The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of brolucizumab in treatment of patients with visual impairment due to diabetic macular edema (DME).
This was a Phase III, randomized, double-masked, multi-center, active-controlled, three-arm study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of brolucizumab 6 mg and 3 mg compared to the active control, aflibercept 2 mg used per authorized label, in subjects with diabetic macular edema (DME). The study included a screening period of up to 2 weeks to assess eligibility, followed by a doublemasked treatment period (Day 1 to Week 96). The baseline visit was defined as Day 1/Visit 1, and end of treatment visit as Visit 27 (Week 96). After the last treatment visit, a post-treatment follow-up period was planned from Week 96 to Week 100. Subjects were assigned to one of three treatment arms in a 1:1:1 ratio: brolucizumab 6 mg/0.05 mL administered 5 x every 6 weeks (q6w) during loading phase then q12w/every 8 weeks (q8w) during maintenance phase, brolucizumab 3 mg/0.05 mL administered 5 x every 6 weeks (q6w) during loading phase then q12w/q8w during maintenance phase or aflibercept 2 mg/0.05 mL administered 5 x every 4 weeks (q4w) during loading phase then q8w during maintenance phase. Disease Activity Assessments (DAAs) were conducted by the masked investigator for each treatment arm at Week 32 and Week 36, i.e. 8 and 12 weeks after the end of the loading phase for subjects receiving brolucizumab. Assessments were also performed at Week 48, and will then continue to be performed from Week 60 up to Week 96, every 12 weeks. Subjects in the brolucizumab arms who qualified for q12w during the initial q12w interval continued on a q12w treatment frequency unless disease activity was identified at any of the subsequent DAA visits, in which case subjects were switched to a q8w treatment interval until the end of the study. To fulfil the double-masking requirement, each investigational site had masked and unmasked staff. The investigator who performed the injection was unmasked to the treatments as were any other site personnel who had been delegated responsibility for working with the Investigational Product (IP). The unmasked site personnel and unmasked injecting investigator did not perform Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), complete ophthalmic examination (with the exception of post-injection safety assessment), DAAs or administer the Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25). Also, the unmasked site personnel and unmasked injecting physician did not perform assessment of any ocular or non-ocular safety parameters, or assess causality of Adverse event (AEs) for subjects during the course of the study except an event reported immediately following Intravitreal treatment (IVT). Once the designated roles were determined, the unmasked investigator/site personnel roles were not switched at any time after randomization to masked role. Every effort was made to limit the number of unmasked study personnel to ensure the integrity of this masked study.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
566
Intravitreal injection
Intravitreal injection
Change From Baseline in Best-corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) at Week 52
BCVA was assessed using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity testing charts. Visual Function of the study eye was assessed using the ETDRS protocol. Participants with a BCVA ETDRS letter score of 78 to 23 (approximate Snellen equivalent of 20/32 to 20/320) in the study eye were included. Min and max possible scores are 0-100 respectively. A higher score represents better visual functioning. This endpoint was analyzed via the pairwise ANOVA method where the 2 dose groups of Brolucizumab are compared to Aflibercept.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 52
Average Change From Baseline in BCVA Over the Period Week 40 Through Week 52
BCVA will be assessed using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity testing charts. Visual function of the study eye was assessed using the ETDRS protocol. Participants with a BCVA ETDRS letter score of 78 to 23 (per the inclusion criteria) (approximate Snellen equivalent of 20/32 to 20/320) in the study eye were included. Min and max possible scores are 0-100 respectively. A higher score represents better visual functioning. This endpoint was analyzed via the pairwise ANOVA method where the 2 dose groups of Brolucizumab are compared to Aflibercept.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 40 through Week 52 (average)
Patients Maintained at q12w - Probability of Maintaining on q12w
Positive treatment status is defined as intravitreal (IVT) injections per planned dosing regimen \[every 12 weeks (q12w)\]. This outcome measure is pre-specified for brolucizumab treatment arms only.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Weeks 32, 36 and 48
Patients Maintained at q12w (for Those Patients Who Qualified for q12w at Week 36) - Probability of Maintaining on q12w
Positive treatment status is defined as intravitreal (IVT) injections per planned dosing regimen \[every 8 weeks (q8w)\]. This outcome measure is pre-specified for brolucizumab treatment arms only.
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Novartis Investigative Site
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Novartis Investigative Site
Beverly Hills, California, United States
Novartis Investigative Site
La Jolla, California, United States
Novartis Investigative Site
Mountain View, California, United States
Novartis Investigative Site
Santa Barbara, California, United States
Novartis Investigative Site
Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Novartis Investigative Site
Danbury, Connecticut, United States
Novartis Investigative Site
Miami, Florida, United States
Novartis Investigative Site
Pensacola, Florida, United States
Novartis Investigative Site
Stuart, Florida, United States
...and 106 more locations
Time frame: Weeks 36 and 48
Change From Baseline in BCVA at Each Visit up to Week 52
BCVA was assessed using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity testing charts. Visual function of the study eye was assessed using the ETDRS protocol. Participants with a BCVA ETDRS letter score of 78 to 23 (approximate Snellen equivalent of 20/32 to 20/320) in the study eye were included. Min and max possible scores are 0-100 respectively. A higher score represents better visual functioning.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Weeks 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 18, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, and 52
BCVA (Letters Read): ANOVA Results for Average Change From Baseline Over the Period Week 88 Through Week 100 for the Study Eye (FAS - LOCF)
Visual acuity was assessed at every study visit using best correction determined from protocol refraction (BCVA). BCVA measurements were taken in a sitting position using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS)-like visual acuity testing charts. LS Mean estimates are reported, comparing the 2 Brolucizumab arms to Aflibercept. Results do not apply to the Brolucizumab 6 mg arm when Brolucizumab 3mg is compared to Aflibercept. Likewise, results do not apply to the Brolucizumab 3 mg arm when Brolucizumab 6 mg is compared to Aflibercept.
Time frame: Baseline, and Week 88 through Week 100 (average)
Patients Maintained at q12w up to Week 64 (After Three q12w- Treatment Intervals) and Week 100 - Probability of Maintaining on q12w
This outcome measure is pre-specified for brolucizumab treatment arms only
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Weeks 32, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96
Secondary: Patients Maintained at q12w up to Week 64 (After Three q12w- Treatment Intervals) and Week 100, Within Those Patients That Qualified for q12w at Week 36 - Probability of Maintaining on q12w
This outcome measure is pre-specified for brolucizumab treatment arms only
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Weeks 32, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96
Change From Baseline in Central Subfield Thickness (CSFT) at Each Visit up to Week 52 - Pairwise ANOVA Results
Central Subfield Thickness Assessed by Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) from the central reading center. LS Mean estimates are reported, comparing the 2 Brolucizumab arms to Aflibercept. Results do not apply to the Brolucizumab 6 mg arm when Brolucizumab 3mg is compared to Aflibercept. Likewise, results do not apply to the Brolucizumab 3 mg arm when Brolucizumab 6 mg is compared to Aflibercept.
Time frame: Baseline up to week 52
Central Subfield Thickness (CSFT) (Micrometers): ANOVA Results for Average Change From Baseline Over the Period Week 88 Through Week 100 for the Study Eye (Full Analysis Set - LOCF)
Central subfield thickness (average thickness of circular 1mm area centered around fovea measured from RPE to ILM, inclusively). Assessed with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity testing charts. LS Mean estimates are reported, comparing the 2 Brolucizumab arms to Aflibercept. Results do not apply to the Brolucizumab 6 mg arm when Brolucizumab 3mg is compared to Aflibercept. Likewise, results do not apply to the Brolucizumab 3 mg arm when Brolucizumab 6 mg is compared to Aflibercept.
Time frame: Baseline, and Week 88 through Week 100 (average)
Number of Patients With Presence of Subretinal Fluid (SRF) at Each Assessment Visit
Subretinal Fluid (SRF) status in the central subfield: proportion of subjects with presence of SRF in the study eye by visit
Time frame: Baseline up to Week 52 and Week 100
Number of Patients With Presence of Intraretinal Fluid (IRF) at Each Assessment Visit
Intraretinal Fluid (IRF) status in the central subfield: proportion of subjects with presence of IRF in the study eye by visit
Time frame: Baseline, up to Week 52 and Week 100
Number of Patients With Presence of SRF and/or IRF in the Study Eye by Visit
Subretinal Fluid (SRF) and Intraretinal Fluid (IRF) status in the central subfield: proportion of subjects with presence of SRF and/or IRF in the study eye by visit
Time frame: Baseline, up to Week 52 and Week 100
Number of Patients With Presence of Leakage on Fluorescein Angiography (FA) at Week 52
Assessed by angiography.
Time frame: Week 52
Number of Patients With Presence of Leakage on Fluorescein Angiography (FA) at Week 100
Assessed by angiography.
Time frame: Week 100
Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale (DRSS): Number of Subjects With >=2-step Improvement From Baseline in the DRSS Score at Each Assessment Visit for the Study Eye - Number of Subjects
Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) was evaluated using the ETDRS DRSS score assessed by the Central Reading Center (CRC) based on color fundus photography images in the study eye. When the ETDRS-DR severities were evaluable, they were categorized on a 12-level scale, from 1 (DR absent) to 12 (very advanced PDR). A lower score represents better visual functioning.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale (DRSS): Proportion of Subjects With >=2-step Improvement From Baseline in the DRSS Score at Each Assessment Visit for the Study Eye - Percentage Estimates
Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) was evaluated using the ETDRS DRSS score assessed by the Central Reading Center (CRC) based on color fundus photography images in the study eye. When the ETDRS-DR severities were evaluable, they were categorized on a 12-level scale, from 1 (DR absent) to 12 (very advanced PDR). A lower score represents better visual functioning. * estimates are reported, comparing the 2 Brolucizumab arms to Aflibercept. Results do not apply to the Brolucizumab 6 mg arm when Brolucizumab 3mg is compared to Aflibercept. Likewise, results do not apply to the Brolucizumab 3 mg arm when Brolucizumab 6 mg is compared to Aflibercept. * estimates represent the % of participants who were estimated to have a "\>=2-step Improvement From Baseline in the DRSS Score" from pairwise logistic regression models adjusting for baseline DRSS score categories (\<=4, ≥5), age categories (\<65, ≥65 years) and treatment as fixed effect factors. Abbreviation: Proportion Estimates = P.E.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale (DRSS): Number of Subjects With >=3-step Improvement From Baseline in the DRSS Score at Each Assessment Visit for the Study Eye - Number of Subjects
Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) was evaluated using the ETDRS DRSS score assessed by the Central Reading Center (CRC) based on color fundus photography images in the study eye. When the ETDRS-DR severities were evaluable, they were categorized on a 12-level scale, from 1 (DR absent) to 12 (very advanced PDR). A lower score represents better visual functioning.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale (DRSS): Proportion of Subjects With >=3-step Improvement From Baseline in the DRSS Score at Each Assessment Visit for the Study Eye - Percentage Estimates
Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) was evaluated using the ETDRS DRSS score assessed by the Central Reading Center (CRC) based on color fundus photography images in the study eye. When the ETDRS-DR severities were evaluable, they were categorized on a 12-level scale, from 1 (DR absent) to 12 (very advanced PDR). A lower score represents better visual functioning. * estimates are reported, comparing the 2 Brolucizumab arms to Aflibercept. Results do not apply to the Brolucizumab 6 mg arm when Brolucizumab 3mg is compared to Aflibercept. Likewise, results do not apply to the Brolucizumab 3 mg arm when Brolucizumab 6 mg is compared to Aflibercept. * estimates represent the % of participants who were estimated to have a "\>=3-step Improvement From Baseline in the DRSS Score" from pairwise logistic regression models adjusting for baseline DRSS score categories (\<=4, ≥5), age categories (\<65, ≥65 years) and treatment as fixed effect factors. Abbreviation: Proportion Estimates = P.E.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Change From Baseline in Patient Reported Outcomes Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) Total Scores up to Week 52 and Week 100 - Composite Score
The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) measures the influence of visual disability and visual symptoms on general health domains. The NEI VFQ-25 consists of a base set of 25 vision-targeted questions representing 11 vision-related constructs, plus an additional single-item general health rating question. All items are scored so that a high score represents better visual functioning. Each item is then converted to a 0 to 100 scale so that the lowest and highest possible scores are set at 0 and 100 points, respectively. A composite score is derived based on the average of the 11 subscales.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Change From Baseline in Patient Reported Outcomes Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) Total Scores up to Week 52 and Week 100 - General Vision
The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) measures the influence of visual disability and visual symptoms on general health domains. The NEI VFQ-25 consists of a base set of 25 vision-targeted questions representing 11 vision-related constructs, plus an additional single-item general health rating question. All items are scored so that a high score represents better visual functioning. Each item is then converted to a 0 to 100 scale so that the lowest and highest possible scores are set at 0 and 100 points, respectively. A composite score is derived based on the average of the 11 subscales.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Change From Baseline in Patient Reported Outcomes Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) Total Scores up to Week 52 and Week 100 - Ocular Pain
The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) measures the influence of visual disability and visual symptoms on general health domains. The NEI VFQ-25 consists of a base set of 25 vision-targeted questions representing 11 vision-related constructs, plus an additional single-item general health rating question. All items are scored so that a high score represents better visual functioning. Each item is then converted to a 0 to 100 scale so that the lowest and highest possible scores are set at 0 and 100 points, respectively. A composite score is derived based on the average of the 11 subscales.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Change From Baseline in Patient Reported Outcomes Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) Total Scores up to Week 52 and Week 100 - Near Activities
The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) measures the influence of visual disability and visual symptoms on general health domains. The NEI VFQ-25 consists of a base set of 25 vision-targeted questions representing 11 vision-related constructs, plus an additional single-item general health rating question. All items are scored so that a high score represents better visual functioning. Each item is then converted to a 0 to 100 scale so that the lowest and highest possible scores are set at 0 and 100 points, respectively. A composite score is derived based on the average of the 11 subscales.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Change From Baseline in Patient Reported Outcomes Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) Total Scores up to Week 52 and Week 100 - Distance Activities
The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) measures the influence of visual disability and visual symptoms on general health domains. The NEI VFQ-25 consists of a base set of 25 vision-targeted questions representing 11 vision-related constructs, plus an additional single-item general health rating question. All items are scored so that a high score represents better visual functioning. Each item is then converted to a 0 to 100 scale so that the lowest and highest possible scores are set at 0 and 100 points, respectively. A composite score is derived based on the average of the 11 subscales.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Change From Baseline in Patient Reported Outcomes Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) Total Scores up to Week 52 and Week 100 - Social Functioning
The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) measures the influence of visual disability and visual symptoms on general health domains. The NEI VFQ-25 consists of a base set of 25 vision-targeted questions representing 11 vision-related constructs, plus an additional single-item general health rating question. All items are scored so that a high score represents better visual functioning. Each item is then converted to a 0 to 100 scale so that the lowest and highest possible scores are set at 0 and 100 points, respectively. A composite score is derived based on the average of the 11 subscales.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Change From Baseline in Patient Reported Outcomes Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) Total Scores up to Week 52 and Week 100 - Mental Health
The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) measures the influence of visual disability and visual symptoms on general health domains. The NEI VFQ-25 consists of a base set of 25 vision-targeted questions representing 11 vision-related constructs, plus an additional single-item general health rating question. All items are scored so that a high score represents better visual functioning. Each item is then converted to a 0 to 100 scale so that the lowest and highest possible scores are set at 0 and 100 points, respectively. A composite score is derived based on the average of the 11 subscales.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Change From Baseline in Patient Reported Outcomes Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) Total Scores up to Week 52 and Week 100 - Role Difficulties
The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) measures the influence of visual disability and visual symptoms on general health domains. The NEI VFQ-25 consists of a base set of 25 vision-targeted questions representing 11 vision-related constructs, plus an additional single-item general health rating question. All items are scored so that a high score represents better visual functioning. Each item is then converted to a 0 to 100 scale so that the lowest and highest possible scores are set at 0 and 100 points, respectively. A composite score is derived based on the average of the 11 subscales.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Change From Baseline in Patient Reported Outcomes Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) Total Scores up to Week 52 and Week 100 - Dependency
The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) measures the influence of visual disability and visual symptoms on general health domains. The NEI VFQ-25 consists of a base set of 25 vision-targeted questions representing 11 vision-related constructs, plus an additional single-item general health rating question. All items are scored so that a high score represents better visual functioning. Each item is then converted to a 0 to 100 scale so that the lowest and highest possible scores are set at 0 and 100 points, respectively. A composite score is derived based on the average of the 11 subscales.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Change From Baseline in Patient Reported Outcomes Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) Total Scores up to Week 52 and Week 100 - Driving
The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) measures the influence of visual disability and visual symptoms on general health domains. The NEI VFQ-25 consists of a base set of 25 vision-targeted questions representing 11 vision-related constructs, plus an additional single-item general health rating question. All items are scored so that a high score represents better visual functioning. Each item is then converted to a 0 to 100 scale so that the lowest and highest possible scores are set at 0 and 100 points, respectively. A composite score is derived based on the average of the 11 subscales.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Change From Baseline in Patient Reported Outcomes Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) Total Scores up to Week 52 and Week 100 - Color Vision
The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) measures the influence of visual disability and visual symptoms on general health domains. The NEI VFQ-25 consists of a base set of 25 vision-targeted questions representing 11 vision-related constructs, plus an additional single-item general health rating question. All items are scored so that a high score represents better visual functioning. Each item is then converted to a 0 to 100 scale so that the lowest and highest possible scores are set at 0 and 100 points, respectively. A composite score is derived based on the average of the 11 subscales.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Change From Baseline in Patient Reported Outcomes Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) Total Scores up to Week 52 and Week 100 - Peripheral Vision
The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) measures the influence of visual disability and visual symptoms on general health domains. The NEI VFQ-25 consists of a base set of 25 vision-targeted questions representing 11 vision-related constructs, plus an additional single-item general health rating question. All items are scored so that a high score represents better visual functioning. Each item is then converted to a 0 to 100 scale so that the lowest and highest possible scores are set at 0 and 100 points, respectively. A composite score is derived based on the average of the 11 subscales.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Change From Baseline in Patient Reported Outcomes Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) Total Scores up to Week 52 and Week 100 - General Health Rating
The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) measures the influence of visual disability and visual symptoms on general health domains. The NEI VFQ-25 consists of a base set of 25 vision-targeted questions representing 11 vision-related constructs, plus an additional single-item general health rating question. All items are scored so that a high score represents better visual functioning. Each item is then converted to a 0 to 100 scale so that the lowest and highest possible scores are set at 0 and 100 points, respectively. A composite score is derived based on the average of the 11 subscales.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28, 52, 76, 100
Ocular Adverse Events (AEs) (>=2% in Any Treatment Arm) by Preferred Term for the Study Eye
Time frame: Adverse events were reported from first dose of study treatment until Week 96, plus 30 days post treatment, up to a maximum duration of 100 weeks.
Number of Subjects With Non-ocular Adverse Events (AEs) (>=2% in Any Treatment Arm)
Time frame: Adverse events were reported from first dose of study treatment until Week 96, plus 30 days post treatment, up to a maximum duration of 100 weeks.