Effects of HM30181, a P-glycoprotein inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of loperamide in healthy volunteers.

AIMS: HM30181 is a third generation P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor currently under development. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of a single dose of HM30181 on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of loperamide, a P-gp substrate, and to compare them with those of quinidine. METHODS: Eighteen healthy male subjects were administered loperamide alone (period 1) or with loperamide plus quinidine or HM30181 in period 2 or 3, respectively. In period 3, subjects randomly received one of three HM30181 doses: 15, 60 or 180 mg. Changes in pupil size, alertness, oxygen saturation and the oral bioavailability of loperamide were assessed in each period. In addition, the pharmacokinetics of HM30181 were determined. RESULTS: Pupil size, alertness and oxygen saturation did not change over time when loperamide alone or loperamide plus HM30181 was administered while HM30181 significantly increased the systemic exposure to loperamide, i.e. the geometric mean ratio (90% confidence interval) of AUC(0,tlast ) for loperamide with and without HM30181 was 1.48 (1.08, 2.02). Co-administered quinidine significantly increased the systemic exposure to loperamide 2.2-fold (1.53, 3.18), which also markedly reduced pupil size, resulting in a decrease of 24.7 mm h in the area under the effect curve of pupil size change from baseline compared with loperamide alone. CONCLUSIONS: HM30181 inhibits P-gp mainly in the intestinal endothelium, which can be beneficial because pan-inhibition of P-gp, particularly in the brain, could lead to detrimental adverse events. Further studies are warranted to investigate adequately the dose-exposure relationship of HM30181, along with its duration of effect.

Apple juice greatly reduces systemic exposure to atenolol.

AIM: Fruit juice reduces the plasma concentrations of several ß-adrenoceptor blockers, likely by inhibiting OATP2B1-mediated intestinal absorption. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of apple juice on the pharmacokinetics of atenolol. METHODS: Twelve healthy Korean volunteers with genotypes of SLCO2B1 c.1457C> T (*1/*1 (n = 6) and *3/*3 (n = 6)) were enrolled in this study. In a three-phase, one-sequence crossover study, the pharmacokinetics (PK) of atenolol was evaluated after administration of 50 mg atenolol. Subjects received atenolol with either 300 ml water, 1200 ml apple juice or 600 ml apple juice. RESULTS: Apple juice markedly reduced the systemic exposure to atenolol. The geometric mean ratios (95% confidence intervals) of apple juice : water were 0.18 (0.13, 0.25, 1200 ml) and 0.42 (0.30, 0.59, 600 ml) for the AUC(0,t(last)). In this study, the PK parameters of atenolol responded in a dose-dependent manner to apple juice. CONCLUSIONS: Apple juice markedly reduced systemic exposure to atenolol. The genetic variation of SLCO2B1 c.1457C>T had a minimal effect on the pharmacokinetics of atenolol when the drug was administered with water or apple juice.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oral tolvaptan administered in 15- to 60-mg single doses to healthy Korean men.

Tolvaptan is a selective arginine vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist that is used as an aquaretic agent. This trial investigated the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of 15- to 60-mg single oral doses of tolvaptan in healthy Korean men. A dose block-randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, single ascending dose trial was conducted with 46 subjects receiving tolvaptan (15, 30, or 60 mg) or placebo. To determine pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, blood and urine samples were collected at baseline and up to 48 hours after drug administration. Urine volume and fluid intake were measured for 24 hours starting the day before dosing (day -1) as baseline, and on the day of drug administration (day 1). Tolvaptan showed dose-linear pharmacokinetic characteristics regarding area under the concentration-time curve. Changes from baseline in 24-hour urine volume and 24-hour fluid balance correlated significantly with area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to the last measurable time. Dose-dependent increases were observed in serum osmolality, serum sodium concentration, and free water clearance in the 4- to 8-hour interval after dosing, and these increases were maintained for at least 24 hours. Single 15- to 60-mg doses of tolvaptan exhibited linear pharmacokinetics and resulted in substantial, dose-dependent aquaresis in healthy Korean men.

Assessment of the drug-drug interactions between fimasartan and hydrochlorothiazide in healthy volunteers.

AIM: Fimasartan is a selective angiotensin II receptor blocker. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), which is used to treat hypertension and edematous conditions, is coadministered with many antihypertensive agents. METHODS: An open-label, randomized, multiple-dosing, 2-arm, 1-sequence, 2-period study was conducted to assess the effects of fimasartan (240 mg) on HCTZ (25 mg) or vice versa in 18 and 14 healthy male volunteers, respectively. During each drug administration period, drugs were given once daily for 7 days, with a 7-day washout period between the 2 administration periods. RESULTS: The respective geometric mean ratios of fimasartan for AUC τ,ss and C max,ss with HCTZ were 1.30 [90% confidence interval (CI), 0.84-2.01] and 1.17 (90% CI, 0.93-1.47) compared with fimasartan alone. The respective geometric mean ratios of HCTZ for AUC τ,ss and C max,ss with fimasartan were 0.94 (90% CI, 0.84-1.04) and 0.88 (90% CI, 0.80-0.97) compared with HCTZ alone. Plasma renin activity indicated no significant differences between fimasartan monotherapy and coadministered treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Fimasartan administered alone or in combination with HCTZ was well tolerated at the described dosages. Coadministration of fimasartan increased the urinary excretion of HCTZ and urine volume, but these observations are unlikely to have any clinical relevance.

Reduced valproic acid serum concentrations due to drug interactions with carbapenem antibiotics: overview of 6 cases.

BACKGROUND: The plasma concentrations of valproic acid (VPA) are known to decrease during the concomitant administration of carbapenem antibiotics, such as meropenem, imipenem, and ertapenem. This study summarizes 6 cases of drug-drug interactions between VPA and carbapenem antibiotics. METHODS: To investigate the onset and severity of the reductions in the concentration of VPA in patients with or without the coadministration of carbapenem antibiotics, the authors performed a retrospective evaluation of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) reports that described a decrease in the serum concentrations of VPA during the concomitant use of carbapenem antibiotics from January 2008 to December 2010 in the Seoul National University Hospital. The evaluated TDM reports included 6 cases. The decrement ratio of the VPA serum concentration was calculated from the TDM reports, and the change in the half-life of the VPA was also estimated. RESULTS: Six cases presented with changes in the VPA serum concentration before and after the administration of carbapenem antibiotics. (Three cases were treated with meropenem, 2 were treated with ertapenem, and 1 was treated with imipenem.) The VPA concentrations reduced by (mean ± SD) 88.7 ± 5.3% (3 cases of meropenem), 74.0 ± 9.8% (2 cases of ertapenem), and 73.3% (1 case of imipenem), respectively, and the half-life of VPA reduced by 80.1 ± 9.0%, 64.4 ± 24.2%, and 50.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The interaction between VPA and carbapenem antibiotics caused decreases in the VPA serum concentrations; the extent of this decrease was greater in the meropenem-treated patients than in the imipenem-treated or ertapenem-treated cases. Because the therapeutic effect of VPA depends on its serum concentration, it should be recognized that there may be a loss of seizure control in patients using VPA with carbapenem antibiotics.

Multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of fesoterodine sustained-release in healthy Korean volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: Fesoterodine is a pro-drug of the active metabolite 5-hydroxymethyl tolterodine (5-HMT), a muscarinic receptor antagonist. This study aimed to evaluate the safety profile and pharmacokinetic characteristics of multiple oral doses of sustained-release fesoterodine (fesoterodine SR) in healthy Korean males. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose study with two oral doses (4 mg and 8 mg) was conducted in healthy Korean male participants. The study drug was administered once daily for 5 days. The plasma concentration of 5-HMT was measured up to 72 hours after the last drug administration. The CYP2D6 genotype was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods to assess the effect of genetic polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetic parameters. RESULTS: 20 participants completed the study. The mean (SD) areas under the plasma concentration-time curves during the dosing interval (AUCτ) of the 4 mg and 8 mg dose groups were 26.1 (8.0) and 64.2 (30.5) µg·h/ml and the mean peak concentrations (Cmax) were 2.6 (0.7) and 6.0 (2.0) µg/ml, respectively, at steady-state. The mean AUCτ and Cmax of 5-HMT increased in approximately the same proportion as the dose increased. Fesoterodine SR was well tolerated without any serious adverse events or abnormal clinical laboratory findings. CONCLUSION: Systemic 5-HMT exposure showed dose-proportional characteristics in the 4 mg to 8 mg dose range in healthy Korean males. Thus, 4 mg or 8 mg doses of fesoterodine SR taken once-daily were tolerable in healthy Korean males.

Pharmacokinetics of a fixed-dose glimepiride/sustained-release metformin combination.

OBJECTIVE: Pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of glimepiride and metformin have been established for the combination drug as well as each agent individually. However, the PK profiles of a combination drug containing glimepiride and sustained-release (SR) metformin have not been reported. To compare the pharmacokinetic profiles of glimepiride/SR metformin (2 mg/500 mg) with the PK of immediate-release (IR) formulations, an open-label, randomized, 3-period, 3-sequence, 3-treatment, crossover study was conducted in 12 healthy subjects. METHODS: After a single administration of glimepiride/SR metformin 2 mg/500 mg (Treatment) or glimepiride/metformin IR 2 mg/500 mg (Reference 1), or administration of 2 doses of glimepiride/metformin IR 1 mg/250 mg 12 h apart (Reference 2), serial blood samples were collected and drug concentrations determined by liquid chromatography/ tandem mass spectrometry. PK parameters (Cmax and AUC24) for glimepiride and metformin were log-transformed and compared using a mixed-effects model analysis of variance (ANOVA). The mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were back-transformed to obtain geometric mean ratios along with the CIs for the ratios. RESULTS: Treatment demonstrated similar systemic exposures for glimepiride; the geometric mean ratio (95% CIs) for glimepiride AUC24 was 1.05 (0.97 - 1.13) for Treatment relative to Reference 1 and 1.08 (1.00 - 1.17) for Treatment relative to Reference 2. The SR formulation showed a delay in the time to reach maximum concentration for metformin from 1.0 - 4.0 h to 4.0 - 8.0 h and a decreased AUC24 value; the geometric mean ratio for metformin AUC24 was 0.87 (0.74 - 1.03) for Treatment relative to Reference 1 and 0.75 (0.63 - 0.88) for Treatment relative to Reference 2. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates for the first time that fixed-dose glimepiride and SR metformin 2 mg/500 mg shows a PK profile similar to that of glimepiride, but with a delayed time to maximum concentration and slightly decreased bioavailability for metformin compared with the IR fixed-dose combination, in healthy volunteers. PK profiles from this exploratory study will be helpful in designing and conducting further studies in diabetic patients.

Evaluation of the pharmacokinetic interaction between the dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor LC15-0444 and pioglitazone in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: LC15-0444, a newly developed selective dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor, has the potential to be administered with other antihyperglycemic agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between LC15-0444 and pioglitazone by comparing the pharmacokinetics of both compounds and their metabolites. METHODS: A randomized, open-label, multiple dosing, three-sequence, three-period, three-treatment crossover study was performed in healthy volunteers. The three treatment groups were comprised of LC15-0444 200 mg, pioglitazone 30 mg, or coadministration of both drugs once daily for 12 days. Blood samples were collected up to 48 hours after the last dosing. Safety and tolerability were assessed throughout the study. RESULTS: The geometric mean ratios (GMRs; (LC15-0444+Pioglitazone coadministered)/(LC15-0444 or Pioglitazone alone)) (90% confidence intervals (CIs)) for Cmax,ss and AUCt,ss of LC15-0444 were 1.06 (0.96-1.16) and 0.98 (0.93-1.03), respectively. In the case of pioglitazone, the GMRs (90% CIs) for Cmax,ss and AUCt,ss were 0.84 (0.73-0.96) and 0.85 (0.76-0.96), respectively. All reported adverse events were mild in intensity. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacokinetics of LC15-0444 and its metabolites were not altered by pioglitazone. The systemic exposure of pioglitazone was decreased by 15% after coadministration of LC15-0444 with pioglitazone, but this was not judged to be clinically relevant, considering the total active moiety of pioglitazone.

Pharmacokinetic profiles of ceftazidime after intravenous administration in patients undergoing automated peritoneal dialysis.

The pharmacokinetics (PK) of ceftazidime after intravenous (i.v.) administration during automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and their dependence on peritoneal membrane transport are the targets of the present study. Eleven patients receiving a single i.v. dose of ceftazidime (15 mg/kg of body weight) (seven males, median [interquatile] age, 59 [36 to 62]) were recruited. Serum and dialysate samples were collected at the beginning, middle, and end of each of the five dwells during a 24-h period, with dwells 1, 2, and 3 using an automated cycler (designated on-cycler) and dwells 4 and 5 being manual exchanges (designated off-cycler), together with urine collection during the same period. Population PK analysis was employed to estimate the PK parameters. Peritoneal equilibration tests were performed for all patients, and correlations between peritoneal clearance (CL(PD)) for ceftazidime and dialysate-to-plasma ratios for creatinine (D/P(cr)) were obtained using the Spearman's product correlation coefficient (ρ). Ceftazidime renal clearance (CL(renal)) was 0.052 ml/min/kg, and CL(PD) was 0.063 ± 0.050 ml/min/kg. CL(PD) for on- and off-cycler were 0.071 and 0.058 ml/min/kg (P = 0.164), respectively. A significant correlation between CL(PD) and D/P(cr) was observed, with one outlier excluded, suggesting that CL(PD) for ceftazidime during APD is dependent upon the peritoneal small-solute transport rate. A model prediction yielded adequate serum and dialysate concentrations of ceftazidime throughout a 24-h period for sensitive organisms (MIC, 8 µg/ml) by either i.v. (at 15 mg/kg) or intraperitoneal (i.p.; at 20 mg/kg) administration during off-cycler dwells. The present study suggests that the i.v. administration of ceftazidime at 15 mg/kg or i.p. administration of ceftazidime at 20 mg/kg during a long dwell every 24 h can be recommended for treating systemic or intraperitoneal infections of APD patients.

Effects of pregnane X receptor (NR1I2) and CYP2B6 genetic polymorphisms on the induction of bupropion hydroxylation by rifampin.

We investigated genetic polymorphisms in the pregnane X receptor (NR1I2) in Korean individuals (n = 83) and the effects of NR1I2 genotypes on rifampin-mediated induction of bupropion hydroxylation. The pharmacokinetics of bupropion and hydroxybupropion were evaluated after an oral dose of bupropion (150 mg) administered before and after rifampin treatment for 7 days in 35 healthy subjects. The area under the time-concentration curve (AUC) ratio of hydroxybupropion to bupropion in CYP2B6*6 carriers was significantly lower than that in CYP2B6*6 noncarriers in both the basal and rifampin-induced states (p = 0.012). Among the CYP2B6*6 carriers (n = 13), the NR1I2 TGT (-25385T + g.7635G + g.8055T) carriers exhibited a significantly lower AUC ratio, representing the CYP2B6 hydroxylation activity, compared with the TGT noncarriers, in the induced state (11.9 versus 20.3, p = 0.045). The percent difference in the AUC ratio between the basal and induced states was also significantly different (212% versus 58.8%, p = 0.006). However, no significant difference was observed among the NR1I2 TGT genotypes for the CYP2B6*6 noncarriers (n = 22). In conclusion, it is suggested the NR1I2 TGT genotype decreases the bupropion hydroxylation induced by treatment with rifampin, particularly in CYP2B6*6 carriers.

Pharmacokinetic interaction of fimasartan, a new angiotensin II receptor antagonist, with amlodipine in healthy volunteers.

AIM: Fimasartan (BR-A-657) is a new angiotensin II receptor antagonist used as antihypertensive agent. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the coadministration of fimasartan and amlodipine on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of each drug. METHODS: This study comprised 2 separate parts, A and B; each was a multiple-dose, open-label, 2-period crossover study in healthy male volunteers. In part A, 20 subjects were administered 120 mg of fimasartan alone in period I and fimasartan with 10 mg of amlodipine in period II. In part B, 14 subjects were administered amlodipine alone, followed by coadministration with fimasartan. Blood samples for pharmacokinetics were collected up to 24 hours after the last dosing. The pharmacokinetics of the coadministration of fimasartan and amlodipine were compared with that of each drug alone. RESULTS: The geometric mean ratio and 90% confidence intervals for C(max,ss) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC)(τ,ss) of fimasartan (with/without amlodipine) were 1.096 (0.746-1.610) and 1.163 (1.001-1.351), respectively. The geometric mean ratios (90% confidence interval) for C(max,ss) and AUC(τ,ss) of amlodipine (with/without fimasartan) after coadministration with fimasartan were 1.037 (0.969-1.110) and 0.975 (0.920-1.033), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Coadministration of fimasartan and amlodipine did not result in clinically relevant changes in the systemic exposure of fimasartan or amlodipine.

The effect of the newly developed angiotensin receptor II antagonist fimasartan on the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin in relation to OATP1B1 in healthy male volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: Interactions between coadministered drugs may unfavorably affect pharmacokinetics. This study evaluated whether fimasartan, an angiotensin receptor II antagonist, affected the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin. METHODS: A randomized, open-label, 2-period, 2-sequence, crossover, multiple-dosing study was conducted with 24 healthy male volunteers. Twelve subjects received 80-mg atorvastatin once daily for 7 days; later, they received 80-mg atorvastatin with 240-mg fimasartan for 7 days. Twelve other subjects received the same drugs in the opposite sequence. Blood samples were collected scheduled intervals for 24 hours after the last dosing to determine plasma concentrations of atorvastatin acid, atorvastatin lactone, 2-hydroxy atorvastatin acid, and 2-hydroxy atorvastatin lactone. RESULTS: Compared with atorvastatin alone, coadministration of fimasartan and atorvastatin increased the atorvastatin acid mean (95% confidence interval) maximum concentration (Cmax,ss) by 1.89-fold (1.49-2.39) and the area under the concentration curve (AUCτ,ss) by 1.19-fold (0.96-1.48). Fimasartan also increased the mean 2-hydroxy atorvastatin acid Cmax,ss and AUCτ,ss by 2.45-fold (1.80-3.35) and 1.42-fold (1.09-1.85), respectively. The Cmax,ss and AUCτ,ss of the lactone forms of atorvastatin showed smaller changes than those observed for the acidic forms. CONCLUSION: We showed that fimasartan raised plasma atorvastatin concentrations. In vitro tests suggested that this effect may have been mediated by fimasartan inhibition of organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1.

Effect of ketoconazole on the pharmacokinetics of udenafil in healthy Korean subjects.

AIMS: Udenafil is a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is metabolized to DA-8164, a major metabolite, by CYP3A4. This study was performed to investigate the effect of ketoconazole, a known CYP3A4 inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetics of udenafil. METHODS: An open-label, two-period, fixed-sequence crossover study was performed in 12 healthy male volunteers. They received a single 100-mg oral dose of udenafil. Following a 5-day interval, 400 mg of ketoconazole was administered once a day for three consecutive days. On day 3 of ketoconazole treatment, a second 100 mg of udenafil was dosed concomitantly. Blood samples were collected at time points up to 48 h without ketoconazole treatment and up to 72 h with ketoconazole co-administration. The plasma concentration of udenafil was determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Following ketoconazole co-administration, the mean C(max) and AUC(last) of udenafil (95% confidence interval) increased 1.9-fold (1.60, 2.27) and 3.2-fold (2.82, 3.63), respectively. The median time to reach the C(max) was delayed in the co-administrated treatment, while the mean terminal elimination half-life (t(1/2)) remained relatively unchanged regardless of ketoconazole co-administration. The metabolic AUC ratio (AUC(last) of DA-8164/AUC(last) of udenafil) was 1.71 when udenafil was administered alone, and the value decreased to 0.19 when udenafil was dosed in the presence of ketoconazole. Regarding safety assessments, no clinically significant difference or serious adverse event was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The systemic exposure of udenafil increased significantly when it was administered with ketoconazole. Dose adjustment may be required when these drugs are used together.

An open-label, single-dose, parallel-group, dose-increasing study comparing the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of pilsicainide hydrochloride in healthy Korean and Japanese male subjects.

BACKGROUND: Pilsicainide hydrochloride is a class IC antiarrhythmic agent used for the treatment of supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of pilsicainide in healthy Korean and Japanese male volunteers to satisfy regulatory requirements for marketing pilsicainide in the Republic of Korea. METHODS: This was an open-label, single-dose, parallel-group, dose-increasing study. It was simultaneously conducted in healthy Korean and Japanese volunteers from September 2005 through May 2006; pilsicainide was approved for use in the Republic of Korea in 2007. Subjects for the 100-mg group were enrolled after the performance of tolerability evaluations in the 50-mg dose group. Serial blood and urine samples were collected up to 24 hours after dosing, and drug concentrations in plasma and urine were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Tolerability was evaluated by monitoring adverse events (AEs), clinical laboratory parameters, and results of 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs). RESULTS: Sixteen healthy Korean male subjects (mean [SD] age, 24.5 [4.2] years; weight, 71.8 [5.5] kg; height, 176.6 [6.3] cm) and 16 healthy male Japanese subjects (age, 24.7 [4.9] years; weight, 60.2 [4.4] kg; height, 171.9 [6.4] cm) were enrolled in the study. Values for AUC and C(max) of pilsicainide increased proportionally with dose escalation in all subjects. Pilsicainide reached C(max) 0.5 to 1.5 hours after dosing in both the Korean and Japanese subjects. The mean (SD) dose-normalized values for C(max) for the Korean and Japanese subjects were 9.4 (1.9) and 9.2 (1.6) ng/mL/mg, respectively. The mean (SD) dose-normalized values for AUC(0-infinity) were 56.0 (8.0) ng . h/mL/mg in the Korean subjects and 53.8 (8.1) ng . h/mL/mg in the Japanese subjects. None of these findings were statistically significant. A total of 9 AEs occurred in 7 of the 16 Korean subjects; they included dizziness, feeling of being hot, somnolence, and atrioventricular block. All of the AEs were mild in severity and were considered possibly related to pilsicainide. Two of the 16 Japanese subjects had a total of 4 AEs. All of the AEs occurred in the subjects treated with 50 mg. Of the 2 subjects with AEs, 1 subject had a decrease in blood pressure, a sense of discomfort, and PR-interval prolongation on ECG, while the other developed a premature ventricular contraction (PVC). The PR-interval prolongation and PVC were determined to be possibly related to pilsicainide, and these were mild in severity. The other AEs (ie, decreased blood pressure, sense of discomfort) were moderate in severity. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the pharmacokinetic profile of pilsicainide was not significantly different between these healthy Korean and Japanese male volunteers. A single dose (50 or 100 mg) of pilsicainide was well tolerated in both ethnic groups.

Effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of the oral phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor udenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

AIMS: Udenafil is a cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor developed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The aim was to evaluate the effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of udenafil. METHODS: An open, randomized, three-way crossover study was conducted. Fifteen healthy male volunteers received a single 200-mg oral dose of udenafil while fasting, after a low-fat meal, and after a high-fat meal separated by 7-day washout periods. Serial blood samples were taken up to 48 h after oral administration. RESULTS: Under fasting conditions, udenafil was rapidly absorbed and t(max) was observed typically 1.5 h after administration. The mean t(max) values after a low-fat meal and a high-fat meal were 2.6 and 2.1 h, respectively. The ratios (90% confidence intervals) of the geometric means compared with the fasting condition for C(max) and AUC(last) were 0.79 (0.70, 0.90) and 0.96 (0.89, 1.03) in the low fat-fed condition, respectively, and 1.01 (0.89, 1.15) and 1.03 (0.96, 1.11), respectively, in the high fat-fed condition. CONCLUSIONS: The t(max) of udenafil was delayed under the fed conditions. However, although the C(max) was reduced by approximately 21% in the low fat-fed state, overall bioavailability was not affected when taken with food.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of LC15-0444, a novel dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor, after multiple dosing in healthy volunteers.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT: * The importance of efficient drug development using biomarkers has been increasingly emphasized, from preclinical studies to clinical trials. * However, as yet few validated or qualified biomarkers are used in early-stage drug development in terms of clinical pharmacology and disease pathophysiology. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: * This first-time-in-human study provides evidence of the pharmacological activity of LC15-0444 in humans, by using dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity and active glucagon-like peptide-1 concentrations. * LC15-0444 possesses pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics that support a once-daily dosing regimen. AIMS: LC15-0444 is a selective and competitive inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) IV with potential for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. The aim was to investigate the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles after multiple oral ascending doses of LC15-0444 in healthy male subjects. METHODS: A dose block-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study was performed in three groups with 10 subjects (eight for active drug; two for placebo) per group; each group received 200, 400 or 600 mg of LC15-0444 once daily for 10 days. Blood and urine samples were collected up to 24 h after the first dosing and up to 72 h after the last dosing. RESULTS: The LC15-0444 concentration-time profiles exhibited characteristics of multicompartment disposition. No dose- or time-dependent change in PK parameters was observed. Mean elimination half-life was in a range 16.6-20.1 h in the dose groups. Mean renal clearance and fraction of unchanged drug excreted in urine was 18.6-21.9 and 0.40-0.48 l h(-1), respectively. In the steady state, mean accumulation ratios by dose groups were between 1.22 and 1.31. More than 80% inhibition of DPP IV activity from baseline was sustained for >24 h in all dose groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of the pharmacological activity of LC15-0444 in humans. LC15-0444 possesses PK and PD characteristics that support a once-daily dosing regimen.

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and tolerability of the dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor LC15-0444 in healthy Korean men: a dose-block-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, ascending single-dose, Phase I study.

BACKGROUND: LC15-0444 is a selective inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) IV under investigation in Korea for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and tolerability profiles of a single dose of LC15-0444 in healthy male subjects. METHODS: A dose-block-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, ascending single-dose, Phase I study was performed in healthy Korean male subjects assigned to receive 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, or 600 mg of LC15-0444 capsules. Blood and urine samples were collected up to 72 hours after administration. Plasma and urine drug concentrations were determined by tandem mass spectrometry coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography. DPP IV activity was measured by continuous spectrophotometric assay. An additional food effect study was performed in the 100-mg dose group; changes in PK and PD parameters after high-fat diet were evaluated. Adverse events (AEs) were detected through investigator inquiries, spontaneous reports, and clinical evaluations such as physical examinations, vital sign measurements, 12-lead electrocardiography, clinical laboratory tests (eg, hematology, blood chemistry, coagulation, urinalysis), and computerized impedance cardiography. RESULTS: Sixty Korean men (mean age, 25.3 years [range, 19-39 years]; weight, 68.3 kg [range, 53.6-84.9 kg]) were enrolled, providing 10 subjects for each dose group. After administration, LC15-0444 reached T(max) at 0.5 to 5.1 hours, and was eliminated with a t((1/2)) of 16.7 to 21.3 hours. The mean fraction of unchanged drug excreted in urine ranged from 0.21 to 0.34 and mean renal clearance was 15.5 to 23.6 L/h. The dose-normalized AUC exhibited dose-linearity over the range of 50 to 400 mg. All doses of LC15-0444 =200 mg were found to inhibit 80% of DPP IV activity for 24 hours. High-fat diet did not significantly influence the AUC of LC15-0444. LC15-0444 was generally well tolerated. None of the subjects developed any serious clinical or laboratory AEs or discontinued the study due to an AE. All AEs were mild or moderate, and no dose-related trends were observed. Forty-six AEs were reported in 18 subjects (30.0%). AEs considered to be related to the study drug were headache (6 cases), dizziness (2), nausea (1), epistaxis (1), and increased heart rate (1). All AEs resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of LC15-0444 exhibited linear PK properties over the range of 50 to 400 mg in these healthy Korean male subjects. PK characteristics were not significantly influenced by food. In addition, doses >or=200 mg of LC15-0444 inhibited plasma DPP IV activity by >80% over a 24-hour dosing interval, and a 600-mg dose increased active glucagon-like peptide-1 levels after a standardized meal. LC15-0444 was generally well tolerated.

Taq1A polymorphism in the dopamine D2 receptor gene as a predictor of clinical response to aripiprazole.

We investigated whether the clinical response to aripiprazole differed according to the Taq1A polymorphism in the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene. In this 26-week, prospective, open-label, double-blind, parallel-group study, 90 patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or schizophreniform disorder were recruited and divided into two groups according to their DRD2 genotype (A1A1, n=14; A1A2+A2A2, n=76). The efficacy assessment included Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scores. Extrapyramidal symptoms were assessed using the Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS), Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), and Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BAS). Plasma prolactin levels were also measured. Patients with the A1A1 genotype showed a more favorable therapeutic response to aripiprazole when assessed using the PANSS ratio. The changes in the SAS score from baseline to week 4 also differed according to the genotype group. There were no significant differences in the changes in the CGI, AIMS, and BAS scores or plasma prolactin level between the two genotype groups. The results suggest an association between the DRD2 Taq1A polymorphism status and the variation in the clinical response to aripiprazole.

Population pharmacokinetic modelling of aripiprazole and its active metabolite, dehydroaripiprazole, in psychiatric patients.

AIMS: The aims of this study were to develop a combined population pharmacokinetic model for both aripiprazole and its active metabolite, dehydroaripiprazole, in psychiatric patients and to identify to what extent the genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes contribute to the variability in pharmacokinetics (PK). METHODS: A population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using NONMEM software based on 141 plasma concentrations at steady state from 80 patients receiving multiple oral doses of aripiprazole (10-30 mg day(-1)). RESULTS: A one-compartment model with first-order kinetics for aripiprazole and dehydroaripiprazole each was developed to describe simultaneously the concentration data. The absorption rate constant was fixed to 1.06 h(-1). The typical value of apparent distribution volume of aripiprazole was estimated to be 192 l. Covariate analysis showed that CYP2D6 genetic polymorphisms significantly influenced the apparent clearance of aripiprazole (CL/F), reducing the interindividual variability on CL/F from 37.8% CV (coefficient of variation) to 30.5%. The CL/F in the CYP2D6 IMs was approximately 60% of that in CYP2D6 EMs having two functional alleles. Based on the CYP2D6 genotype, the metabolic ratios were calculated at 0.20-0.34. However, the plasma concentration : dose ratios of dehydroaripiprazole were not different across the CYP2D6 genotype. CONCLUSIONS: This population pharmacokinetic model provided an adequate fit to the data for both aripiprazole and dehydroaripiprazole in psychiatric patients. The usefulness of CYP genotyping as an aid to select the starting dose should be further investigated.

Pharmacokinetic interaction of flecainide and paroxetine in relation to the CYP2D6*10 allele in healthy Korean subjects.

AIMS: The objectives were to evaluate the effect of CYP2D6 genetic polymorphism on the pharmacokinetics of flecainide, and also on the extent of drug interaction with paroxetine as a CYP2D6 inhibitor after a single oral administration in healthy subjects. METHODS: An open-label, two-period, single-sequence, cross-over study was performed in 21 healthy Korean male volunteers (seven for CYP2D6*1/*1 or *1/*2, group 1; seven for CYP2D6*1/*10, group 2; seven for CYP2D6*10/*10 or *10/*36, group 3). Subjects were administered 200 mg of flecainide on day 1. After a 7-day wash-out period, subjects were administered 20 mg of paroxetine from day 8 to 14, and 200 mg of flecainide on day 15. Blood sampling was performed up to 72 h after flecainide administration. RESULTS: Terminal elimination half-life and mean residence time (MRT) were significantly different among three genotype groups after a single oral administration of flecainide (P = 0.021, 0.011, respectively). Area under the concentration-time curve, terminal elimination half-life and MRT increased significantly after paroxetine co-administration only in groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports that the extent of drug interaction between flecainide and paroxetine is influenced by the CYP2D6*10 allele in healthy subjects, which is frequent in Asians.