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DRUG APPROVALS BY DR ANTHONY MELVIN CRASTO
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Tasquinimod for patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have not yet received chemotherapy
Tasquinimod
Tasquinimod (ABR-215050, CID 54682876) is a novel, oral drug currently being investigated for the treatment of solid tumors. Tasquinimod has been mostly studied in prostate cancer, but its mechanism of action suggests that it could be used to treat other cancers. Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), formerly called hormone-resistant or hormone-refractory prostate cancer, is prostate cancer that grows despite medical or surgical androgen deprivation therapy. Tasquinimod targets the tumor microenvironment and counteracts cancer development by inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis and by modulating the immune system. It is now in phase III development, following successful phase II trial outcomes.
Collaborative studies by laboratories at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, and Active Biotech Research AB, Lund, Sweden, identified tasquinimod as the lead agent for developing a treatment for prostate cancer.Tasquinimod was one of several second-generation quinoline-3-carboxamide variants synthesized using the drug roquinimex as a starting point, and it performed well in pre-clinical studies of cancer models
Tasquinimod is a novel small molecule that targets the tumor microenvironment by binding to S100A9 and modulating regulatory myeloid cell functions, exerting immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic properties. Tasquinimod may also suppress the tumor hypoxic response, contributing to its effect on the tumor microenvironment. Today the development of tasquinimod is principally focused on the treatment of prostate cancer, but clinical studies in other cancer indications are performed. The ongoing 10TASQ10 trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, global Phase III clinical trial evaluating tasquinimod in patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have not yet received chemotherapy.
The aim of the 10TASQ10 study is to confirm tasquinimod’s efficacy, with radiological Progression Free Survival (rPFS) as primary endpoint and overall survival (OS) as key secondary endpoint. The Phase III 10TASQ10 trial met its enrollment target in December 2012 with 1,245 randomized patients as planned in the clinical protocol. The study recruited patients in 37 countries covering more than 200 centers. Active Biotech and Ipsen plan to conduct the primary PFS analysis for the 10TASQ10 trial in 2014, at the same time as the first interim overall survival (OS) analysis.
About Active Biotech
Active Biotech AB (nasdaq omx nordic:ACTI) is a biotechnology company with focus on autoimmune/inflammatory diseases and cancer. Projects in pivotal phase are laquinimod, an orally administered small molecule with unique immunomodulatory properties for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, tasquinimod for prostate cancer and ANYARA primarily for the treatment of renal cell cancer. In addition, laquinimod is also in Phase II development for Crohn’s and Lupus. The company also has one additional project in clinical development, the orally administered compound paquinimod (57-57) for systemic sclerosis. Please visit http://www.activebiotech.com for more information.
About Ipsen
Ipsen is a global specialty-driven pharmaceutical company with total sales exceeding EUR1.2 billion in 2012. Ipsen’s ambition is to become a leader in specialty healthcare solutions for targeted debilitating diseases. Its development strategy is supported by 3 franchises: neurology, endocrinology and uro-oncology. Moreover, the Group has an active policy of partnerships. Ipsen’s R&D is focused on its innovative and differentiated technological platforms, peptides and toxins. In 2012, R&D expenditure totaled close to EUR250 million, representing more than 20% of Group sales. The Group has close to 4,900 employees worldwide. Ipsen’s shares are traded on segment A of Euronext Paris (stock code:IPN)(isin code:FR0010259150) and eligible to the “Service de Reglement Differe” (“SRD”). The Group is part of the SBF 120 index. Ipsen has implemented a Sponsored Level I American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program, which trade on the over-the-counter market in the United States under the symbol IPSEY. For more information on Ipsen, visit http://www.ipsen.com.
In 2011, Active Biotech and Ipsen entered into a broad partnership for the co-development and commercialization of tasquinimod. Under the terms of the agreement, Active Biotech has granted Ipsen exclusive rights to commercialize tasquinimod worldwide, except for North and South America and Japan, where Active Biotech has retained all commercial and marketing rights. Both companies co-develop tasquinimod for the treatment of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and Ipsen is developing tasquinimod also in other cancer indications. Active Biotech is responsible for conducting and funding the Phase III 10TASQ10 pivotal clinical trial and will receive up to EUR 200M (whereof EUR 25M upfront and EUR 32M in milestones have been received so far) upon achievement of clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones. In addition, Ipsen will pay Active Biotech tiered double-digit royalties on all sales of TASQ in Ipsen’s territories
N-alkyl-N-phenyl-quinoline-3-carboxamides such as paquinimod (herein below also referred to as A), laquinimod (herein below also referred to as B), andtasquinimod (herein below also referred to as C), have been prepared by a method involving distillation of the volatiles from a mixture comprising an ester, aniline and an aliphatic solvent such as n-heptane or n-octane.
Paquinimod (A) Laquinimod (B) Tasquinimod (C)
This method is described in US patent No. 6,875,869.
The prior art synthetic protocol (Org. Process. Res&Dev. 2007, 11, 674-680) for N-alkyl-N- phenyl-quinoline-3-carboxamides such as paquinimod (A), laquinimod (B), and tasquinimod (C) is exemplified with synthesis of paquinimod in Scheme 1. The route starts with an an- thranilic acid 1 which is transformed into an isatoic anhydride 2. The isatoic anhydride is methylated to give 3, which is condensed with dimethylmalonate to give the corresponding methyl ester 4. The methyl ester is subsequently condensed with the appropriate aniline, to give the desired final compound.
Scheme 1. The synthetic route to N-alkyl-N-phenyl-quinoline-3-carboxamides, exemplified with the synthesis of paquinimod (A) via the corresponding methyl ester 4.
This manufacturing method is short and avoids the use of expensive reagents. All intermediates are stable and easy to isolate in high purity by precipitation and filtration. The main impurity in the final condensation step is remaining alkyl ester. Alternative methods, such as carbodiimide mediated coupling between a carboxylic acid and aniline, or the condensation of N-alkyl-N-phenyl-malonamic acid methyl ester with an isatoic anhydride (US patent No. 5,912,349) are either longer or yield product of lower purity.
The final condensation step is an equilibrium (Scheme 2) that favors the alkyl ester and a action mechanism involving a ketene intermediate 5 has been strongly indicated (J. Org. Chem. 2006, 71, 1658-1667 and J Phys. Chem. A 2008, 112, 4501-4510).
Scheme 2. An intermediate ketene 5 is involved in the equilibrium between 4 and A. Usually formation of amides from esters and anilines requires very high reaction temperatures that also cause extensive byproduct formation. The above-mentioned reaction is enabled at moderate temperatures by the ability of 4 to unimolecularly form the ketene intermediate 5 instead of a tetrahedral intermediate. The method, which is described e.g. in US patent No. 6,875,869, comprises charging the reactor with an appropriate ester and an aniline derivative in an aliphatic solvent such as n-heptane or n-octane.
The equilibrium is driven towards the desired product by distilling off the solvent and any formed alcohol. After complete reaction the mixture is cooled and the precipitated raw product is isolated by filtration. Unlike most other reactions where esters are transformed into thermodynamically more stable amides this particular reaction needs a very efficient removal of formed alcohol in order to give a high yield.
VERCIRNON – GSK1605786A (formerly CCX282-B) Anti-inflammatory intended to treat Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease
http://www.ama-assn.org/resources/doc/usan/vercirnon.pdf
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vercirnon
|
|
| Trade Name: | Traficet-EN |
| Synonym: | CCX282-B, GSK1605786, GSK 1605786 |
- C22H21ClN2O4S
- Average mass: 444.931091
4-(2-(4-(tert-butyl)phenylsulfonamido)-5-chlorobenzoyl)pyridine 1-oxide
698394-73-9 [RN]
Anti-inflammatory intended to treat Crohn’s
disease and inflammatory bowel disease
GSK1605786A (formerly CCX282-B) targets chemokine receptor CCR9, which is expressed selectively on intestinal lymphocytes and dendritic cells. CCR9 mediates migration of immune cells to the intestine, and blockade of the receptor inhibits migration.
GSK1605786A is being studied in CD at a dose of 500 mg by mouth once daily or 500 mg by mouth twice daily versus placebo. Final data is anticipated to be collected mid-2012 for a study evaluating efficacy over a 12-week treatment period.
A study reviewing maintenance of remission is expected to be complete in July 2014 and a long-term safety study is scheduled for completion in July 2015.
GSK-1605786 (CCX-282; Traficet-EN), a selective antagonist of the CC chemokine receptor (CCR9), is being developed by GlaxoSmithKline plc under license from ChemoCentryx Inc for the potential treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and celiac disease. CCR9 is a tissue-specific lymphocyte trafficking molecule that selectively attracts both B- and T-cells to the small gut. Inhibition of CCR9 by GSK-1605786 may inhibit B- and T-cell entry to the small gut and ameliorate inflammation while leaving immune function at other anatomical sites unaffected. GSK-1605786 was assessed as a treatment for moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease in the phase II/III PROTECT-1 trial and as a treatment for celiac disease in a phase II trial. Data suggest that GSK-1605786 is efficacious in patients with Crohn’s disease with the advantage of being orally bioavailable.
GT Biologics obtains FDA orphan drug designation for paediatric Crohn’s drug
GT Biologics, a developer of live biotherapeutics for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, has received orphan drug designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its lead product candidate, Thetanix.
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Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
http://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.php/Bacteroides_thetaiotaomicron
Chelsea Therapeutics Announces FDA Advisory Committee to Review Northera(Droxidropa, 23651-95-8)
droxidropa
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 9, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Chelsea Therapeutics International, Ltd. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has notified the Company that the New Drug Application (NDA) seeking approval to market Northera (droxidopa), an orally active synthetic precursor of norepinephrine, for the treatment of symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH) will be reviewed by the Cardiovascular and Renal Drug Advisory Committee (CRDAC). The meeting is tentatively scheduled for January 14, 2014 read more here————
http://www.drugs.com/nda/northera_131009.html
old article cut paste
FDA Deems Resubmission a Complete Response; PDUFA Date Set as
February 14, 2014
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 4, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Chelsea Therapeutics International, Ltd. (Nasdaq:CHTP) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged receipt of the New Drug Application (NDA) resubmission seeking approval to market NORTHERA(TM) (droxidopa), an orally active synthetic precursor of norepinephrine
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http://www.pharmalive.com/chelsea-therapeutics-announces-fda-acceptance-of-northera-nda-resubmission
L-DOPS (L-threo-dihydroxyphenylserine; Droxidopa; SM-5688) is a psychoactive drug and synthetic amino acid precursor which acts as a prodrug to the neurotransmitters norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline).[1] Unlike norepinephrine and epinephrine themselves, L-DOPS is capable of crossing the protective blood–brain barrier (BBB).[1]
Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH),[2] as well as NOH associated with multiple system atrophy (MSA), familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), pure autonomic failure (PAF), and Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) or hemodialysis-induced hypotension.
Hypotension associated with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).[3]
History
L-DOPS was developed by Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals under the trade name Droxidopa for the treatment of hypotension, including NOH,[2] and NOH associated with various disorders such as MSA, FAP, and PD, as well as IDH. The drug has been used in Japan and some surrounding Asian areas for these indications since 1989. Following a merge with Dainippon Pharmaceuticals in 2006, Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma licensed L-DOPS to Chelsea Therapeutics to develop and market it worldwide except in Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan.
Clinical trials
Though L-DOPS has been used in Japan and Southeast Asia already for some time, it is also currently in clinical trials at the phase III point in the United States (U.S.), Canada, Australia, and throughout Europe. Provided L-DOPS successfully completes clinical trials, it could be approved for the treatment of NOH as early as 2011.[4] Additionally, phase II clinical trials for IDH are also underway. Chelsea Therapeutics obtained orphan drug status (ODS) for L-DOPS in the U.S. for NOH, and that of which associated with PD, PAF, and MSA, and is the pharmaceutical company developing it in that country.
- Goldstein, DS (2006). “L-Dihydroxyphenylserine (L-DOPS): a norepinephrine prodrug”. Cardiovasc Drug Rev 24 (3-4): 189–203. doi:10.1111/j.1527-3466.2006.00189.x. PMID 17214596.
- Mathias, Christopher J (2008). “L-dihydroxyphenylserine (Droxidopa) in the treatment of orthostatic hypotension”. Clin Auton Res 18 (Supplement 1): 25–29.doi:10.1007/s10286-007-1005-z.
- Crofford, LJ (2008). “Pain management in fibromyalgia”. Curr Opin Rheumatol 20 (3): 246–250. doi:10.1097/BOR.0b013e3282fb0268. PMID 18388513.
- Search of: “Droxidopa” – List Results – ClinicalTrials.gov
- Robertson, David (2008). “The pathophysiology and diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension”. Clin Auton Res 18 (Supplement 1): 2–7. doi:10.1007/s10286-007-1004-0.
Copanlisib (BAY 80-6946), Bayer’s novel, oral phosphatidylinositol-3 kinases (PI3K) inhibitor
Copanlisib (BAY 80-6946)
1032568-63-0, cas no
MW: 480.5262
In oncology, Copanlisib (BAY 80-6946), a novel, oral phosphatidylinositol-3 kinases (PI3K) inhibitor, was selected for accelerated development. Copanlisib demonstrated a broad anti-tumor spectrum in preclinical tumor models and promising early clinical signals in a Phase I study in patients with follicular lymphoma. A Phase II study in patients with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is currently ongoing.
PI3K inhibitor BAY 80-6946
A phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor with potential antineoplastic activity. PI3K inhibitor BAY 80-6946 inhibits the activation of the PI3K signaling pathway, which may result in inhibition of tumor cell growth and survival in susceptible tumor cell populations. Activation of the PI3K signaling pathway is frequently associated with tumorigenesis and dysregulated PI3K signaling may contribute to tumor resistance to a variety of antineoplastic agents.
Finerenone (BAY 94-8862), BAYER’S next generation oral, non-steroidal Mineralocorticoid Receptor antagonist which blocks the deleterious effects of aldosterone
CAS Number: 1050477-31-0, UNII-DE2O63YV8R
MW: 378.4298, C21-H22-N4-O3
Finerenone (BAY 94-8862) is a next generation oral, non-steroidal Mineralocorticoid Receptor antagonist which blocks the deleterious effects of aldosterone.
Currently available steroidal MR antagonists have proven to be effective in reducing cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure but have significant side effects that limit their utilization.
Finerenone is currently in clinical Phase IIb development for the treatment of worsening chronic heart failure, as well as diabetic nephropathy.
Glaxo Plans to File for Malaria Vaccine Approval Next Year
Malaria vaccine candidate reduces disease over 18 months of follow-up in late-stage study of more than 15,000 infants and young children
Malaria is a significant public health burden, claiming 660,000 lives a year – mostly children in sub-Saharan Africa
-Data support plan to submit regulatory application in 2014
Multilateral Initiative on Malaria Pan African Conference, Durban, South Africa — Results from a large-scale Phase III trial, presented today in Durban, show that the most clinically advanced malaria vaccine candidate, RTS,S, continued to protect young children and infants from clinical malaria up to 18 months after vaccination. Based on these data, GSK now intends to submit, in 2014, a regulatory application to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that a policy recommendation for the RTS,S malaria vaccine candidate is possible as early as 2015 if it is granted a positive scientific opinion by EMA.
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http://www.pharmalive.com/glaxo-plans-to-file-for-malaria-vaccine-approval-next-year
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Adempas (riociguat) to treat adults with two forms of pulmonary hypertension.
October 8, 2013 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Adempas (riociguat) to treat adults with two forms of pulmonary hypertension.
Pulmonary hypertension is caused by abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It makes the right side of the heart work harder than normal. In its various forms, pulmonary hypertension is a chronic, progressive, debilitating disease, often leading to death or need for lung transplantation
read all at
http://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/fda-approves-adempas-pulmonary-hypertension-3927.html
In the area of pulmonary hypertension Adempas (Riociguat) is the first member of a novel class of compounds – so-called ‘soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators’ – being investigated as a new and specific approach to treating different types of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Adempas has the potential to overcome a number of limitations of currently approved treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and addresses the unmet medical need in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). It was approved for the treatment of CTEPH in Canada in September 2013, making it the world’s first drug approved in this deadly disease.
Riociguat has already shown promise as a potential treatment option beyond these two PH indications. An early clinical study was conducted in PH-ILD (interstitial lung disease), a disease characterized by lung tissue scarring (fibrosis) or lung inflammation which can lead to pulmonary hypertension, and, based on positive data, the decision was taken to initiate Phase IIb studies in PH-IIP (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), a subgroup of PH-ILD. Moreover, scientific evidence was demonstrated in preclinical models that the activity may even go beyond vascular relaxation. To prove the hypothesis Bayer is initiating clinical studies in the indication of systemic sclerosis (SSc), an orphan chronic autoimmune disease of the connective tissue affecting several organs and associated with high morbidity and mortality. If successful, Riociguat has the potential to become the first approved treatment for this devastating disease.
synthesis
Generic Name: Riociguat
Trade Name: Adempas
Synonym: BAY 63-2521
CAS number: 625115-55-1
Chemical Name: Methyl N-[4,6-Diamino-2-[1-[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]-5-pyrimidinyl]-N-methyl-carbaminate
Mechanism of Action: soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) stimulator
Date of Approval: October 8, 2013(US)
Indication: Pulmonary Hypertension
Company: Bayer AG
1)J. Mittendorf.; S. Weigand.; C. Alonso-Alija.; E. Bischoff.; A. Feurer.; M. Gerisch.; A. Kern.; A. Knorr.; D. Lang.; K. Muenter.; M. Radtke.; H. Schirok.; K.-H. Schlemmer.; E. Stahl.; A. Straub.; F. Wunder.; J.-P. Stasch. Discovery of Riociguat (BAY 63-2521): A Potent, Oral Stimulator of Soluble Guanylate Cyclase for the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension, ChemMedChem. 2009, 4, 853-865.
2)Cristina Alonso-Alija, Bayer Ag, Erwin Bischoff, Achim Feurer, Klaus Muenter, Elke Stahl, Johannes-Peter Stasch, Stefan Weigand, Carbamate-substituted pyrazolopyridines, WO2003095451 A1
3)Franz-Josef Mais, Joachim Rehse, Winfried Joentgen, Konrad SIEGEL, Process for preparing methyl methylcarbamate and its purification for use as pharmaceutically active compound,US20110130410
4)Claudia Hirth-Dietrich, Peter Sandner, Johannes-Peter Stasch, Andreas Knorr, Degenfeld Georges Von, Michael Hahn, Markus Follmann, The use of sGC stimulators, sGC activators, alone and combinations with PDE5 inhibitors for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc), WO 2011147810A1
5)Li Liang, Li Xing-zhou, Liu Ya-dan, Zheng Zhi-bing, Li Song, Synthesis of riociguat in treatment of pulmonary hypertension, Chinese Journal of Medicinal Chemistry(Zhongguo Yaowu Huaxue Zazhi), 21(2),120-125; 2011
Jens Ackerstaff, Lars BÄRFACKER, Markus Follmann, Nils Griebenow, Andreas Knorr, Volkhart Min-Jian Li, Gorden Redlich, Johannes-Peter Stasch, Stefan Weigand, Frank Wunder, Bicyclic aza heterocycles, and use thereof, WO2012028647 A1
2)Claudia Hirth-Dietrich, Peter Sandner, Johannes-Peter Stasch, Andreas Knorr, Degenfeld Georges Von, Michael Hahn, Markus Follmann, The use of sGC stimulators, sGC activators, alone and combinations with PDE5 inhibitors for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc), WO 2011147810A1
Jin Li, Xiaoyu Yang, Jingwei ZHU, Minmin Yang, Xihan Wu, Method for synthesizing 1-(2-fluorobenzyl)-1H -pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin -3-formamidine hydrochloride, WO2013086935 A1
veerareddy Arava, Surendrareddy Gogireddy, An expeditious synthesis of riociguat, A pulmonary hypertension drug, Der Pharma Chemica, 2013, 5(4):232-239
cut paste from my earlier post
RIOCIQUAT
CAS NO 625115-55-1
Methyl N-[4,6-Diamino-2-[1-[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]-5-pyrimidinyl]-N-methyl-carbaminate
9 APRIL2013
Bayer has been boosted by the news that regulators in the USA are fast-tracking the German group’s investigational pulmonary arterial hypertension riociguat.
The US Food and Drug Administration has granted priority review to the New Drug Application for riociguat, which Bayer filed in February on both sides of the Atlantic for PAH and a related condition, inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The FDA bestows a priority review on medicines that offer major advances in care or that provide a treatment where no adequate therapy exists. The agency aims to complete its assessment within eight months from the submission of the NDA, rather than the standard 12 months.
Riociguat (BAY 63-2521) is a novel drug that is currently in clinical development by Bayer. It is a stimulator of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). At the moment Phase III clinical trialsinvestigate the use of riociguat as a new approach to treat two forms of pulmonary hypertension (PH): chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) andpulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Riociguat constitutes the first drug of a novel class of sGC stimulators
The submissions are based on two Phase III studies and riociguat, the first member of a novel class of compounds called stimulators of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), met its primary endpoint in both trials, a change in exercise capacity after 12- or 16 weeks respectively. The drug was generally well tolerated, with a good safety profile.
If approved, riociguat would be going up against Actelion’s Tracleer (bosentan) and Gilead Sciences/GlaxoSmithKline’s Letairis/Volibris (ambrisentan). Actelion, which has dominated the PAH market, has already filed its follow-up to Tracleer, Opsumit (macitentan).
OCRELIZUMAB
Ocrelizumab is a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. It targets mature B lymphocytes[1] and hence is an immunosuppressive drug candidate. It is under development by Hoffmann–La Roche‘s subsidiary Genentech, and Biogen Idec.
It had reached Phase III clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis[2] and lupus erythematosus,[3]and Phase II for multiple sclerosis[4] and hematological cancer.[5]
In March 2010, Roche announced the suspension of clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus. This step followed excess deaths due to opportunistic infections. Development for multiple sclerosis continues.[6]
In October 2010 Roche announced 24 week results from the PhII study in relapse remittingMS. The drug demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in disease activity as measured by brain lesions (measured by MRI scans) and relapse rate compared to placebo. Both doses (200 mg & 600 mg) were well tolerated.Anti-B cell therapy with rituximab has been shown to be safe and beneficial for RA treatment. Rituximab is approved and marketed for the treatment of RA in patients who have failed other therapies. Ocrelizumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against CD20, may have less immunogenicity and less complement activation than rituximab which, theoretically, may reduce the development of drug neutralizing antibodies and infusion reactions. Here, Genovese at al report the results of a Phase I/II dose finding study of Ocrelizumab in RA patients who have failed other DMARDs (including prior TNF inhibitors).
- K. John Morrow Jr (2008-06-15). “Methods for Maximizing Antibody Yields”. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.). p. 36. Retrieved 2008-07-06. (Note: information included in this article only found in table present in print version of article.)
- Kausar, F; Mustafa, K; Sweis, G; Sawaqed, R; Alawneh, K; Salloum, R; Badaracco, M; Niewold, TB et al. (2009). “Ocrelizumab: a step forward in the evolution of B-cell therapy”. Expert opinion on biological therapy 9 (7): 889–95. doi:10.1517/14712590903018837.PMID 19463076.
- http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00539838 A Study to Evaluate Two Doses of Ocrelizumab in Patients With Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (BEGIN)
- http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00676715 A Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Ocrelizumab in Patients With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.
- Hutas, G (2008). “Ocrelizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against CD20 for inflammatory disorders and B-cell malignancies”.Current opinion in investigational drugs (London, England : 2000) 9 (11): 1206–15. PMID 18951300.
- Katie Reid (2010-03-08). Update 2. Roche suspends arthritis treatment after deaths. Reuters. Retrieved 2010-03-08
GSK and Genmab seek alternative approval for leukaemia drug Arzerra
Arzerra
GlaxoSmithKline and Genmab A/S have announced the submission of leukaemia drug Arzerra to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for a variation in marketing authorisation.
The companies are seeking authorisation for the drug to be used in combination with an alkylator-based therapy for treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) patients who have not received prior treatment and are inappropriate for fludarabine-based therapy.
READ ALL AT
Ofatumumab(trade name Arzerra, also known as HuMax-CD20) is a human monoclonal antibody (for the CD20 protein) which appears to inhibit early-stage B lymphocyte activation. It is FDA approved for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia that is refractory to fludarabine and alemtuzumab (Campath) and has also shown potential in treating Follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Diffuse large B cell lymphoma, rheumatoid arthritis and relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Ofatumumab has also received conditional approval in Europe for the treatment of refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This makes ofatumumab the first marketing application for an antibody produced by Genmab, as well as the first human monoclonal antibody which targets the CD20 molecule that will be available for patients with refractory CLL.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a slowly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Arzerra (ofatumumab) has been approved by the FDA for treating CLL.
Patients with CLL whose cancer is no longer being controlled by other forms of chemotherapy can be prescribed Arzerra.
People older than fifty are mainly affected by CLL. A group of white blood cells known as B-cells that are part of the body’s immune system is the source of CLL. Every year, about ¼ of people diagnosed with CLL die from the disease.
Arzerra is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that targets a membrane-proximal (which means close to the cell surface), small loop epitope, which is a portion of a molecule to which an antibody binds, on the CD20 molecule on B-cells. This epitope isn’t similar to binding sites that are targeted by other CD20 antibodies that are currently available. The CD20 molecule is highly expressed in most B-cell malignancies, making it a key target in CLL therapy.
MECHANISM OF ACTION:
Binding specifically to both the small and large extracellular loops of the CD20 molecule, Arzerra is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. The CD20 molecule is expressed on normal B lymphocytes (pre-B- to mature B-lymphocyte) and on B-cell CLL. The CD20 molecule isn’t internalized following antibody binding and it isn’t shed from the cell surface. The Fc domain of ofatumumab mediates immune effector functions to result in B-cell lysis in vitro, while the Fab domain binds to the CD20 molecule. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent, cell-mediated cytotoxicity has been suggested as the possible mechanisms of cell lysis.
Products receive accelerated approval based on a surrogate endpoint, such as a reduction in the size of the tumor or decrease in the number of cancerous white cells or in an enlarged spleen or lymph nodes. These indirect measures for clinical outcomes are considered reasonably likely to predict that the drug will allow patients to live with fewer side effects of a disease or to live longer. Arzerra was approved under the FDA’s accelerated approval process, which allows earlier approval of drugs that meet unmet medical needs.
To confirm that the addition of Arzerra to standard chemotherapy delays the progression of the disease, the manufacturer of this medication is currently conducting a clinical trial in CLL patients. This is because the accelerated approval process requires further study of the drug.
New Drug Approvals 