Immunomodulatory effect of the topical ophthalmic Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib (CP-690,550) in patients with dry eye disease

Objective: To evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of topical ophthalmic tofacitinib (CP-690,550) after an 8-week treatment period in patients with dry eye disease (DED).

Design: Biomarker substudy of a phase 1/2 prospective, randomized, vehicle- and comparator-controlled clinical trial (NCT00784719).

Participants: A total of 82 patients with moderate to severe DED enrolled.

Methods: Patients received 1 of 5 doses of tofacitinib (0.0003%, 0.001%, 0.003%, or 0.005% twice daily [BID] or 0.005% once daily [QD]), active comparator (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion, 0.05% [Restasis, Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA]), or vehicle control BID for 8 weeks. Conjunctival impression cytology and tear fluid samples were collected at baseline and after an 8-week treatment period. Conjunctival cells were analyzed by flow cytometry for human leukocyte antigen DR-1 (HLA-DR). Tear fluids were analyzed by microsphere-based immunoassays for tear levels of cytokines and inflammation markers.

Main outcome measures: Reduction in inflammation assessed by change from baseline in conjunctival cell surface level of HLA-DR and tear level of cytokines and inflammation markers.

Results: At week 8, a decrease in conjunctival cell surface expression of HLA-DR was observed in patients treated with tofacitinib 0.005% QD and 0.003% BID: 71% and 67% of baseline, respectively, compared with 133% of baseline in patients treated with vehicle (P=0.023 and P=0.006, compared with vehicle, respectively). Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 in tears was reduced from baseline at week 8 (40% of baseline, P=0.035) in the tofacitinib 0.005% QD group, whereas the vehicle group showed 77% of baseline (P>0.20). Interleukin (IL)-1β in tears was 36% of baseline (P=0.053) in the tofacitinib 0.005% QD group and 95% of baseline (P > 0.20) in the vehicle group. Several other cytokines and inflammation markers in tears, including MMP-9, IL-15, IL-17A, and IL-12p70, were markedly reduced in the tofacitinib 0.005% QD group but not the vehicle group. There was an association between the changes in HLA-DR and the tear inflammation markers (P<0.05): HLA-DR with IL-12p70 (r=0.49) and IL-1β (r=0.46), IL-12p70 with IL-1β (r=0.90), and IL-17A with MMP-9 (r=0.82).

Conclusions: Topical ophthalmic tofacitinib may act as an immunomodulator in patients with DED. Treatment for 8 weeks showed a promising reduction of conjunctival cell surface HLA-DR expression and tear levels of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammation markers.