1
|
Bansback N, Keystone E, O'Dell J, Phibbs CS, Hannagan K, Brophy M, Anis A. Making smart investment decisions in clinical research. Trials 2015; 16:590. [PMID: 26712327 PMCID: PMC4693420 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-015-1123-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A recent trial in rheumatoid arthritis found an inexpensive, but infrequently used, combination of therapies is neither inferior nor less safe than an expensive biologic drug. If the trial had been conducted over 10 years ago, arguably 100’s of millions of dollars since spent on biologics could have been released to other, more effective treatments. Given the ever increasing number of trials proposed, this commentary uses the trial as an example to challenge payers and research funders to make smarter investments in clinical research to save potential future costs. Trial registration: NCT00405275, registered 29 November 2006
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nick Bansback
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Arthritis Research Centre for Canada, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Edward Keystone
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,The Rebecca MacDonald Centre for Arthritis & Autoimmune Diseases, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
| | - James O'Dell
- Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, USA. .,University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA.
| | - Ciaran S Phibbs
- Health Economics Resource Center and the Center for Health Care Evaluation, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA. .,Department of Health Research and Policy and the Center for Primary Care Outcomes Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Keri Hannagan
- VA Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, Boston, USA.
| | - Mary Brophy
- VA Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, Boston, USA. .,School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, USA.
| | - Aslam Anis
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Arthritis Research Centre for Canada, Vancouver, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Affiliation(s)
- A Kumar
- Addl Professor & Head, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
| | - V Marwaha
- Fellow in Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Service, Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fleischmann R, Stern R, Iqbal I. Anakinra: an inhibitor of IL-1 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2005; 4:1333-44. [PMID: 15268666 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.4.8.1333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Anakinra (Amgen, Inc.) is a specific receptor antagonist of IL-1 that differs from naturally occurring IL-1 receptor antagonist by the presence of a methionine group. Anakinra has been shown to be of benefit in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis, either when given alone or in combination with methotrexate, as assessed by improvement in clinical signs and symptoms, decreased radiographic progression and improvement in patient function, pain and fatigue, although it appears to be effective in fewer patients than anti-TNF agents. It has a favourable safety profile as demonstrated in clinical trials. The physician and patient must be cognizant of serious infectious episodes. Many of the rare side effects seen with TNF blockers, such as tuberculosis, other opportunistic infections, worsening of congestive heart failure and the development of demyelinating disease, have not been seen in patients treated with anakinra. Anakinra should not be given in combination with anti-TNF agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roy Fleischmann
- Radiant Research-Dallas, 5939 Harry Hines Boulevard, Suite 400, Dallas, Texas 75235-5360, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sweeney SE, Hammaker D, Boyle DL, Firestein GS. Regulation of c-Jun phosphorylation by the I kappa B kinase-epsilon complex in fibroblast-like synoviocytes. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 174:6424-30. [PMID: 15879144 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.174.10.6424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes a symmetric, inflammatory polyarthritis that results in joint destruction and significant disability. Signaling pathways that regulate the production of cytokines and destructive enzymes have been implicated in its pathogenesis and represent potential therapeutic targets. The IkappaB kinase (IKK)-related kinase, IKKepsilon/IKKi, which plays a pivotal role in regulating antiviral gene transcription, is constitutively expressed by cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and could participate in the pathogenesis of RA. In the current studies we demonstrate that IKKepsilon protein is expressed in RA and osteoarthritis synovium and that the protein is found primarily in the synovial intimal lining. Functional studies in cultured FLS showed that IKKepsilon kinase activity is rapidly induced by cytokines, although IkappaB phosphorylation is significantly less compared with IKK2. Because NF-kappaB activation is similar in wild-type and IKKepsilon knockout murine FLS, studies were performed to identify an alternative substrate for IKKepsilon. Interestingly, c-Jun is a more efficient substrate for IKKepsilon immunocomplexes in human FLS and this activity appears to be independent of JNK. The functional relevance of IKKepsilon was examined using murine IKKepsilon(-/-) cultured FLS. IL-1-, TNF-alpha-, and LPS-mediated induction of matrix metalloproteinases, MMP3 and MMP13, is significantly decreased in the IKKepsilon(-/-) cells. These data suggest a novel role for the IKKepsilon complex in synovial inflammation, extracellular matrix destruction, and activation of the viral program and innate immune response in RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Sweeney
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, University of California-San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that presents as a symmetric polyarthritis associated with swelling and pain in multiple joints, often initially occurring in the joints of the hands and feet. Articular inflammation causes activation and proliferation of the synovial lining, expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokine-mediated recruitment of additional inflammatory cells, as well as B cell activation with autoantibody production. A vicious cycle of altered cytokine and signal transduction pathways and inhibition of programmed cell death contribute to synoviocyte and osteoclast mediated cartilage and bone destruction. A combination of targeted interventions at various stages in the pathogenesis of RA will likely be required to control symptoms in certain patients with this complex and potentially disabling disease. The regulation of rheumatoid synovial inflammation will be reviewed, followed by a brief summary of the therapeutic implications of these advances, including strategies targeting key cytokines, signal transduction molecules, co-stimulatory molecules, B cells, chemokines, and adhesion molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Sweeney
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, UCSD School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kimpel D, Dayton T, Fuseler J, Gray L, Kannan K, Wolf RE, Grisham M. Splenectomy attenuates streptococcal cell wall-induced arthritis and alters leukocyte activation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003; 48:3557-67. [PMID: 14674009 DOI: 10.1002/art.11424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of the spleen in the pathogenesis of streptococcal cell wall (SCW)-induced arthritis and determine the impact of splenectomy on monocytes and T cells involved in the arthritis. METHODS Female Lewis rats were separated into 4 groups: 1) saline-injected, sham-operated; 2) saline-injected, splenectomized; 3) peptidoglycan-polysaccharide (PG-PS)-injected, sham-operated; and 4) PG-PS-injected, splenectomized. After a 10-day recovery period, rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of saline or PG-PS (25 microg rhamnose/gm body weight). We evaluated the effect of splenectomy on joint inflammation, histopathology, leukocyte subtypes in blood and lymph nodes, cytokines, and cell surface expression of CD44 and CD45RC in the chronic phase of the disease (day 28). RESULTS Splenectomy dramatically decreased chronic joint inflammation and histopathologic damage as well as altered cell types in lymph nodes and peripheral blood, as analyzed by flow cytometry. Nitric oxide (NO) production, levels of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and a biomarker of Th1 cell predominance correlated with the level of joint inflammation. Surprisingly, in splenectomized animals, increased expression of adhesion molecules thought to track T cells to inflamed tissue were observed in lymph nodes. CONCLUSION The result of splenectomy was attenuation of SCW-induced arthritis and changes in mediators of inflammation, including T cell subsets, proinflammatory cytokines, and NO production. Splenectomy may remove an important antigen reservoir and alter immune cell activation in the SCW-induced arthritis model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donald Kimpel
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
The capability of selectively targeting pathogenic elements of disease with biologic therapies has created a new therapeutic repertoire. Although a substantial number of biologic agents have been developed for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, few have been approved for use. Most of the agents have failed to reach the approval stage because of inadequate clinical benefit. Despite this, studies of these agents have provided extremely valuable lessons in study design, immunobiology, pharmacodynamic evaluation, and the utility of animal models in the development of biologic agents. These insights have laid the groundwork for future development of other novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Collapse
|
8
|
Saydain G, George L, Raoof S. New therapies: plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, and monoclonal antibodies. Crit Care Clin 2002; 18:957-75. [PMID: 12418449 DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0704(02)00028-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatologic emergencies may pose a serious threat to life, and the treatment of patients with these illnesses continues to be challenging. In the last decade extensive animal and human research has led to development of new therapies. Considerable progress has been made in the therapy for RA. Newly developed biologic therapies have shown promising results in clinical studies, and two agents have already been approved by the FDA. These drugs are currently available for therapy and are under close postmarketing scrutiny to assess long-term efficacy and safety. Similar therapies are under investigation for SLE. Plasmapheresis, once used for many diseases, is now restricted mostly to conditions for which its use has been shown to be beneficial in randomized, controlled studies. Immunoadsorption is used to target specific disease-producing pathogens for removal during extracorporeal therapy. Evidence is accumulating for the use of IVIGs in several immune-mediated conditions. The outlook for some emergencies continues be grim, however, and various therapies are used based on evidence from anecdotal case reports and case series. The new therapies are relatively safe, but careful monitoring is needed, because there is potential for serious adverse events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Saydain
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Nassau University Medical Center, 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
McMurray RW. A new century of antirheumatic therapy. Am J Med Sci 2002; 323:169-70. [PMID: 12003370 DOI: 10.1097/00000441-200204000-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert W McMurray
- Rheumatology Section, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Hospital, Jackson, Mississippi, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
The recent elucidation of pathogenic processes involving tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1beta in the pathogenesis and persistence of rheumatoid arthritis led to the development of biological modifier agents that have had significant impact on disease severity and progression. These agents--etanercept, infliximab, and anakinra--produce a dramatic reduction in RA disease activity with relatively low toxicity compared with currently available disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The main prohibition to their broader utilization is cost. The success of these agents underscores the investigative approaches to the pathogenesis of RA and the appropriate design of pharmaceutical agents to target specific proinflammatory molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John K Jenkins
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unknown; however, extensive research has yielded great insight into its pathogenesis. Lymphocytes play a significant role, but a lesser role in the perpetuation of late disease. The rheumatoid synovium is composed primarily of fibroblasts and monocytes that produce inflammatory cytokines, of which interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor are of key importance. Potential regulatory mechanisms balancing the effects of these cytokines are inadequate to prevent joint damage and subsequent disability. These cytokines seem responsible for stimulating destructive processes in the joint via induction of prostaglandins, angiogenesis, chemokines, adhesion molecules, osteoclastogenesis, and matrix metalloproteinases. This review discusses recent research findings in the immunopathogenesis of RA with respect to potential targets for therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John K Jenkins
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|