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The American Journal of Psychiatry Sep 2023Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common perinatal complication with adverse maternal and infant outcomes. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of zuranolone,... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common perinatal complication with adverse maternal and infant outcomes. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of zuranolone, a positive allosteric modulator of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA receptors and neuroactive steroid, as an oral, once-daily, 14-day treatment course for patients with severe PPD.
METHODS
In this double-blind phase 3 trial, women with severe PPD were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive zuranolone 50 mg/day or placebo for 14 days. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in total score on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) at day 15; key secondary endpoints were change from baseline in HAM-D score at days 3, 28, and 45 and change from baseline in Clinical Global Impressions severity (CGI-S) score at day 15. Adverse events were monitored.
RESULTS
Among 196 patients randomized (zuranolone, N=98; placebo, N=98), 170 (86.7%) completed the 45-day study. Treatment with zuranolone compared with placebo resulted in statistically significant improvement in depressive symptoms at day 15 (least squares mean [LSM] change from baseline in HAM-D score, -15.6 vs. -11.6; LSM difference, -4.0, 95% CI=-6.3, -1.7); significant improvement in depressive symptoms was also reported at days 3, 28, and 45. CGI-S score at day 15 significantly improved with zuranolone compared with placebo. The most common adverse events (≥10%) with zuranolone were somnolence, dizziness, and sedation. No loss of consciousness, withdrawal symptoms, or increased suicidal ideation or behavior were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
In this trial, zuranolone demonstrated significant improvements in depressive symptoms and was generally well tolerated, supporting the potential of zuranolone as a novel, rapid-acting oral treatment for PPD.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Depression, Postpartum; Treatment Outcome; Pregnanes; Pyrazoles; Double-Blind Method
PubMed: 37491938
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20220785 -
Blood Cancer Journal Sep 2023In recent years, Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors have provided significant advances in the treatment of patients with B-cell malignancies. Ibrutinib was the... (Review)
Review
In recent years, Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors have provided significant advances in the treatment of patients with B-cell malignancies. Ibrutinib was the first BTK inhibitor to be approved, and it changed the standard-of-care treatment for diseases such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and Waldenström macroglobulinemia, improving efficacy outcomes and safety compared to chemotherapy. In this article, we review the development of zanubrutinib, a next-generation BTK inhibitor, from molecular design to patient-related outcomes. We start this journey by providing insights into the discovery of BTK and the physiologic, genetic, and molecular characterization of patients lacking this kinase, together with the brief treatment landscape in the era of chemo-immunotherapies. Zanubrutinib was originally developed by applying a structure-activity strategy to enhance the specificity as well as enzymatic and pharmacokinetic properties. Preclinical studies confirmed greater specificity and better bioavailability of zanubrutinib compared with that of ibrutinib, which supported the initiation of clinical trials in humans. Preliminary clinical results indicated activity in B-cell malignancies together with an improved safety profile, in line with less off-target effects described in the preclinical studies. The clinical program of zanubrutinib has since expanded significantly, with ongoing studies in a wide range of hemato-oncological diseases and in combination with many other therapies. Zanubrutinib currently is approved for various B-cell malignancies in multiple countries. This story highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaborative research, from bench to bedside, and provides an example of how the commitment to finding improved treatment options should always run parallel to patient care.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Pyrazoles; B-Lymphocytes; Immunotherapy; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell
PubMed: 37696810
DOI: 10.1038/s41408-023-00902-x -
The American Journal of Psychiatry Sep 2023This study assessed the efficacy and safety of a 14-day treatment course of once-daily zuranolone 50 mg, an investigational oral positive allosteric modulator of the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the efficacy and safety of a 14-day treatment course of once-daily zuranolone 50 mg, an investigational oral positive allosteric modulator of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA) receptor, for the treatment of major depressive disorder.
METHODS
Patients 18-64 years of age with severe major depressive disorder were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients self-administered zuranolone 50 mg or placebo once daily for 14 days. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in total score on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) at day 15. Safety and tolerability were assessed by incidence of adverse events.
RESULTS
Of 543 randomized patients, 534 (266 in the zuranolone group, 268 in the placebo group) constituted the full analysis set. Compared with patients in the placebo group, patients in the zuranolone group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in depressive symptoms at day 15 (least squares mean change from baseline HAM-D score, -14.1 vs. -12.3). Numerically greater improvements in depressive symptoms for zuranolone versus placebo were observed by day 3 (least squares mean change from baseline HAM-D score, -9.8 vs. -6.8), which were sustained at all visits throughout the treatment and follow-up periods of the study (through day 42, with the difference remaining nominally significant through day 12). Two patients in each group experienced a serious adverse event; nine patients in the zuranolone group and four in the placebo group discontinued treatment due to adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS
Zuranolone at 50 mg/day elicited a significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms at day 15, with a rapid time to effect (day 3). Zuranolone was generally well tolerated, with no new safety findings compared with previously studied lower dosages. These findings support the potential of zuranolone in treating adults with major depressive disorder.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Depressive Disorder, Major; Treatment Outcome; Pregnanes; Pyrazoles
PubMed: 37132201
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20220459 -
The Lancet. Oncology Aug 2023FGFR alterations are reported across various malignancies and might act as oncogenic drivers in multiple histologies. Erdafitinib is an oral, selective pan-FGFR tyrosine...
BACKGROUND
FGFR alterations are reported across various malignancies and might act as oncogenic drivers in multiple histologies. Erdafitinib is an oral, selective pan-FGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor with activity in FGFR-altered advanced urothelial carcinoma. We aimed to evaluate the safety and activity of erdafitinib in previously treated patients with FGFR-altered advanced solid tumours.
METHODS
The single-arm, phase 2 RAGNAR study was conducted at 156 investigative centres (hospitals or oncology practices that are qualified oncology study centres) across 15 countries. The study consisted of four cohorts based on tumour histology and patient age; the results reported in this Article are for the primary cohort of the study, defined as the Broad Panel Cohort, which was histology-agnostic. We recruited patients aged 12 years or older with advanced or metastatic tumours of any histology (except urothelial cancer) with predefined FGFR1-4 alterations (mutations or fusions according to local or central testing). Eligible patients had disease progression on at least one previous line of systemic therapy and no alternative standard therapy available to them, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1 (or equivalent for adolescents aged 12-17 years). Patients received once-daily oral erdafitinib (8 mg/day with provision for pharmacodynamically guided up-titration to 9 mg/day) on a continuous 21-day cycle until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. The primary endpoint was objective response rate by independent review committee according to Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST), version 1.1, or Response Assessment In Neuro-Oncology (RANO). The primary analysis was conducted on the treated population of the Broad Panel Cohort. This ongoing study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04083976.
FINDINGS
Patients were recruited between Dec 5, 2019, and Feb 15, 2022. Of 217 patients treated with erdafitinib, 97 (45%) patients were female and 120 (55%) were male. The data cutoff was Aug 15, 2022. At a median follow-up of 17·9 months (IQR 13·6-23·9), an objective response was observed in 64 (30% [95% CI 24-36]) of 217 patients across 16 distinct tumour types. The most common grade 3 or higher treatment-emergent adverse events related to erdafitinib were stomatitis (25 [12%]), palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome (12 [6%]), and hyperphosphataemia (11 [5%]). The most commonly occurring serious treatment-related adverse events (grade 3 or higher) were stomatitis in four (2%) patients and diarrhoea in two (1%). There were no treatment-related deaths.
INTERPRETATION
RAGNAR results show clinical benefit for erdafitinib in the tumour-agnostic setting in patients with advanced solid tumours with susceptible FGFR alterations who have exhausted other treatment options. These results support the continued development of FGFR inhibitors in patients with advanced solid tumours.
FUNDING
Janssen Research & Development.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Male; Female; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Pyrazoles; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Disease Progression
PubMed: 37541273
DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(23)00275-9 -
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD Jul 2023This article describes the clinical trial, safety, and efficacy of ruxolitinib 1.5% cream or repigmentation in patients with vitiligo.
BACKGROUND
This article describes the clinical trial, safety, and efficacy of ruxolitinib 1.5% cream or repigmentation in patients with vitiligo.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic review was done using ruxolitinib or Opzelura in MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE.
CLINICALTRIALS
gov was used to identify ongoing or unpublished studies.
STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION
Studies included were written in English and relevant to pharmacology, clinical trials, safety, and efficacy.
DATA SYNTHESIS
In two 52-week phase 3 trials, 52.0% of subjects had at least 75% improvement in their Facial Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (F-VASI).
RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
Ruxolitinib is a topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor newly approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for repigmentation in patients with vitiligo.
CONCLUSION
Topical ruxolitinib is the first medication approved for repigmentation in patients with vitiligo. It is a safe and effective treatment; however, cost may be a barrier to some patients when prescribing this medication. Trials to compare the efficacy and side effect profile of topical ruxolitinib with other topical treatments are still needed. Grossmann MC, Haidari W, Feldman SR. A Review on the use of topical ruxolitinib for the treatment of vitiligo. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(7):664-667. doi:10.36849/JDD.7268.
Topics: Humans; Vitiligo; Pyrimidines; Nitriles; Pyrazoles; Treatment Outcome; Janus Kinase Inhibitors
PubMed: 37410047
DOI: 10.36849/JDD.7268 -
Drugs Nov 2023Zuranolone (ZURZUVAE) is an oral neuroactive steroid and a positive allosteric modulator of the gamma aminobutyric acid A (GABA) receptor being developed by Sage... (Review)
Review
Zuranolone (ZURZUVAE) is an oral neuroactive steroid and a positive allosteric modulator of the gamma aminobutyric acid A (GABA) receptor being developed by Sage Therapeutics and Biogen for the treatment of mood disorders. In August 2023, zuranolone received its first approval in the USA for the treatment of adults with postpartum depression [pending scheduling by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)]. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of zuranolone leading to this first approval.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Pregnanes; Pyrazoles; Depression, Postpartum; Pregnanolone
PubMed: 37882942
DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01953-x -
American Journal of Health-system... Dec 2023
Topics: Humans; Stilbenes; Pyrazoles
PubMed: 37796111
DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxad229 -
Paediatric Drugs Jul 2023Pitolisant (WAKIX), a histamine H receptor antagonist/inverse agonist that has been developed by Bioprojet Pharma, is approved in the EU and USA and elsewhere for use in... (Review)
Review
Pitolisant (WAKIX), a histamine H receptor antagonist/inverse agonist that has been developed by Bioprojet Pharma, is approved in the EU and USA and elsewhere for use in adults with narcolepsy with or without cataplexy. In February 2023, based on clinical data in patients aged 6 to < 18 years, pitolisant received its first approval in adolescents and children from the age of 6 years for the treatment of narcolepsy with or without cataplexy in the EU. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of pitolisant leading to this pediatric first approval for narcolepsy with or without cataplexy.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Humans; Cataplexy; Drug Inverse Agonism; Histamine Agonists; Narcolepsy; Piperidines; Pyrazoles
PubMed: 37233887
DOI: 10.1007/s40272-023-00575-w -
MMW Fortschritte Der Medizin Sep 2023
Topics: Humans; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell; Piperidines; Pyrazoles; Pyrimidines
PubMed: 37653332
DOI: 10.1007/s15006-023-2927-7 -
International Journal of Molecular... Dec 2023The review focuses on recent advances in the methodologies for the formation or introduction of the CHF moiety in -heterocyclic substrates over the past 5 years. The... (Review)
Review
The review focuses on recent advances in the methodologies for the formation or introduction of the CHF moiety in -heterocyclic substrates over the past 5 years. The monofluoromethyl group is one of the most versatile fluorinated groups used to modify the properties of molecules in synthetic medical chemistry. The review summarizes two strategies for the monofluoromethylation of -containing heterocycles: direct monofluoromethylation with simple XCHF sources (for example, ICHF) and the assembly of -heterocyclic structures from CHF-containing substrates. The review describes the monofluoromethylation of pharmaceutically important three-, five- and six-membered -heterocycles: pyrrolidines, pyrroles, indoles, imidazoles, triazoles, benzothiazoles, carbazoles, indazoles, pyrazoles, oxazoles, piperidines, morpholines, pyridines, quinolines and pyridazines. Assembling of 6-fluoromethylphenanthridine, 5-fluoromethyl-2-oxazolines, C5-monofluorinated isoxazoline -oxides, and α-fluoromethyl-α-trifluoromethylaziridines is also shown. Fluoriodo-, fluorchloro- and fluorbromomethane, FCHSOCl, monofluoromethyl(aryl)sulfoniummethylides, monofluoromethyl sulfides, (fluoromethyl)triphenylphosphonium iodide and 2-fluoroacetic acid are the main fluoromethylating reagents in recent works. The replacement of atoms and entire functional groups with a fluorine atom(s) leads to a change and often improvement in activity, chemical or biostability, and pharmacokinetic properties. The monofluoromethyl group is a bioisoster of -CH, -CHOH, -CHNH, -CHCH, -CHNO and -CHSH moieties. Bioisosteric replacement with the CHF group is both an interesting task for organic synthesis and a pathway to modify drugs, agrochemicals and useful intermediates.
Topics: Imidazoles; Pyrazoles; Pyridines; Piperidines
PubMed: 38139426
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417593