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It is known that co‐administration of CYP3A inducers may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives containing progestins as mono‐preparations or combined with ethinylestradiol. In a randomized clinical drug‐drug interaction study, we investigated the effects of CYP3A induction on the pharmacokinetics of commonly used progestins and ethinylestradiol. Rifampicin was used to induce CYP3A. The progestins chosen as victim drugs were levonorgestrel, norethindrone, desogestrel, and dienogest as mono‐products, and drospirenone combined with ethinylestradiol. Postmenopausal women (n = 12–14 per treatment group) received, in fixed sequence, a single dose of the victim drug plus midazolam without rifampicin, with rifampicin 10 mg/day (weak induction), and with rifampicin 600 mg/day (strong induction). The effects on progestin exposure were compared with the effects on midazolam exposure (as a benchmark). Unbound concentrations were evaluated for drugs binding to sex hormone binding globulin. Weak CYP3A induction, as confirmed by a mean decrease in midazolam exposure by 46%, resulted in minor changes in progestin exposure (mean decreases: 15–37%). Strong CYP3A induction, in contrast, resulted in mean decreases by 57–90% (mean decrease in midazolam exposure: 86%). Namely, the magnitude of the observed induction effects varied from weak to strong. Our data might provide an impetus to revisit the currently applied clinical recommendations for oral contraceptives, especially for levonorgestrel and norethindrone‐containing products, and they might give an indication as to which progestin could be used, if requested, by women taking weak CYP3A inducers—although it is acknowledged that the exact exposure‐response relationship for contraceptive efficacy is currently unclear for most progestins.

This open label, parallel‐group study investigated the pharmacokinetics and safety of a single oral 2‐mg dose of the novel selective progesterone receptor modulator vilaprisan in participants with impaired renal function compared with age, weight, sex, and race matched controls with normal renal function. Systemic exposure (area under the plasma concentration–time curve [AUC]) and maximum observed concentrations (Cmax) were compared among 9 participants with moderate renal impairment and matched controls by ANOVA. An additional 4 participants, each with severe renal impairment or normal renal function, contributed to a linear regression analysis exploring any monotone relationship between individual variables and the estimated glomerular filtration rate. The geometric mean AUC was increased by a factor of 1.35 in renally impaired participants compared to normal controls (not statistically significant: least squares mean, 1.346; 90% confidence interval, 0.918‐1.973). Cmax was similar in participants with moderate renal impairment and normal renal function (least squares mean, 1.026; 90% confidence interval, 0.779‐1.351). Considering the overall variability, there was no correlation between renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate) and Cmax or AUC of vilaprisan. Single oral administration of vilaprisan 2 mg was well tolerated by all participants, both men and women and irrespective of renal function. The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events was similar across all groups. Results from this study do not indicate that a dose adjustment will be necessary for vilaprisan when treating patients up to moderate renal impairment.

AIMS The study objective was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of the selective progesterone receptor modulator vilaprisan in participants with hepatic impairment. Additionally, the safety and tolerability of vilaprisan were investigated. METHODS In this phase 1, open-label, nonrandomised, parallel-group, pharmacokinetic study, men and women with mild or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh grade A or B) and control participants with normal hepatic function matched by age, weight and sex received a single oral 2 mg dose of vilaprisan. Key pharmacokinetic parameters, relationships between parameters and safety outcomes were measured. RESULTS Thirty-six participants completed the study: 9 with mild hepatic impairment, 9 with moderate hepatic impairment and 18 matched control participants with normal hepatic function. Vilaprisan reached maximum plasma concentrations after 1-2 hours. Unbound vilaprisan exposure was 1.44-fold higher for participants with mild hepatic impairment vs controls (90% confidence interval: 0.91-2.26), and 1.74-fold higher for participants with moderate impairment vs controls (90% confidence interval: 1.09-2.78). The maximum observed unbound peak concentrations were similar for participants with hepatic impairment and matched controls. Vilaprisan 2 mg was well tolerated and the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was similar across cohorts. CONCLUSION Only mild increases of

Olaptesed pegol (NOX-A12) is a pegylated structured L-oligoribonucleotide that binds and neutralizes CXCL12, a chemokine tightly regulating the life cycle of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. The resulting inhibition of CXCR4 and CXCR7 signaling reduces the protective activity of the bone marrow and lymph node microenvironment. CXCL12 inhibition mobilizes chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells into the circulation and prevents their homing into the protective niches. In this phase I/II study, 28 patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia were treated with olaptesed pegol in combination with bendamustine and rituximab. Combination treatment was preceded by single escalating pilot doses of olaptesed pegol in the first ten patients for evaluation of safety and pharmacokinetics. Peak concentrations and systemic exposure of olaptesed pegol were dose-linear; plasma elimination was monophasic with a 53.2 h half-life. A rapid increase in circulating chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells was observed already 1 h after administration of olaptesed pegol and lasted for at least 72 h. Single-agent treatment was well tolerated and no dose-limiting toxicity was observed. The combination regimen yielded an overall response rate of 86%, with 11% of patients achieving a complete response and 75% a partial response. Notably, all ten high-risk patients, including four with a 17p deletion, responded to treatment. The median progression-free survival was 15.4 (95% confidence interval: 12.2, 26.2) months while the median overall survival was not reached with >80% of patients alive after a median follow-up of 28 months. Olaptesed pegol was well tolerated and did not result in additional toxicity when combined with bendamustine and rituximab (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01486797). Further clinical development of this novel CXCL12 inhibitor is thus warranted. ispartof: HAEMATOLOGICA vol:104 issue:10 pages:2053-2060 ispartof: location:Italy status: published

Contains fulltext : 136275.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) Increased hepcidin production is key to the development of anemia of inflammation. We investigated whether lexaptepid, an antihepcidin l-oligoribonucleotide, prevents the decrease in serum iron during experimental human endotoxemia. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out in 24 healthy males. At T = 0 hours, 2 ng/kg Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide was intravenously administered, followed by an intravenous injection of 1.2 mg/kg lexaptepid or placebo at T = 0.5 hours. The lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response was similar in subjects treated with lexaptepid or placebo regarding clinical and biochemical parameters. At T = 9 hours, serum iron had increased by 15.9 +/- 9.8 micromol/L from baseline in lexaptepid-treated subjects compared with a decrease of 8.3 +/- 9.0 micromol/L in controls (P < .0001). This study delivers proof of concept that lexaptepid achieves clinically relevant hepcidin inhibition enabling investigations in the treatment of anemia of inflammation. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrial.gov as #NCT01522794.

Background and Purpose Anaemia of chronic disease is characterized by impaired erythropoiesis due to functional iron deficiency, often caused by excessive hepcidin. Lexaptepid pegol, a pegylated structured l-oligoribonucleotide, binds and inactivates hepcidin. Experimental Approach We conducted a placebo-controlled study on the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of lexaptepid after single and repeated i.v. and s.c. administration to 64 healthy subjects at doses from 0.3 to 4.8 mg·kg−1. Key Results After treatment with lexaptepid, serum iron concentration and transferrin increased dose-dependently. Iron increased from approximately 20 μmol·L−1 at baseline by 67% at 8 h after i.v. infusion of 1.2 mg·kg−1 lexaptepid. The pharmacokinetics showed dose-proportional increases in peak plasma concentrations and moderately over-proportional increases in systemic exposure. Lexaptepid had no effect on hepcidin production or anti-drug antibodies. Treatment with lexaptepid was generally safe and well tolerated, with mild and transient transaminase increases at doses ≥2.4 mg·kg−1 and with local injection site reactions after s.c. but not after i.v. administration. Conclusions and Implications Lexaptepid pegol inhibited hepcidin and dose-dependently raised serum iron and transferrin saturation. The compound is being further developed to treat anaemia of chronic disease.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) is an ubiquitously distributed xenobiotic. It has been postulated that the effects of TCDD on T-lymphocytes are mediated by modulation of the thymic microenvironment. There is growing evidence of a modified interplay between thymocytes and thymic epithelium related to changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Eighteen male marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus ) were treated with single subcutaneous TCDD doses (1, 10, 100 ng/kg body weight) or vehicle and sacrificed 2 or 4 weeks thereafter. Thymus samples were stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated antibodies for ECM proteins and examined immunohistochemically by semi-quantitative image analysis. Thymus samples of animals treated with 1 and 10 ng/kg were additionally analysed by Western blotting for ECM proteins, transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1 ) and integrin chain content (CD49a, CD49e, CD49f and CD29). Monkeys showed no overt signs of toxicity after TCDD treatment. Immunohistochemistry revealed an increase of ECM proteins at 100 ng/kg after 2 and 4 weeks. Western blotting confirmed immunohistochemistry showing a dose-dependent increase of several ECM proteins in animals treated with the lower TCDD doses of 1 and 10 ng/kg. Additionally, dose-dependent increases were observed in integrin chain and TGF-β 1 contents. We demonstrated changes of thymic ECM in marmosets following low single TCDD doses. Combined with altered integrin expression and enhanced TGF-β 1 stimulation our findings suggest a modified interplay between thymic epithelium and thymocytes. The extracellular matrix may play a more central role in mediating adverse effects of TCDD in organs than yet acknowledged.

Quinolones have the potential to cause joint cartilage damage in juvenile animals. Due to their arthropathogenic effects, the use of these antibacterials is contraindicated in children and adolescents. Clinical experience with some fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin), mainly in children with cystic fibrosis, has shown that no obvious acute toxicity occurs under these conditions; however, these findings cannot be generalized for other fluoroquinolones because major differences exist in pharmacokinetics and possibly also in toxicodynamics (16, 18; R. Stahlmann and H. Lode, Letter, Lancet 3352:1313, 1998). Investigations with immature animals and single high doses allow us to study the mechanism or other aspects of quinolone-induced chondrotoxicity, such as the latency period after dosing for such lesions to occur. Such an experimental setup, however, does not reflect the clinical situation (13). We now present data on a new experimental approach that corresponds to a standard clinical situation. Our studies were designed to answer the following questions: (i) is it possible to induce cartilage lesions in immature rats by treating them with multiple low, oral doses of ofloxacin (given twice a day [b.i.d.]) that lead to concentrations in plasma similar to those obtained in the plasma of humans during therapy with ofloxacin, and (ii) is there a synergistic effect on joint cartilage when the animals receive multiple, low (nonchondrotoxic) doses of ofloxacin and are simultaneously fed for a short period of time a magnesium-deficient diet which is not sufficient by itself to induce pronounced cartilage lesions? Background for the second part of the study were the findings that lesions resembling those observed after quinolone treatment can also be induced by feeding immature rats a magnesium-deficient diet for a period of 9 to 15 days (14, 19) and that supplementation with magnesium and/or tocopherol diminishes quinolone-induced arthropathy in immature rats (17). Furthermore, the effects of ofloxacin on Achilles tendons were more pronounced in rats on a magnesium-deficient diet than in rats on a standard diet (12). To provide a basis for an extrapolation of the results to humans, the concentrations of the quinolone were measured in the plasma and joint cartilage of juvenile rats on days 1 and 3 of treatment, as well as on day 6, i.e., 1 day after the last day of treatment of those rats that were studied histologically. To determine the effect of the diet on mineral concentrations in target organs, magnesium concentrations were measured in plasma, cartilage, and bone at the end of the treatment periods.

Im Rahmen der ambulanten oder stationaren Therapie mit Chinolonen zahlen Reaktionen des Gastrointestinaltraktes, des ZNS und der Haut zu den haufigsten unerwunschten Wirkungen. Insgesamt treten unerwunschte Wirkungen nach Chinolonen etwa ebenso haufig auf, wie nach Gabe anderer antibakteriell wirksamer Arzneimittel. Gewisse Risiken aufgrund eines entsprechenden toxischen Potenzials bestehen durch die Wirkungen einiger Substanzen dieser Arzneimittelgruppe auf das Herz-Kreislaufsystem (z.B. QT-Verlangerung) bzw. die Ausscheidungsorgane Niere und Leber. Schlieslich sind die Nebenwirkungen der Chinolone auf Knorpel und Sehnen (Tendinitis, Rupturen) zu berucksichtigen, sie kommen offenbar durch die Bildung von Chelatkomplexen mit di- und trivalenten Kationen (z.B. Magnesium) zustande. Bei der Abgabe von Chinolon-haltigen Praparaten in der Apotheke sollte darauf geachtet werden, dass nicht gleichzeitig Antiarrhythmika der Klassen I und III (QT-Verlangerung!) oder mineralische Antacida angewandt werden (reduzierte Bioverfugbarkeit!). Insgesamt sind die heute ublichen Chinolone also hinsichtlich der Vertraglichkeit ahnlich zu bewerten, wie andere ubliche Antiinfektiva, jedoch bestehen einige spezifische Risiken fur seltene unerwunschte Wirkungen, die zum Beispiel bei Patienten mit bestimmten Vorerkrankungen beachtet werden mussen.

Callithrix jacchus, the common marmoset, is particularly suitable for immunological studies in vivo and in vitro since many antibodies directed against epitopes of human cells do also react with their analogues from this non-human primate. We studied the reactivity of antibodies against human epitopes on primary cultures of thymic epithelial cells from marmosets and humans by flow-cytometry after different culture periods. The antibodies against integrins, including CD61, reacted with thymic epithelial cells from both humans and marmosets, as did anti-CD44 and anti-CD106. Antibodies specific for thymic epithelial cells (TE-3, TE-4, TE-8, TE-15, TE-16, TE-19) also bound to cells from marmosets but expression of all epitopes was not observed in all cultures studied. The expression of CD51, CD54, CD58 and CD106 on human cells declined after 4 weeks of culture. Our findings indicate that marmosets are a valuable model for immunological studies of effects of xenobiotics on the thymic epithelium.

Background: Indinavir is an antiviral agent used for the treatment of HIV infection. We studied its developmental toxicity in rats. Methods: Pregnant animals were treated orally with 500 mg indinavir/kg body weight (bw) from day 6 to 15 of gestation (once daily) or from day 9 to 11 (twice daily). Fetuses were evaluated for external and skeletal anomalies on day 21 of gestation. In addition, 19 rats were treated from day 9 of gestation to day 24 post-natally with 500 mg indinavir/kg bw once daily; a control group of 17 rats was treated with the vehicle accordingly. Developmental landmarks were recorded. Sixteen offspring each were studied on postnatal days 7, 14, 21, and 35 for hepatic enzyme activity. Liver tissue was examined by electron microscopy. Results: Fetal examination on day 21 of pregnancy showed no treatment-related effects on number, weight, and viability of the fetuses; however, an increased incidence was noted in the supernumerary ribs and variations of the vertebral ossification centers in both indinavir-treated groups. Postnatal evaluation showed delayed fur development, eye opening, and descensus testis. The most striking finding was unilateral anophthalmia, observed in 7 pups (3%) from 2 out of 19 litters exposed to indinavir, but not in controls. Only minor changes in hepatic monooxygenase activities occurred in dams. Electron microscopy of liver samples showed hepatocellular inclusions of lipids and myelin figure-like structures in maternal livers and infiltration with granulocytes in offspring livers. Conclusions: Further studies on reproductive toxicity, including combinations of three or more antiretroviral agents as used therapeutically, are needed to determine the hazards of such a treatment.

We studied the sensitising and allergenic potentials of the textile dyes disperse yellow 3, disperse orange 30, disperse red 82, disperse yellow 211 and two metabolites of disperse yellow 3, 4-aminoacetanilide and 2-amino-p-cresol, using modified protocols of the murine "local lymph node assay" (LLNA). Test substances were applied either to the dorsum of the mice ears (sensitisation protocol) or they were first applied to the skin of their backs and 2 weeks later to their ears (sensitisation-challenge protocol). In addition to the endpoints weight and cell number of the draining ear lymph nodes we analysed lymphocyte subpopulations by flow cytometry. In the sensitisation protocol, disperse yellow 3 and its metabolite 4-aminoacetanilide did not induce significant effects, whereas in the sensitisation-challenge protocol cell number and lymph node weight increased significantly indicating a sensitising potential in NMRI mice. Hence, two-phase treatment (skin of the back, ear) increased the sensitivity of this assay. The second metabolite of disperse yellow 3, 2-amino-p-cresol, showed distinct effects in both treatment protocols; this applied mainly to the parameters cell number and lymph node weight. The dye disperse red 82 caused ambiguous increases in lymph node weight and cell number in the sensitisation protocol which were not reproduced in the sensitisation-challenge protocol, ruling out a relevant sensitising potential for this dye in NMRI mice. Disperse yellow 211 and disperse orange 30 did not induce relevant changes under our experimental conditions. Phenotyping of lymphocytes did not influence the assessment of these dyes.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) is a ubiquitously distributed xenobiotic. The adverse effects of TCDD on the mammalian immune system have been studied for decades, but it is still unclear whether TCDD has direct effects on T-lymphocytes or whether it acts via the thymic microenvironment. We have studied the effects of TCDD on primary cultures of human thymic epithelial cells (TEC) focusing on differentiation markers, integrins and adhesion molecules involved in cell-cell and in cell-matrix interactions. TEC were treated with TCDD at concentrations of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 or 10.0 nM or with 100 nM PCB 126 (3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl) for 3 days, and were then analysed by flow cytometry for expression of surface antigens using monoclonal antibodies against Hassall's bodies (TE-8, TE-16) or against surface structures such as CD29, CD49b, CD49e, CD49f, CD51, CD54, CD58, CD61 and CD106. At TCDD concentrations as low as 0.01 nM we found a significant increase in terminally differentiated, TE-16-positive TEC; at a ten-fold greater concentration the number of cells marked with the TE-8 antibody was also increased. With both markers the most pronounced effect (approximately +15%) was observed at 1 nM TCDD. An increase of cells expressing the integrin alpha-chains CD49b, CD49e and CD51 as well as CD54 was observed at concentrations of 0.1 nM TCDD or higher. The proportion of cells expressing CD106 or CD49f decreased significantly upon treatment with TCDD. No effects on the integrin beta-chains CD29 and CD61 could be detected. Overall, PCB 126 induced similar changes to TCDD. In summary, TCDD and a coplanar PCB induced terminal differentiation of human TEC along with changes of integrins and other adhesion molecules. These receptors and their interplay with the extracellular matrix have key functions in the maturation of T-lymphocytes and it is plausible that their alteration would be involved in TCDD-induced immunotoxicity.

Background Olaptesed pegol (NOX-A12) is a novel, potent, L-stereoisomer RNA aptamer that binds and neutralizes CXCL12/SDF-1, a chemokine which attracts and activates immune- and non-immune cells via interaction with the receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7. Signaling of CXCL12 is pivotal to the interactions of leukemic cells with bone marrow microenvironment. The therapeutic concept of olaptesed is to inhibit such tumor-supporting pathways and thereby mobilizing and sensitizing CLL cells to therapy. Here we aim to assess the activity and safety of olaptesed in combination with bendamustine and rituximab (BR) in patients with relapsed / refractory CLL. Methods Twenty-eight relapsed or refractory CLL patients were enrolled and treated in this open-label, single-arm Phase IIa study. To investigate PK/PD, a pilot dose of 1 to 4 mg/kg olaptesed alone was administered to 3 patients per dose group (plus one additional replacement pt) before start of the regular treatment regimen (pilot group). Patients were treated using a dose titration design with intravenous (IV) olaptesed at doses increasing from 1 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg at cycles 1, 2 and 3, respectively, at 1 hour before rituximab treatment. During cycles 4 to 6, olaptesed was dosed at the highest individually titrated dose. Rituximab was administered IV at doses of 375 mg/m² on day 1 of the 1st28-day cycle and 500 mg/m² on day 1 of subsequent cycles. Bendamustine (70 - 100 mg/m²) was given IV on days 2-3 (cycle 1) or days 1-2 (cycles 2-6) of each 28-day cycle following administration of rituximab. Clinical response was assessed according to NCI-WG Guidelines (Hallek M et al. Blood 111; 2008: 5446-56). Results To date, 24 patients completed treatment (12 women, 12 men) with a median age of 68.5 years (range 52 to 79). At screening 5, 9 and 10 patients presented with Binet stage A, B and C, respectively. The median number of prior treatment lines was 1 (range 1-2). Seven high-risk patients presented an unfavorable disease state being relapsed within 24 months after fludarabine/bendamustine treatment (5 pts) and/or presenting a deletion/mutation of the TP53 gene (3 pts). Most patients (19 of 24) were previously treated with fludarabine or bendamustine. A flow cytometric analysis of CD19+/CD5+CLL cells showed a rapid mobilization into the peripheral blood by a single dose of olaptesed which lasted throughout the observational time of 72h. Interestingly, CXCR4 expression levels increased on CLL cell surface in the periphery after olaptesed treatment. This increase, which peaked at 24h, likely reflects the extended circulation of CLL cells in the periphery due to the sustained blockade of CXCL12 by olaptesed. Reduction of lymphadenopathy by ≥ 50% was achieved in 14 out of 21 evaluable patients with reported enlarged lymph nodes by the end of treatment. Concomitantly, rapid reduction of lymphocytosis in peripheral blood with normalization by treatment cycle 2 – 3 was observed and the CLL to leukocyte ratio significantly improved. Efficacy was assessed at the end of cycles 3 and 6. In the full-analysis-set, which excludes two non-evaluable patients (drop-out after the 1st cycle due to adverse events), the overall response rate was 96%: Three patients (14%) achieved a complete response at end of cycle 6 (2 confirmed, 1 investigator reported) and eighteen patients (82%) achieved a partial response (fifteen at end of cycle 6 and three at end of cycle 3). Notably, all seven high-risk patients (defined as relapsed within 24 months after fludarabine/bendamustine treatment and/or presenting a deletion/mutation of the TP53 gene) responded to treatment with olaptesed + BR with a partial response. One patient had a progressive disease. Olaptesed at 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg at a single dose and in combination with BR was safe and well tolerated. The observed adverse reactions were qualitatively and quantitatively as expected for patients treated with BR. Conclusion Olaptesed in combination with BR was safe and well tolerated. Compared with historical data, olaptesed showed superiority over baseline therapy with regards to overall response rate and increasing rates of complete remission, warranting further development of this Spiegelmer in CLL. Disclosures Montillo: Janssen: Honoraria. Kruschinski:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Dümmler:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Riecke:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment.

Background Olaptesed, an L-stereo-isomer RNA aptamer, binds and neutralizes the chemokine CXCL12. By interaction with the chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7, CXCL12 is responsible for trafficking and homing of normal and malignant blood cells to the bone marrow. Preclinical studies have shown synergistic activity of CXCL12-targeting and anti-myeloma agents, specifically bortezomib (BTZ). Thus, targeting the myeloma niche may increase treatment efficacy. Aims This open label single arm study was conducted to assess the activity and safety of olaptesed when added to the combination of BTZ and dexamethasone (DEX) in patients with relapsed / refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Patients and Methods Twenty-eight relapsed or refractory MM patients (males:females 14:14) were enrolled and treated according to a dose titration design. Olaptesed was administered intravenously at doses increasing from 1 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg in cycles 1, 2 and 3, respectively, at 1 hour prior to bortezomib administration. During cycles 4 to 8, olaptesed was dosed at the highest individually titrated dose. BTZ (1.3 mg/m2) was given on days 1, 4, 8 and 11 as intravenous injection. Oral DEX (20 mg) was added on the day of and on the day after BTZ administration. Response was evaluated based on the uniform IMWG response criteria (Rajkumar SV et. al. Blood 2011; 117: 4691-5). Plasma cell mobilization was studied after a pilot dose of 1 to 4 mg/kg olaptesed administered to the initial 10 patients before start of the regular treatment regimen. Results From Aug 2012 to Feb 2014 we enrolled 28 patients who had received a median of 2 (range 1-6) lines of prior therapy. Pretreatments were lenalidomide (LEN) in 20, BTZ in 14 and carfilzomib in 1 patient. Ten patients had autologous stem cell transplantations prior to entering this study. The patient population enrolled presented predominantly with advanced disease and with adverse outcome predictors. Ten patients had ISS stage III. High-risk cytogenetics were identified in 9 of the 20 patients (45%) with FISH testing available for t(4;14), t(14;16) and/or del17p. Eleven patients were refractory to their last prior treatment, which contained BTZ in 8 cases. After two early withdrawals, 26 patients were available for outcome evaluations. The median number of completed cycles was 8. Progression led to treatment termination in 8 patients. The dose of olaptesed was titrated to 4 mg/kg in all 18 patients treated for 3 or more cycles. The single dose of olaptesed administered to 10 pilot-patients effectively mobilized plasma cells, which increased by approximately 200% for up to 3 days. Based on “best response” of the 26 evaluable patients, the overall response rate was 73%: Two patients (8%) achieved a complete response (CR), 6 patients (23%) a very good partial response (VGPR) and 11 patients (42%) a partial response (PR). Minimal response was recorded in 2 patients (8%), 4 patients (15%) had stable disease and 1 patient (4%) progressive disease. In the 9 evaluable patients with high-risk cytogenetics, the clinical responses were similar. The ORR was 67% with VGPR in 3 (33%) and PR in 3 (33%) patients. Of the 14 patients pre-treated with BTZ, 1 had a CR and 8 a PR (ORR 64%). M-protein decreased rapidly from treatment cycle 1 to cycle 4 with a decrease of ≥50% being observed in 15 of the 26 evaluable patients. Figure 1 shows a waterfall plot of the maximum observed decrease in M-protein. Figure 1: Waterfall Plot of Maximum M-Protein Change Figure 1:. Waterfall Plot of Maximum M-Protein Change Median progression-free survival (PFS) of the evaluable population was 6.5 months. It was also 6.5 months in the 9 patients with high-risk cytogenetics and 6.3 months in the 14 patients pre-treated with BTZ (Figure 2). The median follow-up was 6.3 months. Figure 2: Progression-Free Survival Figure 2:. Progression-Free Survival Treatment with olaptesed in combination with BTZ-DEX was safe and well tolerated without any appreciable increase in adverse events. Conclusions A single dose of olaptesed effectively mobilized plasma cells. Olaptesed in combination with BTZ and DEX resulted in an ORR rate of 73% and PFS of 6.5 months. Response rates and PFS were similar in patients with or without high risk cytogenetic features or with or without previous exposure to BTZ. The combination regimen was well tolerated. These findings merit further exploration of this strategy in randomized trials. Disclosures Weisel: NOXXON Pharma AG: Consultancy. Petrucci:Celgene: Honoraria; Jannsen-Cilag: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria. Leleu:Janssen, Celgene, leopharma, Takeda, Amgen, Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Laurent:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria. Kruschinski:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Dümmler:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Riecke:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Engelhardt:NOXXON Pharma AG: Consultancy.

Lexaptepid pegol (LP) is a PEGylated L-stereoisomer RNA aptamer that binds and neutralizes hepcidin. Hepcidin, a 25 amino acid peptide induced by inflammatory stimuli is a pivotal regulator of iron resorption and iron release from intracellular stores, which are severely impaired in anemia of chronic disease. Disturbances in iron metabolism resulting in functional iron deficiency are a key component of anemia of chronic disease which frequently complicates malignant disease. We evaluated the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and efficacy of hepcidin blockade by LP as sole treatment of anemia of chronic disease in patients with multiple myeloma, low grade Non-, or Hodgkin lymphoma. Twelve patients with functional iron deficiency anemia with the following baseline characteristics, presented as median (range), were enrolled: age 64 years (35-77), Hb 9.6 g/dL (8.0-10.7), serum ferritin 317 µg/L (193-2805), serum iron 29 µg/dL (18-97), TSAT 12% (6-46). LP was injected i.v. at a dose of 1.2 mg/mg, TIW for 4 weeks. Blood counts, serum biochemistry, and iron status were evaluated weekly until two weeks post treatment and at week four after the end of therapy. The primary endpoint was increase in Hb by ≥1 g/dL at any time between start of therapy until 1 week after end of treatment. The study has the clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT 01691040. Five of the 12 patients reached the target Hb increase of ≥1 g/dL, 3 patients achieved this goal within 2 weeks. Four of the 5 responding patients had hypochromic anemia (MCH 22-26 pg) and moderately increased baseline ferritin levels (200-350 µg/L). Median serum ferritin decreased from 317 to 232 µg/L (p=0.014) in the entire cohort of patients, and from 253 to 203 µg/L in responders (p=n.s). Reticulocyte hemoglobin increased from 22.0 to 25.2 pg (p=0.019) in responding patients, while in non-responders no increase was noted (30.0 to 30.1 pg). Similarly, a trend to increased reticulocyte index was observed in the responding patients (median: 0.9 to 1.3, p=n.s.) only. Soluble transferrin receptor levels (sTFR) showed a trend to decrease in responders (10.6 to 10.3 mg/L, p=n.s.), but remained unchanged in non-responders. Treatment with LP was well tolerated without major adverse reactions. In conclusion, LP induced a significant increase in Hb levels (≥1 g/dL) in 5 of 12 patients. Responding patients showed an increase in red cell and reticulocyte hemoglobin, and decrease in sTFR. These results support the concept of hepcidin inhibition for treatment of cancer associated anemia with functional iron deficiency. Patients with signs of iron deficiency as documented by hypochromic anemia, no excessive increase in ferritin and high sTFR levels showed a higher likelihood to respond to LP. Citation Format: Pencho Georgiev, Mihaela Lazaroiu, Luminita Ocroteala, Janet Grudeva-Popova, Emanuil Gheorghita, Mariana Vasilica, Sanda M Popescu, Andrei Cucuianu, Luciana Summo, Frank Schwoebel, Kai Riecke, Heinz Ludwig. The anti-hepcidin Spiegelmer® Lexaptepid Pegol (NOX-H94) as treatment of anemia of chronic disease in patients with multiple myeloma, low grade lymphoma, and CLL: A phase II pilot study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3847. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3847

Epidemiological studies have suggested an association between exposure to dioxins and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, cardiotoxic effects of low doses of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) in animals have not been reported so far. We studied the hearts of male marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus)after treatment with single subcutaneous doses of 1, 10 or 100 ng TCDD/kg body weight or vehicle (toluene/DMSO 1+2 v/v, 100 microl/kg body weight). The animals were killed 2 or 4 weeks after treatment. Tissue samples of left ventricular myocardium were stained with picrosirius red and examined histologically along with quantitative image analysis. Extracellular matrix proteins were additionally analysed by western blotting. Monkeys showed no overt signs of toxicity nor did their relative heart weights differ significantly depending on treatment. Histology revealed an increase of picrosirius red-positive area above control values in 2 of 4 (1 ng TCDD/kg body weight), 6 of 12 (10 ng/kg) and 6 of 10 (100 ng/kg) marmosets. Western blotting confirmed these histological findings showing an increase of collagen, fibronectin and laminin in the hearts of TCDD-treated animals. Western blotting additionally showed an increased concentration of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) as well as TGF-beta receptor type I which could be a functional link to the effects on extracellular matrix. Our findings might explain the association of TCDD exposure with increased cardiovascular mortality observed in epidemiological studies and should stimulate further research on the role of changes in the extracellular matrix in the toxic effects of dioxins and related substances on other organs.

Background NOX-A12 is a novel, potent, L-stereoisomer RNA aptamer (Spiegelmer®) that binds and neutralizes CXCL12/SDF-1, a chemokine which attracts and activates immune- and non-immune cells via interaction with its receptors, CXCR4 and CXCR7. CXCL12 plays an important role in homing and trafficking of multiple myeloma (MM) cells to the bone marrow (BM). Here, we evaluate the capacity of NOX-A12 to mobilize plasma cells into the circulation. Furthermore, we analyze a possible therapeutic impact of NOX-A12 which disrupts the interaction of MM cells with the BM stroma resulting in enhanced chemosensitivity to established therapies such as bortezomib and dexamethasone (VD). Methods To date, 21/28 planned patients have been enrolled into a multicenter Phase IIa study of NOX-A12 alone and in combination with VD in relapsed MM patients. Here we report interim data on PK, PD and preliminary efficacy of a pilot group consisting of 3 cohorts of 3 patients each. In the pilot phase, cohorts received single doses of 1, 2 or 4 mg/kg NOX-A12 alone, respectively, two weeks prior to 8 planned cycles of combined treatment with NOX-A12 and VD repeated every 21 days. During combination therapy, NOX-A12 was administered 1-2 hours prior to bortezomib following a dose titration design for all patients: NOX-A12 doses were increased from 1 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg and 4mg/kg at cycles 1, 2 and 3, respectively. During cycles 4-6, doses of NOX-A12 were kept at the highest individually titrated dose. Bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2) was given on days 1, 4, 8 and 11 as intravenous injection. Oral dexamethasone (20 mg) was added on the day of and the day after bortezomib administration. Response was evaluated by applying the uniform response criteria of the IMWG 2011. Results In total, 10 patients were enrolled into the pilot group (one patient was replaced after withdrawal of consent). The median age was 63 years (range 56-78) with 7 women and 3 men being included. Median prior therapies were 2 (range 1-5), with 9 patients having been pretreated with dexamethasone and 3 with bortezomib prior to enrollment. At screening 1, 7 and 2 patients presented with ISS stage I, II and III, respectively. IgG, IgA and LC M-components were present in 6, 3 and 1 patients, respectively. Six patients had cytogenetic aberrations, which were high risk (t(4;14) or del17p) in 2 patients. Plasma profiles of NOX-A12 in the patient population of the pilot group (Figure 1) were similar to healthy volunteers in which a plasma half-life of approximately 38 hours was observed. After single doses of NOX-A12, a dose-linear exposure with peak plasma levels of 2.1, 3.9, and 6.7 µM was found in the corresponding cohorts. Furthermore, an increase of plasma cells in peripheral blood by approximately 200% was detected which lasted throughout the observation period of 3 days (Figure 2). NOX-A12 as single agent was safe and very well tolerated. Of nine evaluable patients who received the combination treatment of NOX-A12 and VD, 2 (22%) achieved a VGPR and 4 (44%) PR, resulting in an ORR (≥ PR) of 67%. In combination with VD, NOX-A12 was equally safe and well tolerated. Conclusion Proof of principle was achieved as single doses of NOX-A12 reached the expected plasma exposure and translated into an effective and prolonged mobilization of plasma cells into the peripheral blood. In addition, responses (PR or better) were noted in 6/9 (67%) patients of this pilot group. Single agent NOX-A12 was not associated with any relevant toxicity and the combination of VD with NOX-A12 was well tolerated and not associated with additional toxicity on top of VD. Provided that these promising findings will be confirmed in the total sample of 28 patients, further development of this novel anti-CXCL12/SDF-1 Spiegelmer® seems warranted. Disclosures: Ludwig: Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Munipharma: Honoraria, Research Funding. Weisel:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria. Engelhardt:MSD, Janssen-Cilag: Research Funding. Greil:NOXXON Pharma AG: Research Funding. Dümmler:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Zöllner:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Zeitler:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Riecke:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Kruschinski:Noxxon: Employment.

Background NOX-A12 is a novel, potent, L-stereoisomer RNA aptamer (Spiegelmer(®)) that binds and neutralizes CXCL12/SDF-1, a chemokine which attracts and activates immune- and non-immune cells via interaction with its receptors, CXCR4 and CXCR7. The signaling of CXCL12 has been shown to play an important role in the pathophysiology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), especially in the interaction of leukemic cells with tissue microenvironment. The therapeutic concept of NOX-A12 is to mobilize these bone marrow- and tissue-resident CLL cells into the blood, thereby removing CLL cells from the nurturing milieu and sensitizing them to cytotoxic drugs such as bendamustine and rituximab (BR). Methods To date, 19/33 planned patients have been enrolled into a multicenter Phase IIa study of NOX-A12 alone and in combination with BR in relapsed CLL patients. Here we report interim data on PK, PD and preliminary efficacy of a pilot group consisting of 3 cohorts of 3 patients each. In the pilot phase, cohorts received single doses of 1, 2 or 4 mg/kg NOX-A12 alone, respectively, two weeks prior to 6 cycles of combined treatment of NOX-A12 with BR repeated every 28 days. During combination therapy, NOX-A12 was administered 1-2 hours prior to rituximab following a dose titration design for all patients: NOX-A12 doses were increased from 1 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg and 4mg/kg at cycles 1, 2 and 3, respectively. During cycles 4-6, doses of NOX-A12 were kept at the highest individually titrated dose. Bendamustine (70 - 100 mg/m², according to SPC) was given on day 2 and 3 (cycle 1) or 1 and 2 (cycle 2-6), combined with 375 mg/m2 rituximab on day 1 for the first cycle and 500 mg/m2 for subsequent cycles. Tumor response was assessed according to NCI-WG 1996 criteria (updated by iwCLL 2008). Results In total, 10 patients were enrolled in the pilot group (one additional patient was enrolled due to one patients' under dosing). The median age was 69 years (range 57-77) with 8 women and 2 men being included. Median prior therapies were 2 (range 1-2), whereby all patients were bendamustine naïve and 6 patients had received rituximab treatment prior to enrolment. 2, 4 and 4 patients presented at screening with Binet stage A, B, and C, respectively. 8 patients showed at least 1 cytogenetic aberration at the beginning of treatment. Tumor assessments before enrolment and at end of cycles 3 and 6 were evaluated. Plasma profiles of NOX-A12 in the patient population of the pilot group (Figure 1) were similar to those of healthy volunteers in which a plasma half-life of approximately 38 h was observed. After single doses of NOX-A12, the exposure was dose-linear with peak plasma concentrations of 1.7, 3.5, and 6.7 µM in the corresponding cohorts. CLL cells in the peripheral blood were found to be increased throughout the observational period of 3 days (Figure 2). In all patients presenting with lymphadenopathy, the lymph node size decreased markedly. NOX-A12 as single agent was safe and very well tolerated. All patients responded to the combination treatment of NOX-A12 and BR (ORR 100%); one patient had to be withdrawn from treatment due to multiple infections during cycle 4 having achieved a partial response (PR). At the end of cycle 6, seven patients (78%) showed a PR and two patients (22%) achieved a complete remission (CR). In combination with BR, NOX-A12 was equally safe and well tolerated. Conclusions Proof of principle was achieved as single doses of NOX-A12 reached the expected plasma exposure which translated into an effective and prolonged mobilization of CLL cells into the peripheral blood. In addition, the 100% ORR and 22% CR as well as the virtual absence of additional toxicity on top of BR observed in this pilot group compares very favorably with historical controls. Provided that this promising clinical picture will be maintained in the total sample of 33 patients, further development of this novel anti-CXCL12/SDF-1 Spiegelmer(®) seems warranted. Disclosures: Montillo: Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Mundipharma: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; GSK: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Dümmler:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Zöllner:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Zeitler:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Riecke:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Kruschinski:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment.

Anemia is very frequently encountered on the ICU. Increased hepcidin production is one of the cornerstones of the pathophysiology of anemia of inflammation. The first-in-class hepcidin antagonist NOX-H94, a PEGylated anti-hepcidin L-RNA oligonucleotide, is in development for targeted treatment of anemia of inflammation. We investigated whether NOX-H94 prevents the inflammation-induced serum iron decrease during experimental human endotoxemia.

Abstract 2342 Background: NOX-H94, the first-in-class hepcidin inhibitor in development for treatment of anemia of chronic disease (ACD), is a PEGylated anti-hepcidin L-RNA oligonucleotide. ACD is caused by iron sequestration in the reticulo-endothelial macrophages with subsequent iron restricted erythropoiesis due to high hepcidin production and subsequent ferroportin degradation. The treatment of ACD is challenging: a significant number of ACD patients do not respond to erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs), while repeated intravenous iron administrations bear a risk of iron overload. Targeting hepcidin may provide more efficacious and well tolerated treatment alternatives. Methods: This First-in-Human study investigated the safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of escalating single and repeated doses of intravenous (i.v.) NOX-H94 in healthy men and women. The study protocol (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01372137) was approved by an independent ethics committee and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Five successive cohorts of 8 healthy subjects, at least 3 men and women, were randomly assigned to i.v. doses of 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, 2.4, and 4.8 mg/kg of NOX-H94 (n=6) or placebo (n=2). Similarly, 2 cohorts of 8 male subjects randomly received 5 doses of either 0.6 or 1.2 mg/kg NOX-H94 or placebo every other day (q2d). Safety parameters, iron parameters, total hepcidin-25 (sum of free circulating hepcidin-25 and hepcidin-25 bound to NOX-H94), and PK were assessed during treatment and follow-up periods of ≥3 weeks. Data are given as means±SD. Results: One man, assigned to 5 i.v. doses of 0.6 mg/kg, withdrew consent after 4 administrations; all other 55 subjects completed the study as scheduled. Safety: Treatment with NOX-H94 was generally safe and well tolerated. No serious adverse event occurred; headache and fatigue were the only treatment related events that occurred more than once. Mild and transient increases in transaminases ( Conclusions: Treatment with NOX-H94 was generally safe and well tolerated over all dose levels and schedules studied; for subsequent phase II studies in patients, twice weekly i.v. doses of 1.2 mg/kg are recommended. PK analyses showed a dose-linear systemic exposure. In these healthy subjects, only mild dose-dependent increases in iron parameters were observed which likely underestimate the effects that may be obtained in patients with iron-restricted anemia. Disclosures: Riecke: NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Zöllner:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Vauléon:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Swinkels:NOXXON Pharma AG: Research Funding. Dümmler:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Summo:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Schwoebel:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment. Fliegert:NOXXON Pharma AG: Employment.

Olaptesed pegol (olaptesed, NOX-A12) is a pegylated l-oligoribonucleotide that binds and neutralizes CXCL12, a chemokine which signals through CXCR4 and CXCR7 regulating a variety of processes during multiple myeloma (MM) development.1 CXCL12 inhibition reduces the myeloma-supportive activity of the bone marrow microenvironment and mobilizes myeloma cells to the circulation.2 In addition, CXCL12α levels were reported to correlate with osteolytic bone lesions and with increased bone marrow angiogenesis.3 Targeting CXCL12, therefore, is a promising strategy for disrupting myeloma-stroma interactions and inhibiting myeloma growth and survival. Here, we report pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, safety and efficacy data of olaptesed in patients with relapsed/refractory MM and present data on baseline CXCL12α levels in this patient cohort. This first-in-patient Phase IIa study aims to translate the novel concept of combining proteasome and CXCL12 inhibition into the clinic and builds on a preclinical proof-of-concept regarding the significance of CXCL12 blockade in MM2 and on Phase I data in healthy subjects.4 Combining CXCL12 inhibition with bortezomib and dexamethasone (VD) was investigated in 28 patients with relapsed/refractory MM, who were either bortezomib-naive or considered not refractory to bortezomib. The median number of prior lines of therapy was 2 (range: 1–5), 39 and 14% of the patients presented with 3 or 4 prior lines, respectively. Cytogenetics were tested in 21 patients and high risk features were found in 36% of them. 54% of patients had prior treatment with bortezomib, 39% had a prior stem cell transplant and 57% were refractory to prior treatment. Further details on patient characteristics (Supplementary Table S1) and inclusion and exclusion criteria are available in the Supplementary Information. In the pilot phase, three cohorts of three patients each (four patients in the 1 mg/kg cohort due to patient replacement) were administered single doses of 1, 2 or 4 mg/kg of olaptesed alone by slow intravenous bolus injection 2 weeks prior to starting the combination treatment. Combination treatment was administered for eight cycles of 21 days. An intra-patient escalation was applied for safety reasons as olaptesed was combined for the first time with VD in cancer patients. Olaptesed was given 1–2 h prior to bortezomib at doses of 1 mg/kg in cycle 1, 2 mg/kg in cycle 2 and 4 mg/kg in cycles 3–8. Bortezomib was given on days 1, 4, 8 and 11 of each 21-day treatment cycle as intravenous injection of 1.3 mg/m2. Oral dexamethasone (20 mg) was added on the day of and the day after bortezomib administration. An outline of the study and details of patients’ flow are given in Supplementary Figures S1 and S2.