Every-12-hour administration of extended-release divalproex in patients with epilepsy: impact on plasma valproic acid concentrations.

Extended-release divalproex sodium (divalproex-ER) biopharmaceutics after every-12-hour (q12h) administration was compared with that of once-daily divalproex-ER and conventional divalproex given every 6 hours (q6h) in a multiple-dose (14-day), randomized, three-period crossover design study in 24 patients with epilepsy concomitantly receiving enzyme-inducing antiepileptic medication(s). Plasma valproic acid (VPA) minimum concentration (Cmin) for divalproex-ER q12h was higher than the once-daily divalproex-ER Cmin (P=0.043). Once-daily divalproex-ER Cmin values were not different from those for divalproex q6h, suggesting that adequate trough steady-state concentrations are maintained with once daily dosing, despite enzyme-inducing comedication. The degree of peak-trough fluctuation (DFL, calculated as (Cmax-Cmin)/Cavg) in VPA concentration was less with both q12h (35.2% less) and once-daily (16.9% less) divalproex-ER regimens compared with q6h divalproex (P0.024). The DFL for divalproex-ER dosed as a q12h regimen was 22% less than that for once-daily divalproex-ER (P=0.02). The DFL in VPA concentration with divalproex-ER can be minimized with once-daily administration and more so with q12h administration, compared with conventional enteric-coated divalproex taken q6h.

Once-a-day extended-release dosage form of divalproex sodium III: development and validation of a Level A in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC).

Defining a quantitative and reliable relationship between in vitro drug release and in vivo absorption is highly desired for rational development, optimization, and evaluation of controlled-release dosage forms and manufacturing process. During the development of a once-daily extended-release (ER) tablet of divalproex sodium, a predictive in vitro drug release method was designed and statistically evaluated using three formulations with varying release rates. In order to establish an internally and externally validated Level A IVIVC, a total of five different ER formulations of divalproex sodium were used to evaluate a linear IVIVC model based on the in vitro test method. For internal validation, a single-dose four-way crossover study (N = 16) was performed using fast-, medium-, and slow-releasing ER formulations and a 12-h IV infusion of valproic acid as reference. To validate the IVIVC externally, a second three-way crossover study (N = 36) was performed using slightly-fast-, medium-, and slightly-slow-releasing ER formulations. The in vivo absorption-time profile was inferred by deconvolution of the observed plasma concentration-time profiles against the unit disposition function (UDF). A linear IVIVC model was established in which the in vivo absorption was expressed as a function of in vitro drug release. Plasma profiles of ER formulations were estimated via convolution of in vitro release profiles with the UDF. Successful internal and external validations of the model were demonstrated by individual and average absolute percent prediction errors of

Are bioequivalence studies of levothyroxine sodium formulations in euthyroid volunteers reliable?

Levothyroxine (LT4) has a narrow therapeutic index. Consequently, precise standards for assessing the bioequivalence of different LT4 products are vital. We examined the methodology that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends for comparing the bioavailability of LT4 products, as well as three modifications to correct for endogenous, thyroxine (T4) levels, to determine if the methodology could distinguish LT4 products that differ by 12.5%, 25%, or 33%. With no baseline correction for the endogenous T4 pool, differences in administered LT4 doses that differed by 25%-33% could not be detected (450 microg and 400 microg doses versus 600 microg dose, respectively). The three mathematical correction methods could distinguish the doses that differed by 25% and 33%. None of the correction methods could distinguish dosage strengths that differed by 12.5% (450 microg versus 400 microg). Dose differences within this range are known to result in clinically relevant differences in safety and effectiveness. Methods of analysis of bioequivalence data that do not consider endogenous T4 concentrations confound accurate quantitation and interpretation of LT4 bioavailability. As a result, products inappropriately deemed bioequivalent may put patients at risk for iatrogenic hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. More precise methods for defining bioequivalence are required in order to ensure that LT4 products accepted as bioequivalent will perform equivalently in patients without the need for further monitoring and retitration of their dose.

Efficacy, pharmacokinetic, and safety assessment of adalimumab, a fully human anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody, in adults with rheumatoid arthritis receiving concomitant methotrexate: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Because traditional therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) such as methotrexate (MTX) do not produce an adequate response in many patients, newer therapies that block the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) are increasingly being used in combination with MTX. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety profile of adalimumab, a fully human anti-TNF alpha monoclonal antibody, when added to continuing MTX therapy. METHODS: This Phase I, randomized, dose-titration study consisted of a 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment phase and a 26-month, open-label continuation phase. Patients with RA who had been taking stable doses of MTX (mean dose, 17 mg/wk) for > or =3 months before enrollment with an inadequate response were randomly assigned to receive 2 single doses of either adalimumab 0.25, 0.5, 1, 3, or 5 mg/kg i.v. or placebo in the double-blind phase. In the open-label phase, patients received treatment with 1 of the doses of adalimumab every other week or monthly for 18 months; patients were then switched to adalimumab 40 mg i.v. or SC every other week or monthly. The main efficacy end point was 20% improvement in American College of Rheumatology response criteria (ACR20). Other efficacy end points included 50% (ACR50) and 70% improvements in ACR response criteria. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed for adalimumab and MTX during both phases of the study. Serum adalimumab concentrations were analyzed using a validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay relying on the double-antigen principle. Peak and trough concentrations were determined from observed concentration-time data, and a modeling approach was used to estimate total serum clearance, mean apparent terminal half-life, apparent volume of distribution at steady state, and area under the concentration-time curve. RESULTS: Sixty patients entered the double-blind phase, 45 receiving adalimumab and 15 receiving placebo; 1 placebo recipient chose not to continue into the open-label phase. Overall, the study population included 47 (78.3%) women and 13 (21.7%) men. The mean age was 52.9 years (range, 24-73 years), and the mean body weight was 69.7 kg (range, 43-98 kg). ACR20 and ACR50 responses were achieved on at least 1 assessment during the 4-week double-blind phase by a respective 29 (64.4%) and 11 (24.4%) of 45 patients receiving active treatment and by 4 (26.7%) and none of the 15 patients receiving placebo. Responses to adalimumab were rapid, with 10 (22.2%) of 45 patients achieving an ACR20 response within 24 hours of dosing. Of 29 adalimumab recipients who had an ACR20 response, 18 (62.1%) had a duration of response (time from first occurrence of a response to first occurrence of a nonresponse) of 1 to 2 weeks, and 11 (37.9%) had a duration of response of 3 to 13 weeks. The pharmacokinetic properties of adalimumab appeared to be linear. The mean apparent terminal half-life after a single intravenous dose of adalimumab ranged from 15 to 19 days in the 5 dose groups. Repeated administration of adalimumab had no statistically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of MTX, indicating that dose adjustment of MTX is not necessary. Adalimumab was well tolerated, and there were no dose-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with active RA who had not had an adequate response to MTX, addition of adalimumab to MTX achieved statistically significant, long-term improvement compared with placebo plus MTX (P < or = 0.05), as indicated by ACR responses at 26 months. The combination was well tolerated. Adalimumab exhibited linear pharmacokinetics. In this selected patient population, adalimumab's long half-life of 15 to 19 days supports every-other-week dosing. Coadministration of adalimumab did not alter serum levels of MTX.

Valproate unbound fraction and distribution volume following rapid infusions in patients with epilepsy.

The availability of an intravenous formulation now makes possible rapid administration of valproate (VPA) loading doses, but estimates of key VPA pharmacokinetic parameters in patients have limited the use of this approach. VPA disposition was characterized in 112 epilepsy patients, with or without enzyme inducing comedications, randomized to either 3.0 or 1.5mg/kg/min infusions of valproate sodium injection. Maximum dose was

Oral/intravenous maintenance dosing of valproate following intravenous loading: a simulation.

Valproic acid (VPA) has a narrow therapeutic range (50-100mg/l) and exhibits nonlinear protein binding. Additionally, VPA pharmacokinetics are dependent on age, induction status, and formulation; so titration and dosing vary between individuals. The aim of these simulations was to determine optimal intravenous (i.v.) loading dose, and i.v. and oral VPA maintenance regimens. A 5-min 15mg/kg loading dose resulted in total and free plasma VPA concentrations of approximately 65 and 7.5mg/l in children, and approximately 80 and 11mg/l in adults, 1h after the infusion; induction status had little effect. For uninduced children and adults, 7.5 and 3.5mg/kg q6h i.v. valproate sodium, initiated 6h after loading dose maintains therapeutic plasma VPA concentrations. The rapid decline of plasma VPA concentrations following an i.v. loading dose in combination with the delayed initial absorption of drug from delayed-release divalproex sodium tablets warrant beginning q12h oral maintenance regimens of delayed-release divalproex sodium within 2h of a loading dose in the uninduced population. Plasma VPA concentrations can be sustained in the therapeutic range using once-daily maintenance regimens of extended-release divalproex sodium tablets if initiated concurrently with i.v. loading dose in the uninduced population. A two-fold higher i.v. and oral maintenance regimen dose may be required in induced patients.

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analysis of lopinavir-ritonavir in combination with efavirenz and two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in extensively pretreated human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.

The steady-state pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of two oral doses of lopinavir-ritonavir (lopinavir/r; 400/100 and 533/133 mg) twice daily (BID) when dosed in combination with efavirenz, plus two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, were assessed in a phase II, open-label, randomized, parallel arm study in 57 multiple protease inhibitor-experienced but non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-naive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected subjects. All subjects began dosing of lopinavir/r at 400/100 mg BID; subjects in one arm increased the lopinavir/r dose to 533/133 mg BID on day 14. When codosed with efavirenz, the lopinavir/r 400/100 mg BID regimen resulted in lower lopinavir concentrations in plasma, particularly C(min), than were observed in previous studies of lopinavir/r administered without efavirenz. Increasing the lopinavir/r dose to 533/133 mg increased the lopinavir area under the concentration-time curve over a 12-h dosing interval (AUC(12)), C(predose), and C(min) by 46, 70, and 141%, respectively. The increase in lopinavir C(max) (33%,) did not reach statistical significance. Ritonavir AUC(12), C(max), C(predose), and C(min) values were increased 46 to 63%. The lopinavir predose concentrations achieved with the 533/133-mg BID dose were similar to those observed with lopinavir/r 400/100 mg BID in the absence of efavirenz. Results from univariate logistic regression analyses identified lopinavir and efavirenz inhibitory quotient (IQ) parameters, as well as the baseline lopinavir phenotypic susceptibility, as predictors of antiviral response (HIV RNA < 400 copies/ml at week 24); however, no lopinavir or efavirenz concentration parameter was identified as a predictor. Multiple stepwise logistic regressions confirmed the significance of the IQ parameters, as well as other baseline characteristics, in predicting virologic response at 24 weeks in this patient population.

Single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of fiduxosin under nonfasting conditions in healthy male subjects.

Selective alpha1a-adrenoreceptor antagonists are effective agents for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, a disorder occurring in middle-aged and elderly males. The objective of this study was to determine the single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of fiduxosin, a novel, selective alpha1a-adrenoreceptor antagonist. This was a Phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, single and multiple oral dose study of fiduxosin. Single daily oral doses of 30, 60, or 90 mg of fiduxosin or placebo were administered to healthy adult male subjects (N = 36; 8 active and 4 placebo per dosing group) on Day 1 and Days 5 to 11 (7 consecutive days) after a high-fat breakfast. Fiduxosin plasma concentration-time profiles for Days 1 and 11 were used to assess fiduxosin pharmacokinetics. Fiduxosin single-dose and steady-state pharmacokinetics were dose independent after oral administration under nonfasting conditions. Steady state was achieved after 4 days of qd dosing. Approximately 28% of the oral dose was eliminated by the fecal route as unchanged drug. Less than 1% of the unchanged drug was recovered in the urine after oral administration.

Multiple dose pharmacokinetics of fiduxosin under fasting conditions in healthy elderly male subjects.

Selective alpha1a-adrenoceptor antagonists are effective agents for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, a disorder occurring in middle-aged and elderly males. The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of fiduxosin, a novel alpha1a-adrenoceptor antagonist, following multiple dose administration. This was carried out in a Phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, multiple oral dose study of fiduxosin. Single once-daily oral doses of 30, 60, 90 or 120 mg of fiduxosin or placebo were administered to healthy elderly male subjects (n = 48; 8 active and 4 placebo per dosing group) for 14 consecutive days. Fiduxosin plasma concentration-versus-time profiles for days 1, 7 and 14 were used to assess fiduxosin pharmacokinetics. Steady state was achieved by day 7. At steady-state mean Tmax (time to maximum plasma concentration), CL/F (apparent oral clearance) and Vbeta/F (apparent volume of distribution) ranges were 1.8-7.8 h, 27.3-47.2 L h(-1) and 846-1399 L, respectively. Tmax and VbetaF were independent of dose. Cmax (maximum plasma concentration), Cmin (minimum plasma concentration) and AUC24 (area under plasma concentration vs time curve from 0 to 24 h) for days 7 and 14 were linearly proportional with dose overthe 30-120 mg/day dose range and were unchanged from day 7 to day 14. It was concluded that fiduxosin multiple-dose pharmacokinetics were dose-independent and time-invariant over the 30-120 mg/day dose range under fasting conditions.

Effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of fiduxosin in healthy male subjects.

The effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of fiduxosin, a novel selective alpha1a-receptor antagonist, was determined in healthy male subjects. This was a Phase I, open-label, single-center, randomized, two-period, crossover, single oral dose study of fiduxosin. Healthy male subjects (N= 14) were administered single oral doses of 30 mg of fiduxosin under fasting or nonfasting (1026 Kcal, 54 g fat, 46% calories from fat) conditions in each period. Fiduxosin plasma concentration profiles were used to assess fiduxosin pharmacokinetics. The mean Cmax, Tmax, AUC(infinity), CL/F and Vbeta/F values under fasting and nonfasting conditions were 34.3 and 150 ng/mL, 5.4 and 5.4 h, 822 and 1940 ng x h/mL, 42.5 and 17.2 L/h, and 924 and 235 L, respectively. The harmonic mean t 1/2 under fasting and nonfasting conditions were 13.9 and 9.28 h, respectively. Food significantly increased the bioavailability of fiduxosin. Under the nonfasting regimen, the Cmax central value was more than 4-fold and the AUC(infinity) central value more than 2-fold the central value of the fasting regimen. Tmax was not significantly different between fasting and nonfasting regimens. Food also decreased fiduxosin oral clearance (CL/F) by 60% and volume of distribution (Vbeta/F) by 75%.

The Effects of Lansoprazole on the Disposition of Antipyrine and Indocyanine Green in Normal Human Subjects.

This study was designed to evaluate the potential effects of acute and chronic daily oral doses of lansoprazole (60 mg) on the disposition of antipyrine, an almost completely metabolized low hepatic extraction compound, and indocyanine green, a hepatically secreted compound with high extraction ratio. The study utilized a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, two-period crossover design. Sixteen of 18 subjects completed all phases of the study. Both antipyrine (10 mg kg(minus sign1)) and indocyanine green (0.5 mg kg(minus sign1)) were administered as single intravenous bolus doses on Days 1 and 7 of lansoprazole or placebo dosing. Acute exposure to lansoprazole had no statistically significant effects on the plasma pharmacokinetics of indocyanine green or antipyrine. After the seventh dose, there was a small but statistically significant reductions in indocyanine green total body clearance (CL), and elimination rate constant of 10.6% and 8%, respectively. Additionally, a small statistically significant reduction (8.6%) in antipyrine volume of distribution was detected. No other plasma antipyrine pharmacokinetic parameters were changed with concomitant lansoprazole administration. About a 12% increase in the recovery of one of the major antipyrine urine metabolites (NORA) was detected. Overall, this study demonstrates little or no effect of lansoprazole on the pharmacokinetics of antipyrine and indocyanine green.