Tropifexor plus cenicriviroc combination versus monotherapy in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: Results from the phase 2b TANDEM study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: With distinct mechanisms of action, the combination of tropifexor (TXR) and cenicriviroc (CVC) may provide an effective treatment for NASH. This randomized, multicenter, double-blind, phase 2b study assessed the safety and efficacy of TXR and CVC combination, compared with respective monotherapies. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Patients (N = 193) were randomized 1:1:1:1 to once-daily TXR 140 μg (TXR(140)), CVC 150 mg (CVC), TXR 140 μg + CVC 150 mg (TXR(140) + CVC), or TXR 90 μg + CVC 150 mg (TXR(90) + CVC) for 48 weeks. The primary and secondary end points were safety and histological improvement, respectively. Rates of adverse events (AEs) were similar across treatment groups. Pruritus was the most frequently experienced AE, with highest incidence in the TXR(140) group (40.0%). In TXR and combination groups, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) decreased from baseline to 48 weeks (geometric mean change: −21%, TXR(140); −16%, TXR(140) + CVC; −13%, TXR(90) + CVC; and +17%, CVC). Reductions in body weight observed at week 24 (mean changes from baseline: TXR(140), −2.5 kg; TXR(140) + CVC, −1.7 kg; TXR(90) + CVC, −1.0 kg; and CVC, −0.1 kg) were sustained to week 48. At least 1-point improvement in fibrosis stage/steatohepatitis resolution without worsening of fibrosis was observed in 32.3%/25.8%, 31.6%/15.8%, 29.7%/13.5%, and 32.5%/22.5% of patients in the TXR(140), CVC, TXR(140) + CVC, and TXR(90) + CVC groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The safety profile of TXR + CVC combination was similar to respective monotherapies, with no new signals. TXR monotherapy showed sustained ALT and body weight decreases. No substantial incremental efficacy was observed with TXR + CVC combination on ALT, body weight, or in histological end points compared with monotherapy.