Liposomes ameliorate Crizotinib- and Nilotinib-induced inhibition of the cardiac IKr channel and QTc prolongation.

Crizotinib (Xalkori®) and nilotinib (Tasigna®) are tyrosine kinase inhibitors approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and chronic myeloid leukemia, respectively. Both have been shown to result in electrocardiogram rate-corrected Q-wave T-wave interval (QTc) prolongation in humans and animals. Liposomes have been shown to ameliorate drug-induced effects on the cardiac-delayed rectifier K(+) current (IKr, KV11.1), coded by the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG). This study was undertaken to determine if liposomes would also decrease the effect of crizotinib and nilotinib on the IKr channel. Crizotinib and nilotinib were tested in an in vitro IKr assay using human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells stably transfected with the hERG. Dose-responses were determined and the 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) were calculated. When the HEK 293 cells were treated with crizotinib or nilotinib that were mixed with liposomes, there was a significant decrease in the IKr channel inhibitory effects of these two drugs. When isolated, rabbit hearts were exposed to crizotinib or nilotinib, there were significant increases in QTc prolongation. Mixing either of the drugs with liposomes ameliorated the effects of the drugs. Rabbits dosed intravenously (IV) with crizotinib or nilotinib showed QTc prolongation. When liposomes were injected prior to crizotinib or nilotinib, the liposomes decreased the effects on the QTc interval. The use of liposomal encapsulated QT-prolongation agents, or giving liposomes in combination with drugs, may decrease their cardiac liability.

Nonclinical safety of ziconotide: an intrathecal analgesic of a new pharmaceutical class.

Ziconotide, a potent, selective, reversible blocker of neuronal N-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels, is approved in the United States for the management of severe chronic pain in patients for whom intrathecal therapy is warranted, and who are intolerant or refractory to other treatment, such as systemic analgesics, adjunctive therapies, or intrathecal morphine. In the European Union, ziconotide is indicated for the treatment of severe chronic pain in patients who require intrathecal analgesia. Nonclinical investigations of ziconotide included a comprehensive characterization of its toxicology, incorporating acute and subchronic toxicity studies in rats, dogs, and monkeys; reproductive toxicity assessments in rats and rabbits; and mutagenic, carcinogenic evaluations performed in vivo and in vitro. Additional investigations assessed the potential for cardiotoxicity (rats) and immunogenicity (mice, rats, and guinea pigs), and the presence or absence of intraspinal granuloma formation and local cell proliferation and apoptosis (dogs). The resulting nonclinical toxicology profile was predictive of human adverse events reported in clinical trials and consistent with ziconotide's pharmacological activity. Frequently observed nonclinical behavioral effects included tremoring, shaking, ataxia, and hyperreactivity. Occurrences were generally transient and reversible upon cessation of treatment, and intolerable effects occurred at doses more than 45 times the maximum recommended clinical dose. Ziconotide was not associated with target organ toxicity, teratogenicity, or treatment-related gross or histopathological changes; it displayed no mutagenic or carcinogenic potential and no propensity to induce local cell proliferation or apoptosis. Although guinea pigs developed systemic anaphylaxis, antibodies to ziconotide were not detected in mice, rats, or guinea pigs, indicating low immunogenic potential. No evidence of granuloma formation was observed with intrathecal ziconotide treatment. In summary, the results from these nonclinical safety assessments revealed no significant toxicological risk to humans treated with ziconotide as recommended.