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Purpose Nemiralisib, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase δ inhibitor, is being investigated as an immunomodulatory agent with anti-inflammatory properties in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties and safety of a new formulation of nemiralisib that contains 0.4% magnesium stearate. Methods In this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study, healthy individuals received a single dose of 500 or 750 μg of nemiralisib administered via the Ellipta dry powder inhaler (DPI) (n = 6 in each treatment group). Aerodynamic particle size distribution (APSD) data comparing previous and new formulations were available before the study. Serial PK analyses for plasma exposure and safety assessments were performed during the first 24 h after dosing, with follow-up measurements on days 3 and 6 in clinic. Findings APSD had increases of approximately 6-fold and 2-fold in very fine particle mass and fine particle mass over the previous (Diskus) formulation. In humans, systemic exposure (AUC) was greater after inhalation of 750 versus 500 μg of nemiralisib (AUC0–t: 17,200 h∙pg/mL; 95% CI, 10,900–27,200 h∙pg/mL and 13,100; 95% CI, 8130–21,000 h∙pg/mL, respectively). A low frequency of individual adverse events and no serious adverse events were reported after both doses. Implications After single-dose inhalation of 500 and 750 μg of nemiralisib from the Ellipta DPI in healthy individuals, plasma PK data were well defined, and as predicted based on previous PK and APSD data, exposure was increased with the new formulation. Nemiralisib was well tolerated with no new safety issues identified. These data supported progression of nemiralisib to a Phase IIb study in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03189589 .

Background While current therapies reduce symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, substantial unmet need remains and novel treatments are highly desired. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase δ (PI3Kδ) is a lipid kinase specifically expressed in leucocytes and involved in their recruitment and activation. This study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and dose-response characteristics of inhaled GSK2269557, a PI3Kδ inhibitor, in moderate-to-severe COPD patients with stable disease. Methods In this randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel group study, patients received once daily inhaled treatment with GSK2269557 1000 μg or placebo for 14 days (Part A, primary aim safety, N = 28 patients). In part B of the study (primary aim pharmacodynamic dose-response, N = 36 patients), GSK2269557 100, 200, 500, 700, 1000, 2000 μg or placebo was given for 14 days. In both Part A and B, GSK2269557 was added to the usual maintenance therapy. Safety, PK assessments and induced sputum collection for cytokine analysis were conducted at baseline and after 7 and 14 days of treatment. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored throughout. Results In Part A, mean age was 61.7 years (SD 6.7), 29% were females, and mean FEV 1 % predicted was 59.7% (SD 11.4) 2 . In Part B, mean age was 63.3 years (SD 6.3), 44% were females, and mean FEV 1 % predicted was 56.5% (SD 11.5) 2 . GSK2269557 was well tolerated in both parts of the study; the most commonly reported AEs were cough and headache, with cough being reported with a greater incidence in the GSK2269557 groups vs. placebo (Part A: 19% vs. 14% and Part B: range of 0–80% for different doses vs. 0% on placebo). No drug-related serious AEs or clinically significant changes in any other safety parameters were reported. GSK2269557 was rapidly absorbed into plasma following all doses with a maximum peak at approximately 2 h. Following repeat administration, accumulation in plasma was approximately 2–3 fold from Day 1 to Day 7. At Day 14, relative to placebo, sputum interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-6 levels were reduced on average by 32% and 29% respectively after inhalation of GSK2269557 1000 μg in Part A. In Part B, although inhibition of both IL-8 and IL-6 levels was observed, the levels were variable and there was insufficient evidence to support a monotonic dose-response. Conclusions In this study, inhaled GSK2269557 had an acceptable safety profile for progression into larger studies in COPD patients. Moreover, inhalation of GSK2269557 resulted in suppression of sputum IL-8 and IL-6 levels, consistent with the known anti-inflammatory activity of a PI3Kδ inhibitor. Inhibition of inflammatory cytokines in the airway compartment may contribute to the potential therapeutic benefit of a PI3Kδ inhibitor in chronically inflamed COPD patients.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase δ (PI3Kδ) is a lipid kinase involved in leukocyte recruitment and activation. Activation of PI3Kδ has been linked to airway inflammation and asthma pathogenesis. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study investigated the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of a PI3Kδ inhibitor, nemiralisib (GSK2269557), in patients with persistent, uncontrolled asthma. Patients (n = 50) received once-daily inhaled nemiralisib (1000 µg) or placebo for 28 days, with a crossover to the alternative treatment following a 4-week washout period. Spirometry demonstrated no discernible difference in trough forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) from baseline (adjusted posterior median 7 ml; 95% credible interval -83, 102 ml) between nemiralisib and placebo treatment at day 28 (primary endpoint). These results were supported by most secondary endpoints, including weighted mean FEV1 (0-4 hours) and change in trough forced vital capacity at day 28. Nemiralisib was generally well-tolerated, with few side effects except for post-inhalation cough (nemiralisib: 35%; placebo: 9%). At day 14, sputum interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were reduced by a median of 17%, 7%, 15%, and 8%, respectively, when comparing nemiralisib with placebo [n = 15 (IL-5, IL-8) or 16 (IL-6, IL-13); posterior probability of a true ratio >0%: 78%, 64%, 76%, and 63%, respectively]. These results suggest that nemiralisib inhibited PI3Kδ locally; however, this did not translate into meaningful clinical improvement. Further studies will investigate the potential efficacy of nemiralisib in patients with asthma with other specific more severe phenotypes, including those who are colonized with bacteria and frequently exacerbate.