A phase 1b randomised, placebo-controlled trial of nabiximols cannabinoid oromucosal spray with temozolomide in patients with recurrent glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical data suggest some cannabinoids may exert antitumour effects against glioblastoma (GBM). Safety and preliminary efficacy of nabiximols oromucosal cannabinoid spray plus dose-intense temozolomide (DIT) was evaluated in patients with first recurrence of GBM. METHODS: Part 1 was open-label and Part 2 was randomised, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. Both required individualised dose escalation. Patients received nabiximols (Part 1, n = 6; Part 2, n = 12) or placebo (Part 2 only, n = 9); maximum of 12 sprays/day with DIT for up to 12 months. Safety, efficacy, and temozolomide (TMZ) pharmacokinetics (PK) were monitored. RESULTS: The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs; both parts) were vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and headache. Most patients experienced TEAEs that were grade 2 or 3 (CTCAE). In Part 2, 33% of both nabiximols- and placebo-treated patients were progression-free at 6 months. Survival at 1 year was 83% for nabiximols- and 44% for placebo-treated patients (p = 0.042), although two patients died within the first 40 days of enrolment in the placebo arm. There were no apparent effects of nabiximols on TMZ PK. CONCLUSIONS: With personalised dosing, nabiximols had acceptable safety and tolerability with no drug-drug interaction identified. The observed survival differences support further exploration in an adequately powered randomised controlled trial. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: Part 1- NCT01812603; Part 2- NCT01812616.

A phase 1, randomized, pharmacokinetic trial of the effect of different meal compositions, whole milk, and alcohol on cannabidiol exposure and safety in healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE: The pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of single oral 750-mg doses of a plant-derived pharmaceutical formulation of highly purified cannabidiol (CBD; Epidiolex in the USA and Epidyolex in Europe; 100-mg/mL oral solution) were assessed in healthy adults following a high-fat/calorie meal (n = 15), a low-fat/calorie meal (n = 14), whole milk (n = 15), or alcohol (n = 14), relative to the fasted state (n = 29). METHODS: Blood samples were collected until 96 hours postdose in each period and evaluated by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. PK parameters (maximum observed plasma concentration [Cmax ], area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to the last observed quantifiable concentration, area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity [AUC0-∞ ], and time to maximum plasma concentration [tmax ]) of CBD and its major metabolites were derived using noncompartmental analysis. RESULTS: CBD exposure increased by 3.8-fold for AUC0-∞ and 5.2-fold for Cmax when CBD was administered with a high-fat/calorie meal versus fasted. To a lesser extent, a low-fat/calorie meal enhanced CBD exposure versus fasted with a 2.7-fold increase in AUC0-∞ and a 3.8-fold increase in Cmax . Similarly, when dosed with whole milk, CBD exposure increased versus fasted by 2.4-fold for AUC0-∞ and 3.1-fold for Cmax . Modest elevations in CBD exposure occurred when it was dosed with alcohol: 1.6-fold for AUC0-∞ and 1.9-fold for Cmax . No clinically relevant effect of any test condition on CBD tmax or t½ versus the fasted state was apparent. The same trend was seen for the CBD metabolites, except that 7-carboxy-cannabidiol tmax was considerably longer when CBD was administered with alcohol (14 vs 4 hours fasted). Inter- and intrasubject variability in PK parameters was moderate to high during the trial. SIGNIFICANCE: CBD and metabolite exposures were most affected by a high-fat/calorie meal. CBD exposures also increased with a low-fat/calorie meal, whole milk, or alcohol, but to a lesser extent. CBD was tolerated, and there were no severe or serious adverse events during the trial.

Abrupt withdrawal of cannabidiol (CBD): A randomized trial.

RATIONALE: The rationale of this study was to assess occurrence of withdrawal symptoms induced by abrupt cessation of cannabidiol (CBD) after prolonged administration in healthy volunteers. METHODS: Thirty volunteers were randomized to receive 750 mg of a plant-derived pharmaceutical formulation of highly purified CBD in oral solution (100 mg/mL; Epidiolex® in the United States and Epidyolex® in Europe) twice daily (b.i.d.) for 4 weeks (Part 1) followed by 2 weeks of 750 mg b.i.d. CBD (Part 2, Arm 1) or matched placebo (Part 2, Arm 2). All volunteers completed the Cannabis Withdrawal Scale (CWS) and the 20-item Penn Physician Withdrawal Checklist (PWC-20) on days -1, 21, 28, 31, 35, 42, and at follow-up. RESULTS: Median CWS and PWC-20 scores slightly decreased from Part 1 to Part 2. Median CWS scores ranged from 0.0 to 4.0 (out of a possible 190) in Arm 1 and 0.0 to 0.5 in Arm 2. Median PWC-20 scores were 0.0 (out of a possible 60) in both arms. Twenty-nine (97%) volunteers in Part 1 reported all-causality treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs); the most commonly reported was diarrhea (63%). In Part 2, Arm 1, 6 (67%) volunteers reported all-causality AEs; the most commonly reported was diarrhea (44%). In Part 2, Arm 2, 9 (75%) volunteers reported all-causality AEs; the most commonly reported was headache (58%). Nine volunteers withdrew because of AEs in Part 1; 1 withdrew in Part 2, Arm 2, because of an AE that began in Part 1. Four severe AEs were reported in Part 1; the remainder were mild or moderate. No serious AEs were reported. CONCLUSION: In healthy volunteers, no evidence of withdrawal syndrome was found with abrupt discontinuation of short-term treatment with CBD.

Efficacy and safety of nabiximols cannabinoid medicine for paediatric spasticity in cerebral palsy or traumatic brain injury: a randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of oromucosal nabiximols cannabinoid medicine as adjunct therapy for children with spasticity due to cerebral palsy/traumatic central nervous system injury with inadequate response to existing treatment. METHOD: Overall, 72 patients (mean [SD] age 12y 4mo [3y 1mo], range 8-18y) were randomized at a ratio of 2:1 to receive nabiximols (n=47; 29 males, 18 females) or placebo (n=25; 15 males, 10 females) for 12 weeks (12 sprays/day max. based on clinical response/tolerability). The primary outcome was change from baseline in level of spasticity on a 0 to 10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), assessed by the primary caregiver at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included additional measures for spasticity, sleep quality, pain, health-related quality of life, comfort, depression, and safety. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the spasticity 0 to 10 NRS between nabiximols versus placebo groups after 12 weeks. No statistically significant differences were observed for any secondary endpoint. Adverse events were predominantly mild or moderate in severity; however, three cases of hallucinations were reported. INTERPRETATION: Nabiximols was generally well tolerated; however, neuropsychiatric adverse events were observed. No significant reduction in spasticity with nabiximols treatment versus placebo was observed. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Oromucosal nabiximols is generally well tolerated by paediatric patients. However, three cases of hallucinations were observed, one of which involved auditory hallucinations and a suicide attempt. Oromucosal nabiximols versus placebo did not reduce cerebral palsy/central nervous system injury-related spasticity.

Novel 1 L polyethylene glycol-based bowel preparation (NER1006): proof of concept assessment versus standard 2 L polyethylene glycol with ascorbate - a randomized, parallel group, phase 2, colonoscopist-blinded trial.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy requires colon cleansing. For this, many polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based preparations still require a high preparation-volume intake. Using an increased osmotic load with ascorbate (Asc), five new low-volume PEG-based bowel preparations (LVPEG) were tested for clinical proof of concept. METHODS: This two-part, open-label study examined preparation-volumes of 1-1.25 L and total required fluid volumes of 2-3 L. Part 1, in healthy volunteers, used mean cumulative 24-h stool weight (target > 2750 g) to identify a lead candidate. Part 2 was endoscopist-blinded: patients undergoing screening colonoscopy were randomized before treatment with the selected lead, one of two variants of it, or the control 2 L PEG + Asc. Two primary endpoints were used for proof of concept demonstration: mean 24-h stool weight and bowel cleansing success (Harefield Cleansing Scale). RESULTS: A total of 120 subjects (30 per group) were enrolled/randomized 1:1:1:1 (max 40:60 gender ratio) per completed Part. In Part 1, LVPEG-3 achieved the largest mean stool weight (3399 g: P < 0.0001 vs target) and was selected for Part 2. In Part 2, stool weights exceeded the target, notably for LVPEG-4 (3215 g: P < 0.001), which achieved 100% cleansing success after a total required fluid intake of 2 L. The control achieved 90% cleansing success. Adverse events were few, gastrointestinal in nature and similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: LVPEG-4 achieved a clinically useful combination of cleansing, safety/tolerability and low consumption volume: 1 L preparation + 1 L required additional fluid. Named NER1006, LVPEG-4 demonstrated clinical proof of concept and warrants further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: October 2012. Identifier: NCT01714466 . EudraCT: 2012-003052-37 The trial was prospectively registered.

Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interaction With Coadministration of Cannabidiol and Everolimus in a Phase 1 Healthy Volunteer Trial.

When highly purified cannabidiol (CBD; Epidiolex) and the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus are used concomitantly in the treatment of tuberous sclerosis complex, there is evidence of a pharmacokinetic (PK) interaction, leading to increased everolimus systemic exposure. We evaluated the effect of steady-state CBD exposure following multiple clinically relevant CBD doses on everolimus PK in healthy adult participants in a single-center, fixed-sequence, open-label, phase 1 study. All participants received oral everolimus 5 mg on day 1, followed by a 7-day washout. On days 9-17, participants received CBD (100 mg/mL oral solution) at 12.5 mg/kg in the morning and evening. On the morning of day 13, participants also received a single dose of oral everolimus 5 mg. Medications were taken 30 or 45 minutes (morning or evening dose) after starting a standardized meal. Maximum concentration and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) from time of dosing to the last measurable concentration and extrapolated to infinity, of everolimus in whole blood were estimated using noncompartmental analysis, with geometric mean ratios and 90% confidence intervals for the ratios of everolimus dosed with CBD to everolimus dosed alone. A single dose of everolimus 5 mg was well tolerated when administered with multiple doses of CBD. Log-transformed everolimus maximum concentration, AUC from time of dosing to the last measurable concentration, and AUC extrapolated to infinity values increased by ≈2.5-fold, and everolimus half-life remained largely unchanged in the presence of steady-state CBD relative to everolimus dosed alone. Everolimus blood concentration monitoring should be strongly advised with appropriate dose reduction when coadministered with CBD.

A Phase 1 Open-Label, Fixed-Sequence Pharmacokinetic Drug Interaction Trial to Investigate the Effect of Cannabidiol on the CYP1A2 Probe Caffeine in Healthy Subjects.

This pharmacokinetic (PK) drug-interaction trial investigated the effects of repeated dosing of a plant-derived pharmaceutical formulation of highly purified cannabidiol (CBD; Epidiolex in the United States and Epidyolex in Europe; 100 mg/mL oral solution) on caffeine clearance via modulation of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 activity in healthy adults. In this phase 1 open-label, fixed-sequence trial, all subjects received a single 200 mg caffeine dose and placebo on day 1. Subjects then titrated CBD from 250 mg once daily to 750 mg twice daily between days 3 and 11 and took 750 mg CBD twice daily between days 12 and 27. On day 26, subjects received a single 200-mg caffeine dose with their morning CBD dose. Plasma concentrations of caffeine and its CYP1A2-mediated metabolite, paraxanthine, were determined on days 1 and 26 and PK parameters derived using noncompartmental analysis. Safety was monitored throughout. Sixteen subjects enrolled, and 9 completed treatment. When caffeine was administered with steady-state CBD, caffeine exposure increased by 15% for Cmax and 95% for AUC0-∞ , tmax increased from 1.5 to 3.0 hours, and t1/2 increased from 5.4 to 10.9 hours compared with caffeine administered with placebo. Under the same conditions, paraxanthine exposure decreased by 22% for Cmax and increased by 18% for AUC0-∞ , tmax increased from 8.0 to 14.0 hours, and t1/2 increased from 7.2 to 13.7 hours. Overall, there were no unexpected adverse events; diarrhea was most common, and 6 subjects discontinued because of elevated liver transaminases. These data suggest that CBD is an inhibitor of CYP1A2.

A Phase I, Open-Label, Parallel-Group, Single-Dose Trial of the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Cannabidiol in Subjects with Mild to Severe Renal Impairment.

INTRODUCTION: As patients who receive cannabidiol (CBD) may have co-existing renal morbidities, it is important to understand whether dose adjustments are necessary to mitigate the risk of exposure-related toxicity. This study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of CBD in patients with renal impairment. METHODS: The pharmacokinetics and safety of a single oral 200 mg dose of a plant-derived pharmaceutical formulation of highly purified CBD in oral solution (Epidiolex® in the USA; 100 mg/mL) were assessed in subjects with mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment (n = 8/group) relative to matched subjects with normal renal function (n = 8). Blood samples were collected until 48 h post-dose and evaluated by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Analysis of variance was used to compare primary pharmacokinetic parameters (maximum measured plasma concentration [Cmax], oral clearance of drug from plasma [CL/F], renal clearance [CLR], area under the plasma concentration-time curve [AUC] from time zero to last measurable concentration [AUCt], and AUC from time zero to infinity [AUC∞]); descriptive analysis was used for secondary pharmacokinetic parameters (time to Cmax [tmax], terminal [elimination] half-life [t½], cumulative amount excreted from time zero to the last quantifiable sample [Aelast], and fraction of the systemically available drug excreted into the urine [fe]). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in Cmax, AUCt, AUC∞, or tmax values between subjects with mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment and subjects with normal renal function for CBD or its major metabolites, 7-carboxy-CBD (7-COOH-CBD) and 7-hydroxy-CBD (7-OH-CBD), and minor metabolite, 6-hydroxy-CBD (6-OH-CBD); geometric mean ratio for Cmax values ranged from 0.68 to 1.35. No differences were observed for other secondary parameters (Aelast and fe). CBD, 7-COOH-CBD, 7-OH-CBD, and 6-OH-CBD were highly protein bound (> 90%); binding was similar in all subject groups. Urine analysis for CBD recorded no appreciable amount, and thus no urinary pharmacokinetic parameters could be derived. Adverse events (AEs) affected two subjects; all five AEs were mild in severity and resolved during the trial. There were no serious AEs or discontinuations due to AEs. Laboratory, physical examination, vital sign, and 12-lead electrocardiogram findings were not clinically significant. CONCLUSION: Renal impairment had no effect on the metabolism of CBD after a single oral 200 mg dose. CBD was generally well tolerated in subjects with varying degrees of renal function. REGISTRATION: European Union Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT) no. 2015-002122-39.

A Phase II Randomized Trial to Explore the Potential for Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions with Stiripentol or Valproate when Combined with Cannabidiol in Patients with Epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: In recent randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III trials, highly purified cannabidiol demonstrated efficacy with an acceptable safety profile in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome. It is anticipated that antiepileptic drugs such as stiripentol and valproate will be administered concomitantly with cannabidiol. OBJECTIVES: This trial evaluated the effect of cannabidiol on steady-state pharmacokinetics of stiripentol or valproate in patients with epilepsy, and the safety and tolerability of cannabidiol. METHODS: This phase II, two-arm, parallel-group, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial recruited male and female patients with epilepsy aged 16-55 years. Patients receiving a stable dose of stiripentol or valproate were randomized 4:1 to receive concomitant double-blind cannabidiol or placebo. Patients received plant-derived, highly purified cannabidiol medicine (Epidiolex® in the USA; Epidyolex® in the EU; 100 mg/mL oral solution) at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day from day 12 to 26, following a 10-day dose-escalation period. Blood samples for pharmacokinetic evaluations were collected on days 1 and 26 before stiripentol/valproate dosing and up to 12 h postdose. Treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were recorded. RESULTS: In total, 35 patients were recruited to the stiripentol arm (n = 14) or the valproate arm (n = 21). Both the safety and the pharmacokinetic populations of the stiripentol arm comprised 14 patients (2 placebo; 12 cannabidiol). The safety population of the valproate arm comprised 20 patients (4 placebo; 16 cannabidiol; one withdrew before receiving treatment); the pharmacokinetic population comprised 15 patients (3 placebo; 12 cannabidiol). Concomitant cannabidiol led to a small increase in stiripentol exposure (17% increase in maximum observed plasma concentration [Cmax]; 30% increase in area under the concentration-time curve over the dosing interval [AUCtau]). Concomitant cannabidiol also had little effect on valproate exposure (13% decrease in Cmax; 17% decrease in AUCtau) or its metabolite, 2-propyl-4-pentenoic acid (4-ene-VPA) (23% decrease in Cmax; 30% decrease in AUCtau). All changes in exposure are expressed as the dose-normalized geometric mean (CV%) day 26 to day 1 ratio. The most common AE was diarrhea; most AEs were mild. Two patients discontinued cannabidiol because of serious AEs (rash [n = 1] in the stiripentol arm; hypertransaminasemia [n = 1] in the valproate arm). A separate in vitro study investigated the bidirectional effect of cannabidiol, or its metabolite 7-carboxy-cannabidiol, on valproate plasma protein binding; no change in plasma protein binding was observed for either compound. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical relevance of the increase in stiripentol exposure is unknown; patients receiving cannabidiol and stiripentol concomitantly should be monitored for adverse reactions as individual patient responses may vary. Coadministration of cannabidiol did not affect the pharmacokinetics of valproate or its metabolite, 4-ene-VPA, in adult patients with epilepsy. Safety results were consistent with the known safety profile of cannabidiol at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02607891.

Correction to: A Phase I, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Single Ascending Dose, Multiple Dose, and Food Effect Trial of the Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of Highly Purified Cannabidiol in Healthy Subjects.

Page 1065, Discussion, Single and Multiple Dose CBD PK, column 2 - the equation that read.

A Phase 1, Open-Label, Parallel-Group, Single-Dose Trial of the Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Subjects With Mild to Severe Hepatic Impairment.

The pharmacokinetics and safety of a single oral dose of 200-mg plant-derived pharmaceutical formulation of highly purified cannabidiol (CBD) in oral solution (Epidiolex in the United States; 100 mg/mL) were assessed in subjects with mild to severe hepatic impairment (n = 8 each for mild and moderate, n = 6 for severe) relative to matched subjects with normal hepatic function (n = 8). Blood samples were collected until 48 hours after dosing and evaluated by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters (primarily maximum measured plasma concentration, area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time t, area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity, time to maximum plasma concentration, and terminal half-life) of CBD and its major metabolites were derived using non-compartmental analysis. CBD was rapidly absorbed in all groups independent of hepatic function (median time to maximum plasma concentration, 2-2.8 hours). Exposure (area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity) to total CBD slightly increased in subjects with mild hepatic impairment (geometric mean ratio [GMR], 1.48; 90% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-2.41). However, there were clinically relevant increases in subjects with moderate (GMR, 2.45; 90%CI, 1.50-4.01) and severe (GMR, 5.15; 90%CI, 2.94-9.00) hepatic impairment, relative to subjects with normal hepatic function. Exposure to the CBD metabolites (6-hydroxy-CBD and 7-hydroxy-CBD) also increased in subjects with moderate and severe hepatic impairment, but to a lesser extent than the parent drug. The 7-carboxy-CBD metabolite exposure was lower in subjects with severe hepatic impairment when compared with subjects with normal liver function. These findings indicate that dose modification is necessary in patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment, and a lower starting dose and slower titration are necessary based on benefit-risk. CBD was well tolerated, and there were no serious adverse events reported during the trial.

A Phase I, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Single Ascending Dose, Multiple Dose, and Food Effect Trial of the Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of Highly Purified Cannabidiol in Healthy Subjects.

BACKGROUND: A formal single ascending and multiple dose pharmacokinetic (PK) trial of cannabidiol (CBD) oral solution was required to determine the safety and tolerability of CBD, the maximum tolerated dose, and to examine the effect of food on CBD PK parameters. OBJECTIVE: This trial assessed the safety, tolerability and PK of CBD oral solution in healthy adult volunteers, as well as the effect of food on CBD PK parameters. METHODS: The study consisted of three arms: single ascending dose (1500, 3000, 4500 or 6000 mg CBD [n = 6 per group]/placebo [n = 8; 2 per CBD dose group]), multiple dose (750 or 1500 mg CBD [n = 9 per group]/placebo [n = 6; 3 per CBD dose group] twice daily), and food effect (1500 mg CBD single dose [n = 12]). All subjects completed all trial arms and were analyzed as planned. RESULTS: CBD was generally well tolerated. Diarrhea, nausea, headache, and somnolence were the most common adverse events (AEs) across all trial arms, with an increased incidence of some gastrointestinal and nervous system disorder AEs (most notably diarrhea and headache) apparent in subjects taking CBD compared with placebo. All AEs were of mild or moderate severity; none were severe or serious. There were no deaths or discontinuations in the trial. After single oral doses, CBD appeared rapidly in plasma; time to maximum plasma concentration (tmax) was approximately 4-5 h. The major circulating metabolite was 7-carboxy-CBD, then parent CBD, 7-hydroxy-CBD (active metabolite), and 6-hydroxy-CBD (a relatively minor metabolite). Plasma exposure to CBD [maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time t (AUCt)] increased in a less than dose-proportional manner (Cmax slope 0.73; AUCt slope 0.64). Oral clearance of CBD was high (1111-1909 L/h) and apparent volume of distribution was large (20,963-42,849 L). CBD reached steady state after approximately 2 days, with moderate accumulation (1.8- to 2.6-fold) after 750 and 1500 mg CBD twice daily. After 7 days, a twofold increase in CBD dose resulted in 1.6- and 1.9-fold increases in geometric mean Cmax and area under the plasma concentration-time curve over a dosing interval (AUCτ), respectively. CBD elimination was multiphasic; the terminal elimination half-life was approximately 60 h after 750 and 1500 mg CBD twice daily; and effective half-life estimates ranged from 10 to 17 h. Cmax was 541.2 ng/mL and AUCτ was 3236 ng·h/mL after 1500 mg CBD twice daily. A high-fat meal increased CBD plasma exposure (Cmax and AUCt) by 4.85- and 4.2-fold, respectively; there was no effect of food on tmax or terminal half-life. CONCLUSION: CBD was generally well tolerated. Most AEs were mild in severity; none were severe or serious. The safety and PK profile support twice-daily administration of CBD.