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Despite improving survival rates, people with advanced cancer face several physical and psychosocial concerns. Leisure-time physical activity (LPA) has been found to be beneficial after cancer diagnosis, but little is known about the current state of research exploring LPA in advanced cancer. Our objectives were to (a) map the literature examining LPA in people with advanced cancer, (b) report on the terms used to describe the advanced cancer population within the literature, and (c) examine how the concept of LPA is operationalized within the literature.
Method
Our scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework. We performed a search of 11 electronic databases and supplementary sources (February 2018; database search updated January 2020). Two reviewers independently reviewed and selected articles according to the inclusion criteria: English-language journal articles on original primary research studies exploring LPA in adults diagnosed with advanced cancer. Descriptive and thematic analyses were performed.
Results
Ninety-two articles met our criteria. Most included studies were published in the last decade (80%) and used quantitative methods (77%). Many study populations included mixed (40%), breast (21%), or lung (17%) cancers. Stages 3–4 or metastatic disease were frequently indicated to describe study populations (77%). Several studies (68%) described LPA programs or interventions. Of these, 78% involved structured aerobic/resistance exercise, while 16% explored other LPA types.
Significance of results
This review demonstrates a recent surge in research exploring LPA in advanced cancer, particularly studies examining exercise interventions with traditional quantitative methods. There remains insufficient knowledge about patient experiences and perceptions toward LPA. Moreover, little is known about other leisure activities (e.g., Tai Chi, dance, and sports) for this population. To optimize the benefits of LPA in people with advanced cancer, research is needed to address the gaps in the current literature and to develop personalized, evidence-based supportive care strategies in cancer care.
Catatonia is a psychomotor dysregulation syndrome of diverse aetiology, increasingly recognised as a prominent feature of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antibody encephalitis (NMDARE) in adults. No study to date has systematically assessed the prevalence and symptomatology of catatonia in children with NMDARE. We analysed 57 paediatric patients with NMDARE from the literature using the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale. Catatonia was common (occurring in 86% of patients), manifesting as complex clusters of positive and negative features within individual patients. It was both underrecognised and undertreated. Immunotherapy was the only effective intervention, highlighting the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of the underlying cause of catatonia.
Les troubles dépressifs concernent près de deux fois plus de femmes que d’hommes [1]. Cette prévalence pourrait être due à une sensibilité accrue des femmes aux émotions négatives [2]. Peu d’études d’imagerie cérébrale ont comparé l’activité cérébrale des hommes et des femmes lors de la présentation de stimuli émotionnels.
Objectif et hypothèse
Notre objectif était d’étudier les activations cérébrales des hommes et des femmes lors d’une tâche émotionnelle. Nous avons émis l’hypothèse que le pattern d’activations cérébrales diffère selon le sexe des individus et la valence des stimuli.
Méthodologie
Nous avons mené une étude en imagerie par résonance magnétique fonctionnelle (IRMf) chez 30 participants sains (15 hommes et 15 femmes). Des stimuli à valence positive, négative et neutre étaient présentés aux sujets. Les participants ont évalué subjectivement la valence et l’intensité des stimuli.
Résultats
Nous observons une activité plus importante chez les femmes que chez les hommes dans plusieurs régions clés du traitement des émotions lors de la présentation de stimuli négatifs. Aucune différence significative entre les hommes et les femmes n’a été relevée concernant l’évaluation subjective des stimuli en termes de valence et d’intensité.
Discussion
Les résultats suggèrent qu’il existe bien une différence de patterns d’activation entre les hommes et les femmes lors de la perception des émotions négatives, qui irait dans le sens d’une sensibilité accrue chez les femmes. Celle-ci pourrait expliquer leur plus grande vulnérabilité aux troubles dépressifs. Il pourrait être intéressant de répliquer cette étude chez des patients qui souffrent de troubles de l’humeur.
In 2016, the US FDA issued an industry guidance document “Quality Attribute Considerations for Chewable Tablets” which describes the quality attributes to be considered when developing chewable tablets. It includes recommendations on selection of acceptance criteria for measuring palatability (having a taste acceptable to the patient or has adequate masking). These data are now recommended as part of ANDA submissions. Palatability is a known positive contributing factor to drug adherence and persistence. We summarize here palatability data for a new amphetamine extended-release tablet (Dyanavel XR® Extended Release Tablet; AMPH ER TAB).
Methods:
This was a 2-arm preplanned secondary analysis from a comparative bioavailability study: single-dose AMPH ER TAB 20 mg chewed under fasting (Treatment A) and fed (Treatment B) conditions. Subjects rated the palatability of AMPH ER TAB (Treatments A+B) through a 5-question palatability questionnaire. The questions included in the palatability questionnaire were as follows:
1. Oral sensation/mouth feel of the drug product
2. Taste of the drug product
3. How strong is the taste?
4. Aftertaste of the product
5. How strong is the aftertaste?
Subjects completed the questionnaire within 10 minutes from the time of drug administration, which was evaluated and scored according to the rubric below:
Q1, Q2, Q4: palatability- Very unpleasant (score of 1), Unpleasant (2), No sensation or mouthfeel (3), Pleasant (4), and Very pleasant (5)
Q3, Q5 (Taste/aftertaste strength): Very strong (score of 1), Strong (2), Moderate (3), Mild (4), No aftertaste (5).
Scores of 1-2 for both categories were Negative; score of 3 was Neutral, and 4-5 were Positive.
Results:
35 subjects comprised the palatability dataset (completed one question on the questionnaire). In the palatability analysis, for treatments A and B, most of the subjects rated the oral sensation/mouth feel of AMPH ER TAB (Question 1) and the taste of AMPH ER TAB (Question 2) as positive (pleasant to very pleasant) (70.1% and 83.6%, respectively).
When evaluating taste strength (Question 3): 43.3% rated the strength as positive (mild/no taste) and 43.3% of subjects rated the strength as neutral (moderate taste). Also, 82.1% rated the aftertaste of AMPH ER TAB (Question 4) as positive (pleasant/very pleasant) and 52.2% rated the strength of the aftertaste as positive (mild/no taste).
Conclusion:
Most subjects rated the oral sensation and taste as pleasant or very pleasant, whether chewed under fasted conditions or after a meal. With respect to the taste strength, most subjects rated it as moderate (chewed under fasted conditions) or mild/no taste (chewed after a meal). Aftertaste was rated as pleasant or very pleasant in most subjects, with the strength as moderate (chewed under fasted conditions) or mild/no aftertaste (chewed after a meal). AMPH ER Tablets provided an overall pleasant taste and mouthfeel experience for patients.
Evaluate comparative bioavailability of single-dose amphetamine extended-release tablet (AMPH ER TAB, Tris Pharma, Inc., Monmouth Junction, NJ) 20 mg, swallowed whole or chewed and amphetamine extended-release oral suspension (AMPH EROS) 2.5 mg/mL; and evaluate whether a PK food effect exists on AMPH ER TAB (contains a 3.2:1 ratio of d- to l-amphetamine).
METHODS:
Healthy volunteers (18-55 yr) were randomized to 1 dose of AMPH ER TAB 20 mg swallowed (fasted), chewed (fed/fasted), or 20 mg AMPH EROS (fasted).
A crossover design was used. Samples were collected each period pre-dose and at time points to 60 h post-dose. D-and l-amphetamine were measured, and PK was calculated (90% CIs of the ratios of the geometric mean plasma levels) for Cmax, AUCt, and AUC0∞. Comparative bioavailability was determined when ratios were within 80 and 125%. Safety was also assessed.
RESULTS:
32 subjects completed the study. Based on the calculated bioavailability ratios, for AMPH ER TAB swallowed vs. AMPH EROS fasted: d-amphetamine total and peak exposures were found to be similar: AUC0-t: 100.68-108.08%, AUC0-∞:101.47-109.52%, Cmax: 98.10-103.17%. For l-amphetamine, the total and peak exposures were similar: AUC0-t: 100.31-108.57%, AUC0-∞:101.27-111.09%, Cmax: 98.2-103.37%.
AMPH ER TAB chewed vs. AMPH EROS fasted: For d-amphetamine, the total and peak exposures were similar: AUC0-t: 99.23-106.62%, AUC0-∞: 99.58-107.59%, Cmax: 99.91-105.14%. For l-amphetamine, the total and peak exposure was similar: AUC0-t: 98.16-106.35%, AUC0-∞: 98.44-108.11%, Cmax: 99.53-104.75%.
Food effect: AMPH ER TAB, chewed, fasted vs. fed: For d-amphetamine, the total and peak exposure was similar: AUC0-t: 92.57-99.49%, AUC0-∞: 91.12-98.48%, Cmax: 94.22-99.17%.
For l-amphetamine, the total and peak exposure was similar: AUC0-t: 91.27-98.91%, AUC0-∞: 88.44-97.17%, Cmax: 94.52-99.50%).
No serious AEs were reported during the conduct of this study, and the AE profiles were observed to be similar in frequency of events and severity to other amphetamine formulations used in ADHD.
CONCLUSIONS:
Bioavailability of single dose of AMPH ER TAB for both d- and l-amphetamine was comparable, swallowed whole or chewed, to an equivalent 20 mg dose of the reference product AMPH EROS, 2.5 mg/mL fasted, and showed equivalent peak and overall exposure.
No food effect was observed for AMPH ER TAB administered chewed. All AEs were mild in severity and AE profiles were similar to other amphetamine formulations used for treatment of ADHD.
Evaluate the relative bioavailability of single-dose amphetamine extended-release tablet (AMPH ER TAB) 20 mg, swallowed whole or chewed, and amphetamine extended-release oral suspension (AMPH EROS) 2.5 mg/mL; evaluate food effect on AMPH ER TAB.
Methods
Healthy volunteers (18–55 years) were randomized to 1 dose of AMPH ER TAB 20 mg swallowed (fasted), chewed (fed/fasted), or 20 mg AMPH EROS (fasted). A crossover study design was used. Plasma samples were collected each period predose and at time points to 60 hours postdose. d- and l-amphetamine were measured and pharmacokinetic (PK) was calculated (90% confidence intervals of the ratios of the plasma levels) for AUC0-t, AUC0-∞, and Cmax. Comparative relative bioavailability between formulations was determined when ratios were within 80% and 125%. Safety was also assessed.
Results
Thirty-two subjects completed the study. AMPH ER TAB swallowed versus AMPH EROS (fasted): for d- and l-amphetamine, the total and peak exposure was similar: d: AUC0-t: 100.68% to 108.08%, AUC0-∞: 101.47% to 109.52%, Cmax: 98.10% to 103.17%; l: AUC0-t: 100.31% to 108.57%, AUC0-∞: 101.27% to 111.09%, Cmax: 98.2% to 103.37%. For d- and l-amphetamine when the tablet is swallowed whole, Tmax was 5.00 hours (with a range of 2.00–9.00 hours). AMPH ER TAB chewed versus AMPH EROS (fasted): for d- and l-amphetamine, the total and peak exposure was similar: d: AUC0-t: 99.23% to 106.62%, AUC0-∞: 99.58% to 107.59%, Cmax: 99.91% to 105.14%; l: AUC0-t: 98.16% to 106.35%, AUC0-∞: 98.44% to 108.11%, Cmax: 99.53% to 104.75%. For d- and l-amphetamine when the tablet has been chewed, Tmax was 5.00 hours (with a range of 3.00-7.00 hours). PK results were similar for patients in the fasted and fed groups, indicative of no presence of food effect. No serious adverse events (AEs) were reported, overall AE profiles between the tablet and oral suspension were comparable without any unanticipated safety concerns.
Conclusions
Single doses of AMPH ER TAB for both d- and l-amphetamine demonstrated comparable bioavailability to a 20 mg dose of AMPH EROS, 2.5 mg/mL under fasted conditions when chewed and swallowed whole, and demonstrated equivalent peak and overall exposure without apparent food effect. AMPH ER TAB was well-tolerated and consistent with adverse events noted in other amphetamine formulations.
Because of advances in treatment over the past 30 years, the number of older people living with HIV is growing. This is important for Indigenous Peoples in Canada, given their continuing over-representation in HIV diagnoses. However, little is known about the experiences of older, HIV-positive Indigenous Peoples. Taking a strength-based approach, this research explored how older Indigenous men with HIV conceptualize successful aging. Research was conducted in partnership with the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis men, ranging in age from 43 to 63 years who had been HIV positive for 10–29 years participated in sharing circles and interviews. An open analytic approach was used to explore the content of transcripts, and codes were collaboratively developed through an inductive and iterative process. From our analysis of commonalities across Indigenous groups, we offer our insights on the application of the successful aging model to Indigenous men aging with HIV.
The study of the recorded artefact from a musicological perspective continues to unfold through contemporary research. Whilst an understanding of the scientific elements of recorded sound is well documented, the exploration of the production and the artistic nature of this endeavour is still developing. This article explores phenomenological aspects of producing heavy metal music from the perspective of seven renowned producers working within the genre. Through a series of interviews and subsequent in-depth analysis, particular sonic qualities are identified as key within the production of this work: impact; energy; precision; and extremity. A conceptual framework is then put forward for understanding the production methodology of recorded heavy metal music, and how developing technology has influenced the production of the genre.
To Investigate the peripheral inflammatory profile in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from three subgroups – probable Lewy body disease (probable MCI-LB), possible Lewy body disease, and probable Alzheimer’s disease (probable MCI-AD) – as well as associations with clinical features.
Setting:
Memory clinics and dementia services.
Participants:
Patients were classified based on clinical symptoms as probable MCI-LB (n = 38), possible MCI-LB (n = 18), and probable MCI-AD (n = 21). Healthy comparison subjects were recruited (n = 20).
Measurements:
Ten cytokines were analyzed from plasma samples: interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. C-reactive protein levels were investigated.
Results:
There was a higher level of IL-10, IL-1beta, IL-2, and IL-4 in MCI groups compared to the healthy comparison group (p < 0.0085). In exploratory analyses to understand these findings, the MC-AD group lower IL-1beta (p = 0.04), IL-2 (p = 0.009), and IL-4 (p = 0.012) were associated with increasing duration of memory symptoms, and in the probable MCI-LB group, lower levels of IL-1beta were associated with worsening motor severity (p = 0.002). In the possible MCI-LB, longer duration of memory symptoms was associated with lower levels of IL-1beta (p = 0.003) and IL-4 (p = 0.026).
Conclusion:
There is increased peripheral inflammation in patients with MCI compared to healthy comparison subjects regardless of the MCI subtype. These possible associations with clinical features are consistent with other work showing that inflammation is increased in early disease but require replication. Such findings have importance for timing of putative therapeutic strategies aimed at lowering inflammation.
Befriending by volunteers has the potential to reduce the frequent social isolation of patients with schizophrenia and thus improve health outcomes. However, trial-based evidence for its effectiveness is limited.
Aims
To conduct a randomised controlled trial of befriending for patients with schizophrenia or related disorders.
Method
Patients were randomised to a befriending programme for 1 year or to receive information about social activities only (trial registration: ISRCTN14021839). Outcomes were assessed masked to allocation at the end of the programme; at 12 months and at a 6-month follow-up. The primary outcome was daily time spent in activities (using the Time Use Survey (TUS)) with intention-to-treat analysis.
Results
A total of 124 patients were randomised (63 intervention, 61 active control) and 92 (74%) were followed up at 1 year. In the intervention group, 49 (78%) met a volunteer at least once and 31 (49%) had more than 12 meetings. At 1 year, mean TUS scores were more than three times higher in both groups with no significant difference between them (adjusted difference 8.9, 95% CI −40.7 to 58.5, P = 0.72). There were no significant differences in quality of life, symptoms or self-esteem. However, patients in the intervention group had significantly more social contacts than those in the control group at the end of the 12-month period. This difference held true at the follow-up 6 months later.
Conclusions
Although no difference was found on the primary outcome, the findings suggest that befriending may have a lasting effect on increasing social contacts. It may be used more widely to reduce the social isolation of patients with schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Our primary objective was to understand the relationship between incident or recent stressful events and adherence to HIV care in the context of other person, environment, and HIV-specific stressors in a sample of Black women living with HIV (WLWH). METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Thirty in-depth interviews were conducted with Black women living with HIV who receive care at an academic HIV primary care clinic in the Southern region of the United States to elicit stressful events influencing adherence to HIV care. Semi-structured interview guides were used to facilitate discussion regarding stressful events and adherence to HIV care. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were independently coded using a theme-based approach by two experienced coders, findings were compared, and discrepancies were resolved by discussion. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Participants described frequently experiencing incident stressful events including death or serious illness of a close friend or family member, and relationship, financial, and employment difficulties. Furthermore, participants reported experiencing traumatic events such as sexual and physical abuse during childhood and adolescents. While experiencing traumatic events such as sexual and physical abuse during childhood and adolescence may be distressing, these events did not influence adherence to HIV care. However, incident stressful events as defined above did influence adherence to HIV care for some participants, but not for others. For participants who reported that stressful events did not influence adherence to HIV care, factors such as personal motivation, access to social support, and adaptive coping strategies facilitated their engagement in care. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Experiencing stressful events, incident or traumatic, is common among Black WLWH and have the potential to negatively influence adherence to HIV care. Thus, Interventions aimed at identifying and addressing stress, social support, and coping are essential to improve adherence to HIV care behaviors.
To determine the efficacy and safety of amphetamine extended-release oral suspension (AMPH EROS) in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with placebo in a dose-optimized, randomized, double-blind study.
METHODS
The efficacy of AMPH EROS was evaluated in a laboratory classroom study conducted in 108 pediatric patients (aged 6–12 years) with ADHD. The study began with an open-label dose optimization (5weeks) with an initial AMPH EROS dose of 2.5 or 5mg once daily in the morning. The dose could be titrated every 4–7 days in increments of 2.5–10mg until an optimal dose or the maximum dose of 20mg/day was reached. Subjects were required to tolerate a minimal dose of 10mg/day. Subjects then entered a 1-week randomized, double-blind treatment phase with the individually optimized dose or placebo. At the end of the week, raters evaluated the attention and behavior of the subjects in a laboratory classroom using the Swanson, Kotkin, Agler, M-Flynn, and Pelham (SKAMP-C) rating scale. SKAMP-C is a 13-item teacher-rated scale that assesses manifestations of ADHD in a classroom setting.
The primary efficacy endpoint was change from pre-dose in the SKAMP-C score at 4hours post dose. The key secondary endpoint efficacy parameters were onset and duration of clinical effect. The change scores from pre-dose SKAMP-C scores at post dose time points (1, 2, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 13hours) were used to evaluate the key secondary efficacy endpoints.
RESULTS
More boys (68.7%) than girls participated in the study. The study population was 55.6% white, most patients had inattentive or combined type ADHD presentations. The primary efficacy endpoint, the change from pre-dose SKAMP-C score at 4hours post dose was statistically significantly improved (p<0.0001) compared with placebo. Each of the secondary efficacy endpoints were also significantly improved (p<0.0001 at each time point) compared with placebo. Adverse events reported (frequency >5%) reported during the dose optimization phase were decreased appetite, insomnia, affect lability, upper abdominal pain, mood swings, and headache.
CONCLUSIONS
AMPH EROS was effective in reducing symptoms or ADHD from 1 to 13hours after dosing. Adverse events reported were consistent with those of other amphetamine products.
Funding Acknowledgements: This study was supported by Tris Pharma, Inc.
Report the efficacy of open-label amphetamine extended-release oral suspension (AMPH EROS) for the treatment of children with ADHD.
AMPH EROS has a 1-hr onset of effect and a duration of action of 13hours and was approved by FDA for treatment of ADHD in children aged 6–17 years based on a double-blind, placebo-controlled efficacy and safety study in children aged 6–12 years with ADHD. A significant treatment difference in change from pre-dose SKAMP-combined score was observed at the primary endpoint of 4hours post-dose (p<0.0001) and each post-dose time point assessed (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13hours).
Data reported here are from the 5-week, open-label dose optimization period. These efficacy data support the primary endpoint result.
Methods
Males and females aged 6 to 12 years with ADHD enrolled and began open-label treatment with 2.5 mg or 5mg/day of AMPH EROS titrated in 2.5–10mg/day increments until optimal dose (maximum 20mg/day). Doses could be decreased for tolerability. Subjects took morning AMPH EROS for 5weeks. Other efficacy outcomes during the open-label dose optimization phase: ADHD-RS (ADHD-Rating Scale), CGI-S (Clinical Global Impression of Severity), CGI-I (CGI-of Improvement) and CPRS (Conners’ Parent Rating Scale). All subjects were assessed for safety.
Results
For the ITT population (n=99): treatment with AMPH EROS was associated with a mean change in ADHD-RS-IV (baseline to end of the open-label dose optimization; week 6) of 28.2 (±9.03) (Baseline score = 41.3±7.95). 90.9% of subjects had a change from baseline to open-label week 6 of ≥50% in the ADHD-RS-IV total score and were defined as responders. The CGI-S scores decreased continuously from baseline, with a high 4.8 at baseline to a low of 2.0 at open-label week 6. The percentage of subjects classified as moderately ill or greater correspondingly decreased from 97% at Baseline to 1% at open-label week 6. The decrease in the CGI-I over the study was similar to the change in CGI-S scores. CPRS for most categories decreased continuously from Baseline to open-label week 6. Mean change from baseline to open-label week 6 on the CPRS inattention T-score subscale was –25.3 (±14.38) and –24.4 (±13.87).
Adverse events (>5%) reported during dose optimization were decreased appetite, insomnia, affect lability, upper abdominal pain, mood swings and headache.
Conclusion
AMPH EROS was effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in this open-label dose optimization. The AE profile of AMPH EROS was consistent with those of other amphetamine products.
Funding Acknowledgements: This work was funded by Tris Pharma, Inc.
The proprietary, immediate and extended drug delivery technologyLiquiXR® utilizes an ion-exchange resin that complexes with amphetamine or any active moiety that can be protonated and is water-soluble. The active ingredient of the drug product forms a complex with an ion exchange polymer of the resin resulting in micron-sized particles. A portion of these particles is then coated with an aqueous, pH-independent polymer designed to provide sustained release of drug product. The polymer coating applied to the ion-exchange resin particles is of varying thickness, allowing for extended release of active drug while uncoated particles provide for immediate release of drug.
The micron-sized particles lend themselves to being formulated into an appropriate dosage form: solid/chewable tablet, liquid suspension, orally disintegrating tablet, film, or capsules. Active ingredient of drug product is subsequently released from the dosage form in millions of particles, with release driven by a combination of ion exchange and diffusion. After drug release, the ion-exchange resin particles are excreted in the feces.
The release characteristics of LiquiXR allow for customized, sustained release of active drug ∼24hours post dose. Mechanistically, drug particles enter the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. As positively-charged ions from GI fluids diffuse across the coating, it displaces drug ions from product and they diffuse through the coating and into the GI fluids for absorption. As the coating is of variable thickness, some drug product takes longer to diffuse and absorb, providing for the delayed drug release characteristics.
The LiquiXR drug delivery technology has already been successfully utilized in the development of treatment options (liquid suspension and chewable tablet) that offer rapid absorption and sustained plasma levels after once-daily dosing. LiquiXR is utilized in Dyanavel® XR (amphetamine extended-release oral suspension; AMPH EROS), which is indicated for treatment of ADHD. It comprises 2.5mg/mL amphetamine base and uses LiquiXR technology to provide an immediate release component followed by an extended-release profile.
Efficacy of AMPH EROS was established in children 6 to 12 yr in a Phase 3, placebo-controlled laboratory classroom study. In that study, ADHD symptoms in children on an individually optimized dose of amphetamine (range 10–20mg/day) were statistically significantly improved compared with symptoms in children treated with placebo. For children treated with AMPH EROS, onset of effect was demonstrated at 1hour after dosing, and efficacy was observed through 13hr post-dose. The effect size (ES) was comparable to ES demonstrated for other psychostimulants tested in studies using a similar design. The efficacy data reported for AMPH EROS provides an excellent example of the potential utility and clinical application for other active drug products requiring an immediate and extended release profile.
Funding Acknowledgements: Support provided by Tris Pharma, Inc.
The proprietary immediate and extended drug delivery technology LiquiXR™ utilizes an ion-exchange resin that complexes with amphetamine or any other active moiety that can be protonated and is water-soluble. The active drug product forms a complex with ion-exchange polymers contained in the resin, which is then formed into micron-sized particles. Some of these particles are coated with an aqueous, pH-independent polymer designed to provide immediate or sustained release of active drug product. The polymer coating applied to the ion-exchange resin particles is of varying thickness, allowing for programmed, extended release of active drug product. Solid, coating-free particles provide for immediate release of active drug product.
The micron-sized particles are formulated into an appropriate dosage form (solid or chewable tablet, liquid suspension, orally disintegrating tablet, film, or capsules). Active drug product is subsequently released from the dosage form in millions of particles, with the release driven by a combination of ion exchange and diffusion. After drug release, the ion-exchange resin is excreted in the feces.
The release characteristics of LiquiXR™ are programmable and allow for a customized, sustained release of active drug product for up to 24hours post-dose. Mechanistically, drug particles enter the gastrointestinal tract. As positively-charged ions from gastrointestinal (GI) fluids diffuse across the coating, ionically-charged drug product diffuses through the coating and into the GI fluids for absorption. As the coating is of variable thickness, some drug product takes longer to diffuse and absorb, providing for the programmable delayed drug release characteristic.
The LiquiXR™ drug delivery technology is utilized in Dyanavel® XR (amphetamine extended-release oral suspension; AMPH EROS), which is indicated for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It comprises 2.5mg/mL amphetamine base complexed with LiquiXR technology to provide an immediate release component followed by an extended-release profile. The efficacy of AMPH EROS was established in children ages 6 to 12 years in a Phase 3, placebo-controlled laboratory classroom study. In that study, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children on an individually optimized dose of amphetamine (range 10–20mg/day) were statistically significantly improved compared with symptoms in children treated with placebo. For children treated with AMPH EROS, onset of effect was demonstrated at 1hour after dosing, and efficacy was observed through 13hours post-dose. The effect size was comparable to effect sizes demonstrated for other psychostimulants tested in studies using a similar design. The efficacy data reported for AMPH EROS provides an excellent example of the potential utility and clinical application for other active drug products requiring an immediate release and extended release profile.
Funding Acknowledgements: This work was funded by Tris Pharma, Inc.
To determine whether amphetamine extended-release oralsuspension (AMPH EROS) has an onset of effect at 30minutes postdose inchildren with ADHD.
Methods
This randomized, double-blind, 2-treatment, 2-sequence, placebo-controlled crossover pilot study enrolled subjects aged 6 to 12 years withattention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ADHD-Rating Scale-5 scores of ≥90th percentile for sex and age. A dose of 5 to 20mg/day of AMPH EROS was determined during a 1-week open-label phase based on medication history, symptom control, and tolerability. Subjects completed a practice laboratory classroom then received one day of double-blind active drug or placebo each in random sequence during 2 double-blind laboratory classroom days. Subjects completed the first double-blind laboratory classroom session, returned to open label drug for 5days then crossed over on day 6 during a second double-blind laboratory classroom session. DB dose was fixed at AMPH EROS 15, 17.5, or 20mg . The primary endpoint was change from predose in the Swanson, Kotkin, Agler, M-Flynn, Pelham rating scale-combined score (SKAMP-C) at 30minutes postdose on two DB days. The key secondary endpoint was change from predose in the SKAMP-C score at 3hours postdose for AMPH EROS compared with placebo. Safety assessments included vital signs and adverse events.
Results
Eighteen subjects were enrolled in the study (14 males and 4 females) with a mean age of 9 years. At both 30minutes and 3hours postdose, changes from baseline in SKAMP-C for AMPH EROS vs. placebo were statistically significant (p<0.01 and p=0.0002, respectively) with corresponding effect sizes of 0.96 and 1.57. Adverse events (>10%) during the open-label phase included upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, upper abdominal pain, headache, decreased appetite, and affect lability.
Conclusions
AMPH EROS was effective in reducing ADHD symptoms at 30minutes postdose. AEs were mild or moderate and consistent with those of other extended-release amphetamines.
Funding Acknowledgements: Support was provided by Tris Pharma, Inc.