A randomized, double-blind, single-dose, phase 1 study comparing the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and immunogenicity of denosumab biosimilar CT­P41 and reference denosumab in healthy males.

BACKGROUND: This study's objective was to demonstrate pharmacokinetic (PK) similarity and safety of denosumab biosimilar, CT­P41, and United States-licensed reference denosumab (US-denosumab) in healthy male Asian adults, considering also pharmacodynamic (PD) outcomes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This double-blind, two-arm, parallel-group, Phase 1 study randomized (1:1) healthy males to a single (60-mg) subcutaneous dose of CT­P41 or US-denosumab. Primary endpoints were area under the concentration - time curve (AUC) from time zero to infinity (AUC0-inf), AUC from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0-last), and maximum serum concentration (Cmax). PK equivalence was determined if 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for ratios of geometric least-squares means (gLSMs) were within the predefined 80-125% equivalence margin. Secondary PK, PD, safety, and immunogenicity outcomes were also evaluated. RESULTS: Of 154 participants randomized (76 CT­P41; 78 US-denosumab), 151 received study drug (74 CT­P41; 77 US-denosumab). Primary and secondary PK results, PD results, safety, and immunogenicity were comparable between groups. Ninety percent CIs for ratios of gLSMs were within the predefined equivalence margin for AUC0-inf (100.4-114.7), AUC0-last (99.9-114.3), and Cmax (95.2-107.3). CONCLUSIONS: Following a single dose in healthy males, CT­P41 demonstrated PK equivalence with US-denosumab. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06037395.

Pharmacokinetics and Food Effect Between a 100-mg Sustained-Release Tablet and a 50-mg Immediate-Release Tablet of Vildagliptin in Healthy Subjects.

Vildagliptin is one of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. This study aimed to compare vildagliptin exposure between 50-mg immediate-release (IR) and 100-mg new sustained-release (SR) tablets, and evaluate the food effect on the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of vildagliptin. A randomized, open-label, 3-period, 3-treatment, 6-sequence crossover study was conducted on healthy subjects. During each period, subjects received the SR tablet either in the fasted (T1) or high-fat fed (T2) state once a day, or IR tablets administered twice a day in the fasted state (R). Blood samples for PK analysis were obtained serially up to 24 hours after dosing. Thirty-four subjects completed the study. The geometric mean ratios for the Cmax and AUC0-24h of T1 to R were 1.15 and 0.89, respectively. The corresponding values of T2 to T1 were 0.94 and 1.07, respectively. Vildagliptin exposure over 24 hours was similar between the SR and IR tablets. In addition, the PK profiles of the SR tablets were not altered by food. The SR tablets can be administered without a food effect and be an alternative option to IR tablets.

No drug-drug interactions between selective prolyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitor, bersiporocin, and pirfenidone or nintedanib in healthy participants.

Bersiporocin, a potent and selective prolyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitor, is expected to show a synergistic effect with pirfenidone or nintedanib in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. To validate the combination therapy of bersiporocin with pirfenidone or nintedanib, a randomized, open-label, two-part, one-sequence, three-period, three-treatment study was designed to evaluate the effect of drug-drug interactions (DDI) regarding their pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability in healthy participants. In addition, the pharmacokinetic profiles of the newly formulated, enteric-coated bersiporocin tablet were evaluated after single and multiple administrations. The potential effects of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) genotyping on bersiporocin pharmacokinetics and DDI were also explored. In Part 1, participants were sequentially administered a single dose of pirfenidone 600 mg, a single dose of bersiporocin 150 mg followed by multiple doses, and bersiporocin in combination with pirfenidone. In Part 2, participants were sequentially administered a single dose of nintedanib 150 mg, multiple doses of bersiporocin 150 mg, and bersiporocin in combination with nintedanib. Forty-six participants completed the study. There was no significant pharmacokinetic DDI between bersiporocin, and pirfenidone or nintedanib. All adverse events (AEs) were mild to moderate and did not include serious AEs, suggesting bersiporocin alone or in combination therapy were well-tolerated. The newly formulated bersiporocin 150 mg tablet showed a moderate accumulation index. There was no significant difference in the pharmacokinetic profiles after administration of bersiporocin alone or in combination therapy between CYP2D6 phenotypes. In conclusion, there are no significant DDI regarding the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of bersiporocin administration with pirfenidone or nintedanib.

Drug-Drug Interactions between Tamsulosin and Mirabegron in Healthy Individuals Do Not Affect Pharmacokinetics and Hemodynamic Parameters Significantly.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is characterized by urinary urgency and increased urinary frequency, substantially affecting quality of life. Tamsulosin and mirabegron combination therapy has been studied as a safe and effective treatment option for patients with OAB. This study evaluated the effects of combining these two drugs on their pharmacokinetics and safety profiles in healthy Korean males. In this open-label, fixed-sequence, three-period, drug-drug interaction phase 1 study, a total of 36 male participants were administered multiple doses of tamsulosin alone (0.2 mg once daily), mirabegron alone (50 mg once daily), or a combination of both drugs. The results showed that the combination of tamsulosin and mirabegron increased tamsulosin exposure in the plasma by approximately 40%. In contrast, the maximum plasma concentration of mirabegron was reduced by approximately 17% when administered with tamsulosin. No clinically significant changes in the safety profiles, vital signs, or clinical laboratory test results were observed in this study. In conclusion, there were no clinically relevant drug-drug interactions between tamsulosin and mirabegron in terms of pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability, suggesting that their combination could be a promising treatment option for patients with OAB.

A Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study of Fexuprazan 10 mg: Demonstrating Bioequivalence with the Reference Formulation and Evaluating Steady State.

Fexuprazan is a potassium-competitive acid blocker approved for treating gastric-acid-related diseases. Although the effectiveness of the recent formulation fexuprazan 10 mg has been demonstrated in Phase 3 clinical trials, data on the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of administering fexuprazan 10 mg twice daily at a 12 h interval are lacking. Moreover, it is imperative to ensure the bioequivalence of the new formulation with the previously approved 40 mg formulation. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of the single- and multiple-dose oral administration of fexuprazan 10 mg tablets in healthy participants (Part 1) and investigated their bioequivalence with 40 mg tablets (Part 2). Part 1 comprised a single- and multiple-dose, one-sequence, two-period design and eight participants, while Part 2 comprised a single-dose, 2 × 2 crossover design and 24 participants. In Part 1, in Periods 1 and 2, participants received single and multiple doses (twice daily) of fexuprazan 10 mg, respectively. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 h (AUC0-12h) of the multiple-dose participants was approximately double that of the single-dose participants. In Part 2, the geometric mean ratios (90% confidence intervals) for Cmax and AUC from zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration (AUClast) of the use of four fexuprazan 10 mg tablets to those of one fexuprazan 40 mg tablet were 1.0290 (0.9352-1.1321) and 1.0290 (0.9476-1.1174), respectively, meeting the bioequivalence criteria. Favorable PKs were observed after single and multiple administrations of one fexuprazan 10 mg tablet, and four fexuprazan 10 mg tablets were pharmacokinetically equivalent to one fexuprazan 40 mg tablet.

Size-reduced fexuprazan 20 mg demonstrated the optimal bioavailability and bioequivalence with the reference formulation.

Fexuprazan (DWP14012), a potassium-competitive acid blocker, is a medical formulation prescribed to inhibit the secretion of gastric acid. The present study encompasses a comparative evaluation of pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis between the previous (reference) and size-reduced (test) formulation of fexuprazan 20 mg in healthy subjects. The study employed a randomized, open-label, single-dose, 2-sequence, 2-period, crossover design with a 7-day wash-out between periods. A total of 24 subjects were enrolled in this randomized study. During each period, the 21 subjects received either the test or reference formulation. Blood samples were collected at multiple time point ranging from 0 (pre-dose) to 48 hours post-dosing for PK analysis. The calculated PK parameters were considered bioequivalent when the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the geometric mean ratios (GMRs) were within the bioequivalence limit of 0.8-1.25. Safety and tolerability were included in the evaluation. A total of 20 subjects completed the study. Point estimates (90% CIs) of the GMRs were 1.1014 (0.9892-1.2265) for the maximum plasma concentration and 1.0530 (0.9611-1.1536) for the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration, between the test and reference formulations. The reference and size-reduced test formulations of fexuprazan were well tolerated with no reports of serious adverse events. In conclusion, size-reduced and previous formulations of fexuprazan 20 mg were bioequivalent with regard to PKs, safety and tolerability.

Noni fruit extract ameliorates alcohol-induced hangover symptoms by reducing the concentrations of alcohol and acetaldehyde in a Sprague Dawley rat model and a human intervention study.

Various studies have reported that Noni shows various health effects. This study aimed to assess the ability of Noni fruit extract to serve as a single active functional ingredient for the alleviation of hangover symptoms in Sprague Dawley rats and healthy subjects in a single-dose, randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study. The rats were orally administered Noni fruit extract at 50 or 100 mg per kg body weight (B.W.) and HOVENIA. The blood ethanol (EtOH) and acetaldehyde concentrations were significantly lower in the 100 mg per kg B.W. group than in the EtOH group. Alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity tended to increase in the 100 mg kg-1 B.W. group. In the human study, 30 subjects received either a placebo or Noni fruit extract (1 g). The Noni fruit extract group showed significantly faster time point at which the maximum concentration (Tmax) of alcohol than in the placebo group. In addition, blood acetaldehyde levels and diarrhea at 40 and 720 min after alcohol intake and the area under the curve between 40 and 60 min of acetaldehyde were significantly decreased in the Noni fruit extract group compared to the placebo group. According to the QUalitative INteraction Trees, subjects who were ≤36 years old who consumed more alcohol (>15 drinks per week) and had a higher total hangover score (>27.5 and 33) presented significantly lower blood acetaldehyde levels and less severe hangover symptoms. These results indicate that Noni fruit extract has the potential to improve hangover symptoms by decreasing alcohol and acetaldehyde levels.

Pharmacokinetic properties of a new sustained-release pregabalin tablet in subjects with reduced renal function.

A new sustained-release (SR) pregabalin tablet, YHD1119, was formulated for once-daily dosing. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of YHD1119 tablets in patients with reduced renal function. Subjects were grouped by creatinine clearance: > 60 mL/min/1.73m2 (Cohort A) and 30-60 mL/min/1.73m2 (Cohort B). Eight subjects in Cohort A received a YHD1119 75 mg tablet (Y75T) and a YHD1119 150 mg tablet (Y150T) in each period, and eight subjects in Cohort B received a Y75T. Non-compartment analysis and population pharmacokinetic analysis using a one-compartment model with first-order elimination and first-order absorption with lag time were performed. Sixteen subjects completed the study. The geometric mean ratio (GMR) (90% confidence intervals [CI]) for maximum concentration (Cmax), and area under the concentration-time profile from 0 to the last measurable time (AUClast) after Y75T of Cohort B to those of Y75T of Cohort A were 1.2273 (1.0245-1.4701), and 2.4146 (1.8142-3.2138), respectively. The GMR (90% CI) for Cmax, and AUClast after Y75T of Cohort B to those of Y150T of Cohort A were 0.6476 (0.5229-0.8021), and 1.1471 (0.8418-1.5632), respectively. Simulated steady-steady pregabalin concentrations after once-daily Y75T dosing in subjects with eGFR 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 were within the range of steady-state concentrations simulated after once-daily Y150T dosing in subjects with eGFR 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. The total pregabalin exposure of Y75T in patients with moderate renal impairment was comparable with that of Y150T in subjects with near-normal renal function. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05012436.

Safety, Tolerability, and Serum/Tear Pharmacokinetics of Human Recombinant Epidermal Growth Factor Eyedrops in Healthy Subjects.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PKs) of rhEGF eyedrops after the administration of single and multiple doses in healthy subjects. A phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and single-ascending dose (SAD) and multiple-ascending dose (MAD) study were conducted in three dose groups (10, 50, and 100 µg/mL). The subjects randomly received rhEGF eyedrops or the placebo in a 3:1 ratio. Serial blood and tear samples for PK analysis were collected up to 36 h and 180 h post-dose in SAD and MAD studies, respectively. In addition, the serum and tear EGF concentrations were measured. Immunogenicity evaluations were conducted using serum anti-EGF antibody levels. A total of 50 subjects were enrolled and 48 subjects completed the study. Adverse drug reactions were mild and transient. There were no serious adverse events in this study. The tear EGF concentrations rapidly increased and returned to baseline after 4 h without any serum EGF level change after the administration of rhEGF eyedrops. rhEGF eyedrops were safe and well-tolerated in healthy subjects in a dose range of 10-100 µg/mL, indicating suitability for further studies in patients with corneal injury.

Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic characteristics of vutiglabridin: A first-in-class, first-in-human study.

This study aimed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of vutiglabridin, a potential anti-obesity treatment under development, for the first time in humans. A randomized, placebo-controlled, single- and multiple-ascending dose study (SAD and MAD, respectively) was performed in healthy Koreans and Whites. Subjects randomly received a single oral dose of 30-720 mg vutiglabridin or placebo at a ratio of 8:2 in the SAD study or 240-480 mg vutiglabridin or placebo once daily for 14 days in the MAD study. Food effect was also evaluated in 240 mg single dose group. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated through plasma concentrations, and pharmacodynamic biomarkers related to obesity or inflammation were analyzed. Safety and tolerability were assessed throughout the study. Single and multiple doses of vutiglabridin were generally well-tolerated. The pharmacokinetic parameters show less than dose-proportionality increase, and plasma concentrations increased more than two-fold after multiple administrations. The mean half-life of Koreans and Whites in the MAD study was 110 and 73 h, respectively. The systemic exposure of vutiglabridin was significantly increased when taken with a high-fat meal, and the systemic exposure was lower in Whites than in Koreans. Vutiglabridin was well-tolerated in healthy Koreans and Whites. The plasma concentration increased less than the dose-proportionality manner. These results justify further investigation of vutiglabridin in patients with obesity.

Lessons from a multicenter clinical trial with an approved wearable electrocardiogram: issues and practical considerations.

Although wearable electrocardiograms (ECGs) are being increasingly applied in clinical settings, validation methods have not been standardized. As an exploratory evaluation, we performed a multicenter clinical trial implementing an approved wearable patch ECG. Healthy male adults were enrolled in 2 study centers. The approved ECGs were deployed for 6 hours, and pulse rates were measured independently with conventional pulse oximetry at selected time points for correlation analyses. The transmission status of the data was evaluated by heart rates and classified into valid, invalid, and missing. A total of 55 subjects (40 in center 1 and 15 in center 2) completed the study. Overall, 77.40% of heart rates were within the valid range. Invalid and missing data accounted for 1.42% and 21.23%, respectively. There were significant differences in valid and missing data between centers. The proportion of missing data in center 1 (24.77%) was more than twice center 2 (11.77%). Heart rates measured by the wearable ECG and conventional pulse oximetry showed a poor correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.0454). In conclusion, we evaluated the multicenter feasibility of implementing wearable ECGs. The results suggest that systems to mitigate multicenter discrepancies and remove artifacts should be implemented prior to performing a clinical trial. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05182684.

The Safety of mRNA-1273, BNT162b2 and JNJ-78436735 COVID-19 Vaccines: Safety Monitoring for Adverse Events Using Real-World Data.

Two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (mRNA-1273, Moderna; and BNT162b2, Pfizer-BioNTech) and one viral vector vaccine (JNJ-78436735, Janssen/Johnson and Johnson) are authorized in the US to hinder COVID-19 infections. We analyzed severe and common adverse events in response to COVID-19 vaccines using real-world, Vaccine Adverse Effect Reporting System (VAERS) data. From 14 December 2020 to 30 September 2021, 481,172 (50.7 ± 17.5 years, males 27.89%, 12.35 per 100,000 people) individuals reported adverse events (AEs). The median time to severe AEs was 2 days after injection. The risk of severe AEs following the one viral vector vaccine (OR = 1.044, 95% CI = 1.005-1.086) was significantly higher than that after the two mRNA vaccines, and the risk among males (OR = 1.374, 95% CI = 1.342-1.406) was higher than among females, except for anaphylaxis. For common AEs, however, the risk to males (OR = 0.621, 95% CI = 0.612-0.63) was lower than to females. In conclusion, we provided medical insight and clinical guidance about vaccine types by characterizing AEs using real-world data. In particular, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safer than viral vector vaccines with regard to coagulation disorders, whereas inflammation-related AEs are lower in the viral vaccine. The risk-benefit ratio of vaccines should be carefully considered, and close monitoring and management of severe AEs is needed.

Current Bioequivalence Study Designs in South Korea: A Comprehensive Analysis of Bioequivalence Study Reports Between 2013 and 2019.

Demonstration of bioequivalence (BE) is mandatory while developing generic drugs. The scientific concept of BE applies equally to different regulatory agencies. However, the application of the concept may differ for each agency, which can affect the design of BE studies. To evaluate the study practices in terms of the BE concept in South Korea, we retrospectively analyzed BE study reports available from Ministry of Food and Drug Safety between 2013 and 2019. Statistical estimation of the pharmacokinetic parameters, including peak concentration and area under the concentration-time curve to the last measurable concentration, as well as study design, number of subjects in a study, study duration, fasting status, and formulation of specific drugs were obtained. The drugs were classified per World Health Organization Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification and Biopharmaceutics Classification System. Post-hoc intrasubject coefficient of variation and corresponding sample sizes were calculated from the 90% confidence intervals of pharmacokinetic parameters. A total of 143 generic drugs in 588 BE studies were analyzed. The largest number of studies were performed in the area of Cardiovascular system (172 studies), followed by Nervous system (143 studies) and Alimentary tract and metabolism (92 studies). Overall, BE studies in South Korea were conducted in accordance with the global guideline despite the differences in details. BE studies were focused on the several therapeutic areas and conducted in a similar manner. The number of subjects was generally larger than that estimated with 90% power.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Comparison of Two Formulations of a Fixed-Dose Combination of Gemigliptin/Rosuvastatin 50/20 mg: A Randomized, Open-Label, Single-Dose, Two-Way Crossover Study.

PURPOSE: A fixed-dose combination (FDC) of gemigliptin/rosuvastatin 50/20 mg as a monolayer tablet has been used to treat patients with both type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. To improve the stability of the FDC, a new FDC formulation as a bilayer tablet was developed. This study aimed to compare the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and pharmacodynamics (PDs) of the FDC of gemigliptin/rosuvastatin 50/20 mg between the newly developed bilayer tablet and the approved monolayer tablet in healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, open-label, single-dose, two-treatment, two-way crossover study was conducted. Subjects received a single dose of the FDC of gemigliptin/rosuvastatin 50/20 mg as the bilayer tablet or the monolayer tablet in each period with a 7-day washout. For PK and PD analyses, serial blood samples were collected up to 72 hours after dosing to determine plasma concentrations of gemigliptin, its active metabolite LC15-0636 and rosuvastatin, and plasma dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) activity. PK and PD parameters were calculated using non-compartmental methods and compared between the two formulations. RESULTS: A total of 48 healthy subjects were randomized, and 45 subjects completed the study. The concentration-time profiles of gemigliptin, LC15-0636 and rosuvastatin were comparable between the two formulations. All geometric mean ratios (90% confidence intervals) of the bilayer tablet to the monolayer tablet for maximum plasma concentration and area under concentration-time curve from 0 to last measurable time point of the three compounds fulfilled the bioequivalence criteria of 0.80-1.25. Likewise, area under plasma DPP-4 activity inhibition from baseline-time curve from 0 to last measurable time point and maximum inhibition of plasma DPP-4 activity were similar between the two formulations. CONCLUSION: The FDC of gemigliptin/rosuvastatin 50/20 mg as the bilayer tablet showed equivalent PK and PD properties with the FDC of gemigliptin/rosuvastatin 50/20 mg as the monolayer tablet in healthy subjects. These results suggest that the newly developed bilayer tablet can become an alternative formulation to the commercially available monolayer tablet.

Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Extended-release Ranolazine in Korean and White Healthy Subjects.

PURPOSE: Ranolazine, an inhibitor of late inward sodium current, is an antianginal agent. In this study, the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties and tolerability of single- and multiple-dose ranolazine were compared between healthy Korean and white subjects. METHODS: An open-label, ascending single- and multiple-dose study was conducted with healthy male Korean and white subjects. Subjects were administered 375-750 mg of ranolazine once in a single-dose and twice daily in multiple-dose based on their dose groups. Blood samples for the PK assessment were collected up to 48 h after dosing. The geometric mean ratio and its 90% confidence interval in Korean to white subjects for Cmax, Cmax,ss, AUClast, and AUC0-12h,ss of ranolazine were calculated. A population PK analysis was also performed. Safety profiles were assessed throughout the study. FINDINGS: A total of 70 Korean and 48 white subjects completed the study. Ranolazine exposure was similar between Korean and white subjects in all dose groups; however, ranolazine exposure at 750 mg was observed to increase by up to 29% in Korean subjects compared with that in white subjects. On the basis of previous studies, these differences in ranolazine exposure between the 2 ethnic groups may not result in any clinically significant difference. Furthermore, ethnicity was not significantly correlated with the PK properties of ranolazine in the ranolazine PK model. In addition, no significant difference was found in the safety profile of ranolazine between the 2 ethnic groups. IMPLICATIONS: The PK properties of ranolazine had no clinically significant difference, and no difference was found in the safety profiles of ranolazine between Korean and white subjects. It is anticipated that ranolazine can be administered in Korean subjects without dose adjustment. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02817932.

A pilot study to investigate the utility of NAT2 genotype-guided isoniazid monotherapy regimens in NAT2 slow acetylators.

Isoniazid is a therapeutic agent for the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection. Genetic variants in the N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) are associated with the safety and pharmacokinetics of isoniazid. The study aimed to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of a NAT2 genotype-guided regimen of isoniazid monotherapy. A randomized, open-label, parallel-group and multiple-dosing study was performed in healthy subjects. The subjects received isoniazid for 29 days. The NAT2 slow acetylators (NAT2*5/*5, -*5/*6, -*5/*7, -*6/*6, -*6/*7, -*7/*7) randomly received standard dose (300 mg, standard-treatment group) or reduced dose (200 mg, PGx-treatment group) of isoniazid. Also, all the NAT2 rapid acetylators (NAT2*4/*4) received isoniazid 300 mg (reference group). The safety and pharmacokinetics were evaluated during the study. The PGx-treatment group showed a more stable serum liver enzyme profile and a lower incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) than the standard-treatment group. The emergence rates of ADRs were 12.5, 60 and 33.3% in the reference, standard-treatment and PGx-treatment groups, respectively. The PGx-treatment group showed higher plasma isoniazid concentrations than the reference group, although the PGx-treatment group received a reduced dose of isoniazid. Our results showed that a NAT2 genotype-guided regimen may reduce ADRs during isoniazid monotherapy without concern over insufficient drug exposure.

YH12852, a Potent and Selective Receptor Agonist of 5-hydroxytryptamine, Increased Gastrointestinal Motility in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Functional Constipation.

Gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders are common, decreases quality of life, and imposes a substantial economic burden. YH12852 is a novel agonist of 5-hydroxytryptamine for the treatment of GI motility disorders. This phase I/IIa study assessed the tolerability, pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of YH12852. In the multiple dose (MD) cohort, healthy subjects and patients with functional constipation were randomized and received orally YH12852 at 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 mg or prucalopride 2 mg or their matching placebo, once daily for 14 days after breakfast. In the multiple low-dose cohort (MLD), healthy subjects randomly received once-daily oral doses of YH12852 at 0.05 or 0.1 mg for 14 days after breakfast. Questionnaires, gastric emptying breath test for PDs, and plasma samples for PKs were collected. In the MD cohort, a total of 56 subjects (29 healthy volunteers and 27 patients with functional constipation) were randomized, of whom 48 completed the study. In the MLD cohort, a total of 16 healthy subjects were randomized, and 15 subjects completed the study. YH12852 increased the average weekly frequency of spontaneous bowel movements and loosened the stool. In addition, YH12852 increased quality of life satisfaction, and decreased severity of constipation symptom and GI symptoms. YH12852 was safe and well-tolerated up to 3 mg and showed nearly dose proportional PKs. In conclusion, YH12852 was safe and enhanced GI motility. YH12852 can be developed as an effective treatment option for GI motility disorders, including functional constipation. Further studies are warranted to confirm this possibility.

Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Interactions Between Evogliptin and Glimepiride in Healthy Male Subjects.

PURPOSE: Evogliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, and glimepiride, a sulfonylurea, are used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) interactions between evogliptin and glimepiride. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, open-label, 3-period, 3-treatment, 2-sequence crossover study was conducted in healthy male subjects. During each period, subjects received multiple doses of evogliptin 5 mg alone (EVO), glimepiride 4 mg alone (GLI), or a combination of the two (EVO+GLI). Serial blood and urine samples were collected 168 and 24 h post dosing, respectively, for PK and PD analyses. RESULTS: Thirty-four subjects completed the study. The co-administration of evogliptin and glimepiride did not alter their plasma and urine PK profiles. For evogliptin, the geometric mean ratio (GMR) (90% confidence intervals) for the maximum plasma concentrations at steady-state (Cmax,ss) and the area under the curve during dosing interval at steady-state (AUCτ,ss) of EVO+GLI to E were 1.02 (0.98-1.06) and 0.97 (0.95-1.00), respectively. For glimepiride, the corresponding values of EVO+GLI to GLI were 1.08 (1.01-1.17) and 1.08 (1.02-1.14), respectively. All values were within the regulatory bioequivalence criteria of 0.8-1.25. Glucose excursion decreased with the co-administration of evogliptin and glimepiride compared with that observed with the evogliptin or glimepiride monotherapy. CONCLUSION: Evogliptin and glimepiride had no PK interactions when co-administered, while the combination therapy showed an additive glucose-lowering effect compared to those of evogliptin or glimepiride monotherapy.

Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Interaction Between Evogliptin and Pioglitazone in Healthy Male Subjects.

AIM: Evogliptin is a newly developed oral glucose-lowering medication of the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor class for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The combination of a DPP-4 inhibitor with pioglitazone is a promising therapeutic option. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction between evogliptin and pioglitazone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, open-label, multiple-dose, three-treatment, three-period, six-sequence crossover study was conducted in healthy Korean male subjects. All subjects received evogliptin 5 mg once daily for 7 days (EVO), pioglitazone 30 mg once daily for 7 days (PIO) and co-administration of evogliptin 5 mg and pioglitazone 30 mg once daily for 7 days (EVO+PIO) according to the assigned sequence and period. Serial blood samples were collected for 24 hours for pharmacokinetic analysis and 3 hours after the oral glucose tolerance test for the pharmacodynamic analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-four subjects completed the study. EVO+PIO and EVO showed a similar maximum plasma concentration at steady state (Cmax,ss) and area under the concentration-time curve during the dosing interval at the steady state (AUCτ,ss) of evogliptin, with geometric mean ratios (GMRs) (90% confidence interval (CI)) of 1.01 (0.97-1.05) and 1.01 (0.98-1.04), respectively. EVO+PIO and PIO showed a similar Cmax,ss and AUCτ,ss of pioglitazone, with GMRs (90% CI) of 1.07 (0.99-1.17) and 1.08 (0.99-1.17), respectively. Reduction of the glucose level after EVO+PIO was larger compared to PIO and similar with EVO. CONCLUSION: Concomitant administration of evogliptin and pioglitazone showed similar glucose-lowering effects with those of evogliptin alone without pharmacokinetic interactions when compared to the intake of each drug alone.