LAUSR

BACKGROUND & AIMS Children and adults with lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D) experience cirrhosis and dyslipidemia from lysosomal accumulation of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides. Sebelipase alfa enzyme replacement therapy is indicated for individuals with LAL-D. We report final results of the phase 3 randomized ARISE study of sebelipase alfa in children aged ≥4 years and adults with LAL-D. METHODS The study included a 20-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase, a 130-week, open-label extension period, and a 104-week, open-label expanded treatment period. In the open-label periods, all patients received intravenous sebelipase alfa every other week. The primary outcome was alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level normalization; aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, lipid parameters, liver histology, liver and spleen volume and fat content, and safety were also assessed. RESULTS Of 66 patients enrolled, 59 completed the study. Median (range) age at randomization was 13 (4.7-59) years. At the last open-label visit, ALT and AST levels had normalized in 47% and 66% of patients, respectively. Patients who switched from placebo to sebelipase alfa experienced sustained improvements in ALT and AST during the open-label periods that mirrored those observed in the sebelipase alfa group during the double-blind period. Median (interquartile range) percent changes in lipid levels included a 25% (39%, 6.5%) reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and a 27% (19%, 44%) increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Most adverse events during the open-label periods were mild to moderate in severity; 13 patients had infusion-associated reactions (serious in 1 patient). Six patients (9%) developed anti-drug antibodies. CONCLUSIONS Early and rapid improvements in markers of liver injury and lipid abnormalities with sebelipase alfa were sustained, with no progression of liver disease, for up to 5 years. LAY SUMMARY Sebelipase alfa is used to treat lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D), a rare, inherited disease of lipid metabolism. We report the final results of the phase 3 ARISE clinical study, which show that replacement of the defective LAL enzyme with sebelipase alfa for up to 5 years allows adults and children 4 years of age and older to maintain their initial improvements in liver and cholesterol parameters over the long term, without worsening of liver disease. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER NCT01757184; EudraCT Number: 2011-002750-31.