ASH Clinical News January 2016 | Page 45

B:16.75” T:16.5” S:15.25” CLINICAL NEWS cell (RBC) transfusions. After treatment, of the seven subjects followed for six months or longer, β-globin and HbAT87Q expression was sufficient for transfusion independence in all four patients with a non-β0/β0 genotype. These patients remained transfusion-free for at least 90 days (median = 287 days; range = 171-396 days) and, at the time of last follow-up, their total Hb ranged from 9.1 to 12.2 g/dL. Two patients with β0/β0 genotype have received a single RBC transfusion post-discharge, the authors noted, while one patient with β0/β0 genotype remains transfusion-dependent. After a median follow-up of 198 days post-infusion, the researchers found that the safety profile was consistent with AHCT, with no grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events recorded. There was also no clonal dominance or replication-competent lentivirus observed. “The updated data from the Northstar Study continue to show acceptable patient safety with regard to myeloablation, drug product infusion risks, and genotoxicity at this early follow-up,” said Dr. Walters, but he noted that “longer follow-up is needed to understand the clinical significance of this data.” ● REFERENCE Walters MC, Rasko J, Hongeng S, et al. Update of results from the Northstar Study (HGB-204): a phase 1/2 study of gene therapy for beta-thalassemia major via transplantation of autologous hematopoietic stem cells transduced ex-vivo with a lentiviral beta AT87Q-globin vector (LentiGlobin BB305 Drug Product). Abstract #201. Presented at the ASH Annual Meeting, December 6, 2015; Orlando, Florida. His life. His treatment. Proven joint bleed reduction in previously treated adolescents and adults (ages 15 to 50) with prophylaxis vs on demand1,3 Median number of joint bleeds per year1,3 On-demand (n=42) Prophylaxis (n=42) 62% (26 out of 42) Joint bleeds per year Range: 0-80.1 Joint bleeds per year Range: 0-18.4 of prophylaxis patients experienced 0 joint bleeds per year.3 Joint bleed results were not analyzed for significance. Adults infusing with Kogenate FS prophylactically experienced an average of 2 joint bleeds annually, compared with those infusing on demand, who experienced 29 joint bleeds annually.1,2 Dosing Patients were randomized 1:1; all received Kogenate FS. Prophylaxis regimen: 42 patients were to receive Kogenate FS 25 IU/kg three times per week. Escalation by 5 IU/kg (to 30 or 25 IU/kg at years 1 and 2, respectively) was allowed. On-demand regimen: 42 patients were to receive Kogenate FS. Primary endpoint: Bleeding frequency after all participants had completed at least 1 year of treatment. P