Liposomal Amikacin for Inhalation (LAI) for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

This was a Phase 2, randomized, double-blind study of efficacy, safety, and tolerability of once daily (QD) dosing of LAI 590 mg versus placebo for 84 days in subjects with treatment refractory NTM lung infection on a stable multidrug regimen. At the conclusion of the randomized double-blind phase of the study, subjects who consented to continue in the open-label phase of the study received LAI 590 mg QD for 84 additional days. All subjects were required to complete a 28-day safety follow-up after their end of treatment study visit (Day 168). Subjects completing this study were consented for enrollment in a long-term follow-up phase and were asked to return to the study site at 12 months and 24 months (per protocol Amendment #3, the 24-month follow-up visit was no longer required) (visit window ± 2 months) after the last dose of study drug (either after completing the randomized double-blind phase or the open-label phase). Subjects were stratified upon entering the study based on the presence or absence of cystic fibrosis (CF) and Mycobacterium avium complex versus M abscessus as the predominate NTM organism at baseline and were block randomized to receive either LAI or placebo in a 1:1 ratio in the double-blind phase.

Subjects completing the main study, and subjects who completed the 84-day open-label phase, were consented for enrollment in a post-LAI safety follow-up assessment and were asked to return to the study site 12 months (visit window ± 2 months) after the last dose of study drug (either after completing the randomized double-blind phase or the open-label phase). The screening period required obtaining 3 morning sputum specimens (spontaneous or induced) for mycobacteriology. At each post-screening sputum timepoint, at least 2 and preferably 3 sputum specimens were obtained. At Day 1 (baseline), subjects were evaluated pre-dose and post-dose at the study site. Subjects returned to the study site briefly on Day 2 for collection of serum samples to determine creatinine clearance. On Days 28, 56, and 84, study drug was administered at the site and the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of study drug were evaluated. At Day 85, those subjects continuing in the open-label phase of the study received LAI 590 mg at the study site with pre-dose and post-dose assessments for safety and efficacy. Subjects returned every 28 days (Days 112, 140, and 168) in the open-label phase. A 28-day, post-dose follow-up visit occurred at either Day 112 for those subjects who did not continue in the open-label phase or at Day 196 for those subjects who continued in the open-label phase.

Subjects completing the main study, and subjects who completed the 84-day open-label phase, were consented for enrollment in a post-LAI safety follow-up assessment and were asked to return to the study site 12 months (visit window ± 2 months) after the last dose of study drug (either after completing the randomized double-blind phase or the open-label phase). Arikace™, Arikayce™, Liposomal Amikacin for Inhalation (LAI), and Amikacin Liposome Inhalation Suspension (ALIS) may be used interchangeably throughout this study and other studies evaluating amikacin liposome inhalation suspension.

Key Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease in accordance with the 2007 ATS/IDSA criteria with evidence of nodular bronchiectasis and/or cavitary disease by chest computed tomography (CT).
• History of chronic infection with either Mycobacterium avium complex or Mycobacterium abscessus or mixed infection with both species (defined as at least 2 documented positive cultures in the prior 2 years, of which at least one was obtained in the 6 months prior to screening).
• Positive sputum culture obtained at screening visit with either Mycobacterium avium complex or Mycobacterium abscessus or mixed infection with one dominant species.
• Receiving ATS/IDSA guidelines-based treatment regimen defined as: adherent to a multi-drug regimen for at least 6 months prior to screening with persistently positive mycobacterial cultures.
• Ability to produce at least 3 mL of sputum or be willing to undergo an induction that produces at least 3 mL of sputum for clinical evaluation.
• Female of childbearing potential agrees to practice an acceptable method of birth control (e.g., abstinence, hormonal or barrier methods, partner sterilization, or IUD).

Key Exclusion Criteria:

• Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) <30% of predicted at Screening.
• Presence of any clinically significant cardiac disease as determined by Investigator. The QTc criteria for Exclusion is QTc> 450 msec for males or QTc> 470 msec for females.
• Subjects with hemoptysis of ≥60 mL in a 24 hour period within 4 weeks prior to screening.
• Active pulmonary malignancy (primary or metastatic) or any malignancy requiring chemotherapy or radiation therapy within one year prior to screening or anticipated during the study period.
• Active allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis or any other condition requiring systemic steroids at a dose > equivalent of 10 mg/day of prednisone within 3 months prior to screening or anticipated during the study period.
• Pulmonary tuberculosis requiring treatment or treated within 2 years prior to screening.
• History of lung transplantation.
• Hypersensitivity to aminoglycosides.
• Any change in chronic NTM multi-drug regimen within 28 days prior to Study Day 1.
• Evidence of biliary cirrhosis with portal hypertension.
• History of daily, continuous oxygen supplementation.
• Smoking tobacco or any substance within 6 months prior to screening or anticipated inability to refrain from smoking throughout the study.

Subjects with CF or primary ciliary dyskinesia were eligible to participate in the study if all eligibility criteria defined above were met. Subjects with CF were required to have documented confirmation of CF to be eligible for the study. The CF diagnosis had to be documented by a positive sweat test ≥ 60 mmol/L or by DNA analysis revealing both mutated alleles consistent with CF disease.