A Phase II Study of the Efficacy and Safety of the Novel Oral SHIP1 Activator AQX-1125 in Subjects with Moderate to Severe Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

PurposeIn this 6-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, multicenter trial we assessed the effect of the novel SHIP1 (SH2-containing inositol-5′-phosphatase 1) activator AQX-1125 on bladder pain and urinary symptoms in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.Materials and MethodsWomen with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and a mean pain score of 5 or greater on an 11-point scale despite treatment were randomized to AQX-1125 or placebo orally once daily for 6 weeks. Average and maximum pain scores (daily) and urinary frequency (before visits) were recorded by e-diary and at clinic visits. The O’Leary-Sant ICSI (Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index) and ICPI (Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index), BPIC-SS (Bladder Pain Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Score) and SF-12v2® questionnaires were administered. Safety was monitored through 6 weeks of treatment and 4 weeks of followup.ResultsA total of 37 patients received oral AQX-1125 and 32 received placebo. At 6 weeks average daily pain on an e-diary decreased by 2.4 points for AQX-1125 vs 1.4 for placebo (p = 0.061), while average pain at clinic decreased by 2.6 vs 1.1 (p = 0.008), maximum daily pain on e-diary diary decreased by 2.6 vs 1.4 (p = 0.030) and maximum pain at clinic decreased by 2.8 vs 1.1 (p = 0.028). AQX-1125 reduced ICSI by 3.8 points vs 1.4 for placebo (p = 0.005), ICPI by 3.6 points vs 1.6 (p = 0.014) and BPIC-SS by 8.8 points vs 4.0 (p = 0.011). Urinary frequency decreased on AQX-1125 by 3.6 voids per 24 hours vs 0.8 for placebo (p = 0.040). Adverse event rates were similar for AQX-1125 and placebo (51.4% and 78.1%, respectively). No serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionsWomen with moderate to severe interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome who were treated with the oral SHIP1 activator AQX-1125 reported significantly reduced bladder pain and improved urinary symptoms at 6 weeks. AQX-1125 was well tolerated. AQX-1125 may be a potential new treatment for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. It warrants further investigation.