Roland Greinwald

Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH

Publications

  • 1.73
    Impact points
  • 3.15
    Impact points
    Improvement in oral chronic graft-versus-host disease with the administration of effervescent tablets of topical budesonide-an open, randomized, multicenter study.

    Sharon Elad, Itai Zeevi, Jürgen Finke, Michael Koldehoff, Rainer Schwerdtfeger, Daniel Wolff, Ralf Mohrbacher, Michael Levitt, Roland Greinwald, Michael Y Shapira

    Biology of blood and marrow transplantation : journal of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. 06/2011; 18(1):134-40.

    Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) frequently involves oral tissues. Although the mucosal changes may be painful and impair oral function, there is currently no topical therapy available for oral cGVHD that has been proven to work in an evidence-based manner. The aims of this study were to (1... [more] Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) frequently involves oral tissues. Although the mucosal changes may be painful and impair oral function, there is currently no topical therapy available for oral cGVHD that has been proven to work in an evidence-based manner. The aims of this study were to (1) assess the response of patients with oral cGVHD to various doses of a new topical budesonide formulation; (2) evaluate the efficacy and safety of the new topical budesonide formulation in these patients. An open, randomized, multicenter phase II pilot study with 4 treatment arms differing in application frequency and duration was performed. Response to treatment was scored by the clinician and patient using several scales. Oral cGVHD improved in all patients, with a median reduction of 70%. Pain reduction was similar in all study arms. The rate of objective improvement (defined as ≥50%) was not significantly different among the 4 study arms. The safety profile was satisfactory. Topical budesonide mouthwash (3 mg/10 mL) improved oral cGVHD in all patients when applied for 5 or 10 minutes, 2 or 3 times daily. The response was similar in all treatment arms. Safety analysis supported a dosing schedule of 3 mg of budesonide 3 times a day for 10 minutes.
  • 1.73
    Impact points
    3g mesalazine granules are superior to 9mg budesonide for achieving remission in active ulcerative colitis: a double-blind, double-dummy, randomised trial.

    Volker Gross, Ivan Bunganic, Elena A Belousova, Tatyana L Mikhailova, Limas Kupcinskas, Gediminas Kiudelis, Zsolt Tulassay, Libor Gabalec, Andrey E Dorofeyev, Jelena Derova, Karin Dilger, Roland Greinwald, Ralph Mueller

    Journal of Crohn's & colitis. 04/2011; 5(2):129-38.

    Budesonide may be an effective therapy for mild-to-moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed to demonstrate non-inferiority for oral 9mg budesonide once daily (OD) versus 3g mesalazine granules OD. This was an eight-week randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, multicentre study in ... [more] Budesonide may be an effective therapy for mild-to-moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed to demonstrate non-inferiority for oral 9mg budesonide once daily (OD) versus 3g mesalazine granules OD. This was an eight-week randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, multicentre study in which patients with mild-to-moderately active UC, defined as Clinical Activity Index (CAI) ≥6 and Endoscopic Index (EI) ≥4, received budesonide (Budenofalk® 3mg capsules×3) or mesalazine (Salofalk® 1000mg granules×3). The primary endpoint was clinical remission at week 8 (CAI ≤4 with stool frequency and rectal bleeding subscores of "0"). 343 patients were randomised (177 budesonide, 166 mesalazine). Fewer patients achieved the primary endpoint with budesonide versus mesalazine (70/177 [39.5%] versus 91/166 [54.8%]) with a difference in proportions of -15.3% (95% CI [-25.7%, -4.8%]; p=0.520 for non-inferiority). The median time to first resolution of symptoms was 14.0 days (budesonide) and 11.0 days (mesalazine) (hazard ratio 1.19; 95% CI [0.94, 1.51]). Mucosal healing was observed in 54/177 (30.5%) budesonide patients versus 65/166 (39.2%) mesalazine patients, a difference of -8.6% (95% CI [-18.7%, 1.4%]; p=0.093). The incidences of adverse events (budesonide 26.6%, mesalazine 25.3%) and serious adverse events (budesonide 1.7%, mesalazine 1.2%) were similar. Once-daily 3g mesalazine administered as granules is superior to 9mg budesonide OD administered as capsules for achieving remission in mild-to-moderately active UC. However, it is noteworthy that remission of UC was attained in about 40% of budesonide-treated patients with a rapid onset of resolution.
  • 12.90
    Impact points
    Budesonide 9 mg is at least as effective as mesalamine 4.5 g in patients with mildly to moderately active Crohn's disease.

    Andreas Tromm, Ivan Bunganič, Eva Tomsová, Zsolt Tulassay, Milan Lukáš, Jan Kykal, Marian Bátovský, Bohumil Fixa, Libor Gabalec, Rifaat Safadi, [......], István Altorjay, Hanns Löhr, Ioannis Koutroubakis, Simon Bar-Meir, Davor Stimac, Elke Schäffeler, Christoph Glasmacher, Karin Dilger, Ralf Mohrbacher, Roland Greinwald

    Gastroenterology. 11/2010; 140(2):425-434.e1; quiz e13-4.

    Comparative data on budesonide vs mesalamine for the treatment of mild-to-moderately active Crohn's disease (CD) are sparse. We assessed the efficacy and safety of each therapy in patients with mildly to moderately active CD. We performed a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, 8-week, multice... [more] Comparative data on budesonide vs mesalamine for the treatment of mild-to-moderately active Crohn's disease (CD) are sparse. We assessed the efficacy and safety of each therapy in patients with mildly to moderately active CD. We performed a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, 8-week, multicenter study in which 309 patients with mildly to moderately active CD received pH-modified-release oral budesonide (9 mg/day once daily or 3 mg/day 3 times daily) or Eudragit-L-coated oral mesalamine (4.5 g/day). The primary efficacy variable, clinical remission (defined as Crohn's Disease Activity Index ≤150), at the final visit occurred in 69.5% (107 of 154) of patients given budesonide vs 62.1% (95 of 153) of patients given mesalamine (difference, 7.4%; 95% repeated confidence interval, -4.6% to 18.0%; P = .001 for noninferiority). Clinical remission rates did not differ significantly between the 2 budesonide groups. Treatment response, defined as Crohn's Disease Activity Index of 150 or less and/or a decrease of 70 or more (Δ70) or 100 or more (Δ100) points from baseline to final visit, did not differ significantly between patients given budesonide vs mesalamine (Δ70, P = .11; Δ100, P = .15), or between the 2 budesonide groups (Δ70, P = .38; Δ100, P = .78). No other efficacy end points differed significantly between groups. Discontinuation because of adverse events occurred in 3% and 5% of budesonide- and mesalamine-treated patients, respectively. There were no clinically relevant differences in adverse events between the 2 budesonide groups. Budesonide (9 mg/day) was numerically, but not statistically, more effective than Eudragit-L-coated mesalamine (4.5 g/day) in patients with mildly to moderately active CD. Budesonide (9 mg/day), administered once daily, was as effective as the standard (3 times daily) regimen.
  • 9.36
    Impact points
    Azathioprine versus mesalazine for prevention of postoperative clinical recurrence in patients with Crohn's disease with endoscopic recurrence: efficacy and safety results of a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, multicentre trial.

    Walter Reinisch, Sieglinde Angelberger, Wolfgang Petritsch, Olga Shonova, Milan Lukas, Simon Bar-Meir, Alexander Teml, Elke Schaeffeler, Matthias Schwab, Karin Dilger, Roland Greinwald, Ralph Mueller, Eduard F Stange, Klaus R Herrlinger

    Gut. 06/2010; 59(6):752-9.

    The aim of the study was to compare azathioprine versus mesalazine tablets for the prevention of clinical recurrence in patients with postoperative Crohn's disease (CD) with moderate or severe endoscopic recurrence. This was a 1 year, double-blind, double-dummy, randomised study which took place... [more] The aim of the study was to compare azathioprine versus mesalazine tablets for the prevention of clinical recurrence in patients with postoperative Crohn's disease (CD) with moderate or severe endoscopic recurrence. This was a 1 year, double-blind, double-dummy, randomised study which took place in 21 gastroenterology centres in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany and Israel. The study participants were 78 adults with CD who had undergone resection with ileocolonic anastomosis in the preceding 6-24 months without subsequent clinical recurrence and with a Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) score <200, but with moderate or severe endoscopic recurrence. The study drugs were azathioprine 2.0-2.5 mg/kg/day or mesalazine 4 g/day over 1 year. The primary end point was therapeutic failure during 1 year, defined as a CDAI score > or = 200 and an increase of > or = 60 points from baseline, or study drug discontinuation due to lack of efficacy or intolerable adverse drug reaction. Treatment failure occurred in 22.0% (9/41) of azathioprine-treated patients and 10.8% (4/37) of mesalazine-treated patients, a difference of 11.1% (95% CI -5.0% to 27.3%, p=0.19). Clinical recurrence was significantly less frequent with azathioprine versus mesalazine (0/41 (0%) vs 4/37 (10.8%), p=0.031), whereas study drug discontinuation due to adverse drug reactions only occurred in azathioprine-treated patients (9/41 (22.0%) vs 0%, p=0.002). The proportion of patients showing > or = 1 point reduction in Rutgeerts score between baseline and month 12 was 63.3% (19/30) and 34.4% (11/32) in the azathioprine and mesalazine groups, respectively (p=0.023). In this population of patients with postoperative CD at high risk of clinical recurrence, superiority for azathioprine versus mesalazine could not be demonstrated for therapeutic failure.
  • 4.64
    Impact points
    Clinical trial: a novel high-dose 1 g mesalamine suppository (Salofalk) once daily is as efficacious as a 500-mg suppository thrice daily in active ulcerative proctitis.

    Tilo Andus, Andreas Kocjan, Moritz Müser, Andrey Baranovsky, Tatyana L Mikhailova, Tatyana D Zvyagintseva, Andrey E Dorofeyev, Yurii S Lozynskyy, Ingolf Cascorbi, Manfred Stolte, Michael Vieth, Karin Dilger, Ralf Mohrbacher, Roland Greinwald

    Inflammatory bowel diseases. 03/2010; 16(11):1947-56.

    Mesalamine suppositories are first-line therapy in active ulcerative proctitis; the standard regime still recommends multiple doses per day. The primary objective of this study was to show the noninferiority of once-daily administration of a novel 1 g mesalamine suppository versus thrice-daily admin... [more] Mesalamine suppositories are first-line therapy in active ulcerative proctitis; the standard regime still recommends multiple doses per day. The primary objective of this study was to show the noninferiority of once-daily administration of a novel 1 g mesalamine suppository versus thrice-daily administration of the 0.5 g mesalamine suppository. This was a single-blind (investigator-blinded), randomized, multicenter, comparative, Phase III clinical trial. Patients with mild to moderately active ulcerative proctitis inserted either one mesalamine 1 g suppository at bedtime or one mesalamine 0.5 g suppository thrice daily over a 6-week period. The primary endpoint was rate of remission (Disease Activity Index below 4). In all, 354 patients were evaluable for safety and per-protocol analysis. The new regimen demonstrated noninferiority: The percentage of patients with remission was 87.9% for the once-daily 1 g mesalamine suppository and 90.7% for the thrice-daily 0.5 g mesalamine suppository. Each regimen resulted in prompt cessation of clinical symptoms (e.g., median time to ≤3 stools per day (all without blood): 5 days in the 1 g mesalamine once-daily and 7 days in the 0.5 g mesalamine thrice-daily group). Patients preferred applying suppositories once a day. In active ulcerative proctitis the once-daily administration of a 1 g mesalamine suppository is as effective and safe, yet considerably more convenient, than the standard thrice-daily administration of a 0.5 g mesalamine suppository.
  • 12.90
    Impact points
    A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study showing that budesonide is effective in treating lymphocytic colitis.

    Stephan Miehlke, Ahmed Madisch, Diana Karimi, Susann Wonschik, Eberhard Kuhlisch, Renate Beckmann, Andrea Morgner, Ralph Mueller, Roland Greinwald, Gerhard Seitz, Gustavo Baretton, Manfred Stolte

    Gastroenterology. 04/2009;

    BACKGROUND AND AIMS:: Budesonide is effective in treating collagenous colitis, but there is no established treatment for lymphocytic colitis. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of budesonide in patients with lymphocytic colitis. METHODS:: 42 pat... [more] BACKGROUND AND AIMS:: Budesonide is effective in treating collagenous colitis, but there is no established treatment for lymphocytic colitis. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of budesonide in patients with lymphocytic colitis. METHODS:: 42 patients (median age 61 years) with lymphocytic colitis and chronic diarrhea were randomly assigned to groups that were given oral doses of budesonide (9 mg/day) or placebo for 6 weeks. Non-responders at Week 6 were given open-label budesonide (9 mg/day) for 6 additional weeks. A complete colonoscopy and histological and quality of life analyses were performed at baseline and at Week 6. The primary endpoint was clinical remission at 6 weeks, with last observation carried forward (LOCF). All patients that left the study in clinical remission were followed for relapse. RESULTS:: At Week 6, 86% of patients given budesonide were in clinical remission (with LOCF) compared with 48% of patients given placebo ( P = 0.010). Furthermore, open-label budesonide therapy induced clinical remission in 7 of 8 patients given placebo. Histological remission was observed in 73% of patients given budesonide compared with 31% given placebo ( P = 0.030). Only 1 patient discontinued budesonide therapy prematurely. During a mean follow-up period of 14 months, 15 patients (44.1%) experienced a clinical relapse (after a mean of 2 months); 8 of the relapsing patients were re-treated with and responded again to budesonide. CONCLUSIONS:: Budesonide effectively induces clinical remission in patients with lymphocytic colitis and significantly improves histology results after 6 weeks. Clinical relapses occur but can be treated again with budesonide.
  • 9.36
    Impact points
    Once-daily versus three-times-daily mesalazine granules in active ulcerative colitis: A double-blind, double-dummy, randomised non-inferiority trial.

    Wolfgang Kruis, Gediminas Kiudelis, Istvan Racz, Igorevich Aleksander Gorelov, Juris Pokrotnieks, Marek Horynski, Marian Batovsky, Jan Kykal, Stephan K Böhm, Roland Greinwald, Ralph Müller

    Gut. 11/2008;

    OBJECTIVES: To determine the therapeutic equivalence and safety of once daily (OD) versus three times daily (TID) dosing of a total daily dose of 3g Salofalk(R) (mesalazine) granules in patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC). DESIGN: A randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel group, mu... [more] OBJECTIVES: To determine the therapeutic equivalence and safety of once daily (OD) versus three times daily (TID) dosing of a total daily dose of 3g Salofalk(R) (mesalazine) granules in patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC). DESIGN: A randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel group, multicentre, international, Phase III non-inferiority study. SETTING: 54 centers in 13 countries. PATIENTS: 380 patients with confirmed diagnosis of established or first attack of UC (Clinical Activity Index [CAI] > 4 and Endoscopical Index >/= 4 at baseline) were randomized and treated. INTERVENTIONS: 8-week treatment with either 3g OD or 1g TID mesalazine granules. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical remission (CAI pound 4) at study end. RESULTS: 380 patients were evaluable for efficacy and safety by intention-to-treat (ITT), 345 for per-protocol (PP) analysis. In the PP population, 83% in the OD group (N=171) and 78% in the TID group (N=174) achieved clinical remission (p<0.0001 for non-inferiority). Significantly more patients (ITT) with proctosigmoiditis achieved clinical remission in the OD group (86%; N=97) versus the TID group (73%; N=100; p = 0.0298). About 70% of patients in both treatment groups (ITT) achieved endoscopical remission, and 41% in the OD group and 47% in the TID group achieved histological remission (ITT). About 80% of all patients preferred a OD dosing. The two dosing regimens were equally safe and well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: OD 3g mesalazine granules are as effective and safe as a TID 1g schedule. With respect to the best possible adherence of the patients to the treatment, OD dosing of mesalazine should be the preferred application mode in active UC.
  • 2.10
    Impact points
    (E)-metanicotine hemigalactarate (TC-2403-12) inhibits IL-8 production in cells of the inflamed mucosa.

    Tanja Spoettl, Christine Paetzel, Hans Herfarth, Merouane Bencherif, Juergen Schoelmerich, Roland Greinwald, Gregory J Gatto, Gerhard Rogler

    International journal of colorectal disease. 04/2007; 22(3):303-12.

    BACKGROUND: Nicotine is of therapeutic value in ulcerative colitis, but its administration is connected with adverse events. Nicotine derivatives are currently being tested to maintain the therapeutic effects and minimize adverse events. TC-2403-12 is a (E)-metanicotine hemigalactarate. The aim of t... [more] BACKGROUND: Nicotine is of therapeutic value in ulcerative colitis, but its administration is connected with adverse events. Nicotine derivatives are currently being tested to maintain the therapeutic effects and minimize adverse events. TC-2403-12 is a (E)-metanicotine hemigalactarate. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of TC-2403-12 in the inhibition of TNF- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cell activation. METHODS: Colonic epithelial cells (CEC), monocytes (MM6), granulocytes, and the intestinal epithelial cell line HT-29 were stimulated with TNF and LPS and treated with TC-2403-12. IL-8 secretion in the cell supernatants and NF-kappaB activation were determined by ELISA. Apoptosis was quantified by flow cytometry. RESULTS: In MM6 cells, IL-8 secretion was significantly decreased to 30% of control after TC-2403-12 treatment, with best results after pretreatment for 24 h. This decrease in cell activation was not due to apoptosis and was not mediated by inhibition of NF-kappaB activation. IL-8 production in neutrophils and primary CEC also tended to be decreased after TC-2403-12 treatment. TC-2403-12 had no influence on IL-8 secretion of HT-29 cells. CONCLUSION: TC-2403-12 effectively inhibited TNF- and LPS-induced IL-8 production in different cell types. No toxic effects occurred at the concentrations used. Preincubation of cells with TC-2403-12 showed the best effects.
  • 2.54
    Impact points
    Long-term treatment of high intestinal output syndrome with budesonide in patients with Crohn's disease and ileostomy.

    Karl W Ecker, Andreas Stallmach, Jürgen Löffler, Roland Greinwald, Ulrike Achenbach

    Diseases of the colon and rectum. 02/2005; 48(2):237-42.

    PURPOSE: In a previous, controlled study, it was shown that orally administered budesonide increases the absorptive capacity of the intestinal mucosa in patients with ileostomies caused by Crohn's disease. This open, nonrandomized study was designed to analyze this functional, not inflammation-d... [more] PURPOSE: In a previous, controlled study, it was shown that orally administered budesonide increases the absorptive capacity of the intestinal mucosa in patients with ileostomies caused by Crohn's disease. This open, nonrandomized study was designed to analyze this functional, not inflammation-dependent steroid-effect in the long-term course comparing exposure, withdrawal, and reexposure. METHODS: Phase 1: 23 patients without inflammatory activity of the disease received oral budesonide (3 mg t.i.d.) for at least four weeks (36.7 weeks; standard deviation, 45.3 weeks) because of high intestinal output syndrome. Phase 2: Medication was stopped for four weeks. Phase 3: Medication as in Phase 1. In each phase the weight of the ileostomy bags was measured with a spring balance before emptying and documented in a diary. Mean values per day and per week were calculated and the differences statistically evaluated by the Wilcoxon-(Pratt)-test. RESULTS: Comparing the last week of Phase 1 to first week of Phase 2, a significant (P < 0.0001) increase of the intestinal output (295 g; standard deviation, 313 g) was observed after omitting budesonide. In contrast, comparing the last week of Phase 2 to Phase 3, a significant (P < 0.0001) decrease of the intestinal output by 323.7 g (standard deviation, 322.2 g) was noticed reaching the same level as in Phase 1. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that the functional, inflammation-independent effect of budesonide on the intestinal mucosa is strongly correlated to the administration of the drug and may be maintained long-term. These results should be confirmed by a larger number of patients.
  • 2.11
    Impact points
    Prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, randomized phase III study with orally administered budesonide for prevention of irinotecan (CPT-11)-induced diarrhea in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

    M Karthaus, Harald Ballo, Wolgang Abenhardt, Tilmann Steinmetz, Thomas Geer, Jorg Schimke, Dietrich Braumann, Rudiger Behrens, Dirk Behringer, Manfred Kindler, Helmut Messmann, Hans-Peter Boeck, Roland Greinwald, Ulrich Kleeberg

    Oncology. 01/2005; 68(4-6):326-32.

    BACKGROUND: Unpredictable and severe diarrhea (NCI grade > or =3) remains a life-threatening adverse event in patients treated with irinotecan (CPT-11). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of orally administered budesonide for prevention of CPT-11-induced delayed diarrhe... [more] BACKGROUND: Unpredictable and severe diarrhea (NCI grade > or =3) remains a life-threatening adverse event in patients treated with irinotecan (CPT-11). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of orally administered budesonide for prevention of CPT-11-induced delayed diarrhea in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 56 patients with advanced colorectal cancer receiving CPT-11 therapy (125 mg/m2 once weekly) were enrolled in this multicenter trial. Patients were randomly treated with 3 mg budesonide orally 3 times daily versus placebo. Detailed assessment of diarrhea by monitoring stool frequency, stool consistency and loperamide rescue medication was made by keeping a diary. RESULTS: Diarrhea, defined as number of stools >4 occurring on a single day during the study period, could be prevented in 58.3% of the budesonide-treated patients compared to 38.5% of the patients under placebo. Patients in the budesonide group had less episodes (0.7 vs. 2.2 episodes) and a considerably shorter total duration of diarrhea (1.8 vs. 4.2 days) episodes than patients in the placebo group. Loperamide use was more frequent in the placebo than in the budesonide arm (55.6 vs. 41.7%). Also, exposure to rescue medication of loperamide was higher for placebo (36.2 capsules) than for budesonide (24.9 capsules). A superior prevention of diarrhea was observed for budesonide compared to placebo in the first cycle (14 vs. 10; p = 0.257), with more failures observed in the placebo group (16 vs. 10). CONCLUSION: This double-blind randomized trial failed to show that budesonide has a significant benefit in preventing CPT-11-induced diarrhea. While a trend exists, further trials are warranted.
  • 1.59
    Impact points
    Evaluation of oral budesonide in the treatment of active distal ulcerative colitis.

    Jeroen J Kolkman, Helmut W Möllmann, Anja Clara Möllmann, Amado Salvador Penã, Roland Greinwald, Horst-Dietmar Tauschel, Guenther Hochhaus

    Drugs of today (Barcelona, Spain : 1998). 08/2004; 40(7):589-601.

    Budesonide, a topical corticosteroid, has proven useful for the management of Crohn's disease. Its efficacy is similar to prednisone but it has fewer side effects. A new pH-modified release capsule (Budenofalk) is probably efficacious in distal ulcerative colitis. The aim of the present study wa... [more] Budesonide, a topical corticosteroid, has proven useful for the management of Crohn's disease. Its efficacy is similar to prednisone but it has fewer side effects. A new pH-modified release capsule (Budenofalk) is probably efficacious in distal ulcerative colitis. The aim of the present study was to establish the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of two dosage regimens of budesonide capsules and to obtain efficacy information. Budenofalk 9 mg daily was administered as a single dose 9 mg in 8 patients and as three 3 mg doses in 7 patients with active distal ulcerative colitis for 8 weeks. Symptoms were assessed at three timepoints during the study: baseline, 4 and 8 weeks after start of treatment. Endoscopic evaluation and budesonide concentration in mucosal biopsy specimens was performed at 0 and 8 weeks. A pharmacokinetic profile and pharmacodynamic profile (cortisol, lymphocytes and neutrophils) was performed at day 5. In the 9 mg o.d. group, higher peak concentrations and systemic availability was found compared to the 3 mg t.i.d. group. Cortisol suppression was more pronounced after 9 mg o.d. than after 3 mg t.i.d. Lag-time, AUC and pharmacodynamic effects were comparable (14% mean decrease lymphocyte count and 26% mean increase neutrophil count). Mucosal biopsy specimens in the distal colon revealed significant budesonide levels with both regimens. After 8 weeks, 71% in the 9 mg o.d. group and 38% in the 3 t.i.d. group responded. The endoscopic index improved from 10 +/- 2 to 2 +/- 3 (p <0.001) with 9 mg o.d. and from 9 +/- 2 to 4 +/- 4.7 (p = 0.02) with 3 mg t.i.d. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles found in this study indicate that Budenofalk reaches the distal part of colon and rectum, but further studies to validate the budesonide assay in the mucosa and comparison with a control group are necessary. This limited study suggests that Budenofalk is effective in distal colitis and side effects are rare. Based on these observations a large clinical trial using 9 mg o.d. is indicated to confirm efficacy and assess further possible side effects.
  • 2.10
    Impact points
    No dose-dependent tubulotoxicity of 5-aminosalicylic acid: a prospective study in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

    Carsten Dehmer, Roland Greinwald, Juergen Löffler, Wolfgang Grotz, Lothar Wolf, Hans-Burkhardt Hagmann, Werner Schneider, Wolfgang Kreisel

    International journal of colorectal disease. 10/2003; 18(5):406-12.

    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Elevated levels of renal tubular markers in the urine are found in 20-30% of patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. We investigated whether this reflects a dose-dependent tubulotoxicity of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In an open, prospective, ... [more] BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Elevated levels of renal tubular markers in the urine are found in 20-30% of patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. We investigated whether this reflects a dose-dependent tubulotoxicity of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In an open, prospective, multicenter study 18 patients with Crohn's disease and 29 with ulcerative colitis were treated with 3 g 5-ASA or more daily as the sole drug for 6 weeks. Clinical activity (CDAI, CAI) and renal tubular markers [beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (beta-NAG) and other proteins in urine] were monitored. We examined whether the proportion of patients with elevated beta-NAG is more than 15% higher (absolute difference) than that prior to treatment. RESULTS: The proportion decreased from 19.2% to 12.8% in the intention-to-treat analysis (n=47) and from 24.3% to 13.5% in the per-protocol analysis (n=37), which was not more than 15% higher than at baseline. Mean CDAI decreased from 222 to 146 and mean CAI from 7.3 to 3.1 (intention-to-treat analysis). Response to therapy was shown by 61% of patients with Crohn's disease and 66% of patients with ulcerative colitis. The cumulative dose of 5-ASA was not correlated with beta-NAG level in the urine. CONCLUSION: This study largely rules out that 5-ASA at 3 g or higher per day for 6 weeks induces renal tubular damage. Elevated renal tubular markers reflect inflammatory activity or an extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel diseases.
  • 2.54
    Impact points
    Budesonide foam vs. hydrocortisone acetate foam in the treatment of active ulcerative proctosigmoiditis.

    Simon Bar-Meir, Herma H Fidder, Mark Faszczyk, Gabriele Bianchi Porro, Giacomo C Sturniolo, Oliver Mickisch, Ralph Müller, Roland Greinwald, Yehuda Chowers, Volker Grobeta

    Diseases of the colon and rectum. 08/2003; 46(7):929-36.

    INTRODUCTION: Rectal administration of corticosteroids is advocated in patients with proctosigmoiditis who have failed therapy with mesalamine enema. Foam offers patients better tolerability than an enema. In this study the efficacy and adverse effects of a new budesonide foam are compared with the ... [more] INTRODUCTION: Rectal administration of corticosteroids is advocated in patients with proctosigmoiditis who have failed therapy with mesalamine enema. Foam offers patients better tolerability than an enema. In this study the efficacy and adverse effects of a new budesonide foam are compared with the presently available hydrocortisone foam. METHODS: Two hundred fifty-one patients with proctosigmoiditis were randomly assigned to receive either budesonide foam or hydrocortisone foam for eight weeks. RESULTS: Remission rates were comparable in the budesonide and hydrocortisone groups, 53 and 52 percent, respectively. The mean disease activity index for the two groups decreased to a similar extent, from 7.2 +/- 1.9 and 7 +/- 2 to 3.6 +/- 3.1 and 3.9 +/- 3.4 in the budesonide and hydrocortisone groups, respectively. In a subgroup of patients who had not responded to rectal administration of mesalamine, 23 of 44 (52 percent) patients who received budesonide responded favorably to the foam, as compared with 14 of 38 (37 percent) patients who received hydrocortisone (P = not significant). Low plasma cortisol occurred in 3 percent of the budesonide group and in none of the hydrocortisone patients. CONCLUSIONS: This trial demonstrates a similar efficacy and safety of the two foams in patients with proctosigmoiditis.
  • 5.64
    Impact points
    The optimal dose of 5-aminosalicylic acid in active ulcerative colitis: a dose-finding study with newly developed mesalamine.

    Wolfgang Kruis, Simon Bar-Meir, Janos Feher, Oliver Mickisch, Horst Mlitz, Marek Faszczyk, Yehuda Chowers, Gabriella Lengyele, Agotá Kovacs, László Lakatos, Manfred Stolte, Michael Vieth, Roland Greinwald

    Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association. 01/2003; 1(1):36-43.

    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: 5-Aminosalicylate is the gold standard for inducing remission in patients with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis. The optimal dose is as yet not defined. Despite some recent developments, the ideal formulation for 5-aminosalicylic acid is still awaited. A new pellet... [more] BACKGROUND AND AIMS: 5-Aminosalicylate is the gold standard for inducing remission in patients with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis. The optimal dose is as yet not defined. Despite some recent developments, the ideal formulation for 5-aminosalicylic acid is still awaited. A new pellet preparation was designed combining slow and delayed release properties. Aims of the study were to find the optimal dose and to test efficacy and safety of a new 5-aminosalicylic acid formulation. METHODS: Three hundred twenty-one patients were included in a double-blind multicenter trial. Inclusion criteria were active ulcerative colitis (Clinical Activity Index [CAI] and Endoscopic Index [EI] according to Rachmilewitz, CAI 6-12; EI >/=4). Three different doses of 5-aminosalicylic acid (0.5 g 3 times a day, 1.0 g 3 times a day, and 1.5 g 3 times a day) were studied for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Clinical remission rate (CAI </=4) was highest in the 1.0 g 3 times a day group (66 %), 50% in the 0.5 g 3 times a day group, and 55% in the 1.5 g 3 times a day group. Hierarchical testing showed no significance, indicating a lack of dose response across the 3 mesalamine doses. In addition, times to first clinical response were similar: 26.5 days (1.0 g 3 times a day), 27.5 days (0.5 g 3 times a day), and 21.5 days (1.5 g 3 times a day). Endoscopic improvement was better with 1.0 g mesalamine 3 times a day than with 0.5 g 3 times a day, but overall endoscopic and histologic improvement was not different between treatment groups. Baseline activity, duration, and localization of ulcerative colitis did have some influence on the therapeutic activity, but there was no significant interaction with the dose of the study drug. Safety, with special focus on kidney function, was excellent in all 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant dose response between mesalamine 1.5 g/day, 3.0 g/day, and 4.5 g/day. The optimal dose to induce remission of ulcerative colitis is 0.5 g 5-aminosalicylic acid 3 times a day. Patients failing with this dose may benefit from an increase of the dose up to 1.0 g 3 times a day, but should also be considered for alternative treatment. A newly developed pellet formulation of 5-aminosalicylic acid has promising efficacy and excellent safety.
  • Budesonide 9 mg Is at Least as Effective as Mesalamine 4.5 g in Patients With Mildly to Moderately Active Crohn's Disease

    Andreas Tromm, Ivan Bunganič, Eva Tomsová, Zsolt Tulassay, Milan Lukáš, Jan Kykal, Marian Bátovský, Bohumil Fixa, Libor Gabalec, Rifaat Safadi, [......], István Altorjay, Hanns Löhr, Ioannis Koutroubakis, Simon Bar–Meir, Davor Štimac, Elke Schäffeler, Christoph Glasmacher, Karin Dilger, Ralf Mohrbacher, Roland Greinwald

    Gastroenterology.

    Background & AimsComparative data on budesonide vs mesalamine for the treatment of mild-to-moderately active Crohn's disease (CD) are sparse. We assessed the efficacy and safety of each therapy in patients with mildly to moderately active CD.MethodsWe performed a randomized, double-blind, do... [more] Background & AimsComparative data on budesonide vs mesalamine for the treatment of mild-to-moderately active Crohn's disease (CD) are sparse. We assessed the efficacy and safety of each therapy in patients with mildly to moderately active CD.MethodsWe performed a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, 8-week, multicenter study in which 309 patients with mildly to moderately active CD received pH-modified-release oral budesonide (9 mg/day once daily or 3 mg/day 3 times daily) or Eudragit-L–coated oral mesalamine (4.5 g/day).ResultsThe primary efficacy variable, clinical remission (defined as Crohn's Disease Activity Index ≤150), at the final visit occurred in 69.5% (107 of 154) of patients given budesonide vs 62.1% (95 of 153) of patients given mesalamine (difference, 7.4%; 95% repeated confidence interval, −4.6% to 18.0%; P = .001 for noninferiority). Clinical remission rates did not differ significantly between the 2 budesonide groups. Treatment response, defined as Crohn's Disease Activity Index of 150 or less and/or a decrease of 70 or more (Δ70) or 100 or more (Δ100) points from baseline to final visit, did not differ significantly between patients given budesonide vs mesalamine (Δ70, P = .11; Δ100, P = .15), or between the 2 budesonide groups (Δ70, P = .38; Δ100, P = .78). No other efficacy end points differed significantly between groups. Discontinuation because of adverse events occurred in 3% and 5% of budesonide- and mesalamine-treated patients, respectively. There were no clinically relevant differences in adverse events between the 2 budesonide groups.ConclusionsBudesonide (9 mg/day) was numerically, but not statistically, more effective than Eudragit-L–coated mesalamine (4.5 g/day) in patients with mildly to moderately active CD. Budesonide (9 mg/day), administered once daily, was as effective as the standard (3 times daily) regimen.
  • Revisión de Genista L. Sect. Spartioides Spach en la Península Ibérica y Baleares

    Roland GREINWALD, Irmgard van RENSEN, Paloma CANTÓ, Salvador Rivas Martínez

    Lazaroa, ISSN 0210-9778, vol. 18, 1997, pags. 9-44.

    Cantó, P., Rivas-Martínez, S., Greinwald, R. & Rensen, I. v. Revisión de Genista L. sect. Spartioides Spach en la Península Ibérica y Baleares. Lazaroa 18: 9-44 (1997). Tras la revisión de Genista L. sect. Spartioides en la Península Ibérica y Baleares, realizada fundamentalmente basándonos en e... [more] Cantó, P., Rivas-Martínez, S., Greinwald, R. & Rensen, I. v. Revisión de Genista L. sect. Spartioides Spach en la Península Ibérica y Baleares. Lazaroa 18: 9-44 (1997). Tras la revisión de Genista L. sect. Spartioides en la Península Ibérica y Baleares, realizada fundamentalmente basándonos en estudios morfológicos, fitosociológicos y biogeográficos y apoyada por datos fitoquímicos (alcaloides y flavonoides) y cariológicos, concluimos que en la Península Ibérica y Baleares la sección Spartioides debe ser escindida en dos subsecciones: subsect. Spartioides y subsect. Chamaespartum (Spach) stat. nov. En la primera, se reconocen dos grupos: serie Spartioides y serie Floridae ser. nova. De cada una de las especies y subespecies, se indica su citación completa, sinónimos, iconografía, tipos, ecología, bioclima, fitosociología, diagnosis corológica y mapa de distribución. Lectotipificamos Spartium valentinum Willd., Genista obtasiramea Spach, G. teretifolia Willk. y G. pseudopilosa Cosson. También presentamos claves para las especies y las subespecies.

Following (1)

18
Publications
3
Followers