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Albert J, Broadwell A, Padnick-Silver L, Marder B, LaMoreaux B. Intensive urate-lowering with pegloticase plus methotrexate co-therapy in uncontrolled gout patients with and without chronic kidney disease: A retrospective case series. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37424. [PMID: 38457582 PMCID: PMC10919538 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and gout commonly co-occur. Pegloticase lowers serum urate (SU) in uncontrolled gout patients but antidrug antibodies limit urate-lowering response and increase infusion reaction (IR) risk. Methotrexate (MTX) co-administration increases pegloticase response rate and mitigates IR risk but CKD limits MTX use. This pooled case series examined pegloticase + MTX co-therapy in uncontrolled gout patients with and without CKD. Cases of pegloticase + MTX co-therapy in existing datasets were retrospectively examined. Baseline eGFR classified patients as CKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) or non-CKD (eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Patient characteristics, treatment parameters, laboratory values, urate-lowering response rate (≥12 pegloticase infusions received and SU < 6 mg/dL just before infusion 12), and AEs were examined. Fifteen CKD (eGFR: 43.2 ± 11.3 mL/min/1.73 m2; SU: 8.6 ± 2.2 mg/dL), 27 non-CKD (eGFR: 82.9 ± 19.0 mL/min/1.73 m2; SU: 9.5 ± 1.7 mg/dL) patients were included. Comorbidity profiles were similar, but CKD patients were older (72.0 ± 9.9 vs 52.3 ± 14.3 years) and more often female (33.3% vs 7.4%). Treatment parameters were similar with 4-week MTX Run-in followed by mean of 14.7 ± 8.1 [CKD] vs 14.1 ± 7.1 [non-CKD] pegloticase infusions. However, CKD patients had lower MTX dose (14.8 ± 5.8 vs 19.3 ± 4.9 mg/week). Urate-lowering response was similar (92% vs 86%). eGFR increased during treatment in 60% of CKD (+11.5 ± 20.9 mL/min/1.73 m2, 87% stable/improved CKD-stage) and 44% of non-CKD (+4.2 ± 15.0 mL/min/1.73 m2) patients. AEs were similar (≥1 AE CKD: 53%, non-CKD: 67%; gout flare most-reported). One case each of pancytopenia and IR (mild) occurred in non-CKD patients. These real-world data show similar pegloticase + MTX efficacy in CKD and non-CKD patients. No new safety signals were identified, with most CKD patients showing renal function stability or improvement during therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Brad Marder
- Horizon Therapeutics plc (now Amgen, Inc.), Deerfield, IL
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2
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Yip K, Braverman G, Yue L, Fields T. Pipeline Therapies for Gout. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2024; 26:69-80. [PMID: 38133712 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-023-01128-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite effective available treatments, gout management is often unsuccessful in getting patients to target serum urate goal and in managing flares in the setting of comorbidities. Studies addressing future treatment options for short- and long-term management are reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS URAT-1 blocking agents have been helpful but have had limitations related to effects on renal function, lack of efficacy with renal impairment, and potential to increase renal stones. Dotinurad may function in the setting of decreased renal function. Arhalofenate has anti-URAT-1 activity and may also blunt gout flares. A new xanthine oxidase inhibitor (XOI), tigulixostat, is under study. New uricase treatments manufactured in combination with agents that can reduce immunogenicity may make uricase treatment simpler. A unique strategy of inhibiting gut uricase may offer the benefits of avoiding systemic absorption. For gout flares, IL-1β inhibitor studies in progress include different dosing schedules. Dapansutrile, an oral agent under investigation, inhibits activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and may be an effective anti-inflammatory. New treatments for gout that are under study may work in the setting of comorbidities, simplify management, utilize new mechanisms, or have reduced side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Yip
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Genna Braverman
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Linda Yue
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Theodore Fields
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
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3
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Opałka B, Żołnierczuk M, Grabowska M. Immunosuppressive Agents-Effects on the Cardiovascular System and Selected Metabolic Aspects: A Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6935. [PMID: 37959400 PMCID: PMC10647341 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The widespread use of immunosuppressive drugs makes it possible to reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases, as well as prevent transplant rejection in organ recipients. Despite their key action in blocking the body's immune response, these drugs have many side effects. These actions primarily affect the cardiovascular system, and the incidence of complications in patients using immunosuppressive drugs is significant, being associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular incidents such as myocardial infarction and stroke. This paper analyzes the mechanisms of action of commonly used immunosuppressive drugs and their impact on the cardiovascular system. The adverse effect of immunosuppressive drugs is associated with toxicity within the cardiovascular system, which may be a problem in the clinical management of patients after transplantation. Immunosuppressants act on the cardiovascular system in a variety of ways, including fibrosis and myocardial remodeling, endothelium disfunction, hypertension, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia or hyperglycaemia, metabolic syndrome, and hyperuricemia. The use of multidrug protocols makes it possible to develop regimens that can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events. A better understanding of their mechanism of action and the range of complications could enable physicians to select the appropriate therapy for a given patient, as well as to reduce complications and prolong life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianka Opałka
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Michał Żołnierczuk
- Department of Plastic, Endocrine and General Surgery, Pomeranian Medical University, 72-010 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Marta Grabowska
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland;
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4
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Schlesinger N, Pérez-Ruiz F, Lioté F. Mechanisms and rationale for uricase use in patients with gout. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:640-649. [PMID: 37684360 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01006-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Xanthine oxidase inhibitors such as allopurinol and febuxostat have been the mainstay urate-lowering therapy (ULT) for treating hyperuricaemia in patients with gout. However, not all patients receiving oral ULT achieve the target serum urate level, in part because some patients cannot tolerate, or have actual or misconceived contraindications to, their use, mainly due to comorbidities. ULT dosage is also limited by formularies and clinical inertia. This failure to sufficiently lower serum urate levels can lead to difficult-to-treat or uncontrolled gout, usually due to poorly managed and/or under-treated gout. In species other than humans, uricase (urate oxidase) converts urate to allantoin, which is more soluble in urine than uric acid. Exogenic uricases are an exciting therapeutic option for patients with gout. They can be viewed as enzyme replacement therapy. Uricases are being used to treat uncontrolled gout, and can achieve rapid reduction of hyperuricaemia, dramatic resolution of tophi, decreased chronic joint pain and improved quality of life. Availability, cost and uricase immunogenicity have limited their use. Uricases could become a leading choice in severe and difficult-to-treat gout as induction and/or debulking therapy (that is, for lowering of the urate pool) to be followed by chronic oral ULT. This Review summarizes the evidence regarding available uricases and those in the pipeline, their debulking effect and their outcomes related to gout and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Schlesinger
- Division of Rheumatology, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Fernando Pérez-Ruiz
- Rheumatology Division, Cruces University Hospital, Vizcaya, Spain
- Arthritis Investigation Group, Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Vizcaya, Spain
- Medicine Department, Medicine and Nursing School, University of the Basque Country, Biskay, Spain
| | - Frédéric Lioté
- Université Paris Cité, UFR de Médecine, Paris, France
- Department of Rheumatology, DMU Locomotion, AP-HP Nord & Inserm UMR 1132, Bioscar (Centre Viggo Petersen), Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France
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5
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Baxter B, Sanders S, Patel SA, Martin A, West M. Pegloticase in Uncontrolled Gout: The Infusion Nurse Perspective. JOURNAL OF INFUSION NURSING 2023; 46:223-231. [PMID: 37406337 PMCID: PMC10306337 DOI: 10.1097/nan.0000000000000510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Infused biologics, such as pegloticase, are a core component of managing uncontrolled gout, which is increasing in prevalence. Pegloticase is often the last line of therapy for patients with uncontrolled gout; therefore, achieving a successful course of treatment is critical. The infusion nurse's role in patient education, serum uric acid monitoring, and patient medication compliance is essential for ensuring patient safety and maximizing the number of patients who benefit from a full treatment course of pegloticase. Infusion nurses are on the front lines with patients and need to be educated on potential negative effects associated with the medications they infuse, such as infusion reactions, as well as risk management methods like patient screening and monitoring. Further, patient education provided by the infusion nurse plays a large role in empowering the patient to become their own advocate during pegloticase treatment. This educational overview includes a model patient case for pegloticase monotherapy, as well as one for pegloticase with immunomodulation and a step-by-step checklist for infusion nurses to refer to throughout the pegloticase infusion process. A video abstract is available for this article at http://links.lww.com/JIN/A105.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britni Baxter
- Altus Infusion/Houk Rheumatology, Little Rock, Arkansas (Ms Baxter); Premier Specialty Network, Columbia, Missouri (Ms Sanders); and Horizon Therapeutics PLC, Deerfield, Illinois (Ms Patel, Ms Martin, and Mr West)
| | - Shayla Sanders
- Altus Infusion/Houk Rheumatology, Little Rock, Arkansas (Ms Baxter); Premier Specialty Network, Columbia, Missouri (Ms Sanders); and Horizon Therapeutics PLC, Deerfield, Illinois (Ms Patel, Ms Martin, and Mr West)
| | - Shilpa A. Patel
- Altus Infusion/Houk Rheumatology, Little Rock, Arkansas (Ms Baxter); Premier Specialty Network, Columbia, Missouri (Ms Sanders); and Horizon Therapeutics PLC, Deerfield, Illinois (Ms Patel, Ms Martin, and Mr West)
| | - Andrea Martin
- Altus Infusion/Houk Rheumatology, Little Rock, Arkansas (Ms Baxter); Premier Specialty Network, Columbia, Missouri (Ms Sanders); and Horizon Therapeutics PLC, Deerfield, Illinois (Ms Patel, Ms Martin, and Mr West)
| | - Michael West
- Altus Infusion/Houk Rheumatology, Little Rock, Arkansas (Ms Baxter); Premier Specialty Network, Columbia, Missouri (Ms Sanders); and Horizon Therapeutics PLC, Deerfield, Illinois (Ms Patel, Ms Martin, and Mr West)
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6
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Botson JK, Saag K, Peterson J, Parikh N, Ong S, La D, LoCicero K, Obermeyer K, Xin Y, Chamberlain J, LaMoreaux B, Verma S, Sainati S, Grewal S, Majjhoo A, Tesser JRP, Weinblatt ME. A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of Methotrexate to Increase Response Rates in Patients with Uncontrolled Gout Receiving Pegloticase: Primary Efficacy and Safety Findings. Arthritis Rheumatol 2023; 75:293-304. [PMID: 36099211 PMCID: PMC10107774 DOI: 10.1002/art.42335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity of pegloticase plus methotrexate (MTX) versus pegloticase plus placebo cotreatment for uncontrolled gout in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. METHODS This study included adults with uncontrolled gout, defined as serum urate ≥7 mg/dl, oral urate-lowering therapy failure or intolerance, and presence of ongoing gout symptoms including ≥1 tophus, ≥2 flares in the past 12 months, or gouty arthritis. Key exclusion criteria included MTX contraindication, current immunosuppressant use, G6PDH deficiency, and estimated glomerular filtration rate <40 ml/minute/1.73 m2 . Patients were randomized 2:1 to 52 weeks of pegloticase (8 mg biweekly) with either oral MTX (15 mg/week) or placebo. The primary end point was the proportion of treatment responders during month 6 (defined as serum urate <6 mg/dl for ≥80% of visits during weeks 20-24). Efficacy was evaluated in all randomized patients (intent-to-treat population), and safety was evaluated in all patients receiving ≥1 blinded MTX or placebo dose. RESULTS A total of 152 patients were randomized, 100 to receive pegloticase plus MTX, 52 to receive pegloticase plus placebo. Significantly higher treatment response occurred during month 6 in the MTX group versus the placebo group (71.0% [71 of 100 patients] versus 38.5% [20 of 52 patients], respectively; between-group difference 32.3% [95% confidence interval 16.3%, 48.3%]) (P < 0.0001 for between-group difference). During the first 6 months of pegloticase plus MTX or pegloticase plus placebo treatment, 78 (81.3%) of 96 MTX patients versus 47 (95.9%) of 49 placebo patients experienced ≥1 adverse event (AE), most commonly gout flare (64 [66.7%] of 96 MTX patients and 34 [69.4%] of 49 placebo patients). Reports of AEs and serious AEs were comparable between groups, but the infusion reaction rate was considerably lower with MTX cotherapy (4.2% [4 of 96 MTX patients, including 1 patient who had anaphylaxis]) than with placebo cotherapy (30.6% [15 of 49 placebo patients, 0 who had anaphylaxis]) (P < 0.001). Antidrug antibody positivity was also lower in the MTX group. CONCLUSION MTX cotherapy markedly increased pegloticase response rate over placebo (71.0% versus 38.5%) during month 6 with no new safety signals. These findings verify higher treatment response rate, lower infusion reaction incidence, and lower immunogenicity when pegloticase is coadministered with MTX.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeff Peterson
- Western Washington Arthritis Clinic, Bothell, Washington
| | | | | | - Dan La
- Keck USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | - Yan Xin
- Horizon Therapeutics plc, Deerfield, Illinois
| | | | | | - Supra Verma
- Horizon Therapeutics plc, Deerfield, Illinois
| | | | - Suneet Grewal
- East Bay Rheumatology Medical Group Inc., San Leandro, California
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7
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Botson JK, Tesser JRP, Bennett R, Kenney HM, Peloso PM, Obermeyer K, Song Y, LaMoreaux B, Zhao L, Xin Y, Chamberlain J, Ramanathan S, Weinblatt ME, Peterson J. A multicentre, efficacy and safety study of methotrexate to increase response rates in patients with uncontrolled gout receiving pegloticase (MIRROR): 12-month efficacy, safety, immunogenicity, and pharmacokinetic findings during long-term extension of an open-label study. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:208. [PMID: 36008814 PMCID: PMC9404640 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02865-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Publications suggest immunomodulation co-therapy improves responder rates in uncontrolled/refractory gout patients undergoing pegloticase treatment. The MIRROR open-label trial showed a 6-month pegloticase + methotrexate co-therapy responder rate of 79%, compared to an established 42% pegloticase monotherapy responder rate. Longer-term efficacy/safety data are presented here. Methods Uncontrolled gout patients (serum urate [SU] ≥ 6 mg/dL and SU ≥ 6 mg/dL despite urate-lowering therapy [ULT], ULT intolerance, or functionally-limiting tophi) were included. Patients with immunocompromised status, G6PD deficiency, severe kidney disease, or methotrexate contraindication were excluded. Oral methotrexate (15 mg/week) and folic acid (1 mg/day) were administered 4 weeks before and during pegloticase therapy. Twelve-month responder rate (SU < 6 mg/dL for ≥ 80% during month 12), 52-week change from baseline in SU, and extended safety were examined. Efficacy analyses were performed for patients receiving ≥ 1 pegloticase infusion. Pharmacokinetics (PK)/anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) were examined and related to efficacy/safety findings. Results Fourteen patients were included (all male, 49.3 ± 8.7 years, 13.8 ± 7.4-year gout history, pre-therapy SU 9.2 ± 2.5 mg/dL). Three patients were non-responders and discontinued study treatment before 24 weeks, one patient exited the study per protocol at 24 weeks (enrolled prior to treatment extension amendment), and 10 remained in the study through week 52. Of the 10, 8 completed 52 weeks of pegloticase + methotrexate and were 12-month responders. The remaining two discontinued pegloticase + methotrexate at week 24 (met treatment goals) and stayed in the study under observation (allopurinol prescribed at physicians’ discretion); one remained a responder at 12 months. At 52 weeks, change from baseline in SU was − 8.2 ± 4.1 mg/dL (SU 1.1 ± 2.4 mg/dL, n = 10). Gout flares were common early in treatment but progressively decreased while on therapy (weeks 1–12, 13/14 [92.9%]; weeks 36–52, 2/8 [25.0%]). One patient recovered from sepsis (serious AE). Two non-responders developed high ADA titers; fewer patients had trough concentrations (Cmin) below the quantitation limit (BQL), and the median Cmin was higher (1.03 µg/mL vs. BQL) than pegloticase monotherapy trials. Conclusions Pegloticase + methotrexate co-therapy was well-tolerated over 12 months, with sustained SU lowering, progressive gout flare reduction, and no new safety concerns. Antibody/PK findings suggest methotrexate attenuates ADA formation, coincident with higher treatment response rates. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03635957. Registered on 17 August 2018.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-022-02865-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K Botson
- Orthopedic Physicians Alaska, 3801 Lake Otis Parkway, Suite 300, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA.
| | - John R P Tesser
- Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates, 4550 East Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85032, USA
| | - Ralph Bennett
- Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates, 4550 East Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85032, USA
| | - Howard M Kenney
- Arthritis Northwest, PLLC, 105 West 8th Avenue, Suite 6080W, Spokane, WA, 99204, USA
| | - Paul M Peloso
- Horizon Therapeutics Plc, 1 Horizon Way, Deerfield, IL, 60015, USA
| | - Katie Obermeyer
- Horizon Therapeutics Plc, 1 Horizon Way, Deerfield, IL, 60015, USA
| | - Yang Song
- Horizon Therapeutics Plc, 2 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Brian LaMoreaux
- Horizon Therapeutics Plc, 1 Horizon Way, Deerfield, IL, 60015, USA
| | - Lin Zhao
- Horizon Therapeutics Plc, 1 Horizon Way, Deerfield, IL, 60015, USA
| | - Yan Xin
- Horizon Therapeutics Plc, 2 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Jason Chamberlain
- Horizon Therapeutics Plc, 2 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Srini Ramanathan
- Horizon Therapeutics Plc, 2 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Michael E Weinblatt
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jeff Peterson
- Western Washington Medical Group Arthritis Clinic, 1909 214th Street SE, Suite 211, Bothell, WA, 98021, USA
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8
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Huddleston EM, Gaffo AL. Emerging strategies for treating gout. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 65:102241. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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9
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Schlesinger N, Padnick-Silver L, LaMoreaux B. Enhancing the Response Rate to Recombinant Uricases in Patients with Gout. BioDrugs 2022; 36:95-103. [PMID: 35316517 PMCID: PMC8938732 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-022-00517-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Refractory, or uncontrolled, gout is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory arthropathy resulting from continued urate deposition after failed attempts to lower serum uric acid below the therapeutic threshold with oral urate-lowering therapies such as allopurinol and febuxostat. Recombinant uricase is increasingly being used to treat refractory gout; however, the immunogenicity of uricase-based therapies has limited the use of these biologic therapies. Antidrug antibodies against biologic therapies, including uricase and PEGylated uricase, can lead to loss of urate-lowering response, increased risk of infusion reactions, and subsequent treatment failure. However, co-therapy with an immunomodulator can attenuate antidrug antibody development, potentially increasing the likelihood of sustained urate lowering, therapy course completion, and successful treatment outcomes. This review summarizes evidence surrounding the use of immunomodulation as co-therapy with recombinant uricases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Schlesinger
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - Brian LaMoreaux
- Medical Affairs, Horizon Therapeutics, 1 Horizon Way, Deerfield, IL, 60015, USA.
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10
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Botson JK, Baraf HSB, Keenan RT, Albert J, Masri KR, Peterson J, Yung C, Freyne B, Amin M, Abdellatif A, Soloman N, Edwards NL, Strand V. Expert Opinion on Pegloticase with Concomitant Immunomodulatory Therapy in the Treatment of Uncontrolled Gout to Improve Efficacy, Safety, and Durability of Response. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2022; 24:12-19. [PMID: 35167037 PMCID: PMC8866281 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-022-01055-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Gout is a systemic disease from which some patients develop numerous painful tophi that adversely affect quality of life and functionality. Some patients treated with oral urate-lowering therapy are unable to maintain serum urate levels below 6 mg/dL, and these patients, thus classified as having refractory or uncontrolled gout, often require therapy with pegloticase to reduce symptoms and tophaceous burden. The objective of this expert opinion review is to summarize the available evidence supporting the use of concomitant immunomodulators with pegloticase to prevent development of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) when treating patients with uncontrolled gout. Recent Findings Emerging evidence suggests that adding an immunomodulator to pegloticase therapy can substantially increase response rates to double those observed in phase 3 randomized controlled trials. Summary The combination of immunomodulation with pegloticase should be considered in routine clinical practice to improve durability of response, efficacy, and safety among patients with uncontrolled gout who otherwise have limited therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K Botson
- Orthopedic Physicians Alaska 3801 Lake Otis Pkwy, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA.
| | - Herbert S B Baraf
- The Center for Rheumatology and Bone Research, 2730 University Blvd. West, Suite 310, Wheaton, MD, 20902, USA
| | - Robert T Keenan
- Duke University School of Medicine Duke Medicine Circle, 124 Davison Building, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - John Albert
- Rheumatic Disease Center, 7080 N. Port Washington Road, Glendale, WI, 53217, USA
| | - Karim R Masri
- Rheumatology OnDemand, LLC 405 Welwyn Rd, Henrico, VA, 23229, USA
| | - Jeff Peterson
- The Seattle Arthritis Clinic, Kirkland, WA, 98033, USA
| | - Christianne Yung
- Private Practice, 2482 W Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite 130, Henderson, NV, 89052, USA
| | - Brigid Freyne
- Rheumatology Internal Medicine 39755, Murrieta Hot Springs Rd, Ste. F110, Murrieta, CA, 92563, USA
| | - Mona Amin
- Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates, 11943 East Beryl Ave, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, USA
| | - Abdul Abdellatif
- Baylor College of Medicine, 600 N Kobayashi Rd., Ste 312, Webster, TX, 77598, USA
| | - Nehad Soloman
- Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates, 9097 W Roberta Ln, Phoenix, AZ, 85383, USA
| | - N Lawrence Edwards
- University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, Room 4102, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Vibeke Strand
- Division of Immunology/Rheumatology, Stanford University, 306 Ramona Road, Portola Valley, CA, 94028, USA
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11
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Masri KR, Padnick-Silver L, Winterling K, LaMoreaux B. Effect of Leflunomide on Pegloticase Response Rate in Patients with Uncontrolled Gout: A Retrospective Study. Rheumatol Ther 2022; 9:555-563. [PMID: 34997911 PMCID: PMC8964845 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-021-00421-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pegloticase,
a PEGylated uricase for uncontrolled gout, rapidly lowers serum urate (SU). Not all patients complete a full-therapy course because anti-pegloticase antibodies can develop, causing efficacy loss and infusion reactions. The literature and clinical trial data indicate that methotrexate co-administration markedly improves pegloticase response rates from the established monotherapy response rate of 42%. Unfortunately, methotrexate use is restricted by kidney disease, which is often present in uncontrolled gout patients. Leflunomide is less restricted in patients with renal dysfunction. This study examined the treatment response rate of pegloticase co-administered with leflunomide. Methods Patients co-treated with pegloticase (8 mg biweekly infusion) and oral leflunomide (20 mg/day) were included. Patient/treatment characteristics and safety parameters (adverse events [AEs], laboratory parameters) were examined. Pre-infusion prophylaxis was administered (day of infusion: IV solumedrol, night before and morning of infusion: oral fexofenadine or diphenhydramine). Patients were considered treatment responders if ≥ 12 pegloticase infusions were administered and pre-infusion SU < 6 mg/dl at infusion-12. Results Ten patients (five male, 72.7 ± 12.5 years) were included. The most common comorbidities were chronic kidney disease (90%), hypertension (70%), diabetes mellitus (60%), obesity (60%), and congestive heart failure (50%). Baseline SU was 7.1 ± 2.4 mg/dl and nine patients (90%) had subcutaneous tophi noted. Seven patients (70%) met responder criteria, receiving 26.6 ± 14.0 infusions (range 13–55) with a pre-infusion-12 SU of 0.9 ± 1.5 mg/dl. The three non-responders received < 12 infusions because of unrelated AEs or loss of follow-up. Three patients (30%) experienced AEs. One had unrelated cardiac disease worsening and three gout flares, one had a pre-infusion solumedrol reaction (wooziness/loss of consciousness), and one had two mild, transient increases in liver enzymes. Conclusions This study supports leflunomide as co-therapy to pegloticase in uncontrolled gout patients. Heterogeneity and high comorbidity burden in uncontrolled gout patients makes having a variety of immunomodulators options important.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Brian LaMoreaux
- Horizon Therapeutics, Lake Forest, IL, USA.
- , 1 Horizon Way, Deerfield, IL, 600615, USA.
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12
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Peterson J, Roe N, Padnick-Silver L, Kenney H, Abdellatif A, LaMoreaux B. Letter to the editor: Key safety parameters from the literature on pegloticase with immunomodulation. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2021; 51:1386-1388. [PMID: 34906369 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Khanna PP, Khanna D, Cutter G, Foster J, Melnick J, Jaafar S, Biggers S, Rahman AKMF, Kuo HC, Feese M, Kivitz A, King C, Shergy W, Kent J, Peloso PM, Danila MI, Saag KG. Reducing Immunogenicity of Pegloticase With Concomitant Use of Mycophenolate Mofetil in Patients With Refractory Gout: A Phase II, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Arthritis Rheumatol 2021; 73:1523-1532. [PMID: 33750034 DOI: 10.1002/art.41731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pegloticase is used for the treatment of severe gout, but its use is limited by immunogenicity. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) prolongs the efficacy of pegloticase. METHODS Participants were randomized 3:1 to receive 1,000 mg MMF twice daily or placebo for 14 weeks, starting 2 weeks before receiving pegloticase and continuing while receiving intravenous pegloticase 8 mg biweekly for 12 weeks. Participants then received pegloticase alone from week 12 to week 24. The primary end points were the proportion of patients who sustained a serum urate level of ≤6 mg/dl at 12 weeks and the rate of adverse events (AEs). Secondary end points included 24-week durability of serum urate level ≤6 mg/dl. Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon's 2-sample test were used for analyses, along with Kaplan-Meier estimates and log rank tests. RESULTS A total of 32 participants received ≥1 dose of pegloticase. Participants were predominantly men (88%), with a mean age of 55.2 years, mean gout duration of 13.4 years, and mean baseline serum urate level of 9.2 mg/dl. At 12 weeks, a serum urate level of ≤6 mg/dl was achieved in 19 (86%) of 22 participants in the MMF arm compared to 4 (40%) of 10 in the placebo arm (P = 0.01). At week 24, the serum urate level was ≤6 mg/dl in 68% of MMF-treated patients versus 30% of placebo-treated patients (P = 0.06), and rates of AEs were similar between groups, with more infusion reactions occurring in the placebo arm (30% versus 0%). CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that MMF therapy with pegloticase is well tolerated and shows a clinically meaningful improvement in targeted serum urate level of ≤6 mg/dl at 12 and 24 weeks. This study suggests an innovative approach to pegloticase therapy in gout.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alan Kivitz
- Altoona Center for Clinical Research, Duncansville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Jeff Kent
- Horizon Therapeutics, Lake Forest, Illinois, USA
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14
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Keenan RT, Botson JK, Masri KR, Padnick-Silver L, LaMoreaux B, Albert JA, Pillinger MH. The effect of immunomodulators on the efficacy and tolerability of pegloticase: a systematic review. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2021; 51:347-352. [PMID: 33601190 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pegloticase is a recombinant PEGylated uricase that converts relatively insoluble urate to highly water-soluble allantoin, which is readily excreted by the kidneys. It is the first and only biologic treatment indicated for refractory or uncontrolled gout. Clinical trials showed a 6-month pegloticase responder rate of 42%, with the non-responder rate largely being attributed to the development of high-titer anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) against pegloticase. Immunomodulation attenuates ADA formation to biologics in a number of autoimmune conditions, but their use with pegloticase for uncontrolled gout is less established. This systematic review examined published cases of refractory gout patients treated with immunomodulation in combination with pegloticase. METHODS Published cases of immunomodulation with pegloticase were identified in a PubMed search and in abstract databases of major rheumatology society meetings (2012-2020). Duplicate and review articles were excluded, as were those that did not include cases of pegloticase use with immunomodulation. Cases with off-label pegloticase administration schedules were also excluded. Pegloticase response was defined according to each study's specified standard. RESULTS Ten publications describing 82 cases of pegloticase use in the setting of immunomodulation were identified. Overall pegloticase response rate was 82.9%. Patients co-treated with an individual immunomodulator had the following response rates: methotrexate: 87.5% (35 of 40 patients), mycophenolate mofetil: 86.4% (19 of 22 patients vs. pegloticase monotherapy [placebo]: 40% [4 of 10 patients]), azathioprine: 63.6% (7 of 11 patients), and leflunomide: 66.7% (4 of 6 patients). A single patient was co-treated with cyclosporin and was a responder. The two patients treated with more than one immunomodulator were both responders. CONCLUSION Published reports suggest that immunomodulation co-therapy has the potential to markedly improve pegloticase responder rates in patients with uncontrolled gout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T Keenan
- Duke University School of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, 4022 Hospital South, Box 2978, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - John K Botson
- Orthopedic Physicians Alaska, 3801 Lake Otis Parkway, Anchorage, AK, USA.
| | - Karim R Masri
- Bon Secours Rheumatology Center, 9602 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | | | - Brian LaMoreaux
- Horizon Therapeutics plc, 1 Horizon Way, Deerfield, IL, USA.
| | - John A Albert
- Rheumatic Disease Center, 7080 North Port Washington Road, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | - Michael H Pillinger
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 423 East 23(rd) Street, New York, NY, USA.
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Strand V, Goncalves J, Isaacs JD. Immunogenicity of biologic agents in rheumatology. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2020; 17:81-97. [PMID: 33318665 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-020-00540-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Biologic agents have become a core component of therapeutic strategies for many inflammatory rheumatic diseases. However, perhaps reflecting the specificity and generally high affinity of biologic agents, these therapeutics have been used by rheumatologists with less consideration of their pharmacokinetics than that of conventional synthetic DMARDs. Immunogenicity was recognized as a potential limitation to the use of biologic agents at an early stage in their development, although regulatory guidance was relatively limited and assays to measure immunogenicity were less sophisticated than today. The advent of biosimilars has sparked a renewed interest in immunogenicity that has resulted in the development of increasingly sensitive assays, an enhanced appreciation of the pharmacokinetic consequences of immunogenicity and the development of comprehensive and specific guidance from regulatory authorities. As a result, rheumatologists have a greatly improved understanding of the field in general, including the factors responsible for immunogenicity, its potential clinical consequences and the implications for everyday treatment. In some specialties, immunogenicity testing is becoming a part of routine clinical management, but definitive evidence of its cost-effectiveness in rheumatology is awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibeke Strand
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | - Joao Goncalves
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - John D Isaacs
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Musculoskeletal Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Albert JA, Hosey T, LaMoreaux B. Increased Efficacy and Tolerability of Pegloticase in Patients With Uncontrolled Gout Co-Treated With Methotrexate: A Retrospective Study. Rheumatol Ther 2020; 7:639-648. [PMID: 32720081 PMCID: PMC7410902 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-020-00222-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gout is a painful inflammatory condition caused by chronically elevated serum uric acid levels (sUA). When standard urate-lowering therapies fail/are not tolerated, uncontrolled gout (elevated sUA, subcutaneous tophi, chronic gouty arthritis, frequent flares) can occur. Pegloticase, a recombinant uricase, converts uric acid to allantoin, a readily excreted molecule. Responder rate in trials was 42%, limited by anti-drug antibody (ADA) development. Immunomodulators attenuate ADA formation and case reports suggest immunomodulation increases pegloticase responder rates. The current study retrospectively examined responder rate in patients undergoing methotrexate/pegloticase co-therapy. METHODS Patients who underwent methotrexate/pegloticase co-treatment at a single rheumatology practice were included. Demographics, clinical, treatment, and safety parameters were collected. The primary outcome was the proportion of responders (≥ 12 biweekly pegloticase infusions, sUA < 6 mg/dl just prior to infusion 12). RESULTS Ten patients (nine men, 52.3 ± 13.5 years) with uncontrolled tophaceous gout (erosive damage, ulcerative tophi, frequent flares, gout-related hospitalizations) were included. Patients had failed allopurinol (100-300 mg) or febuxostat (40 mg) therapy (doses not increased because of intolerance, kidney concerns, noncompliance, or rapid tophi resolution requirement). Baseline sUA was 9.42 ± 2.05 mg/dl. Along with standard pre-infusion prophylaxis, nine patients received subcutaneous methotrexate (25 mg/week) initiated 14-35 days before pegloticase and one patient received oral methotrexate (12.5 mg/week) initiated 14 days after pegloticase. Eight patients (80%) were responders, receiving 15.5 ± 3.8 infusions (range, 12-21) over 31.8 ± 9.5 weeks. One patient had efficacy loss with mild infusion reaction during infusion 4 and one patient was lost to follow-up after infusion 5. One patient reported one gout flare. No new safety concerns emerged. CONCLUSIONS Methotrexate/pegloticase co-therapy resulted in a higher responder rate than the established 42% with pegloticase alone. Therefore, methotrexate/pegloticase co-therapy may safely allow more patients to benefit from a full treatment course, likely through ADA attenuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Albert
- Rheumatic Disease Center, 7080 N. Port Washington Road, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | - Tony Hosey
- Horizon Therapeutics plc, 150 S. Saunders Road, Lake Forest, IL, USA
| | - Brian LaMoreaux
- Horizon Therapeutics plc, 150 S. Saunders Road, Lake Forest, IL, USA
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