Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study Research Articles

A double-blind, randomized, two-arm, single-dose, parallel-group study in healthy participants to compare the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity of FKS518 proposed biosimilar to denosumab with the originator (LUMIADE-1 study).

e15097 Background: Denosumab is a RANKL inhibitor used in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors. FKS518 is a proposed biosimilar to denosumab originator product. Biosimilars offer similar efficacy, quality, safety, and favorable economic impact. Once the analytical and functional similarity of a biosimilar has been shown, a comparative human pharmacokinetics (PK) study is conducted to demonstrate that there are no clinically meaningful differences between the biosimilar and the reference product. The present study assessed the PK equivalence of FKS518 to the originator product and provided data on the similarity of the pharmacodynamic, safety and immunogenicity profiles. Methods: A randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study in healthy volunteers was performed to compare denosumab biosimilar candidate FKS518 versus the originator product. Subjects received a single subcutaneous denosumab 60 mg injection and were followed up for 40 weeks. Primary endpoints PK parameters (Cmax, AUC0-last and AUC0-inf) were natural log transformed and analyzed using analysis of covariance methods; results were then transformed back to the original scale. Safety data were collected throughout the study and analyzed descriptively. Results: 213 male subjects 28-55 years of age, with a baseline BMI between 18.2 and 31.7 kg/m2, were randomized to the originator denosumab (n = 106) or FK518 (n = 107). Results of the primary PK analysis demonstrated bioequivalence between FKS518 and the originator denosumab product since the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for the geometric least squares mean (LSM) ratios for the 3 primary PK parameters were completely included within the predefined 80.00% to 125.00% equivalence margin (point estimate [90%CI for the ratio]): Cmax: 104.79% [97.04%,113.15%], AUC0-last: 112.29% [104.17%,121.04%] and AUC0-inf : 112.65% [104.27%,121.70%]. Secondary PK parameters were similar as well between FKS518 and the originator: tmax (median: 217.45 hrs. vs. 216.03 hrs. respectively), t1/2 (median: 235 hrs. vs 337 hrs. respectively). The nature, frequency, severity, or resolution of adverse events were comparable across treatments. For immunogenicity, there was no difference between the 2 treatment groups in ADA and Nab incidence at each timepoint. Conclusions: PK equivalence of FKS518 and denosumab originator product was demonstrated with similar PD, safety and immunogenicity profile for the two products. This study adds to the totality of evidence supporting FKS518 as a proposed biosimilar to denosumab.

Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study of Standard Astaxanthin and its Micellar Formulation in HealthyMale Volunteers.

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid with high anti-oxidant properties, but it is a very lipophilic compound with low oral bioavailability. This study was conducted to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters of a novel astaxanthin preparation based on micellar solubilization technology, NovaSOL® 400-mg capsules (Test product), and those of astaxanthin 400-mg capsules (reference product), after single oral dose administration to healthy male adults. A single oral dose (400 mg equivalent to 8 mg astaxanthin) of test and reference astaxanthin were administered with 240 mL of water to 12 volunteers according to crossover design, in two phases, with a washout period of 1week in between. Blood samples were collected at hourly intervals for the first 12 h, then at 24.0, 48.0, and 72.0 h after administration. Aliquots of plasma were centrifuged and the clear supernatant was injected into the high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) system. Plasma concentration of astaxanthin versus time profiles were constructed, and the primary pharmacokinetic parameters, maximum concentration (Cmax), area under concentration time curve from time of administration (0) to time (t) [AUC0-t] or to infinity ∞, [AUC0-∞], half-life (T½) and time to reach Cmax (Tmax)were calculated. The test micellar astaxanthin reached a Cmax of 7.21 µg/ml after 3.67 h compared to only 3.86 µg/ml after 8.5 h for the reference native astaxanthin. Micellar formulation of astaxanthin is capable of producing a high concentration of astaxanthin in plasma in a shorter time, thereby expected to provide faster potential therapeutic efficacy.

Comparative pharmacokinetic study on phenolic acids and flavonoids in normal and microcirculation dysfunction rats plasma by UPLC-TQ/MS/MS after oral administration of Salvia miltiorrhiza stem-leaf extracts

According to the Standard of Chinese Medicinal Materials of Shaanxi Province (2015 edition), Salvia miltiorrhiza caulis et folium is the dried stems and leaves of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which could activate blood and dispell blood stasis, clear the mind and remove annoyance. In this study, the dynamic absorption changes of phenolic acids (FS) and phenolic acids-flavonoids (FT) in rats after oral administration were studied by UPLC-TQ/MS/MS, to elucidate the pharmacokinetics of seven major bioactive components of the stem-leaf of Salvia miltiorrhiza in vivo. The results showed that the pharmacokinetic parameters of FS and FT were significantly different in normal rats and model rats. Compared with the control group, after injecting 10 % polymer dextran 500 into the tail vein to establish a model of microcirculation disturbance, the Cmax of caffeic acid decreased. The Cmax of rosmarinic acid and lithospermic acid increased. Danshensu showed a decrease in CLz/F, accompanied by an increase in both AUC0-t and AUC0-∞. The AUC0-t of lithospermic acid was also increased. These results indicated that microcirculation disturbance could decrease the absorption of caffeic acid while increasing the absorption of danshensu, rosmarinic acid and lithospermic acid. After oral administration of FT, the Cmax of danshensu and the AUC0-t of caffeic acid were increased significantly, suggesting that the presence of flavonoids may promote the absorption and exposure of phenolic acids in vivo. This study provides a reference for the elucidation of the in vivo substances and the mechanisms of action of FS and FT from the stem-leaf of Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Survey of Data Package and Sample Size of Comparative Clinical Studies for Biosimilar Developments from PMDA Assessments.

The Japanese biosimilar guideline requires that the sponsors conduct clinical studies such as comparative pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), or efficacy studies. In each biosimilar development, the sponsors consider the clinical data package, and thus clinical data packages vary among biosimilar developments. The aim of this study was to elucidate the clinical data packages for the biosimilars approved in Japan. The details of clinical data packages and sample size for the regulatory approvals of biosimilars in Japan was reported. We surveyed the clinical data packages and sample size based on the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) website review reports between 2009 and 2023. Twenty-four biosimilars have been approved based on the comparative PK and efficacy studies, 10 biosimilars have been approved based on the comparative PK/PD study, and one biosimilar has been approved based on the comparative efficacy study. Regarding the sample size, comparative PK studies were conducted in healthy volunteers or patients for up to 300 cases, although the majority enrolled only 1-100 cases (68.1%, 32/47). Comparative PD studies enrolling 1-30, 31-60, and 61-90 cases totaled 4, 7, and 4 cases, respectively. Finally, comparative efficacy studies enrolling 1-300, 301-600, and 601-900 totaled 6, 10, and 11 cases, respectively. In particular, the oncology and rheumatology areas were the first and second disease areas recruiting 601-900 patients. Large numbers of patients were enrolled to conduct a comparative efficacy study. Efficient biosimilar development should be considered on the basis of the accumulation of scientific understanding of comparable features of biosimilars and their development.

Comparative Pharmacokinetics Study of the Leutragin Peptide Drug in Blood Serum and Lung Tissue in C57BL/6Y Mice after Single Inhalation Administration

This paper presents a study into the pharmacokinetics of a new inhaled anti-inflammatory hexapeptide, registered as “Leutragin”. This drug is used as a new treatment approach for viral pneumonias, whose severe course is directly related to the cytokine inflammatory cascade referred to as a cytokine storm. The study involved investigation of lung tissue and serum after a single inhalation administration of Leutragin to mice of the C57BL/6Y line at a dose of 150 mg/kg. The time required to reach the maximum concentration (Tmax) of Leutragin in serum and lung was 30 min and 10 min, respectively. The maximum concentration (Cmax) in lung was 358.5 ng/g, which exceeded the concentration maximum for blood (53.84 ng/g) by over six times. It was found that, after inhalation administration, Leutragin is rather rapidly eliminated from the body with the half-life of the drug (t1/2el) from blood serum and lungs ranging from 25.8 to 38.9 min.

A Novel Chitosan-coated Leciplex Loaded with Ambrisentan as a Possible Pulmonary Nanosystem: Optimization, Characterization, and Pharmacokinetics Assessments

The purpose of this research was to formulate, optimize, and characterize ambrisentan chitosan-coated LeciPlex (AMS-CTS-LPX) to increase the therapeutic effectiveness and bioavailability of ambrisentan. A central composite design (CCD) was implemented to assess the impact of various factors on the production of AMS-CTS-LPX and to identify the optimum formulation via the use of Design Expert® software. The assembly of AMS-CTS-LPX was conducted using a single-step process. Subsequently, the optimal formulation was chosen and subjected to further assessments. Further, a comparative pharmacokinetic study was carried out using a rat model. The optimized formulation exhibited an entrapment efficiency of 82.39%, with a diameter of 137.53 nm and a surface charge of +43.65 mV. Additionally, it had a sustained cumulative release of 90.41% after 8 h and showed good stability. The safety of AMS-CTS-LPX administered intratracheally was confirmed by in vivo histopathological studies. The pharmacokinetic investigations revealed a 5.6-fold increase in the bioavailability of AMS from the optimal AMS-CTS-LPX formulation compared to the oral AMS solution. Collectively, the results of the current study suggest that CTS-LPX may be beneficial as a pulmonary nanosystem for the administration of AMS.

Simultaneous determination of dantrolene with ibuprofen and diclofenac in plasma by HPLC-DAD: Application to comparative pharmacokinetic study

AbstractMuscle relaxants and pain killers with their different types are widely used as combination approach for treatment of pain associated with several muscle spasm conditions. A sensitive and simple HPLC-UV detection method was developed in this work for simultaneous assay of Dantrolene (DNT) and co-administrated: Ibuprofen (IBU) and Diclofenac (DIC). After simple protein precipitation, separation was achieved using C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm) with a mobile phase of acidified water with orthophosphoric acid (pH = 3.5) and acetonitrile using gradient elution with a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The DAD was adjusted at 380, 219, 280 and 240 nm to measure DNT, IBU, DIC, and dexamethasone (internal standard), respectively. Linearity was demonstrated over the range from 0.1 to 3 μg/mL, 1 to 40 μg/mL, and 0.1 to 2 μg/mL for DNT, IBU, and DIC, respectively. The validated method was applied successfully to compare the effect of co-administration of IBU or DIC on the pharmacokinetic profile of DNT.

A Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study for Cysteamine-Containing Eye Drops as an Orphan Topical Therapy in Cystinosis.

Cystinosis is a low-prevalence lysosomal storage disease. The pathomechanism involves abnormal functioning of the cystinosine lysosomal cystine transporter (CTNS), causing intraliposomal accumulation of the amino acid cysteine disulfide, which crystallizes and deposits in several parts of the body. The most common ophthalmic complication of cystinosis is the deposition of "gold dust" cystine crystals on the cornea, which already occurs in infancy and leads to severe photosensitivity and dry eyes as it gradually progresses with age. In the specific treatment of cystinosis, preparations containing cysteamine (CYA) are used. The availability of commercialized eyedrops for the targeted treatment is scarce, and only Cystadrops® are commercially available with strong limitations. Thus, magistral CYA-containing compounded eyedrops (CYA-CED) could have a key role in patient care; however, a rationally designed comprehensive study on the commercialized and magistral products is still missing. This work aims to build up a comprehensive study about commercialized and magistral CYA eye drops, involving pharmacokinetic and physicochemical characterization (applying mucoadhesivity, rheology test, investigation of drug release, and parallel artificial membrane permeability assays), as well as ex vivo tests, well supported by statistical analysis.

In Vitro and In Vivo testing of 3D-Printed Amorphous Lopinavir Printlets by SelectiveLaser Sinitering: Improved Bioavailability of a Poorly Soluble Drug.

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of formulation parameters on the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic (PK) behavior of amorphous printlets of lopinavir (LPV) manufactured by selective laser sintering 3D printing method (SLS). The formulation variables investigated were disintegrants (magnesium aluminum silicate at 5-10%, microcrystalline cellulose at 10-20%) and the polymer (Kollicoat® IR at 42-57%), while keeping printing parameters constant. Differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared analysis confirmed the transformation of the crystalline drug into an amorphous form. A direct correlation was found between the disintegrant concentration and dissolution. The dissolved drug ranged from 71.1 ± 5.7% to 99.3 ± 2.7% within 120min. A comparative PK study in rabbits showed significant differences in the rate and extent of absorption between printlets and compressed tablets. The values for Tmax, Cmax, and AUC were 4 times faster, and 2.5 and 1.7 times higher in the printlets compared to the compressed tablets, respectively. In conclusion, the SLS printing method can be used to create an amorphous delivery system through a single continuous process.

Pharmacokinetics-Bridging Between Autoinjectors and Prefilled Syringes for Subcutaneous Injection: Case Examples Revealing a Knowledge Gap.

Comparative pharmacokinetics (PK) studies have efficiently served as the bridge between autoinjectors and prefilled syringes given the underlying principles that comparable exposure could translate to comparable efficacy and safety. This article discusses approaches used to address uncertainties associated with the observation of noncomparable PK leading to the successful introduction of new autoinjector devices formonoclonal antibody and Fc-fusion protein products. Information from seven case examples suggests a knowledge gap that warrants attention in autoinjector development.

Mixing energy as an adjustment tool for aerodynamic behaviour of an inhaled product: In-vitro and in-vivo effects

This paper describes the development of a fixed dose dry powder combination of indacaterol maleate (Inda) and glycopyrronium bromide (Glyco) in Easyhaler® inhaler for a comparative pharmacokinetic (PK) study, as well as the outcome of such a study. The development aim was to produce formulations with three different in vitro dispersibility profiles for both Inda and Glyco. This so-called ‘rake’ approach allows for quantitation of the candidate formulations relative to the reference product Ultibro® Breezhaler® in terms of the key PK parameters.Three formulations (A, B and C) were produced based on the mixing energy concept. For both APIs, formulation A (lowest mixing energy) displayed the highest fine particle fractions and formulation C (highest mixing energy) the lowest. GMP manufacturing confirmed the performance of the three formulations.The candidate formulations were tested against the reference product in a single dose PK study in healthy volunteers. Clear differences in Inda plasma concentration profiles were observed between the treatments when administered concomitantly with charcoal, with Easyhaler A showing the highest Cmax value and Easyhaler C the lowest. Easyhaler B was bioequivalent to Ultibro Breezhaler with regard to the primary PK parameters of Inda, Cmax and AUC72h. For Glyco, Easyhaler formulations A, B and C provided lower peak concentrations than Ultibro Breezhaler. For AUC72h of Glyco, Easyhaler B was bioequivalent to the reference product. Additional measures for adjustment of formulation performance can be foreseen, whose effects can be predicted based on mixing energy theory.

Comparative Study of Dermal Pharmacokinetics Between Topical Drugs Using Open Flow Microperfusion in a Pig Model

PurposeAccurate methods to determine dermal pharmacokinetics are important to increase the rate of clinical success in topical drug development. We investigated in an in vivo pig model whether the unbound drug concentration in the interstitial fluid as determined by dermal open flow microperfusion (dOFM) is a more reliable measure of dermal exposure compared to dermal biopsies for seven prescription or investigational drugs. In addition, we verified standard dOFM measurement using a recirculation approach and compared dosing frequencies (QD versus BID) and dose strengths (high versus low drug concentrations).MethodsDomestic pigs were topically administered seven different drugs twice daily in two studies. On day 7, drug exposures in the dermis were assessed in two ways: (1) dOFM provided the total and unbound drug concentrations in dermal interstitial fluid, and (2) clean punch biopsies after heat separation provided the total concentrations in the upper and lower dermis.ResultsdOFM showed sufficient intra-study precision to distinguish interstitial fluid concentrations between different drugs, dose frequencies and dose strengths, and had good reproducibility between studies. Biopsy concentrations showed much higher and more variable values. Standard dOFM measurements were consistent with values obtained with the recirculation approach.ConclusionsdOFM pig model is a robust and reproducible method to directly determine topical drug concentration in dermal interstitial fluid. Dermal biopsies were a less reliable measure of dermal exposure due to possible contributions from drug bound to tissue and drug associated with skin appendages.

Comparative pharmacokinetic studies of transferosomes loaded gel and pressure sensitive adhesive based patch formulation for transdermal delivery of benztropine mesylate

Oral bioavailability of benztropine mesylate (BZM) is low due to its limited gastric absorption, low biological half-life, and susceptibility to extensive hepatic first pass metabolism. It is an anti-muscarinic drug used for the management of Parkinson's disease. The goal of the present research work was to compare a BZM transferosome-loaded Carbopol 940 gel formulation and an acrylate pressure sensitive adhesive based transdermal patch for their efficacy in transdermal penetration and pharmacokinetic profiles. BZM transferosomes were formulated using the thin-film hydration method. The developed formulation showed a (-) 12.0 mV zeta potential and a mean vesicle size of 138.5 nm. When compared to aqueous BZM solution, transferosomes exhibited a considerable increase in transdermal penetration in an ex vivo study across isolated rat skin. When compared to oral, intravenous, and drug-in-adhesive transdermal patch, in vivo pharmacokinetic investigations in Wistar rats revealed an increase in AUC, Tmax, and MRT and a higher and prolonged drug release from transferosome-loaded gel formulations. The findings suggest that the BZM transferosome-loaded gel might be a better and more patient-friendly alternative to oral administration of BZM for the management of Parkinson's disease.

Dual strategy to improve the oral bioavailability of efavirenz employing nanomicelles and curcumin as a bio-enhancer

The present investigation was focused on the development of Soluplus®-based nanomicelles (NMs) (10 % w/v) loaded with Efavirenz (EFV) (5 mg/mL) and Curcumin (natural bio-enhancer) (CUR) (5, 10 and 15 mg/mL) to improve the oral bioavalability of EFV. Micellar formulations were obtained employing an acetone-diffusion technique. Apparent aqueous solubility was increased up to ∼1250-fold and 25,000-fold for EFV and CUR, respectively. Drug-loaded nanoformulations showed an excellent colloidal stability with unimodal size distribution and PDI values < 0.30. In vitro drug release was 41.5 % (EFV) and 2.6 % (CUR) from EFV-CUR-NMs over 6 h in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. EFV-CUR-loaded NMs resulted as safe nanoformulations according to the in vitro cytocompatibility assays in Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, CUR bio-enhancer activity was demonstrated for those nanoformulations. A CUR concentration of 15 mg/mL produced a significant (p < 0.05) increment (2.64-fold) of relative EFV oral bioavailability. Finally, the active role of the lymphatic system in the absorption process of EFV, after its oral administration was assessed in a comparative pharmacokinetic study in presence and absence of cycloheximide, a lymphatic transport inhibitor.Overall our EFV-CUR-NMs denoted their potential as a novel nanotechnological platform, representing a step towards an optimized “nano-sized” therapy for AIDS patients.

Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study of Rhubarb Anthraquinones in Normal and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Rats.

Rhubarb anthraquinones contain five main components, that is, rhein, emodin, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion, which demonstrate good therapeutic effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, research on its pharmacokinetics in NAFLD remains lacking. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic differences of rhubarb anthraquinones in normal and NAFLD rats. This study developed an NAFLD rat model by high-fat diet feeding for 6weeks. Normal and NAFLD groups were orally administered different rhubarb anthraquinones doses (37.5, 75, and 150mg/kg). The concentration of the rhein, emodin, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion in plasma was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet. The results revealed significant differences in pharmacokinetic behavior between normal and NAFLD rats. Compared with normal rats, NAFLD rats demonstrated significantly increased maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0 → ∞) of rhubarb anthraquinones (P<0.05), as well as significantly prolonged time to reach maximum plasma concentration (Tmax), terminal elimination half-life (t1/2), and mean residence time (MRT) of rhubarb anthraquinones (P<0.05). This study indicates significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of rhubarb anthraquinones between the physiological and NAFLD states of rats. Rhubarb anthraquinone demonstrated a longer retention time and slower absorption rate in NAFLD rats and exhibited higher bioavailability and peak concentration. This finding provides important information for guiding the clinical use of rhubarb anthraquinones under pathological conditions.

Intranasal administration of sertraline ensures sustained brain delivery and antidepressant effect in a mouse model of depression

The pursuit of more potent and efficacious antidepressant therapies is of utmost significance. Herein, the intranasal (IN) route was investigated for sertraline brain delivery, encompassing a comparative pharmacokinetic study after a single-dose administration to mice by IN, intravenous (IV) (4.87 mg/kg) and oral (10 mg/kg) routes, and an efficacy/toxicity study to explore the therapeutic effect in mice subjected to the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) protocol. Neurotransmitters and melatonin were quantified in prefrontal cortex and plasma, respectively. A different drug biodistribution behavior was unveiled for a CNS-acting drug administered by means of the IN route. For the first time, IN administration of sertraline exhibited heightened systemic exposure (bioavailability = 166 %), and a sustained drug release into the brain, in opposition to IV and oral routes, avoiding drug fluctuation. The lower lung exposition (given by normalized area under the curve) observed after IN instillation envisions the reduction of sertraline pulmonary side effects and similarly other peripheral side effects. IN sertraline treatment displayed significant efficacy in ameliorating anhedonia after one week of administration while the 14-day IN treatment regimen translated into decreased immobility time and increased swimming time in the forced swimming test, suggesting an improvement of the depressive-like behavior displayed by the animal depressive-model. Remarkably, these effects were absent with oral sertraline, despite the higher used dose. Noteworthy neurotransmitter alterations were observed, with IN sertraline markedly reducing adrenaline in the prefrontal cortex, while serotonin and melatonin increased following both administration routes. With its sustained brain delivery and serotonin- and melatonin-enhancing potential, the innovative strategy of IN sertraline holds the potential not only to effectively address depressive symptoms but also to mitigate challenges inherent to classic treatments.

Simultaneous determination of four phytoecdysteroids by LC-MS/MS: application to a comparative pharmacokinetic study in normal and adjuvant arthritis rats after oral administration of C. officinalis Kuan phytoecdysteroids extract

C. officinalis Kuan is the dry root of Cyathula officinalis Kuan. Clinically, it is used for fall and flutter injury, rheumatism and arthralgia. Phytoecdysteroids have significant anti-inflammatory effects, and the phytoecdysteroids present in C. officinalis Kuan exhibit potential for treating rheumatoid arthritis. This study first developed a selective, accurate and efficient LC-MS/MS method for 12-day pharmacokinetic studies regarding the simultaneous determination of cyasterone, 25-epi-28-epi-cyasterone, precyasterone and capitasterone from C. officinalis Kuan phytoecdysteroids extract in normal and adjuvant arthritis rats. An Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 RRHD column (1.8 µm, 50mm × 2.1 mm) with a gradient mobile phase consisting of water (A) and acetonitrile (B) was used for analysis. The mass analysis was performed in an Agilent 6430 QQQ-MS mass spectrometer with positive mode multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The results indicated that the AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ values of the four phytoecdysteroids in adjuvant arthritis rats were different from those in normal rats on the first day, which could provide a helpful reference for pharmacological and toxicological studies, as well as clinical applications of C. officinalis Kuan in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Comparative Pharmacokinetic Studies of One‐Month Donepezil IM Depot and Once Daily Oral Tablet in Healthy Male Volunteers

AbstractBackgroundThis study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of single dose of one‐month donepezil IM depot (GB‐5001) in healthy male volunteers and to compare pharmacokinetic parameters of 70mg donepezil IM depot and 10mg once daily oral tablet (Aricept®) in human.MethodIn this phase 1, a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐escalation study, 48 healthy subjects were randomized to single dose of Aricept tablet or placebo or GB‐5001 (70mg or 140mg or 280mg) for 64 days. In this study, safety and tolerability of 70mg donepezil IM depot were examined by monitoring adverse events and vital signs. PK parameters such as AUCt, AUCinf, Cmax and Tmax were compared by measuring donepezil concentration after a single dose of 70mg IM depot and 10mg oral tablet.ResultA single dose of 70mg donepezil IM depot showed no significant adverse events and was well tolerated in healthy male volunteers. In 70mg GB‐5001, all the subjects had measurable concentrations up to 1512 h post dose. The geometric mean of PK exposure parameters are 6482.82 h*ng/mL, 6604.01 h*ng/mL and 11.40 ng/mL for AUCt(0‐1512h), AUCinf, and Cmax, respectively. The median peak concentration (Tmax) was observed at 432h post dose. In 10mg oral Aricept, all the subjects had measurable concentrations up to 240 h post dose. The geometric mean of PK exposure parameters are 656.84 h*ng/mL, 751.34 h*ng/mL and 17.68 ng/mL for AUCt(0‐240h), AUCinf, and Cmax, respectively. The median peak concentration (Tmax) was observed at 2.25 h post dose.ConclusionA single dose of 70mg donepezil IM depot was found to be safe and well tolerated in healthy male volunteers. The pharmacokinetic results of 70mg donepezil IM depot showed stable donepezil blood concentration for more than one month without burst drug release, and showed comparable unit dose drug exposure not lower than that of once daily 10mg oral formulation. Through the PK results for additional higher doses and multiple PK simulations, optimal once monthly dose of donepezil IM depot could be suggested which will be bioequivalent to 10mg once daily tablet.

Study of the pharmacokinetic profile of the medicinal product Gidazepam®, tablets, 50 mg in a bioequivalence study

Aim. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters and confirm the bioequivalence of drugs containing gidazepam, namely Gidazepam® (Valenta Pharm, Russia) and Gidazepam VIC (VIVA Pharm, Republic of Kazakhstan), after a single administration of 1 tablet (50 mg) to healthy volunteers under fasting conditions. The secondary aim was a comparative analysis of safety profiles (adverse events) after a single administration of the studied drugs.Materials and methods. An open, randomized, crossover, two-period comparative study of pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence with adaptive design was conducted in healthy volunteers. Blood sampling was performed 15 minutes before and 20 min, 40 min, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 3.5 h, 4 h, 4.5 h, 5 h, 6 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after drug administration. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used for the evaluation of gidazepam and its metabolite (desalkylgidazepam) concentration with the subsequent calculation of pharmacokinetic parameters.Results. From both formulations, gidazepam was quickly absorbed and biotransformed into an active metabolite. Studied drugs had similar pharmacokinetic profiles, as 90% confidence intervals for the ratio of geometric means for Cmax and AUC(0-72) were within the bioequivalence acceptance range of 80.00–125.00 %. No adverse events were recorded as a result of clinical, laboratory or instrument evaluations during the study.Conclusion. Study drugs are considered bioequivalent and show comparable tolerability after a single administration under fasting conditions.

Screening the components in multi-biological samples and the comparative pharmacokinetic study in healthy and depression model rats of Suan-Zao-Ren decoction combined with a network pharmacology

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSuanzaoren Decoction (SZRD) is a classic traditional Chinese prescription, which has been commonly used for treating insomnia, depression and other nerve system diseases for a long time. Aim of this studyThe present study aimed to explore the metabolic profiles in multi-biological samples and pharmacokinetic mechanism between healthy and depression model rats combined with a network pharmacology approach after administration of SZRD. Materials and methodsIn our study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-Q-Exactive Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry method was firstly used to study the prototype components and metabolites of SZRD in plasma, brain, urine, and feces between healthy and depressed rats. The possible metabolic pathways were also speculated. Then a network pharmacological study was conducted on the components in the plasma of model rats. According to the above components screened by network pharmacology and the other reported representative active components, the comparative pharmacokinetic study was established for the simultaneous determination of mangiferin, spinosin, ferulic acid, liquiritin, formononetin. magnoflorine and isoliquiritin between healthy and depression model rats. Finally, molecular docking was used to validate the binding affinity between key potential targets and active components in pharmacokinetics. ResultsA total of 115 components were identified in healthy rats, and 101 components were identified in model rats. The prototype components and metabolites in plasma, brain, urine, and feces were also distinguished. The main metabolic pathways included phase I and phase II metabolic reactions, such as dehydrogenation, oxidation, hydroxylation, gluconaldehyde conjugation, glutathione conjugation and so on. These results provided a basis for the further study of antidepressive pharmacokinetic and pharmacological action in SZRD. Then, according to the degree value of network pharmacological study, it was predicted that 10 components and 10 core targets, which involved in the critical pathways such as neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, serotonergic synapse, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway, etc. Finally, the established pharmacokinetic method was successfully applied to compare the pharmacokinetic behavior of these 7 active components in plasma of healthy and depressed rats after oral administration of SZRD. It showed that except magnoflorine, the pharmacokinetic parameters of each component were different between healthy and depressed rats. Molecular docking analysis also indicated that the active compounds in pharmacokinetics could bind tightly to the key targets of network pharmacological study. ConclusionThis study may provide important information for studying the action mechanism of SZRD in treating depression.