GLPG2737 is a novel CFTR corrector in development for the treatment of CF.
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A phase 2a study evaluated GLPG2737 plus lumacaftor/ivacaftor in F508del homozygous CF subjects.
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Significant sweat chloride reductions were observed with GLPG2737 versus placebo.
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GLPG2737 was well tolerated; mild to moderate adverse events were reported.
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GLPG2737 plus a potentiator–corrector dual therapy shows additive CFTR activity.
Abstract
Background
Triple combinations of cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators demonstrate enhanced clinical efficacy in CF patients with F508del mutation, compared with modest effects of dual combinations. GLPG2737 was developed as a novel corrector for triple combination therapy.
Methods
This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2a study evaluated GLPG2737 in F508del homozygous subjects who had been receiving lumacaftor 400 mg/ivacaftor 250 mg for ≥12 weeks. The primary outcome was change from baseline in sweat chloride concentration. Other outcomes included assessment of pulmonary function, respiratory symptoms, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics.
Results
Between November 2017 and April 2018, 22 subjects were enrolled and randomized to oral GLPG2737 (75 mg; n = 14) or placebo (n = 8) capsules twice daily for 28 days. A significant decrease from baseline in mean sweat chloride concentration occurred at day 28 for GLPG2737 versus placebo (least-squares-mean difference − 19.6 mmol/L [95% confidence interval (CI) –36.0, −3.2], p = .0210). The absolute improvement, as assessed by least-squares-mean difference in change from baseline, in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (percent predicted) at day 28 for GLPG2737 versus placebo was 3.4% (95% CI –0.5, 7.3). Respiratory symptoms in both groups remained stable. Mild/moderate adverse events occurred in 10 (71.4%) and 8 (100%) subjects receiving GLPG2737 and placebo, respectively. Lower exposures of GLPG2737 (and active metabolite M4) were observed than would be expected if administered alone (as lumacaftor induces CYP3A4). Lumacaftor and ivacaftor exposures were as expected.
Conclusions
GLPG2737 was well tolerated and yielded significant decreases in sweat chloride concentration versus placebo in subjects homozygous for F508del receiving lumacaftor/ivacaftor, demonstrating evidence of increased CFTR activity when added to a potentiator–corrector combination.
Previous presentations: Data from the PELICAN trial were presented as a poster at the 32nd North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, October 18–20, 2018 in Denver, Colorado, USA [1].
