Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the novel αv-integrin antibody EMD 525797 (DI17E6) in healthy subjects after ascending single intravenous doses

Purpose We evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of EMD 525797 (DI17E6), a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting αv-integrins, in healthy subjects. Methods In this first-in-human, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized Phase 1 study, healthy male volunteers were consecutively assigned to 6 ascending single-dose cohorts of 35, 100, 250, 500, 1000, or 1500 mg. Per dose cohort, EMD 525797 or placebo was administered over 1 h as an intravenous 250-mL infusion to 6 and 3 volunteers, respectively. Escalation to the next dose level was based on evaluation of safety, tolerability, and PK data. Results Fifty-five subjects (aged 18–45 years) were randomized. Twenty-seven of 37 (73 %) subjects receiving EMD 525797 reported a total of 61 adverse events (AEs), including 38 events (in 17 subjects) considered by the investigator to be treatment related. A total of 35 AEs were reported by 14 of 18 (78 %) placebo-treated subjects. The most commonly occurring AEs were gastrointestinal disorders, abnormal laboratory values, and increased or decreased biochemistry and/or hematology values, as well as headaches, which occurred at a slightly higher frequency in the EMD 525797 group compared with placebo. There were no serious AEs or deaths. EMD 525797 PK appeared to be dose dependent, especially at lower doses. Conclusion Ascending single doses of EMD 525797 were shown to be safe and well tolerated. No safety concerns were identified. This study supports the ongoing investigation of EMD 525797.