Repository Corticotropin Injection for Persistently Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Results from a Phase 4, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract Introduction We assessed the efficacy and safety of repository corticotropin injection (RCI; Acthar® Gel) for persistently active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) despite use of moderate-dose glucocorticoids. Methods This multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study enrolled patients ≥ 18 years with active SLE and moderate to severe rash and/or arthritis despite stable glucocorticoid doses (7.5–30 mg/day prednisone equivalent) and antimalarials for ≥ 4 weeks and/or immunosuppressants for ≥ 8 weeks before screening. Stable glucocorticoid doses were required through week 16 with optional taper from weeks 16 to 24. Patients were randomized (1:1) to 80 U RCI subcutaneously or placebo every other day to week 4, then twice weekly to week 24. Endpoints included the proportion of SLE Responder Index (SRI)-4 responders at week 16; changes from baseline to week 16 in 28 Swollen Joint Count/Tender Joint Count (28 SJC/TJC) and Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI)-Activity score; and changes from baseline to week 24 in inflammatory cytokines. Safety was assessed by adverse events. Results In the modified intention-to-treat population (RCI, n = 84; placebo, n = 85), the proportion of SRI-4 responders at week 16 was not significantly different between groups (RCI, 47.6%; placebo, 43.5%; OR [95% CI] 1.2 [0.6 to 2.2]; p = 0.5762). RCI treatment resulted in a reduction from baseline to week 16 in 28 SJC/TJC and CLASI-Activity score and from baseline to week 8 in B-cell activating factor cytokine. Post hoc analyses demonstrated a greater proportion of BILAG-based Combined Lupus Assessment responders for RCI than placebo at weeks 4, 12, and 20 and greater SRI-4 response in RCI-treated patients with baseline SLE Disease Activity Index-2000 ≥ 10 and CLASI-Activity ≥ 11. No new safety signals were identified. Conclusions Despite failure to achieve the primary endpoint, these results support the utility of RCI for treating persistently active SLE. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02953821.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC

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