Serono Laboratories announced the completion of its pivotal Phase III double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the company’s recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) [Serostim] in the treatment of HIV-associated Adipose (fat) Redistribution Syndrome (HARS), which met all pre-specified primary and major secondary endpoints. 

Serono plans to submit the file to the FDA in the first half of 2006 and expects that the data will be presented at upcoming scientific meetings. Following is the text of Serono’s announcement:

“More than 300 patients enrolled in the trial to determine if daily administration of r-hGH as treatment for the abnormal fat accumulation and distribution associated with HARS reduces Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) more effectively than placebo.

“In the first phase of the study, patients were randomly assigned to receive either r-hGH 4 mg daily, or placebo. Growth hormone was administered for 12 weeks and all patients were measured by CT scan to determine changes in VAT from baseline. In the second placebo-controlled phase of the study, r-hGH was administered as 2 mg on alternate days for 24 weeks to assess the ability of a maintenance regimen to sustain improvements in VAT.

“The completion of this important research study of r-hGH in HARS is a strategic milestone for Serono and may lead to an important advance for patients living with this condition, that not only affects their health but also their quality of life,” said Dr. Paul Lammers, Chief Medical Officer at Serono, Inc. “The rapid enrollment in the study demonstrates the need for treatment for this rare medical syndrome. We anticipate filing a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) in the first half of 2006.”

About HARS

“HIV-associated adipose redistribution syndrome or HARS is characterized by fat maldistribution in HIV-infected patients. Patients with HARS experience abnormal, pathological accumulation of adipose tissue in the trunk, primarily in the form of visceral adipose tissue located deep within the abdomen, underneath the abdominal muscle wall. This fat accumulation may be present with or without fat depletion (lipoatrophy) and/or metabolic abnormalities.

“Recombinant human growth hormone is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of HARS.

About Recombinant Human Growth Hormone

“Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (r-hGH) is human growth hormone produced by recombinant DNA technology. Serono’s r-hGH products are indicated for the treatment of pediatric growth hormone deficiency, adult growth hormone deficiency, HIV wasting or cachexia and for the treatment of short bowel syndrome.

“Growth hormone should be used with caution in patients with insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, diabetes, and in women who are pregnant or nursing. The most commonly reported adverse events include mild injection-site reactions, moderate muscle and joint pain, and edema/swelling.  Patients with a history of hyperglycemia or other risk factors for glucose intolerance or pancreatitis should be monitored closely. 

“Use of growth hormone is contraindicated in treatment of patients in intensive care units due to complications following open-heart surgery or abdominal surgery, multiple accidental trauma or acute respiratory failure; patients with active neoplasia; and patients with known hypersensitivity to growth hormone.

Full prescribing information for Serono’s approved indications, including important safety information, is available at www.seronousa.com.

01/17/06

Source
Serono Laboratories. Serono Completes Second Phase III Trial of its Proprietary Recombinant Human Growth Hormone for HIV-Associated Adipose Redistribution Syndrome (HARS). Press Release. January 9, 2006.

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