EntrestoTM (LCZ696) In Advanced Heart Failure (LIFE Study) (HFN-LIFE)

The primary objective of the study is to determine whether, in patients with symptomatic, advanced heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction, treatment with LCZ696 for 24 weeks will improve Pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, which reflect hemodynamic and clinical status, compared to treatment with valsartan.

Patients with advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) have extremely high morbidity and mortality with 1 year outcomes of death and hospitalization of approximately 50%. For the most advanced heart failure patients, the evidence base for medical treatment is limited with consensus guidelines recommending consideration for either cardiac transplant or ventricular assist device, or palliative care. The PARADIGM-HF trial showed that LCZ696, which consists of the neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril and the ARB valsartan, improved morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic HFrEF in comparison to enalapril. However, limited experience with advanced heart failure patients was gained from patients enrolled in the trial. Because the information on the effects of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with NYHA class IV heart failure is limited, the updated 2016 ACC/AHA/HFSA guidelines for the treatment of heart failure do not yet endorse the use of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with NYHA class IV heart failure. Accordingly, experience is needed on the use of, and outcomes with LCZ696 in patients unable to tolerate target doses of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/ angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). This study will be a randomized, double-blinded trial of advanced heart failure subjects with 1:1 randomization to either LCZ696 (sacubitril and valsartan) or valsartan. Study drug will be administered in a double-dummy fashion, in which subjects take active (LCZ696 or valsartan) and placebo. Approximately 400 subjects will be randomized into the study. Subjects will have an initial screening evaluation, including baseline laboratory tests as well as an assessment of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, at which time preliminary subject eligibility will be determined. The LV ejection fraction may have been obtained within the prior 12 months by 2-D echocardiogram, LV angiogram or radionuclide scintigraphy. Willing subjects meeting entry criteria will be consented. Those who meet all entry criteria and are interested in study participation will be enrolled. Enrolled subjects will complete baseline assessments and undergo a run-in period of 3-7 days with LCZ696 50 mg (equivalent to Entresto™ 24/26 mg) po BID (taken by mouth twice a day) prior to randomization. For subjects taking an ACEI, the ACEI will be withheld for ≥ 36 hours prior to first dose of LCZ696. Subjects who tolerate the run-in period with LCZ696 will be randomized 1:1 to LCZ696 or valsartan. Study treatment will be titrated to the target dose of 200 mg LCZ696 (equivalent to Entresto™ 97/103 mg) as two 100 mg LCZ696 and 2 placebo tablets po BID or valsartan 160 mg (two 80 mg valsartan and 2 placebo tablets) po BID.* Randomized subjects will receive the first dose of study drug as follows: For subjects not previously taking ACEI or ARB, previously taking ACEI or ARB at a low dose*, or subjects who have an eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m², the starting dose of valsartan will be 40 mg po BID and the starting dose of LCZ696 will be 50 mg po BID. For subjects taking an ARB at greater than low dose†, the starting dose of valsartan will be 80 mg po BID and the starting dose of LCZ696 will be 100 mg po BID.* For subjects taking an ACEI at greater than low dose†, the ACEI will be withheld for ≥ 36 hours prior to randomization. The starting dose of valsartan will be 80 mg po BID and the starting dose of LCZ696 will be 100 mg po BID.* At Investigator discretion, study drug may be started at the low dose (LCZ696/placebo 50 mg po BID or valsartan/placebo 40 mg po BID) if there are any concerns regarding tolerability at the 100 mg / 80 mg dose.) Per package insert, the valsartan compounded in Entresto™ is more bioavailable than the valsartan in other marketed formulations. The dose equivalence for valsartan compounded in Entresto™ compared to valsartan prepared alone (Entresto™ dose = marketed valsartan dose) is as follows: 26 mg=40 mg, 51 mg=80 mg, 103 mg=160 mg. † Low dose is defined as 24 hour dose of ≤ 10 mg lisinopril, ≤ 5 mg ramipril, ≤ 50 mg losartan, ≤ 10 mg olmesartan, or other dose equivalent. Dose adjustments will be performed every 2 weeks by doubling the dose of LCZ696 or valsartan up to the target maximum dose. The doses of LCZ696 are 50 mg (one 50 mg active and 1 placebo tablet), 100 mg (one 100 mg active and 1 placebo tablet) and 200 mg (two 100 mg active and 2 placebo tablets). These doses are equivalent to 24/26 mg, 49/51 mg, and 97/103 mg commercial Entresto™, respectively. The doses of valsartan are 40mg (one 40 mg active and 1 placebo tablet), 80 mg (one 80 mg active and 1 placebo tablet), and 160 mg (two 80 mg active and 2 placebo tablets). The criteria for doubling the dose will be based on systolic blood pressure (a SBP > 90 mmHg is required for up titration), changes in renal function (maximum serum creatinine of 2.0 mg/dL), and the absence of symptoms of hypotension. For those not tolerating the current dose of study drug, the dose will be down-titrated to the previous tolerated dose. Subjects will return to clinic for follow-up visits at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after randomization. Assessments at the follow-up visits include some or all of the following: interim medical history, review of medications, physical examination with the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class assessment, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) quality of life questionnaire, local laboratory testing (creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), electrolytes), Core laboratory testing (Cystatin C, BNP, NT-proBNP), adherence and tolerance assessment, and adverse event monitoring. Follow-up phone calls will be made at 10, 16, and 20, weeks after randomization to assess dosing compliance, record the occurrence of applicable adverse events and events of interest, and remind the subject of the date and time of their next in-person visit. A final phone visit is conducted approximately 2 weeks after study visit 10 (26 weeks after randomization) to assess clinical stability and any applicable adverse events. During the consent process, subjects will be asked if interested in donating samples and data for research purposes via a biorepository and/or genetic study. Based on site and IRB preference, this optional part of the study may be incorporated into the main consent or may be a separate consent and Institutional Review Board (IRB) application.

LCZ696 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg orally twice daily for 24 weeks, plus valsartan placebo (to match 40 mg, 80 mg, or 160 mg) orally twice daily for 24 weeks

valsartan 40 mg, 80 mg, or 160 mg orally twice daily for 24 weeks, plus LCZ696 placebo (to match 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg) orally twice daily for 24 weeks

Subjects previously taking no or low-dose ACEI or ARB, or who have an eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m²: starting dose of LCZ696 = 50 mg po BID. Subjects taking an ARB at greater than low dose: starting dose of LCZ696 = 100 mg po BID. Subjects taking an ACEI at greater than low dose: starting dose of LCZ696 = 100 mg po BID. * At Investigator discretion, study drug may be started at the low dose if there are any concerns regarding tolerability. Dose adjustments will be performed every 2 weeks by doubling the dose of LCZ696 up to the target max dose of 200 mg po BID as tolerated. The doses of LCZ696 are 50mg (one low-dose (50mg) tablet), 100mg (one high-dose (100mg) tablet), and 200mg (two high-dose (100mg) tablets.) These doses are equivalent to 24/26 mg, 49/51 mg, and 97/103 mg commercial Entresto™, respectively.

Subjects previously taking no or low-dose ACEI or ARB, or who have an eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m²: the starting dose of valsartan = 40 mg po BID. Subjects taking an ARB at greater than low dose: starting dose of valsartan = 80 mg po BID. Subjects taking an ACEI at greater than low dose: starting dose of valsartan = 80 mg po BID. * At Investigator discretion, study drug may be started at the low dose if there are any concerns regarding tolerability. Dose adjustments will be performed every 2 weeks by doubling the dose of valsartan up to the target maximum dose of 160 mg po BID, as tolerated. The doses of valsartan are 40mg (one low-dose (40mg) tablet), 80mg (one high-dose (80mg) tablet), and 160mg (two high-dose (80mg) tablets).

LCZ696 placebo tablets will be supplied to match the low-dose (50mg) and high-dose (100mg) active LCZ696 tablets. Dosing for LCZ696 placebo will mirror dosing for active valsartan (the same number of low or high-dose tablets will be given.)

Valsartan placebo tablets will be supplied to match the low-dose (40mg) and high-dose (80mg) active valsartan tablets. Dosing for valsartan placebo will mirror dosing for active LCZ696 (the same number of low or high-dose tablets will be given.)

The proportional change from baseline in the AUC for NT-proBNP levels measured at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. AUC was normalized for time and divided by the baseline value of NTproBNP so it has no unitshas no units. With the log-scale, the value of 0 indicates, on average, no change in NTproBNP from baseline. A value > 0 indicates an increase in log NT Pro BNP relative to baseline and a value < 0 indicates a decrease in log NT Pro BNP relative to baseline.

Composite endpoint of effects of LCZ696 compared to valsartan over 24 weeks will be compared based upon the number of days subjects are alive and out of hospital not listed for transplant (Status 1A, 1B or 1-4), or undergoing transplant not implanted with an LVAD not maintained or started on continuous inotropic therapy for ≥ 7 days not hospitalized twice for HF (following the index admission) The days alive and out of hospital will end on the day of the second HF readmission, if applicable.

Tolerability as measured by number of subjects achieving a target dose of 0% (stopped study drug early or was never started on study drug), 25%, 50% or 100% of valsartan or LCZ696 (based on last dose of study drug taken prior to end of study)

Tolerability as measured by number of subjects developing worsening renal function (eGFR < 20 ml/min/1.73 m²)

Tolerability as measured by number of subjects developing moderate (>/= 5.5 mmol/L-5.9 mmol/L) or severe (>/= 6 mmol/L) hyperkalemia

Number of subjects on continuous inotropic therapy >/= 7 days after discharge from the index hospitalization through 24 weeks

Number of Subjects Listed for Transplant (Status 1A, 1B or 1-4), Transplanted or Implanted With an LVAD

Number of subjects listed for transplant (status 1A, 1B or 1-4), transplanted or implanted with an LVAD through 24 weeks.

Change in eGFR and cystatin C levels compared to baseline. Renal function will be assessed at baseline, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks

Number of subjects with unanticipated use of IV diuretics (outpatient, ER or inpatient) through 24 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria: Advanced HFrEF defined as including ALL LVEF≤ 35% documented during the preceding 12 months NYHA class IV symptomatology, defined as chronic dyspnea or fatigue at rest or on minimal exertion in the previous 3 months, or patients who require chronic inotropic therapy Minimum of 3 months GDMT for HF and/or intolerant to therapy Systolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg Serum NT-proBNP ≥ 800 pg/mL OR BNP ≥ 250 pg/mL (most recent - less than 3 months old) Any one or more of the following objective findings of advanced HF including: Current inotropic therapy or use of inotropes in the past 6 months ≥ 1 hospitalization for heart failure in the past 6 months (not including the index hospitalization for inpatient participants) LVEF ≤ 25% (within the past 12 months) Peak VO2 < 55% predicted or peak VO2 ≤ 16 for men or ≤ 14 for women (Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) ≥ 1.05) (within the past 12 months) 6 min walk test distance < 300 m (within the past 3 months) Age ≥18 years and ≤ 85 years Signed Informed Consent form Exclusion Criteria: Currently taking Entresto™ History of hypersensitivity or intolerance (unmodifiable) to Entresto™, an ACEI or ARB as well as known or suspected contraindications (including hereditary angioedema) to the study drugs. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 20 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline Co-morbid conditions that may interfere with completing the study protocol (e.g. recent history of drug or alcohol abuse) or cause death within 1 year Symptomatic hypotension at randomization or systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg Serum potassium > 5.5 mmol/L Severe liver dysfunction (Childs-Pugh Class C) Acute coronary syndrome within 4 weeks as defined by electrocardiographic (ECG) changes and biomarkers of myocardial necrosis (e.g. troponin) in an appropriate clinical setting (chest discomfort or anginal equivalent) Planned or recent (≤ 4 weeks) PCI, coronary artery bypass grafting, or biventricular pacing Currently hospitalized and listed status 1A, 1B or 1-4 for heart transplant Current or scheduled for LVAD implantation within 30 days of study enrollment Active infection (current use of oral or IV antimicrobial agents) Primary hypertrophic or infiltrative cardiomyopathy, acute myocarditis, constrictive pericarditis or tamponade Complex congenital heart disease Concomitant use of aliskiren in patients with diabetes or renal impairment (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) Known pregnancy or anticipated pregnancy within the next 6 months or breastfeeding mothers Enrollment in any other investigational clinical trial within 30 days prior to screening Inability to comply with study procedures

Vader JM, Givertz MM, Starling RC, McNulty SE, Anstrom KJ, Desvigne-Nickens P, Hernandez AF, Braunwald E, Mann DL; LIFE Investigators. Tolerability of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure: Analysis of the LIFE Trial Run-In. JACC Heart Fail. 2022 Jul;10(7):449-456. doi: 10.1016/j.jchf.2022.04.013.

Mann DL, Givertz MM, Vader JM, Starling RC, Shah P, McNulty SE, Anstrom KJ, Margulies KB, Kiernan MS, Mahr C, Gupta D, Redfield MM, Lala A, Lewis GD, DeVore AD, Desvigne-Nickens P, Hernandez AF, Braunwald E; LIFE Investigators. Effect of Treatment With Sacubitril/Valsartan in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Cardiol. 2022 Jan 1;7(1):17-25. doi: 10.1001/jamacardio.2021.4567.

Mann DL, Greene SJ, Givertz MM, Vader JM, Starling RC, Ambrosy AP, Shah P, McNulty SE, Mahr C, Gupta D, Redfield MM, Lala A, Lewis GD, Mohammed SF, Gilotra NA, DeVore AD, Gorodeski EZ, Desvigne-Nickens P, Hernandez AF, Braunwald E; LIFE Investigators. Sacubitril/Valsartan in Advanced Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: Rationale and Design of the LIFE Trial. JACC Heart Fail. 2020 Oct;8(10):789-799. doi: 10.1016/j.jchf.2020.05.005. Epub 2020 Jun 10. Erratum In: JACC Heart Fail. 2020 Dec;8(12):1059.