Clinical trial NCT02370095
Conditions: Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult
Keywords: ARDS Acute Lung Injury Acute Respiratory Failure
Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Start date: 2015-02-01; Completion date: 2017-11-07
Enrollment: 14 participants; Allocation: RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: PARALLEL

Brief summary:
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a rapidly progressing lung disease caused by a number of factors including pneumonia, sepsis and acute trauma that leads to reduced lung function and breathlessness. There are no pharmacological treatments approved for the treatment of ARDS. This pilot trial will study the safety and efficacy of Treprostinil sodium by inhalation for preventing the progression of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure to positive pressure ventilation and/or ARDS in patients at high risk.

Detailed description:
ARDS is defined by acute hypoxemia, respiratory failure and the presence of bilateral lung infiltrates. ARDS is a syndrome of inflammation and increased permeability that may coexist with left atrial or pulmonary capillary hypertension. Several recent trials in ARDS / ALI (Acute Lung Injury) have generated interest in the use of Prostacyclin (PGI2) and prostacyclin analogs in improving oxygenation in ARDS / ALI. PGI2 is an arachidonic acid metabolite naturally produced in the lung by endothelial cells, dendritic cells, smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. PGI2 is a potent selective pulmonary vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation. The cellular effects include smooth muscle relaxation, inhibition of cell migration, decreased dextran permeability in epithelial cell cultures in vitro, decreased high tidal volume mechanical ventilation injury in mice and inhibition of fibroblast adhesion and differentiation. PGI2 has broad anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting the production of Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF) in human alveolar macrophages.

The study objectives are:

1. To assess the feasibility of a randomized trial of treprostinil inhalation in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure not requiring positive pressure ventilation.
2. To evaluate the tolerability of inhaled treprostinil for patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure
3. To assess the effect of treprostinil inhalation on oxygenation in patients with acute hypoxic respiratory failure with, or at risk for, development of ARDS
4. To assess the effect of treprostinil inhalation on various biomarkers thought to be related to the pathogenesis and/or clinical course of ARDS.

The hypothesis is: Treprostinil solution for inhalation (TYVASO) is safe and will improve oxygenation and other secondary outcomes related to acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and positive pressure ventilation initiation and duration, as well as exhibit effects on ARDS-related pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic biomarkers.

Arms: arm 1: Treprostinil will be randomized 2:1 to placebo. Treprostinil (6 mcg per breath) will be administered every 4 hours. The dose will increase from 6 to12 breaths (maximum 72 mcg) over the first 20 hours, maintained for 7 days, and tapered down over 3 days. arm 2: Placebo administration will be administered as above for the active arm
Interventions: intervention 1: Treprostinil Inhalation Solution intervention 2: Placebo
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Treprostinil inhalation solution administered as blinded marketed product intervention 2: Supplied by the manufacturer and similar to the active drug but containing no Treprostinil

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
 
Treprostinil Sodium Inhalation for Patients At-High Risk for ARDS:  
Effect on Oxygenation and Disease-related Biomarkers 
 
 
NCT number NCT02370095 
Document Date 02/09/2018 
 


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Protocol 1.06 (Modification) 
 
 
 
 
Treprostinil Sodium Inhalation for Patients At-
High Risk for ARDS:  Effect on Oxygenation and 
Disease-related Biomarkers. 
 
H. James Ford1 MD, Shannon Carson1 MD, Eugenia Quackenbush, MD2, Lydia Chang, 
MD1, Tom Bice, MD1, Alan Siqueiros, MD1, Wayne Anderson1 PhD  
1Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; 
2Department of Emergency Medicine 
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
 
Protocol 1.06 
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PART 1: Study Description 
Title:  Treprostinil Sodium Inhalation for Patients At-High Risk for ARDS:  Effect on Oxygenation 
and Disease-related Biomarkers. 
Rationale:   
ARDS is defined by acute hypoxemia, respiratory failure and the presence of bilateral lung 
infiltrates.  ARDS is a syndrome of inflammation and increased permeability that may coexist 
with left atrial or pulmonary capillary hypertension.   Despite progress in elucidation of 
underlying mechanisms, and critical care treatment protocols, there is no pharmacological 
therapy that has had a major impact on disease progression, morbidity or mortality (Adhikari 
2004). 
 
Several recent trials in ARDS/ALI (Acute Lung Injury) have generated interest in the use of 
Prostacyclin (PGI2) and prostacyclin analogs in improving oxygenation in ARDS/ALI.  PGI2 is an 
arachidonic acid metabolite naturally produced in the lung by endothelial cells, dendritic cells, 
smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts.  PGI2 is a potent selective pulmonary vasodilator and 
inhibitor of platelet aggregation.  PGI2 binds to the IP receptor which activates Gs and increases 
intracellular cAMP thus activating protein kinase A and subsequent increase in protein 
phosphorylation.   The cellular effects include smooth muscle relaxation and inhibition of cell 
migration (Dorris 2012).  A second IP receptor has been proposed that mediates the inhibition 
of cytokine release from epithelial cells (Wilson 2011).  PGI2 activated IP receptors can be found 
on human macrophages, pneumocytes, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, platelets, eosinophils 
and neutrophils (Dorris 2012).  PGI2 can also activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated 
receptor ɣ (PPARɣ) resulting in up-regulation or down-regulation of miRNAs potentially playing 
a role in apoptosis and vascular inflammation (Mohite 2011).  A direct comparison of the 
receptor binding profiles of 2 relatively stable PGI2 analogs (Iloprost and Treprostinil) identified 
several differences; treprostinil had a higher affinity for the prostaglandin D receptor and the 
prostaglandin E2 receptor with less affinity at the prostaglandin E1 receptor (Whittle 2012).  The 
prostaglandin E1 receptor activation is generally associated with vasoconstriction.  It is 
unknown if these differences will translate into differences observed in the clinical activity of 
both compounds.   
 
PGI2 has broad anti-inflammatory activity.  Treprostinil has been reported to inhibit the 
production of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and GMCSF in human alveolar macrophages by blocking the 
translocation of activated NFκB to the cell nucleus (Raychaudhuri 2002).  Endothelial cell 
integrity is also critical to the pathology in ARDS/ALI.  Both prostaglandin E2 and the 
prostacyclin analog Beraprost increased transendothelial electrical resistance and decreased 


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dextran permeability in epithelial cell cultures in vitro and decreased high tidal volume 
mechanical ventilation injury in mice (Birukova 2007).  Treprostinil can inhibit fibroblast 
adhesion and differentiation through increased intracellular cAMP, which could be beneficial in 
the latter proliferative phases of ALI (Nikam 2011).  In vivo, Treprostinil inhibited vascular 
recruitment of fibrocytes and improved pulmonary hypertension in chronic hypoxia-induced 
pulmonary hypertension in mice (Nikam 2010). 
 
Several small clinical trials have been conducted with prostacyclin analogues in ALI / ARDS.  
Zwissler et al. compared inhaled nitric oxide (NO) vs. the prostacyclin analog epoprostenol in 8 
patients with ARDS using a cross-over design (Zwissler 1996).  Epoprostenol caused a dose-
dependent decrease in pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) from 35.1 to 29.6 mm Hg at the 
highest dose as compared with inhaled NO which decreased PAP from 34.5 to 31.8 mm Hg.  INO 
was only effective at the 2 highest doses.  PaO2 increased 24% after the highest dose of 
epoprostenol and PaO2/FiO2 ratio increased from 105 to 131.  There were no changes in Paco2, 
mean arterial BP, or heart rate with epoprostenol.   A second study comparing INO with 
aerosolized epoprostenol in 16 patients with ARDS utilized an optimized dose per patient to 
obtain a maximum increase in arterial oxygen (Walmrath 1996).  INO and epoprostenol 
significantly increased PaO2/FiO2 by 29 and 21 mmHg respectively.  The increase in PaO2 was 
similar for both agents, with no change in Paco2, or mean systemic arterial pressure.  Both 
agents decreased % shunt, but only epoprostenol decreased pulmonary artery pressure.   
 
In a study similar to that of Walmrath (above), Domenighetti (Domenighetti 2001) also titrated 
Flolan for optimum oxygenation using an ultrasonic nebulized added to the inspiratory arm of 
the ventilator.  In this study, subjects were separated by their etiology; ARDS originating from 
pulmonary versus extrapulmonary disease.  Patients were considered responders if PGI2 
increased PaO2 ≥ 7.5 torr or PaO2/FiO2 increased ≥ 10%.  Eight of the nine subjects with ARDS 
secondary to pulmonary disease responded, whereas none of the ARDS subjects defined by a 
pulmonary insult responded.  In the pulmonary group, PaO2/FiO2 decreased from 146± 16 to 
135 ± 17, and PaO2 decreased from 87 to 79.  Hemodynamic and other gas exchange variables 
(mean systemic arterial pressure, cardiac index, oxygen delivery, total systemic resistance, 
mean right atrial pressure, mixed venous blood gas) were minimally affected.   
 
The effect of Flolan on the PaO2/FiO2 ratio is in contrast to the results reported by Walmrath, 
although in their study subjects were not subset by etiology of the ARDS.  One possible 
explanation is that the pulmonary ARDS subjects in the study reported by Domenighetti had 
significantly lower mean CT density scores (HU) than the non-pulmonary group indicating more 
consolidation of the lung and may represent more severe lung pathology.  Walmrath had 
previously demonstrated that aerosolized Flolan was effective in improving gas exchange in 


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patients with acute respiratory failure linked to pneumonia (Walmrath 1995) suggesting that 
the etiology may not be the only cause of the lack of response in the Domenighetti study. 
Aerosolized Iloprost was studied in 20 patients with ARDS and PH (PA > 25 mm Hg).  The mean 
PaO2/FiO2 at baseline was 191.  The dose of Iloprost was 10 µg administered in 1 ml of saline 
over 5 minutes for an estimated dose delivered to the lung of 2.5 µg.   A second dose of 20 µg 
was administered 30 minutes after the first dose.  Iloprost increased PaO2 from 82 to 100 mm 
Hg which lasted for 2 hours.  Only 4 subjects increase PaO2 >10 mm Hg following the second 
dose.   PaO2/FiO2 also improved.  There were no significant changes in systemic hemodynamics. 
 
A case report of 3 children with ARDS treated with aerosolized Flolan was reported (Pappert 
1995).  Patients were treated with 3 doses of Flolan (2, 10 and 20 ng/kg/min) for 30 minutes 
from a nebulized inserted into the inspiratory arm of the ventilator.  In 2 of the 3 children the 
10ng/kg/min dose caused an increase in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio, but a decrease in the third child.  
The increase in PaO2/FiO2 observed in the 2 children was accompanied with a reduction in 
intrapulmonary right-to-left shunt (Qs/Qt), but an increase in Qs/Qt in the third child.  Only 
small changes in mean arterial pressure were reported and no change in PaCO2.  The etiology of 
ARDS in the children who responded was EBV-pneumonia with aspergillosis and reoperation for 
an ependymoma of the fourth ventricle.  The patient who did not improve oxygenation 
developed ARDS following drowning and cardiac arrest.  All subjects had been on ventilator 
support for approximately 40 days. 
   
A randomized controlled trial of aerosolized prostacyclin was conducted in children with ALI 
(Dahlem 2004).  This study was the only trial which met the criteria for inclusion in a Cochrane 
Review of Aerosolized prostacyclin for ALI and ARDS (Afshari 2013).  Patients were randomized 
to either saline or epoprostenol in a cross-over design.  Fifteen children with ALI were treated 
with aerosolized epoprostenol up to a dose of 50ng/kg/min using an ultrasonic nebulizer.  
Oxygenation index (mean airway pressure x 100x PaO2/FiO2) improved by 26% without an 
effect on hemodynamic measures.  Not all children responded; 8/14 had a ≥ 20% improvement 
in oxygenation index.  Long-term outcomes were not reported. 
 
The pharmacologic profile and early beneficial short-term effects of PGI2 forms the basis for 
additional clinical trials of PGI2 in ALI.  To date, all studies have focused on short-term 
improvements in oxygenation.  There are no repeat dosing studies of PGI2 in ALI that utilize 
additional end points such as longer-term improvement in gas exchange, disease progression or 
ventilator free days. 
 


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Objectives:   
1) To assess the feasibility of a randomized trial of treprostinil inhalation in patients with 
acute hypoxemic respiratory failure 
2) To evaluate the tolerability of inhaled treprostinil for patients with acute hypoxemic 
respiratory failure 
3) To assess the effect of treprostinil inhalation on oxygenation in patients with acute 
hypoxic respiratory failure with, or at risk for, development of ARDS 
4) To assess the effect of treprostinil inhalation on various biomarkers thought to be 
related to the pathogenesis and/or clinical course of ARDS. 
We propose a proof of concept, double blinded, placebo controlled study of inhaled 
treprostinil for patients with “at-risk” or early ARDS.  Early, or pre-ARDS will be defined as 
acute hypoxemia and unilateral pulmonary infiltrates in patients presenting with conditions 
that are conducive to ARDS (e.g. pneumonia, sepsis, aspiration, trauma) but do not yet 
meet criteria for ARDS: require mechanical ventilation, bilateral infiltrates on CXR, and 
PaO2/FiO2 ratio < 300. The primary outcome will be PaO2/FiO2 ratio. We will also measure 
other physiologic and clinical outcomes and levels of inflammatory and pro-fibrotic 
biomarkers. This exploratory initial study will enroll 30 patients to assess feasibility and 
safety in this population.  
Hypothesis:   
1. Treprostinil inhalation is safe at planned dose titration in patients with acute hypoxemic 
respiratory failure 
2. Treprostinil will improve oxygenation and other secondary outcomes related to 
mechanical ventilation initiation and duration, as well as exhibit effects on ARDS-related 
pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic biomarkers. 
Study Design:   
1) Single Center, proof of concept, 2:1 active drug to placebo controlled, double-blinded 
2) Target of 30 patients enrolled 
3) Patients will be randomized to receive either treprostinil or saline inhalation placebo 
4) Patients will be followed to hospital discharge or day 28, whichever comes first.  Those 
discharged prior to day 28 will be assumed free of mechanical ventilation and alive 
unless readmitted in that period.  This will be confirmed by phone. 
Sample Size/Interim Monitoring: 
1) This is primarily a feasibility, safety and proof of concept trial. 


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2) The primary endpoint is Change in PaO2/FiO2 ratio from Study Day 0 to 2, 7  
3) Trial progress will be monitored by an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board to 
determine if the study should stop for safety reasons.  The first interim review will 
occur6 months following enrollment of the first patient or after the first 15 patients 
(which-ever occurs first) have been enrolled. 
Inclusion Criteria: 
1) Adults age 18-80 years. 
2) Acute onset need for 4 LPM or more of supplemental oxygen to maintain PaO2 > 60 
mmHg or arterial O2 saturation > 90% by pulse oximetry. 
3) Acute unilateral pulmonary infiltrate/s on chest radiograph with no clinical evidence of 
left-sided heart failure.  Bilateral infiltrates are acceptable as long as all other 
inclusion/exclusion criteria are met. 
“Acute onset” is defined as follows: the duration of the hypoxemia criterion (#2) must be 
less than 96 hours and the chest radiograph criterion (#3) must be ≤ 28 days at the time of 
randomization.  We acknowledge there is some difficulty determining absolute acuity with a 
28 day window for the chest radiograph criterion, but this criterion is consistent with 
multiple NHLBI ARDSnet studies to date. 
Patients must still meet inclusion criteria at the time of informed consent and 
randomization.  Randomization is defined as the time that the IDS is contacted and 
informed about stratification of non-trauma and trauma patients.  Patients that no longer 
meet eligibility criteria at the time of randomization are eligible to be re-screened if they 
meet inclusion criteria eligibility again. 
Exclusion Criteria: 
1) No consent/inability to obtain consent 
2) Presence of pulmonary embolism 
3) Known diffuse alveolar hemorrhage from vasculitis 
4) Known pre-existing severe obstructive or restrictive lung disease (FEV 1 < 40% 
predicted, TLC < 50 % predicted) or need for long-term supplemental oxygen therapy 
5) Known significant left ventricular systolic dysfunction with LVEF < 40% on 
echocardiogram. 
6) Mean arterial pressure < 65 mmHg 
7) Need for norepinephrine or dopamine dose > 12 mcg to maintain MAP > 65 mmHg 
8) Severe chronic liver disease (Child-Pugh Score 11-15) 


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9) Moribund patient not expected to survive 24 hours  
10) QTc interval > 550 ms on screening bedside strip or electrocardiogram  
11) Pregnancy or breast feeding (Women of childbearing potential, defined as < 60 years of 
age, will require pregnancy testing.) 
12) Burns > 40% total body surface 
13) Acute Neurological Disease (that may impair the ability to ventilate without assistance 
14) Imminent need for intubation or non-invasive ventilation (patients that are requiring 
non-invasive ventilation soley for Obstructive Sleep Apnea are not excluded) (A high 
flow nasal cannula flow rate greater than 50LPM will be considered as an imminent 
need for positive pressure as well.) 
15) Patient has comfort care orders written or otherwise will not receive supplemental 
oxygen including High Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Patient is Do Not Resuscitate/Do Not 
Intubate 
16) Patient has a tracheotomy 
17) Patient is currently receiving prostacyclin therapy [Epoprostenol (Flolan or Veltri) 
Iloprost (Ventavis) Treprostinil (Orenitram, oral) (Remodulin, IV or SC)] 
18) Patient has a language barrier 
19) Patient is unable to complete the breathing maneuver 
Rationale for Exclusions: 
Patients less than 18 years old are excluded because of limited clinical trial data with treprostinil in 
subjects younger than 18 years.  Criteria 4, 8, 9, 13, 14 exclude patients unlikely to survive to the 
primary study endpoint or whose underlying condition or ventilator management complicates 
Measure 
1 point 2 points 
3 points 
Units 
Bilirubin (total) 
<34 (<2) 34-50 (2-3) 
>50 (>3) 
μmol/l 
(mg/dl) 
Serum Albumin 
>35 
28-35 
<28 
g/l 
INR  
<1.7 
1.71-2.20 
> 2.20 
no unit 
Ascites 
None 
Suppressed with 
medication 
Refractory no unit 
Hepatic 
Encephalopathy  
None 
Grade I-II (or 
suppressed with 
medication) 
Grade III-IV 
(or 
refractory) 
no unit 


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assessment of the endpoint of Ventilator Free Days (VFDs).  Criterion 6 and 7 excludes patients that may 
have worsening of systemic hypotension due to additional effects of treprostinil.  Patients with diffuse 
alveolar hemorrhage (criterion 3) are excluded because the mechanism of lung injury is different from 
ARDS/ALI due to infection.  Patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (criterion 5) are excluded 
because distinguishing ARDS/ALI from pulmonary edema may be difficult and treprostinil may worsen 
left heart failure. For exclusion criterion 14: The recently updated clinical protocol for high flow nasal 
cannula use encourages flow rates beginning at 20 LPM up to 50 LPM. Invasive or non-invasive 
ventilation are the next options for oxygen requirements beyond 50 LPM.  For exclusion criterion 15: 
Randomized patients are withdrawn from treatment if they require positive pressure ventilation in the 
form of Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), or 
intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation. They will receive supplemental oxygen as needed by the 
study protocol until that point. Unless they have comfort care only orders written, patients with 
pneumonia or early ARDS who are DNR receive all forms of supplemental oxygen. Therefore there is 
nothing in the protocol that precludes a patient who is DNR from participating. If the study drug shows a 
beneficial effect, the benefit would be relevant to patients who are DNR. Patients with a tracheostomy 
(criterion 16) would be unable to use the inhalation system.  Patients that are currently receiving 
prostacyclin therapy (criterion 17) should be excluded to avoid the possibility of receiving excess 
prostacyclin therapy.  Patients with a language barrier may have difficulty with instructions on how to 
use the inhalation device and with completing the follow up phone call.  For exclusion criterion 19: Some 
patients with altered mental status may not be alert enough to complete the breathing pattern 
maneuver.  
 
 
Enrollment, Randomization, and Study Initiation Time Window: 
All inclusion criteria must be present concurrently.  Patients must be enrolled within 24 hours 
of all inclusion criteria being met and identified.  Information for determining when these time 
window criteria were met must be clearly documented.   
Screening:   
Patients will be identified by reviewing the emergency department (ED), or any UNC Hospitals 
Medical Service in EPIC. We will review each patient's EPIC ED/hospital encounter to see if they 
meet inclusion criteria.  
Research coordinators will begin screening for eligible patients that come through the ED, or 
any UNC Hospitals Medical Service.  If a patient is consented and enrolled, study drug 
administration could begin while the patient is still in the ED.  However, depending on the 
patient's status once they are discharged from the ED, patients may go to the ICU or to a floor 
bed.  Therefore, study drug administration could be given on the floor or in the ICU.  The 
admitting diagnosis will determine where a patient will go once discharged from the ED.  
Therefore we could possibly be conducting this study in any of our adult ICUs or any of our floor 
beds. 


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Informed Consent: 
Informed consent will be obtained from each patient or surrogate before enrollment in the 
trial. No study procedures will be conducted before obtaining informed consent.  For surrogates 
that are not present during the screening period of a patient that is not at decision-making 
capacity, we will contact by phone to obtain verbal consent. 
Randomization: 
After informed consent is given, a study coordinator will contact the investigational drug service 
pharmacy  and inform them about enrollment and about the stratification.  An assignment will 
be made by a randomization table to administer either treprostinil therapy or placebo.  The 
paper system will be structured to maintain 2:1 active drug to placebo randomization. 
Randomization will be stratified by trauma and non-trauma diagnosis since the pathophysiology 
and outcomes of acute lung injury in trauma patients are different than for other etiologies.  
Justification for Placebo: 
There is currently no approved PGl2 agent for the prevention of ARDS. The need for a placebo 
arm in this study is necessary to compare the difference in PaO2/FiO2 ratios from patients that 
receive treprostinil.  
 
Minorities and Women: 
No gender or racial preferences will be utilized in the enrollment of patients.  As this is a single-
center study, we cannot ensure proportioning of enrollment based on gender or race as would 
be more likely in a multi-center study.  The demographic profile of UNC Hospitals’ patients is in 
general what will be represented.  Pregnant women will be excluded because of the lack of 
significant safety data for treprostinil use during pregnancy. 
PART 2: Study Procedures 
Dose Rationale 
TYVASO (Treprostinil inhalation solution) is approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial 
hypertension.  The recommended starting treatment 
regimen is 3 breaths (6 µg/breath, total of 18 µg).  If 
tolerated, doses should be increased by 3 breaths per 
treatment at 1-2 week intervals until a target 
maintenance dose of 9 breaths (54 µg) is reached.  The 
TYVASO inhalation system (TD-100) is recommended.  
The dose and regimen of TYVASO inhalation solution 
proposed in this study differs in several ways.  First the 
maximum dose is set at 72 µg (12 breaths).  Maximum 


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plasma concentrations (Cmax) following inhalation of 30, 60, 90 and 120 µg were reported to 
be 0.65 ± 0.28 ng/ml, 1.59 ± 0.17 ng/ml, 1.74 ng/ml (n=1) and 3.51 ± 1.04 ng/ml respectively 
(Below; Voswinckel 2006).  Plasma concentrations peaked at 10-15 minutes and declined 
rapidly over the first 60 min.  Arterial oxygenation in all 3 subjects was significantly decreased 
at the 120 µg dose and a severe headache was reported in one of the subjects.  All doses had a 
similar effect on pulmonary vascular resistance, but the duration of effect was longer for the 60 
and 90 µg doses.   At all doses, treprostinil had minor effects on mean systemic arterial 
pressure.  Gas exchange was unaffected at doses up to 90 µg.  Continuous infusion of 15 
ng/kg/min resulted in a steady state plasma concentration of 1.56 ng/ml (Wade 2004).  Thus 
the proposed maximum dose for this study (72 µg) was chosen to be below doses known to be 
associated with adverse effects on gas exchange, and providing a duration of action consistent 
with Q4 hour dosing to maintain plasma concentrations resulting in a pharmacodynamic effect 
on pulmonary vascular resistance.  Plasma concentrations that could be effective for inhibition 
of progression of acute lung injury are unknown.   
A second difference form the recommended treatment is the dose escalation protocol.  We are 
proposing that the dose be increased from a starting dose of 36 µg (6 breaths) by 3 breaths 
every 2 doses, such that a maximum of 72 µg (12 breaths) is achieved within the first 20 hours 
of treatment.  Escalation will be dependent on subject tolerability and the absence of significant 
arterial oxygen desaturation.  In long-term open-label studies, 89% of patients achieved a target 
dose of 9 breaths and 42% achieved a dose of 12 breaths (Package Insert).  Because of the 
rapidly progressing nature of the disease, and accelerated dose escalation protocol was chosen.  
Voswinckel et al. (2006) administered single doses up to 120 µg over a 6 minute inhalation time 
period.  Doses below 120 µg were without significant systemic effects.  Thus a rapid dose 
escalation protocol appears to be well tolerated.   
Limited experience in other diseases exists and the safety in subjects with other lung diseases 
has not been established.  Plasma drug concentrations will be determined to assess changes in 
pharmacokinetics of Treprostinil in these subjects.  To avoid rapid drug withdrawal a step-down 
protocol will be followed. 
Pharmacokinetics and Drug Interactions 
Few pharmacodynamics / pharmacokinetic drug interaction studies have been completed.  
Pharmacokinetic studies with Sildenafil (Viagra) and Bosentan (Tracleer) demonstrated no 
interactions.  Treprostinil is metabolized by the P450 cytochrome CYP2C8.  Co-administration of 
the enzyme inhibitor gemfibrozil (Lopid) increased exposure (Cmax and AUC) to oral treprostinil 
and conversely the CYP2C8 induced Rifampin (Rifadin) decreased exposure. Trimethoprim 
(Septra) is also a modest inhibitor of CYP2C8, although not interactions with Treprostinil have 
been reported.  It is not known if similar effects are observed following inhaled Treprostinil.  


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Approximately 4% of Treprostinil is excreted unchanged by the kidneys.  Therefore patients 
with hepatic or renal insufficiency are at risk of increased systemic exposure (Peterson 2013). 
Plasma drug concentrations will be determined to assess changes in pharmacokinetics of 
Treprostinil in these subjects. 
We will also obtain a 4ml K3EDTA blood sample just prior to the Dose 1 drug administration on 
Day 3 to assess our trough level  and another 4ml K3EDTA blood sample on Day 3 at 15 min (± 5 
min) after the Dose 1 drug administration to assess our peak level In total, for the whole study 
duration, the maximum amount of blood that could be collected for the purpose of this study 
and in addition to the usual routine of medical care of care blood drawn is about 3.5 
tablespoons. Peak  and trough levels can also be obtained +/- one day to accommodate 
potential weekend blood draws. 
Treprostinil or Placebo Administration: 
Subjects will be treated using the Tyvaso® TD-100 Inhalation System.   Oxygen will be delivered 
by nasal cannula or high flow nasal oxygen delivery system. Patients will be managed by an 
Oxygen Titration Protocol (See Appendix 3). Ampules of either active drug or saline (placebo) 
will be stored in blinded foil packs prepared and dispensed from Investigational Drug Services.  
Each will be labeled with a specific identifier that correlates with the randomization scheme.  
Once randomization occurs, the study coordinator will obtain the appropriate foil pack from 
IDS. The respiratory therapist will load the ampule into the TD-100 system. Remaining ampules 
will be stored in the foil pack to protect from light.  The respiratory therapist will oversee the 
subject’s administration of the drug, including the counting of the number of breaths taken.  
One ampule of drug will deliver 24 hours of medication or placebo.  Ampules will be replaced 
every 24-hour period.  On Study Day 00, during the Dose Escalation Phase, a blood pressure will 
be checked prior to Dose 1 and within 30 minutes after; prior to Dose 3 and within 30 minutes 
after; prior to Dose 5 and within 30 minutes after, or after a different dose interval, if the study 
drug had to be maintained due to an adverse effect. Blood pressure measurements for Study 
Days 01 through 11 will be captured from the nursing flow-sheets.  The coordinators should 
document the blood pressure that was recorded as close as possible prior to the Dose 1 time 
frame for each study day. Arterial blood gas, systemic BP measurements, and central venous O2 
saturation (if a CVC is in place) will be checked according to the schedule below (Table 2).  
Biomarker levels will be checked on Day 0, 3 and 7 as per Table 2. 
NOTE: A study day is defined as 24hrs from Randomization, not calendar days. The study calendar 
window will start with Day 0. 
 
The following dosing schedule will be utilized*: 
Dosing Schedule 


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Time following 
Randomization 
Number of 
Breaths 
Dose Escalation Phase 
T= 0 Initial Dose 
6 
T= 4 hours 
6 
T= 8 hours 
9 
T= 12 Hours 
9 
T= 16 hours 
12 
Maintenance Dose Phase 
T= 20 hours Thru 
Day 7 
12 
 
 
Taper Down Phase 
 
Day 8 q 6 hours 
12 
Day 9 q 6 hours 
6 
Day 10 q 6 hours 
4 
Day 11 q 6 hours 
2 
Day 12  Off Drug 
  
 
If an increase in dose (during the Dose Escalation Phase) is not tolerated due to worsening 
hypoxemia, hypotension, or excessive coughing, the subject will be maintained at the previous 
dose for an additional 4 hours (unless major adverse events leading to premature withdrawal 
are noted as defined below).  If a dose increase (during the Dose Escalation Phase) is again not 
tolerated the subject will remain on the highest tolerated dose for the remainder of the 7 day 
treatment period.  During the Dose Escalation Phase, a sustained decrease of mean arterial 
blood pressure (MAP) by 15% or below MAP 65 will result in a decrease of dose to the previous 
tolerated level. Transient worsening hypoxemia is defined as a decrease in SPO2 of 7% or more 
within 15 minutes of treatment for no longer than 15 minutes not associated with coughing or 
exertion. 
If subject develops worsening oxygenation (as defined by need to increase supplemental 
oxygen to > 0.50 FiO2) at any point in the Taper Down Phase, then dose should be increased to 
previously tolerated dose that resulted in acceptable oxygenation.  Subject should be 
maintained at that dose for 24 hours and attempt to taper drug downward again should be 
made.  If subject still cannot be tapered downward, then subject will transition out of the trial 
and consideration given to transition to inhaled Iloprost (UNC Hospital formulary inhaled 
prostacyclin) or epoprostenol. 
The Taper Down Phase will begin prior to Day 8 for patients who are able to maintain an arterial 
oxygen saturation of >90% on room air or for patients for who discharge to home on oxygen is 
anticipated.  If there is a plan to discharge to home, the patient’s current dose of inhaled 


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treprostinil or placebo will be reduced by one-half on the day prior to anticipated discharge, 
and then discontinued on the day of discharge home.  
Cough or pharyngitis may occur with the administration of inhaled treprostinil.  It is usually 
mild.  The investigator may choose to utilize conservative measures such as topical throat 
lozenges/spray or non-narcotic based antitussive medications to improve compliance with drug 
administration. 
All enrolled patients will receive standard medical care for their acute presenting illness 
regardless of randomization group, including but not limited to:  antibiotics, IV fluids, 
supplemental oxygen, and any other needed diagnostic testing or imaging. 
*Premature Withdrawal from Treatment: 
  The following adverse effects should prompt cessation of study drug: 
1. A drop in oxygen saturation by >/= 10 percentage points, to an absolute value of 
< 90%, within 15 minutes of drug administration, regardless of apparent 
relationship to coughing. 
2. Severe, intractable cough resulting in worsening hypoxemia and prolonged 
increase in O2 requirement (Defined as an increase of more than 2LPM O2 that 
closely correlates temporarily with the cough.) 
3. Systemic hypotension requiring increase in vasopressor dose or initiation of 
vasopressors due solely to the administration of study drug (i.e. not due to 
underlying illness such as septic shock, as determined per the discretion of the 
investigator) despite titrating down to previously tolerated level. 
4. Intubation and mechanical ventilator support 
5. Need for Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) or Continuous Positive Airway 
Pressure (CPAP) via face mask for worsening hypoxemia.  
These patients will be followed out to study completion as defined by death, 28 days from 
randomization, or hospital discharge whichever comes first.  Discharged subjects will receive a 
28 day post randomization phone assessment of disease outcomes and adverse events. 
Completion of Study Drug Administration: 
Patients will be considered to have completed the study drug administration portion of the 
study and the study drug will be stopped when one of the following conditions is met, 
whichever comes first: 
1. Up to 12 days after randomization (maximum treatment period)  
2. Discharge from study hospital.  Subjects will receive a 28 day post randomization 
phone assessment of disease outcomes and adverse events.  


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3. Death  
 
The optimal duration of treprostinil therapy for prevention of ARDS is not known.  Since this is a 
prevention trial, a short time course of administration with rapid up titration and subsequent 
down titration of dose was chosen. Every 6 months or after 15 patients have completed the 
trial (whichever occurs first), an assessment of adverse events will be conducted by the DSMB, 
and recommendations for dose adjustments can be made. 
 
Primary Endpoint 
1) Change in PaO2/FiO2 ratio from day 0 to 2, 7  
Secondary Endpoints 
2) 28-day ventilator-free days 
3) Need for Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) or Continuous Positive Airway 
Pressure (CPAP) via face mask for worsening hypoxemia or High flow nasal cannula 
with a liter flow greater than 50LPM 
4) Intubation and mechanical ventilation 
5) Change in SpO2/FiO2 from Day 0 to Day 12 and on Day 28 if still hospitalized 
6) Change in systemic biomarker concentrations from Day 0 to Day 7.  Blood samples 
will also be banked for future analyses. 
7) Change in SCVO2 from Day 0 to 3 (if central venous catheter in place) 
8) Change in CVP from Day 0 to 3 (if central venous catheter in place) 
9) Change in MAP and Systolic blood pressure from cuff and/or arterial line (if placed) 
from Day 0 to 7 
10) Pk studies/Plasma levels of treprostinil 
11) 28-day mortality 
12) Hospital mortality 
Table 1:  Schedule of Endpoint Assessments (See Appendix 2 for complete schedule) 
 
Day 0 
Day 1 
Day 2 
Day 3  
Day 4 
Day 5 
Day 6 
Day 7 
Biomarkers 
X 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
x 
PaO2/FiO2  
X (spot 
ABG) 
 
X (spot 
ABG) 
 
 
 
 
X (spot 
ABG) 
SpO2/FiO2 
X 
x 
x 
X 
x 
x 
x 
X to day 
12and Day 
28 if still 
hospitalized 
SCVO2 (if 
CVC) 
X 
x 
x 
x 
 
x 
 
x 


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RA/CVP (if 
CVC) 
X 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
 
 
MAP (cuff) 
X 
x 
x 
x 
X 
x 
x 
x 
MAP (a-line if 
placed) 
X 
X 
X 
x 
 
 
 
 
Syst. BP 
(cuff) 
X 
X 
X 
x 
X 
x 
x 
x 
Syst. BP (a-
line if placed) 
X 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
 
 
Data Collection 
 
   Background Assessments 
1) Demographic and Admission Data 
2) Pertinent Medical History and Physical Examination 
3) Height; gender, measured body weight (MBW); calculated predicted body weight 
(PBW).  
4) Type of Admission 
a. Medical 
b. Surgical scheduled 
c. Surgical unscheduled 
d. Trauma 
5) Acute or Chronic renal failure and use of dialysis 
6) Alcohol use 
7) Survey of smoking history including: 
8) Ever smoker (> 100 cigarettes in lifetime)? 
9) If yes, current smoker? 
10) Estimate of pack years (# packs per day) x (# years smoked) 
11) If former smoker, when did the subject quit smoking? 
 
   Baseline Assessments 
The following information will be recorded during the 24 hour interval preceding 
randomization. If more than one value is available for this 24 hour period, the value closest to 
the time of randomization will be recorded. If no values are available from the 24 hours prior to 
randomization, then values will be measured post randomization but prior to initiation of study 
drug.   
1. APACHE II Score  
2. LIPS Score 
3. Vital Signs: Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, MAP, body temperature, 
CVP. 


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4. Arterial PaO2, PaCO2, pH and SpO2 
5. Serum AST and ALT will be documented if the data is available as standard of care 
6. Frontal Chest Radiograph – radiographic lung injury score (# of quadrants) 
7. Vasopressors or inotropes (epinephrine, norepinephrine, phenylephrine, vasopressin, 
dopamine > 5 g/kg/min, dobutamine, phosphodiesterase inhibitors) 
8. Suspected or known site of infection (Appendix 1) 
9. Blood for banking for future analyses 
10. Blood for biomarkers.  Plasma obtained from two, 6 ml EDTA anti-coagulated blood 
samples will be divided immediately after centrifugation into 12 equal 1 ml aliquots in 
specified tubes and frozen at –800C.  Samples will be temporarily stored in the 
Pulmonary Division Lab space freezers in Burnett Womack Building, or in the Emergency 
Room freezer. Specimens will be stored in the Koury Oral Health Sciences Building  
immediately adjacent to the hospital 
 
 
Biomarkers:  To be measured by the UNC Cytokine & Biomarker Analysis Facility, North Carolina 
Oral Health Institute. 
 
IL-4 
 
 
 
 
 
IL-6 
 
 
 
 
 
IL-8 
 
 
 
 
 
IL-10 
 
 
 
 
 
IL-12 
 
 
 
 
 
RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end-products) 
 
 
 
PCP (procollagen Peptide III)  
 
Ang2 (angiopoietin 2)  
 
 
MPO (myeloperoxidase) 
 
 
BNP (brain natriuretic peptide) 
       
 
VFW (von-Willebrand factor)  
 
PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor 1) 
 
 
 
SP-D (surfactant Protein D) 
 
 
sICAM (soluble intracellular adhesion molecule) 
 
 
 
Protein C 
 
 
 
 
Tissue Factor  
 
 
 
KGF (keratinocyte growth factor) 
 
EGF (epithelial growth factor) 
Soluble P-selectin 
TNF α 
MMP9 
Procalcitonin 
(Others identified from the literature as the study progresses) 
 


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Reference Measurements 
The following parameters will be measured and recorded using values closest in time to Dose 1 
study drug administration on days 0-11 (depending on the specific variable), or until stopping of 
study drug, whichever comes first.  All vascular pressures will be zero-referenced to the mid-
axillary line with the patient supine.     
1) Fluid intake and output (Twenty-four hour net fluid balance) 
2) Vital signs: Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body temperature, CVP 
3) Modified Brussels Score data days 0-14: 
a) Vasopressor use (Y/N), worst systolic BP, creatinine, bilirubin, and platelet count 
for the day.   
4) Presence of myopathy 
5) Frontal Chest Radiograph – Lung Injury Score (Days 0, 3, 7 and 28) 
6) Concomitant medications, including nebulized and inhaled medications.  
7) Blood banked for future analyses 
8) Biomarker samples.  Plasma obtained from two, 6 ml EDTA anti-coagulated blood 
samples will be divided immediately after centrifugation into 12 equal 1 ml aliquots in 
specified tubes and frozen at –800C.  Samples will be temporarily stored in the 
Pulmonary Division Lab space freezers in Burnett Womack Building or in the Emergency 
Room freezer. Specimens will be stored in the Koury Oral Health Sciences Building.  
Reference biomarker list above (Days 0, 3, and 7). 
 
Statistical Considerations/Data Analysis: 
Safety 
Safety will be assessed via percentage of patients and number of events recorded for the 
following outcomes: 
• Adverse events, serious adverse events, unanticipated problems, study 
discontinuation overall and due to adverse event, and deaths. 
• Cases of dose intolerance, including cases of worsening oxygenation, intractable 
cough, and systemic hypotension following dosing 
• Cases of intubation or noninvasive ventilation for worsening hypoxemia  
Percentages of all outcomes above will be provided to the DSMB for regular unblinded review 
of safety, to be assessed every 6 months or after 15 participants have completed the 28 day 
trial or been discharged from the hospital (whichever occurs first).  
Efficacy 


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Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) will be used to compare trends for the primary outcome 
PaO2/FiO2 ratio between days 0 and 7 between intervention and control patients.  PaO2/FiO2 
ratio is measured at baseline (day 0), and days 2, 7,. The difference in treatment groups for 
change from baseline to day 7 and days 2 will be estimated using an ANCOVA adjusting for 
baseline value. 95% and 80% confidence intervals for the difference in least squares means will 
be calculated. Due to small sample sizes, substantial normality departures due to skewness will 
be assessed.  As a supportive exploratory analysis, if a number of patients do not have a day 7 
assessment, a mixed linear model for repeated measures (MMRM) of PaO2/FiO2 ratio at days 0, 
2, and 7 will be explored. The focus of the analysis is to assess preliminary evidence of efficacy.   
Sample size permitting, trends will be evaluated separately in trauma and non-trauma patients. 
The secondary efficacy outcome, 28 day ventilator free days, is defined as days alive and free of 
mechanical ventilation during the first 28 days after randomization. Patients who die will 
receive 0 ventilator free days. Patients who are discharged free of mechanical ventilation prior 
to day 28 will be assumed to remain free of mechanical ventilation unless they are readmitted. 
Ventilator free days is expected to be skewed.  Comparisons between treatment groups will 
focus on 95% and 80% confidence intervals of the Hodges-Lehman estimator for location shift. 
Time until mechanical ventilation and time until death will be described via Kaplan-Meier 
survival curves. 
Remaining efficacy outcomes and biomarkers will be analyzed with similar methods. Categorical 
outcomes will be characterized by odds ratios and assessed with chi-squared tests or Fisher’s 
exact tests. Biomarker values change from baseline will be assessed comparing treatment 
groups overall and stratified by whether the acute lung injury was resolved by day 28. 
 Sample size calculation  
Sample size calculations are based on simple t tests. Assuming a change in PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 
15 in the intervention group and 10 in controls, a standard deviation of 6 (effect size of 0.833), 
and power of 0.80, the study would require 34 patients in the intervention group and 17 
patients in the control group for a 2-sided test with significance level p < 0.05. While we will not 
approach these numbers, they serve to provide a framework as to the sample size needed to 
observe clinically meaningful changes in oxygenation as statistically significant. This current 
proposal centers on safety and feasibility, and thus does not meet the statistical criteria needed 
to observe minimally significant changes in oxygenation. The planned sample size of 30 total 
participants has 80% power to produce a 2-sided 80% confidence interval with lower 
confidence limit above 0 if the true effect size is 0.833.  
Twenty-eight day ventilator-free days is a continuous variable. The mean 28 day ventilator free 


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days for the control group of the most recent ARDS network trial was 15 days (95% CI 14.1 – 
15.9). The patients enrolled for this trial will have significantly more ventilator free days as a 
number of them will not require mechanical ventilation at all. A study with 100 patients would 
have a power of 0.8 to show a 3 day difference in 28 day ventilator free days assuming a value 
of 22 for controls and 25 for intervention patients, with a SD of 5 days. Since this is an initial, 
smaller feasibility and proof of concept trial, we will not be able to obtain this level of statistical 
rigor. 
Study feasibility will be assessed by enrollment rate over the first 6 months of the study. If the 
enrollment rate at that time suggests high feasibility such that the enrollment target of 30 
patients can be exceeded easily within the funded enrollment period, we will consider 
amending the protocol to enroll a small number of additional subjects. This will be discussed 
and reviewed by the study DSMB.  Sonia Davis, PhD, Department of Biostatistics, UNC will 
provide statistical support. 
Part 3.  Data Collection and Site Monitoring 
 
Data Collection 
Research coordinators will collect data and enter it directly into a computer-based data entry 
system managed by the TRACS institute or on paper data forms.  
 
Site Monitoring 
Since this is single-center study, there is no external site monitoring mechanism.  At least 10% 
of individual case report forms and source documents will be reviewed to confirm that all 
recorded data is verifiable, accurate and complete.  Areas to be assessed include informed 
consents and process, subject eligibility, case report form and/or source document 
completion/accuracy, adverse event reporting, drug accountability and the primary efficacy 
outcome.  Data and patient outcomes will be subject to DSMB reviews. 
 
Risk Assessment 
 
Risks of Active Study Drug  
The most common (>4% of subjects and >3% above placebo) adverse events reported for 
inhaled Treprostinil (TYVASO) include cough (54%), headache (41%), throat irritation / 
pharyngeal pain (25%), nausea (19%), flushing (15%) and syncope (6%).  Quantitatively similar 
adverse events were reported in an open label study in 206 subjects over a mean of 2.3 years.  
Systemic hemodynamic effects of inhaled Treprostinil are generally minimal.  A single inhaled 
administration of 120µg did result in arterial desaturation. The maximum dose for this study is 


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set at 72 µg (12 breaths).  O2 saturation will be monitored by pulse oximetry at each escalation 
of the dose. 
Additional adverse events related to treprostinil inhalation in the respiratory tract include 
epistaxis, hemoptysis and wheezing.  One episode of hemoptysis in the open label trial was 
fatal, and several cases of pneumonia (n=15) were observed.  Treprostinil inhibits platelet 
aggregation, so an increased risk of bleeding may occur in subjects receiving anticoagulants.  
Similarly concomitant administration of diuretics, antihypertensive agents or vasodilators may 
increase the risk of symptomatic hypotension. 
A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2004-2006 (Kallen 2008) of patients who 
received IV formulations of either treprostinil or epoprostenol with documented bloodstream 
infections (BSI).  Adjusted hazard ratios for all BSIs and BSIs due to gram-negative organisms, 
was higher for treprostinil.  There are no reports of BSI following inhaled Treprostinil. 
Risks of Blood Draws 
All patients will have blood drawn for research purposes.  Most blood will be drawn through 
indwelling catheters if available. Risks of drawing blood percutaneously are uncommon and 
include bleeding and bruising.   
 
Minimization of Risks 
Federal regulations at 45 CFR 46.111(a) (1) requires that risks to subjects are minimized by 
using procedures which are consistent with sound research design.  There are several elements 
of study design in the present protocol that meets this human subject protection requirement. 
First, several of the exclusion criteria prohibit participation of patients who might be at 
increased risk from the effects of treprostinil.  While many of these are considered relative 
contraindications in clinical care, for this trial they will be absolute contraindications. 
Second, there are provisions in the protocol for reduction of the study drug for untoward or 
adverse effects.  Similarly, there are provisions for temporary maintenance of higher doses of 
treprostinil during scheduled down titration if oxygenation is compromised. 
Third, data at each 6 month interval or from the first 15 patients (whichever occurs first) will be 
evaluated by both the investigators and the DSMB to assure that there are no unrecognized 
adverse effects.  A decision will then be made as to the safety and appropriateness of the 
protocol dosing regimen. 
Potential Benefits 
As per the background data presented, there are theoretical reasons to believe that 
prostacyclins (treprostinil in particular) may improve oxygenation and affect biomarkers 


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involved or implicated in the pathogenesis of ARDS.  While there may not be demonstrable 
benefit to individual patients in this exploratory trial due to small sample size, we may improve 
our understanding of the role of prostacyclin in the treatment of ARDS and mitigate safety 
concerns that would then allow performance of a larger, statistically rigorous trial. 
Human Subjects   
Each study participant or a legally authorized representative must sign and date an informed 
consent form.  Institutional review board approval will be required before any subject is 
entered into the study.   
 
Selection of Subjects 
Equitable Selection of Subjects  
 Federal regulations at 45 CFR 46(a) (3) require the equitable selection of subjects.   The 
Emergency Department, hospital floors, and ICUs will be screened to determine if any patient 
meets the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data that have been collected as part of the routine 
management of the subject will be reviewed to determine eligibility.  No protocol-specific tests 
or procedures will be performed as part of the screening process.  If any subjects meet criteria 
for study enrollment, then the attending physician will be asked for permission to approach the 
patient or his/her surrogate for informed consent.  Justifications of exclusion criteria are given 
in stated in Part 1. These exclusion criteria neither unjustly exclude classes of individuals from 
participation in the research nor unjustly include classes of individuals from participation in the 
research.  Hence, the recruitment of subjects conforms to the principle of distributive justice.  
 
Justification of Including Vulnerable Subjects  
The present research aims to investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of a type of 
treatment for patients with early or at-risk ALI and ARDS.  Due to the nature of these illnesses, 
the vast majority of these patients will have impaired decision-making capabilities.  This study 
cannot be conducted if enrollment is limited to only those subjects with decision-making 
capacity.  Potential benefits to participation in this study are improved oxygenation and VFDs. 
Informed Consent 
Federal regulations 45 CFR 46.111(a) (5) require that informed consent will be sought from 
each prospective subject or the subject’s legally authorized representative.  The investigator is 
responsible for ensuring that the patient understands the risks and benefits of participating in 
the study, and answering any questions the patient may have throughout the study and sharing 
any new information in a timely manner that may be relevant to the patient’s willingness to 
continue his or her participation in the trial.  All study participants or their surrogates will be 
informed of the objectives of the study and the potential risks.  The informed consent 


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document will be used to explain the risks and benefits of study participation to the patient in 
simple terms before the patient is entered into the study, and to document that the patient is 
satisfied with his or her understanding of the risks and benefits of participating in the study and 
desires to participate in the study.  The investigator is responsible for ensuring that informed 
consent is given by each patient or legal representative. This includes obtaining the appropriate 
signatures and dates on the informed consent document prior to the performance of any 
protocol procedures and prior to the administration of study agent. 
 
Continuing Consent 
For subjects for whom consent was initially obtained from a surrogate, but who subsequently 
regains decision-making capacity while in hospital, we will attempt to obtain formal consent for 
continuing participation, inclusive of continuance of data acquisition.  The initial consent form 
signed by the surrogate will reflect that such continuing consent will be obtained when 
possible. 
 
Identification of Surrogates 
Some of the patients approached for participation in this research protocol will have limitations 
of decision-making abilities due to their critical illness. Hence, some patients will not be able to 
provide informed consent.  Accordingly, informed consent will be sought from the potential 
subject’s legally authorized representative.   
Regarding proxy consent, the existing federal research regulations (‘the Common Rule’) state at 
45 CFR 46.116 that “no investigator may involve a human being as a subject in research…unless 
the investigator has obtained the legally effective informed consent of the subject or the 
subject’s legally authorized representative”; and defines at 45 CFR 46 102 (c) a legally 
authorized representative (LAR) as “an individual or judicial or other body authorized under 
applicable law to consent on behalf of a prospective subject to the subject’s participation in the 
procedures(s) involved in the research.”  OHRP defined examples of “applicable law” as being 
state statutes, regulations, case law, or formal opinion of a State Attorney General that 
addresses the issue of surrogate consent to medical procedures.  Such “applicable law” could 
then be considered as empowering the surrogate to provide consent for subject participation in 
the research.  Interpretation of “applicable law” is therefore state specific and hence, will be 
left to the discretion of the UNC IRB. 
According to a previous President’s Bioethics Committee (National Bioethics Advisory 
Committee), an investigator should accept as an LAR…a relative or friend of the potential 
subject who is recognized as an LAR for purposes of clinical decision making under the law of 
the state where the research takes place.  Finally, OHRP has opined in their determination 


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letters that a surrogate could serve as a LAR for research decision making if such an individual is 
authorized under applicable state law to provide consent for the “procedures” involved in the 
research study.     
Justification of Surrogate Consent 
According to the Belmont Report, respect for persons incorporates at least two ethical 
convictions; first, that individuals should be treated as autonomous agents, and second, that 
persons with diminished autonomy are entitled to protection.  One method that serves to 
protect subjects is restrictions on the participation of subjects in research that presents more 
than minimal risks.  Commentators and Research Ethics Commission have held the view that it 
is permissible to include incapable subjects in research that involves more than minimal risk as 
long as there is the potential for beneficial effects and if the research presents a balance of risks 
and expected direct benefits similar to that available in the clinical setting.  Several U.S. task 
forces have deemed it is permissible to include incapable subjects in research.  For example, 
the American College of Physicians’ document allows surrogates to consent to research 
involving incapable subjects only “if the net additional risks of participation are not substantially 
greater than the risks of standard treatment.”  Finally, the National Bioethics Advisory 
Committee (NBAC) stated that an IRB may approve a protocol that presents greater than 
minimal risk but offers the prospect of direct medical benefits to the subject, provided 
that…the potential subject’s LAR gives permission…” 
Consistent with the above ethical sensibilities regarding the participation of decisionally 
incapable subjects in research and the previous assessment of risks and benefits in the previous 
section, the present trial presents a balance of risks and potential direct benefits that is similar 
to that available in the clinical setting, with the exception of the additional blood draws.     
Additional Safeguards for Vulnerable Subjects   
The present research will involve subjects who might be vulnerable to coercion or undue 
influence.  As required in 45 CFR 46.111(b), we recommend that additional safeguards be 
included to protect the rights and welfare of these subjects.  Such safeguards might include, but 
are not limited to: a) assessment of the potential subject’s capacity to provide informed 
consent, b) requirement for subject’s assent, c) the availability of the LAR to monitor the 
subject’s subsequent participation and withdrawal from the study, and d) augmented consent 
processes.  The specific nature of the additional safeguards will be left to the discretion of the 
IRB.   
 Confidentiality 
Federal regulations at 45 CFR 46.111 (a) (7) requires that when appropriate, there are adequate 
provisions to protect the privacy of subjects and to maintain the confidentiality of data. To 


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maintain confidentiality, all laboratory specimens, evaluation forms, and reports will be 
identified only by a coded number.  The coded number will be generated at random by a 
computer, and only the study investigators will have access to the codes.  All records will be 
kept in a locked, password protected computer.  All computer entry and networking programs 
will be done with coded numbers only.  All paper case report forms will be maintained in a 
locked cabinet inside a locked office.  Clinical information will not be released without the 
written permission of the patient, except as necessary for monitoring by the DSMB. 
 
Adverse Event Reporting 
Investigators will determine daily if any clinical adverse experiences occur during the period 
from enrollment through study day 28 or hospital discharge, whichever occurs first.  The 
investigator will evaluate any changes in laboratory values and physical signs and will determine 
if the change is clinically important and different from what is expected in the course of 
treatment of patients with ARDS/ALI.  If clinically important and unexpected adverse 
experiences occur, they will be recorded on the adverse event case report form. 
 
For this trial, a reportable adverse event is defined as: 
 
1. 
Any clinically important untoward medical occurrence in a patient receiving study 
drug or undergoing study procedures which is different from what is expected in 
the clinical course of a patient with ARDS/ALI, or, 
2. 
Any clinically important, untoward medical occurrence that is thought to be 
associated with the study drug or procedures, regardless of the “expectedness” of 
the event for the course of a patient with ARDS/ALI. 
3. 
The following will be reported as adverse events: 
• Systemic hypotension occurring immediately after and clearly a result of the 
study drug. 
• Worsening of oxygenation immediately after administration of study drug. 
• Cardiac arrhythmia occurring immediately after administration of study drug. 
 
Expected events for ARDS/ALI are untoward clinical occurrences that are perceived by the 
investigator to occur with reasonable frequency in the day to day care of patients with ARDS 
treated in an intensive care unit. Examples of adverse events that are expected in the course of 
ARDS include transient hypoxemia, agitation, delirium, nosocomial infections, skin breakdown, 
and gastrointestinal bleeding.  Such events, which are often the focus of prevention efforts as 
part of usual ICU care, will not be considered reportable adverse events unless the event is 
considered by the investigator to be associated with the study drug or procedures, or 
unexpectedly severe or frequent for an individual patient with ALI.  Examples of unexpectedly 


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frequent adverse events would be repeated episodes of unexplained hypoxemia.  This would be 
in contrast to an isolated episode of transient hypoxemia (e.g. Sp02 ~85%), related to 
positioning or movement.     
 
Investigators will report all events to United Therapeutics that are serious AND unexpected 
AND study-related within 24 hours of becoming aware of the event. The local Institutional 
Review Board must also be notified in a timely manner.  The investigator will then submit a 
detailed written report to the sponsor, the DSMB, and the Institutional Review Board no later 
than 5 calendar days after the investigator discovers the event.  A written report will be sent to 
the DSMB within 15 calendar days, and this also passed on to the Institutional Review Board.  
The DSMB will also review all adverse events during scheduled interim analyses.  The written 
summary of the DSMB’s periodic review of adverse events will be submitted to the Institutional 
Review Board in accordance with standards. 
 
The investigators and DSMB will also determine if the serious adverse event is unexpected for 
an inhaled prostacyclin drug.  Unexpected for an inhaled prostacyclin is defined as any event 
not listed in the inhaled treprostinil package insert.  If it is determined that any serious and 
study-related adverse event is unexpected for inhaled prostacyclin, the FDA will be notified 
within 7 calendar days.  Such events may also meet the definition of Unanticipated Problems as 
described below.  
 
Investigators must also report Unanticipated Problems, regardless of severity, associated with 
the study drug or study procedures within 24 hours.  An unanticipated problem is defined as 
follows: 
 
Unanticipated Problem (UP): any incident, experience, or outcome that meets all of the 
following criteria:75 
• 
Unexpected, in terms of nature, severity, or frequency, given the research procedures 
that are described in the protocol-related documents, such as the IRB-approved 
research protocol and informed consent document; and the characteristics of the 
subject population being studied;  
• 
Related or possibly related to participation in the research, in this guidance document, 
possibly related means there is a reasonable possibility that the incident, experience, or 
outcome may have been caused by the procedures involved in the research;  
Suggests that the research places subjects or others at a greater risk of harm (including 
physical, psychological, economic, or social harm) than was previously known or recognized. 
 
Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) 


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Protocol 1.06 (Modification) 
 
Safety data will be reviewed by an independent DSMB every 6 months or after 15 patients have 
completed the trial (whichever occurs first), and at the completion of the study prior to database lock. 
The safety and related data, for placebo and drug-treated groups, will be reviewed by the TraCS DSMB 
as outlined in the approved TraCS DSMB charter, and includes:  
 
• 
Enrollment data 
• 
Adverse events, serious adverse events, unanticipated problems, study discontinuation overall 
and due to adverse event, and deaths. 
• 
Cases of dose intolerance, including cases of worsening oxygenation, intractable cough, and 
systemic hypotension following dosing 
• 
Cases of intubation or noninvasive ventilation for worsening hypoxemia  
• 
Any other safety supporting data requested by the DSMB 
 
Study Stopping Rules 
Patients with ARDS have a high risk of 28-day mortality, which is approximately 45% in general ICU 
populations. This is because ARDS tends to be part of a syndrome of multi-organ failure that 
accompanies underlying severe conditions such as septic shock, severe pancreatitis, and multilobar 
pneumonia in patients with multiple underlying comorbidities. For that reason, 28-day mortality is the 
most common clinical outcome for large trials of ARDS, and in those large trials, stopping rules for safety 
or futility are built around 28-day mortality.  
This study is a small pilot study of feasibility and safety enrolling patients with early ARDS not yet 
requiring mechanical ventilation. Due to its small size, a statistical stopping rule based on mortality or 
even Grade IV Adverse events is not possible. This has been confirmed by additional review by the 
study’s statistician. Therefore a clinical stopping rule based on Grade 4 events or complete respiratory 
failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation, (an event that is intermediate to possible 
mortality in ARDS) has served as the stopping rule for this study to date.  
The principle conditions for suspension of study enrollment and review of safety by the DSMB will be: 
After enrollment of the first 30 patients: 
• 
An imbalance of greater than 4 to 1 (given 2:1 randomization scheme) of any Grade 4 Adverse 
event from the NIH Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE)  
• 
An imbalance of greater than 4 to 1 (given 2:1 randomization scheme) in the number of patients 
requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation in favor of intervention.   
• 
A 28-day mortality rate of greater than 60% in either study arm, reflecting a rate measurably 
higher than expected in ARDS.  
Of note: To reduce potential bias, the relationship of any Grade 4 or 5 events to study drug will be 
adjudicated by an expert in pulmonary hypertension and critical care, Dr. Ashley Henderson, who is not 
participating in the study and will be blinded for the assessments.  
 


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28 
 
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References: 
Adhikari N, Burns KE, Meade MO.  Pharmacologic Therapies for Adults with Acute Lung Injury and Acute 
Respiratory Distress Syndrome.  Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 4, 2004. 
Afshari  A, Brok J, Moller AM, Wetterslev J.  Aerosolized Prostacyclin for Acute Lung Injury (ALI) and 
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).  The Cochrane Library, 3,1-30, 2013. 
Birukova AA, Zagranichnaya T, Fu P, Alekseeva E, Chen W, Jacobson JR, Birukov KG.  Prostaglandins E2 
and PGI2 promote Endothelial Barrier Enhancement Via PKA-and Epac1/Rap1-dependent Rac Activation.  
Exp Cell Res 313 (11); 2504-2520, 2007. 
Dahlem P, van Aalderen WMC, de Neef M, Dijkgraaf MGW, Bos AP.  Randomized controlled trial of 
aerosolized Prostacyclin Therapy in Children with Acute Lung Injury.  Crit Care Med 32 (4); 1055-1060, 
2004. 
Domenighetti G, Stricker H, Waldispuehl B.  Nebulized Prostacyclin (PGI2) in Acute Respiratory Distress 
Syndrome:  Impact of Primary (Pulmonary Injury) and Secondary (Extrapulmonary injury) Disease on Gas 
Exchange Response.  Crit Care Med 29 (1); 57-62, 2001. 
Dorris SL, Peebles RS.  PGI2 as a Regulator of Inflammatory Diseases.  Mediators of inflammation, 2012. 
Mohite A, Chillar A, So S-P, Cervantes V, Ruan K-H.  Novel Mechanism of the Vascular Protector 
Prostacyclin:  Regulating Micro RNA expression.  Biochemistry 50; 1691-1699, 2011. 
Nikam VS, Schermuly RT, Dumitrascu R, Weissman N, Kwapiszewska G, Morrell N, Klepetko W, Fink L, 
Seeger W, Voswinckel R.  Treprostinil inhibits the Recruitment of Bone Marrow-Derived Circulating 
Fibrocytes in Chronic Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension.  Eur Respir J 36; 1302-1314, 2010. 
Nikam VS, Wecker G, Schermuly R, Rapp U, Szelepusa K, Seeger W, Voswinckel R.  Treprostinil Inhibits 
the Adhesion and Differentiation of Fibrocytes Via the Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate-Dependent 
and Ras-Proximate Protein-Dependent Inactivation of Extracellular Regulated Kinase.  Am J Respir Cell 
Mol Biol  45; 692-703, 2011. 
Pappert D, Busch T, Gerlach H, Lewandowski K, Radermacher P, Rossaint R.  Aerosolized Prostacyclin 
Versus Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Children with Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.  Anesthesiol 
82; 1501-1511, 1995. 
Raychaudhuri B, Malur A, Bonfield TL, Abraham S, Schilz RJ, Farver CF, Kavuru MS, Arroliga AC, 
Thomassen MJ.  The Prostacyclin Analogue Treprostinil Blocks NFκB Nuclear Translocation in Human 
Alveolar Macrophages.  J Biol Chem 277 (36); 33344-33348, 2002. 


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Walmrath D, Schneider T, Schermuly R, Olschewski H, Grimminger F, Seeger W.  Direct Comparison of 
Inhaled Nitric Oxide and Aerosolized Prostacyclin in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.  Am J Respir 
Crit Care Med 153; 991-996, 1996. 
Whittle BJ, Silverstein AM, Mottola DM, Clapp LH.  Binding and Activity of the Prostacyclin Receptor (IP) 
agonists, Treprostinil and Iloprost, at Human Prostanoid Receptors:  Treprostinil is a Potent DP1 and EP2 
Agonist.  Biochem Pharmacol 84; 68-75, 2012. 
Wilson SM, Sheddan NA, Newton R, Giembycz MA.  Evidence for a second Receptor for Prostacyclin on 
Human Airway Epoithelial Cells That Mediates inhibition of CXCL( and CXCL10 Release.  Mol Pharmacol 
79; 586-595, 2011. 
Zwissler B, Kemming G, Habler O, Kleen M, Merkel M, Haller M, Briegel J, Welte M, Peter K.  Inhaled 
Prostacyclin (PGI2) Versus Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome.  Am J Respir Crit 
Care Med.  154; 1671-1677, 1996. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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APPENDIX 1: Guidelines for evidence of infection 
1. Infections of the thorax: 
a. Chest x-ray or CT scan showing a new or progressive infiltrate, 
consolidation, cavitation, collection, or pleural effusion, and a clinical 
presentation consistent with pneumonia or empyema   
b. Pneumonia can be defined as the presence of new infiltrate (s), absence 
of a noninfectious explanation and either signs of SIRS as per protocol or 
purulent sputum production with an identifiable pathogen. 
c. Aspiration Pneumonitis in the acute phase is not considered an infection.  
However, if SIRS persists > 24 hours after aspiration, then an infectious 
etiology can be presumed. 
2. Abdominal infection:  
a. Perforated viscus or ischemic bowel with either localized peritonitis 
b. Peritoneal fluid with > 250 PMNs  
c. Clinical signs of cholangitis or appendicitis 
d. Clostridium difficile toxin positive with evidence of colon dilation 
e. Suspicion of peritonitis by clinical examination only 
3. Skin or soft tissue infection: Acute onset infection of the skin, such as erysipelas, 
or infection involving deeper soft tissue 
4. Bacterial meningitis: cerebrospinal fluid analyses if available and a clinical 
presentation consistent with bacterial meningitis 
5. Urinary Tract:  
a. Positive test for granulocyte esterase or nitrate in urine, or a positive 
culture (defined as >105 CFU/mL)  
b. Urinalysis with increased WBC count or positive Gram stain 
6. Central Line infections:  
a. Isolation of a pathogen in one or more blood cultures drawn peripherally, 
or from a central venous catheter/port in place <48 hours 
b. Purulence at insertion site  
7. Sinusitis 
a. Air fluid levels in sinus seen on CT scan  
8. The following are not considered evidence of infection:  
a. Fever of unknown origin 
b. Blood cultures that are considered positive only because of the isolation of a 
likely contaminant organism   
c. Postoperative hypotension within 24 hours of incision and/or fever without a 
verified infectious focus. 
d. Leukocytosis alone in the presence of steroid usage is insufficient evidence of 
infection. 
e. Leukocytosis alone in the presence of connective tissue disorder is insufficient 
evidence of infection. 
 


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Protocol 1.06 (Modification) 
APPENDIX 2: 
Schedule of Events 
 
Description of Event 
Day  
0 
Day  
1 
Day  
2 
Day  
3 
Day  
4 
Day  
5 
Day  
6 
Day  
7 
Day  
8 
Day  
9 
Day  
10 
Day  
11 
Day  
12 
Day  
13 
Day  
14 
Day  
28 
Inclusion / Exclusion Review 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Informed Consent 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Screening QTc 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Randomization 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Physical Examination 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Background Assessments   
x 
Demographic and Admission Data, Medical History, Height; Gender, Measured Body Weight (MBW); Type of Hospital 
Admission, Dialysis Use, Smoking History 
Baseline Assessments**    
**Baseline Assessments will be recorded during the 24 hour interval preceding randomization. If more than one value is 
available for this 24 hour period, the value closest to the time of randomization will be recorded. If no values are available from 
the 24 hours prior to randomization, then values will be measured post randomization but prior to initiation of study drug.   
          ** Scoring (APACHE II and LIPS Scores) 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          ** Vital Signs and PaO 2,PCO 2, pH; SpO 2 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        Available Labs  ** Serum AST, ALT  
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Required: ABG; Albumin; Bilirubin; BUN; Creat; 
Glucose; HCT; HGB; K; Na; Plt; WBC    
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          ** Vasopressor or Inotropes Use 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reference Measurements++    
++ The following parameters will be measured and recorded using values closest in time to Dose 1 on days 0-11 (depending 
on the specific variable), or until stopping of study drug, whichever comes first.  All vascular pressures will be zero-referenced 
to the mid-axillary line with the patient supine.     
           Fluid Intake / Output 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
 
 
          ++ Vital Signs 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
 
 
           Concomitant Medication Use 
                       (Including Nebulized and Inhaled Medications) 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
 
 
Lung Injury Score (Chest x-ray) 
x 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
Modified Brussels Score 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
Study Drug Administration 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
 
 
Blood Pressure Assessments ( On Study Day 00, blood 
pressure will be checked prior to Dose 1 and 30 minutes after; prior to Dose 3 
and 30 minutes after; prior to Dose 5 and 30 minutes or after a different dose 
interval, if the study drug had to be maintained due to an adverse effect .  
Blood pressure measurements for Study Days 01 through 11 will be captured 
from the nursing flow-sheets.  
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
 
 
Peak / Trough Specimen Collection  (Peak Specimen will 
be obtained 15min [+/-5min] after Dose 1 on Day 3) (Trough Specimen will be 
obtained just prior to Dose 2 on Day 3) 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Biomarkers Specimen Collection 
(** Baseline specimen collection is prior to study drug administration) 
x 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PaO 2 / FiO 2 Ratio (If the subject is still hospitalized) 
x 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SpO 2 / FiO 2 Ratio 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
 
x 
SCVO 2  (if central venous catheter is in place) 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CVP   (if central venous catheter is in place) 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SBP / MAP  (if  arterial line is in place otherwise cuff) 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adverse Events Review 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
 
 
Hospital Mortality 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
Phone Assessment of Disease Outcomes and 
Adverse Events 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
Day 28 Mortality 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 


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Protocol 1.06 (Modification) 
Appendix 3 
Oxygen Titration Protocol 
The goal of the Oxygen Titration Protocol is to maintain a resting oxygen saturation of 90-94%.  Brief 
increases in the research subject’s O2 liter flow for ambulation and exertion can be allowed.  However, 
before each study drug administration, the respiratory therapist should make sure that the research subject 
is on the lowest amount of oxygenation required to achieve an oxygen saturation of 90-94% before recording 
their baseline O2 requirement.  Reassessment of oxygen saturation before and after each level should occur.  
Research subjects will start with a conventional humidified nasal cannula.  If oxygen titration is needed, we 
will titrate from their current nasal cannula flow rate in the following stepwise fashion: 4LPM / 5LPM /6LPM.  
If there is a need for oxygen titration above 6 LPM, we will utilize a High Flow Nasal Cannula with the flow 
rate of 20 to 50 LPM. We will titrate the High Flow Nasal Cannula FiO2 in the following stepwise fashion: 50%, 
60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%.  The required liter flow will be titrated per patient need/demand.  If a 
patient requires more than 50LPM via HFNC, they will have met our classification of requiring positive 
pressure threshold. If clinically indicated, clinicians that are managing the care of these research subjects can 
initiate non-invasive ventilation or proceed to intubate prior to a patient reaching 100% O2 or 50LPM flow 
rate, per our stepwise fashion.  
FiO2 Conversion Table 
Conventional Humidified Nasal Cannula 
Flow Rate 
FiO2 
1 LPM 
24% 
2 LPM 
28% 
3 LPM 
32% 
4 LPM 
36% 
5 LPM 
40% 
6 LPM 
44% 
High Flow Nasal Cannula 
Flow Rate 
FiO2 
20 LPM to 50LPM 
50% 
20 LPM to 50LPM 
60% 
20 LPM to 50LPM 
70% 
20 LPM to 50LPM 
80% 
20 LPM to 50LPM 
90% 
20 LPM to 50LPM 
100%