Safety and Efficacy of Burosumab in Pediatric Patients With X-Linked Hypophosphatemia: A Phase 3/4 Open-Label Trial

Burosumab, an anti-fibroblast growth factor 23 antibody, was recently approved for the treatment of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH).We evaluated the safety and efficacy of burosumab in pediatric XLH patients.

This open-label, phase 3/4 trial of ≤ 124 weeks' duration was conducted at 4 Japanese medical centers. Fifteen children aged 1 to 12 years with XLH were included. All had previously been treated with phosphorus or vitamin D. Subcutaneous burosumab was administered every 2 weeks, starting with 0.8 mg/kg, and adjusted based on serum phosphorus levels and any safety concerns (maximum 2 mg/kg). Safety assessments included the frequency of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Efficacy of burosumab on biochemical markers, clinical markers of rickets, motor function, and growth was also evaluated.

The average treatment duration was 121.7 weeks. Frequently reported TEAEs were nasopharyngitis (46.7%), dental caries (40.0%), and influenza (33.3%). At baseline, patients had low serum phosphorus concentrations (2.6 ± 0.3 mg/dL) and low-to-normal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations (24.7 ± 12.7 pg/mL), which increased with burosumab treatment and were maintained during the study period. Alkaline phosphatase decreased continuously. At baseline, the mean ± SD total Thacher Rickets Severity Score (RSS) was 1.3 ± 1.2, and 4 patients (26.7%) had an RSS ≥ 2.0. Mean Radiographic Global Impression of Change and RSS tended to improve, particularly in patients with higher baseline RSS. There was a trend toward increased 6-minute walk test distance. No apparent changes in growth rate were observed.

Burosumab has a good safety profile and is effective in pediatric patients with XLH.