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Background Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have substantial unmet medical need. Baricitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK)1 and 2 inhibitor that was shown to have therapeutic benefit in patients with SLE in a phase II clinical trial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the median change from baseline in conventional serologic biomarkers in subgroups and the overall population of baricitinib-treated patients with SLE, and the SLE Responder Index-4 (SRI-4) response by normalization of anti-dsDNA. Methods Data were assessed from the phase II trial I4V-MC-JAHH (NCT02708095). The median change from baseline in anti-dsDNA, IgG, and other conventional serologic markers was evaluated over time in patients who had elevated levels of markers at baseline, and in all patients for IgG. Median change from baseline for baricitinib treatments were compared with placebo. Among patients who were anti-dsDNA positive at baseline, SRI-4 responder rate was compared for those who stayed positive or achieved normal levels by week 24. Results Significant decreases of anti-dsDNA antibodies were observed in response to baricitinib 2 mg and 4 mg compared to placebo beginning at weeks 2 (baricitinib 2 mg = − 14.3 IU/mL, placebo = 0.1 IU/mL) and 4 (baricitinib 4 mg = − 17.9 IU/mL, placebo = 0.02 IU/mL), respectively, continuing through week 24 (baricitinib 2 mg = − 29.6 IU/mL, baricitinib 4 mg = − 15.1 IU/mL, placebo=3.0 IU/mL). Significant reductions from baseline of IgG levels were found for baricitinib 4 mg-treated patients compared to placebo at weeks 12 (baricitinib 4 mg = − 0.65 g/L, placebo = 0.09 g/L) and 24 (baricitinib 4 mg = − 0.60 g/L, placebo = − 0.04 g/L). For patients who were anti-dsDNA positive at baseline, no relationship between achieving SRI-4 responder and normalization of anti-dsDNA was observed by week 24. Conclusions Baricitinib treatment resulted in a rapid and sustained significant decrease in anti-dsDNA antibodies compared to placebo among those with positive anti-dsDNA antibodies at baseline, as well as a significant decrease in IgG levels in the 4 mg group at weeks 12 and 24. These data suggest that baricitinib may influence B cell activity in SLE. Further studies are needed to evaluate if reductions in anti-dsDNA levels with baricitinib treatment reflect the impact of baricitinib on B cell activity. Trial registration NCT02708095 .

ObjectiveThe British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG)-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) and the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Responder Index 4 (SRI4) responses are the most common primary endpoints in SLE clinical trials. We examined the concordance and the reasons for discordance in BICLA/SRI4 responses in participants with SLE receiving placebo and standard of care (SOC) in two randomised controlled trials.MethodsThis post-hoc analysis included data from the placebo arm (participants treated with SOC) of the EXPLORER (n=87; NCT00137969) and ATHOS (n=80; NCT02908100) trials. Disease activity was measured using BILAG and SELENA-SLEDAI (Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) in the EXPLORER trial and BILAG-2004 and SLEDAI-2000K in the ATHOS trial. For this analysis, participants were classified as responders or non-responders based on BICLA and SRI4 and the presence of intercurrent events. Concordance and discordance frequencies between BICLA and SRI4 were determined.ResultsIn EXPLORER, the BICLA response rates were lower than the SRI4 response rates (29.9% vs 41.4% at week 52, respectively), whereas in ATHOS the BICLA and SRI4 response rates were similar (41.2% vs 43.8% at week 48, respectively). The overall BICLA/SRI4 concordance (Cohen’s κ score) was moderate (0.46 in EXPLORER and 0.54 in ATHOS at weeks 52 and 48, respectively). At weeks 52 and 48, BICLA+/SRI4− and BICLA−/SRI4+ discordance, respectively, was 6.9% and 18.4% in EXPLORER and 10.0% and 12.5% in ATHOS. In an analysis of ATHOS subgroups based on the presence or absence of rash at baseline, BICLA response was higher at week 48 in participants with arthritis only than in those with arthritis and mucocutaneous comanifestations (63.2% vs 33.9%, respectively). BICLA−/SRI4+ and BICLA+/SRI4− discordance was lower in participants with low compared with normal complement at baseline.ConclusionsBICLA and SRI4 may be discordant in SLE trials. Arthritis and rash were the primary drivers of the discordance, and serology influenced BICLA and SRI4 response, suggesting the need for evaluation of multiple efficacy endpoints rather than a single measure.

Baricitinib is an oral Janus kinase (JAK)1/JAK2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that was independently predicted, using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, to be useful for COVID‐19 infection via proposed anti‐cytokine effects and as an inhibitor of host cell viral propagation. We evaluated the in vitro pharmacology of baricitinib across relevant leukocyte subpopulations coupled to its in vivo pharmacokinetics and showed it inhibited signaling of cytokines implicated in COVID‐19 infection. We validated the AI‐predicted biochemical inhibitory effects of baricitinib on human numb‐associated kinase (hNAK) members measuring nanomolar affinities for AAK1, BIKE, and GAK. Inhibition of NAKs led to reduced viral infectivity with baricitinib using human primary liver spheroids. These effects occurred at exposure levels seen clinically. In a case series of patients with bilateral COVID‐19 pneumonia, baricitinib treatment was associated with clinical and radiologic recovery, a rapid decline in SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load, inflammatory markers, and IL‐6 levels. Collectively, these data support further evaluation of the anti‐cytokine and anti‐viral activity of baricitinib and support its assessment in randomized trials in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. Synopsis This study provides biochemical and cellular evidence confirming artificial intelligence (AI)‐predictions focused on anti‐cytokine signaling and potential anti‐viral effects for baricitinib, along with a case series, supporting its potential utility in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. Baricitinib, an oral Janus kinase (JAK)1/JAK2 inhibitor used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, was hypothesised using AI to be useful in COVID‐19. Baricitinib‐mediated inhibition of numb associated kinases utilized by SARS‐CoV‐2 for its propagation, led to reduced viral infectivity in primary liver spheroids. Baricitinib reduces levels of cytokines implicated in COVID‐19 and inhibits their signaling. In patients with bilateral COVID‐19 pneumonia, baricitinib treatment was associated with clinical and radiologic recovery, a rapid decline in SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load, inflammatory markers, and IL‐6 levels. Graphical Abstract This study provides biochemical and cellular evidence confirming artificial intelligence (AI)‐predictions focused on anti‐cytokine signaling and potential anti‐viral effects for baricitinib, along with a case series, supporting its potential utility in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients.

ObjectivesTo elucidate the mechanism of action of baricitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) 1/2 inhibitor, and describe immunological pathways related to disease activity in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) receiving standard background therapy in a phase II trial.MethodsPatients with SLE were treated with baricitinib 2 mg or 4 mg in a phase II randomised, placebo-controlled study. Sera from 239 patients (baricitinib 2 mg: n=88; baricitinib 4 mg: n=82; placebo: n=69) and 49 healthy controls (HCs) were collected at baseline and week 12 and analysed using a proximity extension assay (Target 96 Inflammation Panel (Olink)). Interferon (IFN) scores were determined using an mRNA panel. Analytes were compared in patients with SLE versus HCs and in changes from baseline at week 12 between baricitinib 2 mg, 4 mg and placebo groups using a restricted maximum likelihood-based mixed models for repeated measures. Spearman correlations were computed for analytes and clinical measurements.ResultsAt baseline, SLE sera had strong cytokine dysregulation relative to HC sera. C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL) 19, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 10, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), TNF receptor superfamily member (TNFRSF)9/CD137, PD-L1, IL-6 and IL-12β were significantly reduced in patients treated with baricitinib 4 mg versus placebo at week 12. Inflammatory biomarkers indicated correlations/associations with type I IFN (CCL19, CXCL10, TNF-α and PD-L1), anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA) (TNF-α, CXCL10) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000, tender and swollen joint count and worst joint pain (CCL19, IL-6 and TNFRSF9/CD137).ConclusionThese results suggest that baricitinib 4 mg downregulated key cytokines that are upregulated in patients with SLE and may play a role in a multitargeted mechanism beyond the IFN signature although clinical relevance remains to be further delineated.Trial registration number NCT02708095.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). A better understanding of CVD risk factors in AD populations may help dermatologists better counsel their patients regarding potential risks and treatment choices. This systematic literature review evaluated the prevalence, absolute risk (i.e.,  incidence) and relative risk of CVD risk factors in adults with AD. MEDLINE, Embase and The Cochrane Library were searched for English‐language articles published between January 2005 and the search date (16–17 March 2021) using terms for AD, prevalence/risk and CVD risk factors. Observational studies that reported the prevalence, absolute risk and/or relative risk of CVD risk factors in adults with AD were eligible. Of the 1277 unique articles identified, 71 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were cross‐sectional or retrospective cohort studies from Europe, North America or Asia; many used national databases. Studies were heterogeneous, with inconsistent definitions of AD and risk factors (especially smoking and obesity), different methodologies and different populations (e.g., ethnicity). Within most controlled studies, the prevalence of several risk factors, particularly obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia, was higher for AD than for controls. Where assessed, the prevalence of most CVD risk factors increased with increasing AD severity. Relative risks varied across studies. Only nine studies reported the temporal relationship between AD and CVD risk factors. Six studies reported absolute or relative risk of developing CVD risk factors (diabetes, hypertension and smoking) in AD populations; only one of these reported an elevated risk (hypertension). Despite the high number of studies to date, conclusive data regarding the relationship between AD and many CVD risk factors are lacking, and additional, carefully designed, prospective studies are required. Video Video content can be heard at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jvc2.87

Background We previously reported on the change in the use of rosiglitazone-containing products (RCP) and adverse event reporting rates in Canadian patients between 2004 and 2010. The present study extends this analysis to include the January 2011 to December 2012 time period. Methods RCP utilization rates were obtained from IMS Health Brogan’s longitudinal de-identified patient database, LRx. GlaxoSmithKline’s global adverse events database was used to extract adverse events (AE), serious adverse events (SAE), and cardiac adverse events (CAE) reported in Canadian patients receiving RCP from April 2004 to December 2012. The patient utilization information from the LRx database was used to estimate rates per 100,000 patients. Results An estimated 182,841 patients were dispensed RCP prescriptions between April 2004 and December 2012. The total number of patients using RCP decreased by 85 % from 2011 to 2012. From its peak use in 2007, the number of patients filling a prescription decreased 97 %. A total of 1069 AEs were reported during the study period, of which 32 AE’s were reported from Jan 2011 to Dec 2012. The average monthly reporting rates of AE’s, SAE’s and CAE’s over 2011–2012 were 10.8/100,000 patients, 9.1/100,000 patients and 5.0/100,000 patients, respectively. Conclusions The utilization of RCP in Canada has significantly declined. The significance of the adverse event rate information presented is uncertain and must be evaluated within the context of the well known factors that can influence AE reporting rates, as well as limitations to the methods used to estimate these reporting rates.

Introduction A number of treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD) are available; however, long-term treatment patterns and healthcare consumption in patients with AD are poorly described. Methods We conducted a registry-based longitudinal drug utilization study among Danish patients with AD that were referred to their first-ever visit at hospital-based dermatology clinics. Their first visit was in the period between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2012, and patients were followed up to 5 years after their first visit. Results In total, 8213 people with a first-time hospital dermatologist contact for AD were included in the study (3514 aged 0–9 years, 1501 aged 10–19 years, 3198 aged 20 years or older). At first visit, a baseline history of moderately potent topical corticosteroid (TCS) use was seen among 46.6% of children (0–9 years), whereas potent or very potent TCS use was more frequently among older individuals (e.g., 51.1% and 25.6% of people aged 50 years or older had used potent and very potent TCS, respectively). The median (interquartile range) annual number of visits to general practitioners was 4 (2–7) for children and 5 (2–8) for adults, in the 12 months prior to referral. Three years after referral, these numbers had decreased to 2 (1–4) and 3 (1–6), respectively. In the first year after referral, 6% of patients were prescribed systemic corticosteroids, whereas other systemic therapies were used in 5% or less. Conclusions After referral, low proportions of patients received systemic treatment, or potent TCS. These findings highlight considerable differences in treatment patterns between general practitioners and private practice dermatologists, compared with hospital-based dermatologists, and emphasize the need for better adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines.

ObjectivesTo achieve consensus on domains of active disease for inclusion in a novel outcome measure for SLE randomised controlled trials (RCTs), the Treatment Response Measure for SLE (TRM-SLE).MethodsDomains nominated by TRM-SLE Taskforce members were rated in a two-stage modified Delphi study. Each stage comprised two online survey rounds separated by a structured discussion meeting. In Stage 1, expert lupus clinicians and patient representatives rated domain ‘importance’ (impact on symptoms, function or survival). In Stage 2, clinicians rated ‘important’ domains on three characteristics relevant to RCT utility: ‘appropriateness’ for evaluating change in disease activity, ‘representation’ in patients with active SLE and ‘measurability’ in an RCT context. Consensus for domain inclusion was prespecified as all four characteristics achieving a rating ≥7 on a 1–9 scale by ≥70% of participants.ResultsDomain nominations from 36/59 (61%) TRM-SLE Taskforce members yielded 34 potential domains which were rated in the modified Delphi study. At least one Delphi round was completed by 87 clinicians and 13 patient representatives. In Stage 1, 14 domains met consensus on ‘importance’ in both clinician and patient groups, and 11 domains met consensus among patients only. After Stage 2, eight of these domains also reached consensus on ‘appropriateness’, ‘representation’ and ‘measurability’: alopecia, arthritis, haemolytic anaemia, nephritis, mucosal ulcers, rash, serositis and thrombocytopenia.ConclusionsConsidering patient and clinician perspectives, we reached consensus to include eight disease activity domains for future development into the novel TRM-SLE clinical trial outcome measure, aiming to improve trial interpretability and success.

ObjectiveTo investigate changes in peripheral B cells, B-cell subsets and biomarkers in NOBILITY.MethodsIn the randomized Phase II NOBILITY trial (NCT02550652), patients with lupus nephritis received standard care (MMF) plus obinutuzumab 1000 mg or placebo on Weeks 0, 2, 24 and 26. We analyzed autoantibodies, complement C3/C4, total CD19+ B cells and B-cell subsets using high-sensitivity flow cytometry at Weeks 4, 12, 24, 52, 76 and 104. Sustained B-cell depletion was defined as total B cells below the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ; 0.4 cells/μL) at Weeks 24 and 52. Detectable B cells were defined as total B cells above LLOQ.ResultsBaseline biomarker levels were similar between treatment groups. By Week 4, 89.3% (50/56) of obinutuzumab-treated patients had total and all B-cell subsets below LLOQ; by Week 104, 91.8% (45/49) had total B cells above LLOQ. At Week 104, mean memory B cells remained low compared with baseline in obinutuzumab-treated patients (3.5 vs 65 cells/µL), whereas mean naïve B cells were repleted (127 vs 229 cells/µL; figure 1). Of 52 obinutuzumab-treated patients with B-cell measurements at Weeks 24 and 52, 61.5% had sustained B-cell depletion. A trend towards higher renal response rates at Week 76 were observed in obinutuzumab-treated patients with sustained B-cell depletion and those with detectable B cells compared with placebo-treated patients (figure 2). In patients positive for anti-dsDNA antibodies at baseline (>30 IU/mL), median anti-dsDNA antibodies at Week 104 were reduced by 84% and 39% in the obinutuzumab and placebo groups, respectively; anti-C1q antibodies were reduced by 61% and 7%, respectively. Among patients who were hypocomplementemic at baseline (C3 <90 mg/dL or C4 <16 mg/dL), more patients who received obinutuzumab than placebo had normal C3 (75% vs 38%) and C4 (82% vs 31%) levels at Week 52.ConclusionIn patients with lupus nephritis, obinutuzumab treatment resulted in robust and sustained reductions in B cells, greater renal response in patients with sustained B-cell depletion and greater improvements in autoantibodies and C3/C4 compared with placebo. These data support the superiority of obinutuzumab plus MMF at inducing renal response.AcknowledgementsFunded by F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Editorial assistance was provided by Health Interactions, Inc., and funded by F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.DisclosuresR.A. Furie has received research support and consulting fees from Genentech, Inc.S.W. Tas has received research support from F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd/Genentech, Inc.A. Malvar has received consulting fees from Genentech, Inc., and F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.C.M. Looney, E. Martins, A. Mao and T. Schindler are employees and shareholders of F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.H. Raghu, V.G. Anania and J.A. Ross Terres are employees of Genentech, Inc., and shareholders of F. Hoffmann-LaRoche Ltd.E.M. Vital has received consulting fees from F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd/Genentech, Inc.Abstract O33 Figure 1Depletion of B cells and B-cell subsets over time in patients with lupus nephritis in NOBILITYCD, cluster of differentiation; MMF, mycophenolate mofetil.Abstract O33 Figure 2Renal response at week 76 by B-cell depletion status at weeks 24 and 52. HPF, high-powered field; RBC, red blood cell; LLOQ, lower limit of quantitation; ULN, upper limit of normal; UPCR, urine protein-to-creatinine ratio. †Total B cells below LLOQ (0.4 cells/μL). ‡Total B cells above LLOQ (0.4 cells/μL). §A composite measure requiring UPCR of <0.5, normal renal function (serum creatinine ≤ ULN) without worsening of baseline serum creatinine by >15% and inactive urinary sediment (<10 RBCs/HPF without RBC casts). A composite measure requiring serum creatinine of ≤15% above baseline value, no urinary RBC casts and either RBCs/HPF of ≤50% above baseline or <10 RBCs/HPF, 50% UPCR improvement, with 1 of the following conditions met (1) if the baseline UPCR is ≤3.0, then UPCR of <1.0 or (2) if the baseline UPCR is >3.0, then UPCR of <3.0. * P<0.2 vs placebo group. ** P<0.05 vs placebo group. *** P<0.001 vs placebo group.