Efficacy and Safety of Narlaprevir Used in Combination With Ritonavir in Treatment-Naïve and Failed Prior Treatment With Pegylated Interferon/Ribavirin Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 (PIONEER - Study)
- Conditions
- Hepatitis C
- Interventions
- Drug: Placebo NarlaprevirDrug: NarlaprevirDrug: Placebo RitonavirDrug: RitonavirDrug: Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2bDrug: Ribavirin
- Registration Number
- NCT03833362
- Lead Sponsor
- R-Pharm
- Brief Summary
The purpose of this study was to confirm that combination of narlaprevir (NVR) and ritonavir (RTV) used as a metabolic inhibitor with pegylated interferon (PEG-INF) and ribavirin (RBV) leads to a superior Sustained Virological Response (SVR) rate compared to treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin in treatment-naïve and treatment failure patient populations.
- Detailed Description
The study included 3 time periods:
* Screening period with duration up to 3 weeks during which study eligibility was confirmed.
* Double-blind treatment period: all eligible patients divided into Treatment naive and Previous treatment failure subpopulations were randomized in one of the two parallel treatment arms in 2:1 ratio:
1. Arm 1: All patients received the combination of NVR/RTV + PEG-INF/RBV for 12 weeks that was followed by PEG-INF and RBV for 12 weeks (total treatment duration of 24 weeks).
2. Arm 2: Therapy with PEG-INF and RBV (standard of care) for 48 weeks with placebo equivalent for NVR and RTV for the first 12 weeks.
Different types of pegylated interferon could be used for treatment. The assignment to the pegylated interferon alfa-2a or pegylated interferon alfa-2b treatment will be also performed using web system, in a 1:1 ratio.
Clinical efficacy of each arm were assessed 24 weeks after the end of treatment with undetectable hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA by lower limit of detection (LOD) 24 weeks following the end of treatment. In case of serum HCV-RNA levels were greater than or equal to 100 IU/mL at Week 12 of treatment (Arm 1) or serum HCV RNA declined from baseline less than 2 log after 12 weeks of treatment or serum HCV-RNA levels ≥LOD at week 24 of treatment (Arm 2) patients were considered non-responders and discontinued participation in the study. In case of satisfactory treatment response all patients were additionally administered with PEG-INF/RBV for 12 weeks (total of 24 weeks of treatment) in Arm 1, and for 36 weeks (total of 48 weeks of treatment) in Arm 2.
* Follow-up period during which patients do not receive any study medication. The duration of the follow-up period after the end of study treatment will be 24 weeks.
Overall, each patient will participate in the study for approximately up to 75 weeks from the time the patient signs the Informed Consent Form through the final visit
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 420
-
Body weight ≥ 40 and ≤ 125 kg;
-
Documented infection with HCV genotype 1 (Mixed infections with other genotypes are not eligible):
- treatment naïve (to interferon and ribavirin); or
- treatment failure patients (patients must have received interferon/ribavirin at standard doses for a minimum of 12 weeks);
-
Minimum HCV-RNA level of ≥10,000 IU at baseline;
-
No evidence of cirrhosis; availability at Baseline of at least one of the following tests negative results:
- Liver biopsy showing no cirrhosis (not later than within 3 years prior to Baseline) or
- FibroScan elasticity score < 12.5 kPa 12 months prior to baseline or
- FibroTest < 0.75 12 months prior to baseline and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/platelet ratio (APRI) of ≤ 1 during screening
-
Using acceptable contraception methods for both partners from enrollment into the study until 6 months following the end of treatment;
-
Willingness to give written informed consent.
- Previous treatment with any HCV NS3-specific protease inhibitor and/ or other direct antiviral agents (e.g. HCV polymerase inhibitors);
- Treatment for HCV infection 30 days before the enrolment;
- Use of prohibited medications within 2 weeks prior to start of study medications (inducers or substrates of CYP3A4);
- Findings suspicious for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC);
- Hepatic failure at present or in history;
- Auto-immune hepatitis in history;
- Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) titers > 1:320;
- Evidence of gallstones, choledocholithiasis and calcified gallbladder;
- HBsAg positive;
- HIV positive;
- Serum hemoglobin of <13g/dL for males and <12g/dL for females;
- Neutrophils <1500/mm3 (<1,5х109/L) at Screening;
- Platelets <150000/mm3 (<150х109/L) at Screening (patients with a platelet count >100,000/mm3 (>100х109/L) but less than 150,000/mm3 (150х109/L) can be included in the study in case a Fibroscan or FibroTest or liver biopsy during the study screening period shows no cirrhosis)
- Total bilirubin >1.6 mg/dL (>27.36 µmol/L) unless history of Gilbert's disease. If Gilbert's disease is the proposed etiology, this must be documented in the subject's chart;
- Direct bilirubin >1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) of the laboratory reference range at Screening;
- Serum albumin < lower limit of normal (LLN) of laboratory reference range at Screening;
- Serum creatinine >ULN of the laboratory reference at Screening;
- Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) / alanine aminotransferase (ALT) >5 x ULN of the laboratory reference range at Screening;
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) >1.2 ULN or <0.8 LLN;
- Contraindications to pegylated interferon, ribavirin and/or ritonavir treatment;
- Hypersensitivity to any of the study drugs;
- Active or suspected cancer;
- Psychiatric disease (moderate or severe depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder et al);
- Previous suicide attempt or suicidal ideation;
- Drug addiction;
- Opiate agonist substitution therapy;
- History of active gout within the past year;
- Organ transplant (except of cornea and hair transplant);
- Pregnant or nursing women;
- Men whose female partners are pregnant or planning pregnancy;
- Any medical condition that could interfere with the patient's participation and completion of the study;
- Use of other investigational drugs/ participation in other clinical trial within 30 days before the enrolment.
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description PEG-INF/RBV (Treatment Naive) Placebo Ritonavir Placebo Narlaprevir - 2 tablets once a day orally Placebo Ritonavir - 1 capsule once a day orally Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b - subcutaneous injection once weekly. Patients will be instructed by the investigator on how to self-administer the drug and will be given at each dispensing visit the quantity of PEG-INF alfa-2a and PEG-INF alfa-2b needed between visits. Ribavirin - twice daily orally. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2a: 5 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 3 in the evening) or 6 RBV capsules (3 in the morning + 3 in the evening) - weight based. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2b: 4 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 2 in the evening) - minimal dose or 7 (3 in the morning + 4 in the evening) - maximal dose PEG-INF/RBV (Treatment Failure) Placebo Ritonavir Placebo Narlaprevir - 2 tablets once a day orally Placebo Ritonavir - 1 capsule once a day orally Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b - subcutaneous injection once weekly. Patients will be instructed by the investigator on how to self-administer the drug and will be given at each dispensing visit the quantity of PEG-INF alfa-2a and PEG-INF alfa-2b needed between visits. Ribavirin - twice daily orally. In the case of co-administration with PEG alfa-2a: 5 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 3 in the evening) or 6 RBV capsules (3 in the morning + 3 in the evening) - weight based. In the case of co-administration with PEG alfa-2b: 4 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 2 in the evening) - minimal dose or 7 (3 in the morning + 4 in the evening) - maximal dose PEG-INF/RBV (Treatment Naive) Placebo Narlaprevir Placebo Narlaprevir - 2 tablets once a day orally Placebo Ritonavir - 1 capsule once a day orally Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b - subcutaneous injection once weekly. Patients will be instructed by the investigator on how to self-administer the drug and will be given at each dispensing visit the quantity of PEG-INF alfa-2a and PEG-INF alfa-2b needed between visits. Ribavirin - twice daily orally. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2a: 5 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 3 in the evening) or 6 RBV capsules (3 in the morning + 3 in the evening) - weight based. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2b: 4 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 2 in the evening) - minimal dose or 7 (3 in the morning + 4 in the evening) - maximal dose PEG-INF/RBV (Treatment Failure) Placebo Narlaprevir Placebo Narlaprevir - 2 tablets once a day orally Placebo Ritonavir - 1 capsule once a day orally Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b - subcutaneous injection once weekly. Patients will be instructed by the investigator on how to self-administer the drug and will be given at each dispensing visit the quantity of PEG-INF alfa-2a and PEG-INF alfa-2b needed between visits. Ribavirin - twice daily orally. In the case of co-administration with PEG alfa-2a: 5 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 3 in the evening) or 6 RBV capsules (3 in the morning + 3 in the evening) - weight based. In the case of co-administration with PEG alfa-2b: 4 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 2 in the evening) - minimal dose or 7 (3 in the morning + 4 in the evening) - maximal dose PEG-INF/RBV (Treatment Failure) Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b Placebo Narlaprevir - 2 tablets once a day orally Placebo Ritonavir - 1 capsule once a day orally Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b - subcutaneous injection once weekly. Patients will be instructed by the investigator on how to self-administer the drug and will be given at each dispensing visit the quantity of PEG-INF alfa-2a and PEG-INF alfa-2b needed between visits. Ribavirin - twice daily orally. In the case of co-administration with PEG alfa-2a: 5 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 3 in the evening) or 6 RBV capsules (3 in the morning + 3 in the evening) - weight based. In the case of co-administration with PEG alfa-2b: 4 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 2 in the evening) - minimal dose or 7 (3 in the morning + 4 in the evening) - maximal dose NVR/RTV + PEG-INF/RBV (Treatment Failure) Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b Narlaprevir - 2 tablets once a day orally Ritonavir - 1 capsule once a day orally Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b - subcutaneous injection once weekly. Patients will be instructed by the investigator on how to self-administer the drug and will be given at each dispensing visit the quantity of PEG-INF alfa-2a and PEG-INF alfa-2b needed between visits. Ribavirin - twice daily orally. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2a: 5 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 3 in the evening) or 6 RBV capsules (3 in the morning + 3 in the evening) - weight based. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2b: 4 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 2 in the evening) - minimal dose or 7 (3 in the morning + 4 in the evening) - maximal dose NVR/RTV + PEG-INF/RBV (Treatment Naive) Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b Narlaprevir - 2 tablets once a day orally Ritonavir - 1 capsule once a day orally Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b - subcutaneous injection once weekly. Patients will be instructed by the investigator on how to self-administer the drug and will be given at each dispensing visit the quantity of PEG-INF alfa-2a and PEG-INF alfa-2b needed between visits. Ribavirin - twice daily orally. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2a: 5 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 3 in the evening) or 6 RBV capsules (3 in the morning + 3 in the evening) - weight based. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2b: 4 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 2 in the evening) - minimal dose or 7 (3 in the morning + 4 in the evening) - maximal dose PEG-INF/RBV (Treatment Naive) Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b Placebo Narlaprevir - 2 tablets once a day orally Placebo Ritonavir - 1 capsule once a day orally Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b - subcutaneous injection once weekly. Patients will be instructed by the investigator on how to self-administer the drug and will be given at each dispensing visit the quantity of PEG-INF alfa-2a and PEG-INF alfa-2b needed between visits. Ribavirin - twice daily orally. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2a: 5 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 3 in the evening) or 6 RBV capsules (3 in the morning + 3 in the evening) - weight based. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2b: 4 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 2 in the evening) - minimal dose or 7 (3 in the morning + 4 in the evening) - maximal dose NVR/RTV + PEG-INF/RBV (Treatment Failure) Narlaprevir Narlaprevir - 2 tablets once a day orally Ritonavir - 1 capsule once a day orally Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b - subcutaneous injection once weekly. Patients will be instructed by the investigator on how to self-administer the drug and will be given at each dispensing visit the quantity of PEG-INF alfa-2a and PEG-INF alfa-2b needed between visits. Ribavirin - twice daily orally. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2a: 5 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 3 in the evening) or 6 RBV capsules (3 in the morning + 3 in the evening) - weight based. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2b: 4 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 2 in the evening) - minimal dose or 7 (3 in the morning + 4 in the evening) - maximal dose NVR/RTV + PEG-INF/RBV (Treatment Naive) Ritonavir Narlaprevir - 2 tablets once a day orally Ritonavir - 1 capsule once a day orally Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b - subcutaneous injection once weekly. Patients will be instructed by the investigator on how to self-administer the drug and will be given at each dispensing visit the quantity of PEG-INF alfa-2a and PEG-INF alfa-2b needed between visits. Ribavirin - twice daily orally. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2a: 5 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 3 in the evening) or 6 RBV capsules (3 in the morning + 3 in the evening) - weight based. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2b: 4 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 2 in the evening) - minimal dose or 7 (3 in the morning + 4 in the evening) - maximal dose NVR/RTV + PEG-INF/RBV (Treatment Naive) Ribavirin Narlaprevir - 2 tablets once a day orally Ritonavir - 1 capsule once a day orally Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b - subcutaneous injection once weekly. Patients will be instructed by the investigator on how to self-administer the drug and will be given at each dispensing visit the quantity of PEG-INF alfa-2a and PEG-INF alfa-2b needed between visits. Ribavirin - twice daily orally. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2a: 5 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 3 in the evening) or 6 RBV capsules (3 in the morning + 3 in the evening) - weight based. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2b: 4 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 2 in the evening) - minimal dose or 7 (3 in the morning + 4 in the evening) - maximal dose PEG-INF/RBV (Treatment Naive) Ribavirin Placebo Narlaprevir - 2 tablets once a day orally Placebo Ritonavir - 1 capsule once a day orally Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b - subcutaneous injection once weekly. Patients will be instructed by the investigator on how to self-administer the drug and will be given at each dispensing visit the quantity of PEG-INF alfa-2a and PEG-INF alfa-2b needed between visits. Ribavirin - twice daily orally. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2a: 5 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 3 in the evening) or 6 RBV capsules (3 in the morning + 3 in the evening) - weight based. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2b: 4 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 2 in the evening) - minimal dose or 7 (3 in the morning + 4 in the evening) - maximal dose NVR/RTV + PEG-INF/RBV (Treatment Failure) Ribavirin Narlaprevir - 2 tablets once a day orally Ritonavir - 1 capsule once a day orally Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b - subcutaneous injection once weekly. Patients will be instructed by the investigator on how to self-administer the drug and will be given at each dispensing visit the quantity of PEG-INF alfa-2a and PEG-INF alfa-2b needed between visits. Ribavirin - twice daily orally. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2a: 5 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 3 in the evening) or 6 RBV capsules (3 in the morning + 3 in the evening) - weight based. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2b: 4 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 2 in the evening) - minimal dose or 7 (3 in the morning + 4 in the evening) - maximal dose NVR/RTV + PEG-INF/RBV (Treatment Failure) Ritonavir Narlaprevir - 2 tablets once a day orally Ritonavir - 1 capsule once a day orally Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b - subcutaneous injection once weekly. Patients will be instructed by the investigator on how to self-administer the drug and will be given at each dispensing visit the quantity of PEG-INF alfa-2a and PEG-INF alfa-2b needed between visits. Ribavirin - twice daily orally. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2a: 5 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 3 in the evening) or 6 RBV capsules (3 in the morning + 3 in the evening) - weight based. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2b: 4 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 2 in the evening) - minimal dose or 7 (3 in the morning + 4 in the evening) - maximal dose PEG-INF/RBV (Treatment Failure) Ribavirin Placebo Narlaprevir - 2 tablets once a day orally Placebo Ritonavir - 1 capsule once a day orally Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b - subcutaneous injection once weekly. Patients will be instructed by the investigator on how to self-administer the drug and will be given at each dispensing visit the quantity of PEG-INF alfa-2a and PEG-INF alfa-2b needed between visits. Ribavirin - twice daily orally. In the case of co-administration with PEG alfa-2a: 5 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 3 in the evening) or 6 RBV capsules (3 in the morning + 3 in the evening) - weight based. In the case of co-administration with PEG alfa-2b: 4 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 2 in the evening) - minimal dose or 7 (3 in the morning + 4 in the evening) - maximal dose NVR/RTV + PEG-INF/RBV (Treatment Naive) Narlaprevir Narlaprevir - 2 tablets once a day orally Ritonavir - 1 capsule once a day orally Pegylated interferon alfa-2a/ Pegylated interferon alfa-2b - subcutaneous injection once weekly. Patients will be instructed by the investigator on how to self-administer the drug and will be given at each dispensing visit the quantity of PEG-INF alfa-2a and PEG-INF alfa-2b needed between visits. Ribavirin - twice daily orally. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2a: 5 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 3 in the evening) or 6 RBV capsules (3 in the morning + 3 in the evening) - weight based. In the case of co-administration with PEG-INF alfa-2b: 4 RBV capsules (2 in the morning + 2 in the evening) - minimal dose or 7 (3 in the morning + 4 in the evening) - maximal dose
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Number of patients with Sustained Virologic Response (SVR24) Week 24 after the end of treatment HCV RNA undetectable by Limit of detection (LOD)
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Number of patients who develop viral breakthrough Week 24 of treatment (Arm 1), Week 48 of treatment (Arm 2) Greater than or equal to 1 log10 increase in HCV-RNA above nadir, or detectable HCV-RNA, while on treatment after an initial drop below detection
Number of patients who develop relapse Week 24 after the end of treatment HCV RNA undetectable by LOD at end of treatment with subsequent detectable HCV RNA
Number of patients who develop neutropenia Week 24 of treatment (Arm 1), Week 48 of treatment (Arm 2) Neutropenia is defined as neutrophils \<0.75x109/L
Number of patients who achieve the Rapid Virological Response (RVR) Week 4 of treatment HCV RNA \< LOD
Number of patients who achieve the Early Virological Response (EVR) Week 12 of treatment HCV RNA \<LOD
Number of patients who achieve the SVR12 Week 12 after the end of treatment HCV RNA undetectable (by LOD)
Number of patients who develop anemia Week 24 of treatment (Arm 1), Week 48 of treatment (Arm 2) Anemia is defined as as Hb \<10g/dL
Number of patients who achieve the End of Treatment Response (ETR) Week 24 of treatment (Arm 1), Week 48 of treatment (Arm 2) HCV RNA \<LOD
Trial Locations
- Locations (20)
South-Ural State Medical University, Clinic of Medical Academy, Infectious Diseases Department
🇷🇺Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation
First Moscow State Medical University n.a. I.M. Sechenov, Clinic of Nephrology, Internal and Professional Diseases n.a. E.M. Tarleev
🇷🇺Moscow, Russian Federation
Moscow State Medical Stomatological University n.a. A. I. Evdokimov, Clinical Infectious Hospital #1, Clinical Infections Department
🇷🇺Moscow, Russian Federation
Public Corporation "Clinical Hospital of Centrosouze"
🇷🇺Moscow, Russian Federation
Saint Petersburg State Budget Healthcare Institution Center of AIDS and Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control
🇷🇺Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Clinic of Samara State Medical University, Department of Infectious Diseases
🇷🇺Samara, Russian Federation
Military Medical Academy of Ministry of Defense of Russian Federation n.a. S.M. Kirov, Infectious Diseases Department
🇷🇺Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Saint Petersburg State Budgetary Healthcare Institution Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases n.a. S.P. Botkin
🇷🇺Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Public corporation Medical company "Gepatolog"
🇷🇺Samara, Russian Federation
Stavropolsky State Medical University, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Pancreatology
🇷🇺Stavropol', Russian Federation
Kazan State Medical Academy, Republican Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases n.a. A.F. Agafonov
🇷🇺Kazan, Russian Federation
Stavropolsky Krai Clinical Hospital, Gastroenterology Department related to Hospital Therapy Department
🇷🇺Stavropol', Russian Federation
First Moscow State Medical University n.a. I.M. Sechenov, Propedeutics of Internal Diseases Department
🇷🇺Moscow, Russian Federation
Novosibirsk State Medical University, Clinical city hospital #12, Therapeutic Department
🇷🇺Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
Municipal Healthcare Institution Clinical city hospital #2 n.a. V.I. Razumovsky, Infectious Diseases Department
🇷🇺Saratow, Russian Federation
Federal Budget Science Institution Central Science and Research Institute of Epidemiology of RosPotrebNadzor
🇷🇺Moscow, Russian Federation
Federal State Budget Healthcare Institution Central Clinical Hospital of Russian Academy of Science
🇷🇺Moscow, Russian Federation
Public Corporation "MedElitConsulting"
🇷🇺Moscow, Russian Federation
State Budget Healthcare Moscow Institution Clinical Scientific Center of Healthcare Department of Moscow
🇷🇺Moscow, Russian Federation
State Budgetary Healthcare Organization Clinical city hospital #24
🇷🇺Moscow, Russian Federation