Mozaffar, Tahseen

Abstract Objectives The lack of uniform terminology and abbreviations for anti-synthetase syndrome has led to significant challenges in research and clinical practice. This study aimed to establish an international consensus on a standardized nomenclature and abbreviation among a diverse group of global myositis experts and patient representatives. Methods This qualitative project was approved by the International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group (IMACS). Based on the outcomes of a literature review and preliminary survey, list of terms for nomenclature and abbreviations was finalized. Subsequently, two rounds of the Delphi survey were conducted among myositis experts and patient participants to ascertain current practices and preferences. Using Nominal Group Technique (NGT), the project steering committee developed a consensus nomenclature and abbreviation. Results A total of 241 and 132 myositis experts from six continents, 35 countries and 9 specialities participated in round 1 and round 2 of the Delphi survey, respectively. The results indicated a preference for the terms anti-synthetase syndrome, antisynthetase syndrome and anti-tRNA synthetase syndrome. The abbreviations ASS, ASyS and ASSD were most used, though ASS received notable disapproval. The steering committee, including twenty-five myositis experts and three patient representatives from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations, reached a consensus on ‘anti-synthetase syndrome’ as the preferred nomenclature and ASyS as the preferred abbreviation, with 100% and 93.1% votes, respectively. Conclusion The terms anti-synthetase syndrome and ASyS should be adopted as the standard nomenclature and abbreviation in both research and clinical practice. This standardization is expected to increase consistency within the literature.

Abstract Introduction/Aims Biomarkers have shown promise in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research, but the quest for reliable biomarkers remains active. This study evaluates the effect of debamestrocel on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, an exploratory endpoint. Methods A total of 196 participants randomly received debamestrocel or placebo. Seven CSF samples were to be collected from all participants. Forty‐five biomarkers were analyzed in the overall study and by two subgroups characterized by the ALS Functional Rating Scale‐Revised (ALSFRS‐R). A prespecified model was employed to predict clinical outcomes leveraging biomarkers and disease characteristics. Causal inference was used to analyze relationships between neurofilament light chain (NfL) and ALSFRS‐R. Results We observed significant changes with debamestrocel in 64% of the biomarkers studied, spanning pathways implicated in ALS pathology (63% neuroinflammation, 50% neurodegeneration, and 89% neuroprotection). Biomarker changes with debamestrocel show biological activity in trial participants, including those with advanced ALS. CSF biomarkers were predictive of clinical outcomes in debamestrocel‐treated participants (baseline NfL, baseline latency‐associated peptide/transforming growth factor beta1 [LAP/TGFβ1], change galectin‐1, all p < .01), with baseline NfL and LAP/TGFβ1 remaining ( p < .05) when disease characteristics ( p < .005) were incorporated. Change from baseline to the last measurement showed debamestrocel‐driven reductions in NfL were associated with less decline in ALSFRS‐R. Debamestrocel significantly reduced NfL from baseline compared with placebo (11% vs. 1.6%, p = .037). Discussion Following debamestrocel treatment, many biomarkers showed increases (anti‐inflammatory/neuroprotective) or decreases (inflammatory/neurodegenerative) suggesting a possible treatment effect. Neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective biomarkers were predictive of clinical response, suggesting a potential multimodal mechanism of action. These results offer preliminary insights that need to be confirmed.

Abstract Introduction/Aims Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative illness with great unmet patient need. We aimed to evaluate whether mesenchymal stem cells induced to secrete high levels of neurotrophic factors (MSC‐NTF), a novel autologous cell‐therapy capable of targeting multiple pathways, could safely slow ALS disease progression. Methods This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study enrolled ALS participants meeting revised El Escorial criteria, revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS‐R) ≥25 (screening) and ≥3 ALSFRS‐R points decline prior to randomization. Participants received three treatments of MSC‐NTF or placebo intrathecally. The primary endpoint evaluated efficacy of MSC‐NTF through a responder analysis and safety. A change in disease progression post‐treatment of ≥1.25 points/mo defines a clinical response. A pre‐specified analysis leveraged baseline ALSFRS‐R of 35 as a subgroup threshold. Results Overall, MSC‐NTF treatment was well tolerated; there were no safety concerns. Thirty‐three percent of MSC‐NTF and 28% of placebo participants met clinical response criteria at 28 wk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.33, P = .45); thus, the primary endpoint was not met. A pre‐specified analysis of participants with baseline ALSFRS‐R ≥ 35 (n = 58) showed a clinical response rate at 28 wk of 35% MSC‐NTF and 16% placebo (OR = 2.6, P = .29). Significant improvements in cerebrospinal biomarkers of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and neurotrophic factor support were observed with MSC‐NTF, with placebo unchanged. Discussion The study did not reach statistical significance on the primary endpoint. However, a pre‐specified subgroup suggests that MSC‐NTF participants with less severe disease may have retained more function compared to placebo. Given the unmet patient need, the results of this trial warrant further investigation.