THU0162 Multiple Approaches for Implementation of Long-Term Efficacy Interpretation of Certolizumab Pegol Data: RAPID1 and RAPID2 CASE Study
Authors: E. Keystone, J.S. Smolen, V. Strand, T. Kumke, S. Walker, I. Mountian, R. Landewé
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2014)

<h3>Background</h3> Use of imputed data vs observed data in long-term studies, as well as patient (pt) population evaluated (those completing randomized controlled trials [RCTs] vs all pts initiating treatment), can have considerable impact on interpretation of long-term efficacy data. In statistical analysis of data from RCTs, particularly long-term studies, consideration must be given to the impact of missing values, resulting from pt drop-out due to lack of efficacy or treatment-related adverse events. Imputation of missing data must link such reasons with assumptions made for missingness. In last observation carried forward (LOCF) and non-responder imputation (NRI), it is assumed that pts would sustain the same status inferred by the method from point of discontinuation for the entire trial duration. Both LOCF and NRI are part of the missing completely at random (MCAR) approach. In contrast to MCAR, likelihood-based models, such as mixed models with repeated measures (MMRM), are based on the assumption that missing data are missing at random (MAR). The MMRM-based imputation is frequently used and closely follows mean treatment response. <h3>Objectives</h3> To evaluate the impact of the use of imputed vs observed efficacy data in intent-to-treat (ITT) and RCT Completer populations, using clinical trial data as a case study. <h3>Methods</h3> Data from pooled analysis of Rheumatoid Arthritis Prevention of Structural Damage (RAPID) 1 and 2 RCTs and open-label extensions (OLEs) (NCT00152386<sup>1</sup>, NCT00175877<sup>2</sup>, NCT00160602<sup>3</sup> and NCT00160641<sup>4</sup>) were used. RAPID1<sup>1</sup> and 2<sup>3</sup> evaluated safety and efficacy of certolizumab pegol (CZP) with methotrexate. Efficacy data were collected up to 256 weeks (wks) of CZP exposure for clinical measures, including DAS28(ESR) (LOCF), HAQ-DI (LOCF) and ACR20/50/70 (NRI). Observed and imputed data are presented for CZP Completer population (pts randomized to CZP, who completed RCT and reconsented into OLE) and CZP ITT population (all pts randomized to CZP in RCT). <h3>Results</h3> Improvements from baseline (BL) in DAS28(ESR) and HAQ-DI were evident in CZP Completer and ITT populations at 256 wks (Table). The use of LOCF imputation gave results consistent with observed data (Table). Long-term CZP exposure resulted in sustained ACR response. Response rates determined by NRI are, per definition, lower than observed data. This particularly shows for the ITT population (Table), but is in line with data observed in blinded periods.<sup>1,3</sup> <h3>Conclusions</h3> Multiple populations and approaches to imputation provide more reliable long-term efficacy data interpretation given inherent bias from withdrawals and imputations. Pooled RAPID1 and 2 results revealed similarities between observed and imputed data for ACR, DAS28(ESR) and HAQ-DI. Analysis of a CZP ITT population gives a more conservative estimate of efficacy compared with CZP Completers. Nonetheless, results were consistent with maintained improvements in RA signs and symptoms following 256 wks of exposure to CZP. <h3>References</h3> Keystone E. Arthritis Rheum 2008;58:3319-3329. Keystone E. Ann Rheum Dis 2013; epub. Smolen J.S. Ann Rheum Dis 2009;68:797-804. Smolen J.S. Arthritis Rheum 2013;65:S988. <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> The authors acknowledge Costello Medical Consulting for writing and editorial assistance which was funded by UCB Pharma. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> : E. Keystone Grant/research support: Abbott, AstraZeneca, Biotest, BMS, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Genentech, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Nycomed, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, Speakers bureau: Abbott, Amgen, AstraZeneca, BMS Canada, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Janssen, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, J. Smolen Grant/research support: UCB Pharma, Consultant for: UCB Pharma, V. Strand Consultant for: UCB Pharma, T. Kumke Employee of: UCB Pharma, S. Walker Employee of: UCB Pharma, I. Mountian Employee of: UCB Pharma, R. Landewé Grant/research support: Abbott, Amgen, Centocor, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Schering-Plough, UCB Pharma, Wyeth, Consultant for: Abbott, Ablynx, Amgen, Astra-Zeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Centocor, Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Novartis, Merck, Pfizer, Roche, Schering-Plough, UCB Pharma, Wyeth, Speakers bureau: Abbott, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Centocor, Merck, Pfizer, Roche, Schering-Plough, UCB Pharma, Wyeth <h3>DOI</h3> 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.1813