Asthma
Conditions
Keywords
Severe asthma,, non-atopic,, omalizumab
Brief summary
This study will assess the change in the expression of FcεRI receptors of blood basophils and dendritic cells after 16 weeks of treatment with omalizumab as compared with placebo, in adult patients with non-atopic severe persistent asthma, uncontrolled despite optimal therapy.
Interventions
Omalizumab was supplied in 5mL vials with solution for subcutaneous injection.
Placebo was supplied in vials with solution for subcutaneous injection.
Sponsors
Study design
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
Severe persistent asthma with the following characteristics: * Uncontrolled according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2007 guidelines and at least 2 exacerbations having required systemic corticosteroid and/or at least 1 hospitalization or emergency room visit in the past year. * Treated with high-dose inhaled corticosteroid (i.e. \> 1,000 µg beclometasone dipropionate equivalent per day) plus inhaled long-acting β2 agonist (with or without maintenance oral corticosteroid). * Non-atopic, i.e. negative blood multiallergic testing and negative Aspergillus-specific IgE-radio allergosorbent blood test and negative skin prick tests to a battery of common aeroallergens
Exclusion criteria
* Current smokers or smoking history stopped for less than 3 years or \> 10 pack years. * Asthma exacerbation during the 4 weeks prior to randomization. * Active lung disease other than non-atopic asthma. * Patients with an active cancer, a suspicion of cancer or any history of cancer with less than 5 disease free years. * Pregnant or nursing (lactating) women. * Treatment with omalizumab. Other protocol-defined inclusion/
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change From Baseline in the Expression of FcεRI Receptors of Blood Basophils | Baseline and 16 weeks | Venous blood samples were collected at screening and at Week 16. Flow cytometry analysis determined the FcεRI receptors expression of blood basophils (mean fluorescence intensity(MFI)). Relative change in mean fluorescence intensity at the end of study was expressed as a percentage of baseline value. |
| Change From Baseline in the Expression of FcεRI Receptors of Dendritic Cells | Baseline and 16 weeks | Venous blood samples were collected at screening and at Week 16. Flow cytometry analysis determined the FcεRI receptors expression of dendritic cells (mean fluorescence intensity (MFI)). Relative change in mean fluorescence intensity at the end of study was expressed as a percentage of baseline value. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change From Baseline in Induced Sputum Eosinophil Count | Baseline and 16 weeks | The induced sputum eosinophil count was measured in a subset of patients in selected centers. Sputum samples were collected at screening and Week 16. Sputum eosinophil count was expressed as a percentage of total nonsquamous cells. Absolute change in sputum eosinophil count was expressed versus baseline value. |
| Change From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist) | Baseline and 16 weeks | The shortened version of the asthma control questionnaire (symptoms plus β2-agonist) consists of 6 subscores (nighttime waking, symptoms on waking, activity limitation, shortness of breath, wheeze and rescue short-acting β2-agonist use) between 0 and 6 (0 = no impairment; 6 = maximum impairment) and a total score between 0 and 6 (subscores mean value). Absolute change in total score and subscores count was expressed versus baseline value. A decrease in score indicates improvement. |
| Change in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) | Baseline and 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks | FeNO was measured at baseline, and after 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of treatment. Absolute change in FeNO was expressed at each time point versus baseline value. |
| Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | 16 weeks | The GETE is an assessment of asthma symptoms controlled in response to asthma treatment. The evaluation was performed independently by both investigator and patient using the same 5 point scale. The scale points are: excellent, good, moderate, poor and worsening. A good or excellent response is suggested as a means of defining a patient who has responded to treatment. |
| Change in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) From Baseline to 16 Weeks | Baseline and 16 weeks | Spirometry was conducted according to internationally accepted standards. At least three maneuvers were performed at each sampling timepoint. The FEV1 recorded was taken from the maneuver obtained from the single best test curve. The best test curve was defined as the spirogram that gave the largest FEV1. |
| Change From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual Components | Baseline and 16 weeks | Nasal symptom score calculated from six scales assessing the nasal symptom severity (sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy nose, postnasal drip and nasal symptoms overall). These six scores were rated on a scale from 1 to 7, with 7 being the worst rating. Absolute changes in these six scores were expressed versus baseline values. A negative change indicates improvement. The range of the global score was from 1 to 7, since this is the mean value of all the subscores. |
| Number of Patients With at Least One Asthma-related Event Over 16 Weeks | 16 weeks | Asthma-related events were: unscheduled medical visits, emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Details of exacerbations requiring oral or IV corticosteroids were recorded at each visit. |
Countries
France
Participant flow
Pre-assignment details
79 patients were screened. 41 patients received study medication.
Participants by arm
| Arm | Count |
|---|---|
| Omalizumab Participants received subcutaneous injections of omalizumab every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks; dosage dependent on IgE level and body weight. | 20 |
| Placebo Participants received subcutaneous injections of placebo to omalizumab every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks. | 21 |
| Total | 41 |
Withdrawals & dropouts
| Period | Reason | FG000 | FG001 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Study | Administrative problems | 0 | 1 |
Baseline characteristics
| Characteristic | Omalizumab | Placebo | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Continuous | 55.0 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.67 | 54.6 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.78 | 54.8 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.23 |
| Sex: Female, Male Female | 13 Participants | 13 Participants | 26 Participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Male | 7 Participants | 8 Participants | 15 Participants |
Adverse events
| Event type | EG000 affected / at risk | EG001 affected / at risk |
|---|---|---|
| deaths Total, all-cause mortality | — / — | — / — |
| other Total, other adverse events | 16 / 20 | 16 / 21 |
| serious Total, serious adverse events | 2 / 20 | 1 / 21 |
Outcome results
Change From Baseline in the Expression of FcεRI Receptors of Blood Basophils
Venous blood samples were collected at screening and at Week 16. Flow cytometry analysis determined the FcεRI receptors expression of blood basophils (mean fluorescence intensity(MFI)). Relative change in mean fluorescence intensity at the end of study was expressed as a percentage of baseline value.
Time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks
Population: Intent to Treat FcεRI analyzable population - all randomized patients who received at least one dose of study drug and had at least one post-baseline efficacy assessment, and who had a valid baseline and post-treatment measurement of FcεRI
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in the Expression of FcεRI Receptors of Blood Basophils | -84.4 Percent change in MFI | Standard Deviation 17.8 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in the Expression of FcεRI Receptors of Blood Basophils | 27.7 Percent change in MFI | Standard Deviation 87.9 |
Change From Baseline in the Expression of FcεRI Receptors of Dendritic Cells
Venous blood samples were collected at screening and at Week 16. Flow cytometry analysis determined the FcεRI receptors expression of dendritic cells (mean fluorescence intensity (MFI)). Relative change in mean fluorescence intensity at the end of study was expressed as a percentage of baseline value.
Time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks
Population: Intent to Treat FcεRI analyzable population - all randomized patients who received at least one dose of study drug and had at least one post-baseline efficacy assessment, and who had a valid baseline and post-treatment measurement of FcεRI
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in the Expression of FcεRI Receptors of Dendritic Cells | -56.7 Percent change in MFI | Standard Deviation 19.74 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in the Expression of FcεRI Receptors of Dendritic Cells | 24.8 Percent change in MFI | Standard Deviation 111.71 |
Change From Baseline in Induced Sputum Eosinophil Count
The induced sputum eosinophil count was measured in a subset of patients in selected centers. Sputum samples were collected at screening and Week 16. Sputum eosinophil count was expressed as a percentage of total nonsquamous cells. Absolute change in sputum eosinophil count was expressed versus baseline value.
Time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks
Population: Intent to Treat population - all randomized patients who received at least one dose of study drug and had at least one post-baseline efficacy assessment. Only patients with measurements at both baseline and week 16 were included in this analysis.
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in Induced Sputum Eosinophil Count | -10.2 Percentage of total nonsquamous cells | Standard Deviation 32.38 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in Induced Sputum Eosinophil Count | 2.2 Percentage of total nonsquamous cells | Standard Deviation 10.94 |
Change From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual Components
Nasal symptom score calculated from six scales assessing the nasal symptom severity (sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy nose, postnasal drip and nasal symptoms overall). These six scores were rated on a scale from 1 to 7, with 7 being the worst rating. Absolute changes in these six scores were expressed versus baseline values. A negative change indicates improvement. The range of the global score was from 1 to 7, since this is the mean value of all the subscores.
Time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks
Population: Intent to Treat Population - all randomized patients who received at least one dose of study drug and had at least one post-baseline efficacy assessment
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual Components | Global score | -0.8 Score units | Standard Deviation 0.74 |
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual Components | Itchy nose | -0.4 Score units | Standard Deviation 0.84 |
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual Components | Runny nose | -0.9 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.2 |
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual Components | Postnasal drip | -0.6 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.5 |
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual Components | Sneezing | -1.1 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.1 |
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual Components | Nasal symptoms overall | -1.2 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.44 |
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual Components | Congestion | -0.6 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.39 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual Components | Nasal symptoms overall | -0.2 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.81 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual Components | Global score | -0.3 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.38 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual Components | Sneezing | -0.4 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.12 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual Components | Runny nose | -0.6 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.83 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual Components | Congestion | -0.7 Score units | Standard Deviation 2.24 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual Components | Itchy nose | 0.1 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.92 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual Components | Postnasal drip | 0.3 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.37 |
Change From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist)
The shortened version of the asthma control questionnaire (symptoms plus β2-agonist) consists of 6 subscores (nighttime waking, symptoms on waking, activity limitation, shortness of breath, wheeze and rescue short-acting β2-agonist use) between 0 and 6 (0 = no impairment; 6 = maximum impairment) and a total score between 0 and 6 (subscores mean value). Absolute change in total score and subscores count was expressed versus baseline value. A decrease in score indicates improvement.
Time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks
Population: Intent to Treat Population - all randomized patients who received at least one dose of study drug and had at least one post-baseline efficacy assessment
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist) | Symptoms on waking | -0.6 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.32 |
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist) | Shortness of breath | -0.9 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.29 |
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist) | Nighttime waking | 0.1 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.61 |
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist) | Wheeze (N = 19, 21) | -0.8 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.62 |
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist) | Activity limitation | -0.7 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.34 |
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist) | Use of rescue short-acting β2-agonist | -0.3 Score units | Standard Deviation 0.57 |
| Omalizumab | Change From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist) | Total score | -0.5 Score units | Standard Deviation 0.98 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist) | Use of rescue short-acting β2-agonist | 0.3 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.45 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist) | Total score | -0.5 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.43 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist) | Nighttime waking | -0.8 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.69 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist) | Symptoms on waking | -0.9 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.73 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist) | Activity limitation | -0.5 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.94 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist) | Shortness of breath | -0.6 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.75 |
| Placebo | Change From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist) | Wheeze (N = 19, 21) | -0.3 Score units | Standard Deviation 1.79 |
Change in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) From Baseline to 16 Weeks
Spirometry was conducted according to internationally accepted standards. At least three maneuvers were performed at each sampling timepoint. The FEV1 recorded was taken from the maneuver obtained from the single best test curve. The best test curve was defined as the spirogram that gave the largest FEV1.
Time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks
Population: Intent to Treat Population - all randomized patients who received at least one dose of study drug and had at least one post-baseline efficacy assessment
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omalizumab | Change in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) From Baseline to 16 Weeks | 0.25 Liters | Standard Deviation 0.38 |
| Placebo | Change in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) From Baseline to 16 Weeks | 0.00 Liters | Standard Deviation 0.2 |
Change in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)
FeNO was measured at baseline, and after 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of treatment. Absolute change in FeNO was expressed at each time point versus baseline value.
Time frame: Baseline and 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks
Population: Intent to Treat population - all randomized patients who received at least one dose of study drug and had at least one post-baseline efficacy assessment. During different time points, participants with observations at that time point were included in the analysis.
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omalizumab | Change in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) | Week 4 (N = 19, 19) | 2.5 parts per billion (ppb) | Standard Deviation 21.28 |
| Omalizumab | Change in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) | Week 8 (N = 18, 20) | 4.3 parts per billion (ppb) | Standard Deviation 25.48 |
| Omalizumab | Change in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) | Week 12 (N = 19, 18) | 1.0 parts per billion (ppb) | Standard Deviation 17.29 |
| Omalizumab | Change in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) | Week 16 (N = 18, 19) | 2.4 parts per billion (ppb) | Standard Deviation 18.19 |
| Placebo | Change in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) | Week 16 (N = 18, 19) | 0.7 parts per billion (ppb) | Standard Deviation 17.57 |
| Placebo | Change in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) | Week 4 (N = 19, 19) | -5.9 parts per billion (ppb) | Standard Deviation 29.72 |
| Placebo | Change in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) | Week 12 (N = 19, 18) | 1.3 parts per billion (ppb) | Standard Deviation 30.26 |
| Placebo | Change in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) | Week 8 (N = 18, 20) | -7.4 parts per billion (ppb) | Standard Deviation 30.19 |
Number of Patients With at Least One Asthma-related Event Over 16 Weeks
Asthma-related events were: unscheduled medical visits, emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Details of exacerbations requiring oral or IV corticosteroids were recorded at each visit.
Time frame: 16 weeks
Population: Intent to Treat Population - all randomized patients who received at least one dose of study drug and had at least one post-baseline efficacy assessment
| Arm | Measure | Value (NUMBER) |
|---|---|---|
| Omalizumab | Number of Patients With at Least One Asthma-related Event Over 16 Weeks | 9 Participants |
| Placebo | Number of Patients With at Least One Asthma-related Event Over 16 Weeks | 11 Participants |
Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness
The GETE is an assessment of asthma symptoms controlled in response to asthma treatment. The evaluation was performed independently by both investigator and patient using the same 5 point scale. The scale points are: excellent, good, moderate, poor and worsening. A good or excellent response is suggested as a means of defining a patient who has responded to treatment.
Time frame: 16 weeks
Population: Intent to Treat Population - all randomized patients who received at least one dose of study drug and had at least one post-baseline efficacy assessment
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (NUMBER) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omalizumab | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Physician's evaluation - Moderate | 3 Participants |
| Omalizumab | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Physician's evaluation - Excellent | 2 Participants |
| Omalizumab | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Physician's evaluation - Good | 6 Participants |
| Omalizumab | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Physician's evaluation - Poor | 9 Participants |
| Omalizumab | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Physician's evaluation - Worsening | 0 Participants |
| Omalizumab | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Patient's evaluation - Excellent | 2 Participants |
| Omalizumab | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Patient's evaluation - Good | 7 Participants |
| Omalizumab | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Patient's evaluation - Moderate | 6 Participants |
| Omalizumab | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Patient's evaluation - Poor | 5 Participants |
| Omalizumab | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Patient's evaluation - Worsening | 0 Participants |
| Placebo | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Patient's evaluation - Moderate | 9 Participants |
| Placebo | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Physician's evaluation - Moderate | 8 Participants |
| Placebo | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Patient's evaluation - Excellent | 0 Participants |
| Placebo | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Physician's evaluation - Excellent | 1 Participants |
| Placebo | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Patient's evaluation - Worsening | 2 Participants |
| Placebo | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Physician's evaluation - Good | 4 Participants |
| Placebo | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Patient's evaluation - Good | 5 Participants |
| Placebo | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Physician's evaluation - Poor | 6 Participants |
| Placebo | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Patient's evaluation - Poor | 4 Participants |
| Placebo | Physician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness | Physician's evaluation - Worsening | 2 Participants |