Excretion Of Radioactivity Research Articles

An improved long-acting delivery system for narcotic antagonists.

The feasibility of using cholesterol-glyceryltristearate matrix for prolonged release of naltrexone was evaluated in rats. Implantable cylindrical pellets (cholesterol 105 mg, glyceryl tristearate 15 mg and naltrexone 30 mg), diameter 4.5 mm, length 9 mm, blocked the antinociceptive action (hot plate 55 degrees C) of 10 mg/kg s.c. challenge dose of morphine in rats for 3 months. The release rate of naltrexone from 10 or 50 mg pellets approximated first-order kinetics with t1/2 alpha of 20-26 days and t1/2 beta 40-60 days. The factors affecting the release of drug from the delivery system were the ratio of cholesterol to naltrexone, drug loading level and surface area to unit volume of dosage form. The minimum release rate of naltrexone to block the effect of 10 mg/kg s.c. dose of morphine in rats was about 4 to 5 microgram/kg/hr. The cumulative urinary excretion of radioactivity from 10 mg [3H] naltrexone pellets implanted s.c. in rats after 30, 60, and 90 days was 17.7, 23.7, and 25.7% of dose respectively and the percent dose released from pellets at these times was 55.8, 68.8, and 78.2 respectively. The devices possess the desirable characteristics of simplicity, nontoxicity, nonirritability, ease of sterilization with ethylene oxide, small size for easy insertion and removal, absence of encapsulation by surrounding tissue, and an extended period of drug release unaffected by body metabolism. Neither deterioration of implant nor gross anatomic or histological changes at the site of implant occurred 6 months to 1 year after implantation and aside from some enhanced sexual activity (e.g., spontaneous penile erections) no side effects were observed in rats, which fed well and gained weight during the entire treatment. The concentrations of free morphine in brains of 30 mg naltrexone pellet-implanted rats were significantly lower (24 and 15%) as compared to the placebo controls 0.5 and 1.0 hr after a 10 mg/kg s.c. dose of [6-3H] morphine. We are currently evaluating these long-acting devices for the duration of effective antagonism to morphine in rhesus monkeys.

Naltrexone metabolism and sustained release following administration of an insoluble complex to rhesus monkeys and guinea-pigs

Both the release and the metabolism of naltrexone have been evaluated after intramuscular administration of a sustained release [15,16-3H2]naltrexone aluminium tannate complex in guinea-pigs and rhesus monkeys. In both species, measurable excretion of radioactivity was obtained for greater than 50 days and complete recovery of the dose was obtained in the guinea-pig. The radioactivity excretion rate-time profile differed in the two species with guinea-pig yielding a continuously declining rate and monkey yielding a peak at 5 days. In selected monkey urine samples (days 4, 17-20 and 49-52) subjected to t.l.c., evidence was obtained for the presence of naltrexone, beta-naltrexol and 2-hydroxy-3-O-methyl-beta-naltrexol, mostly as glucuronide and/or sulphate conjugates. The t.l.c. data also suggest that in monkey a naltrexone metabolite builds up relative to naltrexone over the 52 day release period.

Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism in Rats, Dogs, and Monkeys of the Cathepsin K Inhibitor Odanacatib: Demethylation of a Methylsulfonyl Moiety as a Major Metabolic Pathway

Odanacatib is a potent cathespin K inhibitor that is being developed as a novel therapy for osteoporosis. The disposition and metabolism of odanacatib were evaluated in rats, dogs, and rhesus monkeys after intravenous and oral administration of [¹⁴C]odanacatib. Odanacatib was characterized by low systemic clearance in all species and by a long plasma half-life in monkeys (18 h) and dogs (64 h). The oral bioavailability was dependent on the vehicle used and ranged from 18% (monkey) to ~100% (dog) at doses of 1 to 5 mg/kg, using nonaqueous vehicles. After intravenous and oral administration to intact rats and monkeys > 90% of the dose was recovered, mainly in the feces. Studies in bile duct-cannulated animals indicated that biliary secretion was the major mode of elimination of radioactivity; odanacatib also underwent some intestinal secretion. In monkeys, odanacatib was almost completely eliminated by metabolism; metabolism also played a major role in the clearance of odanacatib in rats and dogs. The major metabolic pathways were methyl hydroxylation (formation of M8 and its derivatives), methyl sulfone demethylation (formation of M4 and its derivative M5), and glutathione conjugation (formation of the cyclized cysteinylglycine adduct M6 after addition of glutathione to the nitrile group of odanacatib). The major metabolites in rats [M4 (parent-14 Da) and M5 (oxygenated derivative of M4)] were determined to arise from a novel pathway that involved oxidative demethylation of the methylsulfonyl moiety of odanacatib. Overall, odanacatib displayed species-dependent metabolism, which explains, at least in part, the divergent plasma half-life observed.

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion of [14C]GDC-0449 (Vismodegib), an Orally Active Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitor, in Rats and Dogs: A Unique Metabolic Pathway via Pyridine Ring Opening

2-Chloro-N-(4-chloro-3-(pyridin-2-yl)-phenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)-benzamide (GDC-0449, vismodegib) is a potent and selective first-in-class small-molecule inhibitor of the Hedgehog signaling pathway and is currently in clinical development. In this study, we investigated the metabolic fate and disposition of GDC-0449 in rats and dogs after a single oral administration of [¹⁴C]GDC-0449. An average of 92.4 and 80.4% of the total administered radioactivity was recovered from urine and feces in rats and dogs, respectively. In both species, feces were the major route of excretion, representing 90.0 and 77.4% of the total dose in rats and dogs, respectively. At least 42.1 and 30.8% of the dose was absorbed in rats and dogs, respectively, based on the total excretion of radioactivity in bile and urine. GDC-0449 underwent extensive metabolism in rats and dogs with the major metabolic pathways being oxidation of the 4-chloro-3-(pyridin-2-yl)-phenyl moiety followed by phase II glucuronidation or sulfation. Three other metabolites resulting from an uncommon pyridine ring opening were found, mainly in feces, representing 1.7 to 17.7% of the dose in total in rats and dogs. In plasma, the total radioactivity was absorbed quickly in both rats and dogs, and unchanged GDC-0449 was the predominant circulating radioactive species in both species (>95% of total circulating radioactivity). Quantitative whole-body autoradiography in rats showed that the radioactivity was well distributed in the body, except for the central nervous system, and the majority of radioactivity was eliminated from most tissues by 144 h.

Metabolism and Disposition of [14C]Brivanib Alaninate after Oral Administration to Rats, Monkeys, and Humans

Brivanib [(R)-1-(4-(4-fluoro-2-methyl-1H-indol-5-yloxy)-5-methylpyrrolo[1,2,4]triazin-6-yloxy)propan-2-ol, BMS-540215] is a potent and selective dual inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways. Its alanine prodrug, brivanib alaninate [(1R,2S)-2-aminopropionic acid 2-[4-(4-fluoro-2-methyl-1H-indol-5-yloxy)-5-methylpyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-6-yloxy]-1-methylethyl ester, BMS-582664], is currently under development as an oral agent for the treatment of cancer. This study describes the in vivo biotransformation of brivanib after a single oral dose of [(14)C]brivanib alaninate to intact rats, bile duct-cannulated (BDC) rats, intact monkeys, BDC monkeys, and humans. Fecal excretion was the primary route of elimination of drug-derived radioactivity in animals and humans. In BDC rats and monkeys, the majority of radioactivity was excreted in bile. Brivanib alaninate was rapidly and completely converted via hydrolysis to brivanib in vivo. The area under the curve from zero to infinity of brivanib accounted for 14.2 to 54.3% of circulating radioactivity in plasma in animals and humans, suggesting that metabolites contributed significantly to the total drug-related radioactivity. In plasma from animals and humans, brivanib was a prominent circulating component. All the metabolites that humans were exposed to were also present in toxicological species. On the basis of metabolite exposure and activity against VEGF and FGF receptors of the prominent human circulating metabolites, only brivanib is expected to contribute to the pharmacological effects in humans. Unchanged brivanib was not detected in urine or bile samples, suggesting that metabolic clearance was the primary route of elimination. The primary metabolic pathways were oxidative and conjugative metabolism of brivanib.

Disposition and Metabolism of Ralfinamide, a Novel Na-Channel Blocker, in Healthy Male Volunteers

Ralfinamide is an α-aminoamide derivative with ion channel blocking properties, acting both peripherally and centrally through different molecular targets important in pain control. Absorption, blood and plasma time courses, and urinary and faecal excretion of total radioactivity were assessed in 6 male healthy volunteers administered a single oral dose of 320 mg ¹⁴C-(S)-ralfinamide. Pharmacokinetics of the parent drug were investigated over 120 h, urinary and plasma metabolites up to 192 h post-dose. ¹⁴C-(S)-ralfinamide was rapidly and completely absorbed. Ralfinamide and the dealkylated ralfinamide metabolite (NW-1716) represented the majority of plasma radioactivity. Plasma elimination of the parent compound occurred mono-exponentially (half-life approx. 15 h). ¹⁴C-radioactivity was eliminated in a bi-phasic manner (terminal half-life of 60 and 24 h for plasma and whole blood, respectively). Plasma-concentrations of unchanged ralfinamide were significantly lower than radioactivity concentrations, indicating metabolism of the parent compound. At 192 h post-dose the total balance of radioactivity was almost complete (95%). The main route of excretion was via the kidneys (94% of the dose). Major metabolites identified in urine and plasma were the N-dealkylated acid of ralfinamide and deaminated ralfinamide acid (NW-1799). Other metabolites, in particular the product of glucuronide conjugation N-dealkylated-β-glucuronide, were identified.

Microdose Study of 14C-Acetaminophen With Accelerator Mass Spectrometry to Examine Pharmacokinetics of Parent Drug and Metabolites in Healthy Subjects

A study of the pharmacokinetics of (14)C-labeled acetaminophen (AAP) was performed in healthy Japanese subjects receiving an oral microdose of the drug. After separation by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the levels of AAP and its metabolites in the pooled plasma specimens were quantified using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). The total body clearance (CL(tot))/bioavailability (F) of AAP was within the variation in the reported values at therapeutic doses, indicating the linearity of AAP pharmacokinetics. AAP-glucuronide (Glu) and AAP-4-O-sulfate satisfied the criteria of safety testing of drug metabolites. AMS could detect AAP-Cys, the active metabolite of AAP conjugated with cysteine, in the urine. Probenecid prolonged the systemic elimination of total radioactivity and caused a marked decrease in AAP-Glu levels in plasma. Probenecid likely inhibited the glucuronidation of AAP and the renal elimination of AAP-4-O-sulfate. Microdosing of (14)C-labeled drug followed by AMS is a powerful tool that can be used in the early phase of drug development for pharmacokinetic analysis of drugs and their metabolites and for detecting the formation of active metabolites in humans.

Chemical and biological evaluation of 153Sm and 46/47Sc complexes of indazolebisphosphonates for targeted radiotherapy

Novel 1-hydroxy-1,1-bisphosphonates derived from indazole and substituted at the C-3 position were labeled with the radionuclides (46)Sc and (153)Sm. Several parameters such as molar ligand concentration, pH, reaction time and temperature were studied. The radiolabelling yield, reaction kinetics and stability were assessed and radiocomplexes were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. The radionuclides (46)Sc and (153)Sm were obtained by neutron irradiation of natural Sc(2)O(3) and enriched (152)Sm(2)O(3) (98.4%) targets at the neutron flux of 3 × 10(14) n cm(-2)s(-1). The radiolabelling yield, reaction kinetics and stability were accomplished by ascending instant thin layer chromatography. The radiocomplexes were submitted to in vitro experiments (hydroxyapatite binding and lipophilicity) and biodistribution studies in animal models. The radionuclides (46)Sc and (153)Sm were produced with specific activities of 100 and 430 MBq mg(-1), respectively. High radiochemical yields were achieved and the hydrophilic radiocomplexes have shown high degree of binding to hydroxyapatite. Biodistribution studies at 1, 3 and 24h of the 4 radiocomplexes under study, have showed a similar biodistribution profile with a relatively high bone uptake, slow clearance from blood and a very slow rate of total radioactivity excretion from the whole animal body. We have developed a new class of indazolebisphosphonates complexes with radioisotopes of samarium and scandium. All complexes have shown high degree of binding to hydroxyapatite, which could be attributed to the ionized phosphonate groups. The bone uptake and the bone-to-muscle ratios were relatively low.

TETA analogue containing one methylenephosphonate pendant arm: Lanthanide complexes and biological evaluation of its 153Sm and 166Ho complexes

The thermodynamic stability constants of complexes of 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,4,8-triacetic-11-methylphosphonic acid (H 5te3a1p) with La 3+, Sm 3+, Gd 3+, Ho 3+ and Lu 3+ metal ions were determined by potentiometric titrations at 298.2 K and with ionic strength 0.10 M in N(CH 3) 4NO 3. The complexes are formed relatively fast and the stability constants exhibited are good although lower than those found for the related ligands H 4teta and H 8tetp. At physiological pH the completely deprotonated complex species predominate, unlike what happens with the other mentioned ligands. The 153Sm and 166Ho complexes, 153Sm/ 166Ho-te3a1p, were synthesised quantitatively at pH 9 and 70 °C, and have shown good in vitro stability in human serum and physiological solutions except phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). The in vivo behaviour indicated that both complexes have a similar biological pattern, showing a slow tissue clearance, slow rate of total radioactivity excretion and some in vivo instability, although with some differences in their extend. These results indicate that the replacement of one acetate pendant arm of H 4teta by a methylphosphonate one does not provide promising chelators to stabilize radiolanthanides for in vivo application.

Bioevaluation of a novel [32P]‐CP‐PLLA microparticle for pancreatic cancer treatment

AbstractA novel [32P]‐CP‐PLLA ([32P]‐chromic phosphate‐poly‐L‐lactic acid) microparticle was designed and evaluated for the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma. The microparticle was prepared from [32P] chromic phosphate and poly‐L‐lactic acid. Bioelimination, biodistribution, SPECT image, and therapeutic effect were studied in mice bearing human pancreatic tumor xenografts. [32P]chromic phosphate ([32P]‐CP) colloid at the same radioactivity dose was compared as the control. High radioactivity (>95%ID) of [32P]‐CP‐PLLA was retained at the tumor, and almost no radioactivity excretion (<1%ID) was observed in urine and feces for 14 days, while radioactivity of [32P]‐CP colloid, was distributed to the liver, spleen, and lung (varied individual), and the excretion increased over 5%ID. Compared with controls, reduced tumor volumes were seen in the [32P]‐CP‐PLLA microparticle treatment group (P<0.01). Dose dependence was seen histologically. [32P]‐CP‐PLLA microparticle retained high activity and long‐term residence in tumor. With minimal distribution to normal organs [32P]‐CP‐PLLA microparticle is superior to [32P]‐CP colloid and is more suitable for brachytherapy in solid tumor. Drug Dev Res 71:364–370, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Modification of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A toxicokinetics in rats administered a yeast cell wall preparation

The cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae can bind mycotoxins in vitro, but there is scarce information on whether this property decreases the absorption of mycotoxins in vivo. The effect of a yeast cell wall preparation (YCW) on toxicokinetics and balance excretion (urine and faeces) of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) was tested in rats after oral administration of each toxin. The 3H-labelled mycotoxins were used at low doses. Co-administration of YCW with AFB1 decreased the extent, but not the rate, of absorption. Concurrently, radioactivity excreted in faeces increased by up to 55% when compared with controls, whilst the excretion in urine decreased (p < 0.05). The effect of YCW on OTA was less marked, although it increased radioactivity excretion in faeces (up to 16%; p < 0.05) it did not result in changes in urine and toxicokinetic parameters. The in vivo effect is in agreement with the reported in vitro binding ability for these toxins (AFB1 > OTA). In conclusion, these results indicate that YCW could be used to protect monogastric animals against exposure to low dietary levels of selected mycotoxins.

Metabolism and Disposition of [14C]BMS-690514, an ErbB/Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor, after Oral Administration to Humans

(3R,4R)-4-Amino-1-((4-((3-methoxyphenyl)amino)pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-5-yl)methyl)-3-piperidinol (BMS-690514), an oral selective inhibitor of human epidermal growth factor receptors 1 (or epidermal growth factor receptor), 2, and 4, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1, 2, and 3, is being developed as a treatment for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and metastatic breast cancer. The disposition of [(14)C]BMS-690514 was investigated in nine healthy male subjects (group 1, n = 6; group 2, n = 3) after oral administration of a 200-mg dose. Urine, feces, and plasma were collected from all subjects for up to 12 days postdose. In group 2 subjects, bile was collected from 3 to 8 h postdose. Across groups, approximately 50 and 34% of administered radioactivity was recovered in the feces and urine, respectively. An additional 16% was recovered in the bile of group 2 subjects. Less than 28% of the dose was recovered as parent drug in the combined excreta, suggesting that BMS-690514 was highly metabolized. BMS-690514 was rapidly absorbed (median time of maximum observed concentration 0.5 h) with the absorbed fraction estimated to be approximately 50 to 68%. BMS-690514 represented ≤7.9% of the area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinite time of plasma radioactivity, indicating that the majority of the circulating radioactivity was from metabolites. BMS-690514 was metabolized via multiple oxidation reactions and direct glucuronidation. Circulating metabolites included a hydroxylated rearrangement product (M1), a direct ether glucuronide (M6), and multiple secondary glucuronide conjugates. None of these metabolites is expected to contribute to the pharmacology of BMS-690514. In summary, BMS-690514 was well absorbed and extensively metabolized via multiple metabolic pathways in humans, with excretion of drug-related radioactivity in both bile and urine.

Metabolic Disposition of Casopitant, a Potent Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonist, in Mice, Rats, and Dogs

Casopitant [1-piperidinecarboxamide,4-(4-acetyl-1-piperazinyl)-N-((1R)-1-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-ethyl)-2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenyl)-N-methyl-(2R,4S)] is a potent and selective antagonist of the neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor, developed for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of [(14)C]casopitant have been investigated in the mouse, rat, and dog after single oral administration and compared with those in humans. [(14)C]Casopitant was rapidly absorbed in all three species: the maximum plasma concentration of radioactivity was generally observed 0.5 to 2 h after a single oral dose. In dog and female rat, as observed for humans, the principal circulating radiolabeled components were unchanged casopitant and its hydroxylated derivative M13. In rats, there was an evident sex-related difference in the rate of elimination of drug-related material with elimination being more rapid in males than in females. In dogs and mice, no notable sex differences were observed in the pattern of excretion. The elimination of drug-related radioactivity was largely by metabolism, with metabolites excreted primarily in the feces. The predominant route of metabolism was the oxidation of the parent molecule, observed together with loss of the N-acetyl group, N-demethylation, and modification of piperazine with consequent opening and cleavage of the ring, giving a complex pattern of metabolites. Conjugation of some of those oxidized products with glucuronic acid was observed. Urinary excretion in all three species was a minor route of elimination, accounting for between 2 and 7% of the dose, with unchanged parent drug never quantifiable.

Pharmacokinetics of [6]-shogaol, a pungent ingredient of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Part I).

To investigate the pharmacokinetics of [6]-shogaol, a pungent ingredient of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, the pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by using (14)C-[6]-shogaol (labeled compound) and [6]-shogaol (non-labeled compound). When the labeled compound was orally administered to rats, the maximum plasma concentration (C (max)) and the area under the curve (AUC) of plasma radioactivity concentration increased in a dose-dependent manner. When the labeled compound was orally administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg, 20.0 + or - 1.8% of the radioactivity administered was excreted into urine, 64.0 + or - 12.9% into feces, and 0.2 + or - 0.1% into breath. Thus, more of the radioactivity was excreted into feces than into urine, and almost no radioactivity was excreted into breath. Furthermore, when the labeled compound was orally administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg, cumulative biliary radioactivity excretion over 48 h was 78.5 + or - 4.5% of the radioactivity administered, and cumulative urinary radioactivity excretion over 48 h was 11.8 + or - 2.7%, showing that about 90% of the dose administered orally was absorbed from the digestive tract and most of the fecal excretion was via biliary excretion. On the other hand, when the non-labeled compound [6]-shogaol was orally administered, the plasma concentration and biliary excretion of the unchanged form were extremely low. When these results are combined with those obtained with the labeled compound, it would suggest that [6]-shogaol is mostly metabolized in the body and excreted as metabolites.

Studies of the Toxicological Potential of Capsinoids, XI: Pharmacokinetic and Tissue Distribution Study of 14C-Dihydrocapsiate and Metabolites in Rats

Pharmacokinetics of a single gavage dose of (14)C-labeled dihydrocapsiate (10 mg/kg) were investigated in male rats. Maximal plasma concentration was achieved in 40 minutes and exhibited an apparent half-life of 2.4 hours. Excretion of radioactivity in the urine, feces, and expired air was 78.2%, 19.4%, and 0.5% of the dose, respectively. Highest tissue concentrations were achieved in the kidney, liver, and blood; the data indicate that radioactivity accumulation following daily exposure at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight is unlikely. Radioactivity in the plasma was associated with metabolites and their conjugates, probably vanillyl alcohol, vanillic acid, glucuronide of vanillyl alcohol, sulphate of vanillyl alcohol, and sulphate of vanillic acid. These results suggest dihydrocapsiate is metabolized by hydrolysis in the gut, or esterase or other enzymes in the blood, and the metabolites were rapidly absorbed and converted to their conjugates in the liver and eliminated by the kidneys into the urine.

Absorption, distribution and excretion of 14C-levofloxacin after single oral administration in albino and pigmented rats: binding characteristics of levofloxacin-related radioactivity to melanin in vivo.

After single oral administration of (14)C-levofloxacin at a dose of 20 mg kg(-1) under non-fasting conditions, the absorption, distribution and excretion of radioactivity were studied in albino and pigmented rats. Good penetration of radioactivity into tissues was indicated by higher concentrations in most tissues compared with serum and there were no quantitative differences in the distribution of radioactivity between albino and pigmented rats except for melanin-containing tissues such as the uveal tract of eyes and hair follicles. There was selective and strong binding of drug-related radioactivity to these tissues in pigmented rats. The uveal tract concentrations reached the maximum value (C(max)) of 26.33 +/- 0.75 microg eq. g(-1) at 24 h after dosing and declined slowly with a terminal half-life of 468.1 h (19.5 days). The uveal tract concentration at 12 weeks was 0.73+/- 0.12 microg eq. g(-1), which is c. 1/36 of C(max). The AUC(0- infinity ) for the uveal tract was 12.58 mg h(-1) g(-1). The uveal tracts separated from one eye of each rat were extracted with 0.067 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and 1M HCl/EtOH (30:70), successively. In pigmented rats, approximately 85-48% of radioactivity bound to the uveal tract was released from the tissue by the washing procedures. Most of the eluted radioactivity was released with 1M HCl/EtOH (30:70), indicating that the binding to melanin is reversible, and hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions play an important role in the binding of levofloxacin and/or its metabolites with melanin-containing ocular tissues. Only unchanged drug was detected in the extracts of the uveal tracts. The concentrations and half-life of radioactivity in the uveal tract after dosing of (14)C-levofloxacin were found to be much lower and shorter than those after dosing of (14)C-chloroquine. It is unlikely that levofloxacin causes toxicity because of its much lower affinity to melanin-containing ocular tissues and shorter duration of therapy compared to chloroquine.

Biodistribution of a radiolabelled thermoresponsive polymer in mice

Drug delivery systems based on thermoresponsive polymers might serve as suitable carriers for local radiotherapy. We have, therefore, designed and synthesized a radioiodine-labellable thermoresponsive polymer. The polymer was synthesized by copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide with N-methacryloyl tyrosinamide in tetrahydrofuran, and then labelled by (131)I. The solution of this labelled polymer in dimethylsulfoxide (4.4 MBq/ml; 1.8 wt% polymer) was applied to femoral muscle of male Balb/C mice (50 microl per animal). The biodistribution and excretion of radioactivity was followed in 2h and 1, 7, 14, 28 and 42 d post injection (n=6 per time point). As expected, the labelled polymer was left on the application site (ca 90% 2h post injection), decreasing slowly to ca 80% within 14 d. At 28 d post injection, ca 70% of the injected activity was still found on the application site, decreasing to ca 60% at 42 d. No organ-specific accumulation of the radioactivity released from the application site, including thyroid, was observed. Majority of the released radioactivity was excreted via urine and faeces. This preliminary study suggests that thermoresponsive polymers could be used as an effective delivery system for localized radiotherapy.

Absorption and Excretion of Colestilan in Healthy Subjects

Colestilan, an anion-exchange resin binding both phosphate and bile-acid anions, is under development for the treatment of hyperphosphataemia and dyslipidaemia, which occur in the majority of end-stage renal disease patients. This study using 14C-colestilan was conducted to investigate the absorption and excretion of colestilan in humans. Following a 28-day run-in period with administration of colestilan 3 g three times daily, 12 subjects received a single oral dose of 14C-colestilan 100 mg (approximately 4.0 MBq) and colestilan 3 g under fasted conditions on the morning of day 1. A total of 9 g of colestilan was administered three times daily on days 1-4. Total radioactivity levels in whole blood (at 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours and then at 24-hour intervals) and in the urine and faeces (from 0 to 24 hours and then at 24-hour intervals) were monitored up to 216 hours postdose (day 10). Total radioactivity measured in all whole-blood samples was below the lower limit of quantification (0.025 microg equivalent of 14C-labelled colestilan/mL of whole blood). Total radioactivity assessed in all urine samples was also below the lower limit of quantification (0.003 microg equivalent/mL for urine), except at 0-24 hours postdose, when 0.01% of the radioactive dose was excreted by all subjects. This level was below the predetermined water soluble impurity level of 0.04%. The mean cumulative excretion of total radioactivity in the faeces was 99.66% by 216 hours postdose, excluding one subject with incomplete collection of faecal samples. These results demonstrate that colestilan is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is completely excreted in the faeces.

Aminothiol receptors for decorporation of intravenously administered (60)Co in the rat.

This report provides a comparison of the oral decorporation efficacy of L-glutathione (GSH), L-cysteine (Cys), and a liposomal GSH formulation (ReadiSorb) toward systemic (60)Co to that observed following intravenous administration of GSH and Cys in F344 rats. Aminoacid L-histidine (His) containing no thiol functionality was tested intravenously to compare in vivo efficacy of the aminothiol (GSH, Cys) chelators with that of the aminoimidazole (His) chelator. In these studies, (60)Co was administered to animals by intravenous injection, followed by intravenous or oral gavage doses of a chelator repeated at 24-h intervals for a total of 5 doses. The results suggest that GSH and Cys are potent decorporation agents for (60)Co in the rat model, although the efficacy of treatment depends largely on the systemic availability of the chelator. The intravenous route of administration of GSH or Cys was most effective in reducing tissue (60)Co levels and in increasing excretion of radioactivity compared to control animals. Liposomal encapsulation was found to markedly enhance the oral bioavailability of GSH compared to non-formulated GSH. The oral administration of liposomal GSH reduced (60)Co levels in nearly all tissues by 12-43% compared to that observed for non-formulated GSH. Efficacy of oral Cys was only slightly reduced in comparison with intravenous Cys. Further studies to optimize the dosing regimen in order to maximize decorporation efficiency are warranted.

Pharmacokinetics, Metabolism, and Excretion of Anacetrapib, a Novel Inhibitor of the Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein, in Rats and Rhesus Monkeys

The pharmacokinetics and metabolism of anacetrapib (MK-0859), a novel cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor, were examined in rats and rhesus monkeys. Anacetrapib exhibited a low clearance in both species and a moderate oral bioavailability of approximately 38% in rats and approximately 13% in monkeys. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve in both species increased in a less than dose-proportional manner over an oral dose range of 1 to 500 mg/kg. After oral administration of [(14)C]anacetrapib at 10 mg/kg, approximately 80 and 90% of the radioactive dose was recovered over 48 h postdose from rats and monkeys, respectively. The majority of the administered radioactive dose was excreted unchanged in feces in both species. Biliary excretion of radioactivity accounted for approximately 15% and urinary excretion for less than 2% of the dose. Thirteen metabolites, resulting from oxidative and secondary glucuronic acid conjugation, were identified in rat and monkey bile. The main metabolic pathways consisted of O-demethylation (M1) and hydroxylation on the biphenyl moiety (M2) and hydroxylation on the isopropyl side chain (M3); these hydroxylations were followed by O-glucuronidation of these metabolites. A glutathione adduct (M9), an olefin metabolite (M10), and a propionic acid metabolite (M11) also were identified. In addition to parent anacetrapib, M1, M2, and M3 metabolites were detected in rat but not in monkey plasma. Overall, it appears that anacetrapib exhibits a low-to-moderate degree of absorption after oral dosing and majority of the absorbed dose is eliminated via oxidation to a series of hydroxylated metabolites that undergo conjugation with glucuronic acid before excretion into bile.