Transient complement activation (Bb, C3a) in 12-week monkey; no immune function effects in juvenile rat
“No drug-related findings were observed in the 12-week study, except for transient (Day 8) increases in complement B6 fragment and C3a at the mid and high doses and a dose-related decrease in FSH (Day 80).”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 6Source ↗
Biodistribution & persistence
Rapid, extensive distribution except CNS; highest in kidney; blood t1/2 1.46 h; ~75% excreted intact in urine
“The drug was rapidly and extensively distributed to most tissues except CNS (brain and spinal cord). Highest levels of radioactivity were observed in kidney.”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 111Source ↗
Modality-specific risk
Renal toxicity (juvenile deaths, small margin) prompted clinical hold; also monkey femorotibial synovial hyperplasia
“The pivotal nonclinical studies indicate that severe renal impairment (including irreversible renal damage in the juvenile animals) can result from chronic exposure to golodirsen, with only a small safety margin based on exposure.”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 14Source ↗
Main pharmacology-related risk is increased susceptibility to infections (C5 inhibition); no complement activation by the aptamer in monkeys; panuveitis with Lucentis combination