Journal Article

A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Phase IIb Trial of A3309, A Bile Acid Transporter Inhibitor, for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation

Chey, William D, Camilleri, Michael, Graffner, Hans, Chang, Lin, Rikner, Leif

2011

Overview

A3309 is a minimally absorbed ileal bile acid (BA) transporter (IBAT) inhibitor. We conducted an 8-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, phase IIb study, which evaluated A3309 in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). Patients with CIC (modified Rome III criteria and <3 complete (CSBM) spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs)/week during the 2-week baseline) were randomized to 5, 10, or 15 mg A3309 or placebo once daily. The primary end point was change in SBM number during week 1 compared with baseline. Other bowel and abdominal symptoms were assessed as secondary end points. Serum 7αC4 and lipids were evaluated as biomarkers of BA synthesis/loss. In all, 190 patients (mean 48 years, 90% female) were randomized. Mean increase (95% confidence interval) in SBM for week 1 were 1.7 (0.7-2.8) for placebo vs. 2.5 (1.5-3.5), 4.0 (2.9-5.0), and 5.4 (4.4-6.4) for 5 mg, 10 mg (P<0.002), and 15 mg (P<0.001) A3309, respectively. Increased stool frequency was maintained over 8 weeks. Time to first SBM and CSBM were significantly reduced in the 10- and 15-mg A3309 groups compared with placebo. Straining and bloating decreased with A3309 compared with placebo (P<0.05). Increased 7αC4 and reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with A3309 suggested increased BA synthesis and BA loss. The most common adverse events (AEs) were abdominal pain and diarrhea, which occurred most commonly in the 15-mg A3309 group. No drug-related serious AEs were observed. A3309 increased stool frequency and improved constipation-related symptoms in CIC; effects were maintained over 8 weeks of treatment.

• Publisher: Wolters Kluwer Health Medical Research, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,Nature Publishing Group
• Subject: Abdominal Pain - chemically induced / Adult / Aged / Carrier Proteins - antagonists & inhibitors / Chronic Disease / Constipation - drug therapy / Defecation - drug effects / Diarrhea - chemically induced / Dose-Response Relationship, Drug / Double-Blind Method / Drug Administration Schedule / Female / Functional GI Disorders / Gastroenterology / Gastrointestinal Agents - administration & dosage / Gastrointestinal Agents - adverse effects / Gastrointestinal Agents - pharmacology / Gastrointestinal Agents - therapeutic use / Humans / Male / Membrane Glycoproteins - antagonists & inhibitors / Middle Aged / Treatment Outcome