Ipsen (Euronext: IPN; ADR: IPSEY) today announced that detailed results from a Phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (NCT01249404) and its open-label extension study (NCT01251367) have been published in the current issue of Neurology1, demonstrating the efficacy and safety of Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA) in adult patients with lower limb spasticity following a stroke or traumatic brain injury.
The international phase III registration study led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded approval of Dysport® for injection for the treatment of spasticity in adults, based on its supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) in lower limb spasticity, on June 16, 2017. This same study has been the basis for marketing authorization in other key markets, including the UK and Germany, in late 2016, and regulatory procedures are still ongoing in other countries.
These two studies1 demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Dysport® in adults with hemiparesis who experienced lower limb spasticity. The results showed that, in this population, single Dysport® administration reduced muscle tone, while repeated administration over a year was well-tolerated and improved both walking speed and likelihood of achieving community ambulation. In the U.S., Dysport® has a boxed warning in its product label regarding distant spread of toxin effect. See below for important safety information.
Alexandre Lebeaut, Executive Vice President R&D and Chief Scientific Officer, Ipsen stated: “The results of the Phase III studies (double-blind and open-label) published this month in Neurology underline the significant clinical benefit for adult patients with lower limb spasticity who received repeated injections of Dysport®. Similar to what we observed in adults with upper limb spasticity, many of these patients experienced a duration of response between 12-16 weeks, and some patients ever experienced a longer duration of response up to 20 weeks. I would like to thank all the clinicians, patients and their families who participated in these worldwide studies.”
Professor Jean-Michel Gracies, Neurorehabilitation, Neurology & Neurophysiology, Chairman of the Department of Neurorehabilitation, Groupe Hospitalier Albert CHENEVIER – Henri MONDOR (Créteil, France) stated: “This publication in Neurology demonstrates both the short-term efficacy of Dysport® in improving muscle tone in adult patients with lower limb spasticity and also the long-term improvements with repeated treatment cycles. Dysport® was shown to improve outcomes for these patients, including substantial improvements in walking speed.”
About the Phase III Study Conducted in Adults with Lower Limb Spasticity Treated with Dysport®
The Phase III, multi-center, prospective, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study (NCT012494041), sponsored by Ipsen, evaluated the efficacy and safety of Dysport® for the treatment of lower limb spasticity in a population of 381 adult patients (253 received Dysport® and 128 received placebo). Patients had lower limb spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale [MAS] score ≥2 in the affected ankle joint for toxin naïve patients or MAS score ≥3 in the affected ankle joint for toxin non-naïve patients at least four months since the last botulinum toxin injection in the affected lower limb) and were at least six months post-stroke or post-traumatic brain injury.
Patients were randomized to Dysport® 1000 Units (N=125), Dysport® 1500 Units (N=128), or placebo (N=128) injected intramuscularly into the gastrocnemius-soleus muscle complex (GSC) located in the calf. In the study, at least one additional lower limb muscle was injected, according to the clinical presentation. Some of the lower limb muscles injected during the study included: tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, and/or flexor hallucis longus.2
There was improvement in both the mean change from baseline in MAS score at the ankle joint at Week 4 [LS mean change from baseline on MAS treatment difference vs. placebo were: -0.5 for placebo, -0.6 for Dysport® 1000 Units , and -0.8 for Dysport® 1500 Units (p<0.05)].
The study concluded that Dysport® 1500 Units injection resulted in a statistically significant improvement in muscle tone and spasticity at the ankle joint. The majority of patients in the study experienced a response duration of 12-16 weeks, while some experienced a longer duration of response (approximately 20 weeks).
The degree and pattern of muscle spasticity at the time of re-injection may necessitate alterations in the dose of Dysport® and muscles to be injected. Repeat Dysport® treatment should be administered when the effect of a previous injection has diminished, but no sooner than 12 weeks after the previous injection.
The most common adverse reactions (≥5% and greater than placebo) in adults with lower limb spasticity were: falls, muscular weakness, and pain in extremity.
About the Open-Label Phase III Study Conducted in Adults with Lower Limb Spasticity Treated with Dysport®
The Phase III study (NCT01251367) was a multi-center, prospective, open-label, multiple-cycle extension of the double-blind study. The primary endpoint of the open-label study was long-term safety, with long-term efficacy as a secondary endpoint.
During the first treatment cycle of the open-label study, all participants received Dysport® 1500 U except for those participants who experienced treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) during the double-blind phase, who received Dysport® 1000 U. For subsequent cycles, Dysport® 1000 U or 1500 U was administered based on the investigator’s judgment.
Throughout the open-label study, the Dysport® tolerability profile remained consistent. The incidence of TEAEs decreased across repeated treatment cycles with both doses of Dysport®, with most TEAEs being mild to moderate. Overall, 19 participants withdrew due to TEAEs, 11 of which were considered to be treatment-related. Across all treatment cycles, 11 percent of participants experienced serious adverse events (SAEs). There were 2 deaths that both occurred in the Dysport® 1500 U group, 1 suicide and 1 respiratory failure, neither of which was considered to be treatment-related.
Dysport® was shown to be efficacious across repeated treatment cycles. Muscle tone improvements observed in the double-blind study remained stable from Cycle 2 onwards, with -0.9 change from baseline in MAS GSC and -1.1 in MAS soleus (Dysport® doses combined). Physician global assessment (PGA) scores continued to improve with repeat treatment, reaching 1.9 by Week 4 of Cycle 4. In addition, participants experienced improvements in active function as assessed by the 10m comfortable barefoot walking speed test. Walking speed increased across repeated Dysport® treatment cycles, reaching an improvement from double-blind study baseline of 25.35 percent (95 percent confidence interval 17.48–33.21) at Week 4 of Cycle 4.
While the majority of patients in each open-label cycle were re-treated at Week 12, many had longer-lasting results and were treated at Week 16 and beyond.
About Dysport®
Dysport® is an injectable form of a botulinum neurotoxin type A (BonT-A) product, which is a substance derived from Clostridium bacteria producing BoNT-A that inhibits the effective transmission of nerve impulses and thereby reduces muscular contractions. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder. As of 31 December 2016, Dysport® had marketing authorization in more than 80 countries.
INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for the United States
INDICATIONS
Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA) for injection is indicated for the treatment of:
- Adults with cervical dystonia
- Spasticity in adult patients
- Lower limb spasticity in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Warning: Distant Spread of Toxin Effect
Postmarketing reports indicate that the effects of Dysport® and all botulinum toxin products may spread from the area of injection to produce symptoms consistent with botulinum toxin effects. These may include asthenia, generalized muscle weakness, diplopia, blurred vision, ptosis, dysphagia, dysphonia, dysarthria, urinary incontinence, and breathing difficulties. These symptoms have been reported hours to weeks after injection. Swallowing and breathing difficulties can be life threatening and there have been reports of death. The risk of symptoms is probably greatest in children treated for spasticity, but symptoms can also occur in adults treated for spasticity and other conditions, particularly in those patients who have underlying conditions that would predispose them to these symptoms. In unapproved uses, including upper limb spasticity in children, and in approved indications, cases of spread of effect have been reported at doses comparable to or lower than the maximum recommended total dose.
Contraindications
Dysport® is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any botulinum toxin preparation or to any of the components; or in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s); or in patients known to be allergic to cow’s milk protein. Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported.
Warnings and Precautions
Lack of Interchangeability Between Botulinum Toxin Products
The potency Units of Dysport® are specific to the preparation and assay method utilized. They are not interchangeable with other preparations of botulinum toxin products, and, therefore, units of biological activity of Dysport® cannot be compared to or converted into units of any other botulinum toxin products assessed with any other specific assay method.
Dysphagia and Breathing Difficulties
Treatment with Dysport® and other botulinum toxin products can result in swallowing or breathing difficulties. Patients with pre-existing swallowing or breathing difficulties may be more susceptible to these complications. In most cases, this is a consequence of weakening of muscles in the area of injection that are involved in breathing or swallowing. When distant side effects occur, additional respiratory muscles may be involved. Deaths as a complication of severe dysphagia have been reported after treatment with botulinum toxin. Dysphagia may persist for several weeks, and require use of a feeding tube to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration. Aspiration may result from severe dysphagia and is a particular risk when treating patients in whom swallowing or respiratory function is already compromised. Patients treated with botulinum toxin may require immediate medical attention should they develop problems with swallowing, speech, or respiratory disorders. These reactions can occur within hours to weeks after injection with botulinum toxin.
Pre-existing Neuromuscular Disorders
Individuals with peripheral motor neuropathic diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or neuromuscular junction disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome) should be monitored particularly closely when given botulinum toxin. Patients with neuromuscular disorders may be at increased risk of clinically significant effects including severe dysphagia and respiratory compromise from typical doses of Dysport®.
Human Albumin and Transmission of Viral Diseases
This product contains albumin, a derivative of human blood. Based on effective donor screening and product manufacturing processes, it carries an extremely remote risk for transmission of viral diseases and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). There is a theoretical risk for transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), but if that risk actually exists, the risk of transmission would also be considered extremely remote. No cases of transmission of viral diseases, CJD, or vCJD have ever been identified for licensed albumin or albumin contained in other licensed products.
Intradermal Immune Reaction
The possibility of an immune reaction when injected intradermally is unknown. The safety of Dysport® for the treatment of hyperhidrosis has not been established. Dysport® is approved only for intramuscular injection.
Most Common Adverse Reactions
Adults with upper limb spasticity (≥2% and greater than placebo): nasopharyngitis, urinary tract infection, muscular weakness, musculoskeletal pain, dizziness, fall, and depression.
Adults with lower limb spasticity (≥ 5% and greater than placebo): falls, muscular weakness, and pain in extremity.
Adults with cervical dystonia (≥5% and greater than placebo): muscular weakness, dysphagia, dry mouth, injection site discomfort, fatigue, headache, musculoskeletal pain, dysphonia, injection site pain, and eye disorders.
Pediatric patients with lower limb spasticity (≥10% and greater than placebo): upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, influenza, pharyngitis, cough, and pyrexia.
Drug Interactions
Co-administration of Dysport® and aminoglycosides or other agents interfering with neuromuscular transmission (e.g., curare-like agents), or muscle relaxants, should be observed closely because the effect of botulinum toxin may be potentiated. Use of anticholinergic drugs after administration of Dysport® may potentiate systemic anticholinergic effects, such as blurred vision. The effect of administering different botulinum neurotoxins at the same time or within several months of each other is unknown. Excessive weakness may be exacerbated by another administration of botulinum toxin prior to the resolution of the effects of a previously administered botulinum toxin. Excessive weakness may also be exaggerated by administration of a muscle relaxant before or after administration of Dysport®.
Use in Pregnancy
Based on animal data, Dysport® may cause fetal harm. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Dysport® should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Pediatric Use
Based on animal data Dysport® may cause atrophy of injected and adjacent muscles; decreased bone growth, length, and mineral content; delayed sexual maturation; and decreased fertility.
Geriatric Use
In general, elderly patients should be observed to evaluate their tolerability of Dysport®, due to the greater frequency of concomitant disease and other drug therapy. Subjects aged 65 years and over who were treated with Dysport® for lower limb spasticity reported a greater percentage of fall and asthenia as compared to those younger (10% vs. 6% and 4% vs. 2%, respectively).
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS or product complaints in the United States, contact Ipsen at 1-855-463-5127. You may also report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Please see Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide.
About Spasticity
Spasticity is a condition in which there is an abnormal increase in muscle tone or stiffness in one or more muscles, which might interfere with movement. Spasticity is usually caused by damage to nerve pathways in the brain or spinal cord that control muscle movement, and may occur in association with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and brain or head trauma.3 In adults, approximately one in three stroke patients, one in three patients with spinal cord injury, one in six patients with traumatic brain injury, and two in three patients with MS will develop lower limb spasticity.4,5
Lower limb spasticity commonly involves spasticity in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscle complex located in the calf.6,7 These calf muscles, during walking, work to raise the heel from the ground.6 Symptoms of spasticity may include increased muscle tone, rapid muscle contractions, exaggerated deep tendon reflexes, and/or muscle spasms. The degree of spasticity can vary from mild muscle stiffness to severe, painful, and uncontrollable muscle spasms.3
References
- Gracies JM, Esquenazi A, Brashear A, et al. Efficacy and safety of abobotulinumtoxinA in spastic lower limb: Randomized trial and extension. Neurology 2017 Nov 1. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000004687. [Epub ahead of print]
- Gracies JM, Esquenazi A, Brashear A, et al. Efficacy and safety of abobotulinumtoxinA in spastic lower limb: Randomized trial and extension: Data Supplement. http://www.neurology.org/content/suppl/2017/11/01/WNL.0000000000004687.DC1
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Spasticity Information Page. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Spasticity-Information-Page Accessed May 16, 2017.
- Martin A, et al. Epidemiological, humanistic, and economic burden of illness of lower limb spasticity in adults: a systematic review. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2014; 10 (111-122)
- Sköld A, et al. Spasticity after traumatic spinal cord injury: nature, severity, and location. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1999; 80 (1548-57)
- Gray H. Anatomy of the Human Body. “The Muscles and Fasciæ of the Leg.”
http://www.bartleby.com/107/129.html. Accessed June 23, 2016. - Delgado M, et al. AbobotulinumtoxinA for equinus foot deformity in cerebral palsy: A randomized clinical trial. 2016;137(2).
