/or drug transporters as intrinsic factors associated with PK or PD variability of the BTK inhibitor (Example 1.18).
In the event of DNA extraction failure, a replacement genetic blood sample may be requested from the participant.
Plasma and serum samples for biomarker research are collected from all participants in this study as specified in the SoA (Table 1). Samples from all participants are tested for neurofilament light chain and chitinase-3-like 1 protein and immunoglobulin levels to evaluate their associations with observed clinical responses. Samples of blood for PBMC isolation are also collected in all participants from sites selected by their capability to send them rapidly to the central laboratory for processing. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples are used for evaluation of BTK receptor occupancy (Example 1.11B), for selected lymphocyte subsets analysis over the period of the study, as well as other possible biomarkers. Approximately 50 mL of blood is drawn for all of these samples.
The primary objective of this study is to assess the dose-response relationship based on the primary endpoint (number of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions as detected by brain MRI) at the end of 12 weeks of the BTK inhibitor treatment. The null hypothesis is a flat, no dose-response curve for the primary endpoint and the alternative is that there is a dose-response signal
The study has 120 participants equally randomly assigned to 1 of 4 BTK inhibitor doses in 2 cohorts (60 participants in each of Cohorts 1 and 2). Cohorts 1 and 2 represent different treatment sequences, and participants in each cross-over to the BTK inhibitor or placebo in a blinded manner.
The 60 participants in Cohort 2 start with a 4-week placebo run-in that is utilized as the placebo data in analyses for the primary endpoint based on the assumption of the constant monthly mean number of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions over 12 weeks of placebo treatment. Assuming 15% of participants without the primary endpoint at the end of 12 weeks of the BTK inhibitor, 105 participants (26 per the BTK inhibitor dose) has at least 83% power to detect the maximum reduction of 85% using a 2-step MCP-Mod with 6 pre-defined dose response curves (2 Emax models, a quadratic model, a linear model, a logistic model, and an exponential model). This calculation assumes the dispersion parameter of 2, within-subject correlation ranging from −0.9 to 0.9 in measurements between 4-week placebo and 12-week BTK inhibitor in Cohort 2, and placebo mean number of ≥1 for new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions at 4 weeks. This power was calculated using the package Dose Finding from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) (Bornkamp B, Pinheiro J, Bretz F. Package ‘DoseFinding’, Jan. 4, 2018), using the 6 candidate curves considered for dose-response modelling in a negative binomial regression framework.
For purposes of analysis, the following populations are defined as shown in Table 7:
Efficacy Analyses
Primary Analysis: The primary objective of dose-response relationship of the BTK inhibitor with the primary endpoint, number of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions as detected by brain MRI at the end of 12 weeks of the BTK inhibitor treatment, is evaluated in the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population by a 2-step multiple comparison procedure with modelling techniques (MCP-Mod). The first step of this procedure tests for an efficacy signal (compared to the null hypothesis of a flat, no dose-response curve) in a procedure that controls the type 1 error. To account for the uncertainty of the dose-response shape, 6 candidate models have been considered to cover diverse and potential dose-response profiles: 2 Emax models (ED50=10 mg, ED50=30 mg), a linear model, a quadratic model, a logistic model, and an exponential model. The second step is the Dose estimation of the dose-response curve, provided that an efficacy signal is established in the first step.
A negative binomial regression model with covariates for baseline Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesion count, treatment, and cohort (Cohort 1 or Cohort 2) is used to assess the mean count of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions in each of the 4 dose groups at the end of 12 weeks of the BTK inhibitor treatment and at the end of 4 weeks of placebo. The 4-week post-randomization placebo data from Cohort 2 (i.e., Week 4 data from Cohort 2) is utilized as the placebo data at Week 12 in analysis, under the assumption of a constant rate of Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesion formation if participants would be receiving placebo over 12 weeks. Participants in Cohort 2 contribute to the placebo data (at Week 4) as well as the data for 4 BTK inhibitor doses (at Week 16). Thus, in order to account for the potential correlation between the measurements in the 4-week placebo period and the subsequent 12-week BTK inhibitor treatment period in Cohort 2, a generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach is used to fit the negative binomial model accounting for the within-participant correlation via the repeated statement in SAS PROC GENMOD. A minus log transformation of the mean lesion count id entered into the MCP-Mod procedure. The null hypothesis of a flat dose-response curve (i.e., no dose-response relationship) at the end of 12 weeks of the BTK inhibitor treatment for the primary endpoint is jointly evaluated for each of the 6 candidate dose response models with a contrast test that controls the family wise error rate at 2-sided alpha=0.05. If step 1 yields significant results, the best fitting model from the 6 predefined candidate models is chosen using the generalized Akaike information criterion (AIC).
The primary analysis is based on pooled data of Cohorts 1 and 2 for each of the BTK inhibitor doses (i.e., data at Week 12 for Cohort 1 and at Week 16 for Cohort 2 for the number of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions). Data from Cohorts 1 and 2 may also be separately explored as necessary.
Analysis of Secondary Points: For the secondary endpoint of number of Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions at the end of 12 weeks of the BTK inhibitor treatment, a similar negative binomial model and MCP-Mod procedure is used. As it is reasonable to assume a constant rate of lesion formation over 12 weeks under placebo for total number of Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions, the same approach as that utilized for the primary endpoint is used, by using the Week 4 data in Cohort 2 as the Week 12 placebo data while accounting for the within-participant correlation. Descriptive summary statistics over time is provided for each of the 4 BTK inhibitor doses.
For the number of new or enlarging T2 lesions, descriptive summary statistics over time (4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks) is provided for each of the 4 BTK inhibitor doses. Further, a similar MCP-Mod approach is explored if it is deemed reasonable to extrapolate the Week 4 data from Cohort 2 to the Week 12 placebo data.
The primary efficacy analysis is based on the mITT population. For the endpoints assessed by change from baseline, the baseline values are defined as the last measurements collected on or before the randomization visit (Day 1) prior to initiation of the first dose of study intervention.
Data from Cohorts 1 and 2 are combined for the primary analysis (i.e., data at Week 12 for Cohort 1 and at Week 16 for Cohort 2 for the number of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions). For each cohort, descriptive statistics are summarized over time (Weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16) when appropriate. The summary from Cohort 1 includes descriptive statistics for the 4-week placebo period after 12 weeks of the BTK inhibitor treatment. Additional efficacy analyses are described in the SAP.
Safety Analyses
All safety analyses are performed on the safety population. All safety summaries are descriptive. No statistical significance tests are performed on safety data. Safety endpoints are described in Table 9.
The baseline value is defined generally as the last available value before the first administration of randomized study intervention. Safety data for the first 4 weeks following randomization (where participants in Cohort 2 receive placebo) are summarized by the BTK inhibitor and placebo. Safety data during the 4-week placebo period (i.e., 4 weeks) in Cohort 1 are summarized separately and displayed by the BTK inhibitor dose group and overall. For the BTK inhibitor treatment safety data, summaries by dose group, by time on the BTK inhibitor, and overall are provided.
For safety variables, the following observation periods are defined and used for classification of AEs, determination of on-treatment PCSA values, and the last on-treatment value for laboratory and vital sign parameters. The pretreatment period is defined as the time from the signed ICF to the first administration of randomized study intervention. For the purpose of defining ‘treatment-emergent’, the on-treatment period is defined as the time from the first administration of randomized study intervention until the last study visit. The treatment periods are further defined as:
The analyses of AEs focus on treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Pretreatment AEs are defined as AEs that developed, or worsened, or become serious during the pretreatment period. Treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) are defined as AEs that develop, worsen, or become serious during the on-treatment period
The following definitions are applied to laboratory parameters, ECG, and vital sign results:
The individual PK concentrations are descriptively summarized by visit. Additional PK parameters as stated in Example 1.10D, and population PK and PD analyses are presented in a separate document.
If deemed necessary due to a slower recruitment than anticipated, one interim analysis is performed when at least 44 participants have completed the 16 weeks of the study (12 weeks of the BTK inhibitor treatment and 4 weeks of placebo). The interim analysis is not performed if the trial recruits quickly since the interim analysis would be too close in time (i.e., less than 3 to 4 months) to the final analysis to be worthwhile. The purpose of the interim analysis would be to explore an efficacy signal and to optimize the planning of Phase 3 studies. Operational documents prespecify the conditions for performing the interim analysis (e.g., recruitment rate) and the decision of whether or not the interim analysis is conducted are made prior to the SAP finalization. If the interim analysis is conducted, the reduction in the number of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions (in the 60 mg group only or in the combined 60 and 30 mg groups) compared to placebo (using the 4-week post-randomization placebo data from Cohort 2), as well as the potential dose-response curves, is explored. The interim analysis would be performed by an unblinded, independent statistician. Since the study is not stopped early for efficacy claims based on this potential exploratory interim analysis, no alpha adjustment is made at the final analysis if the interim analysis is performed. The SAP describes the planned one interim analysis in greater detail, if it is to be performed.
An IDMC is used to monitor safety of the study.
Details of the clinical laboratory tests are provided in Table 10. Additional tests are performed at any time during the study as determined necessary by the Investigator or required by local regulations.
aAll events of ALT ≥3 × upper limit of normal (ULN) and bilirubin ≥2 × ULN (>35% direct bilirubin) or ALT ≥3 × ULN and international normalized ratio (INR) >1.5, if INR measured that may indicate severe liver injury (possible Hy's Law) are reported as an SAE.
bLocal urine testing is standard for the protocol except screening, unless only serum testing is required by local regulation or IRB/IEC, or needed for inconclusive urine test.
Woman of childbearing potential (WOCBP): A woman is considered fertile following menarche and until becoming post-menopausal unless permanently sterile.
Women in the following categories are not considered WOCBP:
Contraception Guidance
Pregnancy Testing: WOCBP is included only after a confirmed menstrual period and a negative highly sensitive serum pregnancy test. Additional pregnancy testing is performed at monthly intervals during the intervention period and at 1 month after the last dose of study intervention and as required locally. Pregnancy testing is performed whenever a menstrual cycle is missed or when pregnancy is otherwise suspected.
Collection of Pregnancy Information:
Male participants with partners who become pregnant—The Investigator attempts to collect pregnancy information on any male participant's female partner who becomes pregnant while the male participant is in this study. This applies only to male participants who receive the BTK inhibitor. After obtaining the necessary signed informed consent from the pregnant female partner directly, the Investigator records pregnancy information on the appropriate form and submits it to the Sponsor within 24 hours of learning of the partner's pregnancy. The female partner is also be followed to determine the outcome of the pregnancy. Information on the status of the mother and child is forwarded to the Sponsor. Generally, the follow-up is no longer than 6 to 8 weeks following the estimated delivery date. Any termination of the pregnancy is reported regardless of fetal status (presence or absence of anomalies) or indication for the procedure.
Female participants who become pregnant—The Investigator collects pregnancy information on any female participant who becomes pregnant while participating in this study. Information is recorded on the appropriate form and submitted to the Sponsor within 24 hours of learning of a participant's pregnancy. The participant is followed to determine the outcome of the pregnancy. The Investigator collects follow-up information on the participant and the neonate and the information is forwarded to the Sponsor. Generally, follow-up is not required for longer than 6 to 8 weeks beyond the estimated delivery date. Any termination of pregnancy is reported, regardless of fetal status (presence or absence of anomalies) or indication for the procedure. Any pregnancy complication or elective termination of a pregnancy is reported as an AE or SAE. A spontaneous abortion is always considered to be an SAE and is reported as such. Any post-study pregnancy related SAE considered reasonably related to the study intervention by the Investigator is reported to the Sponsor. While the Investigator is not obligated to actively seek this information in former study participants, he or she may learn of an SAE through spontaneous reporting. Any female participant becoming pregnant while participating in the study discontinues the study intervention and is withdrawn from the study.
Use/Analysis of DNA
Genetic variation may impact a participant's response to study intervention, susceptibility to, and severity and progression of disease. Variable response to study intervention may be due to genetic determinants that impact drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion; mechanism of action of the drug; disease etiology; and/or molecular subtype of the disease being treated. Therefore, where local regulations and IRB/IEC allow, a blood sample is collected for DNA analysis from consenting participants.
DNA samples are used for research related to the study intervention or MS and related diseases. They may also be used to develop tests/assays including diagnostic tests related to the study intervention and indication. Genetic research may consist of the analysis of one or more candidate genes or the analysis of genetic markers throughout the genome (as appropriate). DNA samples are analyzed to investigate allelic variants of drug-metabolizing enzymes and/or drug transporters as intrinsic factors associated with PK or PD variability of the BTK inhibitor. Additional analyses may be conducted if it is hypothesized that this may help further understand the clinical data. The samples may be analyzed as part of a multi-study assessment of genetic factors involved in the response to the BTK inhibitor or study interventions of this class to understand study disease or related conditions.
The following drugs should not be taken during the study due to their potential to change the BTK inhibitor kinetics due to interaction with P450-mediated metabolism, being potent inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A or CYP2C8 liver enzymes (per the lists of the Drug Interaction Database Program of the University of Washington (www.druginteractioninfo.org). Please note that the lists provided are not exhaustive and that the product information of drugs intended for concomitant use should be consulted.
We herein provide results of the dose-finding and safety studies described in Example 1. We determined the dose-response relationship for the BTK inhibitor to reduce the number of new active brain lesions, including the number of new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions. We also evaluated efficacy of the BTK inhibitor on disease activity as assessed by imaging measures, by measuring the number of new or enlarging T2 lesions and the total number of Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions. We also evaluated the safety and tolerability of for the BTK inhibitor dose-response.
As described in Example 1, this study was a multi-center study with a total of 40 active sites in Europe and North America. All participants were centrally assigned to 1 of 8 arms (4 dose groups in each of 2 cohorts at equal ratio to start with the BTK inhibitor (in Cohort 1) or placebo (in Cohort 2) period before cross-over, using an Interactive Voice/Web Response System.
Within each cohort, participants were randomly assigned equally to 1 of 4 of the BTK inhibitor doses of 5, 15, 30, or 60 mg once daily, in a blinded manner.
Cohort 1: Participants received 1 of the BTK inhibitor doses for the first 12 weeks, then crossed over to placebo for 4 weeks.
Cohort 2: Participants received placebo for the first 4 weeks, then crossed over to 1 of the BTK inhibitor doses for 12 weeks.
All brain scans were reviewed and interpreted by 1 or more rather-blinded radiologists at an independent, central facility who were blinded to treatment, thereby avoiding bias and assuring standardized endpoint evaluation.
Diagnosis and criteria for inclusion: Participants ages 18 to 55 years, diagnosed with RMS according to the 2017 revision of the McDonald diagnostic criteria, and had at least 1 documented relapse within the previous year OR ≥2 documented relapses within the previous 2 years OR ≥1 active Gd-enhancing brain lesion on an MRI scan in the 6 months prior to screening.
Primary and Main Secondary Key Endpoints
Efficacy:
Secondary:
Safety:
Statistical Methods:
Analysis of Primary Endpoint:
The primary analysis was based on pooled data of Cohorts 1 and 2 for each of the BTK inhibitor doses (i.e., data at Week 12 for Cohort 1 and at Week 16 for Cohort 2 for the number of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions).
The primary objective of dose-response relationship of the BTK inhibitor with the primary endpoint, number of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions as detected by brain MRI at the end of 12 weeks of the BTK inhibitor treatment was evaluated in the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population by a 2-step multiple comparison procedure with modeling techniques (MCP-Mod). The first step of this procedure tested for an efficacy signal (compared to the null hypothesis of a flat, no dose-response curve) in a procedure that controls the type 1 error. To account for the uncertainty of the dose-response shape, 6 candidate models were considered to cover diverse and potential dose-response profiles: 2 Emax models (ED50=10 mg, ED50=30 mg), a linear model, a quadratic model, a logistic model, and an exponential model. In the second step, a dose-response curve was estimated, because an efficacy signal was established in the first step.
In MCP-Mod Step 1, a negative binomial regression model with covariates for baseline Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesion activity (presence/absence) and treatment, was used to assess the mean count of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions in each of the 4 dose groups at the end of 12 weeks of the BTK inhibitor treatment and at the end of 4 weeks of placebo. The MRI assessments were excluded from the analyses if the participant was receiving systemic corticosteroids within the 30 days prior to the MRI assessment date. The 4-week post-randomization placebo data from Cohort 2 (i.e., Week 4 data from Cohort 2) was utilized as the placebo data at Week 12 in analysis under the assumption of a constant rate of Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesion formation if participants were to receive placebo over 12 weeks. Participants in Cohort 2 contributed to the placebo data (at Week 4) as well as the data for 4 BTK inhibitor doses (at Week 16). The 4-week placebo run-out data from Cohort 1 was not included in the analysis. Thus, in order to account for the potential correlation between the measurements in the 4-week placebo period and the subsequent 12-week BTK inhibitor treatment period in Cohort 2, a generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach was used to fit the negative binomial model accounting for within-participant correlation by using the “REPEATED” statement in SAS PROC GENMOD. A minus log transformation of the mean lesion count was entered into the MCP-Mod procedure. The null hypothesis of a flat dose-response curve (i.e., no dose-response relationship) at the end of 12 weeks of the BTK inhibitor treatment for the primary endpoint was jointly evaluated for each of the 6 candidate dose response models using a contrast test that controls the family-wise error rate at a 2-sided alpha of 0.05. Test statistics and adjusted p-values were provided for all 6 candidate models.
In MCP-Mod Step 2, all candidate models with adjusted p-values <0.05 in Step 1 were fitted. The generalized Akaike information criterion (AIC) and model parameters were provided. The best fitting model was chosen as the one with the smallest generalized AIC. The dose for the Phase 3 program was then estimated from the final selected model.
In addition, the relative reduction in mean counts of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesion relative to the placebo group and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were provided for each of the 4 BTK inhibitor dose groups based on the negative binomial regression model described above.
Descriptive statistics were also provided for the 4 BTK inhibitor dose groups for observed number of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions over time (Week 4/Week 8, Week 8/Week 12, and Week 12/Week 16 for Cohort 1/Cohort 2) and the placebo group (Week 4 Cohort 2).
Analysis of Secondary Endpoints:
For each secondary endpoint, a similar negative binomial model and the MCP-Mod procedure were used. As it is reasonable to assume a constant rate of lesion formation over 12 weeks under placebo treatment, the same approach as that utilized for the primary endpoint was used, i.e., using the Week 4 data in Cohort 2 as the Week 12 placebo data while accounting for within-participant correlation. Descriptive summary statistics over time were provided for each of the 4 BTK inhibitor dose groups.
All safety summaries are descriptive and were performed on the safety population. Safety data for the first 4 weeks following randomization (when participants in Cohort 2 receive placebo) are summarized by the BTK inhibitor and placebo treatments. Safety data during the BTK inhibitor treatment period (from first BTK inhibitor administration) are summarized by the BTK inhibitor dose group and overall.
Population Characteristics:
patients were randomized.
Participant demographics and characteristics at baseline were generally well balanced between the 8 treatment arms (2 cohorts of 4 treatment arms each). The median age of participants was 36.3 years (range: 19 to 55 years). The majority of participants was female (91; 70.0%). Of note, 119 (91.5%) of 130 participants were white.
All 130 participants were diagnosed with RMS (128 with relapsing RMS and 2 with secondary progressive MS) with a mean EDSS score of 2.50, a median time since first diagnosis of 3.5 years, and a median time since first symptoms of MS of 4.9 years. 127 (97.7%) participants had at least one relapse in the year prior to screening, and 61 (46.9%) participants had highly active disease (HAD) defined by 1 relapse in the year prior to screening AND ≥1 Gd-enhancing lesion in MRI done within 6 months prior to screening OR 9 or more T2 lesions at baseline OR 2 or more relapses in the year prior to screening).
129 of 130 patients completed the treatment period. One participant permanently discontinued treatment after Week 12 for declining to meet contraception requirements.
Table 15 provides details of patient disposition. Tables 16A-16B summarize demographic and baseline characteristics of patients. Table 17 shows details of duration of exposure in each group and Table 18 shows details of exposure by dosage in each group.
Efficacy Results:
Primary efficacy endpoint: The study met its primary objective, demonstrating a dose-response relationship for the BTK inhibitor as evidenced by a reduction in the number of new active Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense brain lesions detected by brain MRI after 12 weeks of treatment.
Table 19 provides a summary of relative reductions vs. placebo of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense brain lesions after 12 weeks of treatment. Table 20 shows MCP-Mod of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense brain lesions after 12 weeks of treatment. The MCP-Mod evaluation was performed as described above in the statistical methods section.
MCP-Mod Step 2 was obtained to assess estimated dose response curve for new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense brain lesions. To account for the potential correlation for cohort 2 between the measurements in the run-in period and the treatment period, a generalized estimating equation approach (GEE) was used to fit the model accounting for the within-subject correlation. Mean lesion count at Week 12 for the BTK inhibitor treatment and Week 4 for placebo, estimated from a negative binomial regression model and accounted for the potential correlation between the measurements in the 4-week placebo period and the subsequent 12-week the BTK inhibitor treatment period in Cohort 2. The MRI assessment was excluded from the analyses if the participant was receiving systemic corticosteroids within the 30 days prior to the MRI assessment date.
As shown in Table 19, the observed means (SD) of new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesion counts at 12 weeks post treatment were 1.03 (2.50) in the placebo group, 1.39 (3.20) in the BTK inhibitor 5 mg group, 0.77 (1.48) in the BTK inhibitor 15 mg group, 0.76 (3.31) in the BTK inhibitor 30 mg group, and 0.13 (0.43) in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group. The relative reduction in lesions at 12 weeks as compared with placebo from the negative binomial regression model adjusted for baseline Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesion activity was statistically significant in the 60 mg dose group (85.02%; 95% CI [28.02%, 96.88%]; nominal p-value=0.0178) but not in the lower dose groups. Of note, 90.30% of participants (28 of 31) in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg dose group with evaluable MRI data had no new Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions at the end of 12 weeks of treatment. The exponential model was selected as the best-fitting dose-response curve.
Main Secondary efficacy endpoints: Table 21 provides a summary of relative reductions vs. placebo of new or enlarging T2 lesion counts after 12 weeks of treatment. Table 22 shows MCP-Mod of new and enlarging T2 lesions counts after 12 weeks of treatment. Table 23 provides summary of relative reductions vs. placebo of total T2 Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintese lesion counts after 12 weeks of treatment. Table 24 shows MCP-Mod of total count of Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions after 12 weeks of treatment. After 12 weeks of the treatment stands for Week 12 for Cohort 1 for the BTK inhibitor treatment, Week 16 for Cohort 2 for the BTK inhibitor treatment, and Week 4 for Cohort 2 placebo. The MRI assessment was excluded from the analyses if the participant was receiving systemic corticosteroids within the 30 days prior to the MRI assessment date. MCP-Mod 1 failed to claim significance.
As shown in Table 21, for the secondary endpoint count of new and enlarging T2 lesions at the end of 12 weeks of the BTK inhibitor treatment, the observed means (SD) were 2.12 (5.16) in the placebo group, 1.90 (3.97) in the BTK inhibitor 5 mg group, 1.32 (1.83) in the BTK inhibitor 15 mg group, 1.30 (4.90) in the BTK inhibitor 30 mg group, and 0.23 (0.62) in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group. The 60 mg group showed a statistically significant adjusted relative reduction in the count of new and enlarging T2 lesions relative to the placebo group (89.34%; 95% CI: [68.39%, 96.41%]; nominal p-value=0.0001) unlike the other dose groups. 87.1% of participants (27 of 31) in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group with evaluable MRI data had no new and enlarging T2 lesions at the end of 12 weeks of treatment. The linear model was selected as the best-fitting dose-response curve.
As shown in Table 23, for the secondary endpoint count of Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions at 12 weeks of the BTK inhibitor treatment, the observed means (SD), were 1.36 (3.52) in the placebo group, 1.77 (4.10) in the BTK inhibitor 5 mg group, 0.87 (1.59) in the BTK inhibitor 15 mg group, 1.18 (4.87) in the BTK inhibitor 30 mg group, and 0.29 (0.86) in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group. No statistically significant relative reduction in count of lesions was observed at any of the BTK inhibitor doses tested relative to placebo. However, a higher percentage of participants in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group (87.1%, 27 of 31) compared to the placebo group (74.6%, 44 of 59) with evaluable MRI data was observed to have no Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions at the end of 12 weeks of treatment.
Safety results: the BTK inhibitor was well-tolerated over the 12 weeks of treatment. Table 25A provides an overview of treatment-emergent adverse events in Weeks 1-4 period. Table 25B provides an overview of adverse events during the 4-week period. Table 25C provides an overview of adverse events during the 12-week period. Table 26 provides an overview of treatment-emergent adverse events in the BTK inhibitor treatment period. Table 27 provides an overview of serious treatment-emergent adverse events in the BTK inhibitor treatment period. Table 28 provides an overview of treatment-emergent adverse events of special interest in Weeks 1-4 period. Table 29 provides an overview of treatment-emergent adverse events of special interest in the BTK inhibitor treatment period. Table 30 provides an overview of adverse events occurring in more than two patients across doses during the 12 weeks treatment.
As shown in Table 17, mean durations of the BTK inhibitor exposure were 82.1, 81.5, 83.6, and 82.1 days for the 5, 15, 30, and 60 mg the BTK inhibitor groups, respectively, and 28.0 days for the placebo group during the first 16 weeks. Mean exposure time to the BTK inhibitor across dosing groups was 82 days.
No deaths were reported in the study. One treatment-emergent SAE was reported in a participant in Cohort 1 treated with 60 mg BTK inhibitor. The event, MS relapse occurring in a 32-year-old female participant, occurred approximately 8 weeks after starting treatment with the BTK inhibitor. The participant had difficulties with her speech and an inability to drink fluids without drooling. No dysphagia was reported in the hospitalization records. She was hospitalized 2 days after experiencing the symptoms to rule out a possible stroke. The event was assessed as severe by the Investigator. MS relapse was confirmed, treatment continued without interruption, and the participant completed the study and was successfully enrolled in the long-term extension study.
All TEAEs reported were of mild or moderate intensity except for one severe TEAE reported in the 60 mg BTK inhibitor group, the SAE of severe MS relapse described above.
There were no TEAEs leading to permanent treatment discontinuation. The proportions of participants who experienced TEAEs in Weeks 1 to 4 were 34.8%, 31.3%, 18.8%, 12.5%, and 31.3% in the placebo and 5, 15, 30, and 60 mg groups, respectively. The proportions of participants with TEAEs were similar in the 4 BTK inhibitor groups (57.6%, 53.1%, 54.5%, and 50.0% in the 5, 15, 30, and 60 mg BTK inhibitor groups, respectively) during the treatment period.
The most frequently reported TEAEs (>3 events total) by primary SOC in the Weeks 1 to 4 (placebo controlled) period were headache (4 cases in the placebo group, 3 in the BTK inhibitor 5 mg group, 2 in the BTK inhibitor 15 mg group, and 1 in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group), upper respiratory tract infection (1 case in each treatment group, including placebo), and nausea (1 case in the placebo group, 2 in the BTK inhibitor 5 mg group, and 1 in the BTK inhibitor 30 mg group).
As shown in Table 30, the most frequently reported TEAEs by primary SOC in the 12-week BTK inhibitor treatment period were: headache (1 in the BTK inhibitor 5 mg group, 3 in the BTK inhibitor 15 mg group, 1 in the BTK inhibitor 30 mg group, and 4 in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group), upper respiratory tract infection (2 in the BTK inhibitor 5 mg group, 2 in the BTK inhibitor 15 mg group, 1 in the BTK inhibitor 30 mg group, and 1 in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group), nasopharyngitis (1 in the BTK inhibitor 5 mg group, 1 in the BTK inhibitor 30 mg group, and 3 in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group), back pain (1 in the BTK inhibitor 5 mg group, 1 in the BTK inhibitor 15 mg group, and 2 in the BTK inhibitor 30 mg group), oedema peripheral (2 in the BTK inhibitor 5 mg group and 2 in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group), gastroenteritis (1 in the BTK inhibitor 5 mg group and 2 in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group), respiratory tract infection (1 in the BTK inhibitor 15 mg group, 1 in the BTK inhibitor 30 mg group, and 1 in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group), muscle spasticity (1 in the BTK inhibitor 30 mg group and 2 in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group), oropharyngeal pain (1 in the BTK inhibitor 5 mg group, 1 in the BTK inhibitor 30 mg group, and 1 in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group), alopecia (1 in the BTK inhibitor 5 mg group, 1 in the BTK inhibitor 15 mg group, and 1 in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group), alanine aminotransferase increased (1 in the BTK inhibitor 5 mg group, 1 in the BTK inhibitor 30 mg group, and 1 in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group) and accidental overdose (3 in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group). Each of the 3 participants who experienced alopecia had a medical history of conditions that could potentially account for the event.
As shown in Table 29, two AESIs (alanine aminotransferase increased >3×ULN) were reported in the study, 1 during the 30 mg BTK inhibitor treatment period and 1 during the 60 mg BTK inhibitor treatment period. In both cases, the liver enzymes elevation was transient, the IMP was not discontinued, liver enzymes returned to normal levels, and the participants completed the study. The event in the participant receiving 60 mg was assessed as mild by the Investigator and with concomitant pruritus reported while the other was assessed as moderate with no concomitant symptoms. One participant (60 mg group) had ALT levels above the ULN (34 U/L) at screening and randomization (48 and 50 U/L, respectively) and reached the >3×ULN level (107 U/L) at the Week 4 visit. The ALT level decreased gradually, reaching the normal level (28 U/L) at Week 12. The other participant (30 mg group) had an ALT level >3×ULN (105 U/L) at the Week 8 visit, and the level returned to a normal level (32 U/L) within 4 days. Both participants were female.
PCSAs related to vital signs (systolic blood pressure, weight), labs (hemoglobin ≤115 g/L [male]; ≤95 g/L [female], hematocrit 0.37 v/v [male]; 0.32 v/v [female], ALT >3×ULN, bilirubin >1.5×ULN) and ECGs (eg, heart rate <50 beats/min, heart rate >90 beats/min, heart rate >100 beats/min, PR >200 msec, QRS >110 msec, QTc Bazett >450 msec, QTc Fridericia >450 msec) were reported in multiple treatment groups with no dose relationship.
Conclusions
The study met its primary objective, demonstrating a dose-response relationship for the BTK inhibitor as evidenced by a reduction in the number of new active Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense brain lesions detected by brain MRI after 12 weeks of treatment with a statistically significant difference in the BTK inhibitor 60 mg group as compared to placebo; differences in the other BTK inhibitor treatment groups were not statistically significant compared to placebo. Consistently, efficacy on disease activity was also demonstrated by the reduction in the number of new and enlarging T2 lesions detected by brain MRI after 12 weeks of 60 mg BTK inhibitor treatment, but not so for the 5, 15, and 30 mg BTK inhibitor doses. However, the data did not show a statistically significant reduction in the total count of Gd-enhancing T1-hyperintense lesions after 12 weeks of BTK inhibitor treatment whatever the tested dose.
There was no direct correlation between the dose of the BTK inhibitor administered and number of TEAEs. The most common events (preferred terms) observed in participants in the BTK inhibitor treatment arms were headache, upper respiratory tract infection, and nasopharyngitis. There were low numbers of AESIs and PCSAs observed in multiple dose groups. No new risks were identified in this trial.
These findings indicate that the BTK inhibitor treatment within the dose ranges was well-tolerated and effective at lowering MRI lesions in relapsing MS patients.
aIncludes Cohort 2 placebo arm only, which began the BTKi treatment at Week 4;
bN = 127;
cN = 32;
dN = 31.
(1)Includes Cohort 2 placebo arm only, which began the BTKi treatment at Week 4
The Long-term safety for the BTK inhibitor was also measured.
OBJECTIVE: Report MRI outcomes at Week (W)96 (Year 2) in the long-term safety (LTS) extension of the phase 2b the BTK inhibitor trial in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.
BACKGROUND: The BTK inhibitor is a brain-penetrant inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase currently under evaluation for multiple sclerosis treatment. In the double-blind phase (DBP) of the phase 2b trial (NCT03889639), the BTK inhibitor was well tolerated over 12 weeks with dose-dependent reduction in new gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 and new/enlarging T2 lesions. LTS16004 (NCT03996291) is an ongoing LTS extension study of the BTK inhibitor in patients who completed the phase 2b study.
DESIGN/METHODS: After the last DBP the BTK inhibitor dose, followed by a variable treatment gap (mean±SD, 7±7.3 weeks; range, 0-21 weeks), patients began the LTS extension Part A, where they continued receiving their DBP dose (5, 15, 30, or 60 mg/day) in a double-blinded manner until the phase 3 dose was selected. In the current open-label extension Part B, all patients receive 60 mg/day. MRI outcomes include numbers of new Gd-enhancing and new/enlarging T2 lesions, T2 lesion volume change from baseline, slowly evolving lesions (SEL), and paramagnetic rim lesions (PRL).
RESULTS: 124 of 125 patients treated in the LTS extension completed Part A and transitioned to Part B; 114 (90.5%) remained on study as of 18 Feb. 2022 (W96 cut-off). At DBP baseline, the mean age±SD of enrolled patients was 37.7±9.6 years (range 19-56); 69% were women. Numbers of new Gd-enhancing lesions remained low in the 60/60-mg arm through W96 and were reduced in other arms at W48 through W96 (W96 mean±SD: 0.85±2.5, 0.41±0.91, 0.90±2.16, 0.31±0.66 in 5/60-, 15/60-, 30/60-, 60/60-mg arms, respectively). New/enlarging T2 lesion counts remained low for 60/60 mg. T2 lesion volume change remained low for 60/60 mg (W96 vs baseline [mean±SD]: +0.38±2.11 cm3). Median (IQR) W96 SEL volume was 247.5 (84-420), 258 (66-906), 570 (133.5-1011), and 244.5 (87-939) mm3 for 5/60-, 15/60-, 30/60-, and 60/60-mg, respectively. PRL count remained unchanged in 18 patients; 2 patients had 1 PRL at baseline but none at W96, and 3 patients had 1-3 additional PRL at W96 vs baseline (none in the 60/60 mg arm).
CONCLUSIONS: New Gd-enhancing lesion counts remained low for the BTK inhibitor 60/60 mg and were reduced in the lower dose arms by LTS W48 through W96, when all patients had switched to 60 mg. 90.5% of participants with MS who enrolled in the BTK inhibitor LTS extension remained on study as of 7 Mar. 2022. New Gd-enhancing lesion counts remained low for the BTK inhibitor 60/60 mg arm through Week 96 and were reduced in lower dose arms at LTS Week 48 through Week 96. T2 lesion volume change remained low in the 60/60 mg arm. Longer follow-up in the ongoing extension, as well as data from the Phase 3 trials, will continue to build on the safety and efficacy profile of the BTK inhibitor for people with MS.
Table 31 summarizes the number of new GD-enhancing T1-Hyperintense lesion data.
Note: The MRI assessment was excluded from the analyses if the participant was receiving systemic corticosteroids within the 30 days prior to the MRI assessment date.
Table 32 summarizes the number of new or enlarging T2 lesion data.
Table 33 summarizes the volume of new or enlarging T2 lesion data.
Table 34 summarizes the number of new T1 non-enhancing (hypointense) lesion data.
In Tables 15-18, Week 12 represents 12 weeks on the BTK inhibitor treatment during the dose-finding study rather than visits. The Week 0 value is from the last MRI obtained in the dose-finding study if performed within 6 weeks prior to Day 1 of the long-term safety study For some patients the Week 0 value began after a gap period ranging from 0-21 weeks. For patients where the gap period was 0 weeks, the Week 0 value began immediately after the completion of Week 16 of the dose-finding study. For patients where the gap period was greater than 6 weeks a new MRI was obtained prior to Day 1 of the long-term safety study.
If from Week 16 of the dose-finding study (Cohort 2), it is also included in Week 12. If from Week 16 of the dose-finding study (Cohort 1), it is after 4 weeks placebo run out.
The lack of rebound disease was also studied.
BACKGROUND: Rebound disease activity, characterized by recrudescence of neurological symptoms and brain lesions, has been reported after stopping some multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying treatments. (Barry B, et al. Neurol Ther 2019; 8(2):241-50; Gonzilez-Suarez I, et al. Brain Behav 2017; 7:e00671). The 16-week Phase 2b trial (NCT03889639) of tolebrutinib, the brain-penetrant Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, in patients with relapsing MS (RMS) showed dose-dependent reductions in new gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) T1 and new/enlarging T2 lesions. The unique cross-over trial design, which included 4-week placebo run-in and run-out periods to minimize placebo exposure, enabled assessment of potential rebound disease after tolebrutinib discontinuation. This assessment may inform treatment sequencing.
OBJECTIVE: To assess potential rebound disease recrudescence in patients with RMS after the tolebrutinib Phase 2b trial placebo run-out period.
METHODS: As described in Examples 1 and 2, the 16-week, double-blind, crossover trial randomized 130 patients with RMS (1:1:1:1) to tolebrutinib 5, 15, 30, or 60 mg/day. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained at screening and every 4 weeks for 16 weeks. Cohort 1 (n=64) received tolebrutinib for 12 weeks followed by a 4-week placebo run-out; Cohort 2 (n=66) received a 4-week placebo run-in followed by 12 weeks of tolebrutinib. The study design is shown in
OUTCOMES: The outcomes evaluated in this example include measuring the incidence of relapse during 4-week placebo run-in and run-out, the number of new Gd-enhancing T1 lesions detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at Weeks 4, 8 and 16, the number of new or enlarging T2 lesions measured at Weeks 4, 8 and 16, and the plasma CD19+B-cell count measured in the placebo run-out cohort at baseline, 1 hour after the first dose, then at Week 12 and Week 16 (
RESULTS: Table 35 summarizes the baseline characteristics of patients in Cohorts 1 and 2.
aThe higher mean number of Gd-enhancing lesions in Cohort 2 is due to 3 participants who had 25-30 lesions at baseline. Values are mean (SD) except where noted.
Table 36 summarizes the patient disposition in Cohorts 1 and 2.
Table 37 summarizes the number of new GD-enhancing T1-Hyperintense lesion data in Cohort 1.
Table 38 summarizes the number of new/enlarging T2 lesion data in Cohort 1.
Table 39 summarizes the number of GD-enhancing T1-Hyperintense lesion data in Cohort 1.
There was 1 relapse during the Cohort 1 placebo run-out (98.4% of patients were relapse-free) versus 4 relapses in the Cohort 2 placebo run-in (93.9% relapse free). After 12 weeks of tolebrutinib treatment (Cohort 1), 83.3% of patients had no new Gd-enhancing T1 lesions; 4 weeks after discontinuing tolebrutinib (placebo run-out), 85.2% of patients had no new Gd-enhancing T1 lesions. In Cohort 1, the mean (SD) Gd-enhancing T1 lesion count after 12 weeks of tolebrutinib was 0.37 (0.99) and 0.44 (1.70) after 4 weeks of placebo run-out. For those in Cohort 1 receiving tolebrutinib 60 mg/day—the dose used in the phase 3 study—the mean (SD) Gd+ lesion count was 0.20 (0.56) after 12 weeks of tolebrutinib and 0.31 (0.70) after 4 weeks of placebo run-out. The mean (SD) Gd+ lesion count after the 4-week placebo run-in (Cohort 2) was 1.03 (2.50). At Week 12 in Cohort 1, the mean (SD) number of new/enlarging T2 lesions was 0.58 (1.27) vs 0.95 (2.72) after 4 weeks of placebo run-out, while it was 2.12 (5.16) after the 4-week placebo run-in (Cohort 2).
All 130 enrolled participants completed the placebo period to which they were assigned. Baseline characteristics were largely similar for Cohort 1 (placebo run-out) and Cohort 2 (placebo run-in) as shown in Table 35. The mean±SD age of enrolled participants was 37±10 years; 70% were female. There was 1 relapse during the placebo run-out and 4 relapses during the placebo run-in.
Numbers of new Gd-enhancing T1 lesions and new/enlarging T2 lesions reduced after 12 weeks of tolebrutinib treatment, particularly in the 60 mg arm, and showed only marginal increases after placebo run-out. In Cohort 1 (placebo run-out), the percentage of participants with no new Gd-enhancing T1 lesions after 12 weeks of tolebrutinib treatment (83.3%) was similar to that of 4 weeks after discontinuing treatment (85.2%).
CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings suggest that discontinuation of tolebrutinib in patients with RMS does not induce rebound disease activity. Longer observation periods will be needed to validate this finding. The cross-over to placebo after 12 weeks of tolebrutinib treatment was not associated with a greater risk of relapse during the 4-week run-out period. Focal inflammation as evidenced by new lesion formation was reduced after 12 weeks of tolebrutinib treatment, particularly in the 60 mg dose arm, and remained low during the 4-week placebo run-out period. The number of B cells in the peripheral circulation increased within 1 hour after the first dose of tolebrutinib and returned towards baseline level after the 4-week placebo run-out period.
Accordingly, treatment with tolebrutinib does not lead to a rebound disease in RMS. Thus, the present embodiments provide for a method of preventing a rebound of a flare up of MS (sometimes called a “relapse” or an episode). This occurs by administering tolebrutinib to the patient for at least 12 weeks and then placebo for at least 4 weeks. It has been found that if this is administered, there is no additional risk of a relapse during the 4 week placebo treatment. Accordingly, a method of treatment may be designed in which tolebrutinib is administered to a patient, such as for example, 12 weeks, 1 year, 96 weeks, two years, (or any other time period) and then a 4 week placebo is administered, followed by a re-introduction of tolebrutinib to the patient.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/415,027, filed on Oct. 11, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/433,873, filed on Dec. 20, 2022, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for any purpose.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63415027 | Oct 2022 | US | |
| 63433873 | Dec 2022 | US |
