Search

Aims To assess the therapeutic potential of fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibition with FT‐4101, a potent, selective, orally bioavailable, small‐molecule by (a) evaluating the dose−response of single FT‐4101 doses (3, 6 and 9 mg) on hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) in healthy participants (Study 1) and (b) demonstrating the safety, tolerability and efficacy on hepatic steatosis after 12 weeks of FT‐4101 dosing in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD; Study 2). Materials and Methods In Study 1, three sequential cohorts of healthy men (n = 10/cohort) were randomized to receive a single dose of FT‐4101 (n = 5/cohort) or placebo (n = 5/cohort) followed by crossover dosing after 7 days. Hepatic DNL was assessed during fructose stimulation from 13C‐acetate incorporation. In Study 2, men and women with NAFLD (n = 14) randomly received 12 weeks of intermittent once‐daily dosing (four cycles of 2 weeks on‐treatment, followed by 1 week off‐treatment) of 3 mg FT‐4101 (n = 9) or placebo (n = 5). Steady‐state DNL based on deuterated water labelling, hepatic steatosis using magnetic resonance imaging‐proton density fat fraction and sebum lipids and circulating biomarkers were assessed. Results Single and repeat dosing of FT‐4101 were safe and well tolerated. Single FT‐4101 doses inhibited hepatic DNL dose‐dependently. Twelve weeks of 3 mg FT‐4101 treatment improved hepatic steatosis and inhibited hepatic DNL. Decreases in sebum sapienate content with FT‐4101 at week 11 were not significant compared to placebo and rebounded at week 12. Biomarkers of liver function, glucose and lipid metabolism were unchanged. Conclusions Inhibition of FASN with 3 mg FT‐4101 safely reduces hepatic DNL and steatosis in NAFLD patients.

A cross-industry survey was conducted to assess the landscape of preclinical quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) modeling within pharmaceutical companies. This article presents the survey results, which provide insights on the current state of preclinical QSP modeling in addition to future opportunities. Our results call attention to the need for an aligned definition and consistent terminology around QSP, yet highlight the broad applicability and benefits preclinical QSP modeling is currently delivering.

The hallmark of sickle cell disease (SCD) is polymerization of deoxygenated hemoglobin S (HbS), resulting in red blood cell (RBC) sickling, oxidative and membrane damage, hemolysis, vaso-occlusion, and end-organ damage. Exacerbating the pathogenesis of SCD, the sickle RBC (sRBC) has increased 2,3-DPG levels with decreased oxygen (O 2) affinity (increased P 50) and decreased ATP. Etavopivat, a small molecule activator of erythrocyte pyruvate kinase (PKR), increases PKR activity, resulting in decreased 2,3-DPG levels and increased ATP levels in RBCs. In a Phase 1 study in patients with SCD [NCT03815695], etavopivat significantly improved anemia and hemolysis after 2 weeks of treatment (Brown et al. Blood 2020). To evaluate the potential of etavopivat to reduce vaso-occlusive crises, exploratory studies were conducted to characterize the sRBC specific (intrinsic) and systemic effects of PKR activation. Patients with SCD received once daily etavopivat 300 or 600 mg for 2 weeks or 400 mg for up to 12 weeks. Peripheral blood was collected prior to treatment (ie, baseline), on treatment and 7-28 days post treatment. Studies to assess the sRBC intrinsic effects of PKR activation included evaluation of RBC parameters and reticulocyte counts (ADVIA ®), membrane deformability (Lorrca ®), enzyme function studies, and membrane markers by flow cytometry. Studies to assess the systemic effects of PKR activation included markers of coagulation, inflammation, and hypoxia in the 12-week cohort only. As of May 24, 2021, 15 patients who completed the 2-week dose cohorts and 7 patients treated in the 12-week dose cohort were evaluable for this analysis. The intrinsic effects of etavopivat on the sRBCs of patients receiving 2 weeks of treatment are summarized in Table 1. Etavopivat significantly increased Hb and reduced reticulocytes, including immature reticulocytes (CD71 +), suggesting that an etavopivat-mediated increase in sRBC lifespan is accompanied by a decrease in erythropoietic stress. In addition, etavopivat reduced 2,3-DPG levels thereby increasing HbS O 2 affinity (decreased P 50) resulting in a significant shift in the point of sickling (PoS) to a lower partial O 2 pressure. The deformability (EI max) of the sRBCs as measured by oxygenscan and osmoscan was significantly improved with etavopivat treatment, consistent with reduced membrane damage due to decreased HbS polymerization and improved membrane repair enabled by increased ATP production, collectively improving the health of the sRBC membrane. This improvement in membrane health was further supported by a significant reduction in the external expression of phosphatidylserine (PS) following etavopivat treatment. Finally, etavopivat significantly improved enzymatic activity not only of PKR but also superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase, enzymes involved in reducing oxidative stress in sRBCs. This suggests that etavopivat-treated sRBCs may have an improved ability to inhibit and repair damage caused by reactive O 2 species, thereby improving overall sRBC health and function. Initial results on the effect of etavopivat on systemic biomarkers that are commonly elevated in SCD are shown in Table 2. In patients receiving etavopivat 400 mg once daily for up to 12 weeks, tumor necrosis factor-a and prothrombin 1.2, as systemic markers of inflammation and hypercoagulability, respectively, showed a significant decrease compared with baseline. Furthermore, a trend towards reduced erythropoietin levels suggests that etavopivat treatment may reduce tissue hypoxia. Patients with SCD treated with etavopivat for at least 2 weeks demonstrated a significant increase in RBC membrane deformability and improved antioxidant capacity that resulted in increased sRBC survival and decreased anemia. The reduced reticulocyte count and lowered PS surface membrane expression suggest that etavopivat-treated sRBC may have reduced adhesive properties and may thus be less likely to promote vaso-occlusion. Initial studies evaluating the downstream effects of up to 12 weeks of etavopivat treatment once daily provided evidence for a reduction in markers of inflammation and hypercoagulability, with improved O 2 delivery capacity. These initial results suggest that the multimodal effects of decreased 2,3-DPG and increased ATP by PKR activation with etavopivat may have an impact on both the anemia and vaso-occlusive events that characterize SCD. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Kalfa: Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Other: Steering Committee, Research Funding; FORMA Therapeutics, Inc: Research Funding. Telen: GlycoMimetics, Inc.: Consultancy; Novartis, Inc.: Other: Data Safety Monitoring Board; Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding; CSL Behring, Inc.: Research Funding; Doris Duke Charitable Foundation: Research Funding; National Institutes of Health: Research Funding. Saraf: Global Blood Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding. Brown: Novo Nordisk: Consultancy; Imara: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Global Blood Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Forma Therapeutics: Research Funding. Larkin: Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding. Ribadeneira: Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Schroeder: Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Wu: Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Kelly: Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Kuypers: Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding.

Etavopivat is a small molecule activator of erythrocyte pyruvate kinase (PKR), that increases PKR activity, resulting in decreased 2,3-DPG and increased ATP in red blood cells (RBCs) of healthy volunteers (HV) and patients (pts) with sickle cell disease (SCD) (Kalfa 2019, Brown 2020). Based on initial safety, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data for HVs and pts with SCD, we performed multiple-dose studies in pts with SCD (NCT03815695): 2-wk multiple ascending dose (MD) cohorts to identify the once daily etavopivat dose that provides maximum PD activity with an acceptable safety profile and a 12-wk open label (OL) study to further characterize the safety and clinical activity at the maximum PD dose. These data are presented here. In the completed MD cohorts, 20 pts with SCD were randomized 8:2 to receive etavopivat (300 mg, then 600 mg) or placebo (PBO) once daily for 2 wks. In the ongoing OL cohort, up to 20 pts will receive etavopivat 400 mg once daily for 12 wks. Safety assessments included adverse events (AEs), vital signs, electrocardiograms, and peripheral blood laboratory parameters. PK/PD blood sampling was performed for up to 72 h after last dose and at end of study visit. RBC function studies were performed to assess membrane deformability (Lorrca ®). Enrollment in the MD cohorts (n=17 HbSS, n=2 HbSβ+thalassemia, n=1 HbSC) is complete and data unblinded (n=8: 300 mg etavopivat; n=8: 600 mg etavopivat; n=4: PBO). As of July 13, 2021, 11 pts (n=10 HbSS, 1 HbSC) have been treated in the OL cohort: median treatment duration was 12 (range 1-12) wks, 6 pts completed 12 wks of treatment. In MD pts, etavopivat demonstrated dose-proportional PK with overlapping PD responses (decreased 2,3-DPG and increased ATP), confirming prior results in HVs that etavopivat 400 mg once daily provides near maximal PD activity. Etavopivat was well tolerated in both MD and OL cohorts. AEs were reported in 1 of 4 (25%) MD PBO pts, most were grade (gr) ≤3, with 1 gr 4 blood creatine phosphokinase (CPK) increase. 13 of 16 (81%) etavopivat-treated MD pts reported AEs, most were gr 1/2 and commonly (>2 pts) included sickle cell pain (n=6 [38%]), headache (n=5 [31%]), and nausea (n=3 [19%]). One pt had a serious AE (SAE) of gr 3 vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) after completion of etavopivat (considered unrelated). In the OL cohort, AEs were reported in 7 of 11 (64%) pts who received at least 1 wk of etavopivat. AEs reported in >1 pt were headache and VOC (n=2 [18%] each). Most AEs were gr 1/2; one pt had SAEs of gr 3 acute chest syndrome and VOC (unrelated), one pt had an SAE of gr 3 deep vein thrombosis (possibly related), and one pt had an AE of gr 4 transient blood CPK increase (unrelated). Hematologic and hemolytic parameters were significantly improved at end of treatment in both MD and OL cohorts (Table 1); 11 of 15 (73%) evaluable MD pts achieved a Hb increase ≥1g/dL over baseline (mean 1.1 g/dL, P1g/dL Hb increase over baseline (mean 1.39 g/dL). Reductions in ARC, indirect bilirubin and LDH were also observed. Of 9 pts on etavopivat for at least 4 wks, 8 (89%) reported an increase in Hb >1g/dL, and the highest mean Hb increase was 1.81 g/dL during active treatment. Etavopivat-treated RBCs from MD pts (n=14) demonstrated improved functional health, including point of sickling and deformability. The improved deformability persisted up to 1 wk after etavopivat treatment in 36% of pts. Similar results were observed in the initial OL pts. Data on additional treated pts will be presented. Etavopivat 400 mg once daily for up to 12 wks was well-tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with underlying SCD. Increases in Hb >1 g/dL were observed in 89% of pts and maintained throughout 12 wks of treatment in the majority (83%) of pts. Increased Hb and a significant reduction in ARC indicated that etavopivat enhanced survival of sickle RBCs and significantly improved the severe anemia associated with SCD. These longer-living sickle RBCs have improved membrane health that may further reduce the risk of VOCs and end-organ damage. These results support further evaluation of etavopivat in the ongoing Phase 2/3 Hibiscus Study in pts with SCD (NCT04624659). Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Brown: Imara: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novo Nordisk: Consultancy; Forma Therapeutics: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Global Blood Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding. Saraf: Global Blood Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding. Idowu: Pfizer: Research Funding; Global Blood Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding; Ironwood: Research Funding; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Kalfa: Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Other: Steering Committee, Research Funding; FORMA Therapeutics, Inc: Research Funding. Geib: Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Forsyth: Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Schroeder: Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Wu: Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Kelly: Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Telen: GlycoMimetics, Inc.: Consultancy; Novartis, Inc.: Other: Data Safety Monitoring Board; Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding; CSL Behring, Inc.: Research Funding; Doris Duke Charitable Foundation: Research Funding; National Institutes of Health: Research Funding.

I NTRODUCTION: The hallmark of sickle cell disease (SCD) is hemoglobin S (HbS) polymerization upon deoxygenation, resulting in red blood cell (RBC) sickling, oxidative damage, membrane damage, hemolysis, cell adhesion, and vaso-occlusion. Exacerbating the pathogenesis of SCD, the HbS RBC has [1] increased (↑) 2,3-DPG with decreased (↓) O2 affinity (↑ P50) and [2] ↓ RBC ATP. FT-4202, a small molecule allosteric activator of erythrocyte pyruvate kinase (PKR), increases PKR activity resulting in ↓ 2,3-DPG levels and ↑ ATP levels in RBCs. In healthy volunteer (HV) studies (Kalfa et al. Blood 2019), FT-4202 was well tolerated, demonstrating physiologic responses (↓ 2,3-DPG and ↑ ATP) with biologic effects including ↑ O2 affinity, ↓ reticulocytes (P METHODS: In the SD and 14-day MD cohorts, pts with SCD were randomized 3:1 to FT-4202 or placebo. Safety assessments included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), vital signs, ECGs and laboratory parameters. PK/PD blood sampling was performed for up to 72h after the last dose and at the end-of-study visit; PD parameters included 2,3-DPG, ATP, P50, RBC deformability with controlled deoxygenation and reoxygenation (Lorrca® oxygenscan) and varying osmolality (Lorrca® osmoscan). To maintain study blind, pt identifiers were removed when needed. RESULTS: As of 17-July-2020, the SD (700 mg FT-4202) cohort is complete and the 1st MD cohort (MD-1, 300 mg once daily) is enrolling. Unblinded data from the SD and blinded data from the MD-1, 3 pt safety lead-in (randomized 2:1) are summarized. No serious adverse events (SAEs) or TEAEs leading to pt withdrawal were reported. In the SD cohort, 7 pts (2 males, 5 females, all HbSS) received 700 mg FT-4202 (n=5) or placebo (n=2). Six transient Grade 1 TEAEs occurred in 4 of 7 (57%) pts, including 3 TEAEs (arthralgia, headache, palpitations) in 2 of 5 (40%) pts receiving FT-4202 and 3 TEAEs (back pain, myalgia, pruritis) in 2 of 2 (100%) pts receiving placebo. RBC ATP concentrations increased by 30% and RBC 2,3-DPG concentrations decreased by 26% 24h after FT-4202. Increased O2 affinity (↓P50) with a decreased point of sickling (PoS) and improved HbS RBC deformability were observed in all FT-4202-treated pts. Improved HbS RBC membrane function was also demonstrated with a shift of the osmoscan results towards normal. Improved hematologic parameters, including ~0.9 g/dL Hb increase compared with placebo, were also observed 24h after a single dose of FT-4202. In 3 pts with SCD (3 females, all HbSS) who thus far completed MD-1, 14 days of 300 mg FT-4202 or placebo daily was well tolerated, with 1 pt reporting transient, unrelated Grade 2 TEAEs of nausea/vomiting at the end of the 14-day dosing period. Laboratory changes relative to pretreatment for each pt are shown in Table 1. In 2 of 3 SCD MD-1 pts treated with FT-4202/placebo (currently blinded), Hb increased by > 1 g/dL, % reticulocytes decreased, and markers of hemolysis were improved after 14 days of treatment (compared to pre-treatment levels). Hematologic parameters returned to pre-treatment levels 4 to 7 days post-treatment (data not shown) without clinical AEs. Functional studies in the 2 pts with increased Hb showed improved RBC deformability (↓ PoS) and improved RBC membrane function while on study treatment relative to pre-treatment and/or post-treatment. CONCLUSION: FT-4202 has a favorable safety profile in pts with SCD receiving a single dose or up to 14 days of dosing. A single dose of FT-4202 led to decreased 2,3-DPG and increased ATP, resulting in increased O2 affinity, decreased PoS, improved RBC deformability, and improved RBC membrane function. Initial blinded results of daily dosing with 300 mg FT-4202/placebo over 14 days show improvement in both hematologic and hemolytic parameters in 2 of 3 pts with SCD, along with improved RBC functional studies, suggesting the pharmacodynamic consequences of PKR activation may be of clinical benefit in SCD. Multiple-dose cohorts are ongoing to further evaluate the safety, PK/PD, and biological activity of FT-4202 following daily administration in pts with SCD; updated data will be presented. Disclosures Brown: Imara, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding; Forma Therapeutics, Inc,: Research Funding; Global Blood Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding. Kalfa:Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Consultancy, Research Funding; Forma Therapeutics, Inc: Research Funding. Kuypers:Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding. Saraf:Global Blood Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Advisory Boards, Speakers Bureau; Novartis, Global Blood Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer, Global Blood Therapeutics, Novartis: Research Funding. Estepp:Global Blood Therapeutics, Forma Therapeutics, Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Co: Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo, Esperion, Global Blood Therapeutics: Consultancy; ASH, NHLBI: Research Funding. Malik:Aruvant Sciences, CSL Behring: Patents & Royalties; Aruvant Sciences, Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Consultancy. Ribadeneira:Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Current Employment. Forsyth:Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Current Employment. Schroeder:Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Current Employment. Wu:Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Current Employment. Kelly:Forma Therapeutics, Inc.: Current Employment. Telen:Forma Therapeutics: Research Funding; GlycoMimetics Inc.: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; CSL Behring: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Because of its role in mediating both B cell and Fc receptor signaling, Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a promising target for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Evobrutinib is a novel, highly selective, irreversible BTK inhibitor that potently inhibits BCR- and Fc receptor–mediated signaling and, thus, subsequent activation and function of human B cells and innate immune cells such as monocytes and basophils. We evaluated evobrutinib in preclinical models of RA and SLE and characterized the relationship between BTK occupancy and inhibition of disease activity. In mouse models of RA and SLE, orally administered evobrutinib displayed robust efficacy, as demonstrated by reduction of disease severity and histological damage. In the SLE model, evobrutinib inhibited B cell activation, reduced autoantibody production and plasma cell numbers, and normalized B and T cell subsets. In the RA model, efficacy was achieved despite failure to reduce autoantibodies. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling showed that mean BTK occupancy in blood cells of 80% was linked to near-complete disease inhibition in both RA and SLE mouse models. In addition, evobrutinib inhibited mast cell activation in a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis model. Thus, evobrutinib achieves efficacy by acting both on B cells and innate immune cells. Taken together, our data show that evobrutinib is a promising molecule for the chronic treatment of B cell–driven autoimmune disorders.

The application of modeling and simulation techniques is increasingly common in preclinical stages of the drug discovery and development process. A survey focusing on preclinical pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) analysis was conducted across pharmaceutical companies that are members of the International Consortium for Quality and Innovation in Pharmaceutical Development. Based on survey responses, ~68% of companies use preclinical PK/PD analysis in all therapeutic areas indicating its broad application. An important goal of preclinical PK/PD analysis in all pharmaceutical companies is for the selection/optimization of doses and/or dose regimens, including prediction of human efficacious doses. Oncology was the therapeutic area with the most PK/PD analysis support and where it showed the most impact. Consistent use of more complex systems pharmacology models and hybrid physiologically based pharmacokinetic models with PK/PD components was less common compared to traditional PK/PD models. Preclinical PK/PD analysis is increasingly being included in regulatory submissions with ~73% of companies including these data to some degree. Most companies (~86%) have seen impact of preclinical PK/PD analyses in drug development. Finally, ~59% of pharmaceutical companies have plans to expand their PK/PD modeling groups over the next 2 years indicating continued growth. The growth of preclinical PK/PD modeling groups in pharmaceutical industry is necessary to establish required resources and skills to further expand use of preclinical PK/PD modeling in a meaningful and impactful manner.

Background: The hallmark of sickle cell disease (SCD) is hemoglobin S (HbS) polymerization upon deoxygenation, resulting in red blood cell (RBC) sickling, oxidative damage, membrane damage, hemolysis, chronic anemia, vaso-occlusions and inflammation. Exacerbating the pathogenesis of SCD, the HbS RBC has 1) increased (↑) 2,3-DPG with decreased (↓) oxygen affinity (↑ P50) and 2) ↓ RBC ATP. FT-4202 is a novel, small molecule allosteric activator of erythrocyte pyruvate kinase (PKR) that increases the activity of both wild type and mutated PKR enzymes, resulting in ↓ 2,3-DPG levels and ↑ ATP levels in RBC. In preclinical safety studies, FT-4202 had no effect on steroidogenesis, low risk of drug-to-drug interactions (DDI) and was well tolerated in vivo at the maximum doses administered. In vitro FT-4202 treatment of RBCs from patients with SCD increased oxygen affinity and shifted the point of sickling by oxygen scan. After 1-week of dosing in vivo Berkeley SCD mouse-models, FT-4202 increased the oxygen affinity of HbS RBC, resulting in reduction of sickling and improved hemoglobin. Based on these results, a first-in-human Phase 1 study evaluating FT-4202 in healthy subjects and subjects with SCD was initiated. The key objectives of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled single (SAD), multiple ascending dose (MAD), and food effects (FE) study are to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of FT-4202, in healthy and SCD subjects [NCT03815695]. Herein we report the effects of FT-4202 on healthy subjects in this ongoing study. Methods: SAD cohorts were randomized to receive a single oral dose of FT-4202 or placebo (P). Four healthy SAD cohorts were evaluated (n=8 each; 6 FT-4202, 2 P), at increasing doses of 200, 400, 700, and 1000 mg. Four healthy MAD cohorts (n=12 each; 9 FT-4202, 3 P) received 200 to 600 mg total daily dose for 14 days at QD or BID dosing. In the FE cohort, 10 subjects received 200 mg FT-4202 QD with and without food. Safety assessments included adverse events (AEs), vital signs, ECGs and laboratory parameters. Rich PK/PD blood sampling was performed on Day1 (SAD/MAD/FE) and Day 14 (MAD), up to 72h after the last dose and at the end of study visit. PD parameters included 2,3-DPG, ATP, and P50. Safety data are summarized in a blinded fashion pending enrollment of SCD subjects. To maintain study blind, PK/PD analysis was performed by an unblinded pharmacologist using dummy subject identifiers. Results: No serious adverse events (SAEs) or AEs leading to withdrawal were reported. In the SAD cohorts, 32 subjects (20 males [M] and 12 females [F]; median age 46 yrs) were enrolled and completed the study. A total of 7 treatment-emergent AEs occurred in 6/32 (19%) subjects during the study: 3 Grade (Gr) 1 and 3 Gr 2 in severity while 1 subject in the 1000 mg FT-4202/P dose cohort experienced an isolated, asymptomatic lipase increase (Gr 3 AE) that occurred 4 days post dose and normalized within 24 hrs. In the MAD cohorts, 48 subjects (28 M; 20 F; median age 46 yrs), were enrolled and completed dosing. 18/48 (38%) of subjects receiving FT-4202/P experienced 31 Gr 1 AEs with the most frequent AE of headache (n=12). In PK assessments, FT-4202 was rapidly absorbed with a median Tmax of 1 hr post-dose. Single dose exposure increased in greater than dose-proportional manner at doses ≥700 mg. In multiple-doses delivered BID or QD, linear PK was observed across all dose levels (100-300 mg BID, 400 mg QD), and exposure remained steady up to day 14, without cumulative effect. FT-4202 exposure under fed/fasted conditions was similar. PD activity was demonstrated at all dose levels evaluated in FT-4202-treated subjects (Table 1). Within 24 hr of a single dose of FT-4202, ↓ 2,3-DPG with a corresponding ↓ P50 was observed. After 14 days of FT-4202 dosing these PD effects were maintained along with ↑ ATP over baseline. PK/PD modeling demonstrated that exposures achieved with FT-4202 150-200 mg BID will result in maximum/sustained PD effect. Conclusions: FT-4202 has a favorable safety profile in healthy subjects based on preliminary analysis of subjects receiving a single dose up to 1000 mg or multiple doses up to 600 mg/day for 14 days. FT-4202 demonstrated linear and time-independent PK with proof of mechanism (POM) demonstrated based on PD effects. Studies in SCD subjects are ongoing to confirm safety and POM of FT-4202 at doses predicted to achieve maximum PD effect (↓ 2,3-DPG/↓ P50 and ↑ ATP) in the HbS RBC. Disclosures Kalfa: FORMA: Other: sponsored research agreement; Agios: Other: local PI of clinical research trial. Kuypers:FORMA Therapeutics: Research Funding. Telen:Forma Therapeutics: Research Funding; Novartis: Other: Member of a safety monitoring committee; Pfizer: Other: Member of a clinical trial steering committee. Estepp:Global Blood Therapeutics, FORMA Therapeutics, Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Co: Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo, Esperion, Global Blood Therapeutics: Consultancy; ASH, NHLBI: Research Funding. Saraf:Pfizer: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Wilson:FORMA Therapeutics: Employment. Ribadeneira:FORMA Therapeutics: Employment. Forsyth:FORMA Therapeutics: Employment. Schroeder:FORMA Therapeutics: Employment. Drake:FORMA Therapeutics: Employment. Polyanskaya:FORMA Therapeutics: Employment. Kelly:FORMA Therapeutics: Employment. Biernat:Medpace, Inc.: Employment.

Background: BET inhibitors have demonstrated therapeutic potential in hematologic malignancies; however low therapeutic margins have limited clinical development. FT-1101 (also known as CC-95775) is a BET bromodomain inhibitor of all 4 BET family members BRD4, BRD2, BRD3, and BRDT (Kd ≤20 nM) and shows additional activity towards several non-BET bromodomain proteins (including CECR2 and BRD9). In vitro, FT-1101 displayed potent anti-proliferative activity across a broad panel of human leukemia cell lines. In xenograft and syngeneic models, FT-1101 achieved superior tumor growth inhibition (including regressions) relative to JQ1, another BET inhibitor (Millan 2015). Methods: A Phase 1 study evaluated the safety, PK/PD, and clinical activity of FT-1101 in patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory (R/R) AML/MDS, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) (NCT02543879). Oral FT-1101 (10 mg - 600 mg) was dosed once a week (QW), every other week (QOW), or monthly (QM) during dose escalation. Safety was assessed via treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) for all pts; efficacy (response) was assessed in evaluable pts by investigators. Pharmacodynamic biomarkers (CCR1 and HEXIM1 mRNA expression) were assessed in whole blood. Results: Between 17-Nov-2015 and 05-Mar-2019, a total of 84 AML/MDS pts and 10 NHL pts received FT-1101 in dose escalation with a median of 2 (range 1-13) treatment cycles and median exposure of 43 (1-401) days for AML/MDS and 51.5 (1-183) days for NHL pts. Most AML/MDS pts (n=80) received FT-1101 monotherapy; a small cohort (n=4) received FT-1101 200 mg QOW in combination with azacitidine. FT-1101 appeared to demonstrate dose-proportional PK (10-600 mg/dose) with a median Tmax of 4 (1-24) hrs and a mean T1/2 of 52 (18-123) hrs. Pharmacodynamic responses correlated with FT-1101 concentrations; preliminary analysis indicated that PD biomarker modulation (↓ CCR1 and ↑ HEXIM1) was seen with FT-1101 doses as low as 80 mg, with more robust modulation observed at FT-1101 doses >180 mg. The most common (>20%) TEAEs (all grades) were diarrhea (32%), fatigue (30%), dyspnea (29%), nausea (27%), anemia (24%), and platelet count decreased (21%) among AML/MDS pts and diarrhea (60%), nausea or pleural effusion (40% each), and cough, decreased appetite or dyspnea (30% each) among NHL pts. The most common (>10%) severe (≥ grade 3) TEAEs were anemia (21%), decreased platelets (19%), pneumonia (16%), sepsis (13%), febrile neutropenia (12%), and disease progression (11%) among AML/MDS pts and pleural effusion or disease progression (20% each) among NHL pts. AEs led to treatment discontinuation in 22 AML/MDS pts (26%) and 2 NHL pts (20%). Twenty AML/MDS pts (24%) and 2 NHL pts (20%) died due to AEs, all assessed as unrelated to study treatment. Disease progression was the most common fatal TEAE in AML/MDS and NHL pts (10% and 20%, respectively). The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) on the QOW schedule was 400 mg FT-1101; MTDs were not determined for other schedules. Among evaluable AML/MDS pts who received >180 mg FT-1101 monotherapy (n=30), one pt (3%) on the 400 mg QOW schedule achieved complete remission with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi) and 19 pts (63%) achieved stable disease, including 2 pts receiving >7 cycles of treatment. Among evaluable NHL patients who received >180 mg FT-1101 monotherapy (n=3), one pt (33%) achieved stable disease. Conclusions: FT-1101, as monotherapy, shows acceptable safety, PK, and modest clinical activity in R/R AML/MDS and NHL pts. Intermittent (QOW) dosing within a tolerable range elicits PD activity (CCR1 suppression and HEXIM1 upregulation) consistent with preclinical observations indicating antitumor activity, and provides a rationale for testing FT-1101 in combination with standard therapies in AML/MDS and NHL. Disclosures Patel: Genentech: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Exelixis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Pharmacyclics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Garcia-Manero:Amphivena: Consultancy, Research Funding; Helsinn: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astex: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onconova: Research Funding; H3 Biomedicine: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding. Dinner:Agios: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; AstraZeneca: Consultancy. Grunwald:Forma Therapeutics: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Medtronic: Equity Ownership; Cardinal Health: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Genentech/Roche: Research Funding; Trovagene: Consultancy; Janssen: Research Funding. Ribadeneira:FORMA Therapeutics: Employment. Schroeder:FORMA Therapeutics: Employment. Brevard:FORMA Therapeutics: Employment. Wilson:FORMA Therapeutics: Employment. Sweeney:FORMA Therapeutics: Employment. Kelly:FORMA Therapeutics: Employment. Lancet:Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Other: fees for non-CME/CE services ; Agios, Biopath, Biosight, Boehringer Inglheim, Celator, Celgene, Janssen, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Karyopharm, Novartis: Consultancy.

AZD3783, a cationic amphiphilic drug and a potent inhibitor of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT1B) receptor, was explored as a potential treatment for depression. To support clinical trials, repeat dose toxicity studies in rats and dogs were conducted. Here we report toxicity findings in dogs after dosing from 1 to 3 months. In the 1-month study, there were minimal neuronal vacuolation in the brain, a marked increase in liver enzymes accompanied by hepatocellular degeneration/necrosis and phospholipidosis (PLD), and PLD/cholecystitis in the gallbladder of animals dosed at 47 mg/kg/day. In the 3-month study, neurotoxicity resulted in euthanasia of one animal dosed at 30 mg/kg/day after 86 days. Extensive pathologic changes were seen in all animals in retina epithelium (inclusion bodies), brain (neuronal vacuolation, degeneration, or necrosis and nerve fiber degeneration), spinal ganglia (vacuolation, degeneration, or necrosis), as well as sciatic and optic nerves (degeneration). Pigment-laden macrophages were observed in the lung, kidney, liver, gallbladder, bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and lymphoid tissues. Also seen were vitrel and retinal hemorrhage in the eyes. A brain concentration and pathology study showed that the concentration of AZD3783 in the brain was approximately 4 times higher than in the plasma after 4 weeks of dosing, however, they were similar in all regions examined, and did not correlate with areas with pathologic findings. Our findings with AZD3783 in dogs have not been reported previously with other CNS compounds that effect through serotonergic pharmacology.

With inadequate efficacy being the primary cause for the attrition of drug candidates in clinical development, the need to better predict clinical efficacy earlier in the drug development process has increased in importance in the pharmaceutical industry. Here, we review current applications of translational pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modeling of preclinical data in the pharmaceutical industry, including best practices. Preclinical translational PK-PD modeling has been used in many therapeutic areas and has been impactful to drug development. The role of preclinical translational PK-PD modeling in drug discovery and development will continue to evolve and broaden, given that its broad implementation in the pharmaceutical industry is relatively recent and many opportunities still exist for its further application.

Objective.To determine the source of an outbreak of Salmonella javiana infection.Design.Case-control study.Participants.A total of 101 culture-confirmed cases and 540 epidemiologically linked cases were detected between May 26, 2003, and June 16, 2003, in hospital employees, patients, and visitors. Asymptomatic employees who had eaten in the hospital cafeteria between May 30 and June 4, 2003, and had had no gastroenteritis symptoms after May 1, 2003, were chosen as control subjects.Setting.A 235-bed academic tertiary care children's hospital.Results.Isolates from 100 of 101 culture-confirmed cases had identical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns. A foodhandler with symptoms of gastroenteritis was the presumed index subject. In multivariate analysis, case subjects were more likely than control subjects to have consumed items from the salad bar (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-12.1) and to have eaten in the cafeteria on May 28 (aOR, 9.4; 95% CI, 1.8-49.5), May 30 (aOR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.0-12.7), and/or June 3 (aOR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.4-11.3).Conclusions.Foodhandlers who worked while they had symptoms of gastroenteritis likely contributed to the propagation of the outbreak. This large outbreak was rapidly controlled through the use of an incident command center.

Radical changes in health care, organizations, and the quality science have converged, radically altering the role of many, including the quality professional. The very existence of this role remains in question. Should it continue, radical changes are in store for its conduct. It is critical that quality professionals today remain aware of the issues, and strategically move forward to chart a quality direction for both their organizations and their own careers.

European Panel on the Appropriateness of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (EPAGE) criteria have been developed to increase diagnostic yield, but their predictive value is limited. We investigated the incremental diagnostic value of faecal calprotectin to EPAGE criteria.In a post-hoc analysis of a prospective study, EPAGE criteria were applied to 298 of 575 (51.8%) patients who had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy or both for abdominal complaints at the Division of GastroenterologyHepatology at the University Hospital Basel in Switzerland. Faecal calprotectin was measured in stool samples collected within 24 hours before the investigation using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Final endoscopic diagnoses were blinded to calprotectin values.Of 149 EGDs and 224 colonoscopies, 17.6% and 14.7% respectively were judged inappropriate by EPAGE criteria. Appropriate or uncertain indications revealed more endoscopic findings in both EGD (46.3% vs. 23.1%, P = 0.049) and colonoscopy (23.6% vs. 6.1%, P = 0.041) than inappropriate indications. Median calprotectin levels were higher (81.5 μg/g, interquartile range 26-175, vs. 10 μg/g, IQR 10-22, P0.001) and testing was more often positive (50 μg/g) in patients with endoscopic findings, both in EGD (58.2% vs. 33.0%, P = 0.005) and in colonoscopy (57.3% vs. 7.4%, P0.001). The use of faecal calprotectin in addition to EPAGE criteria improved the risk reclassification of patients by endoscopic findings. The calculated net reclassification index was 37.8% (P = 0.002) for EGD and 110.9% (P0.001) for colonoscopy, thus improving diagnostic yield to 56.8% and 70.2%, respectively.The use of faecal calprotectin in addition to EPAGE criteria improved diagnostic yield in patients with abdominal complaints.

Background Bruton9s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a clinically proven target in several hematological indications. Due to its role in mediating the signaling of both B cell receptors (BCR) and Fc receptors (FcR), BTK is also a potential target for the treatment of autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), where B cell and innate immune cell activation are key drivers of pathology. Objectives We are developing M2951, a novel,highly selective BTK inhibitor that is suitable for the treatment of chronic diseases. This work aimed at characterizing its efficacy in various cellular assays in vitro as well as in disease models for RA and SLE. Based on in vivo efficacy and target occupancy data, a PKPD model describing the correlation of BTK inhibition and disease severity reduction was built. Methods The BTK inhibitor M2951 was characterized in various biochemical and cellular assays to demonstrate its potency and specificity. To determine disease-modifying activity, M2951 was tested in NZB/W F1 mice which had been infected with e replication-deficient adenovirus expressing IFN-alpha in order to synchronize disease onset. Efficacy was determined by measuring proteinuria and histological kidney damage. Furthermore, M2951 was tested in a collagen-induced arthritis model (CIA) in the mouse. Paw scores were used to measure efficacy. A biochemical assay was developed that allowed to measure the degree of BTK occupancy in blood cells and splenocytes was developed. This assay was used to build a translational PKPD model linking target occupancy to efficacy. Results M2951 potently inhibits BCR- and FcR-mediated signaling and subsequent activation and function of B cells and certain myeloid cells. In mouse models of RA and SLE, M2951 displayed robust efficacy as demonstrated by a marked reduction of disease severity. In the NZB/W F1 IFN-α-accelerated SLE model, efficacy correlated with B cell inhibition, reduction of autoantibodies, and decreased circulating memory B and T cells. In addition to SLE, RA-like symptoms were inhibited in a collagen-induced arthritis model. In order to translate preclinical efficacious doses to humans, we determined the degree of target occupancy necessary to achieve disease reduction. Pharmacodynamic modeling showed that BTK occupancy of 60 and 80% was linked to 80% and near complete disease inhibition, respectively, in both the RA and SLE models. Conclusions In summary, these results demonstrate the potential of M2951 to treat autoimmune disease and may inform rational dose decisions as M2951 is advanced for development in rheumatologic diseases. Disclosure of Interest P. Haselmayer Employee of: Merck KGaA, M. Camps Employee of: Merck Serono, L. Liu-Bujalski Employee of: EMD Serono, F. Morandi Employee of: EMD Serono, J. Head Employee of: EMD Serono, S. Zimmerli Employee of: EMD Serono, L. Bruns Employee of: Merck KGaA, A. Bender Employee of: EMD Serono, P. Schroeder Employee of: EMD Serono, R. Grenningloh Employee of: EMD Serono

Most professions are defined, at least in part, by the functions they perform. Nursing, it its pursuit of a definition, has begun to define its scientific functional base. This article attempts to advance that definition by outlining generic functions that define the practice of nursing. The study described in the article used these generic functions to determine what quality professionals perceived to be the key functions in medical-surgical, perioperative, and perinatal nursing. Once defined, these key functions can serve as the basis for specialty discipline standards development, research, indicator development, and competency definition, assessment, and improvement.

The Molecular Basis of Color and Form – Chemistry in Art, a general-education chemistry lab course for nonscience majors, introduces students to aspects of geochemistry through the study of the ceramics and glass used by artists. Students learn through lecture and hands-on activities about the raw materials used to produce pottery of various kinds, glasses, and glazes as well as the development of ceramic technologies by peoples throughout history. Laboratory experiences include preparation of low-fire ceramics, investigation of glazes, and the preparation, coloring, etching, and analysis of various glasses. The course can serve as a model for making physical-science courses more interesting and relevant, not only for humanities, arts and education majors, but also for science majors as well.

The authors suggest that the lack of consensus among nurses about important indicators and other measures of quality stems from the lack of consensus on important aspects of nursing care. This article reports on a national conference for nursing quality assurance in which 176 nurses representing 11 specialties developed lists of universal and specialty practice important aspects of care. It discusses questions raised at the conference about definitions of terms, as well as plans for additional follow-up work.

Introduction: M. Simeoni et al., Cancer Res 64, 1094-1101 (2004) published a mathematical model, which is now widely used in pre-clinical experimentation to describe the growth and inhibition by anti-cancer agents of mouse and rat xenograft models. It models drug-concentration induced cell damage, and uses a series of transit-compartments to introduce delay into the system and empirically describe populations of cells undergoing subsequent stages of cell damage and death. The model involves a number of simplifying assumptions: All healthy cells are equally susceptible to drug treatment at all times; drug action is linearly related to drug concentration; drug action causes cell damage and death with a single rate of progress through a series of empirical transit compartments; DNA damage repair mechanisms are assumed not to exist. B. Ribba et al. Eur. J. Cancer, 47, 479-490 (2011) recently demonstrated the utility of a mechanistic model that characterizes the tumor xenograft in terms of non-hypoxic, hypoxic, and necrotic cells and the drug action on these sub-populations of cells. In this poster we will illustrate several modeling approaches that have been utilized when the simplifying assumptions in the Simeoni model are invalid. We will also extend the model presented by Ribba et al., to incorporate the spatial features of a tumor in an attempt to better describe the tumor micro-environment. Methods: We have adapted the Simeoni and Ribba models to be more mechanistic by incorporating features that describe: (1) the utility of biomarkers proximal to the target in cell signaling pathways as a driver for growth inhibition; (2) multiple mechanisms of drug action on sub-populations of cells that drive tumor growth. Pharmacokinetic, biomarker and tumor growth data for example compounds have been used to demonstrate the utility of these mechanistic models. Results: Incorporating non-linearity between drug exposure, biomarker response, and tumor growth inhibition allows observed differences between dosing schedules to be explained. Replacing drug exposure with a biomarker as the driver for tumor growth inhibition provides a more meaningful surrogate for pharmacological action, particularly in the situation where biomarker response to drug is significantly delayed compared to the pharmacokinetics. Modeling multiple mechanisms of action on sub-populations of cells can allow an accurate representation of the drug effect on the disease biology. Conclusions: We demonstrate that adding mechanistic features to a descriptive model of drug-induced tumor growth inhibition makes it more representative of the disease biology and drug action. This offers the opportunity for modeling targeted drug action, which was not possible with the original model. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3777. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3777

In late 1988, a congressional committee chaired by the author (Democrat, Colorado) asked the General Accounting Office (GAO) to probe the male-oriented research bend of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH acknowledged the fact that most of its research focused on men, and promised that it would correct the problem. However, two years later nothing had happened, which triggered a legislative initiative mandating the inclusion of women into federally funded research. Another GAO analysis ascertained that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was not asking gender-specific questions of drug companies prior to their marketing drugs. For example, FDA would never ask about the interaction of oral contraceptives or estrogen with any new drugs. Adolescents have also been neglected, but the committee collected information from government studies on adolescents and AIDS. The Family Planning Act proposes that a pregnant adolescent does not need parental permission for prenatal care. The Rocky Mountain Planned Parenthood teen clinic had been on the verge of being closed down by state legislators, before they visited it and recognized the valuable service it was doing. A study about adolescents concluded that they had dropped out of the health care system irrespective of socioeconomic status. At a critical time when eating habits, drinking, drugs, exercise habits, and sexual matters became issues to be confronted. Teenagers could not turn to anyone. The appointment of Donna Shalala to be Secretary of Health and Human Services was a promising step in the direction of advocating women's health needs and family planning.

Even in countries where female genital mutilation is an age-old tradition, the belief that it should be eliminated is growing. For example, women who have themselves been mutilated are working at t...

To determine the factors associated with an increasing rate of nosocomial infections in infants with very low birth weights.Retrospective review of clinical and nosocomial infection databases for all infants with birth weights of 1500 g or less admitted to an academic neonatal intensive care unit between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1997 (N = 1184). Two study periods were compared: 1991-1995 and 1996-1997.Among the 1085 infants who survived beyond 48 hours, the proportion who developed nosocomial infections increased from 22% to 31% (P =.001) and the infection rate increased from 0.5 to 0.8 per 100 patient-days (P.001) during the period from 1996 to 1997. In that same period, the median duration of indwelling vascular access increased from 10 to 16 days (P.001), and the median duration of mechanical ventilation increased from 7 to 12 days (P.001). Although the device-specific rate of bloodstream or respiratory infections did not change, the increase in infections was directly attributable to the increasing proportion of infants who required these devices. In both study periods, the peak incidence of initial infection occurred between 10 and 20 days of age. For the entire sample, proportional hazard models identified birth weight, duration of vascular access, and postnatal corticosteroid exposure as significant contributors to the risk of infection.The increasing number of technology-dependent infants was the primary determinant in the increase of nosocomial infections. Because these infections occur in a small proportion of infants, understanding the host factors that contribute to this vulnerability is necessary to decrease nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care units.