Title

NFX-179 Topical Gel Treatment in Adults With Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) and Cutaneous Neurofibromas (cNF)
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled, Parallel Group Phase 2a Study to Determine Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamic Activity of NFX-179 Gel in Subjects With Cutaneous Neurofibromas
  • Phase

    Phase 2
  • Study Type

    Interventional
  • Study Participants

    48
This study will enroll and treat subjects with cutaneous neurofibromas with NFX-179, a topical study drug. Eligible subjects will receive treatment for 28 days and be observed by a study doctor for approximately 56 days. Subjects will be randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups. 3 of the treatment groups will receive a specific dose NFX-179, and 1 group will receive placebo. The subject, study doctor, and NFlection Therapeutics will not know what treatment group each subject is assigned. Study participation requires at least 7 clinic visits, blood, urine, and tissue collection, images of the treated cutaneous neurofibromas, electrocardiograms, and information regarding the subject's medical and disease history.
Study Started
Aug 21
2020
Primary Completion
Apr 08
2021
Study Completion
Apr 14
2021
Results Posted
Aug 09
2022
Last Update
Aug 09
2022

Drug NFX-179 Gel

gel for topical administration

Drug Vehicle Gel

vehicle gel for topical administration

NFX-179 Gel Low Experimental

NFX-179 Gel for topical administration, once daily for 28 days

NFX-179 Gel Mid Experimental

NFX-179 Gel for topical administration, once daily for 28 days

NFX-179 Gel High Experimental

NFX-179 Gel for topical administration, once daily for 28 days

Vehicle Arm Placebo Comparator

Vehicle Gel, for topical administration, once daily for 28 days

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Subject is at least 18 years of age
Subject must provide written informed consent prior to any study procedures
Subject must have a clinical diagnosis of NF1

Subject has 6 Study cNF Tumors (5 Target cNF Tumors [1 on the face; 4 on the anterior trunk or upper extremities] that will be treated with the assigned study medication;1 Untreated cNF Tumor on the anterior trunk or upper extremities) that each meet the following criteria:

Has, in the investigator's opinion, a clinically typical appearance
Is dome shaped
Is not pedunculated
Is a discrete tumor
Is not irritated
Is not in an area subject to repeated trauma (e.g., area that is shaved, on the beltline, under a bra strap, etc.)
Does not have an active cutaneous infection
Has a diameter that is ≥5mm and ≤10mm
Has a height of ≥2mm
Is, when centered in the center of the provided template, the only cNF tumor visible
Is not within 5mm of the orbital rim.
Subject is willing to have the 5 Target cNF Tumors and the 1 Untreated cNF Tumor excised at the end of the treatment period
Subject is willing to have hair in the area surrounding the Target cNF Tumors shaved, if necessary, to obtain photographs
Subject is willing to minimize exposure of each Target cNF to natural and artificial ultraviolet radiation
Subject is willing to forego treatment of the Target cNF Tumors, except protocol specified therapy, during the study
Female subjects who are women of childbearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test result and be willing to use a protocol approved, contraceptive method for the duration of the study
Subject is willing and able to follow all study instructions and to attend all study visits.

Exclusion Criteria:

Subject has applied any of the following topical products in the previous 30 days on or in proximity to any Study cNF Tumor that, in the investigator's opinion, impairs evaluation of any the tumor or which exposes the subject to an unacceptable risk by study participation:

Corticosteroids
Retinoids (e.g., tazarotene, tretinoin, adapalene)
> 5% of an alpha-hydroxy acid (e.g., glycolic acid, lactic acid)
Fluorouracil
Imiquimod
Any Study cNF Tumor has ever been treated with an MEK inhibitor or a BRAF inhibitor

The subject has used any of the following systemic medications in the noted time period:

Retinoids (e.g., etretinate, isotretinoin) within the previous 90 days
MEK inhibitors within the previous 180 days
BRAF inhibitors within the previous 180 days
Subject has a history of hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in the study medications
Subject has any known intercurrent illness or physical condition that would, in the investigator's opinion, impair evaluation of a Target cNF Tumor or which exposes the subject to an unacceptable risk by study participation
Subject has, in the investigator's opinion, clinically relevant history of liver disease, including viral hepatitis, current alcohol abuse, or cirrhosis
Subject has a history of metastatic disease, or active cancer (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer, Stage I cervical cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast, or Stage 0 chronic lymphocytic lymphoma) within the previous 5 years
Subject has any condition (e.g., other skin conditions or diseases, metabolic dysfunction, physical examination findings, clinical laboratory findings) or situation (e.g., vacation, scheduled surgery) that would, in the investigator's opinion, impair evaluation of a Target cNF Tumor or which exposes the subject to an unacceptable risk by study participation
Subject has participated in an investigational drug trial in which administration of an investigational study medication occurred within the previous 30 days

Summary

Vehicle Arm (Placebo)

NFX-179 Gel Low (0.05%)

NFX-179 Gel Mid (0.15%)

NFX-179 Gel High (0.50%)

All Events

Event Type Organ System Event Term Vehicle Arm (Placebo) NFX-179 Gel Low (0.05%) NFX-179 Gel Mid (0.15%) NFX-179 Gel High (0.50%)

Phospho-erk (p-ERK) Levels of Target cNF Tumors in NFX-179 Gel Group and Vehicle Gel Group After 28 Days of Once-daily (QD) Application

Pharmacodynamic activity (biochemical and physiologic effects of drugs) of NFX-179 Gel as defined by suppression of phospho-ERK (p-ERK) levels in Target cNF Tumors in each NFX-179 Gel group compared with the Vehicle Gel group after 28 days of once-daily (QD) application will be measured at Week 4

Vehicle Arm (Placebo)

0.3054
% reduction in pERK to total ERK (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.1369

Vehicle Arm (Placebo)

0.3054
% reduction in pERK to total ERK (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.1369

Vehicle Arm (Placebo)

0.3054
% reduction in pERK to total ERK (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.1369

Vehicle Arm (Placebo)

0.3054
% reduction in pERK to total ERK (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.1369

NFX-179 Gel Low (0.05%)

0.2734
% reduction in pERK to total ERK (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.1257

NFX-179 Gel Low (0.05%)

0.2734
% reduction in pERK to total ERK (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.1257

NFX-179 Gel Low (0.05%)

0.2734
% reduction in pERK to total ERK (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.1257

NFX-179 Gel Low (0.05%)

0.2734
% reduction in pERK to total ERK (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.1257

NFX-179 Gel Mid (0.15%)

0.2267
% reduction in pERK to total ERK (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.1272

NFX-179 Gel Mid (0.15%)

0.2267
% reduction in pERK to total ERK (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.1272

NFX-179 Gel Mid (0.15%)

0.2267
% reduction in pERK to total ERK (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.1272

NFX-179 Gel Mid (0.15%)

0.2267
% reduction in pERK to total ERK (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.1272

NFX-179 Gel High (0.50%)

0.1627
% reduction in pERK to total ERK (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.0686

NFX-179 Gel High (0.50%)

0.1627
% reduction in pERK to total ERK (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.0686

NFX-179 Gel High (0.50%)

0.1627
% reduction in pERK to total ERK (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.0686

NFX-179 Gel High (0.50%)

0.1627
% reduction in pERK to total ERK (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.0686

Safety and Tolerability of NFX-179 Gel Measured by Local Tolerability Assessment

Safety and tolerability will be measured via a local tolerability assessment. The investigator will assess erythema, edema, scabbing/crusting, vesiculation, and erosion. The subject will assess stinging, burning, and pruritus. All assessments are performed using a 4-point scale (0 none, 1 mild, 2 moderate, 3 severe).

Vehicle Arm (Placebo)

investigator reported instances of mild edema

investigator reported instances of mild erythema

investigator reported instances of moderate erythema

investigator reported instances of scabbing/crusting

subject reported instances of mild burning

6.0
events

subject reported instances of mild pruritus

2.0
events

subject reported instances of mild stinging

subject reported instances of moderate pruritus

NFX-179 Gel Low (0.05%)

investigator reported instances of mild edema

investigator reported instances of mild erythema

2.0
events

investigator reported instances of moderate erythema

investigator reported instances of scabbing/crusting

subject reported instances of mild burning

subject reported instances of mild pruritus

5.0
events

subject reported instances of mild stinging

subject reported instances of moderate pruritus

1.0
events

NFX-179 Gel Mid (0.15%)

investigator reported instances of mild edema

1.0
events

investigator reported instances of mild erythema

1.0
events

investigator reported instances of moderate erythema

investigator reported instances of scabbing/crusting

subject reported instances of mild burning

subject reported instances of mild pruritus

7.0
events

subject reported instances of mild stinging

subject reported instances of moderate pruritus

2.0
events

NFX-179 Gel High (0.50%)

investigator reported instances of mild edema

investigator reported instances of mild erythema

1.0
events

investigator reported instances of moderate erythema

1.0
events

investigator reported instances of scabbing/crusting

1.0
events

subject reported instances of mild burning

subject reported instances of mild pruritus

4.0
events

subject reported instances of mild stinging

4.0
events

subject reported instances of moderate pruritus

Assessment of Adverse Events

Assessment of adverse events (AEs)

Vehicle Arm (Placebo)

Number of subects with related treatment-emergent AEs

Number of subjects withdrawn due to AEs

Number of subjects with treatment-emergent AEs

2.0
Subjects

Subjects with mild treatment-emergent AEs

1.0
Subjects

Subjects with moderate treatment-emergent AEs

1.0
Subjects

Subjects with severe treatment-emergent AEs

NFX-179 Gel Low (0.05%)

Number of subects with related treatment-emergent AEs

Number of subjects withdrawn due to AEs

Number of subjects with treatment-emergent AEs

2.0
Subjects

Subjects with mild treatment-emergent AEs

Subjects with moderate treatment-emergent AEs

2.0
Subjects

Subjects with severe treatment-emergent AEs

NFX-179 Gel Mid (0.15%)

Number of subects with related treatment-emergent AEs

Number of subjects withdrawn due to AEs

Number of subjects with treatment-emergent AEs

1.0
Subjects

Subjects with mild treatment-emergent AEs

Subjects with moderate treatment-emergent AEs

1.0
Subjects

Subjects with severe treatment-emergent AEs

NFX-179 Gel High (0.50%)

Number of subects with related treatment-emergent AEs

1.0
Subjects

Number of subjects withdrawn due to AEs

Number of subjects with treatment-emergent AEs

3.0
Subjects

Subjects with mild treatment-emergent AEs

3.0
Subjects

Subjects with moderate treatment-emergent AEs

Subjects with severe treatment-emergent AEs

Percent Change in cNF Tumor Volume (Cubic Millimeters)

Percent change in cNF tumor volume after 28 days of QD applications of NFX-179 gel based on tumor volume derived from ruler measurements.

Vehicle Arm (Placebo)

-8.0
percentage change (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 18.2

NFX-179 Gel Low (0.05%)

-1.6
percentage change (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 22.1

NFX-179 Gel Mid (0.15%)

-11.9
percentage change (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 29.4

NFX-179 Gel High (0.50%)

-16.7
percentage change (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 30.3

Systemic Exposure of NFX-179 Gel Measured by Plasma Concentration

Systemic exposure of NFX-179 will be measured during the 28 days of QD applications at select investigative sites. Pharmacokinetic samples will be drawn at the baseline visit and week 4 visit. 5 time point samples will be collected at the week 4 visit.

Vehicle Arm (Placebo)

NFX-179 Gel Low (0.05%)

Baseline, pre dose (0 hour)

Week 4, post dose 1 hour

Week 4, post dose 2 hours

Week 4, post dose 30 min

Week 4, post dose 4 hours

Week 4, pre dose (0 hour)

NFX-179 Gel Mid (0.15%)

Baseline, pre dose (0 hour)

Week 4, post dose 1 hour

Week 4, post dose 2 hours

Week 4, post dose 30 min

Week 4, post dose 4 hours

Week 4, pre dose (0 hour)

NFX-179 Gel High (0.50%)

Baseline, pre dose (0 hour)

Week 4, post dose 1 hour

0.573
ng/mL

Week 4, post dose 2 hours

0.718
ng/mL

Week 4, post dose 30 min

0.887
ng/mL

Week 4, post dose 4 hours

0.528
ng/mL

Week 4, pre dose (0 hour)

0.439
ng/mL

Change in Physician Assessment of Tumor Severity Score

Effect of treatment with The Physician Tumor Assessment is the investigator's assessment of the average overall severity of each Target cNF tumor at a particular time point. The Physician Tumor Assessment is a 5-point measuring tumor severity (0 clear/none, 1 almost clear, 2 mild, 3 moderate, 4 severe). The assessment is performed at the Baseline visit and week 4 visit.

Vehicle Arm (Placebo)

Visit 2

2.74
Change in Investigator Assessment score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.53

Visit 5

2.51
Change in Investigator Assessment score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.58

NFX-179 Gel Low (0.05%)

Visit 2

2.46
Change in Investigator Assessment score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.62

Visit 5

3.58
Change in Investigator Assessment score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.62

NFX-179 Gel Mid (0.15%)

Visit 2

2.6
Change in Investigator Assessment score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.57

Visit 5

2.5
Change in Investigator Assessment score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.59

NFX-179 Gel High (0.50%)

Visit 2

2.65
Change in Investigator Assessment score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.70

Visit 5

2.7
Change in Investigator Assessment score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.67

Change in Subject Self-Assessment of Tumor Severity Score

The Subject Self-Assessment is the subject's assessment of the average overall severity of each Target cNF at a particular time point and is not a comparison with any other time point. The Subject Self-Assessment is a 5-point measuring tumor severity (0 clear/none, 1 almost clear, 2 mild, 3 moderate, 4 severe). The assessment is performed at the Baseline visit and week 4 visit.

Vehicle Arm (Placebo)

Visit 2

2.75
change in subject assessment score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.73

Visit 5

2.5
change in subject assessment score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.60

NFX-179 Gel Low (0.05%)

Visit 2

2.81
change in subject assessment score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.53

Visit 5

2.76
change in subject assessment score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.55

NFX-179 Gel Mid (0.15%)

Visit 2

2.71
change in subject assessment score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.38

Visit 5

2.5
change in subject assessment score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.56

NFX-179 Gel High (0.50%)

Visit 2

2.38
change in subject assessment score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.71

Visit 5

2.39
change in subject assessment score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.61

Total

48
Participants

Age, Continuous

47.8
years (Mean)
Full Range: 25.0 to 73.0

Race/Ethnicity, Customized

Sex: Female, Male

Overall Study

NFX-179 Gel Low (0.05%)

NFX-179 Gel Mid (0.15%)

NFX-179 Gel High (0.50%)

Vehicle Arm (Placebo)

Drop/Withdrawal Reasons

Vehicle Arm (Placebo)