Anthony D'Urzo
MD,MSc
BPHE-University of Toronto, MD, University of Toronto, MSc, University of Toronto
Research Synopsis
My primary interests revolve around the diagnosis and management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including the study of diagnostic aids and new pharmacologic therapies. My research activities range from participation in multicentre clinical trials to the evaluation of a new diagnostic algorithm to promote the diagnosis of asthma and COPD in primary care.
Honours and Awards
Name:
Description:
2015- Outstanding Research Publication, 3rd place
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto
2010 Excellence in Teaching in the FMLE
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto
2001 Outstanding Research Publication, 3rd place
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto
1986 George Brown Memorial Award for Research Accomplishment,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
Grants
2012-present -Summer GREMS Supervisor, University of Toronto,
Department of Family and Community Medicine ($20,000)
2012-2013-Bridges Project, primary care integration strategy: SCOPE:
Seamless Care Optimizingthe Patient Experience. ($200,000)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Gillian Hawker, Co-investigator: Dr. Pauline
Paisner. Evaluation Team Committee: Dr . Anthony D’Urzo
2010 -BI Research Grant ($10,000)
Community Spirometry Access Initiative: A Strategy to Promote Early COPD Diagnosis. Principal Investigator: Dr. Anthony D’Urzo
2008-2014 Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Operating Grant ($40,000 Year 1) Development, implementation and evaluation of a collaborative care model for asthma within the Primary Care Asthma Program
Principal Investigator: Dr. Itamar Tamari; Co-investigators: Drs. Anthony D’Urzo, Christopher Allen, Joe Reisman, Dilshad Moosa, Nancy Gravery
Clinical Trials/Multicentre – Phase II
1. A Phase IIB, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, and Dosing Regimens of MEMP1972A in Adults With Allergic Asthma Who Are Inadequately Controlled on Inhaled Corticosteroids and a Second Controller (COSTA). Hoffmann-LaRoche, 2012-13.
2. A Phase 2b, Randomized, Double-Blind, Double Dummy, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Once-Daily orally Administered PH-797804 For 12 Weeks in Adults with Moderate to Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) On a Background of Tiotropium Bromide. Pfizer, 2012-13.
3. A Phase 2b, Dose-ranging Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of MEDI-563 in Adults with Uncontrolled Asthma. AstraZeneca, 2011.
4. A phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-daily orally administered PH-797804 for 12 weeks in adults with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on a background of salmeterol xinafoate/fluticasone propionate combination. Pfizer, 2011.
5. A randomized, placebo and active controlled, parallel group study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 6-week treatment with oral doses of 50 mg b.i.d., 200 mg b.i.d., and 400 mg b.i.d. BI 671800 ED in steroid-naïve patients with persistent asthma. Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., 2010.
6. A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, multinational, phase IIb dose range finding study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AZD9668 administered orally at 3 dose levels to patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) on treatment with tiotropium. AstraZeneca Inc., 2009.
7. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group exploratory study of the safety and efficacy of JNJ-39758979 in the treatment of adults with persistent asthma. Janssen-Ortho (Canada) Inc., 2009.
8. A 4-week, phase II, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel group, multi-centre study to assess the efficacy and tolerability/safety of inhaled AZD3199 once daily compared to 9 µg of formoterol bid and placebo in patients with moderate to severe COPD. AstraZeneca Inc., 2009.
9. Randomized, double-blind, cross-over study to assess the efficacy and safety of 4 weeks of once daily treatment of 2 doses of orally inhaled BI 1744 CL, each in fixed dose combination (FDC) with 5 µg tiotropium bromide (delivered by the Respimat® inhaler) in patients with COPD. Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., 2008-2009.
10. Randomized, double-blind, parallel group study to assess the efficacy and safety of 4 weeks of once daily treatment of 3 doses of orally inhaled BI 1744 CL, each in fixed dose combination with 5 µg tiotropium bromide (delivered by the Respimat® Inhaler) compared with 5 µg tiotropium bromide monoproduct (delivered by the Respimat® inhaler) in patients with COPD. Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., 2008-2009.
11. A 26-week extension to a 26-week treatment, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, adaptive, seamless, parallel-group study to assess safety, tolerability and efficacy of two doses of indacaterol (150 and 300 µg o.d.) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., 2008-2009.
12. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study to assess the efficacy (bronchodilation) and safety of 4 weeks of once daily treatment of orally inhaled BI 1744 CL (2 μg, 5 μg, 10 μg, 20 μg) delivered by the Respimat® Inhaler in patients with asthma. Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., 2007-2008.
13. A 26-week treatment, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, adaptive, seamless, parallel-group study to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of two doses on indacaterol (selected from 75, 150, 300 & 600 µg o.d.) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using blinded formoterol (12 µg b.i.d.) and open-label tiotropium (18 µg o.d.) as active controls. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., 2007-2008.
14. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multi-center, multiple dose (7 day) dose-ranging study to assess the efficacy and safety of QAB149 (50, 100, 200 & 400 µg) delivered via a multiple dose inhaler and 1 dose of QAB149 (400 µg) delivered via a single dose inhaler in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., 2004-2005.
15. A four-week double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory evaluation of FEV1 changes and safety of ONO-6126 in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ONO, 2004-2005.
16. Dose-ranging study of Ro 27-2441 in patients with persistent asthma not treated with inhaled corticosteroids. Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., 2003-2004.
17. 12-weeks treatment with 100 of 400 µg ciclesonide versus placebo in asthmatic patients. A double-blind, randomized, parallel group study. Byk Canada Inc., 1998-1999.
18. 12-week treatment with 200 or 800 µg ciclesonide versus placebo followed by a 40-week treatment with ciclesonide in asthmatic patients; a double-blind, randomized, parallel group study with an open label extension. Byk Canada Inc., 1998-1999.
Clinical Trials/Multicentre – Phase III
1. A 12-week treatment, randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety, of Fluticasone Propionate Multidose Powder Inhaler Compared with Fluticasone/Salmeterol Multidose Dry Powder Inhaler in Adolescent and Adult Patients with Persistent Asthma Symptomatic Despite Inhaled Corticosteroid Therapy. Teva. 2015.
2. Multi-center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Placebo and Active Controlled Study to Assess the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of QVA149 (indacacterol maleate/glycopyrronium bromide) in COPD Patients with Moderate to Severe Airflow Limitation. Novartis. 2014
3. Randomized, Double-Blind, Double-Dummy, Active-Controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Twice-Daily Aclidinium Bromide/Formoterol Fumarate Compared with Twice-Daily Salmeterol/Fluticasone Propionate for 24-Weeks Treatment in Symptomatic Patients with COPD. Almirall. 2014.
4. A 12-week treatment, randomized, blinded, double-dummy, parallel-group study to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of NVA237 (50 µg o.d.) compared to tiotropium (18 µg o.d.) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Novartis, 2012
5. A Phase III, Long-Term, Randomized, Double-Blind, Extension Study of the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Two Fixed Dose Combinations of Aclidinium Bromide/Formoterol Fumarate, Aclidinium Bromide, Formoterol Fumarate and Placebo for 28-Weeks Treatment in Patients with Moderate to Severe, Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Forest Inc, 2012.
6. A Phase III, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Two Fixed Dose Combinations of Aclidinium Bromide/Formoterol Fumarate Compared With Aclidinium Bromide, Formoterol Fumarate and Placebo for 24- Weeks Treatment in Patients With Moderate to Severe, Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Forest Inc, 2011.
7. A multicenter, randomized, blinded, double-dummy, placebo controlled, 3-period cross-over study to evaluate the effect of QVA149 on patient reported dyspnea in moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), using tiotropium as an active control. Novartis, 2011.
8. A randomized, double-blind, parallel group study to assess the efficacy and safety of 52 weeks of once daily treatment of orally inhaled tiotropium plus olodaterol fixed dose combination (2.5µg/5 µg; 5µg/5 µg) (delivered by the Respimat® Inhaler) compared with the individual components (2.5µg and 5µg tiotropium, 5 µg olodaterol) (delivered by the Respimat® Inhaler) in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Boehringer Ingelheim, 2011.
9. A Multi-Centre, Double-Blind, Randomised, Parallel Group, Escitalopram Controlled Phase III-B Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Quetiapine Fumarate Extended Release (Seroquel XR) as Monotherapy in the Treatment of Adult Patients with Agitated Major Depressive Disorder PREN, 2011.
10. A 26-week treatment, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo and active controlled (open label) study to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of QVA149 (110/50 μg q.d.) in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Novartis, 2011.
11. A randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel group, 12-week treatment study to compare the efficacy and safety of the combination of indacaterol 150 ug once daily with open label tiotropium 18 ug once daily in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., 2009.
12. A randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, parallel group study to assess the efficacy and safety of 48 weeks of once daily treatment of orally inhaled BI 1744 CL (5 ug [2 actuations of 2.5 ug] and 10 ug [2 actuations of 5 ug]) delivered by the Respimat® Inhaler, and 48 weeks of twice daily Foradil® (12 ug) delivered by the Aerolizer® Inhaler, in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., 2009.
13. An open label, multi-center, 2 period, 7 day crossover study to assess patient use of the Concept 1 inhalation device versus the Handihaler inhalation device using placebo medication in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., 2009.
14. Efficacy and Safety of Aclidinium Bromide at Two Dose Levels (200 ug twice daily, 400 ug twice daily) vs. Placebo when administered to patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Forest Laboratories Inc. 2009.
15. A Long-term, Randomized, Double-blind, Extension Study of the Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of Aclidinium Bromide at Two Dosage Levels When Administered to Patients With Moderate to Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Forest Research Institute, 2009. Site Principal Investigator.
16. A 26 week treatment, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of NVA237 in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., 2009.
17. A phase IIIb multicenter, 52 week treatment, randomized, blinded, double dummy, parallel group efficacy study comparing the effect of inhaled indacaterol 150 µg o.d. vs inhaled tiotropium 18 µg o.d. on lung function, rate of exacerbations and related outcomes in patients with COPD. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., 2009.
18. A Phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial to evaluate efficacy and safety of tiotropium inhalation solution delivered via Respimat® inhaler (5 ug/day) over 48 weeks as add-on controller therapy on top of usual care in patients with severe persistent asthma. Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., 2009.
19. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial with 2 treatment arms to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 24-week treatment period of 5 µg of tiotropium inhalation solution delivered by the Respimat® Inhaler as add-on controller therapy on top of usual care in patients with difficult-to-treat asthma. Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., 2008-2009.
20. A 24-week (+ 24 week extension), randomized, placebo-controlled (only 1st 12-week period), double–blind, parallel-group, efficacy and safety comparison of Tiotropium/Salmeterol (7.5 μg/25 μg) Inhalation Powder in the morning (PE capsule via tiotropium/salmeterol HandiHaler®), Tiotropium (18 μg) Inhalation Powder in the morning (gelatin capsule via Spiriva® HandiHaler®), Salmeterol Inhalation (25 μg) Powder in the morning and evening (PE capsule via tiotropium/salmeterol HandiHaler®) and Tiotropium/Salmeterol (7.5 μg/25 μg) Inhalation Powder in the morning (PE capsule via tiotropium/salmeterol HandiHaler®) plus Salmeterol (25 μg) Inhalation Powder in the evening (PE capsule via tiotropium/Salmeterol HandiHaler®) in patients with COPD. Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., 2008-2009.
21. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, stratified, multi-center, 12-week study comparing the safety and efficacy of fluticasone and formoterol combination (FlutiForm™ 100/10 μg or 250/10 µg twice daily) in a single inhaler (SkyePharma HFA pMDI) with the administration of placebo or fluticasone (250 μg twice daily) and formoterol (10 μg twice daily) alone in adolescent and adult patients with moderate to severe asthma. SkyePharma AG, 2006-2008.
22. A 52-week randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo controlled, multicentre clinical trial, to assess the efficacy and safety of 200 µg of the anti-cholinergic LAS 34273 compared to placebo, both administered once daily by inhalation, in the maintenance treatment of patients with moderate to severe stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-ACCLAIM II. Forest Research Institute Inc., Almirall Prodesfarma, 2006-2008.
23. A randomized, multi-centre study to compare the effects of CRx-401 to bezafibrate plus placebo on plasma glucose levels when given to subjects with type 2 diabetes on metformin. Robarts Research Institute, 2008.
24. Effect of romflumilast on exacerbation rate in patients with COPD. A 52-week, double-blind study with 500 mg romflumilast once daily versus placebo. Altana Pharma, 2006-2008.
25. A 1 year, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, multicentre evaluation of efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of omalizumab in children (6 - < 12 years) with moderate-severe, persistent, inadequately controlled allergic asthma. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., 2004-2007.
26. Efficacy and safety of Symbicort® Turbuhaler® 160/4.5 µg inhalation, two inhalations twice daily plus as-needed compared with Seretide™ Diskus™ 50/500 µg inhalation, one inhalation twice daily plus terbutaline Turbuhaler® 0.4 mg/inhalation as-needed: a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, active controlled, multinational phase IIIB study in adults and adolescent patients with persistent asthma. (AHEAD) AstraZeneca Canada Inc., 2005.
27. A double-blind, multi-centre, actibve-controlled (15, 30, and 45 mg pioglitazone) long-term extension study to evaluate the safety and tolerability or oral tesaglitazar (0.5 an 1 mg) in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. AstraZeneca Canada, 2005-2006.
28. A 24-week randomized, double-blind, multi-centre, active-controlled (pioglitazone) study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of tesaglitazar therapy when administer to patients with Type 2 Diabetes. AstraZeneca Canada, 2005-2006.
29. A comparison of Symbicort® single inhaler therapy (Symbicort® 200 Turbuhaler® 1 inhalation b.i.d. plus as needed) and conventional best practice for the treatment of persistent asthma in adolescents and adults – a 26-week, randomized, open-label, parallel group, multicenter study. (SOLO) AstraZeneca Canada Inc., 2004-2005.
30. Placebo-controlled efficacy and safety study of once-daily PM and twice daily regimens of mometasone furoate administered via dry powder inhaler in subjects with asthma who were previously maintained on inhaled corticosteroids. Schering-Plough Canada Inc, 2002-2005.
31. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy, tolerability and cost-effectiveness of formoterol Turbuhaler® 6 µg and 12 µg b.i.d. in six to eleven year old children with symptomatic asthma. AstraZeneca Canada Inc., 2002-2005.
32. A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral telithromycin 800 mg (once daily for 10 days) as a supplement of care for patients with acute exacerbations of asthma. Sanofi Aventis Canada, 2004.
33. A long term safety study of levalbuterol and racemic albuterol in subjects twelve years of age and older with asthma. Sepracor Canada Inc., 2003-2005.
34. A 24-week, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-group study comparing roflumilast 500 µg daily vs. placebo on pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pharmacia Corp.-Pfizer Canada Inc., 2003-2005.
35. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group efficacy and safety comparison of one-year treatment of two doses (5 µg (2 actuations of 2.5 µg) and 10 µg (2 actuations of 5 µg)) of tiotropium inhalation solution delivered by the Respimat® inhaler in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., 2003-2005.
36. A study in Canadian COPD patients to evaluate the nature, treatment and impact of COPD exacerbations in patients who are likely to benefit from treatment with Symbicort® (budesonide/formoterol) Turbuhaler®. An open-label, multicentre descriptive study. (SCOPE) AstraZeneca, 2003-2004. .
37. A comparison of ipratropium bromide/salbutamol (40 µg/200 µg, one inhalation) delivered by the Respimat® inhaler to COMBIVENT inhalation aerosol (two inhalation), ipratropium bromide Respimat® and placebo of each formulation in a 12-week, double-blind, safety and efficacy study in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., 2003-2004.
38. A comparison of the effectiveness of treatment with Symbicort® Turbuhaler® (budesonide/formoterol; 160/4.5 µg) single inhaler therapy and Seretide™ Diskus™ (salmeterol/fluticasone; 50/100, 50/250, 50/500 µg) plus Ventolin® (salbutamol) as needed in steroid-treated adult and adolescent asthmatic subjects. A randomized, open, parallel-group, phase IIIB, multicenter, 12-month study (COSMOS). AstraZeneca Canada Inc., 2003-2004.
39. Comparison of the efficacy of Symbicort® (budesonide/formoterol) Turbuhaler® low dose therapy, with Pulmicort® (budesonide) Turbuhaler® plus Oxese® (formoterol) Turbuhaler® mono-product therapy, in mild to moderate asthmatics (SOLID). AstraZeneca Canada Inc., 2002-2003.
Cummulative clinical trial grants-2003-present-approximately-$4,300,000.00.