First in Human Phase 1 Single Dose Escalation Studies of the E-Selectin Antagonist GMI-1271 Show a Favorable Safety, Pharmacokinetic, and Biomarker Profile

• Published in: Blood 2015-12, Vol.126 (23), p.1004-1004
• Main Authors: Devata, Sumana, Sood, Suman L., Hemmer, Martina V, Flanner, Henry, Kramer, William, Nietubicz, Christine, Hawley, Angela, Angelini, Dana E, Myers, Daniel Durant, Blackburn, Susan, Froehlich, James, Wakefield, Thomas W., Magnani, John L., Thackray, Helen M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0006-4971; 1528-0020
• DOI: 10.1182/blood.V126.23.1004.1004

▪ Background: GMI-1271 is a potent, specific E-selectin antagonist which targets interactions between cancer cells and the bone marrow niche thereby increasing tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy; avoids HSC mobilization; and inhibits thrombosis without increasing bleeding risk. Delayed inflammatory cell recruitment into the vein wall post thrombus induction indicates a possible decrease in leukocyte activation, which may be crucial in treating both acute and cancer associated thrombosis. Here we report first-in-human evaluation of GMI-1271 for safety (including bleeding), PK, and biomarker data for effects on adhesion and mobilization. Methods: Two Phase I single dose escalation DBRCT in healthy subjects evaluated 2, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg IV doses of GMI-1271. Study 1 is complete and unblinded (GMI-1271 vs placebo). Study 2 is ongoing, remains blinded (GMI-1271 vs placebo) with open-label positive control (Lovenox), and is reported in aggregate. In both studies, assessments included safety (adverse events [AEs], clinical labs, bleeding time, PT/PTT, vitals, and exam); PK (drug levels in plasma and urine); and biomarkers (plasma soluble E-selectin [sEsel], sPsel, sICAM-1 levels; and blood CD34+ counts). Only sEsel and CD34+ are reported for Study 1; sEsel, sPsel, sICAM-1 for Study 2. Comparisons to baseline were made by ANOVA and paired t-test models; PK analyses were for total clearance (CL), volume of distribution (Vz), elimination half-life (t½), fraction excreted (Fe), and renal clearance (CLr). Results: Forty-six subjects enrolled; 30 received GMI-1271 (10 each at 2 and 5 mg/kg; 6 at 10 mg/kg; and 4 at 20 mg/kg) and 16 received control (13 placebo, 3 Lovenox). Safety: All subjects completed the studies; labs, vitals, and exam were unremarkable. Bleeding times and PT/PTT were unaffected by E-selectin inhibition. No serious AEs were seen. For Study 1, AEs were seen in 12/18 (66.7%) of those on GMI-1271 and 5/10 (50%) on placebo. AEs were mostly mild events at the infusion site (i.e. tenderness or erythema), and occurred in both groups. One moderate AE occurred (vasovagal reaction) in the 2 mg/kg GMI-1271 cohort. Three AEs were possibly related to drug: 2 in the 2 mg/kg cohort (infusion site bruise, lightheaded), and 1 in the 5 mg/kg cohort (metallic taste). For Study 2, AEs were seen in 12/15 (80%) of those on GMI-1271/placebo and 3/3 (100%) on Lovenox. All AEs were mild. In GMI-1271/placebo group, all AEs were considered unrelated to study drug; 3 were inf