Efficacy and safety of Creon 24,000 in subjects with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to cystic fibrosis.

Author(s): Trapnell BC, Maguiness K, Graff GR, Boyd D, Beckmann K, Caras S

Affiliation(s): Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and Division of Pulmonary, Sleep, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3039, USA. bruce.trapnell@cchmc.org

Publication date & source: 2009-12, J Cyst Fibros., 8(6):370-7. Epub 2009 Oct 7.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is critical for adequate nutrition in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). METHODS: This was a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover study assessing efficacy and safety of Creon 24,000-unit capsules in CF subjects > or =12 years with EPI. Patients were randomised to one of two 5-day sequences, Creon/placebo or placebo/Creon (target dose, 4000 lipase units/g fat). Primary outcome was the coefficient of fat absorption (CFA); secondary outcomes were coefficient of nitrogen absorption (CNA), symptoms, and safety. RESULTS: Thirty-two subjects were randomised. Mean CFA and CNA were significantly greater with Creon than placebo (CFA, 88.6% vs. 49.6%; CNA, 85.1% vs. 49.9%; p<0.001 for both). Symptoms were improved and fewer treatment-emergent adverse events were reported with Creon than placebo. One patient discontinued for weight loss unrelated to study drug. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated Creon was effective in treating EPI due to CF and was safe and well tolerated.