Pierre Jordaan

Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor LCZ696 Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling and Dysfunction After Myocardial Infarction by Reducing Cardiac Fibrosis and Hypertrophy

Background—Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNi), beyond blocking angiotensin II signaling, augment natriuretic peptides by inhibiting their breakdown by neprilysin. The myocardial effects of ARNi have been little studied until recently. We hypothesized that LCZ696 attenuates left ventricular (LV) remodeling after experimental myocardial infarction (MI), and that this may be contributed to by inhibition of hypertrophy and fibrosis in cardiac cells. Methods and Results—One week after MI, adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized to treatment for 4 weeks with LCZ696 (68 mg/kg body weight perorally; MI-ARNi, n=11) or vehicle (MI-vehicle, n=6). Five weeks after MI, MI-ARNi versus MI-vehicle demonstrated lower LV end-diastolic diameter (by echocardiography; 9.7±0.2 versus 10.5±0.3 mm), higher LV ejection fraction (60±2 versus 47±5%), diastolic wall strain (0.23±0.02 versus 0.13±0.02), and circular strain (−9.8±0.5 versus −7.3±0.5%; all P<0.05). LV pressure–volume loops confirmed improved LV function. Despite similar infarct size, MI-ARNi versus MI-vehicle had lower cardiac weights (P<0.01) and markedly reduced fibrosis in peri-infarct and remote myocardium. Angiotensin II–stimulated incorporation of 3[H]leucine in cardiac myocytes and 3[H]proline in cardiac fibroblast was used to evaluate hypertrophy and fibrosis, respectively. The neprilysin inhibitor component of LCZ696, LBQ657, inhibited hypertrophy but not fibrosis. The angiotensin receptor blocker component of LCZ696, valsartan inhibited both hypertrophy and fibrosis. Dual valsartan+LBQ augmented the inhibitory effects of valsartan and the highest doses completely abrogated angiotensin II–mediated effects. Conclusions—LCZ696 attenuated cardiac remodeling and dysfunction after MI. This may be contributed to by superior inhibition of LCZ696 on cardiac fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy than either stand-alone neprilysin inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker.

Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Profiles of Sacubitril/Valsartan (LCZ696) in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction

Summary Aims Concomitant renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blockade and natriuretic peptide system enhancement may provide unique therapeutic benefits to patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This study assessed the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of LCZ696 in patients with HFrEF. Methods This was an open‐label, noncontrolled single‐sequence study. After a 24‐h run‐in period, patients (n = 30) with HFrEF (EF ≤ 40%; NYHA class II–IV) received LCZ696 100 mg twice daily (bid) for 7 days and 200 mg bid for 14 days, along with standard treatment for heart failure (HF) (except angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEIs] or angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs]). Results On Day 21, significant increases were observed in the plasma biomarkers indicative of neprilysin and RAAS inhibition (ratio‐to‐baseline: cyclic guanosine monophosphate [cGMP], 1.38; renin concentration and activity, 3.50 and 2.27, respectively; all, P < 0.05). Plasma NT‐proBNP levels significantly decreased at all the time points on Days 7 and 21; plasma aldosterone and endothelin‐1 levels significantly decreased on Day 21 (all, P < 0.05). Following administration of LCZ696, the Cmax of sacubitril (neprilysin inhibitor prodrug), LBQ657 (active neprilysin inhibitor), and valsartan were reached within 0.5, 2.5, and 2 h. Between 100‐ and 200‐mg doses, the Cmax and AUC 0–12 h for sacubitril and LBQ657 were approximately dose‐proportional while that of valsartan was less than dose‐proportional. Conclusions Treatment with LCZ696 for 21 days was well tolerated and resulted in plasma biomarker changes indicative of neprilysin and RAAS inhibition in patients with HF. The pharmacokinetic exposure of the LCZ696 analytes in patients with HF observed in this study is comparable to that observed in the pivotal Phase III study.

Disposition and metabolism of [(14)C] Sacubitril/Valsartan (formerly LCZ696) an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor, in healthy subjects.

Abstract 1. Sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) is an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) providing simultaneous inhibition of neprilysin (neutral endopeptidase 24.11; NEP) and blockade of the angiotensin II type-1 (AT1) receptor. 2. Following oral administration, [14C]LCZ696 delivers systemic exposure to valsartan and AHU377 (sacubitril), which is rapidly metabolized to LBQ657 (M1), the biologically active neprilysin inhibitor. Peak sacubitril plasma concentrations were reached within 0.5–1 h. The mean terminal half-lives of sacubitril, LBQ657 and valsartan were ∼1.3, ∼12 and ∼21 h, respectively. 3. Renal excretion was the dominant route of elimination of radioactivity in human. Urine accounted for 51.7–67.8% and feces for 36.9 to 48.3 % of the total radioactivity. The majority of the drug was excreted as the active metabolite LBQ657 in urine and feces, total accounting for ∼85.5% of the total dose. 4. Based upon in vitro studies, the potential for LCZ696 to inhibit or induce cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and cause CYP-mediated drug interactions clinically was found to be low.

Combined angiotensin receptor blockade and neprilysin inhibition attenuates angiotensin-II mediated renal cellular collagen synthesis

a Monash Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia b Department of Cardiology B, Oslo University Hospital Ulleval, 0407 Oslo, Norway c Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway d Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St Vincents Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC 3068 Australia e Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., Development Franchise — Critical Care, East Hanover, USA f Novartis Pharma DS&E and Oncology, Drug Safety and Epidemiology, Basel, Switzerland

Assessment of Drug Interaction Potential between LCZ696, an Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor, and Digoxin or Warfa rin

LCZ696 (sacubitril/valsartan) is a first-in-class angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor that simultaneously inhibits neprilysin and blocks the angiotensin II receptor. LCZ696 has been recently approved for treatment of HF and likely be co-administered with digoxin or warfarin. The drug interaction potential between LCZ696 and digoxin or warfarin was evaluated because of their potentially shared metabolic/elimination pathways. Two separate drug-drug interaction studies were conducted in healthy subjects: LCZ696 200 mg twice daily was co-administered with digoxin 0.25 mg once daily (n=24) and warfarin 25 mg single dose (n=26), respectively. The pharmacokinetic profiles of the LCZ696 analytes (sacubitril, LBQ657 and valsartan), digoxin and R- and S-warfarin, the pharmacodynamic effects of warfarin and the safety and tolerability of the investigational drugs were assessed. The geometric mean ratio (GMR) and 90%confidence interval (90% CI) for Cmax and AUCs of R- and S-warfarin, digoxin, and pharmacologically active LCZ696 analytes were within the bioequivalence range of 0.8-1.25 when co-administered. The GMR and 90% CI of warfarin pharmacodynamics effects were also within 0.8-1.25 range when co-administered with LCZ696. LCZ696 was generally safe and welltolerated when administered alone or in combination with digoxin/warfarin. No drug-drug interaction was observed upon co-administration of LCZ696 with digoxin/warfarin in healthy subjects.

Effects of subcutaneous pasireotide on cardiac repolarization in healthy volunteers: A single‐center, phase I, randomized, four‐way crossover study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of subcutaneous pasireotide on cardiac repolarization in healthy volunteers. Healthy volunteers were randomized to one of four treatment sequences (n = 112) involving four successive treatments in different order: pasireotide 600 µg (therapeutic dose) or 1,950 µg (maximum tolerated dose) bid by subcutaneous injection (sc), placebo injection and oral moxifloxacin. Maximum ΔΔQTcI occurred 2 hours post‐dose for both doses of pasireotide. Mean ΔΔQTcI was 13.2 milliseconds (90% CI: 11.4, 15.0) and 16.1 milliseconds (90% CI: 14.3, 17.9) for the 600 and 1,950 µg bid doses, respectively. Maximal placebo‐subtracted change in QTcI from baseline for moxifloxacin was 11.1 (90% CI: 9.3, 12.9) milliseconds. Both pasireotide doses caused a reduction in heart rate: maximal heart rate change compared with placebo occurred at 1 hour for pasireotide 600 µg bid and at 0.5 hours for pasireotide 1,950 µg bid, with heart rate reductions of 10.4 and 14.9 bpm, respectively. At the therapeutic dose of 600 µg, pasireotide has a modest QT‐prolonging effect. The relatively small increase of ∼3 milliseconds in ΔΔQTcI in the presence of a 3.25‐fold increase in dose suggests a relatively flat dose–effect relationship of pasireotide on ΔΔQTcI in healthy volunteers. No safety concerns for pasireotide were identified during the study.

Comparing QT interval variability of semiautomated and high-precision ECG methodologies in seven thorough QT studies—implications for the power of studies intended for definitive evaluation of a drug's QT effect

In studies of drug effects on electrocardiographic parameters, the level of precision in measuring QTc interval changes will influence a studys ability to detect small effects.

Intravenous Dosing as an Alternate Approach to Safely Achieve Supratherapeutic Exposure for Assessments of Cardiac Repolarization: A Randomized Clinical Trial with Mavoglurant (AFQ056)

PURPOSE The conduct of thorough QTc (TQT) studies is often challenging with compounds that are characterized by limited tolerability in healthy individuals. This is applicable to several central nervous system drugs, including mavoglurant acting as a selective allosteric modulator of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5. This TQT study describes the use of a single intravenous dosing regimen as an alternate approach allowing for sufficiently high Cmax values while controlling tolerability. METHODS This study was a randomized, placebo- and active-controlled, 4-period, crossover, TQT study composed of 2 sequential phases. In the pilot phase, the safety and tolerability profile of 10-minute infusions of 25, 37.5, and 50 mg of mavoglurant was assessed in 36 healthy individuals. In the TQT phase, individuals received in random sequence single intravenous doses of mavoglurant (25 and 50 mg) and placebo and an oral dose of moxifloxacin (400 mg). FINDINGS Mavoglurant was well tolerated up to a single intravenous dose of 50 mg, and supratherapeutic Cmax values were achieved that were approximately 2-fold higher than at the multiple maximum tolerated dose and more than 3-fold higher relative to therapeutic plasma concentrations. The upper bound of the 2-sided 90% CI of Fridericia-corrected placebo- and baseline-adjusted QTc intervals (QTcFs) did not exceed 10 milliseconds at any postdose time point for both mavoglurant doses. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis confirmed the lack of an association between mavoglurant plasma concentrations and ΔΔQTcF data over the entire range of plasma concentration data at 25 and 50 mg of mavoglurant. An outlier analysis revealed no individuals with newly identified QTcF intervals >480 milliseconds or any QTcF prolongations >60 milliseconds compared with baseline in any of the treatment groups. Hence, the lack of any clinically relevant QTc prolongation was found for therapeutic and supratherapeutic single intravenous doses of 25 and 50 mg of mavoglurant. IMPLICATIONS This TQT study describes the use of single intravenous dosing as an alternate approach to achieve supratherapeutic plasma concentrations as required per the International Council for Harmonisation E14 guideline with compounds characterized by exposure related tolerability limitations. The increased Cmax/AUC ratio compared with conventional oral dosing may contribute to a reduced incidence of adverse events that appear more related to overall exposure.