Phase IIIb Multicenter, Open-Label Study on Tezepelumab for Reducing Maintenance Therapy in Severe Asthma Patients Aged 12-80 Years
- Trial ID
- 2024-512113-41-00
- Protocol
- D5180C00047
- Sponsor
- AstraZeneca AB
Trial statistics
Diseases & Conditions
Objectives
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the potential for **tezepelumab**-treated patients with severe asthma to reduce their maintenance therapy without experiencing a loss of asthma control at Week 56. This assessment is specifically targeted at patients who have demonstrated asthma control or low biomarkers at Week 24. The clinical relevance of this objective lies in the potential to minimize the burden of daily asthma medication while maintaining effective disease management, which could significantly improve patient quality of life and reduce medication-related side effects.
Participants
The clinical trial involves a total of **150 participants** diagnosed with **severe asthma**. The study population includes both male and female subjects, ranging in age from 12 to 80 years. Participants were selected based on specific criteria, including a documented history of physician-diagnosed severe asthma within the past 10 years and a requirement for continuous treatment with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and a long-acting beta-agonist for at least six months prior to the study. The trial population is characterized by a history of at least one asthma exacerbation requiring oral corticosteroid bursts or hospitalization within the 12 months preceding the study. Participants are required to demonstrate proper inhaler technique and maintain controlled use of short-acting beta-agonists. The study includes individuals from a vulnerable population, ensuring comprehensive representation. Lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity are not specified in the available data.
Plans and Procedures
The clinical trial is designed as a **randomized**, open-label, parallel-group, Phase IIIb study aimed at evaluating the potential for patients with **severe asthma** treated with **tezepelumab** to reduce their background therapy while maintaining asthma control and achieving clinical remission. The trial will involve participants aged 12 to 80 years and is expected to last approximately 68 weeks, with the estimated recruitment start date in November 2024 and an estimated end date in June 2027. The study will include several key visits: an initial screening visit, regular follow-up visits, and a final end-of-study visit.
During the **screening visit**, participants will be assessed for eligibility based on specific inclusion criteria, such as age, documented history of severe asthma, and proper inhaler technique. Participants must also demonstrate asthma control with an **Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5)** score between 1.5 and 3 and meet other criteria related to medication use and lung function. The screening process will ensure that only those who meet all criteria proceed to the treatment phase.
Following successful screening, participants will be randomized to receive **tezepelumab** via **subcutaneous injection**. The primary endpoint of the study is to determine the proportion of patients who can reduce their **SYMBICORT®** daily maintenance dose without losing asthma control by the end of the step-down phase at Week 56. Secondary endpoints will be evaluated throughout the study duration, with regular follow-up visits scheduled to monitor participants' health, medication adherence, and asthma control.
The end-of-study visit will mark the conclusion of the trial, where final assessments will be conducted to evaluate the overall outcomes and safety of the treatment. Participants' involvement in the study is expected to last for the entire 68-week period unless early termination is warranted. Conditions that may lead to early termination include adverse reactions to the treatment, withdrawal of consent, or failure to adhere to study protocols. The trial's design and procedures are structured to ensure the collection of robust data while prioritizing participant safety and well-being.
Treatment
The clinical trial involves the administration of **Tezepelumab**, marketed under the name Tezspire, which is a **monoclonal antibody**. The pharmaceutical form of the experimental medication is a solution for injection, provided in a pre-filled syringe. Each syringe contains 210 mg of the active substance, **tezepelumab**, which is derived from a protein of other origin. The medication is administered via the **subcutaneous route**. The dosing schedule for this trial specifies a maximum daily dose of 210 mg, with a total maximum dose of 3780 mg over the course of the study. The treatment period extends up to 68 weeks. The product is not a pediatric formulation and is not classified as an orphan drug. The quality of the investigational medicinal product dossier (IMPD) for this drug has been fully submitted, and the product used in this trial maintains the same pharmaceutical dose form, active ingredient, and dosage as the authorized product.
In addition to the experimental treatment, the study may involve the use of standard-of-care therapies for severe asthma, as the trial's main objective is to assess the potential for patients treated with tezepelumab to reduce their background therapy while maintaining asthma control. The trial does not specify the use of a placebo or comparator treatment. Participant compliance with the dosing schedule will be monitored throughout the study to ensure adherence to the protocol. The trial is designed to evaluate the ability of tezepelumab-treated patients to sustain asthma control and achieve clinical remission, with assessments conducted at specified intervals, including a key evaluation at Week 56 for those demonstrating asthma control or low biomarkers at Week 24.
Efficacy
Efficacy in this clinical trial will be assessed by evaluating the primary endpoint, which is the proportion of patients who successfully reduce their SYMBICORT® daily maintenance dose without losing asthma control by the end of the step-down phase at Week 56. This assessment will determine if patients can transition to either medium-dose maintenance and reliever therapy, low-dose maintenance and reliever therapy, or SYMBICORT® anti-inflammatory reliever only, outside of the US. The trial aims to establish whether patients treated with **tezepelumab** can maintain asthma control while reducing their background therapy.
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Provision of signed and dated written ICF prior to any mandatory study-specific procedures, sampling, and analyses for patients who are at or over the age of majority (as per local law). For patients who are less than the age of majority, in addition to providing their informed consent, the patients’ legally authorised representative must also provide their informed assent (Appendix A3)
- Patients must be 12 to 80 years of age inclusive, at the time of signing the ICF.
- Documented medical record history for at least 12 months prior to Visit 1.
- Documented physician-diagnosed severe asthma within 10 years prior to Visit 1 (ie, severe asthma was not diagnosed more than 10 years prior) consisting of any of the following: (a) FEV1 ≥ 12% reversibility, OR (b) Evidence of airflow variability (to show that lung function is altered over time): FEV1 ≥ 400 mL variability over time, OR (c) Challenge tests that are positive on one of the below: (i) Methacholine – PD20 ≤ 8 mg/mL (ii) Mannitol – PD15 15% drop on FEV1 out of dose < than 635 mg of inhaled mannitol (iii) Exercise – 10% fall of FEV1 Note: Patients with just one historical spirometry without reversibility and without historical positive challenge tests (ie, not meeting inclusion criterion 4) may still be screened, using screening spirometry to establish variability or reversibility. Note: Patients missing a diagnosis of severe asthma in medical records, but who were diagnosed with severe asthma as per GINA definition within 10 years of screening may be screened.
- ACQ-5 ≥ 1.5 and < 3.
- History of physician-diagnosed asthma that requires continuous treatment with high-dose ICS (as defined by GINA or highest approved dose per posology per country) plus a LABA for at least 6 months prior to Visit 1 (Appendix I). The ICS and LABA can be contained within a combination product or given by separate inhalers. Note: Additional maintenance asthma controller medications (eg, LTRAs, tiotropium, cromone, theophylline) are allowed. Note: Chronic azithromycin used pre-screening as part of asthma management should be stopped at least 30 days prior to screening.
- Pre-brochodilator FEV1 > 60% predicted and evidence of FEV1 reversibility of ≥ 12% within 6 months prior to screening or at screening.
- Documented history of at least one asthma exacerbation requiring OCS bursts or requiring hospitalization within 12 months prior to Visit 1. An asthma exacerbation will be defined as a worsening of asthma symptoms that leads to any of the following: (a) A temporary bolus/burst of systemic corticosteroids for at least 3 consecutive days to treat symptoms of asthma worsening; a single depo-injectable dose of corticosteroids will be considered equivalent to a 3-day bolus/burst of systemic corticosteroids (b) Or, an ER visit (defined as evaluation and treatment for < 24 hours in ER) due to asthma that required systemic corticosteroids (as per above) (c) Or, an in-patient hospitalisation (defined as admission to an inpatient facility and/or evaluation and treatment in a healthcare facility for ≥ 24 hours).
- Male or female. Female patients: - Contraceptive use by women should be consistent with local regulations regarding the methods of contraception for those participating in clinical studies. Women of nonchildbearing potential are defined as women who are either permanently sterilised (hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, or bilateral salpingectomy) or who are postmenopausal. Women will be considered postmenopausal if they have been amenorrhoeic for 12 months prior to the planned start date of the induction phase without an alternative medical cause. - The following age-specific requirements apply: o Women < 50 years old would be considered postmenopausal if they have been amenorrhoeic for 12 months or more following cessation of exogenous hormonal treatment and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in the postmenopausal range. o Women ≥ 50 years old would be considered postmenopausal if they have been amenorrhoeic for 12 months or more following cessation of all exogenous hormonal treatment. o Adolescents: if patient is female and has reached menarche or has reached Tanner stage 3 breast development (even if not having reached menarche), the patient will be considered a WOCBP.
- WOCBP must be willing to use one of the methods of contraception described hereafter, from the time of signing the ICF throughout the study and 16 weeks after last tezepelumab administration: - Combined (oestrogen and progestogen containing) hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation: oral, intravaginal, transdermal - Progestogen-only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation: oral, injectable, implantable - Intrauterine device - Intrauterine hormone-releasing system - Bilateral tubal occlusion - Vasectomised partner (vasectomised partner is a highly effective birth control method provided that the partner is the sole sexual partner of the WOCBP patient and that the vasectomised partner has received medical assessment of the surgical success) - Sexual abstinence: it is considered a highly effective method only if defined as refraining from heterosexual intercourse during the entire period of risk associated with the study treatments. The reliability of sexual abstinence needs to be evaluated in relation to the duration of the study and the preferred and usual lifestyle of the patient. - Cessation of contraception after this point should be discussed with a responsible physician.
- Before dosing with tezepelumab at Week 0, patients should fulfil the following criteria: ACQ-5 ≥ 1.5 and < 3
- Before dosing with tezepelumab at Week 0, patients should fulfil the following criteria: Demonstrated proper inhaler technique (patients with improper technique at screening may be trained during screening, but must demonstrate proper technique before enrollment).
- Before dosing with tezepelumab at Week 0, patients should fulfil the following criteria: No excessive SABA use (should be < 5 puffs/day) or for patients using SMART therapy outside the US, no excessive use of SYMBICORT (should be ≤ 8 inhalations/day) or for US patients, no excessive use of AIRSUPRA (should be ≤ 12 inhalations/day) in the past 4 weeks.
Exclusion Criteria
- Any clinically important pulmonary disease other than asthma (eg, active lung infection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, hypoventilation syndrome associated with obesity, lung cancer, alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency, and primary ciliary dyskinesia) or pulmonary or systemic diseases, other than asthma, that are associated with elevated peripheral EOS counts (eg, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis/mycosis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, hypereosinophilic syndrome).
- Receipt of any marketed or investigational biologic agent within 4 months or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) prior to Visit 1 or receipt of any investigational nonbiologic agent within 30 days or 5 half-lives (whichever is longest) prior to Visit 1.
- OCS-dependent patients (received chronic OCS therapy [prednisone ≥ 5 mg/day or equivalent]) for at least 3 months preceding Visit 1.
- Daily use of maintenance systematic corticosteroids for any reason except for short-course treatment of an asthma exacerbation; in such cases, for patients experiencing recent exacerbations prior to Visit 1, a 28-day washout period is recommended prior to screening..
- Treatment with systemic immunosuppressive/immunomodulating drugs (eg, methotrexate, cyclosporine, etc.), except for OCS used in the treatment of asthma/asthma exacerbations, within the last 12 weeks or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) prior to Visit 1.
- Receipt of immunoglobulin or blood products within 30 days prior to Visit 1.
- Receipt of live attenuated vaccines 30 days prior to the date of Visit 1 and during the study.
- Patients that have been treated with bronchial thermoplasty in the last 12 months prior to Visit 1.
- Known history of sensitivity to any component of the tezepelumab formulation or a history of drug or other allergy that, in the opinion of the investigator or medical monitor, contraindicates their participation.
- History of anaphylaxis or documented immune complex disease (Type III hypersensitivity reactions) following any biologic therapy.
- Concurrent enrolment in another clinical study involving an IMP.
- Any disorder, including, but not limited to, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, neurological, musculoskeletal, infectious, endocrine, metabolic, haematological, psychiatric, or major physical impairment that is not stable in the opinion of the investigator and could: - Affect the safety of the patient throughout the study - Influence the findings of the study or the interpretation - Impede the patient's ability to complete the entire duration of study.
- Any clinically meaningful abnormal finding in physical examination, haematology, clinical chemistry at Visit 1 which, in the opinion of the investigator, may put the patient at risk because of his/her participation in the study, or may influence the results of the study, or the patient's ability to complete the entire duration of the study.
- Evidence of active liver disease, including jaundice or AST, ALT, or ALP > 2 times the ULN at Visit 1.
- Positive hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C virus antibody serology at screening, or a positive medical history for hepatitis B or C. Patients with a history of hepatitis B vaccination without a history of hepatitis B are allowed to participate.
- Involvement in the planning and/or conduct of the study (applies to AstraZeneca staff and/or site staff), or patients employed by or relatives of the employees of the site or AstraZeneca.
- Judgement by the investigator that the patient should not participate in the study if the patient is unlikely to comply with study procedures, restrictions, and requirements.
- For women only: Pregnant, breastfeeding, or lactating women. A serum β-HCG pregnancy test must be drawn for WOCBP at the screening visit. If the results of the serum β-HCG cannot be obtained prior to dosing of the IMP, a patient may be enrolled on the basis of a negative urine pregnancy test, though serum β-HCG must still be obtained. If either test is positive, the patient should be excluded. Since urine and serum tests may miss a pregnancy in the first days after conception, relevant menstrual history and sexual history, including methods of contraception, should be considered. Any patient whose menstrual and/or sexual history suggests the possibility of early pregnancy should be excluded.
- A helminth parasitic infection diagnosed within 6 months prior to Visit 1 that has not been treated with, or has failed to respond to, standard of care therapy.
- Current smokers or patients with smoking history ≥ 10 pack-years and patients using vaping products, including electronic cigarettes. Former smokers with a smoking history of < 10 pack-years and users of vaping or e-cigarette products must have stopped for at least 6 months prior to Visit 1 to be eligible.
- History of chronic alcohol or drug abuse within 12 months prior to Visit 1.
- Tuberculosis requiring treatment within the 12 months prior to Visit 1.
- History of known immunodeficiency disorder including a positive human immunodeficiency virus test at Visit 1, or the patient taking antiretroviral medications as determined by medical history and/or patient’s verbal report.
- Major surgery within 8 weeks prior to Visit 1 or planned surgical procedures requiring general anaesthesia or inpatient status for > 1 day during the conduct of the study.
- Evidence of COVID-19 within 4 weeks prior to screening or ongoing clinically significant COVID-19 sequelae.
- Chronic azithromycin used as a part of asthma management except short-course treatment of asthma exacerbation or infections. Chronic azithromycin used as a part of asthma management must be stopped at least 30 days prior to Visit 1.
Trial Status by Country
| Country | Status | Start of Recruitment | Planned Patients |
|---|---|---|---|
 Belgium | Not Recruiting | 16 Nov 2024 | 15 |
 Bulgaria | Not Recruiting | 16 Nov 2024 | 30 |
 Denmark | Not Recruiting | 16 Nov 2024 | 12 |
 France | Not Recruiting | 16 Nov 2024 | 28 |
 Germany | Not Recruiting | 16 Nov 2024 | 21 |
 Italy | Not Recruiting | 16 Nov 2024 | 23 |
 Spain | Not Recruiting | 16 Nov 2024 | 23 |
Sites & Investigators
Research sites
Investigators
Investigational Products
Details about the medicinal products being studied in this clinical trial.
| Product Name | Role in Trial | Formulation | Administration | Max Daily Dose | Treatment Duration | EU MP Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tezspire 210 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe | Test | SOLUTION FOR INJECTION IN PRE-FILLED SYRINGE (INJECTION) | SUBCUTANEOUS USE | 210 | 68 | PRD9947970 |