Luca Iorio, Roberto Padoan, Milena Bond, Christian Dejaco
{"title":"Investigational agents for polymyalgia rheumatica treatment: assessing the critical needs for future development.","authors":"Luca Iorio, Roberto Padoan, Milena Bond, Christian Dejaco","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2366847","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2366847","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory rheumatic disorder characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder and pelvic girdles, constitutional symptoms, and elevated acute-phase reactants. Glucocorticoids (GCs) remain the first-choice treatment for PMR, but relapses are common. Identification of steroid-sparing agents is therefore of utmost importance.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>The efficacy of conventional immunosuppressive drugs is controversial. The use of interleukin (IL)-6 receptor inhibitors proved to be effective and safe in treating PMR patients. Currently, there are 12 ongoing clinical trials exploring potential treatments such as leflunomide, low-dose IL-2, rituximab, abatacept, secukinumab, Janus kinase inhibitors, and selective inhibitors like SPI-62 and ABBV 154.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>The high efficacy of IL-6 R receptor inhibitors as well as the numerous drug trials currently recruiting suggest that several therapeutic options will be available in the near future. Accurate diagnosis and early stratification of PMR patients according to the giant cell arteritis-PMR Spectrum Disease 'GPSD' and potential risk factors for relapsing disease or GC-related adverse events are crucial to identify patients who would benefit most from GC-sparing agents. The development of internationally accepted definitions for remission and relapse is urgently needed. Early referral strategies to specialist settings would improve disease stratification and personalized treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"671-676"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141327409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ava Aghakhani, Parmida Sadat Pezeshki, Nima Rezaei
{"title":"The role of extracellular vesicles in immune cell exhaustion and resistance to immunotherapy.","authors":"Ava Aghakhani, Parmida Sadat Pezeshki, Nima Rezaei","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2360209","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2360209","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound nanoparticles for intercellular communication. Subtypes of EVs, namely exosomes and microvesicles transfer diverse, bioactive cargo to their target cells and eventually interfere with immune responses. Despite being a promising approach, cancer immunotherapy currently faces several challenges including immune resistance. EVs secreted from various sources in the tumor microenvironment provoke immune cell exhaustion and lower the efficacy of immunological treatments, such as CAR T cells and immune checkpoint inhibitors.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This article goes through the mechanisms of action of various types of EVs in inhibiting immune response and immunotherapies, and provides a comprehensive review of EV-based treatments.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>By making use of the distinctive features of EVs, natural or modified EVs are innovatively utilized as novel cancer therapeutics. They are occasionally coupled with currently established treatments to overcome their inadequacies. Investigating the properties and interactions of EVs and EV-based treatments is crucial for determining future steps in cancer therapeutics.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"721-740"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141096860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ling Yang, Yuan Fang, Yuan Luo, Meng Fu, Kai Shen, Zhu Luo
{"title":"Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of SHR-1703, an innovative long-acting anti-interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody, in healthy subjects: a randomized, double-blind, dose-escalation, placebo-controlled phase I study.","authors":"Ling Yang, Yuan Fang, Yuan Luo, Meng Fu, Kai Shen, Zhu Luo","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2361065","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2361065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>SHR-1703 is a novel humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody with high IL-5 affinity and prolonged half-life, aiming to control eosinophil-related diseases. The study intended to evaluate pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, safety, and tolerability of SHR-1703 in healthy subjects.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose escalation phase I study was conducted. 42 subjects were allocated to sequentially receive single subcutaneous injection of 20, 75, 150, 300, and 400 mg SHR-1703 or placebo.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After administration, SHR-1703 was slowly absorbed with median T<sub>max</sub> ranging from 8.5 to 24.5 days. Mean t<sub>1/2</sub> in 150 to 400 mg doses was 86 to 100 days. C<sub>max</sub> and AUC increased in nearly dose-proportional pattern over range of 75 to 400 mg SHR-1703. After receiving SHR-1703, peripheral blood eosinophils (EOS) greatly decreased from baseline, which showed no significant change from baseline in placebo group. Magnitude and duration of reduction of EOS rose with increased dosing of SHR-1703. In 400 mg dose, remarkable efficacy of reducing EOS maintained up to approximately 6 months post single administration. Moreover, SHR-1703 exhibited low immunogenicity (2.9%), favorable safety, and tolerability in healthy subjects.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, safety, and tolerability of SHR-1703 support further clinical development of SHR-1703 in eosinophil-associated diseases.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial registration: </strong>The study was registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT04480762).</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"741-752"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141157178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Clinical application and potential pluripotent effects of hepatocyte growth factor in spinal cord injury regeneration.","authors":"Shogo Hashimoto, Narihito Nagoshi, Masaya Nakamura, Hideyuki Okano","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2360191","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2360191","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a condition in which the spinal cord parenchyma is damaged by various factors. The mammalian central nervous system has been considered unable to regenerate once damaged, but recent progress in basic research has gradually revealed that injured neural cells can indeed regenerate. Drug therapy using novel agents is being actively investigated as a new treatment for SCI. One notable treatment method is regeneration therapy using hepatocyte growth factors (HGF).</p><p><strong>Area covered: </strong>HGF has pluripotent neuroregenerative actions, as indicated by its neuroprotective and regenerative effects on the microenvironment and damaged cells, respectively. This review examines these effects in various phases of SCI, from basic research to clinical studies, and the application of this treatment to other diseases.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>In regenerative medicine for SCI, drug therapies have tended to be more likely to be developed compared to cell replacement treatment. Nevertheless, there are still challenges to be addressed for these clinical applications due to a wide variety of pathology and animal experimental models of basic study, but HGF could be an effective treatment for SCI with expanded application.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"713-720"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141086716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.","authors":"Nadia Martinez Naya, Jazmin Kelly, Austin Hogwood, Antonio Abbate, Stefano Toldo","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2351513","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2351513","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Cannabidiol (CBD) is the primary non-psychoactive chemical derived from Cannabis Sativa, and its growing popularity is due to its potential therapeutic properties while avoiding the psychotropic effects of other phytocannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Numerous pre-clinical studies in cellular and animal models and human clinical trials have demonstrated a positive impact of CBD on physiological and pathological processes. Recently, the FDA approved its use for the treatment of seizures, and clinical trials to test the efficacy of CBD in myocarditis and pericarditis are ongoing.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>We herein reviewed the current literature on the reported effects of CBD in the cardiovascular system, highlighting the physiological effects and the outcomes of using CBD as a therapeutic tool in pathological conditions to address this significant global health concern.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>The comprehensive examination of the literature emphasizes the potential of CBD as a therapeutic option for treating cardiovascular diseases through its anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, anti-fibrotic, and antioxidant properties in different conditions such as diabetic cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, and ischemia-reperfusion injury.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"699-712"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140855239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Virginia Fuochi, Salvatore Furnari, Laura Trovato, Maddalena Calvo, Pio Maria Furneri
{"title":"Therapies in preclinical and in early clinical development for the treatment of urinary tract infections: from pathogens to therapies.","authors":"Virginia Fuochi, Salvatore Furnari, Laura Trovato, Maddalena Calvo, Pio Maria Furneri","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2351509","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2351509","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a prevalent health challenge characterized by the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in the urinary system. The continuous exploration of novel therapeutic interventions is imperative. Advances in research offer hope for revolutionizing the management of UTIs and improving the overall health outcomes for individuals affected by these infections.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review aimed to provide an overview of existing treatments for UTIs, highlighting their strengths and limitations. Moreover, we explored and analyzed the latest therapeutic modalities under clinical development. Finally, the review offered a picture into the potential implications of these therapies on the future landscape of UTIs treatment, discussing possible advancements and challenges for further research.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Comprehensions into the pathogenesis of UTIs have been gleaned from foundational basic science studies, laying the groundwork for the exploration of novel therapeutic interventions. The primary source of evidence originates predominantly from animal studies conducted on murine models. Nevertheless, the lack of clinical trials interferes the acquisition of robust evidence in humans. The challenges presented by the heterogeneity and virulence of uropathogens add an additional layer of complexity, posing an obstacle that scientists and clinicians are actively grappling with in their pursuit of effective solutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"677-698"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140854852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Saam Foroshani, Avrohom Karp, Wilbert S Aronow, Gregg M Lanier
{"title":"The role of phosphodiesterase 9A inhibitors in heart failure.","authors":"Saam Foroshani, Avrohom Karp, Wilbert S Aronow, Gregg M Lanier","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2349813","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2349813","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>There are currently limited effective treatments available to improve lusitropy in patients suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The role of PDE9A in diastolic dysfunction has been well-studied over recent years, with a special focus on its association with myocardial hypertrophy. Recent insights into PDE9A inhibition have brought to light the potential for reversal of cardiac remodeling, with multiple studies showing promising results in preclinical data.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This expert opinion provides an overview of the role of PDE9A in diastolic heart dysfunction along with the efficacy of PDE9A inhibitors in laboratory models of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>The available data on PDE9A inhibition in preclinical studies suggest that there is potential for reversal of diastolic dysfunction and myocardial hypertrophy, however, conflicting data suggests that further studies are required before progressing to clinical trials.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"543-547"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140859898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Francesca R Buccellato, Marianna D'Anca, Gianluca Martino Tartaglia, Massimo Del Fabbro, Daniela Galimberti
{"title":"Frontotemporal dementia: from genetics to therapeutic approaches.","authors":"Francesca R Buccellato, Marianna D'Anca, Gianluca Martino Tartaglia, Massimo Del Fabbro, Daniela Galimberti","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2349286","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2349286","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) includes a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized clinically by behavioral disturbances and by neurodegeneration of brain anterior temporal and frontal lobes, leading to atrophy. Apart from symptomatic treatments, there is, at present, no disease-modifying cure for FTD.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>Three main mutations are known as causes of familial FTD, and large consortia have studied carriers of mutations, also in preclinical Phases. As genetic cases are the only ones in which the pathology can be predicted in life, compounds developed so far are directed toward specific proteins or mutations. Herein, recently approved clinical trials will be summarized, including molecules, mechanisms of action and pharmacological testing.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>These studies are paving the way for the future. They will clarify whether single mutations should be addressed rather than common proteins depositing in the brain to move from genetic to sporadic FTD.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"561-573"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140855771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prospects of focal adhesion kinase inhibitors as a cancer therapy in preclinical and early phase study.","authors":"Jiaming Gao, Jingwen Cheng, Wanyu Xie, Ping Zhang, Xuebin Liu, Zaiqi Wang, Baoyuan Zhang","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2348068","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2348068","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>FAK, a nonreceptor cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, plays a crucial role in tumor metastasis, drug resistance, tumor stem cell maintenance, and regulation of the tumor microenvironment. FAK has emerged as a promising target for tumor therapy based on both preclinical and clinical data.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This paper aims to summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying FAK's involvement in tumorigenesis and progression. Encouraging results have emerged from ongoing clinical trials of FAK inhibitors. Additionally, we present an overview of clinical trials for FAK inhibitors, examining their potential as promising treatments. The pertinent studies gathered from databases including PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Since the first finding in 1990s, targeting FAK has became the focus of interests in many pharmaceutical companies. Through 30 years' discovery, the industry and academy gradually realized the features of FAK target which may not be a driver gene but a solid defense system for the cancer initiation and development. Currently, the ongoing clinical regimens involving FAK inhibition are all the combination strategies in which FAK inhibitors can further strengthen the cancer cell killing effects of other testing agents. The emerging positive signal in clinical trials foresee targeting FAK as class will be an effective mean to fight against cancers.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"639-651"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140848542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Emerging therapies for overactive bladder: preclinical, phase I and phase II studies.","authors":"Samantha Gibson, Pamela Ellsworth","doi":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2349285","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543784.2024.2349285","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Overactive bladder syndrome is a common chronic condition with a significant impact on quality of life and economic burden. Persistence with pharmacologic therapy has been limited by efficacy and side effects. A greater understanding of the pathophysiology of overactive bladder has led to the initial evaluation of several drugs affecting ion channels, the autonomic nervous system, and enzymes which may provide useful alternatives for the management of overactive bladder.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>A comprehensive review was performed using PubMed and Cochrane databases as well as reviewing clinical trials in the United States. The current standard of care for overactive bladder will be discussed, but this paper focuses on investigational drugs currently in preclinical studies and phase I and II clinical trials.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Current therapies for overactive bladder have limitations in efficacy and side effects. A greater understanding of the pathophysiology of overactive bladder has identified the role(s) of other pathways in the overactive bladder syndrome. Targeting alternative pathways including ion channels and enzymes may provide alternative therapies of overactive bladder and a more tailored approach to the management of overactive bladder.</p>","PeriodicalId":12313,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on investigational drugs","volume":" ","pages":"601-612"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140848252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}