Effects of JNJ-40929837, a leukotriene A4 hydrolase inhibitor, in a bronchial allergen challenge model of asthma

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a chemotactic mediator implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma. JNJ-40929837 is an oral inhibitor of LTA4 hydrolase, which catalyzes LTB4 production. We evaluated the effects of JNJ-40929837 in a human bronchial allergen challenge (BAC) model. In this double-blind, 3-period crossover study, 22 patients with mild, atopic asthma were randomized to one of three treatments per period: 100 mg/day JNJ-40929837 for 6 days followed by 50 mg/day on day 7; 10 mg/day montelukast for 6 days; and matched placebo. The BAC was performed on day 6 of each treatment period. Primary outcome was BAC-induced late asthmatic response (LAR) measured by maximal percent reduction in forced expiratory volume (FEV1) in one second. Secondary outcomes included early asthmatic response (EAR) by maximal percent reduction in FEV1, EAR and LAR evaluated by area under the FEV1/time curve (AUC0-2, AUC3-10, respectively), change in baseline FEV1 after 5-day treatment, safety, and correlation of JNJ-40929837 to the divalent cation ionophore A23187-stimulated whole blood LTB4 levels and sputum basal LTB4 levels. No significant differences were observed in the primary or secondary FEV1 endpoints with JNJ-40929837 versus placebo. Compared with placebo (n = 17, LS mean = 27.7), there was no significant attenuation of the maximal percent reduction in the LAR FEV1 with JNJ-40929837 (n = 16, LS mean = 28.6, P = 0.63) but montelukast (n = 17, LS mean = 22.6, P = 0.01) significantly attenuated the LAR. JNJ-40929837 substantially inhibited LTB4 production in whole blood, decreased sputum LTB4 levels and was well-tolerated. The number of adverse events leading to study withdrawal was the same in JNJ-40929837 and placebo groups. In conclusion, JNJ-40929837 demonstrated target engagement in blood and sputum. No significant impact in response to allergen inhalation was observed with JNJ-40929837 versus placebo.RegistrationThis study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01241422.