22 research outputs found
Identification and rapid mapping of a gene conferring broad-spectrum late blight resistance in the diploid potato species <i>Solanum verrucosum</i> through DNA capture technologies
Protocol paper: a multi-center, double-blinded, randomized, 6-month, placebo-controlled study followed by 12-month open label extension to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Saracatinib in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (STOPFOP)
Background
Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) is a genetic, progressive and devastating disease characterized by severe heterotopic ossification (HO), loss of mobility and early death. There are no FDA approved medications. The STOPFOP team identified AZD0530 (saracatinib) as a potent inhibitor of the ALK2/ACVR1-kinase which is the causative gene for this rare bone disease. AZD0530 was proven to prevent HO formation in FOP mouse models. The STOPFOP trial investigates the repositioning of AZD0530, originally developed for ovarian cancer treatment, to treat patients with FOP.
Methods
The STOPFOP trial is a phase 2a study. It is designed as a European, multicentre, 6-month double blind randomized controlled trial of AZD0530 versus placebo, followed by a 12-month trial comparing open-label extended AZD0530 treatment with natural history data as a control. Enrollment will include 20 FOP patients, aged 18â65âyears, with the classic FOP mutation (ALK2 R206H). The primary endpoint is objective change in heterotopic bone volume measured by low-dose whole-body computer tomography (CT) in the RCT phase. Secondary endpoints include 18F NaF PET activity and patient reported outcome measures.
Discussion
Clinical trials in rare diseases with limited study populations pose unique challenges. An ideal solution for limiting risks in early clinical studies is drug repositioning â using existing clinical molecules for new disease indications. Using existing assets may also allow a more fluid transition into clinical practice.
With positive study outcome, AZD0530 may provide a therapy for FOP that can be rapidly progressed due to the availability of existing safety data from 28 registered clinical trials with AZD0530 involving over 600 patients.
Trial registration
EudraCT, 2019â003324-20. Registered 16 October 2019, https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2019-003324-20/NL. Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04307953. Registered 13 March 2020
In vivo imaging of the effect of LPS on arterial endothelial cells: molecular imaging of heat shock protein 60 expression
Bacterial endotoxins are known as stress factors
for endothelial cells. In 20 normocholesterolemic New
Zealand White (NZW) rabbits, endothelial stress was
induced by intravenous (i.v.) injection of lipopolysaccharide
(LPS), while eight NZW rabbits were sham-treated or served
as untreated controls. In vivo molecular imaging was
performed using co-registered computer tomography and
positron emission tomography 24 h after i.v. injection of 124
I-labeled monoclonal anti-HSP60 or 124I-radiolabelled
isotype control antibodies. Compared to control animals, in vivo images of rabbit aortae revealed significantly
increased endothelial binding of 124I-labeled anti-HSP60
antibodies upon LPS, especially at sites of aortal branching.
This was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and autoradiography
data. Our results showed, as proof-of-principle,
that HSP60-expression in normocholesterolemic rabbits is
significantly increased after induction of endothelial stress
and that non-invasive in vivo molecular imaging of early
aortal HSP60-expression using 124I-labeled anti-HSP60
monoclonal antibodies is possible
Minority Participation and Well-Being in Majority Catholic Nations: What Does it Mean to be a Religious Minority?
In vivo imaging of the effect of LPS on arterial endothelial cells: molecular imaging of heat shock protein 60 expression
Collaboration around rare bone diseases leads to the unique organizational incentive of the Amsterdam Bone Center
In the field of rare bone diseases in particular, a broad care team of specialists embedded in multidisciplinary clinical and research environment is essential to generate new therapeutic solutions and approaches to care. Collaboration among clinical and research departments within a University Medical Center is often difficult to establish, and may be hindered by competition and non-equivalent cooperation inherent in a hierarchical structure. Here we describe the âcollaborative organizational modelâ of the Amsterdam Bone Center (ABC), which emerged from and benefited the rare bone disease team. This team is often confronted with pathologically complex and under-investigated diseases. We describe the benefits of this model that still guarantees the autonomy of each team member, but combines and focuses our collective expertise on a clear shared goal, enabling us to capture synergistic and innovative opportunities for the patient, while avoiding self-interest and possible harmful competition
Collaboration Around Rare Bone Diseases Leads to the Unique Organizational Incentive of the Amsterdam Bone Center
In the field of rare bone diseases in particular, a broad care team of specialists embedded in multidisciplinary clinical and research environment is essential to generate new therapeutic solutions and approaches to care. Collaboration among clinical and research departments within a University Medical Center is often difficult to establish, and may be hindered by competition and non-equivalent cooperation inherent in a hierarchical structure. Here we describe the âcollaborative organizational modelâ of the Amsterdam Bone Center (ABC), which emerged from and benefited the rare bone disease team. This team is often confronted with pathologically complex and under-investigated diseases. We describe the benefits of this model that still guarantees the autonomy of each team member, but combines and focuses our collective expertise on a clear shared goal, enabling us to capture synergistic and innovative opportunities for the patient, while avoiding self-interest and possible harmful competition