Gu, Jing

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.