Capetown, South Africa

Clinical and Immunogenetic Characterization of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is the most common form of primary systemic vasculitis, with up to 75,000 cases a year identified in the EU and US. It occurs almost exclusively in people over the age of 50 years and is considered to be a medical emergency. If not treated with high-dose glucocorticoids immediately, the thickening of the inflamed blood vessel wall can cause irreversible visual loss or stroke. GCA can lead to significant morbidity across a variety of systems, due to both the disease, and complications of treatment. Diagnosis may be confirmed with a temporal artery biopsy, imaging (e.g. USS/CT/MRA/PET-CR) or based on clinical signs (e.g. erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and symptoms (e.g. a new headache, jaw claudication, visual disturbances, temporal artery abnormality such as tenderness or decreased pulsation) . Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is characterised by inflammatory limb-girdle pain with early morning stiffness, and a systemic inflammatory response demonstrated by elevated inflammatory markers. The UK GCA Consortium is a multi-centre observational study, the main arms of which recruit prospective (participants with suspected GCA) and retrospective cohorts (participants with confirmed GCA diagnosis). Analysis of data collected on these cohorts will help achieve the primary aim of finding genetic determinants of GCA and PMR susceptibility, in order to yield novel insights into disease pathogenesis. Secondary aims, and their associated analyses, are as follows: - Phenotype: characterising GCA and PMR subtypes, based on clinical features; imaging; cells; subcellular fractions and molecules in the circulation and/or arterial tissue; genetic/epigenetic/transcriptomic/proteomic or metabolomics factors, including next generation sequencing (whole exome sequencing) of selected cases. - Life impact: determining what aspects of the disease and treatments affect patients' quality of life, as assessed by patient-reported outcomes. - Long-term outcomes: characterising prognosis of GCA and PMR - both effects of the disease and its treatment - by longitudinal follow-up through electronic linkage to health records. - Exploratory analyses: exploring the potential role of environmental factors and co-morbidities on phenotype and outcomes. - Diagnosis, prognosis: improving diagnosis of GCA and PMR, and identifying factors that predict diagnosis, such as diagnostic clinical features, and prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers. - Disease activity: monitoring participants who commence a synthetic or biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (s/bDMARD). Finding a biomarker for GCA and PMR disease activity, which might be clinically useful in helping to optimise steroid and s/bDMARD treatments for individual patients.

Myeloma XIV: Frailty-adjusted Therapy in Transplant Non-Eligible Patients With Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Non-invasive Testing for Early oEesophageal Cancer and Dysplasia

The incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma has been rising over the last decade. Despite improvements in oncological and surgical therapies the associated survival remains poor, mainly due to delays in diagnosis and advanced stage at presentation. Identifying patients at earlier stages as well as those at risk of cancer may lead to survival benefit. Barrett's oesophagus is an established risk factor for the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma. It has an established histopathologic progression from low-grade, through high-grade dysplasia (HGD) to oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). Barrett's oesophagus patients currently undergo regular endoscopic surveillance to allow earlier detection of oesophageal cancer. The primary objective is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of the volatile organic compounds (VOC) in exhaled breath to detect early stage oesophageal adenocarcinoma and high-grade dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus. All patients will be fasted for a minimum of 6 hours prior to the breath sample as part of their routine clinical care. Breath collection will be conducted using a previously validated method. Samples of breath (500ml) collected using "breath collecting device utilising bags". Breath samples collected within thermal desorption tubes (Markes International, Llantrisant, UK) will be transferred to a central laboratory for analysis by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and proton transfer reaction time of flight mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS). Raw data files will be extracted and analysed in accordance with established protocols.

The Role of Ixazomib in Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Relapsed Myeloma - Myeloma XII (ACCoRd)

Airway Intervention Registry (AIR): Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP)

Primary aim: The overall goal is to improve the care of patients with Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) - and the investigators aim to do this by determining the most effective and safe RRP treatments currently being used in patients in National Health Service (NHS) hospitals within the United Kingdom (UK) (information which is currently lacking). By determining the most effective treatments of RRP, the investigators will be able to increase the time interval between surgical interventions to maintain symptomatic control, reduce overall number of RRP interventions, severity and spread of papillomas in the airway, hospital visits, medications and ultimately improve quality of life in those suffering from RRP. By also capturing peri- and post-procedural details the investigators will be able to determine the relative safety of treatments and identify those which slow the progression of disease. From the data collected the investigators intend to identify patient subgroups (based on patient characteristics such as age, gender, human papillomavirus (HPV) type, location of papillomas, RRP severity and spread, comorbidities) who respond better to specific treatments, and also identify patient risk factors which contribute to the complication outcomes (such as tracheostomy). Secondary aims: - build an evidence base of the different RRP treatments used across the UK which will help to formulate hypotheses for future research in RRP and improve quality of life for RRP patients; - inform National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) interventional procedure guidance on radiofrequency cold ablation (IPG434,2012), which is currently under special arrangements due to lack of safety and efficacy evidence; - identify common symptoms or signs associated with RRP disease profile, to aid future diagnosis of RRP; - determine the geographical spread of RRP patients across the UK, to inform effective use of future NHS resources and inform the Department of Health strategy in its quadrivalent HPV vaccination programme (protecting against four types of HPV including types 6 and 11 commonly associated with RRP) currently offered to 12-13 year old girls within the NHS childhood vaccination programme; - inform future development of national clinical guidance on management of RRP to ensure that everyone receives the best care based on best available current knowledge; - determine impact of COVID on RRP patients including changes to RRP management, RRP symptoms. Objectives: The investigators will make use of an existing secure online database platform (the Airway Intervention Registry, AIR - developed and hosted by The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NUTH) and its associated infrastructure and develop it to capture additional observational outcomes from standard clinical practice and quality of life questionnaires from RRP patients. All RRP patients (any age) receiving treatment in any UK NHS hospital will be eligible for inclusion. Data collection will be open for 53 months with no minimum follow-up required for patients. Due to its recurrent nature (requiring regular hospital visits to maintain an open airway), following this patient population will allow the investigators to determine both the short- and long-term relative safety and efficacy of RRP treatments used in the UK. Consent will be required (from patients/parent/guardian) before data are entered into the online database.

Naloxone HCl PR Tablets in Patients With Opioid Induced Constipation

PROphylaxis for paTiEnts at Risk of COVID-19 infecTion -V

Part 1: Inhaled repurposed agents The trial commenced with the first intervention, nasal niclosamide and matched placebo from February 2021. The intended second intervention is nasal and inhaled ciclesonide. Participants are being randomised in a 1:1 ratio until the second intervention is introduced. Once ciclesonide is introduced, participants who are eligible for ciclesonide will be randomised to niclosamide, ciclesonide, niclosamide matching placebo or ciclesonide matching placebo in a 2:2:1:1 ratio. The net result will be a 1:1:1 distribution between niclosamide, ciclesonide and placebo, with niclosamide-matching placebo and ciclesonide-matching placebo pooled for the analysis. Three vulnerable patient populations were enrolled initially: dialysis patients, kidney transplant recipients and those with vasculitis or other auto-immune kidney disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or glomerulonephritis (GN) These patient groups are noted to be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 infection by virtue of demographics, underlying co-morbidities or as a consequence of treatments for these conditions, and they are at exceptionally high risk of adverse outcomes. Additionally these groups are known to mount sub-optimal responses to vaccination. Approximately 1500 participants will be randomised to active treatment or placebo, stratified by PROTECT sub-population, age and participating sites. Enrolment to the trial will be via an online platform following informed consent with a face to face screening visit. The screening visit will include assessment of eligibility (which will include liver function tests and COVID-19 PCR test), randomisation, baseline data collection and research serum sample collection to detect anti SARS-COV-2 antibodies. Subsequent assessments, aside from an in person end of trial visit, will be done via email or telephone together with utilising the routine collected health data thus reducing the burden to participants as well as reducing their exposure to COVID-19. Telephone consultations will be carried out at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, followed by two weekly self-reporting at week 8 onwards. If a participant has not submitted data for a period of approximately 6 weeks, they will be contacted by the local study team for a telephone interview to minimise loss to follow up. Failure to follow up a participant for more than 6 consecutive weeks will halt their trial treatment dispensation until communication has been restored. Failure to follow up a participant for more than 12 consecutive weeks will be considered loss of follow up and conclude their participation in the trial. If a participant develops symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 infection they should arrange an urgent COVID-19 test. They should notify their trial physician. Participants should continue taking trial medication (if self-administering medication) until advised to stop by a member of the trial team or admitted to hospital. Any participant testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 will be required to complete a COVID-19 symptom assessment at least weekly for 4 weeks after diagnosis, unless hospitalised. A final safety assessment will be conducted in person, 4-6 weeks after the final treatment. Participants will be asked to return all completed medication diaries and IMP containers, if self-administering, for compliance assessment at this visit. Participants will be asked a series of questions to identify any additional adverse events or adverse reactions experienced since their last follow up assessment and a blood sample will be taken for a SARS-CoV2 total antibody assay, to detect asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 infection. At the final assessment, patients may be re-screened for consideration of enrolment into one of the other arms of the PROTECT-V trial platform. It is not permitted for re-enrolment into the originally assigned arm. Participants will continue allocated treatment until one of the following occurs: 1. The required number of the primary outcome events have occurred (for each intervention) 2. The participant is hospitalised with COVID-19 (see 4.10.2.) 3. 28 Days after a diagnosis of COVID-19 if hospitalisation is not required The anticipated median treatment duration per participant is 6 months. However, the individual arm may conclude while some participants are in the trial for less than 6 months if the required number of events are observed. All Adverse Events and Adverse Reactions will be recorded in the medical notes and in the appropriate section of the case report form. Serious adverse events and serious adverse reactions should be reported to the sponsor. Niclosamide is a derivative of salicylic acid and has been used to treat tapeworm infections. The exact target and mechanism of action is uncertain. Researchers at Institut Pasteur Korea have reported niclosamide as one of the most potent FDA approved inhibitors of SARS-Cov-2 in in vitro assays using vero cells, with IC50 of 0.28μM >25x higher than that of chloroquine and >40x higher than that of remdesivir. In-vitro data indicating potent inhibition of SARS-COV2 replication and cellular penetration, together with evidence that SARS-COV2 initially replicates predominantly in the nasal epithelium, suggests nasal niclosamide is best placed as a prophylactic agent or for treatment of early stage COVID-19 disease when the viral load is a main issue. Hepatic clearance is the primary mechanism for elimination and there is anticipated low bioavailability, therefore no dose adjustments are required for patients with renal impairment. Side-effects (based on a phase 1 study in healthy volunteers) are minor nasal irritation, sneezing or runny nose. Population Pharmacokinetic (PK) assessment will be conducted in the first 30 participants receiving niclosamide for safety purposes, to exclude the unlikely possibility of accumulation of niclosamide during the course of the trial in patients receiving dialysis only. Ciclesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that has been shown to possess in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Ciclesonide inhibits in vitro SARS-CoV-2 replication in cultured human bronchial epithelial cells via a novel mechanism on non-structural protein 15 (NSP-15). ICS, particularly at higher doses, have been shown to reduce expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors, which mediate infection of host respiratory epithelial cells. ICS have also been shown to inhibit in vivo production of IL-6, a key pro-inflammatory cytokine in COVID-19 and a major predictor of severe disease and poor outcomes. The proposed combination of prophylactic inhaled and intranasal ciclesonide will deliver early infection modifying therapy covering the entire respiratory epithelium, critical in the early stages of COVID-19. Ciclesonide and its active metabolite are metabolised and excreted by hepatic mechanisms, therefore no dose adjustments are required for patients with renal impairment, Side-effects may include cough, bronchospasm, bad taste and application site reactions. Part 2: Monoclonal antibodies and anti-viral agents Sotrovimab is a fully human IgG1κ monoclonal antibody (mAb) derived from the parental mAb S309, a potent neutralising mAb directed against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. S309 binds to a highly conserved epitope of the SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) and inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Sotrovimab demonstrates high affinity binding to the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD. COMET-ICE is a Phase II/III randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study which evaluated sotrovimab as treatment for COVID-19 infection in non-hospitalised patients at high risk of medical complications of the disease. The primary endpoint, progression of COVID-19 at Day 29, was reduced by 85% compared with placebo. A single dose of 500 mg was selected for the study based on in vitro neutralisation data, in vitro resistance data, and IV PK data from the COMET-ICE [NCT04545060] study. No dose modification is required in renal or hepatic disease. The overall rate of AEs in COMET-ICE was similar in those treated with sotrovimab compared to placebo. The known side-effects of sotrovimab are hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis. There will be a single infusion of sotrovimab or placebo administered at the beginning of the study. Based on the pharmacokinetics of the drug, it is predicted that the single infusion will remain efficacious for approximately 16 weeks. An absent or suboptimal response (Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay result <400 AU/mL) to COVID-19 vaccination, assessed at least 14 days after the vaccine was initially require to be eligible for the sotrovimab arm of the study however, this have been remove from the criteria. Additional patient groups with primary immunodeficiency, any Haematology or Oncology patient who is currently receiving or has received chemotherapy or who is immunocompromised as a result of their disease or treatment, those with a diagnosis of an autoimmune or inflammatory disease receiving immunosuppression and also haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients have been added. In addition to the core components of the screening visit previously listed the following will also be conducted: ECG, serum antibody sample for Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay, full blood count, clotting profile, renal and liver function test (routine ALT/AST tests performed up to 2 week before screening visit will be accepted to assess liver function), and serum pregnancy test in women of child bearing potential, urine albumin: creatinine ratio. At the day 1 infusion visit, prior to commencing the IMP infusion, a blood sample to measure anti-drug antibodies will be collected. Routine observations must be taken prior to infusion, at the end of infusion and 1 hour after infusion and to be recorded. PK samples to be taken within 1 hour after end of infusion. Telephone consultations/remote telephone assessments will be carried out weekly for the first 4 weeks, alternative weeks from week 6 to 24 and then every 4th week from week 28 to 36. In person assessments will occur during weeks 4, 12 and 24 and will include blood sample collection for measurement of COVID-19 antibodies and PK sampling.

Duroplasty for Injured Cervical Spinal Cord With Uncontrolled Swelling

RESEARCH QUESTION: After severe traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI), does the addition of dural decompression to bony decompression (includes laminectomy) improve muscle strength in the limbs at 6 months, compared with bony decompression alone? BACKGROUND: TSCI is a devastating condition that affects about 1,000 people in the UK annually. Most remain disabled, tetraplegic or wheelchair bound and are dependent on carers with significant cost to patients, carers and the NHS. Surgery aims to reduce spinal deformity, stabilise the spine and achieve bony decompression of the cord. To date, no treatments have been shown to improve outcome. AIMS / OBJECTIVES: The primary aim is to determine if, in patients with acute, severe TSCI, the addition of dural decompression to bony decompression improves muscle strength. We hypothesise that, after TSCI, the cord swells and is compressed against the dura. Secondary objectives are to assess patient impact i.e. functional outcomes, health related quality of life (HRQoL), complication rates and mortality. Mechanistic sub-studies aim to determine if the addition of duroplasty improves cord perfusion, reduces cord ischaemia and cord inflammation. METHODS: This is a prospective, phase III, multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT). We aim to recruit 222 adults with acute, severe cervical TSCI (American spinal injuries association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade A, B or C) who will be randomised 1:1 to undergo bony decompression alone versus bony decompression with duroplasty. Patients and assessors will be blinded to study arm. The primary outcome is change in AIS motor score (AMS) at 6 months compared with admission (Delta-AMS); secondary outcomes will assess function (grasp, walking, urinary + anal sphincters), HRQoL, complications, need for further surgery and mortality, assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months from randomisation. A subgroup of 50 patients (25 per arm) will also have observational monitoring from the injury site using a pressure probe (intraspinal pressure ISP, spinal cord perfusion pressure SCPP) and microdialysis (MD) catheter (cord metabolism: tissue glucose, lactate, pyruvate, lactate-to-pyruvate ratio (LPR), glutamate, glycerol); cord inflammation: tissue chemokines/cytokines. Patients will be recruited from the 26 UK major trauma centres (MTCs). TIMELINES FOR DELIVERY: The study duration is 72 months and includes 6 months set-up, 48 months recruitment, 12 months to complete follow-up and 6 months for data analysis and final reporting of results. There will be a formal stop/go review at month 15 (after 9 months of recruitment) to ensure a minimum of 4 sites have been opened and 8 patients randomised. If these targets are met, the trial will recruit for a further 36 months. Data from the pilot will be included in the final analysis. ANTICIPATED IMPACT AND DISSEMINATION: It is anticipated that the addition of duroplasty to standard of care will improve muscle strength in patients; this has obvious benefits for patients and their carers as well as substantial gains for the NHS and society including economic implications. If this RCT shows that the addition of duroplasty to standard treatment is beneficial, it is anticipated that duroplasty will become standard NHS care in all 26 UK MTCs. Participants will be informed of study findings via the Surgical Intervention Trials Unit (SITU) website and the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA).

A Study of the Efficacy and Safety of DMX-200 in Patients With FSGS Who Are Receiving an ARB

This is a pivotal Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of DMX-200 in patients with FSGS. The duration of the double-blind period per patient is estimated to be maximum of 122 weeks, a Screening and Qualification period of between 6 and 14 weeks (including a 4 week period to complete the assessments required for Screening, Titration (if required, up to 4 weeks) and, 6-weeks of Stabilization, a 104-week Treatment period, and up to a 4-week off-treatment Follow-up period. The treatment duration of the OLE period per patient is estimated to be a minimum of 104 weeks (2 years) with a 4-week off-treatment Follow-up period. The total study duration (double-blind period and OLE combined) is currently estimated to be a minimum of 230 weeks.

Early Vasopressors in Sepsis

Sepsis results from overwhelming reactions to microbial infections where the immune system initiates dysregulated responses that lead to remote organ dysfunction, shock and ultimately death. Sepsis remains a significant global issue - as well as direct mortality, survivors suffer long term reductions in patient centred outcomes, with reduced quality of life and functional status. Patients with hypotension and organ hypoperfusion as a result of sepsis have poorer outcomes by dysregulated inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, immune suppression, and organ dysfunction. Current guidelines highlight the importance of early fluid resuscitation, but the association of early fluid therapy with improved outcomes is unclear. In the resuscitation phase, current practice is to give intravenous (IV) fluid and intermittent vasopressor boluses if required, before, for some patients, continuous vasopressor infusion via a central venous line in Intensive Care (ICU). An alternative, early continuous peripheral vasopressor infusion (PVI) is not routine practice in the UK. Current practice in the UK is guided by NICE Sepsis guidance and the international Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) consensus recommendations. Both specify intravenous fluid administration as a central tenet of early resuscitation of patients with septic shock, with intravenous vasopressor administration recommended after intravenous fluid resuscitation. NICE recommend boluses of 500ml of crystalloid and "refer to critical care for review of management including need for central venous access and initiation of vasopressors". SSC recommend 30ml/kg crystalloid in first hour, followed by vasopressors to maintain MAP>65. The current NICE fluid resuscitation guideline, November 2020, continues to emphasise 500ml boluses of crystalloid as usual care. A recent international survey of 100 critical care and EM physicians regarding intravenous fluid resuscitation practice, confirmed that an initial bolus of 1000ml of crystalloid, followed by 500ml boluses of crystalloid remained the most common management strategy for the initial treatment of septic shock. This persisted despite the lack of benefit demonstrated in three landmark trials of protocolised sepsis management. In recent years, there has been increasing acceptance of peripheral administration of norepinephrine, based on evidence of safety and efficacy. The Intensive Care Society published guidance on peripheral vasopressor infusion in November 2020. We have recently conducted a survey amongst ED and ICU clinicians in the UK regarding attitudes and current practice related to the use of intravenous peripheral vasopressors. Eighty two respondents provided the following answers 1. Experience of use of any intravenous vasopressor in ED was high (81%); 2. Exclusive PVI made up 23% of all vasopressor use in ED; 3. Norepinephrine (norepinephrine) was the most common vasopressor (54%); 4. Barriers to PVI were local protocols and an appropriate level of care in the destination ward for a patient on vasopressor infusion.