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FSGS RETROSPECTIVE STUDY Madan et al, 2016 FSGS Retrospective Study Alhamad et al, 2019 FSGS PROSPECTIVE STUDY Tumlin et al, 2017 IgAN Open-Label Study Zand et al, 2020

Zand L, Canetta P, Lafayette R, Aslam N, Jan N, Sethi S, Fervenza FC—Kidney International Reports, 2020

An open-label pilot study of Acthar Gel in the treatment of proteinuria due to IgAN in 19 patients at high risk of progression1*

Objective

To evaluate proteinuria reduction and remission rates in IgAN patients at high risk of progression 6 months after completing a course of Acthar Gel therapy

ESRD=end-stage renal disease.

*Patients with proteinuria >1 g/24 h are at high risk of progression to ESRD.

Study Design1

  • Data were collected from patients recruited from 4 centers: Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville and Rochester), Columbia University, and Stanford University
  • The study included 19 adult patients with biopsy-proven IgAN†
  • Mean age ± standard deviation, at the start of Acthar Gel therapy, was 34.9 ± 10.5 years

MEST-C=mesangial hypercellularity, endocapillary hypercellularity, segmental glomerulosclerosis, and tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis-crescent.

†MEST-C score was assessed in all patient biopsies.

Study Endpoints1

  • Change in proteinuria and eGFR from baseline to 12 months, partial remission, and complete remission
  • Partial remission was defined as >50% reduction in proteinuria and ≤25% decrease in eGFR from baseline
  • Complete remission was defined as proteinuria <300 mg/24 h and ≤10% decrease in eGFR from baseline

eGFR=estimated glomerular filtration rate.

Key inclusion and exclusion criteria1

zand-1

ACTH=adrenocorticotropic hormone; IV=intravenous; RAAS=renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Baseline patient characteristics1

Pre-Acthar Gel treatment patient data (N=19)

zand-2

CKD-EPI=Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration; RBC/HPF=red blood cells per high-power field.

Study dosing and protocol1

Patients in this study were given 80 units of Acthar Gel subcutaneously twice weekly for a total of 6 months.1

  • After initiation of Acthar Gel treatment, patients were seen at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months for comprehensive evaluation1
  • During each visit, a comprehensive physical examination, evaluation for adverse events, routine CBC, serum chemistry, HbA1c, urine analysis with microscopy, and timed urine studies for evaluation of proteinuria and creatinine clearance were completed1
  • The dosage and frequency of Acthar Gel should be individualized according to the medical condition, severity of the disease, and initial response of the patient2
  • The usual dose of Acthar Gel is 40 to 80 units given intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 1 to 3 days2

CBC=complete blood count; HbA1c=glycated hemoglobin.

Prior treatment history1

Acthar Gel IgAN patient characteristics: prior treatment history

ACEI=angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; ARB=angiotensin II receptor blocker.

‡Treatment with glucocorticoids was stopped 3 months before enrollment in the study.

§Treatment with cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, and glucocorticoids was stopped 6 months before enrollment in the study.

Study Limitations1

  • This pilot study included a small number of patients without a placebo group. Results may not be solely attributable to Acthar Gel
  • The follow-up duration was too short, and the long-term outcome was unknown. This limited the ability to measure the change in eGFR, which can occur over a longer period of time

Proteinuria was significantly reduced in some IgAN patients following Acthar Gel treatment1

Median change from baseline in proteinuria at 6 and 12 months following Acthar Gel treatment1

Acthar Gel IgAN study results: median proteinuria

†Median proteinuria at 12 months was not significantly different compared with proteinuria at 6 months (P=.9).

  • In patients who achieved partial remission‡ (n=8), median 24-h proteinuria at 6 and 12 months following Acthar Gel treatment was 732 mg (range: 444 to 2094 mg) and 625 mg (range: 344 to 1458 mg), respectively1

‡Partial remission was defined as >50% reduction in proteinuria and ≤25% decrease in eGFR from baseline.

Patients' characteristics at baseline and at 12-month follow-up1

zand-5

CKD-EPI=Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration; eGFR=estimated glomerular filtration rate; RBC/HPF=red blood cells per high-power field.

§eGFR was not significantly different at 12-month follow-up compared with baseline.

Some IgAN patients receiving Acthar Gel achieved partial remission1

42% (8/19) of patients achieved partial remission‡ at 12 months

  • 7 of 8 patients who achieved partial remission had 24-h proteinuria <1 g at 12 months, with a median level of 625 mg (range: 344 to 1458 mg)
  • No patients achieved complete remission∥

‡Partial remission was defined as >50% reduction in proteinuria and ≤25% decrease in eGFR from baseline.

∥Complete remission was defined as proteinuria <300 mg/24 h and ≤10% decrease in eGFR from baseline.

Safety ENDPOINTS1

  • None of the patients discontinued Acthar Gel treatment due to side effects
  • No incidences of hyperglycemia were reported
  • Drug-related adverse events included 6 infections and 7 injection-related reactions. The most common drug-related adverse events included muscle soreness, acne, hot flashes, anxiety, and insomnia
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Dosing recommendations

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INDICATIONS

Acthar Gel is indicated for:

  • Treatment during an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of dermatomyositis (polymyositis)​
  • Treatment during an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus​
  • Adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: psoriatic arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); ankylosing spondylitis​
  • Symptomatic sarcoidosis
  • Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa such as: keratitis, iritis, iridocyclitis, diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis, optic neuritis, chorioretinitis, anterior segment inflammation​
  • Inducing a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus​
  • Treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis in adults. Controlled clinical trials have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding the resolution of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease​
  • Monotherapy for the treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age

Important Safety
information

Contraindications

Acthar is contraindicated:

  • For intravenous administration
  • In infants under 2 years of age who have suspected congenital infections
  • With concomitant administration of live or live attenuated vaccines in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of Acthar
  • In patients with scleroderma, osteoporosis, systemic fungal infections, ocular herpes simplex, recent surgery, history of or the presence of a peptic ulcer, congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, primary adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenocortical hyperfunction, or sensitivity to proteins of porcine origin

Warnings and Precautions

  • The adverse effects of Acthar are related primarily to its steroidogenic effects
  • Acthar may increase susceptibility to new infection or reactivation of latent infections
  • Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may occur following prolonged therapy with the potential for adrenal insufficiency after withdrawal of the medication. Adrenal insufficiency may be minimized by tapering of the dose when discontinuing treatment. During recovery of the adrenal gland patients should be protected from the stress (e.g., trauma or surgery) by the use of corticosteroids. Monitor patients for effects of HPA axis suppression after stopping treatment
  • Cushing’s syndrome may occur during therapy but generally resolves after therapy is stopped. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms
  • Acthar can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and hypokalemia. Monitor blood pressure and sodium and potassium levels
  • Acthar often acts by masking symptoms of other diseases/disorders. Monitor patients carefully during and for a period following discontinuation of therapy
  • Acthar can cause gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and gastric ulcer. There is also an increased risk for perforation in patients with certain GI disorders. Monitor for signs of perforation and bleeding
  • Acthar may be associated with central nervous system effects ranging from euphoria, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression to psychosis. Existing conditions may be aggravated
  • Patients with comorbid disease may have that disease worsened. Caution should be used when prescribing Acthar in patients with diabetes and myasthenia gravis
  • Prolonged use of Acthar may produce cataracts, glaucoma, and secondary ocular infections. Monitor for signs and symptoms
  • Acthar is immunogenic and prolonged administration of Acthar may increase the risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported in the postmarketing setting. Neutralizing antibodies with chronic administration may lead to loss of endogenous ACTH and Acthar activity
  • There may be an enhanced effect in patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis of the liver
  • Long-term use may have negative effects on growth and physical development in children. Monitor pediatric patients
  • Decrease in bone density may occur. Bone density should be monitored in patients on long-term therapy

Adverse Reactions

  • Commonly reported postmarketing adverse reactions for Acthar include injection site reaction, asthenic conditions (including fatigue, malaise, asthenia, and lethargy), fluid retention (including peripheral swelling), insomnia, headache, and blood glucose increased
  • The most common adverse reactions for the treatment of infantile spasms (IS) are increased risk of infections, convulsions, hypertension, irritability, and pyrexia. Some patients with IS progress to other forms of seizures; IS sometimes masks these seizures, which may become visible once the clinical spasms from IS resolve

Pregnancy

  • Acthar may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman

Please see full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

INDICATIONS

Acthar Gel is indicated for:

  • Treatment during an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of dermatomyositis (polymyositis)​
  • Treatment during an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus​
  • Adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: psoriatic arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); ankylosing spondylitis​
  • Symptomatic sarcoidosis
  • Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa such as: keratitis, iritis, iridocyclitis, diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis, optic neuritis, chorioretinitis, anterior segment inflammation​
  • Inducing a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus​
  • Treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis in adults. Controlled clinical trials have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding the resolution of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease​
  • Monotherapy for the treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age

INDICATIONS

Acthar Gel is indicated for:

  • Treatment during an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of dermatomyositis (polymyositis)​
  • Treatment during an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus​
  • Adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: psoriatic arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); ankylosing spondylitis​
  • Symptomatic sarcoidosis
  • Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa such as: keratitis, iritis, iridocyclitis, diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis, optic neuritis, chorioretinitis, anterior segment inflammation​
  • Inducing a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus​
  • Treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis in adults. Controlled clinical trials have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding the resolution of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease​
  • Monotherapy for the treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age

Important Safety information

Contraindications

Acthar is contraindicated:

  • For intravenous administration
  • In infants under 2 years of age who have suspected congenital infections
  • With concomitant administration of live or live attenuated vaccines in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of Acthar
  • In patients with scleroderma, osteoporosis, systemic fungal infections, ocular herpes simplex, recent surgery, history of or the presence of a peptic ulcer, congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, primary adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenocortical hyperfunction, or sensitivity to proteins of porcine origin

Warnings and Precautions

  • The adverse effects of Acthar are related primarily to its steroidogenic effects
  • Acthar may increase susceptibility to new infection or reactivation of latent infections
  • Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may occur following prolonged therapy with the potential for adrenal insufficiency after withdrawal of the medication. Adrenal insufficiency may be minimized by tapering of the dose when discontinuing treatment. During recovery of the adrenal gland patients should be protected from the stress (e.g., trauma or surgery) by the use of corticosteroids. Monitor patients for effects of HPA axis suppression after stopping treatment
  • Cushing’s syndrome may occur during therapy but generally resolves after therapy is stopped. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms
  • Acthar can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and hypokalemia. Monitor blood pressure and sodium and potassium levels
  • Acthar often acts by masking symptoms of other diseases/disorders. Monitor patients carefully during and for a period following discontinuation of therapy
  • Acthar can cause gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and gastric ulcer. There is also an increased risk for perforation in patients with certain GI disorders. Monitor for signs of perforation and bleeding
  • Acthar may be associated with central nervous system effects ranging from euphoria, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression to psychosis. Existing conditions may be aggravated
  • Patients with comorbid disease may have that disease worsened. Caution should be used when prescribing Acthar in patients with diabetes and myasthenia gravis
  • Prolonged use of Acthar may produce cataracts, glaucoma, and secondary ocular infections. Monitor for signs and symptoms
  • Acthar is immunogenic and prolonged administration of Acthar may increase the risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported in the postmarketing setting. Neutralizing antibodies with chronic administration may lead to loss of endogenous ACTH and Acthar activity
  • There may be an enhanced effect in patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis of the liver
  • Long-term use may have negative effects on growth and physical development in children. Monitor pediatric patients
  • Decrease in bone density may occur. Bone density should be monitored in patients on long-term therapy

Adverse Reactions

  • Commonly reported postmarketing adverse reactions for Acthar include injection site reaction, asthenic conditions (including fatigue, malaise, asthenia, and lethargy), fluid retention (including peripheral swelling), insomnia, headache, and blood glucose increased
  • The most common adverse reactions for the treatment of infantile spasms (IS) are increased risk of infections, convulsions, hypertension, irritability, and pyrexia. Some patients with IS progress to other forms of seizures; IS sometimes masks these seizures, which may become visible once the clinical spasms from IS resolve

Pregnancy

  • Acthar may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman

Please see full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

INDICATIONS

Acthar Gel is indicated for:

  • Treatment during an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of dermatomyositis (polymyositis)​
  • Treatment during an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus​
  • Adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: psoriatic arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); ankylosing spondylitis​
  • Symptomatic sarcoidosis
  • Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa such as: keratitis, iritis, iridocyclitis, diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis, optic neuritis, chorioretinitis, anterior segment inflammation​
  • Inducing a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus​
  • Treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis in adults. Controlled clinical trials have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding the resolution of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease​
  • Monotherapy for the treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age

Important Safety information

Contraindications

Acthar is contraindicated:

  • For intravenous administration
  • In infants under 2 years of age who have suspected congenital infections
  • With concomitant administration of live or live attenuated vaccines in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of Acthar
  • In patients with scleroderma, osteoporosis, systemic fungal infections, ocular herpes simplex, recent surgery, history of or the presence of a peptic ulcer, congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, primary adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenocortical hyperfunction, or sensitivity to proteins of porcine origin

Warnings and Precautions

  • The adverse effects of Acthar are related primarily to its steroidogenic effects
  • Acthar may increase susceptibility to new infection or reactivation of latent infections
  • Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may occur following prolonged therapy with the potential for adrenal insufficiency after withdrawal of the medication. Adrenal insufficiency may be minimized by tapering of the dose when discontinuing treatment. During recovery of the adrenal gland patients should be protected from the stress (e.g., trauma or surgery) by the use of corticosteroids. Monitor patients for effects of HPA axis suppression after stopping treatment
  • Cushing’s syndrome may occur during therapy but generally resolves after therapy is stopped. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms
  • Acthar can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and hypokalemia. Monitor blood pressure and sodium and potassium levels
  • Acthar often acts by masking symptoms of other diseases/disorders. Monitor patients carefully during and for a period following discontinuation of therapy
  • Acthar can cause gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and gastric ulcer. There is also an increased risk for perforation in patients with certain GI disorders. Monitor for signs of perforation and bleeding
  • Acthar may be associated with central nervous system effects ranging from euphoria, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression to psychosis. Existing conditions may be aggravated
  • Patients with comorbid disease may have that disease worsened. Caution should be used when prescribing Acthar in patients with diabetes and myasthenia gravis
  • Prolonged use of Acthar may produce cataracts, glaucoma, and secondary ocular infections. Monitor for signs and symptoms
  • Acthar is immunogenic and prolonged administration of Acthar may increase the risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported in the postmarketing setting. Neutralizing antibodies with chronic administration may lead to loss of endogenous ACTH and Acthar activity
  • There may be an enhanced effect in patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis of the liver
  • Long-term use may have negative effects on growth and physical development in children. Monitor pediatric patients
  • Decrease in bone density may occur. Bone density should be monitored in patients on long-term therapy

Adverse Reactions

  • Commonly reported postmarketing adverse reactions for Acthar include injection site reaction, asthenic conditions (including fatigue, malaise, asthenia, and lethargy), fluid retention (including peripheral swelling), insomnia, headache, and blood glucose increased
  • The most common adverse reactions for the treatment of infantile spasms (IS) are increased risk of infections, convulsions, hypertension, irritability, and pyrexia. Some patients with IS progress to other forms of seizures; IS sometimes masks these seizures, which may become visible once the clinical spasms from IS resolve

Pregnancy

  • Acthar may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman

Please see full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

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References:

  • Data on file: REF-04586. Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.
  • Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.

References:

  • Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.
  • Huang JY, Galen K, Zweifel B, Brooks LR, Wright AD. Distinct binding and signaling activity of Acthar Gel compared to other melanocortin receptor agonists. J Recept Signal Transduct Res. 2020;1-9. doi:10.1080/10799893.2020.1818094.
  • Healy LM, Jang JH, Lin YH, Rao V, Antel JP, Wright D. Melanocortin receptor mediated anti-inflammatory effect of repository corticotropin injection on human monocyte-derived macrophages [ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS abstract EP1481]. Mult Scler J. 2017;23(suppl 3):777.
  • Wright D, Zweifel B, Sharma P, Galen K, Fitch R. Reduced steroidogenic activity of repository corticotropin injection induces a distinct cytokine response following T cell activation in vivo [EULAR abstract AB0082]. Ann Rheum Dis. 2019b;78(suppl 2):1504.
  • Olsen NJ, Decker DA, Higgins P, et al. Direct effects of HP Acthar Gel on human B lymphocyte activation in vitro. Arthritis Res Ther. 2015;17:300. doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0823-y.
  • U.S. National Library of Medicine. DailyMed website. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/. Accessed March 3, 2022.

References:

  • Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.
  • Catania A, Lonati C, Sordi A, Carlin A, Leonardi P, Gatti S. The melanocortin system in control of inflammation. ScientificWorldJournal. 2010;10:1840-1853. doi:10.1100/tsw.2010.173.
  • Huang YJ, Galen K, Zweifel B, Brooks LR, Wright AD. Distinct binding and signaling activity of Acthar Gel compared to other melanocortin receptor agonists. J Recept Signal Transduct Res. 2021;41(5):425-433.
  • Olsen NJ, Decker DA, Higgins P, et al. Direct effects of HP Acthar Gel on human B lymphocyte activation in vitro. Arthritis Res Ther. 2015;17:300. doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0823-y.
  • Healy LM, Jang JH, Lin YH, Rao V, Ante! JP, Wright D. Melanocortin receptor mediated anti-inflammatory effect of repository corticotropin injection on human monocyte-derived macrophages [ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS abstract EP1481]. Mult Scler J. 2017;23(suppl 3):777.
  • Wright D, Zweifel B, Sharma P, Galen K, Fitch R. Reduced steroidogenic activity of repository corticotropin injection induces a distinct cytokine response following T cell activation in vivo [EULAR abstract AB0082]. Ann Rheum Dis. 2019b;78(suppl 2):1504.
  • Benko AL, McAloose CA, Becker PM, et al. Repository corticotrophin injection exerts direct acute effects on human B cell gene expression distinct from the actions of glucocorticoids. Clin Exp Immunol. 2018;192(1):68‐81.
  • Gong R. The renaissance of corticotropin therapy in proteinuric nephropathies. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2011;8(2):122-128.
  • Caruso V, Lagerström MC, Olszewski PK, Fredriksson R, Schiöth HB. Synaptic changes induced by melanocortin signalling. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2014;15(2):98‐110.
  • Zhong Q, Sridhar S, Ruan L, et al. Multiple melanocortin receptors are expressed in bone cells. Bone. 2005;36(5):820‐831.
  • Lisak RP, Benjamins JA. Melanocortins, melanocortin receptors and multiple sclerosis. Brain Sci. 2017;7(104):1‐18.
  • Taylor AW, Lee D. Applications of the role of α‐MSH in ocular immune privilege. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2010;681:143‐149.
  • Artuc M, Grützkau A, Luger T, Henz BM. Expression of MC1‐ and MC5‐receptors on the human mast cell line HMC‐1. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1999;885:364‐367.
  • Chang M, Chen B, Shaffner J, Dworkin LD, Gong R. Melanocortin system in kidney homeostasis and disease: novel therapeutic opportunities. Front Physiol. 2021;12:651236.
  • Lisak R, Bealmear B, Nedlekoska L, et al. Schwann cells express melanocortin receptor subtypes: activation by ACTH 1–39 and alpha‐MSH enhances proliferation [abstract P1.430]. Neurology. 2018;90(suppl 15):1‐2.
  • Kaneva MK, Kerrigan MJ, Grieco P, Curley GP, Locke IC, Getting SJ. Chondroprotective and anti‐inflammatory role of melanocortin peptides in TNF‐α activated human C‐20/A4 chondrocytes. Br J Pharmacol. 2012;167(1):67‐79.
  • Grässel S, Opolka A, Anders S, et al. The melanocortin system in articular chondrocytes: melanocortin receptors, pro‐opiomelanocortin, precursor proteases, and a regulatory effect of alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone on proinflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix components. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;60(10):3017‐3027.

References:

  • Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.
  • Poola N, Due B, Wright D, Brooks LR, Zaman F. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of repository corticotropin injection compared with synthetic ACTH1-24 depot and methylprednisolone in healthy subjects [published online ahead of print]. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev. 2021. doi:10.1002/cpdd.1020.
  • Data on file: REF-03003. Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.

References:

  • Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.
  • Olsen NJ, Decker DA, Higgins P, et al. Direct effects of HP Acthar Gel on human B-lymphocyte activation in vitro. Arthritis Res Ther. 2015;17:300.
  • Data on file: REF-04768. Mallinckrodt ARD LLC
  • Healy LM, Jang JH, Lin YH, Rao V, Antel JP, Wright D. Melanocortin receptor mediated anti-inflammatory effect of repository corticotropin injection on human monocyte-derived macrophages [ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS abstract EP14841]. Mult Scler J. 2017;23(suppl 3):777.
  • Healy LM, Lin YH, Jang JH, Rao V, Antel JP, Wright D. Melanocortin receptor mediated anti-inflammatory effect of repository corticotropin injection on human monocyte-derived macrophages. Poster presented at: 7th Joint ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS Meeting; October 25-28, 2017; Paris, France. Poster EP1481.

References:

  • Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.
  • Fleischmann R, Furst DE, Connolly-Strong E, Liu J, Zhu J, Brasington R. Repository corticotropin injection for active rheumatoid arthritis despite aggressive treatment: a randomized controlled withdrawal trial. Rheumatol Ther. 2020;7(2):327-344.
  • Aggarwal R, Marder G, Koontz DC, Nandkumar P, Qi Z, Oddis CV. Efficacy and safety of adrenocorticotropic hormone gel in refractory dermatomyositis and polymyositis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017;77(5):720-727.
  • Baughman RP, Barney JB, O'Hare L, Lower EE. A retrospective pilot study examining the use of Acthar gel in sarcoidosis patients. Respir Med. 2016;110:66-72.
  • Hladunewich MA, Cattran D, Beck LH, et al. A pilot study to determine the dose and effectiveness of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (Acthar® Gel) in nephrotic syndrome due to idiopathic membranous nephropathy. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2014;29(8):1570-1577.
  • Bomback AS, Canetta PA, Beck LH Jr, Ayalon R, Radhakrishnan J, Appel GB. Treatment of resistant glomerular diseases with adrenocorticotropic hormone gel: a prospective trial. Am J Nephrol. 2012;36(1):58-67.
  • Madan A, Mijovic-Das S, Stankovic A, Teehan G, Milward AS, Khastgir A. Acthar gel in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome: a multicenter retrospective case series. BMC Nephrol. 2016;17:37.
  • Tumlin J, Galphin C, Santos R, Rovin B. Kidney Int Rep. 2017;2(5):924-932.
  • Bomback AS, Tumlin JA, Baranski J, et al. Treatment of nephrotic syndrome with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) gel. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2011;5:147-153.
  • Filippone EJ, Dopson SJ, Rivers DM, et al. Adrenocorticotropic hormone analog use for podocytopathies. Int Med Case Rep J. 2016;9:125-133.
  • Hogan J, Bomback AS, Mehta K, et al. Treatment of idiopathic FSGS with adrenocorticotropic hormone gel. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2013;8(12):2072-2081.
  • Wirta D, McLaurin E, Ousler G, Liu J, Kacmaz RO, Grieco J. Repository corticotropin injection (Acthar® Gel) for refractory severe noninfectious keratitis: efficacy and safety from a phase 4, multicenter, open-label study. Ophthalmol Ther. 2021;10(4):1077-1092.

References:

  • Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.

References:

  • Fleischmann R, Furst DE, Connolly-Strong E, Liu J, Zhu J, Brasington R. Repository corticotropin injection for active rheumatoid arthritis despite aggressive treatment: a randomized controlled withdrawal trial. Rheumatol Ther. 2020;7(2):327-344.
  • US Department of Health and Human Services. Enrichment strategies for clinical trials to support determination of effectiveness of human drugs and biological products. Guidance for industry. March 2019. https://www.fda.gov/media/121320/download. Accessed June 11, 2019.
  • Fleischmann R, Furst DE, Connolly-Strong E, Liu J, Zhu J, Brasington R. A multicenter study assessing the efficacy and safety of repository corticotropin injection in patients with persistently active rheumatoid arthritis. Poster presented at: European Congress of Rheumatology; June 12-15, 2019; Madrid, Spain.
  • Curtis JR, Yang S, Chen L, et al. Determining the minimally important difference in the clinical disease activity index for improvement and worsening in early rheumatoid arthritis patients. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2015;67(10):1345-1353.
  • Orbai AM, Bingham CO III. Patient reported outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2015;17(4):28.

References:

  • Ho-Mahler N, Turner B, Eaddy M, Hanke ML, Nelson WW. Treatment with repository corticotropin injection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and dermatomyositis/polymyositis. Open Access Rheumatol. 2020;12:21-28.
  • Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.

References:

  • Aggarwal R, Marder G, Koontz DC, Nandkumar P, Qi Z, Oddis CV. Efficacy and safety of adrenocorticotropic hormone gel in refractory dermatomyositis and polymyositis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2018;77(5):720-727.

References:

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  • Bryan MS, Sergott RC. Changes in visual acuity and retinal structures following repository corticotropin injection (RCI) therapy in patients with acute demyelinating optic neuritis: improvement in low contrast visual acuity in both affected and contralateral eyes in a single-armed open-label study. J Neurol Sci. 2019;407:116505. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2019.116505.

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  • Wirta D, McLaurin E, Ousler G, Liu J, Kacmaz RO, Grieco J. Repository corticotropin injection (Acthar® Gel) for refractory severe noninfectious keratitis: efficacy and safety from a phase 4, multicenter, open-label study. Ophthalmol Ther. 2021;10(4):1077-1092.
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  • Alhamad T, Manllo Dieck J, Younus U, et al. ACTH gel in resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after kidney transplantation. Transplantation. 2019;103(1):202-209.
  • Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.
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  • Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.

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References:

  • Bryan MS, Sergott RC. Changes in visual acuity and retinal structures following repository corticotropin injection (RCI) therapy in patients with acute demyelinating optic neuritis: improvement in low contrast visual acuity in both affected and contralateral eyes in a single-armed open-label study. J Neurol Sci. 2019;407:116505. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2019.116505.

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  • Fiechtner JJ, Montroy T, June J. A single-site, investigator initiated open-label trial of H.P. Acthar® Gel (repository corticotropin injection) an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) analogue in subjects with moderately to severely active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). J Dermatol Res Ther. 2016;2(5):1-7.
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  • Chopra I, Qin Y, Kranyak J, et al. Repository corticotropin injection in patients with advanced symptomatic sarcoidosis: retrospective analysis of medical records. Ther Adv Respir Dis. 2019;13:1753466619888127. doi:10.1177/1753466619888127.

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  • Tumlin J, Galphin C, Santos R, Rovin B. Kidney Int Rep. 2017;2(5):924-932.

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  • Nelson WW, Lima AF, Kranyak J, et al. Retrospective medical record review to describe use of repository corticotropin injection among patients with uveitis in the United States. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2019;35(3):182-188.

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  • Wirta D, McLaurin E, Ousler G, Liu J, Kacmaz RO, Grieco J. Repository corticotropin injection (Acthar® Gel) for refractory severe noninfectious keratitis: efficacy and safety from a phase 4, multicenter, open-label study. Ophthalmol Ther. 2021;10(4):1077-1092.
  • Data on file: REF-04498. Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.
  • US Food and Drug Administration Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Clinical outcome assessment review. 2016. Accessed January 19, 2021. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2016/208073Orig1s000MedR.pdf.
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  • Rahaghi FF, Sweiss NJ, Saketkoo LA, et al. Management of repository corticotrophin injection therapy for pulmonary sarcoidosis: a Delphi study. Eur Respir Rev. 2020;29(155):190147. doi:10.1183/16000617.0147-2019.
  • Baughman RP, Scholand MB, Rahaghi FF. Clinical phenotyping: role in treatment decisions in sarcoipdosis. Eur Respir Rev. 2020;29(155):190145. doi:10.1183/16000617.0145-2019.
  • Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.
  • Rahaghi FF, Baughman RP, Saketkoo LA, et al. Delphi consensus recommendations for a treatment algorithm in pulmonary sarcoidosis. Eur Respir Rev. 2020;29(155):190146. doi:10.1183/16000617.0146-2019.
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