Free Drug Concentration In Plasma Research Articles

Abstract 4592: Preclinical characterization of ATG-042-198, a novel MTAP null-selective PRMT5 inhibitor

Abstract Background: PRMT5 inhibitors are considered as a promising approach for cancer therapy due to their crucial role in the initiation and progression of many types of malignancies. Nevertheless, the crucial involvement of PRMT5 in controlling hematopoiesis, even in normal cells, resulted in significant on-target-off-tumor hematological toxicity when using first-generation, non-selective PRMT5 inhibitors in clinical settings, which hampered the clinical development of these drugs. The MTAP gene is deleted in around 10-15% of all human malignancies. As a result, the loss of MTAP leads to the buildup of MTA, which can bind to PRMT5 and partially inhibit PRMT5 activity. Inhibitors targeting the PRMT5-MTA complex become a promising strategy for treating MTAPnull cancer in a synthetically lethal manner. Herein, we report the preclinical feature of ATG-042-198, a novel MTAPnull-selective PRMT5 inhibitor. Methods: The in vitro activity and MTAP selectivity of ATG-042-198 on cell proliferation and cellular symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) expression were profiled using HCT116 MTAP wild type (wt) cells and HCT116 MTAP knock out (ko) cells, as well as in five MTAPnull cell lines. The in vivo efficacy was tested in cell derived xenograft (CDX) mouse models with HCT116 MTAP wt cells, HCT116 MTAP ko cells and LU99 cells (MTAPnull). The in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic properties were assessed with corresponding assay methods. Results: ATG-042-198 demonstrated potent and selectively inhibitory effect on HCT116 MTAP ko cells’ proliferation (IC50=44nM) and SDMA expression (IC50=0.146nM), but very weak effect on HCT116 MTAP wt cells’ proliferation (IC50=4550nM) and SDMA expression (IC50>500nM). Consistently, ATG-042-198 showed excellent anti-proliferation activities on multiple endogenous MTAPnull cell lines (A549, IC50=2nM; LU99, IC50=6nM; U87MG, IC50=11nM; NALM-6, IC50=37nM; MIA PaCa-2, IC50=43nM). ATG-042-198 demonstrated high permeability (Caco2 assay, ER=2), good metabolic stability (Human liver microsomes assay, T1/2>145min), and low risk of drug interaction (CYP inhibition assay, 3A4/2C19/2D6, all IC50>10μM). In vivo PK study showed that ATG-042-198 was well absorbed, with a dose-dependent increase in plasma distribution and high oral bioavailability (F=108%). Plasma free drug concentrations were continuously higher than the IC50 of cell proliferation inhibition within 24 hours after 30mpk administration. In three CDX models (HCT116 MTAP wt, HCT116 MTAP ko and LU99), ATG-042-198 at a dose of 30 mg/kg QD potently and selectively inhibited tumor growth (TGI=-1%, 89% and 106%) without inducing body weight loss. Conclusions: In summary, ATG-042-198 is an oral MTAP null-selective PRMT5 inhibitor with potent efficacy against MTAPnull tumor. It also demonstrated good tolerability and preclinical PK profiles. Citation Format: Ya Kong, Ming Zhang, Lulu Jiang, Ruiting Xu, Bin Jiang, Guoqiang Dai, Yulong He, Huiling Liu, Jay Mei, Bing Hou, Bo Shan. Preclinical characterization of ATG-042-198, a novel MTAP null-selective PRMT5 inhibitor [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4592.

Measurement uncertainty estimation of free drug concentrations in clinical laboratories using equilibrium dialysis.

Developing procedures based on equilibrium dialysis (ED) that allow measuring the free drug concentration in plasma improves therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in those cases where its measurement is justified. However, this procedure requires specific sample preparation and presents different pitfalls, which are not error-free. As withany result provided by a clinical laboratory, this one should be as accurate as possible to allow a correct clinical interpretation. The measurement uncertainty (MU) is a parameter that enables the accuracy of results to be known, and that is mandated by ISO 15189. Herein, this study suggests how the MU for the results of the free drug concentrations in serum could be estimated when an ED isused. A combination of the top-down and bottom-up approaches was used to estimate the MU based on the ISO/TS 20914:2019 and JCGM 100:2008 guidelines, including the concentration of free phenytoin in serum, as an example. Different scenarios were incorporated considering or not asignificant bias related to the primary drawbacks of ED: thenon-specific binding, the volume shift effect and the Gibbs-Donnan effect. The expanded uncertainties estimated ranged between 13.0 and 30.9 %. The highest MU corresponded to the free drug concentrations in serum results when significant biases related to the volume shift and Gibbs-Donnan effects exist. A detailed estimation of MU for free drug concentrations is presented using ED, considering different scenarios. This study could stimulate clinical laboratories to perform MU studies and its application in TDM.

Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model of Brain Delivery of Plasma Protein Bound Drugs

IntroductionA physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model is developed that focuses on the kinetic parameters of drug association and dissociation with albumin, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP), and brain tissue proteins, as well as drug permeability at the blood–brain barrier, drug metabolism, and brain blood flow.GoalThe model evaluates the extent to which plasma protein-mediated uptake (PMU) of drugs by brain influences the concentration of free drug both within the brain capillary compartment in vivo and the brain compartment. The model also studies the effect of drug binding to brain tissue proteins on the concentration of free drug in brain.MethodsThe steady state and non-steady state PBPK models are comprised of 11–12 variables, and 18–23 parameters, respectively. Two model drugs are analyzed: propranolol, which undergoes modest PMU from the AGP-bound pool, and imipramine, which undergoes a high degree of PMU from both the albumin-bound and AGP-bound pools in plasma.ResultsThe free propranolol concentration in brain is under-estimated 2- to fourfold by in vitro measurements of free plasma propranolol, and the free imipramine concentration in brain is under-estimated by 18- to 31-fold by in vitro measurements of free imipramine in plasma. The free drug concentration in brain in vivo is independent of drug binding to brain tissue proteins.ConclusionsIn vitro measurement of free drug concentration in plasma under-estimates the free drug in brain in vivo if PMU in vivo from either the albumin and/or the AGP pools in plasma takes place at the BBB surface.

Study on the interaction of three classical drugs used in psychiatry in albumin through spectrofluorimetric modeling

Comparative study of haloperidol (HPD), biperiden (BPD) and clonazepam (CNZ) interactions with human and bovine serum albumin was performed based on fluorescence quenching analysis. We used mathematical modeling comparing spectrofluorimetric data to obtain information on the possibility of competition among three drugs by sites binding. Results showed that the three drugs studied have high affinity for albumin and suggest the existence of two site classes in HSA for HPD and only one class for BPD and CNZ, in the range of concentrations tested for each drug. Among them, only HPD forms complex with HSA. Comparing normalized quenching plots suggested that the primary sites in HSA and BSA for HPD and CNZ are located at subdomain IB, whereas BPD would bind in the subdomain IIA. Considering the competition for binding sites in HSA, titrations of HPD-HSA complex by BPD and CNZ, as well as the titration of HSA solution containing CNZ titrated by BPD, show that although the three drugs do not compete with each other for binding sites, their interaction with HSA can cause conformational change in the protein, and to increase or decrease the accessibility to binding sites for other drug. This may mean alteration in the free plasma drug concentrations.

1302. Cefiderocol Population Pharmacokinetics and Probability of Target Attainment in Plasma and Epithelial Lining Fluid in Patients with Pneumonia, Bloodstream Infection/Sepsis, or Complicated Urinary Tract Infections

BackgroundCefiderocol (CFDC) is a novel siderophore cephalosporin with activity against a broad range of Gram-negative bacteria. The aim of this study was to perform population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) analysis and evaluate probability of target attainment (PTA) in plasma and epithelial lining fluid (ELF) based on a modeling and simulation approach.MethodsPopPK analysis in plasma was conducted using 3427 concentration data from 425 patients with pneumonia, bloodstream infection/sepsis (BSI/sepsis), complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI), or acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis in 3 Phase 2 or 3 studies (NCT03032380, NCT02714595, and NCT02321800), and 91 subjects without any infection in Phase 1 studies. In addition, intrapulmonary modeling was conducted using ELF concentration data from 7 pneumonia patients (NCT03862040) and 20 healthy subjects. Monte-Carlo simulations were performed by generating 1000 virtual patients for each infection site (pneumonia, BSI/sepsis, or cUTI) to predict PTA for 75% of time for which free drug concentration in plasma or ELF (only pneumonia patients) exceeds the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC; 0.25–16 µg/mL) over dosing interval following CFDC 2 g q8h infused over 3 hours with dose adjustment based on renal function, including augmented renal clearance.ResultsThe developed PopPK model described the plasma and ELF CFDC concentrations. Creatinine clearance, body weight, infection site, and albumin concentration were statistically significant covariates on CFDC PK in plasma. There were no clinically significant differences in CFDC plasma exposure based on infection site or with/without ventilation. The penetration ratio of ELF to free plasma in pneumonia patients (0.340) was 1.3-fold higher than that in healthy subjects (0.263). As shown in the table below, plasma PTA was >90% against MICs ≤4 μg/mL, regardless of infection site and renal function. ELF PTA in pneumonia patients was >90% against MICs ≤2 μg/mL and >85% against MICs ≤4 μg/mL, regardless of renal function.Table. Probability of Target Attainment for 75% fT>MIC or 75% fT>MIC,ELF ConclusionThe recommended dosing regimen (2 g, q8h, 3-hr infusion) adjusted by renal function provided adequate exposure to CFDC in patients with infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens, irrespective of infection site and renal function.DisclosuresTakayuki Katsube, PhD, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (Employee) Nao Kawaguchi, BPharm, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (Employee) Roger Echols, MD, Shionogi Inc. (Consultant) Toshihiro Wajima, PhD, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (Employee) David P. Nicolau, PharmD, Cepheid (Other Financial or Material Support, Consultant, speaker bureau member or has received research support.)Merck & Co., Inc. (Consultant, Grant/Research Support, Speaker’s Bureau)Wockhardt (Grant/Research Support)

Pharmacokinetics of ASP4345 from Single Ascending-Dose and Multiple Ascending-Dose Phase I Studies.

BackgroundCognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia. While first- and second-generation antipsychotic drugs treat psychotic exacerbations, no treatment is approved for the cognitive dysfunction. We have identified ASP4345, a positive allosteric modulator of the dopamine type 1 (D1) receptor that selectively binds to, and enhances the activity of, D1 receptors. ASP4345 has the potential to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of ASP4345 in two phase I single ascending-dose and multiple ascending-dose studies.MethodsBoth phase I studies were randomized, double blind, and placebo controlled. The single dose-ascending study assessed pharmacokinetics of single oral doses of 3–900 mg of ASP4345 or placebo in the fasted state in healthy adult volunteers. This study also assessed cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics, as well as the effects of food on pharmacokinetic parameters. The multiple ascending-dose study (NCT02720263) assessed the pharmacokinetics of multiple oral doses of 3–150 mg of ASP4345 in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder receiving stable antipsychotic drug treatment. The pharmacokinetic data from both studies were summarized using descriptive statistics.ResultsThe plasma concentration–time profile in both studies showed a rapid increase in concentrations of ASP4345. The median time to maximum concentration range was 1.00–2.26 h in the single ascending-dose study in the fasted state and 1.25–3.02 h in the multiple ascending-dose study at steady state. There were less than dose-proportional increases in maximum concentration and area under the curve in the single ascending-dose study, where doses had a range from 3 to 900 mg, and in the multiple ascending-dose study in patients with stabilized schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, where doses had a range from 3 to 150 mg. The mean terminal elimination half-life was dose independent and had a range from 9.12 to 14.3 h in the single ascending-dose study and from 11.1 to 26.8 h in the multiple ascending-dose study. Additionally, in the single ascending-dose study, absorption of 300 mg of ASP4345 was slightly delayed when administered in the fed state compared with the fasted state; median time to maximum concentration was 1.5 h under the fasting state and 4.0 h under fed states. All other pharmacokinetic parameters were comparable for both conditions. ASP4345 appeared in the cerebrospinal fluid with some delay; time to maximum concentration range was from 2.48 to 7.98 h in cerebrospinal fluid compared with 0.75 to 1.03 h in plasma (median cerebrospinal fluid/plasma = 0.188). The ratio of cerebrospinal fluid to total plasma for area under the curve from 0 to 24 h (0.157–0.573%) and maximum concentration (0.0899–0.311%) and the ratio of cerebrospinal fluid to unbound plasma for maximum concentration (25.0–86.4%) confirm the distribution of ASP4345 into the brain.ConclusionsThe pharmacokinetics of ASP4345 suggest that single daily dosing is appropriate for ASP4345. Furthermore, the concentration of ASP4345 in cerebrospinal fluid compared to free drug concentrations in plasma provides evidence of penetration of ASP4345 into the brain.

Drug Concentration Asymmetry in Tissues and Plasma for Small Molecule-Related Therapeutic Modalities.

The well accepted "free drug hypothesis" for small-molecule drugs assumes that only the free (unbound) drug concentration at the therapeutic target can elicit a pharmacologic effect. Unbound (free) drug concentrations in plasma are readily measurable and are often used as surrogates for the drug concentrations at the site of pharmacologic action in pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analysis and clinical dose projection in drug discovery. Furthermore, for permeable compounds at pharmacokinetic steady state, the free drug concentration in tissue is likely a close approximation of that in plasma; however, several factors can create and maintain disequilibrium between the free drug concentration in plasma and tissue, leading to free drug concentration asymmetry. These factors include drug uptake and extrusion mechanisms involving the uptake and efflux drug transporters, intracellular biotransformation of prodrugs, membrane receptor-mediated uptake of antibody-drug conjugates, pH gradients, unique distribution properties (covalent binders, nanoparticles), and local drug delivery (e.g., inhalation). The impact of these factors on the free drug concentrations in tissues can be represented by K p,uu, the ratio of free drug concentration between tissue and plasma at steady state. This review focuses on situations in which free drug concentrations in tissues may differ from those in plasma (e.g., K p,uu > or <1) and discusses the limitations of the surrogate approach of using plasma-free drug concentration to predict free drug concentrations in tissue. This is an important consideration for novel therapeutic modalities since systemic exposure as a driver of pharmacologic effects may provide limited value in guiding compound optimization, selection, and advancement. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of the relationship between free drug concentrations in plasma and tissues is needed.

Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Analyses of Dose Selection for Rezafungin Prophylaxis Against Invasive Fungal Infections in Bone Marrow Transplantation

Background Rezafungin (RZF) is a novel echinocandin in development for prevention of invasive fungal infections caused by Candida, Aspergillus, and Pneumocystis spp. in patients at high risk of infection. RZF has demonstrated in vivo prophylaxis efficacy and low risk of drug-drug interactions. Furthermore, the stability and PK profile of RZF allow for once-weekly dosing. RZF is also in development for treatment of candidemia and invasive candidiasis using a dosing regimen of RZF 400 mg followed by 200 mg once-weekly, which achieved >90% target attainment against Candida. While lower doses might be useful to prevent Candida and Pneumocystis, invasive aspergillosis is a different challenge. We evaluated RZF dosing for prophylaxis against Aspergillus fumigatus in bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients using PK/PD simulations of the treatment dosing regimen. Methods A previous population PK model was refined using data from Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials of IV RZF (NONMEM Vers 7.2). Stepwise forward selection (α = 0.01) and backward elimination (α = 0.001) were used to assess for relationships between interindividual PK variability and covariates, such as age, sex, BSA), albumin, liver and renal function markers, and infection status. The final model was validated by comparing model-based predictions to observed data. The model and demographic data from BMT recipients at Stanford Medical Center (Table 1) were used for Monte Carlo simulation (n=2,000) of expected RZF concentration-time profiles in BMT patients receiving IV RZF 400 mg on Week 1 followed by 200 mg weekly x 11. Free-drug concentration-time profiles were evaluated (97.4% human protein-binding) relative to the A. fumigatus minimal effective concentration required to inhibit 100% of isolates tested (MEC100; JMI 2014-2017 SENTRY international surveillance data). Results The population PK model was a linear, 4-compartment model with zero order IV input. Albumin was a statistically significant predictor of interindividual variability. Non-significant relationships were found with sex, BSA, presence of cirrhosis, and infection status. The model provided precise, unbiased fits to the observed data (r2=0.993 observed vs individual-predicted). RZF plasma free-drug concentrations at weeks 1, 2, and 12 were above the A. fumigatus MEC100 (0.03 mg/L) for the entire dosing interval in 98.4%, 93.3%, and 91.9% of simulated patients, respectively, and in ≥99.9% for all 12 weeks based on the MEC90 (0.015 mg/L). Conclusions These data modeled from BMT patients support the RZF dosing regimen of 400 mg IV followed by 200 mg once-weekly for prophylaxis against A. fumigatus. Current antifungal prophylaxis may be limited by toxicity, DDIs, or patient factors such as mucositis. The PK of RZF and its spectrum, safety, tolerability, and lack of DDIs may address challenges in IFI prophylaxis for BMT and other immunocompromised patients.

1389. Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) Evaluation of a Novel Aminomethylcycline Antibiotic, KBP-7072, in the Neutropenic Murine Pneumonia Model Against S. aureus (SA) and S. pneumoniae (SPN)

BackgroundKBP-7072 is a novel aminomethylcycline antibiotic with broad-spectrum activity that includes organisms with drug-resistance to β-lactams and tetracyclines. We examined the PK/PD relationship between KBP-7072 drug exposures and treatment effect using a neutropenic murine pneumonia model against a diverse group of SA and SPN.MethodsFive SAs (three MRSAs) and six SPNs (three PCNs NS, two TetR) strains were used. MICs were determined by CLSI Methods. Plasma and ELF PK was determined after SC dosing (range 1–256 mg/kg). Lung burden was assessed by CFU counts at the beginning and end of therapy (24 hours). Infected mice were treated with KBP-7072 by SC route: SA dose range 0.25–64 mg/kg/6 hours, SPN dose range 0.06–16 mg/kg/6 hours. The Emax Hill equation was used to model the dose–response data to the PK/PD index AUC/MIC. The magnitude of the PK/PD index (plasma free and ELF total concentrations) associated with net stasis, 1- and 2-log kill were determined in the pneumonia model for all strains.ResultsSA MICs were 0.25 mg/L for all isolates and SPN MICs were 0.008–0.016 mg/L. Plasma PK of KBP-7072 included: Cmax 0.12–25.2 mg/L, AUC0-∞ 1.1–234 mg hour/L, T1/2 3.2–4.6 h. ELF PK by urea correction methods included: Cmax 0.06–13.3 mg/L, AUC0-∞ 0.4–95 mg hour/L, T1/2 3.1–4 hours. ELF penetration based on free plasma drug concentrations (77.5% bound) ranged from 82 to 238%. AUC was linear over the dose range (R2 = 0.99). Potent dose-dependent cidal activity (3–5 log kill) was observed against all strains. AUC/MIC was a robust predictor of efficacy (SA R2 = 0.89, SPN R2 0.80). Median static, 1- and 2-log kill AUC/MIC values are shown in the table.GroupStasis Plasma fAUC/MICStasis ELF AUC/MIC1-Log Kill Plasma fAUC/MIC1-Log Kill ELF AUC/MIC2-Log Kill Plasma fAUC/MIC2-Log Kill ELF AUC/MICSA0.971.722.484.415.817.51SPN1.121.993.686.5413.0623.22ConclusionKBP-7072 demonstrated potent in vivo efficacy against SA and SPN, including strains with elevated minocycline MIC and β-lactam resistance, in the neutropenic murine pneumonia model. A 3–5 log kill was observed and AUC/MIC was strongly associated with efficacy. The AUC/MIC target for net stasis was comparable between SA and SPN at a plasma fAUC/MIC target of ~1 and ELF AUC/MIC target ~2. Cidal targets were similarly very low. All targets were numerically lower than comparative tetracyclines. These results should prove useful for clinical dosing regimen optimization.Disclosures A. J. Lepak, KBP Biosciences: Research Contractor, Research support. Q. Liu, KBP Biosciences: Employee, Salary. P. Wang, KBP Biosciences: Employee, Salary. Y. Wang, KBP Biosciences: Employee, Salary. J. C. Bader, KBP Biosciences: Research Contractor, Research support. P. G. Ambrose, KBP Biosciences: Research Contractor, Research support. D. R. Andes, KBP Biosciences: Research Contractor, Research support.

Protein Binding of First-Line Antituberculosis Drugs.

The 4-drug regimen of rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol is an inexpensive, reliable option for treating patients with drug-susceptible tuberculosis (TB). Its efficacy could be further improved by determining the free drug concentrations in plasma, knowing that only the unbound drug can freely penetrate to the tissues. Using an ultrafiltration technique, we determined the protein binding (PB) extent and variability of the first-line anti-TB drugs when given simultaneously to TB patients, representing a real-life case scenario. We used clinical samples routinely received by our laboratory. Plasma proteins were also measured. A protein-free medium was used to determine the nonspecific binding. Plasma samples from 22 patients were included, of which plasma proteins were measured for 18 patients. The median PB was determined for rifampin (88%; range, 72 to 91%), isoniazid (14%; range, 0 to 34%), pyrazinamide (1%; range, 0 to 7%), and ethambutol (12%; range, 4 to 24%). Plasma proteins were not found to be significant predictors for the PB of first-line anti-TB drugs. Rifampin PB was positively correlated with its plasma concentration (P value = 0.0051). Conversely, isoniazid PB was negatively correlated with its plasma concentration (P value = 0.0417). Age was found to have a significant effect on isoniazid PB (P value = 0.0376). No correlations were observed in pyrazinamide or ethambutol. In conclusion, we have determined variable PB of rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol in patient plasma samples, with median values of 88, 14, 1, and 12%, respectively. In this small study, PB of rifampin and that of isoniazid are dependent on their plasma concentrations.

QUANTITATIVE STRUCTURE–PHARMACOKINETICS RELATIONSHIP FOR PLASMA PROTEIN BINDING OF NEUTRAL DRUGS

Objective: Plasma protein binding (PPB) of drugs is important pharmacokinetic (PK) phenomena controlling the free drug concentration in plasma and the overall PK and pharmacodynamic profile. Prediction of PPB at the very early stages of drug development process is of paramount importance for the success of new drug candidates. The study presents a quantitative structure–pharmacokinetics relationship (QSPkR) modelling of PPB for neutral drugs.Methods: The dataset consists of 117 compounds, described by 138 molecular descriptors. Genetic algorithm and stepwise multiple linear regression are used for variable selection and QSPkR models development. The QSPkRs are evaluated by internal and external validation procedures.Results: A robust, significant and predictive QSPkR with explained variance r2 0.768, cross-validated q2LOO-CV 0.731,and geometric mean fold error of prediction (GMFEP) 1.79 is generated, which is able to predict the extent of PPB for 67.6% of the drugs in the dataset within the 2-fold error of experimental values. A simple empiric rule is proposed for distinguishing between drugs with different binding affinity, which allowed correct classification of 78% of the high binders and 87.5% of the low binders.Conclusions: PPB of neutral drugs is favored by lipophilicity, dipole moment, the presence of substituted aromatic and fused rings and a nine-member ring system, and is disfavored by the presence of aromatic N-atoms. Keywords: Plasma protein binding (PPB), Quantitative structure–pharmacokinetics relationship (QSPkR), In silico prediction, Human serum albumin (HSA), Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP).

Pharmacokinetic Investigation of Quetiapine Transport across Blood-Brain Barrier Mediated by Lipid Core Nanocapsules Using Brain Microdialysis in Rats.

Lipid-core nanocapsules (LCNs) have been proposed as drug carriers to improve brain delivery by modulating drug pharmacokinetics (PK). However, it is not clear whether the LCNs carry the drug through the blood-brain barrier or increase free drug penetration due to changes in the barrier permeability. Quetiapine (QTP) penetration to the brain is mediated by influx transporters and therefore might be reduced by drug transporters inhibitiors as probenecid. The goal of this work was to investigate the role of type-III LCNs on brain penetration of QTP using microdialysis in the presence probenecid. QTP-loaded LCN (QLNC) was successfully obtained with a small particle size (143 ± 6 nm), low polydispersity index (PI < 0.1), and high encapsulation efficiency (95.4 ± 1.82%.). Total and free drug concentration in plasma and free drug concentration in brain were analyzed following i.v. bolus dosing of nonencapsulated drug (FQ) and QLNC formulations alone and in association with probenecid to male Wistar rats. QTP free plasma fraction right after administration of QLNC was smaller than the fraction observed after FQ dosing; however, it increased over time until similar free drug levels were attained, suggesting that type-III LNCs produce a short in vivo sustained release of the drug. The inhibition of influx transporters by PB led to a reduction of free QTP brain penetration, as observed by the reduction of penetration factor from 1.55 ± 0.17 to a value closer to unit (0.94 ± 0.15). However, when the drug was nanoencapsulated, the inhibition of influx transporters had no effect on the brain penetration factor (0.88 ± 0.21 to 0.92 ± 0.13) probably because QTP is loaded into LNC and not available to interact with transporters. Taken together, these results suggest that LNC type-III carried QTP in the bloodstream and delivered the drug to the brain.

A Paradigm Shift in Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic (PKPD) Modeling: Rule of Thumb for Estimating Free Drug Level in Tissue Compared with Plasma to Guide Drug Design

A basic assumption in pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics research is that the free drug concentration is similar in plasma and tissue, and, hence, in vitro plasma data can be used to estimate the in vivo condition in tissue. However, in a companion manuscript, it has been demonstrated that this assumption is violated for the ionized drugs. Nonetheless, these observations focus on in vitro static environments and do not challenge data with an in vivo dynamic system. Therefore, an extension from an in vitro to an in vivo system becomes the necessary next step. The objective of this study was to perform theoretical simulations of the free drug concentration in tissue and plasma by using a physiologically based pharmacokinetics (PBPK) model reproducing the in vivo conditions in human. Therefore, the effects of drug ionization, lipophilicity, and clearance have been taken into account in a dynamic system. This modeling exercise was performed as a proof of concept to demonstrate that free drug concentration in tissue and plasma may also differ in a dynamic system for passively permeable drugs that are ionized at the physiological pH. The PBPK model simulations indicated that free drug concentrations in tissue cells and plasma significantly differ for the ionized drugs because of the pH gradient effect between cells and interstitial space. Hence, a rule of thumb for potentially performing more accurate PBPK/PD modeling is suggested, which states that the free drug concentration in tissue and plasma will differ for the ionizable drugs in contrast to the neutral drugs. In addition to the pH gradient effect for the ionizable drugs, lipophilicity and clearance effects will increase or decrease the free drug concentration in tissue and plasma for each class of drugs; thus, higher will be the drug lipophilicity and clearance, lower would be the free drug concentration in plasma, and, hence, in tissue, in a dynamic in vivo system. Therefore, only considering the value of free fraction in plasma derived from a static in vitro environment might be biased to guide drug design (the old paradigm), and, hence, it is recommended to use a PBPK model to reproduce more accurately the in vivo condition in tissue (the new paradigm). This newly developed approach can be used to predict free drug concentration in diverse tissue compartments for small molecules in toxicology and pharmacology studies, which can be leveraged to optimize the pharmacokinetics drivers of tissue distribution based upon physicochemical and physiological input parameters in an attempt to optimize free drug level in tissue. Overall, this present study provides guidance on the application of plasma and tissue concentration information in PBPK/PD research in preclinical and clinical studies, which is in accordance with the recent literature.

Drug Distribution to Human Tissues: Prediction and Examination of the Basic Assumption in In Vivo Pharmacokinetics-Pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) Research

The tissue:plasma partition coefficients (Kp ) are good indicators of the extent of tissue distribution. Therefore, advanced tissue composition-based models were used to predict the Kp values of drugs under in vivo conditions on the basis of in vitro and physiological input data. These models, however, focus on animal tissues and do not challenge the predictions with human tissues for drugs. The first objective of this study was to predict the experimentally determined Kp values of seven human tissues for 26 drugs. In all, 95% of the predicted Kp values are within 2.5-fold error of the observed values in humans. Accordingly, these results suggest that the tissue composition-based model used in this study is able to provide accurate estimates of drug partitioning in the studied human tissues. Furthermore, as the Kp equals to the ratio of total concentration between tissue and plasma, or the ratio of unbound fraction between plasma (fup ) and tissue (fut ), this parameter Kp would deviate from the unity. Therefore, the second objective was to examine the corresponding relationships between fup and fut values experimentally determined in humans for several drugs. The results also indicate that fup may significantly deviate to fut ; the discrepancies are governed by the dissimilarities in the binding and ionization on both sides of the membrane, which were captured by the tissue composition-based model. Hence, this violated the basic assumption in in vivo pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) research, since the free drug concentration in tissue and plasma was not equal particularly for the ionizable drugs due to the pH gradient effect on the fraction of unionized drug in plasma (fuip ) and tissue (fuit ) (i.e., fup × fuip × total plasma concentration = fut × fuit × total tissue concentration, and, hence, the free drug concentration in plasma and tissue differed by fuip/fuit). Therefore, this assumption should be adjusted for the ionized drugs, and, hence, a mathematical correction to the basic assumption of similar free drug concentration in plasma and tissues can be derived from the tissue composition-based model. Note that this assumption will be further challenged in a dynamic in vivo system in a companion manuscript. Overall, this study was a first attempt to predict the in vivo Kp values for specific human tissues by considering separately the effect of fup and fut , with the aim of facilitating the use of physiologically-based PK (PBPK) model in PK/PD studies.

Population pharmacokinetics and Monte Carlo dosing simulations of meropenem during the early phase of severe sepsis and septic shock in critically ill patients in intensive care units.

Pathophysiological changes during the early phase of severe sepsis and septic shock in critically ill patients, resulting in altered pharmacokinetic (PK) patterns for antibiotics, are important factors influencing therapeutic success. The aims of this study were (i) to reveal the population PK parameters and (ii) to assess the probability of target attainment (PTA) for meropenem. The PK studies were carried out following administration of 1 g of meropenem every 8 h during the first 24 h of severe sepsis and septic shock in nine patients, and a Monte Carlo simulation was performed to determine the PTA of achieving 40% exposure time during which the free plasma drug concentration remains above the MIC (fT>MIC) and 80% fT>MIC. The volume of distribution (V) and total clearance (CL) of meropenem in these patients were 23.7 liters and 7.82 liters/h, respectively. For pathogens with MICs of 4 μg/ml, the PTAs of 40% fT>MIC following administration of meropenem as a 1-h infusion of 1 g every 8 h and a 4-h infusion of 0.5 g every 8 h were 92.52% and 90.29%, respectively. For pathogens with MICs of 2 μg/ml in immunocompromised hosts, the PTAs of 80% fT>MIC following administration of 1-h and 4-h infusions of 2 g of meropenem every 8 h were 84.32% and 94.72%, respectively. These findings indicated that the V of meropenem was greater and the CL of meropenem was lower than the values obtained in a previous study with healthy subjects. The maximum recommended dose, i.e., 2 g of meropenem every 8 h, may be required for treatment of life-threatening infections in this patient population.

Validation of a method for the determination of AMG 579 in cerebrospinal fluid with a focus on sample collection procedures for clinical trials

Analysis of pharmaceutical compounds in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may present challenges due to the combination of the low protein content in this matrix and relatively low drug concentrations, often corresponding to free drug concentrations in plasma, typically found in CSF. A 30% loss of AMG 579 was observed during preparation of quality control samples and further investigation determined that this loss was likely due to binding to collection tubes. This observation also highlighted the possibility of additional losses of AMG 579 that could occur during collection of clinical samples, such as binding to catheters used in the collection of CSF.Loss of AMG 579 in QC samples was reduced from 30% to 5% when the volume of CSF stored in 1.5mL vials was increased from 0.06mL to 1mL. Modest but unavoidable losses of about 20% of AMG 579 were also found following perfusion through both silicone and polypropylene (Pharmed® BPT) collection catheters. Silicone tubing was used for CSF collection based on clinical site preference. An LC–MS/MS method was validated to quantify AMG 579 in human CSF to support clinical testing. The original range of the assay was 1–1000ng/mL but the LLOQ was subsequently lowered to 0.1ng/mL to better meet project requirements. Interday bias (% RE) and precision (% CV) were −4.2% and 12.3% at the LLOQ, and less than ±0.9% and 8.3% for higher concentrations, respectively. The compound was stable in human CSF for at least 5h at room temperature, 55 days at −70°C (−60 to −80°C range), and through three freeze–thaw cycles.Careful selection of assay conditions and materials minimized losses of the compound during sample collection and storage. While these losses could not be entirely eliminated, practical sample collection and storage conditions were established to allow for analysis of AMG 579 in human clinical trials.

Pharmacokinetics-Pharmacodynamics Analysis of Bicyclic 4-Nitroimidazole Analogs in a Murine Model of Tuberculosis

PA-824 is a bicyclic 4-nitroimidazole, currently in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of tuberculosis. Dose fractionation pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic studies in mice indicated that the driver of PA-824 in vivo efficacy is the time during which the free drug concentrations in plasma are above the MIC (fT>MIC). In this study, a panel of closely related potent bicyclic 4-nitroimidazoles was profiled in both in vivo PK and efficacy studies. In an established murine TB model, the efficacy of diverse nitroimidazole analogs ranged between 0.5 and 2.3 log CFU reduction compared to untreated controls. Further, a retrospective analysis was performed for a set of seven nitroimidazole analogs to identify the PK parameters that correlate with in vivo efficacy. Our findings show that the in vivo efficacy of bicyclic 4-nitroimidazoles correlated better with lung PK than with plasma PK. Further, nitroimidazole analogs with moderate-to-high volume of distribution and Lung to plasma ratios of >2 showed good efficacy. Among all the PK-PD indices, total lung T>MIC correlated the best with in vivo efficacy (rs = 0.88) followed by lung Cmax/MIC and AUC/MIC. Thus, lung drug distribution studies could potentially be exploited to guide the selection of compounds for efficacy studies, thereby accelerating the drug discovery efforts in finding new nitroimidazole analogs.

Ceftolozane/Tazobactam: A Novel Cephalosporin/β-Lactamase Inhibitor Combination with Activity Against Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli

Ceftolozane is a novel cephalosporin currently being developed with the β-lactamase inhibitor tazobactam for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs), complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs), and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP). The chemical structure of ceftolozane is similar to that of ceftazidime, with the exception of a modified side-chain at the 3-position of the cephem nucleus, which confers potent antipseudomonal activity. As a β-lactam, its mechanism of action is the inhibition of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Ceftolozane displays increased activity against Gram-negative bacilli, including those that harbor classical β-lactamases (e.g., TEM-1 and SHV-1), but, similar to other oxyimino-cephalosporins such as ceftazidime and ceftriaxone, it is compromised by extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases. The addition of tazobactam extends the activity of ceftolozane to include most ESBL producers as well as some anaerobic species. Ceftolozane is distinguished from other cephalosporins by its potent activity versus Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including various drug-resistant phenotypes such as carbapenem, piperacillin/tazobactam, and ceftazidime-resistant isolates, as well as those strains that are multidrug-resistant (MDR). Its antipseudomonal activity is attributed to its ability to evade the multitude of resistance mechanisms employed by P.aeruginosa, including efflux pumps, reduced uptake through porins and modification of PBPs. Ceftolozane demonstrates linear pharmacokinetics unaffected by the coadministration of tazobactam; specifically, it follows a two-compartmental model with linear elimination. Following single doses, ranging from 250 to 2,000mg, over a 1-h intravenous infusion, ceftolozane displays a mean plasma half-life of 2.3h (range 1.9-2.6h), a steady-state volume of distribution that ranges from 13.1 to 17.6L, and a mean clearance of 102.4mL/min. It demonstrates low plasma protein binding (20%), is primarily eliminated via urinary excretion (≥92%), and may require dose adjustments in patients with a creatinine clearance <50mL/min. Time-kill experiments and animal infection models have demonstrated that the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic index that is best correlated with ceftolozane's in vivo efficacy is the percentage of time in which free plasma drug concentrations exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration of a given pathogen (%fT >MIC), as expected of β-lactams. Two phaseII clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate ceftolozane±tazobactam in the settings of cUTIs and cIAIs. One trial compared ceftolozane 1,000mg every 8h (q8h) versus ceftazidime 1,000mg q8h in the treatment of cUTI, including pyelonephritis, and demonstrated similar microbiologic and clinical outcomes, as well as a similar incidence of adverse effects after 7-10days of treatment, respectively. A second trial has been conducted comparing ceftolozane/tazobactam 1,000/500mg and metronidazole 500mg q8h versus meropenem 1,000mg q8h in the treatment of cIAI. A number of phaseI and phaseII studies have reported ceftolozane to possess a good safety and tolerability profile, one that is consistent with that of other cephalosporins. In conclusion, ceftolozane is a new cephalosporin with activity versus MDR organisms including P.aeruginosa. Tazobactam allows the broadening of the spectrum of ceftolozane versus β-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacilli including ESBLs. Potential roles for ceftolozane/tazobactam include empiric therapy where infection by a resistant Gram-negative organism (e.g., ESBL) is suspected, or as part of combination therapy (e.g., with metronidazole) where a polymicrobial infection is suspected. In addition, ceftolozane/tazobactam may represent alternative therapy to the third-generation cephalosporins after treatment failure or for documented infections due to Gram-negative bacilli producing ESBLs. Finally, the increased activity of ceftolozane/tazobactam versus P.aeruginosa, including MDR strains, may lead to the treatment of suspected and documented P.aeruginosa infections with this agent. Currently, ceftolozane/tazobactam is being evaluated in three phaseIII trials for the treatment of cUTI, cIAI, and VABP.

Evidence for a crucial modulating role of the sodium channel in the QTc prolongation related to antipsychotics

Blockade of the cardiac hERG channel is recognized as the main mechanism underlying the QT prolongation induced by many classes of drugs, including antipsychotics. However, antipsychotics interact with a variety of other pharmacological targets that could also modulate cardiac function. The present study aims to identify those key factors involved in the QT prolongation induced by antipsychotics. The interactions of 28 antipsychotics were measured on a variety of pharmacological targets. Binding affinity (K(i)), functional channel blockade (IC₅₀), and the corresponding ratios to total and free plasma drug concentration were compared with the corrected QT changes (QTc) associated with the therapeutic use of these drugs by multivariable linear regression analysis to determine the best predictors of QTc. Besides confirming hERG as the primary predictor of QTc, all analyses consistently show the concomitant involvement of Na(V)1.5 channel as modulating factor of the QTc related to hERG blockade. In particular, the hERG/Na(V)1.5 ratio explains the 57% of the overall QTc variability associated with antipsychotics. Since it is known that inhibition of late I Na could offset the dysfunctional effects of hERG blockade, we hypothesize the inhibition of late I(Na) as a crucial compensatory mechanism of the QTc associated with antipsychotics and hence an important factor to consider concomitantly with hERG blockade to appraise the arrhythmogenic risk of these drugs more accurately.

Usefulness of Salivary Drug Monitoring for Detecting Efflux Transporter Overexpression

Bioavailability (F) and clearance (CL) are two pharmacokinetic parameters difficult to differentiate from simple plasma measurement when a drug is administered orally. Venous (V) / artery (A) concentration ratio of a drug could be a reliable index of its CL if measurements of plasma concentration were performed during a period of time where the absorption process was not longer operative, then during a pure elimination phase. A novel subrogate using two protocolized saliva samples sequentially collected (first, S1, and second, S2) was designed in order to replace V and A free plasma drug concentrations, respectively. Two drugs, phenytoin (PHT) and carbamazepine (CBZ), which are well-known for their inducer properties and their dose-dependent clearance variations, were studied taking into account the sex of individuals. A multicentre two-phase collaborative study was done. The first phase was performed with healthy volunteers in order to determine salivary pharmacokinetic parameters after single dose administration. Twelve volunteers (6 male and 6 female) received 400 mg of CBZ (2 tablets x 200 mg, immediate release product). Twenty four volunteers (10 male and 14 female) received 100 mg of PHT. The second phase was carried out with epileptic patients under CBZ (11 male 15 female) or PHT (11 male and 11 female) monotherapy, in order to study dose-related and sex-related pharmacokinetic differences. In the single dose trials, peaks (Tmax, Cmax) were computed directly from the data. Areas under concentrationtime curves (AUC∞), AUC∞xW (area corrected by weight) and half-lives (t1/2) were calculated. In the case of CBZ, AUCCBZ-10,11- epoxide/AUCCBZ metabolic ratios were also calculated. After multiple dose administration, S1 and S2 trough morning drug concentrations were measured. Cmax and AUC differed significantly between sexes for the two drugs after single dose administration. Nevertheless, the apparent clearance (CL/F) per unit of body weight did not differ (CBZ) or slightly differed (PHT) between sexes. Higher metabolic ratio for CBZ in women would lead to lower F and therefore lower CL in this gender. In the case of PHT, women would have either lower F or higher CL than men. After multiple dose administration, S1/S2 saliva drug concentration ratio correlated positively with S2 for CBZ, showing that CBZ clearance increases with daily dose. Gender differences were also observed for CBZ-10,11-epoxide concentration, being bioavailability the main parameter responsible for this difference. S1/S2 saliva PHT concentration ratio correlated negatively with S2, showing that PHT clearance diminishes with dose as it has been previously reported. Since a significant difference was found for S1/S2 ratio between male and females, CL is the pharmacokinetic parameter influenced by gender in PHT disposition. S1/S2 saliva drug concentration ratio was sensitive enough for detecting systemic clearance changes. Both CBZ and PHT would modify their bioavailability and clearance by inducing efflux transporter throughout chronic treatments, from the first dose to multiple dose administration.