Impact of Adverse Event Solicitation on the Safety Profile of SQ House Dust Mite Sublingual Immunotherapy Tablet

Efficacy and safety of SQ house dust mite sublingual immunotherapy-tablet (12 SQ-HDM) in children with allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis with or without asthma (MT-12): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trial

Background

Allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis (AR/C) induced by house dust mites (HDM) often begins in childhood and negatively impacts a child's quality of life. The daily burden can be further compounded by comorbid asthma. Allergen immunotherapy is the only available treatment targeting the underlying cause of allergic disease. Efficacy and safety of the SQ HDM sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)-tablet has been demonstrated in adults and adolescents with HDM AR/C with or without asthma, but data are lacking for younger children.

Methods

Phase III, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in younger children (5-11 years) with HDM AR/C with or without asthma. Eligible subjects were randomised 1:1 to SQ HDM SLIT-tablet or placebo for ∼1 year and had free access to AR/C symptom-relieving medications. The primary outcome was the total combined rhinitis score (TCRS) during the final 8 weeks of the treatment period (∼1 year). Secondary outcomes included the rhinitis daily symptom score (DSS) and medication score (DMS), the rhinoconjunctivitis total combined score (TCS), and the Paediatric Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PRQLQ) score. Efficacy analyses were conducted on the full analysis set (observed cases). Asthma-related outcomes were also explored. The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04145219 and EudraCT: 2019-000560-22.

Findings

A total of 1460 subjects were randomised to SQ HDM SLIT-tablet (n = 729) or placebo (n = 731). The primary outcome, TCRS, was statistically significantly different for SQ HDM SLIT-tablet (n = 693) versus placebo (n = 706), with an absolute difference of 1.0 (95% CI: 0.5, 1.4; p < 0.0001) corresponding to a relative reduction of 22.0% (95% CI: 12.0, 31.1). Key secondary outcomes (DSS, DMS, TCS, PRQLQ) showed statistically significant reductions in symptoms and medication use, and improved disease-related quality of life for SQ HDM SLIT-tablet versus placebo. Improvements in asthma symptoms and reduced asthma medication use indicated an additional effect of SQ HDM-SLIT tablet versus placebo. The SQ HDM SLIT-tablet showed a higher event rate for treatment-related adverse events (AEs) than placebo. Most events were of mild or moderate severity and few subjects discontinued due to AEs (2.5%).

Interpretation

The trial confirmed the efficacy and safety of the SQ HDM SLIT-tablet for treating HDM AR/C in younger children (5-11 years) with or without asthma. The safety profile supports daily self-administration of the SQ HDM SLIT-tablet in children.

Funding

ALK-Abellό, Hørsholm, Denmark.

Real-world surveillance of standardized quality (SQ) house dust mite sublingual immunotherapy tablets for 3 years in Japan

Background: Standardized quality (SQ) house-dust mite (HDM) sublingual immunotherapy tablets (10,000 Japanese allergy units [JAU], equivalent to 6 SQ-HDM in Europe and the United States) are licensed for the treatment of HDM-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) without age restriction, based on 52-week administration clinical trials. There are no large-scale data on the administration of 10,000 JAU for > 1 year in actual clinical practice. Objective: To examine the safety and effectiveness of 10,000 JAU during use for up to 3 years at real-world clinical sites in Japan. Methods: This survey was a multicenter, observational, prospective study. We assessed the safety and effectiveness of the long-term administration of 10,000 JAU as well as effectiveness after its discontinuation in patients with HDM AR with an observation period of 3 years. Results: The safety analysis included 815 patients, and the effectiveness analysis included 768 patients. Adverse reactions that occurred in 144 patients (17.67%) were mainly site-related events that occurred early in the dosing period. Serious adverse reactions were dyspnea and anaphylactic reaction in one patient each, and both patients recovered. With regard to effectiveness, compared with scores before the administration of SQ-HDM, nasal symptom scores decreased, depending on the administration period, from 6 months to 3 years. Overall, 67.34% of the patients had improved quality of life after 6 months, and this improvement continued after 12 months. The proportion of patients with "improved and slightly improved" of overall improvement exceeded 90% after 2 years. Treatment discontinuation because "symptoms disappeared" occurred in 24.42% of the patients at 3 years. Patients who discontinued 10,000 JAU (n = 39) had a sustained improvement in nasal symptom scores compared with baseline, even 1 year after discontinuing treatment. Conclusion: The real-world safety and effectiveness of 10,000 JAU SQ-HDM sublingual immunotherapy tablets were confirmed in Japanese patients with HDM AR. No new safety and effectiveness precautions were required.

Safety of 300IR house dust mite sublingual tablet from pooled clinical trial and post-marketing data

Background

The 300IR house dust mite (HDM) sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablet is approved for treatment of HDM-induced allergic rhinitis (AR). To provide a comprehensive review of the 300IR HDM-SLIT tablet safety profile based on randomized controlled trial (RCT) pooled data and post-marketing (PM) pharmacovigilance data.

Methods

Subjects (5-65 years) with confirmed HDM-AR with or without controlled asthma were treated with 300IR or placebo in 8 RCTs. Reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were pooled and analyzed descriptively in subsets of adults/adolescents and children. Adverse reactions (ADRs) collected from spontaneous reporting and PM studies through a pharmacovigilance system since the first marketing authorization were also analyzed.

Results

Across RCTs, 1853 subjects were treated with the 300IR HDM-SLIT tablet and 1846 with placebo. In both subsets of adults/adolescents and children whichever their asthma status, treatment-related TEAEs of higher incidence in active groups vs placebo were mostly consistent with mild or moderate local application-site reactions. They were mainly reported on the first days of treatment and decreased over time. 4 severe laryngopharyngeal reactions (2 requiring adrenaline/epinephrine) and 1 moderate eczema considered serious rapidly resolved with medications; no anaphylaxis was reported. In PM settings, ADRs reported in more than 235,000 patients were in line with RCT findings. Severe systemic reactions occurred rarely; 12 anaphylactic reactions resolved safely (5 with adrenaline). No new safety signal was raised.

Conclusion

Safety data from RCTs and more than 7 years of real-life experience confirmed the favorable safety profile of 300IR HDM-SLIT tablet in patients across different regions, regardless of age and asthma status.

Clinical trial registrations

NCT00674700; Retrospectively registered 06 May 2008.NCT01199133; Retrospectively registered 09 September 2010.NCT01527188; Retrospectively registered 01 February 2012.NCT02443805; Registered 29 April 2015/EudraCT 2014-004223-46; Registered 16 September 2015.jRCT2080221872/JapicCTI-121917; Registered 01 August 2012.jRCT2080222929/JapicCTI-15298; Registered 04 August 2015.

Consistent efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy tablets across allergens and geographic regions

Background: The clinical development program of the SQ grass, ragweed, tree, and house dust mite (HDM) sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)-tablets for allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis (AR/C) included clinical trials conducted in North America, Europe, and Japan. Objective: Data from these trials were analyzed to assess efficacy, immunologic mechanisms, and safety outcomes across allergens and geographic regions. Methods: Thirteen phase III, double-blind, placebo controlled trials in the subjects with AR/C were conducted in North America, Europe (including Russia), and Japan (N = 7763 analyzed). Trials were generally similar with respect to medical practice, target population, eligibility criteria, and efficacy and safety monitoring. Data were analyzed for the approved doses in North America and Europe. Four statistical models were used to enhance comparison of the efficacy end points among the trials. Results: The SLIT-tablets demonstrated consistent efficacy across allergens and regions, regardless of the statistical analysis used. Relative improvement in the primary efficacy end point compared with placebo by using the predefined protocol analysis ranged from 17.9% to 32.8%, 17.5% to 19.3%, 20.6% to 38.3%, and 39.6% with the grass, HDM, ragweed, and tree SLIT-tablets, respectively. The kinetics of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG4 responses were similar among the allergens and regions. Local application-site reactions were the most common adverse events for all allergens and in all regions. Most treatment-related adverse events for all allergens and in all regions were mild in severity. The rate of systemic allergic reactions was similar across regions (0%-0.54%). Conclusion: Confirmatory phase III trials for SLIT-tablets in the treatment of AR/C showed consistent efficacy, immunologic, and safety outcomes across allergens and geographic regions.

SQ sublingual immunotherapy tablets for children with allergic rhinitis: A review of phase three trials

AIM

To provide paediatricians with a summary of efficacy and safety of SQ sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets from phase three, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescents with allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis, with and without asthma.

METHODS

PubMed searches were conducted and unpublished data were included if necessary.

RESULTS

Of the 93 publications, 12 were identified reporting 10 trials. One trial was excluded as paediatric-specific efficacy data were unavailable. The nine eligible trials evaluated grass, house dust mite, ragweed and tree SLIT tablets. Consistent reductions in allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms and medication use were observed with SQ SLIT tablets versus placebo. In a five-year trial, sustained reduction of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms, asthma symptoms and medication use were observed with SQ grass SLIT tablet versus placebo. The number-needed-to-treat to prevent asthma symptoms and medication use in one additional child during follow-up was lowest in younger children. SQ SLIT tablets were generally well tolerated across trials.

CONCLUSION

Evidence supports use of SQ SLIT tablets in children and adolescents with allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis, with and without asthma. Long-term data demonstrate disease-modifying effects of SQ grass SLIT tablet and suggest the clinical relevance of initiating allergy immunotherapy earlier in the disease course.

Tolerability of sublingual versus vestibular allergy immunotherapy tablet administration: A randomized pilot study

BACKGROUND

Local application site reactions are common with sublingual allergy immunotherapy (AIT)-tablets for the treatment of allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis (AR/C) and occasionally lead to treatment discontinuation. Because of the lower mast cell density in the vestibular mucosa than the sublingual area, vestibular AIT-tablet administration may result in fewer adverse events (AEs). This pilot study evaluated the tolerability of the vestibular administration route of AIT-tablets compared with the sublingual route in adult subjects with AR/C.

METHODS

Adults (n = 164) aged 18-65 years with AR/C treated with daily birch pollen, grass pollen, ragweed pollen or house dust mite AIT in tablet form were randomized 1:1 to vestibular or sublingual administration for 28 days, followed by 28 days of sublingual administration only. The primary endpoint was the severity (mild, moderate, severe) of local treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) during the first 28 days of treatment.

RESULTS

During the first 28 days, the percentage of subjects in the vestibular and sublingual groups reporting mild TRAEs were 55.6% versus 50.6%, respectively; moderate TRAEs were 27.2% versus 30.1%; and severe TRAEs were 12.3% versus 6.0% (p = .16). In the vestibular group, 95.1% of the subjects experienced at least one TRAE during the first period versus 81.9% in the sublingual group (p = .01) and discontinuation rates due to AEs were higher (12.3% vs. 3.6%).

CONCLUSION

The frequencies of subjects experiencing severe TRAEs, at least one TRAE, and discontinuations due to AEs at the initiation of AIT-tablets were numerically higher with vestibular administration than sublingual administration. Sublingual administration should remain the standard of care for subjects treated with AIT-tablets for AR/C.

Characteristics of dust mite sublingual immunotherapy-associated adverse events in the early phase

BACKGROUND

Few studies reported the characteristics of house dust mite (HDM) sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) adverse events (AEs) during early phase treatment. The aim of this prospective study was mainly to explore the characteristics of AEs in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients during 6 months of HDM SLIT.

METHODS

A total of 242 patients with AR were enrolled in this study. Telephone follow-up and administration were conducted in the every week of the first month, the third month, and the sixth month of SLIT treatment. Furthermore, the early efficacy, AEs, and compliance were analyzed in our study.

RESULTS

Overall, 70.25% (170/242) of the AR patients completed the study, while 29.75% (72/242) of the AR patients failed to complete the whole 6 months of SLIT treatment process. On the whole, symptoms improved in 87.65% (149/170) of patients including 34.12% (58/170) well-controlled and 53.53% (91/170) partially controlled. The correlation analysis results showed that the treatment effect was negatively correlated with the age (r = -0.1614, P = 0.0355). The AEs mainly occurred in the first month, comprised of local rashes, gastrointestinal reactions, and itching of mouth and tongue. Subgroup analysis in the first month showed the itching of mouth and tongue, gastrointestinal reactions, fatigue, and other AEs in ≥14 years old group (14-65 years old, n = 42) were significant differences when compared with that in the <14 years old group (4-13 years old, n = 128, all P < 0.05). In the study, the main reasons for terminated immunotherapy were drug inaccessibility, loss of follow-up and long course of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Patients with AR who received HDM SLIT revealed an early efficacy after 6 months, with AEs mostly occurred in the first month.

Randomized controlled trial of ragweed sublingual immunotherapy tablet in the subpopulation of Canadian children and adolescents with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis

Background

Post hoc analyses of randomized placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated efficacy and tolerability of the ragweed sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)-tablet in Canadian adults with ragweed pollen-induced allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis (AR/C). This post hoc analysis evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of the ragweed SLIT-tablet in the subpopulation of Canadian children and adolescents with AR/C in a previously described randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Methods

The trial (NCT02478398) was conducted in North American and European children/adolescents ages 5–17 years with ragweed pollen-induced AR/C with or without asthma (FEV1 ≥ 80% predicted). Participants were randomized to daily ragweed SLIT-tablet (12 Amb a 1-U) or placebo for up to 28 weeks. The primary endpoint was the average total combined score (TCS; sum of rhinoconjunctivitis daily symptom score [DSS] and daily medication score [DMS]) during peak ragweed pollen season (RPS). Key secondary endpoints were TCS during the entire RPS, and DSS and DMS during peak RPS. Post hoc analyses of the primary and key secondary endpoints were conducted in the subpopulation of Canadian participants.

Results

Of the 1025 randomized participants, 246 (SLIT-tablet, n = 116; placebo, n = 130) were in the Canadian subpopulation. In the total study population, relative TCS (95% CI) improvement with ragweed SLIT-tablet versus placebo was − 38.3% (− 46.0%, − 29.7%; least square [LS] mean difference, − 2.73; P < 0.001) during peak RPS. In the Canadian subpopulation, relative TCS improvements with ragweed SLIT-tablet versus placebo were − 40.8% (− 54.5%, − 20.2%; LS mean difference, − 1.59; P = 0.001) during peak RPS and − 36.6% (− 50.2%, − 16.5%; LS mean difference, − 1.36; P = 0.002) during the entire RPS. DSS and DMS during peak RPS in the Canadian subpopulation improved with SLIT-tablet versus placebo by − 30.6% (− 45.2%, − 7.7%; LS mean difference, − 0.94; P = 0.010) and − 77.2% (− 97.5%, − 44.2%; LS mean difference, − 0.66; P = 0.003), respectively. No events of anaphylaxis, airway compromise, intramuscular epinephrine administration, eosinophilic esophagitis, or severe treatment-related systemic allergic reactions were reported in the overall population or Canadian subpopulation.

Conclusion

Efficacy and safety of the ragweed SLIT-tablet in Canadian children/adolescents with ragweed pollen-induced AR/C was consistent with the total study population. The ragweed SLIT-tablet resulted in clinically meaningful improvement in symptoms, decreased symptom-relieving medication use, and was well tolerated in Canadian children/adolescents.

Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02478398. Registered June 23, 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02478398?term=NCT02478398&draw=2&rank=1

Long term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of intracutaneous zolmitriptan (M207) in the acute treatment of migraine

OBJECTIVE

To determine the long-term safety and tolerability profile of M207 in the acute treatment of migraine.

BACKGROUND

M207 is an investigational microneedle-based system for intracutaneous delivery of zolmitriptan for the treatment of migraine attacks. Following on the positive results of a Phase 2/3 placebo-controlled efficacy study (ZOTRIP), this study was designed to evaluate the safety of this novel product during repeated use for the treatment of migraine attacks.

METHODS

In this 6-12 month open-label, multicenter observational study, participants used an eDiary to record headache symptoms and adverse events at specified intervals up to 48 h following treatment of a qualifying attack with M207 3.8 mg (intracutaneous zolmitriptan). Participants underwent clinical evaluations at specified intervals up to 12 months.

RESULTS

Among 335 participants who treated ≥1 migraine attack, 257 completed 6 months and 127 completed 1 year of treatment. The most common reason for withdrawal from the study was a low frequency of reported attacks post randomization. Overall, 5963 migraine attacks were treated. Most participants (96%) experienced at least 1 adverse event, the vast majority of which concerned the application site, and > 95% of which were mild. Fifteen participants (4%) withdrew due to adverse events; 4 withdrew due to 7 application site reactions, 6 of which were mild. Participants achieved pain freedom in 2477/5617 (44%) of attacks, most bothersome symptom freedom in 3315/5330 (62%) of attacks, and pain relief 2 h post-dose in 4552/5617 (81%) of attacks. Sustained pain freedom 2-24 h was seen in 1761/4698 (38%) of attacks, and 2-48 h in 1534/4429 (35%) of attacks.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of participants experienced cutaneous adverse reactions such as application site erythema, swelling, and bleeding, and most reactions were scored as mild. These results are consistent with what was observed in the single migraine attack treatment ZOTRIP trial indicating that M207 is well tolerated in the setting of longer-term repeated use. Efficacy findings were also similar to those in the ZOTRIP trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov on September 13, 2017 ( NCT03282227 ).

Efficacy and Safety of Ragweed SLIT-Tablet in Children with Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Ragweed sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablet reduces symptoms and symptom-relieving medication use in adults with allergic rhinitis with or without conjunctivitis (AR/C) but has not been evaluated in children.

OBJECTIVE

This international, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of ragweed SLIT-tablet in children with AR/C.

METHODS

Children (N = 1025; 77.7% polysensitized) aged 5 to 17 years with ragweed pollen-induced AR/C with or without asthma (FEV₁ ≥80% predicted) were randomized 1:1 to daily ragweed SLIT-tablet (12 Amb a 1-Unit) or placebo for up to 28 weeks (NCT02478398). The primary end point was the average total combined score (TCS; sum of rhinoconjunctivitis daily symptom score [DSS] and daily medication score [DMS]) during peak ragweed pollen season (RPS). Key secondary end points were TCS during the entire RPS, and DSS and DMS during the peak RPS.

RESULTS

Relative TCS (95% CI) improvements with ragweed SLIT-tablet versus placebo were -38.3% (-46.0% to -29.7%; least square [LS] mean difference, -2.73; P < .001) during peak RPS and -32.4% (-40.7% to -23.3%; LS mean difference, -1.86; P < .001) during the entire RPS. DSS and DMS during peak RPS improved with SLIT-tablet versus placebo by -35.4% (-43.2% to -26.1%; LS mean difference, -1.40; P < .001) and -47.7% (-59.8% to -32.5%; LS mean difference, -1.84; P < .001), respectively. Asthma DSS, short-acting β-agonist use, and nocturnal awakenings during peak RPS improved with SLIT-tablet versus placebo by -30.7%, -68.1%, and -75.1%, respectively (all nominal P ≤ .02). No events of anaphylaxis, airway compromise, or severe treatment-related systemic allergic reactions were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Ragweed SLIT-tablet significantly improved symptoms and decreased symptom-relieving medication use in children with ragweed pollen-induced AR/C and was well tolerated.

SQ house dust mite sublingual immunotherapy tablet subgroup efficacy and local application site reaction duration

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis with or without conjunctivitis (AR/C) is common, necessitating evaluation of SQ house dust mite (HDM) sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)-tablet efficacy in various subgroups.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate 12 SQ-HDM efficacy and safety across subgroups, and the onset, duration, and recurrence of local application site reactions.

METHODS

Subgroup (age, sex, race, asthma status, and allergen sensitization) efficacy was assessed using pooled data from 2 previously described trials of daily 12 SQ-HDM vs placebo for AR/C (n = 2,138). Efficacy was measured by average total combined rhinitis score (TCRS; rhinitis daily symptom plus medication score) during the last 8 weeks of treatment. Safety in subgroups and local application site reaction onset, duration, and recurrence were evaluated using pooled data from 5 previously described trials of SQ HDM SLIT-tablet (n = 2,923).

RESULTS

Significant (based on 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) reduction in TCRS was seen with 12 SQ-HDM relative to placebo across all subgroups, with TCRS improvements ranging from 15% to 25%. The AE profile was generally similar within subgroups. Approximately 95% of local application site reactions were mild to moderate in severity. Median duration on day 1 of treatment for the most common local application site reactions (throat irritation, oral pruritus, ear pruritus, and lip swelling) ranged from 30 to 60 minutes; median first day of onset ranged from days 1 to 4 of treatment; median days that reactions recurred ranged from 3 to 12 days.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with 12 SQ-HDM consistently improved symptoms and was well tolerated in relevant subgroups of subjects with HDM AR/C. Local application site reactions to 12 SQ-HDM were typically mild to moderate and transient.