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Abstract Background Measurement of cardiac troponin (cTn) using high-sensitivity assays is recommended for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. We determined sex-specific and uniform 99th percentile upper reference limits (URLs) using the new Elecsys® Troponin T high-sensitivity Gen 6 assay in a global, healthy reference range cohort. Methods Lithium-heparin plasma and serum samples were prospectively collected from apparently healthy individuals aged ≥20 years across 34 global sites in the United States, Europe, China, and Japan. cTnT was measured using the Troponin T high-sensitivity Gen 6 assay on the Cobas® e 801 analyzer. Exclusion criteria were defined according to the 2022 IFCC guidance. Uniform and sex-specific 99th percentile URLs and nonparametric 95% CIs were determined in plasma and serum separately and combined. Results The final study population comprised 4147 participants (52.5% female) with a median (25th–75th percentiles) age of 48.0 (33.0–59.0) years; 45.8%, 47.9%, 5.2%, and 1.1% were White, Asian, Black, and other/unknown, respectively. For sample matrices combined (n = 8294), 81.0% and 99.2% of cTnT values were above the limit of detection in females and males, respectively. Sex-specific 99th percentile URLs (95% CI) were 18 (16–23) ng/L for females and 32 (28–35) ng/L for males; the uniform 99th percentile URL was 27 (24–31) ng/L. URLs were comparable in plasma and serum samples. Conclusions This study determined sex-specific and uniform 99th percentile URLs for the Troponin T high-sensitivity Gen 6 assay that were comparable irrespective of the matrix used in a large, global, healthy reference population.

Abstract Over 50% of older adults in the US take ≥5 medications, with prevalence reaching 76.8% in the emergency department (ED) setting. However, little is known about their medication self-efficacy (the ability to understand and follow medication regimens), which may influence adherence and adverse drug events when new prescriptions are added during ED visits. Our objective was to determine whether polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) are associated with self-efficacy. We performed a logistic regression analysis using 5-site multicenter ED survey data linked to electronic health records from patients aged ≥65 years with baseline ED visits during 2019-2021. The predictors were polypharmacy (≥5 medications) and PIM use (≥1 high-risk medication, GEMRx criteria) of prescriptions taken within 1 year of the ED visit. The outcome was low medication self-efficacy (< 11 points MUSE-taking score) assessed at the ED visit. Covariates included insurance, education, marital status, race/ethnicity, caregiver support, dementia status, and frailty. Among 921 patients, 249 (27.0%) had polypharmacy and 66 (7.2%) had PIM use. Low medication self-efficacy was reported by 76 (37.8%) with polypharmacy and 26 (12.9%) with PIM use versus 125 (62.2%) and 40 (5.6%) without. Both polypharmacy (aOR 6.12, 95% CI 2.05-18.22, p = 0.001) and PIM use (aOR 33.65, 95% CI 5.81-214.35, p < 0.001) were associated with greater adjusted odds of low medication self-efficacy. Frailty modified this association, with weaker effects in more frail patients (OR 5.51, 95% CI 2.57-11.8, p = 0.003). These findings suggest that the ED is an important setting to identify older adults who may struggle with medication use.

PURPOSE Venetoclax, an oral BCL-2 inhibitor, has efficacy in t(11;14)-positive relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), which is enhanced by dexamethasone, which promotes BCL-2 dependency. METHODS The randomized, open-label, phase III CANOVA study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03539744 ) enrolled adults with t(11;14)-positive RRMM who had received ≥2 previous lines of therapy. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to venetoclax-dexamethasone or pomalidomide-dexamethasone until progression or intolerable toxicity. The primary end point was independent review committee assessed–progression-free survival (PFS) in the intention-to-treat population analyzed by stratified log-rank test (two-sided type I error rate, α = .05), with hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI estimated by stratified Cox proportional hazard model. Secondary end points included response rates, overall survival (OS), minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity rate (<10 –5 ), and safety. RESULTS Overall, 263 patients were randomly assigned (venetoclax-dexamethasone, n = 133; pomalidomide-dexamethasone, n = 130). Median PFS was 9.9 months (95% CI, 6.9 to 12.6) with venetoclax-dexamethasone versus 5.8 months (95% CI, 3.8 to 9.2) with pomalidomide-dexamethasone (HR, 0.823 [95% CI, 0.596 to 1.136]; P = .24). Overall response and very good partial response or better rates were 62% and 39%, respectively, with venetoclax-dexamethasone versus 35% and 14% with pomalidomide-dexamethasone. MRD negativity rate was 8% with venetoclax-dexamethasone and 0% with pomalidomide-dexamethasone. Median OS was 32.4 months (95% CI, 26.4 to 40.7) with venetoclax-dexamethasone and 26.9 months (95% CI, 20.4 to 38.9) with pomalidomide-dexamethasone (HR, 0.856 [95% CI, 0.612 to 1.197]). Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse event rates were 67% with venetoclax-dexamethasone versus 83% with pomalidomide-dexamethasone. There were 16 (12%) treatment-emergent deaths with venetoclax-dexamethasone versus 8 (6%) with pomalidomide-dexamethasone. CONCLUSION The primary end point of PFS was not met. PFS and OS were numerically longer with venetoclax-dexamethasone versus pomalidomide-dexamethasone in t(11;14)-positive RRMM. Consistent with previous studies, infections were associated with venetoclax-dexamethasone; no new safety signals were observed.

Abstract Introduction: Despite advent of multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and newer treatment methods for AML and ALL, the outcomes of patients (pts) with chronic myeloid leukemia in blast phase (CML-BP) remain poor. Consensus guidelines on treatment of CML-BP are scarce. A recent study from the European leukemia network blast phase registry on 240 pts reported marked heterogeneity in treatment patterns and lack of an accepted standard. Hence, we undertook this study through the H Jean Khoury Cure CML Consortium (HJKC3) to describe the treatment patterns and outcomes of pts with CML-BP in the US. Methods: This is a multi-institution, retrospective study. IRB approval was obtained at each institution and data sharing agreements were executed. All pts diagnosed with CML-BP based on modified MD Anderson Criteria (≥30% blasts in the blood or bone marrow or extramedullary (EM) disease) from 2010 to 2025 were included. Categorical variables were compared using Chi-square test. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from time of diagnosis of CML BP to death from any cause. Event free survival (EFS) was calculated from date of best response to event (death or relapse). Results: Of the 283 pts with CML-BP, 96 (33.9%) were female and 187 (66.1%) were males. At the time of diagnosis, 183 (64.6%) had CML-CP, 21 (7.4%) pts had CML-AP and 79 (27.9%) pts had de-novo CML-BP. For the 204 pts that were initially diagnosed with CML-CP or CML-AP, the median time to progression to CML-BP was 22.5 months (1-207 months). Median age at diagnosis of CML-BP was 50 years (range 16-86 years). EM disease was present in 78 (27.6%) pts (38 myeloid sarcoma, 30 central nervous system and 10 skin). Blasts were of myeloid phenotype in 168 (59.4%), lymphoid in 103 (36.4%) and mixed in 9 (3.2%) pts. The bcr-abl protein was p210 in 229 (80.9%), p190 in 8 (2.8%) and p230 in 2 (0.7%) pts. ABL kinase domain mutation was seen in 42.1% (80/190) pts, with T315I being the most common (n=32), followed by E255K (n=16). Next generation sequencing was performed in 117 pts. The most common mutations were ASXL1 (n=27), RUNX1 (n=14), BCOR (n=4), DNMT3A (n=4) and BCORL1 (n=3). Of the 283 pts, 269 underwent CML-BP directed therapy. 63 (23.4%) pts were treated with TKI monotherapy, 184 (68.4%) pts were treated with a combination of chemotherapy (chemo) and TKI and 22 (8.2%) pts were treated with chemo alone. Response rate after CML-BP directed therapy was 75.3% (n=213). Best response was return to CML-CP in 49 pts, CHR with PCyR in 18 pts, CCyR in 31 pts, MMR in 31 pts, MR4 in 18 pts, MR4.5 in 19 pts and MR5 in 47 pts. Rate of response with 2G and ponatinib was significantly better than imatinib (85.3% and 77.3% vs 63.6%; p=0.04). 149 (55.4%) pts proceeded to alloSCT. Of the 213 pts that responded, 59 (27.7%) relapsed. At a median follow-up of 47 months, the median OS for all pts was 19.7 months (95% CI: 16.3-40.2 months), with 5-year OS rate of 38% (95% CI: 32-45%). Pts with myeloid phenotype had a significantly lower OS compared to lymphoid and mixed phenotype (Median OS 14.9 vs 45.9 and 31.1 months respectively; p=0.02). OS of pts that were treated with a combination of TKI and chemo was significantly longer compared to pts treated with TKI or chemo alone (52.9 vs 16.1 or 7.5 months; p&lt;0.0001). Dasatinib (n=99; 34.9%) and ponatinib (n=97; 34.3%) were the most used TKIs followed by imatinib (n=23; 8.1%), nilotinib (n=21; 7.4%), bosutinib (n=8; 2.8%) and asciminib (n=3; 1.1%). Pts treated with ponatinib had a numerically longer OS compared to 2G-TKI and imatinib, however this was not statistically significant (40.1 vs 30.6 and 20.3 months; p=0.52). EFS for pts treated with ponatinib was significantly longer compared to 2G-TKI or imatinib (25.9 vs 17.6 and 15.9 months; p=0.03). In a landmark analysis, pts that underwent alloSCT within 6 months of diagnosis had a significantly longer OS compared to those who did not (69.3 vs 16.0 months; p=0.006). Conclusion: CML-BP continues to have poor prognosis. Treatment is heterogenous involving various combinations of TKI and chemo. In our analysis, treatment with 2G-TKI or ponatinib led to better responses. CML-BP with myeloid phenotype had worse OS. Treatment with ponatinib was associated with a numerically longer OS and significantly longer EFS compared to 2G-TKI and imatinib. In addition, treatment with chemo in combination with TKI and alloSCT led to improved OS.

Abstract Pseudouridine (Ψ) is the most prevalent RNA modification in human cells. Although Ψ was among the first post-transcriptional modifications discovered (1951), its biological functions remain poorly understood. More recently, Ψ was incorporated into COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, where it enhances RNA stability and reduces innate immune sensing. However, the precise roles of RNA Ψ in cancer, including leukemia, are largely unknown. Here, we identify RNA Pseudouridine Synthase D4 (RPUSD4) as a novel vulnerability in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) via directly catalyzing mitochondrial RNA (mt-RNA) Ψ formation. We further provide proof-of-concept evidence that targeting RPUSD4 suppresses leukemogenesis and stimulates anti-leukemia immunity. To investigate whether RNA Ψ dysregulation is involved in leukemia, we first compared RNA Ψ levels between primitive CD34+ cells (LSC-enriched) and CD34- bulk cells from multiple primary AML specimens. CD34+ AML cells exhibited significantly elevated RNA Ψ levels. We also examined Ψ levels across various RNA types in AML cells, identifying that mt-RNA contained much higher Ψ levels than other RNA types. These findings imply that RNA Ψ, particularly mt-RNA Ψ, may play a role in LSC biology and leukemogenesis. Further unbiased CRISPR screening revealed RPUSD4 as the most critical Ψ synthase for LSC maintenance. Large-scale transcriptomic and patient data analyses showed that RPUSD4 is highly expressed in AML specimens (P = 3.5 × 10-9), particularly within LSCs (P = 1.4 × 10-18). RPUSD4 knockout (KO) significantly suppressed AML proliferation, reduced mitochondrial OxPhos, and decreased LSC frequency in vitro and substantially delayed AML progression in vivo (MLL-r and FLT3ITD models). Of note, RPUSD4 KO-mediated anti-leukemia effects could be fully rescued by wild-type but not catalytically inactive RPUSD4 both in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating that Ψ synthase activity is essential for its function in leukemia. To profile RPUSD4-dependent Ψ sites, we applied two orthogonal technologies, direct nanopore sequencing and PRAISE sequencing (PMID: 36997645), both capable of detecting Ψ at single-base resolution. These approaches converged on a single RPUSD4-dependent Ψ at position 3,067 on mt-16S rRNA. This Ψ site is essential for maintaining rRNA stability. RPUSD4 KO induced mt-16S rRNA decay, thereby suppressing mitochondrial translation. This led to OxPhos inhibition, growth suppression, and LSC eradication in AML. Mechanistically, RPUSD4 is exclusively localized in mitochondria, where it directly interacts with the mt-RNA exonuclease PNPase. Under physiological conditions, PNPase resides within mitochondria and degrades mt-RNA to prevent accumulation of mitochondrial double-stranded RNA (mt-dsRNA). Upon RPUSD4 depletion, PNPase translocates from mitochondria to the cytosol, resulting in two major consequences: (i) mRNA decay:Cytosolic PNPase degrades mRNAs, particularly the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial mRNAs, such as DHODH(Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase). By retrogradely upregulating DHODH, RPUSD4 promotes de novo pyrimidine synthesis in AML. (ii) Aberrant mt-dsRNA accumulation: The buildup and cytoplasmic release of mt-dsRNA activates “viral mimicry” response that sensitizes AML cells to T cell cytotoxicity. Finally, to therapeutically target RPUSD4, we developed an RNA-based inhibitor, CpG-siRNARPUSD4, by conjugating a specific RPUSD4 siRNA to a Toll-like receptor (TLR9) ligand. CpG-siRNARPUSD4 is specifically internalized by TLR9+ cells, including AML cells, thereby maximizing selectivity and minimizing toxicity. Preclinical studies demonstrate that pharmacologically targeting RPUSD4 significantly prolonged survival across multiple AML models, including patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, and rendered AML cells more susceptible to T cell–mediated cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the RPUSD4 inhibitor exhibited a promising synergistic effect with DHODH inhibitor in treating relapsed AML in vivo. For instance, in a representative relapsed PDX model, median survival times (in days) were: Ctrl – 28, RPUSD4 inhibitor – 36, DHODH inhibitor – 39, and combination – over 60. In conclusion, our findings uncover a previously unrecognized role of RPUSD4 and mt-RNA Ψ in leukemic metabolism, anti-leukemia immunity, and LSC maintenance. This study also bridges a critical knowledge gap regarding the role of RNA Ψ in leukemogenesis.

Abstract Introduction: IRAKLIA is an international, open-label, non-inferiority (NI) trial (NCT05405166) investigating isatuximab (Isa) subcutaneous (SC) vs intravenous (IV) administration, plus pomalidomide-dexamethasone (Pd) and the first Phase 3 multiple myeloma (MM) trial using an on-body injector (OBI). IRAKLIA demonstrated NI in its co-primary endpoints: overall response rate (ORR) and steady state trough concentration (Ctrough; Cycle(C) 6 Day(D) 1 predose). IsaOBI offers hands-free administration of flat-dose Isa, a small, hidden, retractable needle to prevent sharps injury and low-pressure delivery. Here, we examine the effect of body weight (BW) on pharmacokinetics (PK) as well as efficacy and safety outcomes with flat-dose IsaOBI vs IV + Pd in IRAKLIA. Methods: Patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory MM ≥18 years (yr) with ≥1 prior line of therapy (LOT) were randomized 1:1 to IsaOBI (1400mg; n=263) or IV (10mg/kg; n=264 weekly in C1, then every 2 weeks + P (4mg/day, D1–21) + d (40mg [20mg if ≥75yr] weekly) in 4-week cycles. This analysis is run by BW (≤65kg, &gt;65–≤85kg, &gt;85kg) which was a stratification factor, and extreme BW (≤50kg, &gt;50–≤100kg, &gt;100kg). Results: Number of pts per BW group were: ≤50kg [OBI n=16, IV n=14], ≤65kg [OBI n=84, IV n=85], &gt;65–≤85kg [OBI n=117, IV n=118], &gt;85kg [OBI n=62, IV n=65], and &gt;100kg [OBI n=22, IV n=22]. Baseline (BL) demographic and disease characteristics were generally balanced across BW groups for IsaOBI vs IV, including age (median 66yr) and prior LOT (median 2). However, in the &gt;100kg group, more IsaOBI vs IV pts exhibited poor prognostic characteristics including plasmacytoma, International Staging System Stage II/III disease, beta 2-microglobulin level ≥5.5mg/L, estimated glomerular filtration rate &lt;60mL/min/1.73m2 and a lower very good partial response (VGPR) rate as best overall response at last regimen. Flat-dose IsaOBI showed adequate exposure (C2D1 Ctrough) for all BW groups, with geometric mean ratios (90% CI) vs IV &gt;1: ≤65kg (1.628 [1.294–2.048]), &gt;65–≤85kg (1.303 [1.089–1.560]) and &gt;85kg (1.006 [0.817–1.239]). IsaOBI ORRs were comparable to IV across BW: ≤65kg, 66% vs 71% (relative risk [RR]: 0.928), &gt;65–≤85kg, 70% vs 70% (RR: 1.009), and &gt;85kg, 81% vs 72% (RR: 1.115). For extreme BW groups, ORRs (95% CI) were similar between IsaOBI and IV for ≤50kg group [56% vs 60%] and for &gt;50–≤100kg [72(66–78)% vs 70(63–76)%] but lower [68% vs 86%] in &gt;100kg group. An exposure-response (E-R) analysis showed the impact of BW on response: IsaOBI pts ≤50kg tended to respond less vs IsaOBI pts &gt;50kg despite correct exposure because they were confounded by BL disease characteristicsincluding a higher proportion of high-risk cytogenetics and plasma cells in the bone marrow vs other BW group pts. For IsaOBI and IV, Grade (Gr)≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and Gr≥3 treatment-related TEAEs decreased with increasing BW. They were similar between arms in ≤65kg group (OBI vs IV, Gr≥3 TEAEs: 87% vs 88%; Gr≥3 treatment-related TEAEs: 73% vs 77%). A similar trend was observed in extreme BW groups along with similar incidences between arms in ≤50kg group. While TE serious AEs (TESAEs) and treatment-related TESAEs decreased with increasing BW for IsaIV, incidence was stable in the IsaOBI arm. OBI arm OBI Gr5 TEAEs were similar between groups and arms, except for higher incidence in ≤65kg group (12% vs 5%) with OBI vs IV that was not reflected in ≤50 or &gt;50–≤100kg groups. Treatment discontinuation rates for all drugs with IsaOBI vs IV were 14% vs 6% (≤65kg), 8% vs 10% (&gt;65–≤85kg), and 2% vs 10% (&gt;85kg). Similar incidence of Gr≥3 laboratory (lab) neutropenia was observed across BW in IsaOBI: 86.9% (≤65kg), 83.5% (&gt;65–≤85kg) and 83.9% (&gt;85kg). Higher rates of Gr≥3 lab neutropenia were observed in ≤50kg group (93.8%, IsaOBI vs 71.4%, IsaIV), which did not translate into higher rates of neutropenic complications (18.8% vs 14.3%). The E-R analysis revealed no relationship between Isa PK exposure and safety for OBI and IV arms. Conclusions: No notable impact from IsaOBI flat dosing was observed across BW groups. Flat-dose Isa OBI showed consistent safety and efficacy across different BW groups, with differences likely linked to BL disease characteristics according to the E-R analysis. The IsaOBI C2D1 Ctrough, a time-independent predictor of efficacy, was similar to, or higher vs IsaIV in each BW group, supportive of a flat dose providing adequate exposure without need for adjustment.

Abstract Introduction: IRAKLIA (NCT05405166) is an ongoing, global, non-inferiority trial of isatuximab (Isa) subcutaneous (SC) administration plus pomalidomide-dexamethasone (Pd), and the first Phase 3 multiple myeloma (MM) trial using an on-body injector (OBI) for SC administration. In IRAKLIA, Isa SC OBI demonstrated non-inferiority in the 2 co-primary endpoints of efficacy and pharmacokinetics compared with Isa intravenous (IV). Significantly more patients expressed higher satisfaction with Isa SC OBI vs Isa IV in IRAKLIA, and more patients and health care providers (HCPs) preferred Isa SC OBI over Isa SC manual push in the Phase 2 IZALCO trial (NCT05704049). The Isa OBI is a wearable, automated injector that adheres to the skin of the abdomen and administers Isa SC with the push of a button without any batteries or electronics. The Isa SC OBI offers hands-free administration; a small, hidden, retractable needle to prevent sharps injury and reduce patient anxiety; low-pressure delivery; a simplified user interface; and flexible administration in either outpatient or home settings. Here, we examine the safety of Isa SC OBI administered by trained nursing professionals during at-home patient visits in IRAKLIA. Methods In IRAKLIA, patients with relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) aged ≥18 years with ≥1 prior line of therapy (LOT) were randomized 1:1 to Isa SC OBI (1400 mg; n=263) or IV (10 mg/kg; n=264) weekly in Cycle (C)1, then every 2 weeks + P (4 mg/day, Day [D]1–21) + d (40 mg [20 mg if age ≥75 years] weekly) in 4-week cycles. Home administration by a HCP was proposed as an option after 5 cycles for Isa OBI arm patients on D15 from C6 onward, and D1 visits from C6 remained clinic based. Eligibility for home-administration depended on an absence of infusion reactions (IRs) at C4 and C5, hematology test results at D1 of each cycle, investigator judgement, and patient willingness. During at-home visits, providers prepared and applied Isa SC OBI and safely disposed of the device upon completion. Following at-home administration, providers evaluated the injection site for reactions, took vitals, and completed documentation. No specific monitoring was planned after the end of injections. At-home administration was not allowed in some countries due to local regulations. Results In the ongoing IRAKLIA trial, 202 patients were treated with Isa SC OBI within countries where at-home administration was permissible. 11 (5.4%) of these patients from 5 different countries [Australia (n=6), Hungary (n=2), Italy (n=1), Norway (n=1), and Spain (n=1)] have participated in home administration as of the cutoff date (06-Nov-2024), with additional sites and countries initiated after the cutoff date. First at home administrations started at Cycle 6 for the majority of patients (n =7) and at Cycle 7 (n =1), Cycle 8 (n =2), and Cycle 10 (n =1) for the remaining patients. Among the 11 patients participating in at-home visits, more than half switched to at-home administration and have not returned to the hospital for their next Day 15 cycle visit. 55 injections were performed at home. The median injection duration was the same between clinic and at-home administration (13 minutes). Similar to Isa SC OBI use in the clinic, home administration was well tolerated with no new safety signals and a 100% completed injection rate. No at-home Isa OBI administration was omitted or interrupted during the injection. At-home administration had a very low rate of injection-site reactions (ISR; n=1). The single ISR was a Grade 1 episode consisting of injection swelling, which resolved within the same day, and most subsequent Day 15 administrations were performed at home for this patient. No other adverse events (AEs), including no IRs, were linked to at-home visits. No device event linked to at-home visits was reported. Conclusions Initial data from the ongoing IRAKLIA trial support the safety of at-home administration of Isa SC OBI for the treatment of patients with MM. Home administration was well tolerated, with no safety concerns and a median injection time of 13 minutes consistent with in-clinic use of Isa SC OBI. The option of either home or outpatient administration of Isa SC OBI for patients with MM allows for greater flexibility and accessibility of treatment, with the potential to improve patient care and reduce common barriers to patient retention and therapy compliance.

Abstract Introduction Defining the epidemiology of myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS) and precursor conditions, such as clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS), is challenging due to inconsistent reporting, complex diagnostics, and evolving criteria. The National MDS Natural History Study (NHS) overcomes these challenges through central pathology review, prospective follow-up, and a nationally representative cohort enrolled at the time of suspected MDS, enabling robust analysis across the myeloid disease spectrum. We analyzed clinical, genetic, and pathologic features in NHS participants by race, ethnicity, and sex to characterize disease variation across populations. Methods The NHS (NCT02775383) enrolled individuals undergoing evaluation for suspected MDS from June 2016–July 2024 at 102 US sites. Participants underwent bone marrow assessment with centralized, adjudicated histopathology review. Those meeting WHO 2016 criteria for MDS, MDS/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), CCUS, idiopathic cytopenia/dysplasia of undetermined significance (ICUS/IDUS), or oligoblastic AML were followed longitudinally. Demographics, comorbidities, exposures, and clinical data were collected at baseline and every 6 months. Deep DNA sequencing was performed on baseline marrow, with pathogenic variants manually curated (53 genes). Statistical analyses assessed associations using chi-squared, Fisher's exact, Kruskal-Wallis, logistic regression, and Cox models. A p-value &lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results Among 2,021 participants, 1,174 (58%) were diagnosed with MDS or precursor conditions. Median age was 74 years (yrs) and 66% were male. Most identified as Non-Hispanic White (NHW, 92%), with 4% Black and 4% Hispanic. The most common diagnoses were MDS (42%) and CCUS (37%). Pathogenic somatic mutations were identified in 84% (774/918) of MDS/CCUS, with TET2 (26% of 918), DNMT3A (21%), and ASXL1 (16%) most frequent. Median follow-up was 1.8yrs and consistent across race, ethnicity, and sex (p≥0.6). Black, compared to NHW, participants were younger (69 vs 74 yrs, p=0.006) and trended toward more females (47% vs 34%, p=0.09) and more MDS diagnoses (51% vs 41%, p=0.07). Black participants showed more advanced disease (e.g., lower hemoglobin, higher peripheral blood blasts, higher variant allele frequencies (VAFs) of pathogenic mutations), yet received less MDS-directed treatment (14% vs 41%, p=0.01). Black, compared to NHW, participants had more mutations in RUNX1, TP53, BCOR, and DNMT3A, but fewer in TET2 and ASXL1. Hispanic, compared to Non-Hispanic, participants had fewer known pathogenic mutations, leading to more ICUS (19% vs 5%, p=0.02). Females, compared to males, were younger at diagnosis (72 vs 75yrs, p&lt;0.001), had more ICUS/IDUS (20% vs 10%, p&lt;0.001), fewer pathogenic mutations, especially in splicing/chromatin modifier genes (U2AF1, SRSF2, ASXL1, ZRSR2), more DNMT3A mutations, and lower VAFs (0.27 vs 0.33, p&lt;0.001). Median overall survival (OS) was 6.4yrs, and shorter in MDS (4.2yrs) than CCUS (not reached). Worse OS was associated with age (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.06), MDS (vs CCUS; aHR 1.89), higher-risk disease by IPSS-R/CCRS (aHR 2.15), and TP53 mutations (aHR 2.17) (all p&lt;0.001). A trend toward improved OS in Black participants was attenuated after adjustment (aHR 0.79, p=0.6). Progression (e.g., worsening of disease, increase in transfusion dependency, death) occurred in 53% of participants. Worse progression-free survival (PFS) was associated with MDS diagnosis (aHR 2.59), higher-risk disease by IPSS-R/CCRS (aHR 2.17), and TP53 mutations (aHR 1.86) (all p&lt;0.001). Despite more advanced disease and less MDS therapy, Black participants trended toward improved PFS (aHR 0.62, p=0.14), while age was borderline significant (aHR 1.01, p=0.05). Conclusions For the first time, we show that among individuals evaluated for suspected MDS at sites across the US, 58% had MDS or precursor conditions. Differences across demographics underscore the heterogeneity of MDS. Black participants presented with more advanced MDS, received less treatment, but trended toward improved outcomes, particularly PFS, even after adjustment, suggesting biological rather than access-to-care differences driving disparities. These findings highlight the complex interplay of sex, race, and genetics in shaping MDS outcomes and reinforce the need for diverse, large-scale studies to improve risk stratification and personalized care.

Abstract Introduction Elevated levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) ameliorate sickle cell disease (SCD) manifestations. BEAM-101 is an investigational cell therapy comprising ex vivo base-edited autologous CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) that directly target the HBG1/2 promoters to disrupt BCL11A binding, switching production from sickle (HbS) to majority anti-sickling HbF. We present ongoing data from the BEACON study (NCT05456880), a Phase 1/2, single-arm, open-label study evaluating a single dose of BEAM-101 in individuals with SCD and severe vaso-occlusive crises (sVOCs). Methods Eligible patients were aged 12–35 years with SCD and ≥4 sVOCs in the 2-year period prior to informed consent. After mobilization with weight-based or tiered fixed-dose plerixafor, autologous CD34+ HSPCs were collected by leukapheresis and genetically modified with an adenine base editor. Following conditioning with pharmacokinetically adjusted myeloablative busulfan (target cumulative AUC 80 hr*mg/L), patients received a single dose of BEAM-101 (≥3.0×106 viable CD34+ cells/kg). Patients were then monitored for neutrophil and platelet engraftment, adverse events (AEs), total Hb, Hb fractions, % F-cells, hemolysis markers, sVOCs, and additional protocol endpoints for up to 24 months. Results As of June 16, 2025, enrollment has been completed and 46 patients have initiated mobilization. Of the 26 patients who have received BEAM-101, mean duration of follow-up was 6.2 (range 1.0–18.7) months. Baseline demographics were: age 18–34 years, 24 βS/βS genotype, 21 self-reported Black/African American, and 11 female. One patient, who successfully engrafted and obtained stable HbF levels &gt;60%, withdrew consent 5 months post-infusion. For the 26 treated patients, the median number of stem cell collection cycles was 1 (range 1–4); 18 (69.2%) required a single cycle, 4 required 2 cycles, and 4 required &gt;2 cycles. Target cell dose was achieved with a median of 3 (1–12) collection days. Patients received a mean BEAM-101 dose of 8.4 (range 3.2–23.4) ×106 viable CD34+ cells/kg. By the data cut, patients achieved neutrophil (n=26) and platelet (n=24) engraftment at a median of 18 (12–30) days and 19 (11–50) days, respectively, with a median duration of 7 (4–17) days of neutropenia. Of the 24 evaluable patients, 9 (37.5%) achieved platelet engraftment without requiring platelet transfusion through the transplant process. No patients had ≥Grade 3 AEs or serious AEs related to BEAM-101. One patient died due to respiratory failure, assessed as likely related to busulfan conditioning, 4 months post-infusion as previously reported. Mean total Hb increased to 12.1 (range 9.0–14.7) g/dL by Month (M) 1 (n=24), 15.6 (11.9–18.6) g/dL by M6 (n=11), and was sustained through follow-up. Four patients had total Hb levels above the normal range beyond M6 without any associated clinical manifestations or need for therapeutic intervention. Erythropoietin levels trended towards normal in all patients, including those with elevated total Hb. Mean endogenous HbF (HbF/[HbF+HbS]) was &gt;60% and HbS was &lt;40% by M1, which was sustained through last follow-up. At M6, mean % F-cells were 99.2% (97.0–99.9; n=10) and mean HbF/F-cell was 20.8 (18.0–23.9; n=9) pg, exceeding the protective threshold of 10 pg against sickling. Peripheral blood editing was at a mean of 68.5% by M3 (n=16), 69.6% by M6 (n=10), and 72.8% by M12 (n=5). Hemolysis markers and sickling parameters normalized or improved for all patients. No patients experienced any investigator-reported sVOCs post-engraftment. Conclusions The BEAM-101 treatment process is characterized by a low number of mobilization and collection cycles and high editing efficiency, resulting in rapid neutrophil and platelet engraftment and robust pancellular HbF expression, with durability observed up to 18 months. Additionally, there is a corresponding reduction in HbS levels to &lt;40%, and improvements or resolution of hemolysis parameters and anemia, along with resolution of investigator-reported sVOCs post-engraftment. The safety profile of the BEAM-101 treatment regimen is consistent with busulfan conditioning, autologous HSCT, and underlying SCD. These results demonstrate the potential for base editing of the HBG1/2 promoters as a safe and effective therapeutic modality for the treatment of SCD that also has the potential to minimize hospitalization and treatment process burden for patients, families, and sites.

Key Points Inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase E (INPP5E) and type Ig phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIPKIγ) coordinated the homeostasis of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate in primary cilia. Modulating INPP5E or PIPKIγ activity changed the level of polycystin-1 and polycystin-2 in primary cilia. INPP5E inhibition increased the hypomorphic PKD1 variants (PC1-R3277C) in cilia and reduced cystogenesis in the kidney in vitro . Background Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is mainly caused by mutations in PKD1 and PKD2 , which encode polycystin-1 (PC1) and polycystin-2 (PC2), respectively. PC1 and PC2 assemble a cation channel complex enriched in primary cilium, a sensory organelle associated with various developmental diseases, including polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Accumulating evidence supports the necessity of functional polycystin (PC) complex in cilia to prevent cystogenesis in the kidney, indicating that improving their ciliary levels may ameliorate defects underlying PKD pathogenesis. Yet, molecular mechanisms underlying the ciliary targeting and homeostasis of the PC complex are not fully understood. Methods Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy was used to monitor ciliary levels of PC1 and PC2 in renal epithelial cells. Electrophysiology analysis in oocytes was used to determine the channel activity of the PC complex. Cystogenesis in the kidney was measured using in vitro 3D-Matrigel cell models and ex vivo mouse embryonic kidney models. Results Suppressing inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase E (INPP5E) or activating type Ig phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase raised ciliary levels of the PC complex in both normal renal epithelial cells and cells carrying autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease mutations that interrupt the trafficking of PCs into cilia, including GANAB inactivation and the trafficking PKD1 mutation p.Arg3277Cys (RC). PC1 RC formed a complex with PC2 and exhibited normal channel activity in vitro . An INPP5E that increases PC1 and PC2 in cilia, suppressed in vitro forskolin-induced cystogenesis of inner medullary collecting duct epithelial cell line 3 cells in 3D Matrigel and ex vivo cyst formation in embryonic Pkd1 RC/RC mouse kidneys. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that increasing the ciliary level of PCs, by manipulating a ciliary phosphoinositide signaling axis, enhanced the functionality of PCs and suppressed cystogenesis of renal epithelial cells in vitro .