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The International Journal of... Jan 2021Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) having active suicidal ideation with intent require immediate treatment. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Esketamine Nasal Spray for Rapid Reduction of Depressive Symptoms in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Who Have Active Suicide Ideation With Intent: Results of a Phase 3, Double-Blind, Randomized Study (ASPIRE II).
BACKGROUND
Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) having active suicidal ideation with intent require immediate treatment.
METHODS
This double-blind study (ASPIRE II) randomized adults (aged 18-64 years) with MDD having active suicidal ideation with intent to esketamine 84 mg or placebo nasal spray twice weekly for 4 weeks, given with comprehensive standard of care (hospitalization ≥5 days and newly initiated or optimized oral antidepressant[s]). Change from baseline to 24 hours post-first dose in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale total score (primary efficacy endpoint) was analyzed using ANCOVA. Clinical Global Impression-Severity of Suicidality-revised (key secondary endpoint) was analyzed using ANCOVA on ranks of change.
RESULTS
Of 230 patients who were randomized (115 per arm), 227 received study drug and were included in efficacy/safety analyses; 184 (80.0%) completed double-blind treatment. Greater improvement in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale total score was observed with esketamine (mean [SD]: -15.7 [11.56]) vs placebo (-12.4 [10.43]), each with standard of care, at 24 hours (least-squares mean difference [SE]: -3.9 [1.39], 95% CI: -6.60, -1.11; 2-sided P = .006). This was also noted at the earlier (4-hour) timepoint (least-squares mean difference -4.2, 95% CI: -6.38, -1.94). Patients in both treatment groups experienced rapid reduction in Clinical Global Impression-Severity of Suicidality-revised score; the between-group difference was not statistically significant. The most common adverse events among esketamine-treated patients were dizziness, dissociation, nausea, dysgeusia, somnolence, headache, and paresthesia.
CONCLUSION
This study confirmed rapid and robust reduction of depressive symptoms with esketamine nasal spray in severely ill patients with MDD who have active suicidal ideation with intent. Trial Registration: Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT03097133.
Topics: Administration, Intranasal; Adolescent; Adult; Antidepressive Agents; Depressive Disorder, Major; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Ketamine; Male; Middle Aged; Nasal Sprays; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Patient Acuity; Suicidal Ideation; Young Adult
PubMed: 32861217
DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa068 -
The Journal of Clinical Investigation Mar 2021BACKGROUNDTo understand the features of a replicating vaccine that might drive potent and durable immune responses to transgene-encoded antigens, we tested a... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUNDTo understand the features of a replicating vaccine that might drive potent and durable immune responses to transgene-encoded antigens, we tested a replication-competent adenovirus type 4 encoding influenza virus H5 HA (Ad4-H5-Vtn) administered as an oral capsule or via tonsillar swab or nasal spray.METHODSViral shedding from the nose, mouth, and rectum was measured by PCR and culturing. H5-specific IgG and IgA antibodies were measured by bead array binding assays. Serum antibodies were measured by a pseudovirus entry inhibition, microneutralization, and HA inhibition assays.RESULTSAd4-H5-Vtn DNA was shed from most upper respiratory tract-immunized (URT-immunized) volunteers for 2 to 4 weeks, but cultured from only 60% of participants, with a median duration of 1 day. Ad4-H5-Vtn vaccination induced increases in H5-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the peripheral blood as well as increases in IgG and IgA in nasal, cervical, and rectal secretions. URT immunizations induced high levels of serum neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against H5 that remained stable out to week 26. The duration of viral shedding correlated with the magnitude of the NAb response at week 26. Adverse events (AEs) were mild, and peak NAb titers were associated with overall AE frequency and duration. Serum NAb titers could be boosted to very high levels 2 to 5 years after Ad4-H5-Vtn vaccination with recombinant H5 or inactivated split H5N1 vaccine.CONCLUSIONReplicating Ad4 delivered to the URT caused prolonged exposure to antigen, drove durable systemic and mucosal immunity, and proved to be a promising platform for the induction of immunity against viral surface glycoprotein targets.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov NCT01443936 and NCT01806909.FUNDINGIntramural and Extramural Research Programs of the NIAID, NIH (U19 AI109946) and the Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS), NIAID, NIH (contract HHSN272201400008C).
Topics: Adenoviruses, Human; Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adult; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Antibodies, Viral; Antigens, Viral; Female; Genetic Vectors; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Immunity, Humoral; Immunity, Mucosal; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype; Influenza Vaccines; Influenza, Human; Male; Nasal Sprays; Palatine Tonsil; Virus Replication; Virus Shedding; Young Adult
PubMed: 33529172
DOI: 10.1172/JCI140794 -
British Journal of Cancer Apr 2021Cannabis and its derivatives are being used increasingly by patients with cancer, including patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and aggressive...
Cannabis and its derivatives are being used increasingly by patients with cancer, including patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and aggressive primary brain malignancy. Despite promising preclinical data suggesting potential anti-cancer effects for cannabinoids in GBM, clinical and safety data are lacking. This editorial will discuss a recent Phase 1b trial of nabiximols oromucosal spray in combination with dose-intense temozolomide in patients with recurrent GBM in the context of other relevant findings in this field.
Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Brain Neoplasms; Cannabidiol; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic; Dronabinol; Drug Combinations; Glioblastoma; Humans; Oral Sprays; Temozolomide; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33623077
DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01265-5 -
International Journal of Nursing Studies Jun 2022When a patient emerges from cardiac surgery, they may experience intense thirst and discomfort or even impaired swallowing after endotracheal extubation. This may lead... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of a spray-based oropharyngeal moisturising programme for patients following endotracheal extubation after cardiac surgery: A randomised, controlled three-arm trial.
BACKGROUND
When a patient emerges from cardiac surgery, they may experience intense thirst and discomfort or even impaired swallowing after endotracheal extubation. This may lead to feelings of suffocation, desperation, fear, and anxiety. Although thirst relief and dysphagia prevention share similar mechanisms, there is limited evidence for a combined intervention to alleviate thirst and prevent dysphagia. Furthermore, no studies to date have targeted postoperative cardiac patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and effects of a spray-based oropharyngeal moisturising programme for cardiac surgery patients following endotracheal extubation.
DESIGN
A randomised, controlled three-arm trial was conducted from October 2017 to December 2019.
SETTING
Tertiary medical centre cardiac care unit.
PARTICIPANTS
Participants (N = 145) were patients who underwent cardiac surgery and received mechanical ventilation.
METHODS
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a four-part programme offering spray-based therapy with either a constant low-temperature cold spray (programme A; n = 47) or low-to-normal temperature spray (programme B; n = 49), or those that received usual care (control group; n = 49). Control group patients who complained of thirst were given wet cotton swabs to moisten their mouths. The primary outcomes included discomfort and various levels of thirst intensity; secondary outcomes included dysphagia and adverse events. Outcomes were evaluated at Time 0 (baseline), Time 1 (3 h), Time 2 (6 h) and Time 3 (96 h) post intervention. Repeated-measures analyses was performed using generalised estimating equations.
RESULTS
The baseline evaluation indicated no significant differences between the groups. Participants (average age: 55 years; 53.8% men) underwent cardiac surgery for; valvular heart disease (64.8%), coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (25.5%), or aortic dissection (9.7%). Baseline scores indicated moderately severe thirst (6.24±1.57) and discomfort (9.88±2.23). Post intervention, the thirst intensity in the intervention groups was significantly lower than that of the control group (p<0.001). The generalised estimating equation analysis showed no significant difference in reduced thirst intensity between programmes A and B (adjusted β=0.08, 95% CI: -0.59-0.76, p = 0.810) when controlling for intervention condition and time. Comparable results were found for reduced thirst discomfort (adjusted β=0.36, 95% CI: -0.66-1.38, p = 0.493). The three groups showed no significant differences for dysphagia frequency. No observable adverse events were reported during the intervention period.
CONCLUSIONS
A spray-based oropharyngeal moisturising programme is a practical and effective intervention to alleviate patient thirst after cardiac surgery and tracheal intubation that could be integrated into comfort care for post-surgical patients' critical care management.
TWEETABLE ABSTRACT
A spray-based oropharyngeal moisturising programme for cardiac surgery recipients following endotracheal extubation may alleviate thirst.
Topics: Airway Extubation; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Deglutition Disorders; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth; Respiration, Artificial
PubMed: 35421771
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2022.104214 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Feb 2021Patients with major depressive disorder who do not respond to ≥2 different pharmacological treatments within the current depressive episode are considered to have... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Meaningful Change in Depression Symptoms Assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) Among Patients with Treatment Resistant Depression in Two, Randomized, Double-blind, Active-controlled Trials of Esketamine Nasal Spray Combined...
BACKGROUND
Patients with major depressive disorder who do not respond to ≥2 different pharmacological treatments within the current depressive episode are considered to have treatment resistant depression (TRD). This analysis determined meaningful change thresholds (MCT) of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) using anchor-based methods and compared proportions of meaningful changes in patients with TRD across treatment groups from two Phase 3 trials for esketamine nasal spray (SPRAVATO).
METHODS
Data from two Phase 3 trials in patients with TRD, TRANSFORM-1 and -2, were used in this analysis. The MCTs for the PHQ-9 and MADRS were derived using a clinician global impression of severity anchor. Blinded probability density functions displayed score distributions between anchor categories. Proportions of meaningful response were compared between treatment groups using chi-square tests supported by unblinded cumulative distribution functions of change scores.
RESULTS
Baseline scores were similar for the PHQ-9 and MADRS between the esketamine/antidepressant (AD) and AD/placebo groups. The most appropriate MCT on the PHQ-9 was -6 points. By Day 28, 86.5% of patients reached or exceeded the PHQ-9 MCT in the esketamine/AD group compared to 70% in the placebo/AD group. The most appropriate MCT for the MADRS was -10 points. By Day 28, 78.2% of patients reached or exceeded the MADRS MCT in the esketamine/AD group compared to 65.0% in the placebo/AD group.
CONCLUSIONS
Individual-level meaningful change for the PHQ-9 and MADRS was effectively quantified using a clinical anchor to interpret efficacy from patients with TRD and their treating clinicians.
Topics: Antidepressive Agents; Depression; Depressive Disorder, Major; Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Ketamine; Nasal Sprays; Patient Health Questionnaire; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33261932
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.11.066 -
Neuropsychopharmacology : Official... Jul 2023Patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) have higher rates of relapse and pronounced decreases in daily functioning and health-related quality of life compared...
Patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) have higher rates of relapse and pronounced decreases in daily functioning and health-related quality of life compared to patients with major depressive disorder who are not treatment-resistant, underscoring the need for treatment choices with sustained efficacy and long-term tolerability. Adults with TRD who participated in ≥1 of 6 phase 3 "parent" studies could continue esketamine treatment, combined with an oral antidepressant, by enrolling in phase 3, open-label, long-term extension study, SUSTAIN-3. Based on their status at parent-study end, eligible participants entered a 4-week induction phase followed by an optimization/maintenance phase, or directly entered the optimization/maintenance phase of SUSTAIN-3. Intranasal esketamine dosing was flexible, twice-weekly during induction and individualized to depression severity during optimization/maintenance. At the interim data cutoff (01 December 2020), 1148 participants were enrolled, 458 at induction and 690 at optimization/maintenance. Mean (median) cumulative duration of maintenance esketamine treatment was 31.5 (37.7) months (totaling 2769 cumulative patient-years). Common treatment-emergent adverse events (≥20%) were headache, dizziness, nausea, dissociation, somnolence, and nasopharyngitis. Mean Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score decreased during induction, and this reduction persisted during optimization/maintenance (mean [SD] change from the baseline to the endpoint of each phase: induction -12.8 [9.73]; optimization/maintenance +1.1 [9.93]), with 35.6% and 46.1% of participants in remission (MADRS total score ≤12) at induction and optimization/maintenance endpoints, respectively. Improvement in depression ratings generally persisted among participants who remained in maintenance treatment, and no new safety signal was identified during long-term treatment (up to 4.5 years) using intermittent-dosed esketamine in conjunction with daily antidepressant.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Antidepressive Agents; Depression; Depressive Disorder, Major; Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant; Double-Blind Method; Nasal Sprays; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37173512
DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01577-5 -
Journal of Functional Foods Oct 2022A broad range of evidence has confirmed that natural products and essential oils might have the potential to suppress COVID-19 infection. Therefore, this study aimed to...
A broad range of evidence has confirmed that natural products and essential oils might have the potential to suppress COVID-19 infection. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an oral/throat spray formulation for prophylactic use in the oral cavity or help treatment modalities. Based on a reference survey, several essential oils, a cold-pressed oil, and propolis were selected, and cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of each component and the developed spray formulation were examined against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection using Vero E6 cells. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic activities as well as mutagenicity and anti-mutagenicity of the formulation were analysed. Forty-three phenolics were identified in both propolis extract and oral/throat spray. The spray with 1:640-fold dilution provided the highest efficacy and the cytopathic effect was delayed for 54 h at this dilution, and the antiviral activity rate was 85.3%. A combination of natural products with essential oils at the right concentrations can be used as a supplement for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
PubMed: 35996534
DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105225 -
European Journal of Pharmaceutical... Nov 2023The oral delivery of biologics such as therapeutic proteins, peptides and oligonucleotides for the treatment of colon related diseases has been the focus of increasing... (Review)
Review
The oral delivery of biologics such as therapeutic proteins, peptides and oligonucleotides for the treatment of colon related diseases has been the focus of increasing attention over the last years. However, the major disadvantage of these macromolecules is their degradation propensity in liquid state which can lead to the undesirable and complete loss of function. Therefore, to increase the stability of the biologic and reduce their degradation propensity, formulation techniques such as solidification can be performed to obtain a stable solid dosage form for oral administration. Due to their fragility, stress exerted on the biologic during solidification has to be reduced with the incorporation of stabilizing excipients into the formulation. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art solidification techniques required to obtain a solid dosage form for the oral delivery of biologics to the colon and the use of suitable excipients for adequate stabilization upon solidification. The solidifying processes discussed within this review are spray drying, freeze drying, bead coating and also other techniques such as spray freeze drying, electro spraying, vacuum- and supercritical fluid drying. Further, the colon as site of absorption in both healthy and diseased state is critically reviewed and possible oral delivery systems for biologics are discussed.
Topics: Excipients; Desiccation; Freeze Drying; Biological Products; Colon
PubMed: 37429482
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106523 -
Future Science OA Apr 2022To assess the efficacy of vitamin E oral spray in pregnancy.
AIM
To assess the efficacy of vitamin E oral spray in pregnancy.
MATERIALS & METHODS
This was a retrospective study aimed to evaluate efficacy of vitamin E oral spray (vitamin E acetate in a medium chain tryglicerides vehicle - patented formulation) starting from the first trimester of pregnancy, with a control group.
RESULTS
A total of 100 women were included in the study and were compared with a matched control group. Only 25/200 women reported to have at least one teeth cleaning during pregnancy. Women who received the oral spray had a significantly lower risk of preterm birth compared with the control group, and lower risk of periodontal diseases.
CONCLUSION
Use of oil-based vitamin E oral spray in pregnancy is associated with a decreased risk of periodontal diseases and therefore preterm birth.
PubMed: 35369278
DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2021-0095