Keen, Richard

Abstract Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare genetic condition characterized by congenital malformations of the great toes and progressive heterotopic ossification (HO) in specific anatomic patterns. Present management summarized here is focused on early diagnosis, assiduous avoidance of injury and iatrogenic harm, symptomatic amelioration of painful flare-ups, and optimization of residual function. Twenty-one members of the International Clinical Council on FOP (ICC) and seven consultants from 15 countries, chosen for their clinical expertise in FOP, developed this summary statement. Further advances in therapeutics will be based on rigorous clinical trials to assess novel and emerging treatment and prevention strategies. A detailed and updated exploration of the topics outlined in this brief perspective can be found in “The Medical Management of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva: Current Treatment Considerations” which can be found on the International Clinical Council on FOP (ICC) website (www.iccfop.org).

Abstract Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare disorder, characterized by progressive heterotopic ossification (HO) and painful soft-tissue inflammatory flare-ups. This was a post hoc analysis from a phase 2 (NCT03188666) trial in which adults with FOP received intravenous anti-activin A antibody garetosmab 10 mg/kg or placebo every 4 wk over 28 wk (Period 1), followed by a 28-wk open-label treatment and extension (Periods 2 and 3). Here we describe flare-ups, their relationship to new HO lesions, and the impact of garetosmab on flare-ups. Volume of new HO lesions was measured by CT. Patient-reported flare-ups were defined by any 2 of the following: new onset of pain, swelling, joint stiffness, decrease in movement, or perceived presence of HO. Flare-ups were experienced by 71% (17/24) of placebo-treated patients, 59% (10/17) of whom developed a new HO lesion irrespective of flare-up location; 24% of flare-ups location-matched new HO lesions. Twenty-nine new HO lesions occurred in the placebo cohort by week 28, of which 12 (41%) occurred in the same location as new or ongoing flare-ups. A higher volume of newly formed heterotopic bone (week 28) occurred in placebo-treated patients who had experienced a prior flare-up vs those without (median [Q1:Q3] of 16.6 [12.0:31.1] vs 3.2 cm3). Garetosmab was previously shown to decrease patient-reported flare-up frequency in Period 1; here, garetosmab reduced the median (Q1:Q3) duration of patient-reported flares (15.0 [6.0:82.0] vs 48.0 [15.0:1.00] d) and the severity of flare-ups vs placebo. Frequency of corticosteroid use was numerically reduced in those treated with garetosmab (40.0%) vs placebo (58.3%). In this analysis, 71% of placebo-treated adults with FOP experienced flare-ups over 28 wk, which were associated with an increased volume of newly formed heterotopic bone. Garetosmab reduced the severity and duration of flare-ups, with effects sustained during the entire trial.

Abstract Disclosure: K.M. Dahir: Consulting Fee; Self; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ultragenyx, Inozyme, AM Pharma. Grant Recipient; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., AstraZeneca, Ultragenyx. J. McGinniss: Employee; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Stock Owner; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. E. Forleo-Neto: Employee; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Stock Owner; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. S. Mellis: Employee; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Stock Owner; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. R.J. Sanchez: Employee; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Stock Owner; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. M. Di Rocco: Research Investigator; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Ipsen. R. Keen: Advisory Board Member; Self; International Clinical Council on FOP and IFOPA Registry. Research Investigator; Self; Ipsen, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Clementia. P. Orcel: Research Investigator; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. C. Roux: Consulting Fee; Self; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Amgen Inc. Grant Recipient; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Kyowa, Kirin Brewery, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. J. Tabarkiewicz: Speaker; Self; Merck, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Other; Self; SoftSystem. J. Bachiller-Corral: Research Investigator; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. A.M. Cheung: Consulting Fee; Self; Ipsen. Grant Recipient; Self; Ipsen, Incyte, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. M. Al Mukaddam: Grant Recipient; Self; Ipsen, Clementia, Incyte, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. K. Mohammadi: Employee; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Stock Owner; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. D. Srinivasan: Employee; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Stock Owner; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. A. Rankin: Employee; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Stock Owner; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. A.N. Economides: Employee; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Stock Owner; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. D. Gonzalez Trotter: Employee; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Stock Owner; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. F.S. Kaplan: Research Investigator; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Clementia, Ipsen. M.W. Eekhoff: Grant Recipient; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Ipsen, AstraZeneca, IMI, IFOPA. R.J. Pignolo: Grant Recipient; Self; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Clementia, Ipsen, Incyte. Background: Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare autosomal dominant disorder driven by missense mutations in ACVR1. This results in inappropriate activation by activin-A. FOP is characterized by progressive heterotopic ossification and painful soft tissue inflammatory events known as flare-ups. Garetosmab, an investigational, fully human monoclonal antibody against activin-A, prevents formation of new heterotopic ossification lesions in FOP. Here we describe the impact of garetosmab on flare-up events in the LUMINA-1 study (NCT03188666). Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of phase 2 LUMINA-1, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study that evaluated the safety and efficacy of garetosmab 10 mg/kg/every 4 weeks intravenous vs placebo in adult patients with FOP over 28 weeks (Period 1), followed by a 28-week open-label treatment period (Period 2) and subsequent open-label extension (Period 3). Patient-reported flare-ups were collected via a patient diary and severity of symptoms was reported as mild, moderate, or severe. Clinician-reported flare-ups were collected as adverse events. Results: In Period 1, there was a significant reduction in the proportion of patients reporting one or more flare-ups (35% vs 71%, p=0.032) and clinician-reported flare-ups (10% vs 42%, p=0.039) with garetosmab vs placebo, respectively. The overall number of patient-reported flare-ups (13 vs 34) and mean days experiencing new flare-ups (42.6 days vs 65.4 days) were also reduced with garetosmab vs placebo, respectively. Most flare-ups occurred in the back in garetosmab-treated patients, and most flare-ups occurred in the lower extremities and back for those on placebo. Pain was the most frequent symptom among both cohorts. Flare-up associated joint stiffness and severity of flare-up associated symptoms were nominally reduced at both patient and flare-up level of assessment in those treated with garetosmab. No patients reported severe swelling or severe decrease in movement. One patient reported severe pain and joint stiffness in the garetosmab cohort. In Period 2, there were significant reductions in the proportion of patients experiencing flare-ups (68% vs 14%, p=0.0002) and number of patient-reported flares (31 vs 11) among those who crossed over from placebo in Period 1 to garetosmab. Patients who continued on garetosmab through Period 2 maintained a sustained reduction in number of flare-ups (12 vs 6) and proportion of patients experiencing flare-ups (33.3% vs 22.2%). Reductions were maintained through the open-label extension. Conclusions: Patients treated with garetosmab experienced significant and sustained reductions in the frequency, duration, and severity of flare-ups. The ability of garetosmab to reduce flare-up events may provide a clinically meaningful benefit for patients with FOP. Presentation: Sunday, June 18, 2023

ABSTRACT Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra‐rare, severely disabling genetic disorder of progressive heterotopic ossification (HO). The single‐arm, open‐label, phase 3 MOVE trial (NCT03312634) assessed efficacy and safety of palovarotene, a selective retinoic acid receptor gamma agonist, in patients with FOP. Findings were compared with FOP natural history study (NHS; NCT02322255) participants untreated beyond standard of care. Patients aged ≥4 years received palovarotene once daily (chronic: 5 mg; flare‐up: 20 mg for 4 weeks, then 10 mg for ≥8 weeks; weight‐adjusted if skeletally immature). The primary endpoint was annualized change in new HO volume versus NHS participants (by low‐dose whole‐body computed tomography [WBCT]), analyzed using a Bayesian compound Poisson model (BcPM) with square‐root transformation. Twelve‐month interim analyses met futility criteria; dosing was paused. An independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended trial continuation. Post hoc 18‐month interim analyses utilized BcPM with square‐root transformation and HO data collapsed to equalize MOVE and NHS visit schedules, BcPM without transformation, and weighted linear mixed‐effects (wLME) models, alongside prespecified analysis. Safety was assessed throughout. Eighteen‐month interim analyses included 97 MOVE and 101 NHS individuals with post‐baseline WBCT. BcPM analyses without transformation showed 99.4% probability of any reduction in new HO with palovarotene versus NHS participants (with transformation: 65.4%). Mean annualized new HO volume was 60% lower in MOVE versus the NHS. wLME results were similar (54% reduction fitted; nominal p = 0.039). All palovarotene‐treated patients reported ≥1 adverse event (AE); 97.0% reported ≥1 retinoid‐associated AE; 29.3% reported ≥1 serious AE, including premature physeal closure (PPC)/epiphyseal disorder in 21/57 (36.8%) patients aged <14 years. Post hoc computational analyses using WBCT showed decreased vertebral bone mineral density, content, and strength, and increased vertebral fracture risk in palovarotene‐treated patients. Thus, post hoc analyses showed evidence for efficacy of palovarotene in reducing new HO in FOP, but high risk of PPC in skeletally immature patients. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

ABSTRACT Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive heterotopic ossification (HO), often heralded by flare-ups, leading to reduced movement and life expectancy. This placebo-controlled, double-blind trial (NCT02190747) evaluated palovarotene, an orally bioavailable selective retinoic acid receptor gamma agonist, for prevention of HO in patients with FOP. Patients experiencing a flare-up were enrolled in two cohorts: (1) patients ≥15 years were randomized 3:1 to palovarotene 10/5 mg (weeks 1–2/3–6) or placebo; (2) patients ≥6 years were randomized 3:3:2 to palovarotene 10/5 mg, palovarotene 5/2.5 mg (weeks 1–2/3–6), or placebo. Cohort data were pooled. The primary endpoint was the proportion of responders (no/minimal new HO at flare-up body region by plain radiograph) at week 6. Change from baseline in HO volume and new HO incidence were assessed by computed tomography (CT) at week 12. Tissue edema was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound. Forty patients (aged 7–53 years) were enrolled (placebo: n = 10; palovarotene 5/2.5 mg: n = 9; palovarotene 10/5 mg: n = 21). Disease history was similar between groups. In the per-protocol population, the proportion of responders at week 6 by plain radiograph was 100% with palovarotene 10/5 mg; 88.9% with palovarotene 5/2.5 mg; 88.9% with placebo (Cochran-Armitage trend test: p = 0.17). At week 12, the proportions were 95.0% with palovarotene 10/5 mg; 88.9% with palovarotene 5/2.5 mg; 77.8% with placebo (Cochran-Armitage trend test: p = 0.15). Week 12 least-squares mean (LSmean) new HO volume, assessed by CT, was 3.8 × 103 mm3 with palovarotene 10/5 mg; 1.3 × 103 mm3 with palovarotene 5/2.5 mg; 18.0 × 103 mm3 with placebo (pairwise tests versus placebo: p ≤ 0.12). Palovarotene was well-tolerated. No patients discontinued treatment or required dose reduction; one patient had dose interruption due to elevated lipase. Although these findings were not statistically significant, they support further evaluation of palovarotene for prevention of HO in FOP in larger studies. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Abstract Background: Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare, autosomal dominant disorder driven by mutations in ACVR1 that render it responsive to Activin A. FOP is characterized by progressive heterotopic ossification (HO) and distressing inflammatory events called “flare-ups.” Flare-ups can precede new HO; however, limited prospective data exists on this phenomenon. Garetosmab (GAR), an investigational human monoclonal antibody against Activin A, blocks formation of new HO in FOP. Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis of LUMINA-1 (NCT03188666) a phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of GAR (10 mg/kg/week IV) versus placebo (PBO) in adult patients with FOP over 28 weeks. Patient-reported flare-ups were collected via a patient diary and severity level was reported as mild, moderate or severe. Clinician-reported flare-ups were collected as adverse events in the trial. HO lesions were imaged by 18F-NaF positron emission tomography (PET) and whole-body low-dose X-ray computed tomography (CT). Results: There was a two-fold higher proportion of patients who reported one or more flare-ups on PBO 17/24 (71%) compared with GAR 7/20 (35%). Clinicians reported a four-fold higher proportion of patients experiencing one or more flare-ups on PBO 10/24 (42%) compared with GAR 2/20 (10%). Overall rates of flare-up events were two-fold higher on PBO vs. GAR (1.4 vs. 0.65 events/patient/28 weeks) for patient-reported events and eight-fold higher on PBO vs. GAR by clinician report (0.83 vs. 0.10 events/patient/28 weeks). Most flare-ups occurred on the extremities and back; pain was the most commonly reported symptom. Patient-reported flare-ups on PBO were more frequently reported as severe (29.4%) compared with GAR (7.7%). Among subjects with at least 12 weeks of follow-up from start of patient-reported flare-up, development of new HO near the site was 5/27 (18.5%) on PBO and (0%) on GAR. Of all new HO lesions, 41% on PBO and 0% on GAR occurred with spatial and temporal relation to flare-up. Conclusions: Approximately two-thirds of patients on PBO reported flare-ups over 28 weeks. GAR was associated with reductions in frequency and severity of flare-ups. Fewer than 20% of patient-reported flare-ups were associated with new HO, indicating frequent discordance of these phenomena, and compatible with previous reports. GAR’s ability to reduce patient- and clinician-reported flare-ups, as well as new HO lesions may provide an important therapeutic option.