Effects of formulation and route of administration on the systemic availability of Ex-RAD®, a new radioprotectant, in preclinical species.

ON 01210.Na (Ex-RAD®) is a novel small molecule under development by Onconova Therapeutics, Inc. as a radiation protection agent. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of various formulation approaches on the systemic exposure of ON 01210.Na. In vitro experiments were used to characterize the plasma binding and metabolic stability of ON 01210.Na using hepatocytes from several animal species (mouse, rat, rabbit, dog, monkey and human). In vivo studies were performed in rats, rabbits, dogs and monkeys, and involved several routes of administration (intravenous, subcutaneous, oral). Plasma protein binding was high across species (>83%), and the rate of ON 01210.Na metabolism was highest in rat and mouse hepatocytes. After intravenous administration, ON 01210.Na demonstrated biphasic elimination from the plasma. Systemic exposure parameters (Cmax, AUC) were dose-proportional up to 100 mg/kg. Following subcutaneous dosing, ON 01210.Na showed relatively low bioavailability upon administration of the suspension formulation. Developing a solution formulation significantly increased the bioavailability of the drug. This solution formulation demonstrated significant oral bioavailability in rabbit (70%) and monkey (30%). The findings from these preclinical studies provide an overview of the systemic disposition of ON 01210.Na, aiding in the development of optimal formulations and routes of administration for pivotal animal efficacy and clinical safety studies. A solution formulation of ON 01210.Na for s.c. administration is being developed, in addition to an oral dosage form for potential use of the compound as a radioprotectant and a radiation-mitigating agent in wider military and civilian populations.

Preclinical pharmacokinetics and in vitro activity of ON 01910.Na, a novel anti-cancer agent.

PURPOSE: ON 01910.Na is a novel targeted anti-cancer agent under clinical investigation in Phase I and II trials. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of ON 01910.Na across several species, and to evaluate the effects of protein binding and duration of exposure on its in vitro cytotoxic activity. METHODS: Data were collated from several preclinical investigations, where the plasma disposition and tissue distribution of ON 01910.Na were assessed after administration (10-150 mg/kg, IP or IV) to several species (mouse, rat, and dog). Plasma protein binding was assessed using ultrafiltration. Cytotoxic activity of ON 01910.Na was determined in DU145 cells, and activity was correlated to unbound drug concentration and the duration of exposure. RESULTS: ON 01910.Na exhibits extensive plasma protein binding and the compound displays rapid elimination from the circulation in all three animal species (t(1/2) range 0.404-0.870 h). Tissue distribution studies in mice revealed highest drug accumulation in the liver, followed by the kidneys. ON 01910.Na is not extensively metabolized in vivo and urinary excretion is predominant at higher doses. ON 01910.Na cytotoxicity in DU145 cells was adversely affected by protein binding in the incubation medium. Drug cytotoxicity was greatly enhanced upon extending the duration of exposure at reduced drug concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the short half-life and rapid clearance of the drug, administration of ON 01910.Na by continuous IV infusion is a likely treatment option for cancer patients.