Bayer announced positive topline results from its Phase III QUANTI studies, evaluating the efficacy and safety of gadoquatrane, an investigational gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The studies demonstrated that gadoquatrane, administered at a reduced gadolinium dose, successfully met its primary and main secondary endpoints across a broad range of patient populations.
The QUANTI clinical development program included two multinational Phase III studies: QUANTI CNS, focusing on the central nervous system, and QUANTI OBR, evaluating other body regions. A third study, QUANTI Pediatric, assessed the agent's pharmacokinetics and safety in children. In total, 808 patients across 15 countries participated in the program.
Efficacy and Safety
The QUANTI CNS and QUANTI OBR studies compared the ability to visualize and detect known or suspected diseases on MRI scans using gadoquatrane (0.04 mmol Gd/kg body weight) versus scans without contrast and scans using macrocyclic GBCAs at a standard dose of 0.1 mmol Gd/kg body weight. Topline results indicated that gadoquatrane met the primary and main secondary efficacy endpoints related to visualization parameters and lesion detection. The QUANTI Pediatric study showed that gadoquatrane's pharmacokinetic behavior in children is similar to that in adults.
The safety profile observed in both adult and pediatric patients was consistent with previous data on gadoquatrane and other macrocyclic GBCAs, with no new safety signals identified.
Clinical Significance
Contrast-enhanced MRI is a crucial diagnostic tool, aiding in the treatment pathway for patients with severe illnesses, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and CNS disorders. According to Professor Julian A. Luetkens, University Hospital Bonn, Germany, the QUANTI program is a "key step in exploring a reduced gadolinium dose for patients in clinical practice while demonstrating similar efficacy to the trial comparators." He emphasized the importance of this for patients needing repeat MRI examinations and vulnerable populations like pediatric patients.
Gadoquatrane: A Novel Contrast Agent
Gadoquatrane is an investigational extracellular macrocyclic contrast agent with a distinct tetrameric structure, designed for high stability and relaxivity. It is being developed by Bayer to enhance contrast in MRI scans. The agent's unique structure allows for a 60% reduction in gadolinium dose compared to existing macrocyclic GBCAs, potentially mitigating concerns related to gadolinium exposure, especially in patients requiring frequent scans.
Bayer's Commitment
Dr. Konstanze Diefenbach, Head of Radiology Research & Development at Bayer, stated, "As a leader in radiology, we are committed to bringing forward innovations for the benefit of patients, including potential options to reduce the gadolinium dose." Bayer plans to submit a comprehensive data package, including the QUANTI study results, to health authorities worldwide to secure marketing authorization for gadoquatrane.
