A Phase 3, Open-Label Study of Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor in Children 1 to Less Than 2 Years of Age With Cystic Fibrosis Homozygous for F508del-CFTR

Impact of highly effective modulator therapy on gastrointestinal symptoms and features in people with cystic fibrosis

Highly effective modulator therapy (HEMT), particularly the triple combination elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI), significantly improved clinical outcomes and quality of life in people with Cystic Fibrosis (pwCF). This review analyzes current knowledge on the impact of HEMTs on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and features in pwCF. A descriptive review of English literature until February 29, 2024, was conducted using medical databases. Observational studies and clinical trials addressing GI reflux disease (GERD), lower GI symptoms and pancreatic disease were considered. Studies report positive effects of HEMTs on pH levels and bicarbonate secretion as well as improvement on intestinal inflammation. HEMTs also demonstrated positive effects on GERD and lower GI symptoms or conditions CF related such as dysbiosis. Taking ETI during pregnancy could also allow resolution of meconium ileus in fetuses with CF. The best benefits were observed in pancreatic function, potentially delaying CF-related diabetes and recovering pancreatic function in some children on ETI. Larger trials, particularly in pediatric populations, need to confirm these findings and explore long-term effects.

Pharmacokinetics of Ivacaftor, Tezacaftor, Elexacaftor, and Lumacaftor in Special Cystic Fibrosis Populations: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Following the development of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators (ivacaftor, tezacaftor, elexacaftor, and lumacaftor), the prognosis for people diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) has improved. Understanding the pharmacokinetics (PK) of CFTR modulators is crucial to provide optimal care, particularly in special cystic fibrosis (CF) populations such as pwCF with hepatic impairment, pancreatic insufficiency, those who are pregnant or lactating, or who are children. We aim to provide an overview of the PK of CFTR modulators in these populations.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was carried out in PubMed and Embase on 20 June 2024. Studies were considered relevant when information on PK or exposure of CFTR-modulating drugs was available.

RESULTS

PwCF with mild/moderate hepatic impairment do not exhibit substantially higher exposure to CFTR modulators compared with those without liver involvement or healthy individuals. Similarly, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency has no effect on the PK of CFTR modulators in adult pwCF. In contrast, pediatric pwCF are exposed to higher levels of CFTR modulators relative to adults, as children receive higher weight-based doses (mg/kg) to ensure equivalent therapeutic efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

The PK of CFTR modulators have been more extensively studied in adults, pwCF with mild/moderate hepatic impairment, and children. However, ensuring adequate dosing remains challenging. Knowledge gaps persist for adults with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C), children with CF-induced hepatic impairment, and pregnant or lactating pwCF. Future research addressing these gaps, through incorporating routine clinical data, is crucial for improving clinical guidelines and optimizing dosing regimens, thereby advancing towards evidence-based utilization of CFTR modulators.

Ivacaftor-tezacaftor-elexacaftor, tezacaftor-ivacaftor and lumacaftor-ivacaftor for treating cystic fibrosis: a systematic review and economic evaluation

Background

Cystic fibrosis is a life-limiting genetic condition that affects over 9000 people in England. Cystic fibrosis is usually diagnosed through newborn screening and causes symptoms throughout the body, including the lungs and digestive system. Around 90% of individuals with cystic fibrosis have at least one copy of the F508del mutation on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene.

Objectives

To appraise the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor, tezacaftor-ivacaftor and lumacaftor-ivacaftor within their expected marketing authorisations for treating people with cystic fibrosis and at least one F508del mutation, compared with each other and with established clinical management before these treatments.

Methods

A de novo systematic literature review (search date February 2023) was conducted searching electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), bibliographies of relevant systematic literature reviews, clinical trial registers, recent conferences and evidence provided by Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Boston, MA, USA). Data on the following outcomes were summarised: acute change in per cent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (change in weight-for-age z-score; and change in pulmonary exacerbation frequency requiring intravenous antibiotics. Network meta-analyses were conducted where head-to-head data were not available. Data from clinical trials and real-world evidence were examined to assess long-term effectiveness. A patient-level simulation model was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of the three modulator treatments. The model employed a lifetime horizon and was developed from the perspective of the National Health Service.

Results

Data from 19 primary studies and 7 open-label extension studies were prioritised in the systematic literature review. Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor was associated with a statistically significant increase in predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second and weight-for-age z-score and a reduction in pulmonary exacerbations compared with established clinical management, lumacaftor/ivacaftor and tezacaftor/ivacaftor, and also led to a reduction in the rate of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second decline relative to established clinical management, although the magnitude of this decrease was uncertain. Lumacaftor/ivacaftor and tezacaftor/ivacaftor were also associated with a statistically significant increase in predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second and reduction in pulmonary exacerbations relative to established clinical management, but with a smaller effect size than elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor. There was some evidence that tezacaftor/ivacaftor reduced the rate of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second decline relative to established clinical management, but little evidence that lumacaftor/ivacaftor reduced the rate of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second decline relative to established clinical management. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios from the economic analysis were confidential. However, for all genotypes studied the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were above what would be considered cost-effective based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence threshold of £20,000-30,000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained.

Conclusions

Despite the improved clinical benefits observed, none of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene modulators assessed would be considered cost-effective based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence threshold of £20,000-30,000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. This is largely driven by the high acquisition costs of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene modulator treatments.

Study registration

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42023399583.

Funding

This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Evidence Synthesis programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR135829) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 29, No. 19. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Body composition changes and clinical outcomes in pediatric cystic fibrosis during 24 months of lumacaftor ivacaftor therapy based on real-world data

Clinical trials demonstrate the short-term efficacy of dual CFTR modulators, but long-term real-world data is limited. We aimed to investigate the effects of 24-month lumacaftor/ivacaftor (LUM/IVA) therapy in pediatric CF patients (pwCF). This observational study included pwCF homozygous for F508del mutation treated between 2021 and 2023. We report data for the first 24 months from therapy initiation. Variables were analyzed separately for ages 2-5, 6-11, and over 12. Data from 49 pwCF (median age: 9.3 years (5.5-14.2)) showed that ppFEV1 values after a transient increase at 12 months, decreased from 102% (82-114) at baseline to 87% (74-96) at 24 months. The decrease was more pronounced with higher initial ppFEV1. Median sweat chloride concentration decreased from 75 mmol/L (69-82) to 57 mmol/L (43-70) without any association with respiratory function change. Median BMI z-score increased from - 0.81 (- 1.37-0.49) to - 0.39 (- 0.88 to  - 0.04) (p = 0.288), and the proportion of underweight and overweight children decreased. Skeletal muscle mass remained stable, while fat mass significantly increased (p = 0.011). Fecal elastase levels improved, especially among younger patients. These findings underscore the potential benefits of early initiation of CFTR modulator therapy in pediatric CF patients, highlighting improvements in nutritional status and pancreatic function.

Long-Term Impact of Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor Treatment on Cystic Fibrosis Disease Progression in Children 2-5 Years of Age Homozygous for F508del-CFTR: A Phase 2, Open-Label Clinical Trial

Rationale: Clinical trials show that lumacaftor/ivacaftor (LUM/IVA) treatment has the potential to modify early cystic fibrosis (CF) disease progression in children as young as 2 years of age. Objectives: To assess the long-term impact of LUM/IVA treatment on CF disease progression in children aged 2-5 years. Methods: This phase 2 trial had two parts: part 1, a 48-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of LUM/IVA in children aged 2-5 years (previously reported) was followed by a 48-week open-label treatment period in which all children received LUM/IVA (part 2; reported here). Endpoints assessed in part 2 included absolute changes from baseline in chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) global score at Week 96; weight-for-age, stature-for-age, and body mass index (BMI)-for-age z-scores at Week 96; lung clearance index based on lung volume turnover required to reach 2.5% of starting N2 concentration (LCI2.5) through Week 96; chest MRI morphological score, chest MRI perfusion score, weight, stature, BMI, and microbiology cultures (oropharyngeal swabs) at Week 96; sweat chloride, amount of immunoreactive trypsinogen, fecal elastase-1 concentration, and fecal calprotectin through Week 96; and number of pulmonary exacerbations, time to first pulmonary exacerbation, and number of CF-related hospitalizations. Results: Forty-nine children received one or more doses of LUM/IVA in the open-label period (33 in the LUM/IVA to LUM/IVA group and 16 in the placebo to LUM/IVA group), with a mean exposure of 47.1 (standard deviation [SD], 5.2) weeks. The mean absolute change in MRI global score (negative value indicates improvement) from baseline at Week 96 was -2.7 (SD, 7.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], -5.2 to -0.1) in the LUM/IVA to LUM/IVA group and -5.6 (SD, 6.9; 95% CI, -9.2 to -1.9) in the placebo to LUM/IVA group. Improvements in LCI2.5, sweat chloride concentration, and markers of pancreatic function and intestinal inflammation were also observed in both groups. Growth parameters remained stable in both groups. The majority of children had adverse events considered mild (38.8%) or moderate (40.8%). Two (4.1%) children discontinued LUM/IVA treatment because of adverse events (distal intestinal obstruction syndrome [n = 1] and alanine aminotransferase increase [n = 1]). Conclusions: These findings confirm the potential for early LUM/IVA treatment to alter the trajectory of CF disease progression, including CF lung disease, in children as young as 2 years of age. Clinical trial registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03625466).

Advances in Care and Outcomes for Children with Cystic Fibrosis

The landscape of care for children with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder of chloride transport with multisystem manifestations including inspissated mucus, recurrent sinopulmonary infections, obstructive lung disease, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, is rapidly changing. Early diagnosis via newborn screening enabling timely nutritional support, chronic therapies to improve mucociliary clearance, and prompt treatment of pulmonary infections have improved overall outcomes in children with CF. More widespread availability of novel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulator therapies for children continues to revolutionize pediatric CF care.However, significant challenges exist to optimize care and outcomes for all children with CF.

Update on advances in cystic fibrosis towards a cure and implications for primary care clinicians

During the past quarter century, the diagnosis and treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) have been transformed by molecular sciences that initiated a new era with discovery of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The knowledge gained from that breakthrough has had dramatic clinical impact. Although once a diagnostic dilemma with long delays, preventable deaths, and irreversible pathology, CF can now be routinely diagnosed shortly after birth through newborn screening programs. This strategy of pre-symptomatic identification has eliminated the common diagnostic "odyssey" that was a failure of the healthcare delivery system causing psychologically traumatic experiences for parents. Therapeutic advances of many kinds have culminated in CFTR modulator treatment that can reduce the effects of or even correct the molecular defect in the chloride channel -the basic cause of CF. This astonishing advance has transformed CF care as described fully herein. Despite this impressive progress, there are challenges and controversies in the delivery of care. Issues include how best to achieve high sensitivity newborn screening with acceptable specificity; what course of action is appropriate for children who are identified through the unavoidable incidental findings of screening tests (CFSPID/CRMS cases and heterozygote carriers); how best to ensure genetic counseling; when to initiate the very expensive but life-saving CFTR modulator drugs; how to identify new CFTR modulator drugs for patients with non-responsive CFTR variants; how to adjust other therapeutic modalities; and how to best partner with primary care clinicians. Progress always brings new challenges, and this has been evident worldwide for CF. Consequently, this article summarizes the major advances of recent years along with controversies and describes their implications with an international perspective.

Effectiveness of lumacaftor/ivacaftor initiation in children with cystic fibrosis aged 2 through 5 years on disease progression: Interim results from an ongoing registry-based study

BACKGROUND

Lumacaftor/ivacaftor (LUM/IVA) has been shown to be safe and efficacious in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) ≥1 year of age. To assess the impact of early LUM/IVA initiation on CF disease progression, a 6-year observational study leveraging data from existing CF patient registries is being conducted in children with CF homozygous for F508del (F/F genotype) who were aged 2 through 5 years at treatment initiation. Here we present interim results from this study focusing on data from the European CF Society Patient Registry (ECFSPR).

METHODS

The LUM/IVA cohort included children in the ECFSPR who started LUM/IVA between 15 January 2019 and 31 December 2020. Longitudinal trends in growth parameters, pulmonary exacerbations, hospitalizations, safety outcomes, and other effectiveness outcomes in the LUM/IVA cohort were compared to those in two modulator-naïve cohorts: (i) matched concurrent cohort heterozygous for F508del and a minimal function mutation (F/MF concurrent comparator cohort) and (ii) matched concurrent cohort with the F/F genotype from countries without commercial access to LUM/IVA as of 2020 (F/F concurrent comparator cohort).

RESULTS

The LUM/IVA cohort matched to the F/MF concurrent comparator cohort had 681 children and the LUM/IVA cohort matched to the F/F concurrent comparator cohort had 183 children. LUM/IVA cohorts had increases in body mass index percentiles relative to the matched F/MF and F/F concurrent comparator cohorts (mean difference in change from baseline: 8.4 [95% CI: 5.5, 11.3] and 11.8 [95% CI: 5.9, 17.7], respectively). Increases in height and weight percentiles were also observed in the LUM/IVA cohort relative to the F/MF and F/F concurrent comparator cohorts. Reductions in pulmonary exacerbations and hospitalizations relative to baseline and the F/F concurrent comparator cohort were seen in 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

This interim analysis showed favorable trends in clinical outcomes, including growth parameters, pulmonary exacerbations, and hospitalizations, suggesting an early beneficial effect of LUM/IVA treatment in children aged 2 through 5 years at treatment initiation.

In utero and postnatal ivacaftor/lumacaftor therapy rescues multiorgan disease in CFTR-F508del ferrets

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, with F508del being the most prevalent mutation. The combination of CFTR modulators (potentiator and correctors) has provided benefit to CF patients carrying the F508del mutation; however, the safety and effectiveness of in utero combination modulator therapy remains unclear. We created a F508del ferret model to test whether ivacaftor/lumacaftor (VX-770/VX-809) therapy can rescue in utero and postnatal pathologies associated with CF. Using primary intestinal organoids and air-liquid interface cultures of airway epithelia, we demonstrate that the F508del mutation in ferret CFTR results in a severe folding and trafficking defect, which can be partially restored by treatment with CFTR modulators. In utero treatment of pregnant jills with ivacaftor/lumacaftor prevented meconium ileus at birth in F508del kits and sustained postnatal treatment of CF offspring improved survival and partially protected from pancreatic insufficiency. Withdrawal of ivacaftor/lumacaftor treatment from juvenile CF ferrets reestablished pancreatic and lung diseases, with altered pulmonary mechanics. These findings suggest that in utero intervention with a combination of CFTR modulators may provide therapeutic benefits to individuals with F508del. This CFTR-F508del ferret model may be useful for testing therapies using clinically translatable endpoints.

Trials and tribulations of highly effective modulator therapies in cystic fibrosis

Highly effective modulator therapies (HEMTs) have revolutionised the management approach of most patients living with cystic fibrosis (CF) who have access to these therapies. Clinical trials have reported significant improvements across multiorgan systems, with patients surviving longer. However, there are accumulating case reports and observational data describing various adverse events following initiation of HEMTs including drug-to-drug interactions, drug induced liver injury, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and neurocognitive symptoms including psychosis and depression, which have required discontinuation of therapy. Current clinical trials are assessing efficacy in younger patients with CF, yet long-term studies are also required to better understand the safety profile in the real-world setting across all ages and the impact of HEMT dose alteration or discontinuation.

Cystic fibrosis year in review 2022

Remarkable medical advancements have been made for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) in recent years, with an abundance of research continuing to be conducted worldwide. With concern for limitations in access to highly effective CFTR modulators, as well as the recent Coronavirus Disease-19 pandemic, there has been a consistent effort to understand and improve CF screening, disease burden, diagnosis, and management. Our aim in this review is to present articles from 2022 with an emphasis on clinically relevant studies. We hope this will serve as a broad overview of the research published in the past year.

Changes in fecal elastase-1 following initiation of CFTR modulator therapy in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Improvement in exocrine pancreatic function in persons with CF (pwCF) on cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators has been documented in clinical trials using fecal pancreatic elastase-1 (FE-1). Our group endeavored to evaluate real-world data on FE-1 in children on CFTR modulator therapy at three pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) centers.

METHODS

Pediatric pwCF were offered FE-1 testing if they were on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) and on CFTR modulator therapy according to their center's guideline. FE-1 data were collected retrospectively. The primary outcome was absolute change in FE-1.

RESULTS

70 pwCF were included for analysis. 53 had baseline and post-modulator FE-1 values. There was a significant increase in FE-1 from median 25 mcg/g (IQR 25-60) at baseline to 57 mcg/g (IQR 20-228) post-modulator (p<0.001 by Wilcoxon matched pairs), with an absolute change in FE-1 of median 28 mcg/g (IQR -5-161) and mean 93.5 ± 146.8 mcg/g. Age was negatively correlated with change in FE-1 (Spearman r=-0.48, p<0.001). 15 pwCF (21%) had post-modulator FE-1 values ≥200 mcg/g, consistent with pancreatic sufficiency (PS). The PS group was significant for younger age at initiation of first CFTR modulator and a higher baseline FE-1.

CONCLUSIONS

Most pwCF experienced an increase in FE-1 while receiving CFTR modulator treatment and a small percentage demonstrated values reflective of PS. These data suggest that PS may be attained in those that initiated modulator therapy at a younger age or had a higher baseline FE-1. FE-1 testing is suggested for children on any CFTR modulator therapy.

Nutritional management of people living with cystic fibrosis throughout life and disease continuum: Changing times, new challenges

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding for the ion channel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). The management of CF disease has evolved in recent decades from treating downstream disease manifestations affecting the airways, the lungs and the gastrointestinal system to addressing the CFTR gene defect. The advent of CFTR modulators, which correct the functionality of the defective CFTR, contributes to reshaping the landscape of CF demographics, prognosis and therapies, including nutritional management. A spectrum of clinical manifestations is emerging within the same patient population where undernutrition and nutritional deficiencies coexist with excessive weight gain and metabolic derangements. Such contrasting presentations challenge current practices, require adjustments to traditional approaches, and involve more individualised interventions. This narrative review examines the current state of knowledge on the nutritional management of people living with cystic fibrosis from early life to adulthood in the era of CFTR modulation.

Ocular development after highly effective modulator treatment early in life

Highly effective cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies (HEMT), including elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor, correct the underlying molecular defect causing CF. HEMT decreases general symptom burden by improving clinical metrics and quality of life for most people with CF (PwCF) with eligible CFTR variants. This has resulted in more pregnancies in women living with CF. All HEMT are known to be able pass through the placenta and into breast milk in mothers who continue on this therapy while pregnant and breast feeding. Toxicity studies of HEMT in young rats demonstrated infant cataracts, and case reports have reported the presence of congenital cataracts in early life exposure to HEMT. This article reviews the evidence for how HEMT influences the dynamic and interdependent processes of healthy and abnormal lens development in the context of HEMT exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and raises questions that remain unanswered.

ROCK STUDY in CF: sustained anti-inflammatory effects of lumacaftor-ivacaftor in sputum and peripheral blood samples of adult patients with cystic fibrosis-an observational study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies showed that the combination of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) corrector and potentiator, lumacaftor-ivacaftor (LUMA-IVA) provides meaningful clinical benefits in patients with cystic fibrosis who are homozygous for the Phe508del CFTR mutation. However, little is known about the effect of LUMA-IVA on Proinflammatory Cytokines (PICs).

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the impact of LUMA-IVA CFTR modulation on circulatory and airway cytokines before and after 12 months of LUMA-IVA treatment in a real-world setting.

METHODS

We assessed both plasma and sputum PICs, as well as standard clinical outcomes including Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV₁) %predicted, Body Mass Index (BMI), sweat chloride and pulmonary exacerbations at baseline and prospectively for one year post commencement of LUMA-IVA in 44 patients with cystic fibrosis aged 16 years and older homozygous for the Phe508del CFTR mutation.

RESULTS

Significant reduction in plasma cytokines including interleukin (IL)-8 (p<0.05), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α (p<0.001), IL-1ß (p<0.001) levels were observed while plasma IL-6 showed no significant change (p=0.599) post-LUMA-IVA therapy. Significant reduction in sputum IL-6 (p<0.05), IL-8 (p<0.01), IL-1ß (p<0.001) and TNF-α (p<0.001) levels were observed after LUMA-IVA therapy. No significant change was noted in anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels in both plasma and sputum (p=0.305) and (p=0.585) respectively. Clinically significant improvements in FEV₁ %predicted (mean+3.38%, p=0.002), BMI (mean+0.8 kg/m², p<0.001), sweat chloride (mean -19 mmol/L, p<0.001), as well as reduction in intravenous antibiotics usage (mean -0.73, p<0.001) and hospitalisation (mean -0.38, p=0.002) were observed after initiation of LUMA-IVA therapy.

CONCLUSION

This real-world study demonstrates that LUMA-IVA has significant and sustained beneficial effects on both circulatory and airway inflammation. Our findings suggest that LUMA-IVA may improve inflammatory responses, which could potentially contribute to improved standard clinical outcomes.

Mechanism and potential treatments for gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with COVID-19

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become one of the biggest threats to the world since 2019. The respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts are the main targets for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection for they highly express angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 and transmembrane protease serine 2. In patients suffering from COVID-19, gastrointestinal symptoms have ranged from 12% to 61%. Anorexia, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are considered to be the main gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19. It has been reported that the direct damage of intestinal mucosal epithelial cells, malnutrition, and intestinal flora disorders are involved in COVID-19. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Thus, in this study, we reviewed and discussed the correlated mechanisms that cause gastrointestinal symptoms in order to help to develop the treatment strategy and build an appropriate guideline for medical workers.

Dual CFTR modulator therapy efficacy in the real world: lessons for the future

Stringent analyses caution against drawing conclusions about the real-world efficacy of CFTR modulator therapy too early https://bit.ly/3dJt6no.