Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare, severely disabling disease characterized by painful, recurrent episodes of soft tissue swelling (flare-ups) that result in abnormal bone formation in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Flare-ups begin early in life and may occur spontaneously or after soft tissue trauma, vaccinations, or influenza infections. Recurrent flare-ups progressively restrict movement by locking joints leading to cumulative loss of function and disability. Mouse models of FOP have demonstrated the ability of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) gamma agonists to prevent heterotopic ossification (HO) following injury. The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether palovarotene, an RAR gamma agonist, will prevent HO during and following a flare-up in subjects with FOP.
The primary objective is to evaluate the ability of different doses of palovarotene to prevent HO at the flare-up site in subjects with FOP as assessed by plain radiographs. This is a Phase 2, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, sponsor-unblinded, placebo-controlled study. Two cohorts of subjects will be randomized into different dosing regimens of palovarotene for a 6-week (42 days) treatment period. The study will consist of three periods: 1. A Screening period to occur within 7 days of a distinct flare-up. The first dose of study drug will be taken within 7 days of the flare-up initiation. 2. A double-blind treatment period of 6 weeks (42 days) duration. 3. A follow-up period of 6 weeks (42 days) duration. An initial cohort (Cohort 1) of subjects will be randomly assigned 3:1 to either palovarotene or placebo daily for 42 days. Subjects randomized to palovarotene in Cohort 1 will receive an initial daily dose of 10 mg for 14 days followed by 5 mg daily for 28 days. In Cohort 2, new FOP subjects meeting all inclusion/exclusion criteria will be randomly assigned 3:3:2 to two dose regimens of palovarotene (10 mg for 14 days and 5 mg for 28 days; 5 mg for 14 days and 2.5 mg for 28 days) or placebo daily for 42 days. Doses will be weight-adjusted and subjects randomized within three weight-range categories (20 to \<40 kg, 40 to \<60 kg, and ≥60 kg). Subjects completing the study and still meeting eligibility requirements will be given the opportunity to enroll into an open-label extension study.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
40
Palovarotene will be taken orally once daily at approximately the same time each day. Powder filled hard gelatin capsules will be opened and the contents added onto specific food.
University of California San Francisco, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism
San Francisco, California, United States
University of Pennsylvania, Center for Research in FOP & Related Disorders
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Department of Genetics
Paris, France
The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Brockley Hill
Stanmore, Middlesex, United Kingdom
Percentage of Responders at Week 6
A responder was defined as a subject with no or minimal new heterotopic ossification (HO) at flare-up site versus baseline as assessed by plain radiographs at Week 6. Minimal new HO is defined as new HO with an HO score \<=3 in both anterior/posterior (AP) and lateral projections (or if one view is non-interpretable or non-evaluable, then remaining evaluable view is used). The HO score ranges from 0 to 6 where, 0 = no HO and 6 = single contiguous HO with longest dimension \>2 diameters of reference normotopic bone in any projection. The highest HO score from the 2 projections was used. Results from Primary Read reviews are presented. The Primary Read process included a double-read radiology review paradigm with consensus adjudication. Radiography and CT scans were examined independently by scan type, flare-up region, and imaging time point in order to determine whether radiography would be sufficient to measure new HO formation. Only subjects with interpretable outcomes were evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1) and Week 6 (Day 42)
Percentage of Subjects With New HO at Weeks 6 and 12
Low dose CT scan was used as a secondary imaging assessment of HO and was performed at the same time points as plain radiographs. The percentage of subjects with new HO (regardless of the amount of new HO) at the flare-up site as assessed by CT scan and/or plain radiographs at Weeks 6 and 12 were analysed. The results are from Global Read reviews. The holistic Global Read process allowed concurrent review of all modalities across all time points, and provided access to selected clinical data at the time of review.
Time frame: Weeks 6 and 12 (Day 84)
Change From Baseline in Amount (Area) of New HO Formed at the Flare-up Site at Weeks 6 and 12
Interpretation of plain radiographs document the amount (area) of HO on both the AP and lateral radiograph views. The area for each view was a sum of all the new HO at the flare-up location (and thus if there are multiple HO lesions, the area of each lesion was determined and then the total across all lesions were summed to obtain a total new HO). This total new HO sum was used in the analysis of the area of new HO. Results from Primary Read reviews are presented.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 6 and 12
Percentage of Responders at Week 12
A responder was defined as a subject with no or minimal new HO at the flare-up site versus baseline as assessed by plain radiographs at Week 12. Minimal new HO is defined as new HO with an HO score \<=3 in both the AP and lateral projections (or if one view is non-interpretable or non-evaluable, then the remaining evaluable view is used). The HO score ranges from 0 to 6 where, 0 = no HO and 6 = single contiguous HO with longest dimension \>2 diameters of the reference normotopic bone in any projection. The highest HO score from the 2 projections was used. Results from the Primary Read reviews are presented. The Primary Read process included a double-read radiology review paradigm with consensus adjudication. Radiography and CT scans were examined independently by scan type, flare-up region, and imaging time point in order to determine whether radiography would be sufficient to measure new HO formation.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Change From Baseline in Bone Specific Alkaline Phosphatase at Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 12
Blood and urine samples for analysis of cartilage, bone, angiogenesis, and inflammation biomarkers were collected. Bone specific alkaline phosphatase was analysed as a bone and cartilage biomarker.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 12
Change From Baseline in C-Reactive Protein at Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 12
Blood and urine samples for analysis of cartilage, bone, angiogenesis, and inflammation biomarkers were collected. C-reactive protein was analysed as a inflammation biomarker.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 12
Change From Baseline in C-Terminal Telopeptide at Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 12
Blood and urine samples for analysis of cartilage, bone, angiogenesis, and inflammation biomarkers were collected. C-terminal telopeptide was analysed as a bone and cartilage biomarker.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 12
Change From Baseline in Procollagen Type 1 N-Terminal Propeptide at Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 12
Blood and urine samples for analysis of cartilage, bone, angiogenesis, and inflammation biomarkers were collected. Procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide was analysed as a bone and cartilage biomarker.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 12
Change From Baseline in Procollagen Type 1 C-Terminal Propeptide Biomarker at Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 12
Blood and urine samples for analysis of cartilage, bone, angiogenesis, and inflammation biomarkers were collected. Procollagen type 1 C-terminal propeptide was analysed as a bone and cartilage biomarker.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 12
Change From Baseline in Amount of Bone Formation (Volume) at Weeks 6 and 12
Low dose CT scan were used as a secondary imaging assessment of HO, and was performed at the same time points as plain radiographs. Interpretation of the CT scan documented the amount (volume) and grade of HO. The independent reviewer scored HO lesions according to the following scale for HO on CT. Grade 1 = fluid attenuation without evidence of calcification at CT, Grade 2 = calcification of soft tissues without evidence of bone formation, Grade 3 = immature bone formation, and Grade 4 = mature bone with cortical differentiation. Volume of new HO was determined according to the following steps: (1) calculate volume of new HO compared to baseline for each reviewer/HO ID, (2) sum the volume of new HO across HO IDs for each reviewer, and (3) average the volume of new HO across reviewers. Results from Primary Read reviews are presented.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 6 and 12
Percentage of Subjects With Soft Tissue Swelling and Cartilage Formation Assessed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Ultrasound (US) at Weeks 6 and 12
The MRI was utilized to evaluate the presence of soft tissue swelling/edema (and volume of the swelling/edema) and presence of cartilage formation (yes or no). For subjects who could not have an MRI, US was used to assess edema severity for the sub-set of subjects enrolled after this opinion was introduced in a protocol amendment. Imaging film from MRI was assessed by two independent readers. When there was sufficient agreement between the independent readers on volume, both of the independent readings were used for analysis with the volume measurements averaged. When there was insufficient agreement between the independent readers, an adjudication reading was provided and used for analysis. The US was used for soft tissue swelling/edema but not cartilage formation. Percentage calculated as % = 100 x n/N' where N' is the number of subjects with interpretable outcomes. Results from Primary Read reviews are presented.
Time frame: Weeks 6 and 12
Change From Baseline in Percent of Normal Arc of Motion at the Primary Joint (Flare-up Site) at Weeks 6 and 12
Active range of motion, expressed as the percent of normal arc of motion, measurements at the primary joint associated with the flare-up and adjoining joints was assessed by goniometer.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 6 and 12
Subject and Investigator Global Assessment of Movement at Weeks 6 and 12
Flare-up movement outcomes were independently assessed by both the subject (or parent of a subject under 8 years of age) and the Investigator at Weeks 6 and 12 by completing the global assessment of movement. The subject/parent completed the global assessment first. Prior to reviewing the subject's assessment, the Investigator completed his/her own assessment of the flare-up outcome. Subjects were assessed how the flare-up affected their movement on a scale ranging 1 to 5 where, 1 = severely worse movement and 5 = better movement compared with study Day 1 (day of first dose of study drug). Investigators were assessed how the flare-up affected the subject's movement on a scale ranging 1 to 5 where, 1 = severely worse movement and 5 = better movement compared with baseline (day of screening physical examination).
Time frame: Weeks 6 and 12
Change From Baseline in Flare-Up Pain and Swelling at Weeks 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12
The pain and swelling associated with flare-ups was evaluated using 2 separate numeric rating scales, one for pain and one for swelling. The pain scale ranges from 0 to 10 where, 0 = no pain and 10 = worst pain ever experienced. The swelling scale ranges from 0 to 10 where, 0 = no swelling and 10 = worst swelling ever experienced. The Faces Pain Scale - Revised (FPS-R) was used for children less than 8 years old. The FPS-R ranges from 0 to 10 where, 0 = no pain and 10 = very much pain in two-point increments.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12
Percentage of Subjects Who Used Any Assistive Devices and Adaptations for Daily Living at Weeks 6 and 12
Subjects were given a list of FOP assistive devices and adaptations and asked to select those they use for daily living. The FOP assistive devices and adaptations included mobility aids, care attendants, eating tools, personal care tools/aids, bathroom aids and devices, bedroom aids and devices, home adaptations, work environment adaptations, technology adaptations, sports and recreation adaptations, school, and medical therapies for daily living.
Time frame: Weeks 6 and 12
Duration of Active Symptomatic Flare-up
The duration of active symptomatic flare-up was defined as the number of days the subject reported the presence of symptoms in the diary ('Is your flare-up ongoing today?') from Day 1 to study completion at Day 84. The mean number of days of active, symptomatic flare-up is presented for subjects with evaluable diary data.
Time frame: From Day 1 to Day 84
Change From Baseline in Percentage of Worst Total Score for FOP-Specific Physical Function Questionnaire (FOP-PFQ) at Weeks 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12
The FOP-PFQ consists of 28 questions rated on scales from 1 to 5, with lower scores denoting more difficulty. The adult form of the FOP-PFQ was administered to subjects 15 years of age and older. There are two Pediatric FOP-PFQ (FOP-PFQ-P) forms: a self-completed form for 8 to 14 year-olds and a parent proxy-completed form for 5 to 14 year-olds. For subjects between 8 to 14 years of age, both the self-completed (for 8 to 14 year-olds) and the proxy-completed (for 5 to 14 year olds) forms of the FOP-PFQ-P were administered. However, only the proxy-completed form was used for analysis. Percentage of worst scores ranges from 0% to 100% with 0% = best possible function and 100% = worst possible function. Change from baseline for each time point is presented.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12
Change From Baseline in Physical and Mental Health Using Age-Appropriate Forms of the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health Scale at Weeks 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12
The PROMIS Global Health contains 10 questions which are rated on scales from 1 to 5 or 0 to 10. Global physical health scores were calculated as the sum of scores from parameters 3, 6, 7, and 8 and ranges from 4 to 20 where, 4 = worse health and 20 = better health. Global mental health scores were calculated as the sum of scores from parameters 2, 4, 5, and 10 and ranges from 4 to 20 where, 4 = worse health and 20 = better health. For paediatric subjects, the PROMIS was administered as per the adult version. However, there is a single total score for the paediatric PROMIS (as opposed to global physical and global mental health scores as are in the adult version). The total score were converted to a T-score. A T-score of 50 is normal and increments of 10 are +/- 1 standard deviation away from the norm. A T-score \<50 indicates worse health, while a T-score \>50 indicates better health. The higher values (positive changes) indicate better health.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12
Maximum Measured Plasma Concentration (Cmax) of Palovarotene
The Cmax of palovarotene was determined.
Time frame: Pre-dose and 3, 6, 10, and 24 hours (hrs) post-dose at Week 2, and at Week 4 or 6
Minimum Measured Plasma Concentration (Cmin) of Palovarotene
The Cmin of palovarotene was determined.
Time frame: Pre-dose and 3, 6, 10, and 24 hrs post-dose at Week 2, and at Week 4 or 6
Time of Maximum Measured Plasma Concentration (Tmax) of Palovarotene
The Tmax obtained by inspection of palovarotene was determined.
Time frame: Pre-dose and 3, 6, 10, and 24 hrs post-dose at Week 2, and at Week 4 or 6
Apparent Terminal Elimination Half-life (t1/2) of Palovarotene
The t1/2 was calculated as ln(2)/ λz. The number of data points included in the regression was determined by visual inspection, but a minimum of three data points in the terminal phase, excluding Cmax, was required to estimate λz.
Time frame: Pre-dose and 3, 6, 10, and 24 hrs post-dose at Week 2, and at Week 4 or 6
Area Under the Plasma Concentration Versus Time Curve Over the 24-hr Dosing Interval (AUC[0-24hr]) of Palovarotene
The AUC(0-24hr) was calculated using linear trapezoid rule.
Time frame: Pre-dose and 3, 6, 10, and 24 hrs post-dose at Week 2, and at Week 4 or 6
Apparent Clearance of Palovarotene (CL/F)
The CL/F was defined as dose/AUC0-24hr.
Time frame: Pre-dose and 3, 6, 10, and 24 hrs post-dose at Week 2, and at Week 4 or 6
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