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Effect of Omalizumab in Patients With Severe Persistent Non-atopic Uncontrolled Asthma

A 16-week Treatment, Multicenter, Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-controlled, Parallel-group Study to Assess the Effect of Omalizumab on the Expression of FcεRI Receptors of Blood Basophils and Dendritic Cells in Patients With Severe Persistent Non-atopic Asthma, Uncontrolled Despite Optimal Therapy

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01007149
Acronym
NATAIR
Enrollment
79
Registered
2009-11-03
Start date
2009-09-30
Completion date
2011-02-28
Last updated
2012-07-20

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Asthma

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

DRUGomalizumab

Omalizumab was supplied in 5mL vials with solution for subcutaneous injection.

DRUGPlacebo

Placebo was supplied in vials with solution for subcutaneous injection.

Sponsors

Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

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

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change From Baseline in the Expression of FcεRI Receptors of Blood BasophilsBaseline and 16 weeksVenous 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 CellsBaseline and 16 weeksVenous 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

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change From Baseline in Induced Sputum Eosinophil CountBaseline and 16 weeksThe 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 weeksThe 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 weeksFeNO 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 Effectiveness16 weeksThe 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 WeeksBaseline and 16 weeksSpirometry 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 ComponentsBaseline and 16 weeksNasal 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 Weeks16 weeksAsthma-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

ArmCount
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
Total41

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyAdministrative problems01

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicOmalizumabPlaceboTotal
Age Continuous55.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.67
54.6 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.78
54.8 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.23
Sex: Female, Male
Female
13 Participants13 Participants26 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
7 Participants8 Participants15 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
— / —— / —
other
Total, other adverse events
16 / 2016 / 21
serious
Total, serious adverse events
2 / 201 / 21

Outcome results

Primary

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

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
OmalizumabChange From Baseline in the Expression of FcεRI Receptors of Blood Basophils-84.4 Percent change in MFIStandard Deviation 17.8
PlaceboChange From Baseline in the Expression of FcεRI Receptors of Blood Basophils27.7 Percent change in MFIStandard Deviation 87.9
Primary

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

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
OmalizumabChange From Baseline in the Expression of FcεRI Receptors of Dendritic Cells-56.7 Percent change in MFIStandard Deviation 19.74
PlaceboChange From Baseline in the Expression of FcεRI Receptors of Dendritic Cells24.8 Percent change in MFIStandard Deviation 111.71
Secondary

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.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
OmalizumabChange From Baseline in Induced Sputum Eosinophil Count-10.2 Percentage of total nonsquamous cellsStandard Deviation 32.38
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Induced Sputum Eosinophil Count2.2 Percentage of total nonsquamous cellsStandard Deviation 10.94
Secondary

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

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
OmalizumabChange From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual ComponentsGlobal score-0.8 Score unitsStandard Deviation 0.74
OmalizumabChange From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual ComponentsItchy nose-0.4 Score unitsStandard Deviation 0.84
OmalizumabChange From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual ComponentsRunny nose-0.9 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.2
OmalizumabChange From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual ComponentsPostnasal drip-0.6 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.5
OmalizumabChange From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual ComponentsSneezing-1.1 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.1
OmalizumabChange From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual ComponentsNasal symptoms overall-1.2 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.44
OmalizumabChange From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual ComponentsCongestion-0.6 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.39
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual ComponentsNasal symptoms overall-0.2 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.81
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual ComponentsGlobal score-0.3 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.38
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual ComponentsSneezing-0.4 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.12
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual ComponentsRunny nose-0.6 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.83
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual ComponentsCongestion-0.7 Score unitsStandard Deviation 2.24
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual ComponentsItchy nose0.1 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.92
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Nasal Symptom Global Score and Individual ComponentsPostnasal drip0.3 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.37
Secondary

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

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
OmalizumabChange 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 unitsStandard Deviation 1.32
OmalizumabChange 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 unitsStandard Deviation 1.29
OmalizumabChange From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist)Nighttime waking0.1 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.61
OmalizumabChange 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 unitsStandard Deviation 1.62
OmalizumabChange From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist)Activity limitation-0.7 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.34
OmalizumabChange 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 unitsStandard Deviation 0.57
OmalizumabChange From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist)Total score-0.5 Score unitsStandard Deviation 0.98
PlaceboChange 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-agonist0.3 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.45
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist)Total score-0.5 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.43
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist)Nighttime waking-0.8 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.69
PlaceboChange 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 unitsStandard Deviation 1.73
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Score of the Shortened Version of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (Symptoms Plus Short-acting β2-agonist)Activity limitation-0.5 Score unitsStandard Deviation 1.94
PlaceboChange 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 unitsStandard Deviation 1.75
PlaceboChange 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 unitsStandard Deviation 1.79
Secondary

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

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
OmalizumabChange in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) From Baseline to 16 Weeks0.25 LitersStandard Deviation 0.38
PlaceboChange in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) From Baseline to 16 Weeks0.00 LitersStandard Deviation 0.2
Secondary

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.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
OmalizumabChange in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)Week 4 (N = 19, 19)2.5 parts per billion (ppb)Standard Deviation 21.28
OmalizumabChange in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)Week 8 (N = 18, 20)4.3 parts per billion (ppb)Standard Deviation 25.48
OmalizumabChange in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)Week 12 (N = 19, 18)1.0 parts per billion (ppb)Standard Deviation 17.29
OmalizumabChange in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)Week 16 (N = 18, 19)2.4 parts per billion (ppb)Standard Deviation 18.19
PlaceboChange in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)Week 16 (N = 18, 19)0.7 parts per billion (ppb)Standard Deviation 17.57
PlaceboChange in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)Week 4 (N = 19, 19)-5.9 parts per billion (ppb)Standard Deviation 29.72
PlaceboChange in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)Week 12 (N = 19, 18)1.3 parts per billion (ppb)Standard Deviation 30.26
PlaceboChange in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)Week 8 (N = 18, 20)-7.4 parts per billion (ppb)Standard Deviation 30.19
Secondary

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

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
OmalizumabNumber of Patients With at Least One Asthma-related Event Over 16 Weeks9 Participants
PlaceboNumber of Patients With at Least One Asthma-related Event Over 16 Weeks11 Participants
Secondary

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

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
OmalizumabPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPhysician's evaluation - Moderate3 Participants
OmalizumabPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPhysician's evaluation - Excellent2 Participants
OmalizumabPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPhysician's evaluation - Good6 Participants
OmalizumabPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPhysician's evaluation - Poor9 Participants
OmalizumabPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPhysician's evaluation - Worsening0 Participants
OmalizumabPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPatient's evaluation - Excellent2 Participants
OmalizumabPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPatient's evaluation - Good7 Participants
OmalizumabPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPatient's evaluation - Moderate6 Participants
OmalizumabPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPatient's evaluation - Poor5 Participants
OmalizumabPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPatient's evaluation - Worsening0 Participants
PlaceboPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPatient's evaluation - Moderate9 Participants
PlaceboPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPhysician's evaluation - Moderate8 Participants
PlaceboPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPatient's evaluation - Excellent0 Participants
PlaceboPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPhysician's evaluation - Excellent1 Participants
PlaceboPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPatient's evaluation - Worsening2 Participants
PlaceboPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPhysician's evaluation - Good4 Participants
PlaceboPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPatient's evaluation - Good5 Participants
PlaceboPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPhysician's evaluation - Poor6 Participants
PlaceboPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPatient's evaluation - Poor4 Participants
PlaceboPhysician and Patient Global Evaluation of Treatment EffectivenessPhysician's evaluation - Worsening2 Participants

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 23, 2026