A phase 3, open-label, randomized trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of levofloxacin inhalation solution (APT-1026) versus tobramycin inhalation solution in stable cystic fibrosis patients

BackgroundInhaled antibiotics are standard of care for persons with cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa airway infection. APT-1026 (levofloxacin inhalation solution, LIS) is fluoroquinolone in development. We compared the safety and efficacy of LIS to tobramycin inhalation solution (TIS) in persons ≥ 12 years old with CF and chronic P. aeruginosa infection.MethodsThis multinational, randomized (2:1), non-inferiority study compared LIS and TIS over three 28-day on/off cycles. Day 28 FEV1 % predicted relative change was the primary endpoint. Time to exacerbation and patient-reported quality of life were among secondary endpoints.ResultsBaseline demographics for 282 subjects were comparable. Non-inferiority was demonstrated (1.86% predicted mean FEV1 difference [95% CI − 0.66 to 4.39%]). LIS was well-tolerated, with dysgeusia (taste distortion) as the most frequent adverse event.ConclusionsLIS is a safe and effective therapy for the management of CF patients with chronic P. aeruginosa infection.