Research Funding
Asuerus
Background
APL is a selective human methionine aminopeptidases II (MetAP2) inhibitor. In preclinical studies, APL has demonstrated both anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor activities as well as a potential synergistic effect with BCG or PD-1. A. This phase 1b study assesses the tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) characteristics of oral APL and intravesical BCG combination in HR NMIBC pts.
Methods
Pts who had received a prior induction course of BCG within 12 weeks (wks) of enrollment and were scheduled to receive either maintenance or another induction course of BCG were given 750 mg/day APL (2×125 mg tablet, TID) for 12 wks. The tolerability and PK of APL was evaluated one wk prior to first BCG instillation and during combination use with BCG. AEs were evaluated to assess safety and tolerability. Wilcoxon matched-pair signed-rank test was used for PK analysis.
Results
Six pts (4M, 2F) with a median age of 72.5 yrs (range 58-81 yrs) were enrolled; 4 pts had grade 3 Ta and 2 pts had Tis. Four and 2 pts received induction and maintenance course of BCG, respectively. Six AEs of grade 1 or 2 were reported by 3 pts, and they were respiratory and head congestion, acid reflux, rash, bronchitis, nausea, and cystitis. None of these AEs were judged to be related to APL. Five pts completed the study and 1 pt dropped out due to a grade 1 cystitis after receiving 4 wks of APL and 2 doses of BCG. The PK results suggested similar PK characteristics (plasma AUCtau, Cmax and t1/2, and urinary excreted faction Ae%).
Conclusions
APL was well tolerated when given for 12 wks to NMIBC pts who also received induction or maintenance BCG. Further study of APL in combination with BCG is warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT03672240.