Zibotentan in combination with dapagliflozin compared with dapagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease (ZENITH-CKD): a multicentre, randomised, active-controlled, phase 2b, clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: In patients with chronic kidney disease, SGLT2 inhibitors and endothelin A receptor antagonists (ERAs) can reduce albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decline. We assessed the albuminuria-lowering efficacy and safety of the ERA zibotentan combined with the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin. METHODS: ZENITH-CKD was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, active-controlled clinical trial, done in 170 clinical practice sites in 18 countries. Adults (≥18 to ≤90 years) with an estimated GFR (eGFR) of 20 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or greater and a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) of 150-5000 mg/g were randomly assigned (2:1:2) to 12 weeks of daily treatment with zibotentan 1·5 mg plus dapagliflozin 10 mg, zibotentan 0·25 mg plus dapagliflozin 10 mg, or dapagliflozin 10 mg plus placebo, as adjunct to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers if tolerated. The primary endpoint was a change from baseline in log-transformed UACR (zibotentan 1·5 mg plus dapagliflozin vs dapagliflozin plus placebo) at week 12. Fluid retention was an event of special interest, defined as an increase in bodyweight of at least 3% (at least 2·5% must have been from total body water) from baseline or an increase of at least 100% in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and either a BNP concentration greater than 200 pg/mL if without atrial fibrillation or BNP greater than 400 pg/mL if with atrial fibrillation. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04724837, and is completed. FINDINGS: Between April 28, 2021, and Jan 17, 2023, we assessed 1492 participants for eligibility. For the main analysis, we randomly assigned 449 (30%) participants, 447 (99%) of whom (mean age 62·8 years [SD 12·1], 138 [31%] female, 309 [69%] male, 305 [68%] White, mean eGFR 46·7 mL/min per 1·73 m2 [SD 22·4], and median UACR 565·5 mg/g [IQR 243·0-1212·6]) received treatment with zibotentan 1·5 mg plus dapagliflozin (n=179 [40%]), zibotentan 0·25 mg plus dapagliflozin (n=91 [20%]), or dapagliflozin plus placebo (n=177 [40%]). Zibotentan 1·5 mg plus dapagliflozin and zibotentan 0·25 mg plus dapagliflozin reduced UACR versus dapagliflozin plus placebo throughout the treatment period of the study. At week 12, the difference in UACR versus dapagliflozin plus placebo was -33·7% (90% CI -42·5 to -23·5; p<0·0001) for zibotentan 1·5 mg plus dapagliflozin and -27·0% (90% CI -38·4 to -13·6; p=0·0022) for zibotentan 0·25 mg plus dapagliflozin. Fluid-retention events were observed in 33 (18%) of 179 participants in the zibotentan 1·5 mg plus dapagliflozin group, eight (9%) of 91 in the zibotentan 0·25 mg plus dapagliflozin group, and 14 (8%) of 177 in the dapagliflozin plus placebo group. INTERPRETATION: Zibotentan combined with dapagliflozin reduced albuminuria with an acceptable tolerability and safety profile and is an option to reduce chronic kidney disease progression in patients already receiving currently recommended therapy. FUNDING: AstraZeneca.

To Sleep, or Not to Sleep, that Is the Question.

Sleep disruptions occur in the intensive care unit (ICU), and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions can help minimize the effects. A structured quality improvement plan will ensure successful implementation and sustainability of a sleep protocol in the ICU.

Blocking endothelial lipase with monoclonal antibody MEDI5884 durably increases high density lipoprotein in nonhuman primates and in a phase 1 trial.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading global cause of death, and treatments that further reduce CV risk remain an unmet medical need. Epidemiological studies have consistently identified low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as an independent risk factor for CVD, making HDL elevation a potential clinical target for improved CVD resolution. Endothelial lipase (EL) is a circulating enzyme that regulates HDL turnover by hydrolyzing HDL phospholipids and driving HDL particle clearance. Using MEDI5884, a first-in-class, EL-neutralizing, monoclonal antibody, we tested the hypothesis that pharmacological inhibition of EL would increase HDL-C by enhancing HDL stability. In nonhuman primates, MEDI5884 treatment resulted in lasting, dose-dependent elevations in HDL-C and circulating phospholipids, confirming the mechanism of EL action. We then showed that a favorable lipoprotein profile of elevated HDL-C and reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) could be achieved by combining MEDI5884 with a PCSK9 inhibitor. Last, when tested in healthy human volunteers, MEDI5884 not only raised HDL-C but also increased HDL particle numbers and average HDL size while enhancing HDL functionality, reinforcing EL neutralization as a viable clinical approach aimed at reducing CV risk.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of ticagrelor in infants and toddlers with sickle cell disease aged <24 months.

Inhibition of platelet activation may reduce vaso-occlusion rates in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). In the HESTIA4 (NCT03492931) study, 21 children with SCD received a single oral dose of the antiplatelet agent ticagrelor (0.1 mg/kg <6 months; 0.2 mg/kg ≥6 to <24 months). All patients had measurable ticagrelor plasma concentrations. Ticagrelor and active metabolite (AR-C124910XX) exposure were comparable across all groups (<6 months, ≥6 to <12 months and ≥12 to <24 months). Ticagrelor was well tolerated. Palatability was generally acceptable. These data will be used to enable dose selection for further investigations of ticagrelor efficacy and safety in children with SCD.

Randomised, phase 1, dose-finding study of MEDI4166, a PCSK9 antibody and GLP-1 analogue fusion molecule, in overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people with type 2 diabetes. MEDI4166 is a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) antibody and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue fusion molecule designed to treat patients with type 2 diabetes who are at risk for cardiovascular disease. In this completed, first-in-human study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of single or multiple doses of MEDI4166 in participants with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In this phase 1 study that was conducted across 11 clinics in the USA, eligible adults had type 2 diabetes, a BMI of ≥25 kg/m2 to ≤42 kg/m2, and LDL-cholesterol levels ≥1.81 mmol/l. Participants were randomised 3:1 to receive MEDI4166 or placebo using an interactive voice/web response system, which blinded all participants, investigators and study site personnel to the study drug administered. In 'Part A' of the study, five cohorts of participants received a single s.c. injection of MEDI4166 at 10 mg, 30 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg or 400 mg, or placebo. 'Part B' of the study consisted of three cohorts of participants who received an s.c. dose of MEDI4166 once weekly for 5 weeks at 50 mg, 200 mg or 400 mg, or placebo. The primary endpoint in Part A was safety. The co-primary endpoints in Part B were change in LDL-cholesterol levels and area under the plasma glucose concentration-time curve (AUC0-4h) post-mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) from baseline to day 36. The pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of MEDI4166 were also evaluated. RESULTS: MEDI4166 or placebo was administered to n = 30 or n = 10 participants, respectively, in Part A of the study, and n = 48 or n = 15 participants, respectively, in Part B. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were comparable between MEDI4166 and placebo in both Part A (60% vs 50%) and Part B (79% vs 87%) of the study. Common TEAEs with MEDI4166 included injection-site reactions, diarrhoea and headache; there was no evidence for dose-related increases in TEAEs. In Part B of the study, at all tested doses of MEDI4166, there was a significant decrease in LDL-cholesterol levels vs placebo (least squares mean [95% CI]; MEDI4166 50 mg, -1.25 [-1.66, -0.84]; MEDI4166 200 mg, -1.97 [-2.26, -1.68]; MEDI4166 400 mg, -1.96 [-2.23, -1.70]; placebo, -0.03 [-0.35, 0.28]; all p < 0.0001). However, there were no clinically relevant reductions or significant differences between MEDI4166 vs placebo in glucose AUC0-4h post-MMTT (least squares mean [95% CI]; MEDI4166 50 mg, -10.86 [-17.69, -4.02]; MEDI4166 200 mg, -4.23 [-8.73, 0.28]; MEDI4166 400 mg, -2.59 [-7.14, 1.95]; placebo, -4.84 [-9.95, 0.28]; all p > 0.05). MEDI4166 was associated with a pharmacokinetic profile supportive of weekly dosing and an overall treatment-induced anti-drug antibody-positive rate of 22%. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: MEDI4166 was associated with an acceptable tolerability profile and significantly decreased LDL-cholesterol levels in a dose-dependent manner in overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes. However, there were no significant reductions in postprandial glucose levels at any dose of MEDI4166. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02524782 FUNDING: This study was funded by MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, MD, USA.

Pharmacokinetic Profiles of Ticagrelor Orodispersible Tablets in Healthy Western and Japanese Subjects.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet agent for patients with acute coronary syndrome or a history of myocardial infarction. Two studies compared pharmacokinetic profiles of orodispersible (OD) ticagrelor tablets versus immediate-release (IR) tablets in Western and Japanese subjects. METHODS: Both studies were open-label, randomized, crossover, single-center trials. Thirty-six healthy subjects (94% white, 6% other race; Western study NCT02400333) and 42 Japanese healthy subjects (Japanese study NCT02436577) received a single 90-mg ticagrelor dose as an OD tablet [with/without water, and via a nasogastric tube (Western study only)], and an IR tablet; washout between treatments was ≥7 days. Assessments included ticagrelor and AR-C124910XX (active metabolite) plasma concentrations for pharmacokinetic analyses, and safety evaluations. RESULTS: In the Western study, the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the geometric mean ratios (GMRs) for ticagrelor and AR-C124910XX maximum plasma concentration (C max) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) were within the acceptance interval (80%-125%) for OD tablets (with/without water, via a nasogastric tube) versus the IR tablet; except for an ~15% lowering of ticagrelor C max (90% CI: 76.77%-93.78%) for the OD tablet taken with water. In the Japanese study, 90% CIs of the GMRs for AUC and C max of both ticagrelor and AR-C124910XX were all within the acceptance intervals for the OD (with/without water) versus IR tablet. No new safety issues were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Ticagrelor administered as an OD tablet to Western (without water, and via a nasogastric tube) and Japanese (with/without water) subjects was bioequivalent to the IR tablet.

Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on the Pharmacodynamic Effects of Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel in Troponin-Negative Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Undergoing Ad Hoc Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with enhanced platelet reactivity and impaired response to oral antiplatelet therapy, including clopidogrel. This post hoc analysis investigated the pharmacodynamic effects of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel loading dose (LD) in troponin-negative acute coronary syndrome patients with or without DM undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in the Ad Hoc PCI study. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients randomized (1:1) to receive ticagrelor 180 mg LD or clopidogrel 600 mg LD were assessed by diabetic status. Platelet reactivity (P2Y12 reaction units [PRU] on VerifyNow® assay) was measured pre-LD, at 0.5, 2, and 8 hours post-LD, and at the end of the percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary endpoint was PRU levels 2 hours post-LD; secondary endpoints included rates of high on-treatment platelet reactivity (PRU≥208). Of 100 randomized patients, 51 received ticagrelor (DM, n=20; non-DM, n=31) and 49 clopidogrel (DM, n=16; non-DM, n=33). At 2 hours post-LD, mean (SD) PRU levels in DM patients were 130.1 (111.7) with ticagrelor versus 287.6 (71.9) with clopidogrel (mean [95%CI] difference -157.5 [-225.3, -89.8]; P<0.001); in non-DM patients, they were 75.3 (75.7) versus 243.0 (72.4) (mean difference -167.7 [-207.1, -128.3]; P<0.001). High on-treatment platelet reactivity rates at 2 hours post-LD were also significantly (P<0.001) reduced with ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in DM and non-DM patients. Between-treatment differences for PRU and high on-treatment platelet reactivity were not significant at earlier time points but were at 8 hours post-LD (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with clopidogrel, ticagrelor achieved faster, enhanced platelet inhibition and reduced high on-treatment platelet reactivity rates, in DM and non-DM patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01603082.

Pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and safety of ticagrelor in Chinese patients with stable coronary artery disease.

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess ticagrelor's effects on inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA), P2Y12 reaction units (PRU, measure of platelet P2Y12 receptor blockade), pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters and safety in Chinese patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: This was an open label, single centre, randomized study. Thirty-six patients on low dose aspirin (75-100 mg day(-1) ) received ticagrelor 45, 60 or 90 mg (single dose, days 1 and 7; twice daily, days 3-6). IPA (final extent), PRU and ticagrelor and AR-C124910XX plasma concentrations were determined. RESULTS: On day 1, peak IPA >80% occurred 2-6 h post-dose (all doses). PRU was markedly reduced at 1 h vs. baseline (all doses). With ticagrelor 45 and 90 mg twice daily, maximum IPA (mean, SD) was 91% (13%), and 99% (3%), and maximum PRU reduction from baseline (mean, SD) was 82% (17%) and 92% (9%), respectively. Approximate dose-proportional increases (mean [%CV]; 45 vs. 90 mg twice daily) in ticagrelor Cmax (616 [37] vs. 1273 [43] ng ml(-1) ) and AUC (3882 [42] vs. 8206 [51] ng ml(-1) h) and AR-C124910XX parameters were seen. Pharmacodynamic and PK differences between 45 and 60 mg were small. No safety issues were identified. CONCLUSIONS: In Chinese patients with CAD, ticagrelor (45, 60 and 90 mg) markedly reduced platelet aggregation. The IPA and PRU magnitude increased generally with increasing doses. However, the mean pharmacodynamic differences between 45 and 60 mg doses were small. Following single and multiple doses, the mean Cmax and AUC values of ticagrelor and AR-C124910XX increased approximately dose proportionally between 45 and 90 mg doses.

Effects of Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel in Troponin-Negative Patients With Low-Risk ACS Undergoing Ad Hoc PCI.

BACKGROUND: Many low-risk acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients are not pre-treated with a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) are often performed on an ad hoc basis in this population. Pharmacodynamic (PD) studies comparing ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in patients undergoing ad hoc PCI are lacking. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess PD effects of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel loading dose (LD) in the peri-procedural period among troponin-negative ACS patients undergoing ad hoc PCI. METHODS: This was a prospective, open-label, randomized, multicenter, parallel-group, phase IV PD study. One hundred P2Y12 inhibitor-naïve patients presenting with biomarker-negative ACS and undergoing ad hoc PCI, on a background of aspirin therapy, were randomized to receive either ticagrelor 180 mg LD or clopidogrel 600 mg LD. Platelet reactivity (P2Y12 reaction units [PRU]; VerifyNow assay) was measured at 5 time points: pre-LD, at 0.5, 2, and 8 h post-LD, and at end of PCI. The primary endpoint was PRU levels 2 h post-LD; secondary endpoints included PRU levels at all other time points and inhibition of platelet aggregation; an exploratory analysis evaluated rates of high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) (PRU >208). RESULTS: At 2 h, PRU levels were significantly lower with ticagrelor versus clopidogrel (98.4 ± 95.4 vs. 257.5 ± 74.5; p < 0.001; primary endpoint). PRU levels diverged as early as 0.5 h post-LD, with significant differences observed by the end of PCI (mean 0.6 h post-LD) and maintained up to 8 h post-LD. HPR rates were also significantly reduced with ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel at the end of PCI (p = 0.030), and at 2 h (p < 0.001) and 8 h (p < 0.001) after LD. CONCLUSIONS: In low-risk ACS patients undergoing ad hoc PCI, ticagrelor LD provides more prompt and potent platelet inhibition, and lower HPR rates, compared with clopidogrel LD. (Ad Hoc Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Study in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients: NCT01603082).

Platelet inhibition with ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in Hispanic patients with stable coronary artery disease with or without diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Diabetes mellitus (DM) disproportionately affects Hispanic patients. DM patients have enhanced platelet reactivity and reduced sensitivity to clopidogrel. Ticagrelor demonstrated a more rapid onset and greater magnitude of platelet inhibition than clopidogrel in Hispanic patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). This subgroup analysis examined the onset and level of platelet inhibition of ticagrelor and clopidogrel in Hispanic patients with DM. METHODS/MATERIALS: This was a subgroup analysis of a randomized, open-label, crossover study in which 40 Hispanic patients with stable CAD received ticagrelor 180 mg loading dose (LD)/90 mg twice-daily maintenance dose (MD) then clopidogrel 600 mg LD/75 mg once-daily MD, or vice versa. The primary end point was on-treatment platelet reactivity at 2 hours post-LD using the VerifyNow™ P2Y12 test. RESULTS: 21 patients had DM and 19 were non-diabetic. At 2 hours post-LD, mean platelet reactivity in the diabetic group was 34.5 PRU with ticagrelor versus 219.3 PRU with clopidogrel (P<0.001), and in the non-diabetic group was 33.7 PRU with ticagrelor versus 181.0 PRU with clopidogrel (P<0.001). In both diabetic and non-diabetic subgroups, mean platelet reactivity declined to a significantly greater extent with ticagrelor than clopidogrel at all time points evaluated (0.5, 2, and 8 hours post LD and after 7-9 days of MD). Patients were significantly more likely to have high on-treatment platelet reactivity (≥208 PRU) during treatment with clopidogrel compared with ticagrelor, regardless of diabetic status. CONCLUSIONS: Among Hispanic patients with stable CAD, ticagrelor achieves a faster onset and greater magnitude of platelet inhibition compared with clopidogrel, irrespective of diabetic status.

Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel in Black Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease: Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label, Multiple-Dose, Crossover Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The burden of coronary artery disease (CAD) is high in blacks, highlighting the need for clinical research of antiplatelet agents in this population. We sought to evaluate platelet reactivity during loading and maintenance dosing of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel, and the pharmacokinetic profile of ticagrelor and its metabolite AR-C124910XX, in black patients with stable CAD taking low-dose aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). METHODS AND RESULTS: In a multicenter, randomized, open-label, crossover study, 34 blacks with stable CAD receiving acetylsalicylic acid 75 to 100 mg/d were randomized to clopidogrel (600 mg, then 75 mg QD for 7-9 days) or ticagrelor (180 mg, then 90 mg BID for 7-9 days). After washout 10 to 14 days, patients switched regimens. The primary end point was platelet reactivity 2 hours post loading dose (P2Y12 reactivity units [PRU] measured by the VerifyNow assay). Least-squares mean PRU at 2 hours post loading dose was lower with ticagrelor (27.6) versus clopidogrel (211.2); least-squares mean difference was -183.6 (95% confidence interval, -213.9 to -153.3; P<0.001). At all time points, the least-squares mean PRU was significantly lower, and the percent reduction in PRU from baseline was statistically greater, with ticagrelor versus clopidogrel. At 2 hours post dose, the prevalence of high on-treatment platelet reactivity (≥208 PRU) was lower with ticagrelor (0%) than with clopidogrel (57.1%). Pharmacokinetic profiles of ticagrelor and AR-C124910XX were consistent with previous reports in stable CAD populations. CONCLUSIONS: In black patients with stable CAD receiving low-dose acetylsalicylic acid, ticagrelor provided a faster onset and greater degree of platelet inhibition than clopidogrel. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01523392.

A randomised trial of the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects of ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel in Hispanic patients with stable coronary artery disease.

The objective was to compare the pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacokinetic (PK) effects of ticagrelor with clopidogrel among subjects of Hispanic ethnicity, as the PD and PK effects of antiplatelet agents among Hispanics are not specifically known. This was a randomised, open-label, crossover PD/PK study of 40 Hispanic subjects with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Subjects were allocated to either ticagrelor 180 mg loading dose (LD)/90 mg twice-daily maintenance dose (MD) followed by clopidogrel 600 mg LD/75 mg once-daily MD with an intervening washout period, or vice versa. The primary endpoint was on-treatment reactivity (OTR) at 2 h post-LD according to the VerifyNow P2Y12 test. OTR was significantly lower at 2 h post-LD with ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel (34 PRU vs. 201 PRU, least square means difference = -167 PRU [95 % CI, -197, -137], P < 0.001). OTR was also lower with ticagrelor at 30 min and 8 h post-LD (P < 0.001). The greater magnitude of antiplatelet effect with ticagrelor persisted after 7 days of MD (52 PRU [95 % CI, 30, 73] vs. 182 PRU [95 % CI, 160, 205], P < 0.001). Mean plasma concentration of ticagrelor and its active metabolite were greatest at 2 h post-LD, with similar levels at 2 h post-MD after 7 days of MD. Among Hispanic subjects with stable CAD, ticagrelor provides a more rapid onset of platelet inhibition and a significantly greater antiplatelet effect compared with clopidogrel during both the loading and maintenance phases of treatment.

An open-label, randomized bioavailability study with alternative methods of administration of crushed ticagrelor tablets in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the bioavailability and safety profile of crushed ticagrelor tablets suspended in water and administered orally or via nasogastric tube, with that of whole tablets administered orally. METHODS: In this single-center, open-label, randomized, three-treatment crossover study, 36 healthy volunteers were randomized to receive a single 90-mg dose of ticagrelor administered orally as a whole tablet or as crushed tablets suspended in water and given orally or via a nasogastric tube into the stomach, with a minimum 7-day wash-out between treatments. Plasma concentrations of ticagrelor and AR-C124910XX were assessed at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 24, 36, and 48 hours post-ticagrelor dose for pharmacokinetic analyses. Safety and tolerability was assessed throughout the study. RESULTS: At 0.5 hours postdose, plasma concentrations of ticagrelor and AR-C124910XX were higher with crushed tablets administered orally (148.6 ng/mL and 13.0 ng/mL, respectively) or via nasogastric tube (264.6 ng/mL and 28.6 ng/mL, respectively) compared with whole-tablet administration (33.3 ng/mL and 5.2 ng/mL, respectively). A similar trend was observed at 1 hour postdose. Ticagrelor tmax was shorter following crushed vs. whole-tablet administration (1 vs. 2 hours, respectively). Geometric mean ratios between treatments for AUC and Cmax were contained within the bioequivalence limits of 80-125% for ticagrelor and AR-C124910XX. All treatments were generally well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Ticagrelor administered as a crushed tablet is bioequivalent to whole-tablet administration, independent of mode of administration (oral or via nasogastric tube), and resulted in increased plasma concentrations of ticagrelor and ARC124910XX at early timepoints.

Evaluation of the effect of Naloxegol on cardiac repolarization: a randomized, placebo- and positive-controlled crossover thorough QT/QTc study in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a common adverse effect associated with opioid use. Naloxegol is a PEGylated derivative of naloxone in clinical development as a once-daily oral treatment of OIC. OBJECTIVES: A thorough QT/QTc study was conducted, according to International Conference on Harmonisation E14 guidelines, to characterize the effect of naloxegol on cardiac repolarization. METHODS: In this randomized, positive- and placebo-controlled crossover study, healthy men received a single dose of naloxegol 25 mg (therapeutic dose), naloxegol 150 mg (supratherapeutic dose), moxifloxacin 400 mg (positive control), or placebo in 1 of 4 sequences (Williams Latin square design). The washout time between treatment periods was at least 5 days. Digital 12-lead ECGs were recorded at baseline and at 10 time points over 24 hours after dosing in each treatment period. QT intervals were corrected for heart rate using the Fridericia formula (QTcF) and the Bazett formula (QTcB). RESULTS: A total of 52 subjects were enrolled (mean age, 28 years), and 45 received all 4 treatments. The placebo-corrected, baseline-adjusted, mean increases in QTcF with naloxegol 25 and 150 mg were both <5 msec at each time point, and all upper limits of the 2-sided 90% CI were <10 msec. Similar findings were observed using QTcB; the upper limits of the 2-sided 90% CI were <10 msec at all time points after dosing with naloxegol 25 or 150 mg. With moxifloxacin 400 mg, mean QTcF was increased by a maximum of 11.1 msec (90% CI, 9.3-12.9 msec), supporting assay sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Naloxegol at 25 and 150 mg was not associated with QT/QTc interval prolongation in these healthy men, and at the proposed therapeutic dose of 25 mg/d, naloxegol is not expected to have a clinically relevant effect on cardiac repolarization in patients with OIC. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01325415.

The evaluation and management of drug effects on cardiac conduction (PR and QRS intervals) in clinical development.

Recent advances in electrocardiographic monitoring and waveform analysis have significantly improved the ability to detect drug-induced changes in cardiac repolarization manifested as changes in the QT/corrected QT interval. These advances have also improved the ability to detect drug-induced changes in cardiac conduction. This White Paper summarizes current opinion, reached by consensus among experts at the Cardiac Safety Research Consortium, on the assessment of electrocardiogram-based safety measurements of the PR and QRS intervals, representing atrioventricular and ventricular conduction, respectively, during drug development.

Evaluation of the effect of dapagliflozin on cardiac repolarization: a thorough QT/QTc study.

INTRODUCTION: Dapagliflozin is a first-in-class sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor under investigation for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. A thorough QTc study was conducted, according to International Conference on Harmonization E14 guidelines, to characterize the effect of dapagliflozin on cardiac repolarization. METHODS: The present study was a double-blind, four-period, placebo-controlled crossover study at a single-center inpatient clinical pharmacology unit. The study enrolled 50 healthy men who were randomized to receive sequences of single doses of dapagliflozin 150 mg, dapagliflozin 20 mg, moxifloxacin 400 mg, and placebo. The sequences were randomized based on the Williams design for a cross-over study to reduce the "carryover" effects from drug-to-drug even with sufficient washout periods. Digital 12-lead electrocardiograms were recorded at nine time points over 24 hours in each period. QT intervals were corrected for heart rate using a study-specific correction factor (QTcX) and Fridericia's formula. RESULTS: For dapagliflozin, the upper bound of the one-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) for time-matched, placebo-subtracted, baseline adjusted QTc intervals (ΔΔQTc) was <10 ms. ΔΔQTc was independent of dapagliflozin concentrations. No QTc thresholds >450 ms or QTc increases >30 ms were observed. Moxifloxacin increased the mean QTcX interval by 7.7 ms (lower bound 90% CI, 6.2 ms) over 1-4 hours after dosing, confirming assay sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Dapagliflozin, at supratherapeutic doses, does not have a clinically significant effect on the QT interval in healthy subjects.

Examining the impact of excipient material property variation on drug product quality attributes: a quality-by-design study for a roller compacted, immediate release tablet.

A quality-by-design study examining the impact of variability in excipient material properties on the quality attributes of an immediate release tablet was performed. A literature review and risk analysis identified particle size of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), spray-dried lactose (SDL), and magnesium stearate (MgSt), and polymorph and specific surface area of MgSt as potential high-risk material properties. The following results were obtained with laboratory-scale processing equipment: (1) a 32-µm increase in d(50) (mean particle diameter) of MCC and SDL led to a ∼ 30-µm increase in blend and granulation d(50) and a statistically significant increase in the blend and granulation flow function coefficients, and (2) a 32-µm increase in d(50) of MCC and SDL, a 4.4 m(2)/g increase in the surface area, and a 19-µm decrease in the particle size of MgSt yielded an 18%-28% increase in ribbon tensile strength and tablet hardness. Confirmatory experiments with kilo-scale equipment showed impact of excipient variability on granulation particle size and tablet hardness was ∼ 50% smaller. Although the impact of these differences on overall manufacturability and performance of the tablets examined here were deemed low, the presence of statistically significant effects supports examining excipient variability as part of the design and control strategy of new drug products.