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PROSPECTIVE STUDY Fiechtner et al, 2016

Fiechtner JJ, Montroy T, June J—Journal of Dermatology Research and Therapy, 2016

Disclosure statement: Funding to support this study was provided by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.

A 28-week, prospective, single-site, open-label trial of 15 patients who had moderately to severely active PsA despite previous treatment1

Objective

A 28-week, prospective, single-site, open-label trial of 15 patients to assess the efficacy and safety of Acthar Gel as adjunctive therapy in patients with moderately to severely active PsA

Study Design1

  • All patients had to meet the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for PsA and have moderately to severely active disease that required either an increase in steroid dose or an add-on steroid despite standard-of-care therapy*†
  • Patients who were receiving NSAIDs must have been on stable doses for ≥4 weeks prior to initiation of Acthar Gel
  • Patients receiving any DMARDs or biologic agents had to have been treated for ≥8 weeks
  • Acthar Gel was administered to patients from Week 0 through Week 24 via a single dose of 80 units/mL delivered subcutaneously twice weekly‡
  • Patients received injections at the clinic at Week 0, Week 12, and Week 24. All other injections were self-administered

DMARDs=disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs; NSAIDs=nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

*Patients were diagnosed with PsA according to the Classification of Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) study group criteria ≥6 months prior to screening, had ≥6 tender and ≥6 swollen joint counts, and had ≥30 minutes of morning joint stiffness.

†Doses of oral glucocorticoids must have been stable for ≥2 weeks prior to initiation of Acthar Gel and not exceeded the equivalent of 10 mg of prednisone per day.

‡The dose of 80 units twice weekly was based upon the authors' previous experience with a 6-month lupus trial.

Study Assessments1,2

Primary outcome measure

  • Primary outcome measure in this study was ACR20 at Week 12

Secondary outcome measures

  • ACR20 at Week 24 and the following assessments at Weeks 12 and 24:
  • ACR50 and ACR70
  • Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI)
  • Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)§||
  • Physician Global Assessment
  • Patient Global Assessment
  • Tender/swollen joint count
  • Visual analog scale (VAS) for measurement of pain by patients
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
  • C-reactive protein (CRP)

ACR20=American College of Rheumatology, 20%; ACR50=American College of Rheumatology, 50%; ACR70=American College of Rheumatology, 70%.

§The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) is a combination of assessment measures in psoriatic patients. PASI assesses the severity of disease into a single score accounting for lesions and the area affected. The score ranges from 0 (no disease) to 72 (maximal disease).

‖Includes the PASI50 and PASI75 to determine if patients achieve 50% and 75% improvements, respectively.

Study Limitations1

  • Results are based on a single-site trial of 15 patients and may not be fully representative of outcomes in the overall patient population
  • All patients were on other therapies
  • The clinical outcomes may not be solely attributable to Acthar Gel
  • Acthar Gel has not been formally studied in combination with other commonly used therapies for PsA

Patient Characteristics1

Previous and current treatments in patients with moderately to severely active PsA

rheum-30

Not every patient was on the same concomitant treatments.

Acthar Gel reduced disease severity in patients with moderately to severely active PsA

Primary outcome measure1

  • All of the patients who completed treatment through Week 12 (n=8) achieved the primary outcome measure of ACR20

Secondary outcome measures1

  • 7 out of 8 patients achieved ACR50, ACR70, PASI50, and PASI75 at Week 12
  • All of the patients who completed the entire study achieved ACR50, ACR70, PASI50, and PASI75
  • At Week 12 and Week 24, all of the patients except for 1 reached the score of 0 on at least 1 of the assessments, and 2 scored 0 on all of the assessments
  • 5 patients reached 0 on the Physician Global Assessment
  • 4 patients reached 0 on the Patient Global Assessment, swollen joint count, and VAS
  • There were no significant changes in ESR or CRP

ACR20=American College of Rheumatology, 20%; ACR50=American College of Rheumatology, 50%; ACR70=American College of Rheumatology, 70%; CRP=C-reactive protein; ESR=erythrocyte sedimentation rate; PASI50=The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, 50%; PASI75=The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, 75%; VAS=visual analog scale.

Percentage of patients who achieved ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70

Acthar Gel psoriatic arthritis study results: ACR20/50/70 response

Safety ENDPOINTS1

  • 8 of the 15 patients completed treatment through Week 12
  • Of the 7 patients who withdrew prior to Week 12, 3 experienced potential treatment-related adverse events: 2 had psoriasis that worsened and 1 had depression
  • The remaining 4 patients withdrew for other reasons unrelated to adverse events: 1 was lost to follow-up, 1 missed 2 weeks of dosing and was then lost to follow-up, 1 withdrew due to travel commitments, and 1 was noncompliant due to work schedule
  • There were no other potentially treatment-related adverse events identified during this study. In addition, there were no changes in blood pressure, body temperature, or blood glucose levels observed among any of the participating patients
  • 7 of the 8 remaining patients completed treatment through Week 24
  • 1 patient did not complete the treatment for an unknown reason
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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:

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References:

  • Fiechtner JJ, Montroy T. Treatment of moderately to severely active systemic lupus erythematosus with adrenocorticotropic hormone: a single-site, open-label trial. Lupus. 2014;23(9):905-912.

References:

  • Kaplan J, Miller T, Baker M, Due B, Zhao E. A prospective observational registry of repository corticotropin injection (Acthar® Gel) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis relapse. Front Neurol. 2020;11:598496.doi:10.3389/fneur.2020.598496.
  • Polman CH, Reingold SC, Banwell B, et al. Diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis: 2010 revisions to the McDonald Criteria. Ann Neurol. 2011;69(2):292-302.
  • Data on file: REF-MNK14130050. Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.
  • Hobart J, Lamping D, Fitzpatrick R, Riazi A, Thompson A. The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29): a new patient-based outcome measure. Brain. 2001;124(pt 5):962-973.
  • Jones KH, Ford DV, Jones PA, et al. The physical and psychological impact of multiple sclerosis using the MSIS-29 via the web portal of the UK MS Register. PLoS One. 2013;8(1):e5542. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0055422.
  • Costelloe L, O'Rourke K, Kearney H, et al. The patient knows best: significant change in the physical component of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29 physical). J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2007;78(8):841-844.
  • Widener GL, Allen DD. Measurement characteristics and clinical utility of the 29-item Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2014;95(3):593-594.
  • Kurtzke JF. Rating neurologic impairment in multiple sclerosis: an expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Neurology. 1983;33(11):1444-1452.
  • Busner J, Targum SD. The clinical global impressions scale: applying a research tool in clinical practice. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2007;4(7):28-37.
  • Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.

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.

References:

  • Knupp KG, Coryell J, Nickels KC, et al. Response to treatment in a prospective national infantile spasms cohort. Ann Neurol. 2016;79(3):475-484.

References:

  • 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(1):37. doi:10.1186/s12882-016-0241-7.
  • Data on file: REF-00742. Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.
  • Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Glomerulonephritis Work Group. Clinical practice guideline for glomerulonephritis. Kidney Int Suppl. 2012;2(2):139-274.

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  • 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.

References:

  • Baughman RP, Sweiss N, Keijsers R, et al. Repository corticotropin for chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis. Lung. 2017;195(3):313-322.

References:

  • Data on File – Ref-05336. Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Zand L, Canetta P, Lafayette R, et al. An open-label pilot study of adrenocorticotrophic hormone in the treatment of IgA nephropathy at high risk of progression. Kidney Int Rep. 2020;5(1):58-65.
  • Kaplan J, Miller T, Baker M, Due B, Zhao E. A prospective observational registry of repository corticotropin injection (Acthar® Gel) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis relapse. Front Neurol. 2020;11:598496.doi:10.3389/fneur.2020.598496.

References:

  • 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.
  • 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.

References:

  • Zand L, Canetta P, Lafayette R, et al. An open-label pilot study of adrenocorticotrophic hormone in the treatment of lgA nephropathy at high risk of progression. Kidney Int Rep. 2020;5(1):58-65.
  • Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.

References:

  • Baram TZ, Mitchell WG, Tournay A, Snead OC, Hanson RA, Horton EJ. High-dose corticotropin (ACTH) versus prednisone for infantile spasms: a prospective, randomized, blinded study. Pediatrics. 1996;97(3):375-379.
  • Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [prescribing information]. Bedminster, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.

References:

  • Data on file: REF-MNK14084113. Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.

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.

References:

  • 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.
  • Schmitt J, Wozel G. The psoriasis area and severity index is the adequate criterion to define severity in chronic plaque-type psoriasis. Dermatology. 2005;210(3):194-199.

References:

  • 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.

References:

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

References:

  • 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.

References:

  • 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.
  • Grubbs JR, Tolleson-Rinehart S, Huynh K, Davis RM. A review of quality of life measures in dry eye questionnaires. Cornea. 2014;33(2):215-218.
  • Abetz L, Rajagopalan K, Mertzanis P, Begley C, Barnes R, Chalmers R; Impact of Dry Eye on Everyday Life (IDEEL) Study Group. Development and validation of the impact of dry eye on everyday life (IDEEL) questionnaire, a patient-reported outcomes (PRO) measure for the assessment of the burden of dry eye on patients. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2011;9:111.
  • Fairchild CJ, Chalmers RL, Begley CG. Clinically important difference in dry eye: change in IDEEL-symptom bother. Optom Vis Sci. 2008;85(8):699-707.

References:

  • 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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