Randomised, Open-label and Parallel Group Trial to Investigate the Effects of Oral BI 685509 Alone or in Combination With Empagliflozin on Portal Hypertension After 8 Weeks Treatment in Patients With Clinically Significant Portal Hypertension (CSPH) in Compensated Cirrhosis
This study is open to adults with liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B, hepatitis C or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). People can join this study if they have high blood pressure in the portal vein (main vessel going to the liver). The purpose of this study is to find out whether a medicine called Avenciguat (BI 685509) taken alone or in combination with a medicine called empagliflozin helps people with this condition. Participants take Avenciguat (BI 685509) as tablets twice a day for 8 weeks. Half of the participants with NASH who also have type 2 diabetes take empagliflozin as tablets once a day in addition to Avenciguat (BI 685509). Participants are in the study for about 3 months. During this time, they visit the study site about 10 times. At 2 of the visits, the doctors check the pressure in a liver vein to see whether the treatment works. This is done with a catheter (a long thin tube) and gives information about the pressure in the portal vein. The doctors also regularly check participants' health and take note of any unwanted effects.
• Signed and dated written informed consent in accordance with ICH-GCP and local legislation prior to admission to the trial
• Male or female who is ≥ 18 (or who is of legal age in countries where that is greater than 18) and ≤ 75 years old at screening (Visit 1a)
• Clinical signs of Clinically Significant Portal Hypertension (CSPH) as described by either one of the points below. Each trial patient must have a gastroscopy during the screening period (Visit 1b) or within 6 months prior to screening (Visit 1b).
‣ documented endoscopic proof of oesophageal varices and / or gastric varices at screening (Visit 1b) or within 6 months prior to screening (Visit 1b)
⁃ documented endoscopic-treated oesophageal varices as preventative treatment
• CSPH defined as baseline Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient (HVPG) ≥ 10 mmHg (measured at Visit 1c), based on a local interpretation of the pressure tracing
• Diagnosis of compensated cirrhosis due to Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), or Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) with or without Type 2 Diabetes Melitus (T2DM). Diagnosis of cirrhosis must be based on histology (historical data is acceptable) or on clinical evidence of cirrhosis (e.g. platelet count \< 150 x 109/L \[150 x 103/microlitre (μL)\], nodular liver surface on imaging or splenomegaly etc.) Diagnosis of NASH based on either i. Current or historic histological diagnosis of NASH OR steatosis OR ii. Clinical diagnosis of NASH based on historic or current imaging diagnosis of fatty liver (Fibroscan, Ultrasound (US), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT)) AND at least 2 current or historic comorbidities of the metabolic syndrome (overweight/obesity, T2DM, hypertension, hyperlipidemia)
• Willing and able to undergo HVPG measurements per protocol (based on Investigator judgement)
• If receiving statins must be on a stable dose for at least 3 months prior to screening (Visit 1b), with no planned dose change throughout the trial
• If receiving treatment with Non-Selective Beta-Blocker (NSBBs) or carvedilol must be on a stable dose for at least 1 months prior to screening (Visit 1b), with no planned dose change throughout the trial
• Further inclusion criteria apply