PK-PD Model Research Articles

Translational Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Modeling of NaV1.7 Inhibitor MK-2075 to Inform Human Efficacious Dose

MK-2075 is a small-molecule selective inhibitor of the NaV1.7 channel investigated for the treatment of postoperative pain. A translational strategy was developed for MK-2075 to quantitatively interrelate drug exposure, target modulation, and the desired pharmacological response in preclinical animal models for the purpose of human translation. Analgesics used as a standard of care in postoperative pain were evaluated in preclinical animal models of nociceptive behavior (mouse tail flick latency and rhesus thermode heat withdrawal) to determine the magnitude of pharmacodynamic (PD) response at plasma concentrations associated with efficacy in the clinic. MK-2075 was evaluated in those same animal models to determine the concentration of MK-2075 required to achieve the desired level of response. Translation of MK-2075 efficacious concentrations in preclinical animal models to a clinical PKPD target in humans was achieved by accounting for species differences in plasma protein binding and in vitro potency against the NaV1.7 channel. Estimates of human pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were obtained from allometric scaling of a PK model from preclinical species and used to predict the dose required to achieve the clinical exposure. MK-2075 exposure–response in a preclinical target modulation assay (rhesus olfaction) was characterized using a computational PKPD model which included a biophase compartment to account for the observed hysteresis. Translation of this model to humans was accomplished by correcting for species differences in PK NaV1.7 potency, and plasma protein binding while assuming that the kinetics of distribution to the target site is the same between humans and rhesus monkeys. This enabled prediction of the level of target modulation anticipated to be achieved over the dosing interval at the projected clinical efficacious human dose. Integration of these efforts into the early development plan informed clinical study design and decision criteria.

Novel in Vivo and in Vitro Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic-Based Human Starting Dose Selection for Glofitamab

We present a novel approach for first-in-human (FIH) dose selection of the CD20xCD3 bispecific antibody, glofitamab, based on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PKPD) assessment in cynomolgus monkeys to select a high, safe starting dose, with cytokine release (CR) as the PD endpoint. Glofitamab pharmacokinetics were studied in mice and cynomolgus monkeys; PKPD of IL-6, TNF-α and interferon-γ release following glofitamab, with/without obinutuzumab pretreatment (Gpt) was studied in cynomolgus monkeys. Potency differences for CR between cynomolgus monkeys and humans were determined by glofitamab incubation in whole blood of both species. The PKPD model for CR was translated to humans to project a starting dose that did not induce CR exceeding a clinically-predefined threshold. In cynomolgus monkeys, glofitamab showed a species-specific atypical high clearance, with and without B-cell debulking by Gpt. CR was related to glofitamab serum levels and B-cell counts. B-cell reduction by Gpt led to a marked decrease in CR. FIH starting dose (5 µg) was selected based on IL-6 release considering the markedly higher glofitamab in vitro potency in human vs monkey blood. This is a novel PKPD-based approach for selection of FIH starting dose for a CD20xCD3 bispecific antibody in B-cell lymphoma, evidenced in the glofitamab study, NP30179 (NCT03075696).

1092. Population Pharmacokinetics of Cephalexin in Non-Obese and Obese Hospitalized Patients with Infectious Diseases

Abstract Background Obesity is a significant global health problem and has been associated with altered pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of many drugs. Cephalexin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic as an oral drug for the treatment of mild to moderate infections; however, little is known regarding cephalexin pharmacokinetics in obese patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the population PK of cephalexin in non-obese and obese patients. Methods Hospitalized patients who were 18 years or older with a suspected or documented infection were studied. Patients weighing < 120 kg were defined as non-obese patients whereas those weighing ≥ 120 kg as obese. All included patients received cephalexin 1000 mg every 6 hours orally. After ≥ 3 days of therapy, serial blood samples were collected. Ultrafiltration was used to separate the unbound drug from the protein-bound fractions, and both total and unbound serum concentrations were determined by HPLC. The concentration-time data for cephalexin were analyzed by a non-linear mixed effects modeling approach using NONMEM. Results Overall, 255 serum concentrations from 19 patients (10 males, 4 in an ICU) were included; ten patients were non-obese (total body weight [TBW] < 120 kg) and nine were obese (TBW ≥ 120 kg). A 1-compartment model with first-order absorption, absorption lag-time, first-order elimination, and linear protein binding best fit the concentration-time data. Creatinine clearance (CrCl) was the only covariate significantly associated with cephalexin PK, specifically systemic clearance (CL): CL (L/h) = 12.3 + [0.0837*(CRCL – 81.8)]. No other covariates significantly affected the model-derived PK parameters including CL, volume of distribution (V), first-order absorption rate constant (Ka), unbound fraction (fu) with the fixed estimate of 0.776, and absorption lag-time (Tlag). Conclusion In conclusion, cephalexin PK is comparable between non-obese and obese patients. Dosing adjustments based solely on body size may not be necessary. Further analyses are warranted to suggest optimal cephalexin dosages in obesity through large-scale population PK-PD modeling and simulation. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Intravenous and Intramuscular Allopregnanolone for Early Treatment of Status Epilepticus: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety in Dogs.

Allopregnanolone (ALLO) is a neurosteroid that modulates synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors. We hypothesize that ALLO may be useful as first-line treatment of status epilepticus (SE). Our objectives were to (1) characterize ALLO pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics PK-PD after intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration and (2) compare IV and IM ALLO safety and tolerability. Three healthy dogs and two with a history of epilepsy were used. Single ALLO IV doses ranging from 1-6 mg/kg were infused over 5 minutes or injected IM. Blood samples, vital signs, and sedation assessment were collected up to 8 hours postdose. Intracranial EEG (iEEG) was continuously recorded in one dog. IV ALLO exhibited dose-proportional increases in exposure, which were associated with an increase in absolute power spectral density in all iEEG frequency bands. This relationship was best described by an indirect link PK-PD model where concentration-response was described by a sigmoidal maximum response (Emax) equation. Adverse events included site injection pain with higher IM volumes and ataxia and sedation associated with higher doses. IM administration exhibited incomplete absorption and volume-dependent bioavailability. Robust iEEG changes after IM administration were not observed. Based on PK-PD simulations, a 2 mg/kg dose infused over 5 minutes is predicted to achieve plasma concentrations above the EC50, but below those associated with heavy sedation. This study demonstrates that ALLO is safe and well tolerated when administered at 1-4 mg/kg IV and up to 2 mg/kg IM. The rapid onset of effect after IV infusion suggests that ALLO may be useful in the early treatment of SE. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The characterization of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of allopregnanolone is essential in order to design clinical studies evaluating its effectiveness as an early treatment for status epilepticus in dogs and people. This study has proposed a target dose/therapeutic range for a clinical trial in canine status epilepticus.

Guiding Chemically Synthesized Peptide Drug Lead Optimization by Derisking Mast Cell Degranulation-Related Toxicities of a NaV1.7 Peptide Inhibitor.

Studies have shown that some peptides and small molecules can induce non IgE-mediated anaphylactoid reactions through mast cell activation. Upon activation, mast cells degranulate and release vasoactive and proinflammatory mediators, from cytoplasmic granules into the extracellular environment which can induce a cascade of severe adverse reactions. This study describes a lead optimization strategy to select NaV1.7 inhibitor peptides that minimize acute mast cell degranulation (MCD) toxicities. Various in vitro, in vivo, and PKPD models were used to screen candidates and guide peptide chemical modifications to mitigate this risk. Anesthetized rats dosed with peptides demonstrated treatment-related decreases in blood pressure and increases in plasma histamine concentrations which were reversible with a mast cell stabilizer, supporting the MCD mechanism. In vitro testing in rat mast cells with NaV1.7 peptides demonstrated a concentration-dependent increase in histamine. Pharmacodynamic modeling facilitated establishing an in vitro to in vivo correlation for histamine as a biomarker for blood pressure decline via the MCD mechanism. These models enabled assessment of structure-activity relationship (SAR) to identify substructures that contribute to peptide-mediated MCD. Peptides with hydrophobic and cationic characteristics were determined to have an elevated risk for MCD, which could be reduced or avoided by incorporating anionic residues into the protoxin II scaffold. Our analyses support that in vitro MCD assessment in combination with PKPD modeling can guide SAR to improve peptide lead optimization and ensure an acceptable early in vivo tolerability profile with reduced resources, cycle time, and animal use.

Erdafitinib's effect on serum phosphate justifies its pharmacodynamically guided dosing in patients with cancer.

A population pharmacokinetic (PK)–pharmacodynamic (PD) model was developed using data from 345 patients with cancer. The population PK‐PD model evaluated the effect of erdafitinib total and free plasma concentrations on serum phosphate concentrations after once‐daily oral continuous (0.5–12 mg) and intermittent (10–12 mg for 7 days on/7 days off) dosing, and investigated the potential covariates affecting erdafitinib‐related changes in serum phosphate levels. Phosphate is used as a biomarker for erdafitinib's efficacy and safety: increases in serum phosphate were observed after dosing with erdafitinib, which were associated with fibroblast growth factor receptor target engagement via inhibition of renal fibroblast growth factor 23–mediated signaling. PK‐PD model‐based simulations were performed to assess the approved PD‐guided dosing algorithm of erdafitinib (8 mg once‐daily continuous dosing, with up‐titration to 9 mg based on phosphate levels [<5.5 mg/dl] and tolerability at 14–21 days of treatment). The serum phosphate concentrations increased after the first dose and reached near maximal level after 14 days of continuous treatment. Serum phosphate increased with erdafitinib free drug concentrations: doubling the free concentration resulted in a 1.8‐fold increase in drug‐related phosphate changes. Dose adjustment after at least 14 days of dosing was supported by achievement of >95% maximal serum phosphate concentration. The peak‐to‐trough fluctuation within a dosing interval was limited for serum phosphate concentrations (5.68–5.65 mg/dl on Day 14), supporting phosphate monitoring at any time relative to dosing. Baseline phosphate was higher in women, otherwise, none of the investigated covariate–parameter relationships were considered clinically relevant. Simulations suggest that the starting dose of 8‐mg with up‐titration to 9‐mg on Days 14–21 maximized the number of patients within the target serum phosphate concentrations (5.5–7 mg/dl) while limiting the number of treatment interruptions. The findings from the PK‐PD model provided a detailed understanding of the erdafitinib concentration‐related phosphate changes over time, which supports erdafitinib's dosing algorithm.

Development of a Hypoparathyroid Male Rodent Model for Testing Delayed-Clearance PTH Molecules.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) replacement is a promising approach in the management of hypoparathyroidism but long-acting analogues need to be developed. To date, animal models for testing PTH required parathyroidectomy by surgery. We have developed a nonsurgical rodent hypoparathyroid model and tested a delayed-clearance PTH molecule (DC-PTH). The aim of this study was to use cinacalcet to suppress calcium levels in normal rats and to reverse these effects with the administration of PTH or PTH analogues. Male Wistar rats were gavaged with either 30 mg/kg cinacalcet-HCl (cinacalcet) or vehicle only. Animals were then dosed with either single or repeated subcutaneous doses of PTH 1-34 or a DC-PTH at 20 nmol/kg. Control animals received vehicle only. Serum samples were analyzed for ionized calcium (iCa), phosphate, PTH, and DC-PTH. A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model was built for cinacalcet, PTH 1-34, and DC-PTH using Phoenix64. Cinacalcet reduced iCa levels between 2 and 24 hours, returning to baseline by 72 hours post dose with nadir at 8 hours (analysis of variance P < .001), associated with a fall in rat PTH. For phosphate there was a variable biphasic response. Single-dose PTH abrogated the cinacalcet-induced fall in iCa for up to 2 hours. DC-PTH prevented the fall in iCa from 4 hours post dose and gave a prolonged response, with iCa levels quicker to return to baseline than controls. DC-PTH has a half-life of 11.5 hours, approximately 44 times longer than human PTH 1-34. The PK-PD models defined the reproducible effect of cinacalcet on iCa and that DC-PTH had prolonged biological activity. The administration of cinacalcet provides a robust and reproducible nonsurgical animal model of hypoparathyroidism. DC-PTH holds promise for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism in the future.

A translational model-based approach to inform the choice of the dose in phase 1 oncology trials: the case study of erdafitinib.

Erdafitinib (JNJ-42756493, BALVERSA) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma. In this work, a translational model-based approach to inform the choice of the doses in phase 1 trials is illustrated. A pharmacokinetic (PK) model was developed to describe the time course of erdafitinib plasma concentrations in mice and rats. Data from multiple xenograft studies in mice and rats were analyzed using the Simeoni tumor growth inhibition (TGI) model. The model parameters were used to derive a range of erdafitinib exposures that might inform the choice of the doses in oncology phase 1 trials. Conversion of exposures to doses was based on preliminary PK assessments from the first-in human (FIH) study. A one-compartment PK disposition model, with linear absorption and dose-dependent clearance, adequately described the PK data in both mice and rats via an allometric scaling approach. The TGI model was able to describe tumor growth dynamics, providing quantitative measurements of erdafitinib antitumor potency in mice and rats. Based on these estimates, ranges of efficacious unbound concentration were identified for erdafitinib in mice (0.642-5.364μg/L) and rats (0.782-2.565μg/L). Based on the FIH data, it was possible to transpose exposures into doses and doses of above 4mg/day provided erdafitinib exposures associated with significant TGI in animals. The findings were in agreement with the results of the FIH trial, in which the first hints of clinical activities were observed at 6mg. The successful modeling exercise of erdafitinib preclinical data showed how translational PK-PD modeling might be a tool to help to inform the choice of the doses in FIH studies.

A New Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model To Characterize the Inoculum Effect of Acinetobacter baumannii on Polymyxin B In Vitro.

The inoculum effect (i.e., reduction in antimicrobial activity at large starting inoculum) is a phenomenon described for various pathogens. Given that limited data exist regarding inoculum effect of Acinetobacter baumannii, we evaluated killing of A. baumannii by polymyxin B, a last-resort antibiotic, at several starting inocula and developed a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) model to capture this phenomenon. In vitro static time-kill experiments were performed using polymyxin B at concentrations ranging from 0.125 to 128 mg/L against a clinical A. baumannii isolate at four starting inocula from 105 to 108 CFU/mL. Samples were collected up to 30 h to quantify the viable bacterial burden and were simultaneously modeled in the NONMEM software program. The expression of polymyxin B resistance genes (lpxACD, pmrCAB, and wzc), and genetic modifications were studied by RT-qPCR and DNA sequencing experiments, respectively. The PKPD model included a single homogeneous bacterial population with adaptive resistance. Polymyxin B effect was modeled as a sigmoidal Emax model and the inoculum effect as an increase of polymyxin B EC50 with increasing starting inoculum using a power function. Polymyxin B displayed a reduced activity as the starting inoculum increased: a 20-fold increase of polymyxin B EC50 was observed between the lowest and the highest inoculum. No effects of polymyxin B and inoculum size were observed on the studied genes. The proposed PKPD model successfully described and predicted the pronounced in vitro inoculum effect of A. baumannii on polymyxin B activity. These results should be further validated using other bacteria/antibiotic combinations and in vivo models.

An Enterohepatic Recirculation Population Pharmacokinetic and MIC-1 Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model for the MDM2 Inhibitor Navtemadlin (KRT-232) in Healthy Subjects

Background: Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) is the primary negative regulator of the tumor suppressor protein, p53. Navtemadlin (KRT-232), a potent and selective, orally available MDM2 inhibitor restores p53 activity to drive apoptosis of cancer cells in TP53 WT malignancies. Navtemadlin is currently being evaluated in a phase 3 trial of patients with relapsed or refractory myelofibrosis, as well as in numerous phase 1b/2 trials in various hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Serum macrophage inhibitor cytokine-1 (MIC-1) is a pharmacodynamic (PD) marker of p53-mediated activity in patients treated with navtemadlin (Allard et al. HemaSphere. 2020). Using pharmacokinetic (PK) and PD data from a healthy subject food effect study (Wong et al. Blood. 2020), we developed a population PK (PPK) model that characterized enterohepatic recirculation (EHR) as a half-life extending element in the PK profiles of navtemadlin and its major acyl glucuronide metabolite M1. MIC-1 PD data were incorporated into the model to quantify plasma concentration-driven MIC-1 excursions and to simulate PK and PD across time and dose in healthy subjects.Methods: PPK and PK-PD models were developed using the first-order conditional estimation with interaction (FOCE-I) method in NONMEM 7.4, with model covariates selected using a stepwise forward addition and backward elimination method based on a 5% significance level. Model quality was checked by inspecting model parameters and confidence intervals, as well as standard residual-based and simulation-based diagnostics, and prediction-corrected visual predictive checks. Navtemadlin plasma concentration and MIC-1 serum concentration-time data from the food effect study (KRT-232-105) were modeled (N=30 subjects after a single 60 mg navtemadlin dose). Candidate PPK semi-mechanistic models that described EHR with multi-compartment structures (gut, central, and peripheral compartments for navtemadlin, and central and gallbladder [GB] compartments for M1), first-order elimination, and mealtime effects on GB emptying were tested. Post hoc parameter estimates from the final PPK model were used to generate individual predicted navtemadlin plasma concentrations for the PK-PD model. Based on exploratory plots, the pharmacological mechanism of action of navtemadlin, and a bile acid recycling model (Guiastrennec et al. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol. 2018), an indirect response equation was selected for the MIC-1 effect compartment (Figure 1a).Results: Navtemadlin and M1 plasma concentrations, including a second peak attributed to EHR at ~8-12 h, were well described by a model with central and peripheral compartments, constant basal M1 release rate into bile (KBR BASAL), and incremental mealtime GB emptying rate (KBR MEAL, Figure 1a). Figure 1b shows simulated navtemadlin and M1 amounts in various compartments over time. Median oral clearance of navtemadlin was estimated at 36.35 L/h. Estimated median apparent oral clearance of navtemadlin in healthy subjects was higher than PPK estimates for patients with advanced solid tumors (24.9 L/h [Ma et al. Blood. 2019]). The median central and peripheral volumes of navtemadlin were 159 L and 390 L, respectively. Navtemadlin exposure was higher in healthy female subjects relative to male subjects. Between-subject variability in clearance was 31%. Typical MIC-1 maximum stimulatory effect (S max) was estimated at 6.82, close to the median maximum ratio of MIC-1 to baseline MIC-1 (7.29) in the observed data. SC 50 was estimated at 85.22 ng/mL, with a Hill coefficient of 2.02, indicating a relatively steep increase in MIC-1 serum concentration with increasing navtemadlin concentration. For both PPK and PK-PD models, diagnostic plots confirmed an adequate fit. Subjects with lower baseline MIC-1 had a larger response and reached a maximum MIC-1 concentration later. Older subjects had the largest covariate impact, with a higher MIC-1 response.Conclusion: A two-compartment PPK model with basal and incremental mealtime GB emptying rates captured concentration-time data for navtemadlin and its metabolite M1. EHR was evident and navtemadlin reabsorption following hydrolysis of biliary M1 in the intestine contributed to navtemadlin half-life. An indirect stimulatory PK-PD model effectively described the relationship between navtemadlin and MIC-1 in healthy subjects. [Display omitted] DisclosuresZhang: Certara, Inc.: Current Employment; Milad Pharmaceutical Consulting, LLC.: Ended employment in the past 24 months. Wong: Kartos Therapeutics: Current Employment; AbbVie Biotherapeutics: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Slatter: Telios Pharma: Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company; Kartos Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company; AstraZeneca: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Amgen: Divested equity in a private or publicly-traded company in the past 24 months. OffLabel Disclosure:Yes, navtemadlin (KRT-232) is an investigational small molecule MDM2 inhibitor.

Estimating the likelihood of ESBL-producing E. coli carriage in slaughter-aged pigs following bacterial introduction onto a farm: A multiscale risk assessment

The transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) between animals, their environment, food and humans is a complex issue. Previous pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) models indicate that extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) resistant bacterial populations may be self-sustaining through horizontal and vertical gene transfer, even in the absence of antimicrobial pressure. However, models focusing purely on the biochemical aspects fail to incorporate the complicated host population dynamics which occur within a farm environment. Models of disease transmission within commercial farm environments can provide further insight to the on-farm transmission dynamics of AMR between animals and their environment, as well as predict the effect of various on-farm interventions. Here, we present a risk assessment which predicts the likelihood that slaughter-aged pigs would carry resistant bacteria after a single introduction of ESBL E. coli on commercial pig farms. We incorporate outputs from a PKPD model which explores the complex host/gastrointestinal bacteria interplay after antimicrobial treatment; with an on-farm model of bacterial transmission. The risk assessment is designed to be adaptable for the simultaneous transmission of multiple bacteria and resistant strains. We predicted that after introduction onto a pig farm, ESBL E. coli bacteria are likely to persist on the farm for more than a year, leading to a high batch prevalence (39.4% slaughter pigs, 5th and 95th percentiles: 0.0–57.5) and high faecal shedding. A comparison of different farm management types suggested that all-in-all-out housing was a protective measure for both prevalence in slaughter-aged pigs and faecal shedding rates. We applied two main interventions at the farm level, an enhanced cleaning and disinfectant (C&D) protocol and isolation of pigs in sick pens for the duration of their antibiotic treatment. Both interventions were able to reduce the number of pigs shedding more than 2 log10 ESBL E. coli from 18.7% (5th and 95th percentiles: 5.9–30.4) in the baseline scenario, to 7.2% (5th and 95th percentiles: 0.0–21.5) when an enhanced C&D protocol was applied, 0.1% (5th and 95th percentiles: 0.0–0.3) when sick pens were used and 0.1% (5th and 95th percentiles: 0.0–0.3) when a combination of enhanced C&D plus sick pens was used. Both scenarios also reduced the prevalence in batches of pigs going to slaughter. This effect was largest when sick pens were used, where 75% of batches had 0% positive pigs. The results suggest that a single introductory event is sufficient to cause a substantial risk of carriage in slaughter-aged pigs. Further quantitative microbial risk assessments (QMRA) are needed to consider the onwards risk posed to later parts of the food chain.

Population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of acetaminophen in preterm neonates with hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus

BackgroundPharmacokinetics (PK) of intravenous acetaminophen has not been assessed in preterm neonates with hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Moreover, there is a lack of data evaluating the association between PK and pharmacodynamics (PD) of acetaminophen in hemodynamically significant PDA. Hence, we performed a population PK-PD modeling of acetaminophen in preterm neonates with hemodynamically significant PDA. MethodsA prospective, observational study was carried out in preterm neonates with hemodynamically significant PDA receiving intravenous acetaminophen (15 mg/kg six hourly) for maximum of nine days. The diameter of the ductus arteriosus was measured using General Electric Vivid 7® (echocardiography) and was the PD measure. The PK-PD modeling was performed using Monolix 2019R2. We performed Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to determine the probability of ductus arteriosus closure from first to the ninth day of acetaminophen treatment. ResultsFifty-five neonates were recruited. A one-compartment model with first-order elimination described well the PK of acetaminophen. Clearance (CL) and volume of distribution (Vd) for typical neonate weighing 0.98 kg was 0.0452 L/h and 1.18 L, respectively. A combination of an Imax model with effect compartment and an exponential disease progression model described well the PD of acetaminophen. The average baseline diameter of the ductus arteriosus (E0) was 2.53 mm while IC50 was 0.477 µg/mL. The disease progression rate constant (Kprog) and effect compartment transfer rate constant (ke0) were 0.00425 h−1 and 0.000103 h−1, respectively. MC simulations of the current dosing regimen revealed a probability of 73.7% ductus arteriosus closure compared to 83.8% with 20 mg/kg six hourly dose. ConclusionThe PK-PD model developed can be used for dosing acetaminophen in premature neonates with hemodynamically significant PDA. Intravenous dose of 20 mg/kg intravenously every six hours is likely to provide a better therapeutic effect than the existing dosing regimen.

Investigating myotoxicity following Australian red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) envenomation

BackgroundMyotoxicity is one of the common clinical manifestations of red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) envenomation characterised by elevated creatine kinase (CK) concentrations of greater than 1000 U/L. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of myotoxicity in patients following envenomation.Methods/Principal findingsPatient characteristics and serial blood samples (timed venom concentrations and CK concentrations, pre- and post- antivenom) from 114 patients (median age 41, 2-90y; 80 male) were extracted from the Australian Snakebite Project database. Patients were categorised into three groups based on peak CK concentrations [no myotoxicity (<1000 U/L), mild (1000–10,000 U/L) and severe (>10,000 U/L)]. The odds of (mild or severe) myotoxicity was lower in patients that received early antivenom (within 6 hours post-bite) compared to those that received late or no antivenom (odd ratio was 0.186; 95% confidence interval, 0.052–0.664). A population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) model was developed to describe the relationship between the time course of venom (a mixture of toxins) and effect (elevated CK). In addition, a kinetic-pharmacodynamic (KPD) model was developed to describe the relationship between time course of a theoretical toxin and effect. Model development and parameter estimation was performed using NONMEM v7.3. No single set of parameter values from either the PKPD or KPD models were found that could accurately describe the time course of different levels of severity of myotoxicity. The predicted theoretical toxin half-life from the KPD model was 11 ± 3.9 hours compared to the half-life of venom of 5.3 ± 0.36 hours. This indicates that the putative causative toxin’s concentration-time profile does not parallel that of venom.ConclusionEarly antivenom administration reduces the incidence of myotoxicity. The venom concentration profile does not appear to be the driver for myotoxicity following envenomation. Additional factors that affect the sensitivity of the patient to snake venom/toxins must be explored to understand the relationship with myotoxicity.

Comparative Effects of Metamizole (Dipyrone) and Naproxen on Renal Function and Prostacyclin Synthesis in Salt-Depleted Healthy Subjects - A Randomized Controlled Parallel Group Study

Aim: The objective was to investigate the effect of metamizole on renal function in healthy, salt-depleted volunteers. In addition, the pharmacokinetics of the four major metamizole metabolites were assessed and correlated with the pharmacodynamic effect using urinary excretion of the prostacyclin metabolite 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α.Methods: Fifteen healthy male volunteers were studied in an open-label randomized controlled parallel group study. Eight subjects received oral metamizole 1,000 mg three times daily and seven subjects naproxen 500 mg twice daily for 7 days. All subjects were on a low sodium diet (50 mmol sodium/day) starting 1 week prior to dosing until the end of the study. Glomerular filtration rate was measured using inulin clearance. Urinary excretion of sodium, potassium, creatinine, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α, and pharmacokinetic parameters of naproxen and metamizole metabolites were assessed after the first and after repeated dosing.Results: In moderately sodium-depleted healthy subjects, single or multiple dose metamizole or naproxen did not significantly affect inulin and creatinine clearance or sodium excretion. Both drugs reduced renal 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α excretion after single and repeated dosing. The effect started 2 h after intake, persisted for the entire dosing period and correlated with the concentration-profile of naproxen and the active metamizole metabolite 4-methylaminoantipyrine (4-MAA). PKPD modelling indicated less potent COX-inhibition by 4-MAA (EC50 0.69 ± 0.27 µM) compared with naproxen (EC50 0.034 ± 0.033 µM).Conclusions: Short term treatment with metamizole or naproxen has no significant effect on renal function in moderately sodium depleted healthy subjects. At clinically relevant doses, 4-MAA and naproxen both inhibit COX-mediated renal prostacyclin synthesis.

Maxacalcitol Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modeling and Simulation for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis.

Maxacalcitol was approved in Taiwan in 2018 as the first active vitamin D3 injection for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. However, no data from any clinical study with maxacalcitol in Taiwanese patients is available. This analysis aimed to evaluate the profiles of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium (Ca) concentrations in Taiwanese SHPT patients on hemodialysis and maxacalcitol. We developed population pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) models using a modeling and simulation approach. The data for these analyses were obtained from two studies: a clinical pharmacology study in Japanese patients and an ethnic comparison study in healthy Japanese and -Taiwanese volunteers. We then conducted a simulation study with a PK-PD model comprising the PK and PD models developed here. Serum maxacalcitol concentration profile was modeled using a two-compartment model that took into consideration the distribution of concentrations below the lower limit of quantification. An ethnic difference in clearance was included in the PK model as a covariate. A PD model that used a PTH/Ca feedback loop best described the observed data. There were no significant differences in Ca or PTH concentrations between Taiwanese and Japanese based on the simulation results from our PK-PD model, even though maxacalcitol exposure was approximately 40% higher in Taiwanese than in Japanese. On the basis of these population PK and PD analyses and the clinical study conducted in Japan, there is no clinically relevant difference between Taiwanese and Japanese in terms of serum Ca or PTH levels.

Ginsenoside 20(S)-Rh2 promotes cellular pharmacokinetics and intracellular antibacterial activity of levofloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus through drug efflux inhibition and subcellular stabilization.

Intracellular Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) often causes clinical failure and relapse after antibiotic treatment. We previously found that 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 [20(S)-Rh2] enhanced the therapeutic effect of quinolones in a mouse model of peritonitis, which we attributed to the increased concentrations of quinolones within bacteria. In this study, we investigated the enhancing effect of 20(S)-Rh2 on levofloxacin (LVF) from a perspective of intracellular bacteria. In S. aureus 25923-infected mice, coadministration of LVF (1.5 mg/kg, i.v.) and 20(S)-Rh2 (25, 50 mg/kg, i.g.) markedly increased the survival rate, and decreased intracellular bacteria counts accompanied by increased accumulation of LVF in peritoneal macrophages. In addition, 20(S)-Rh2 (1, 5, 10 μM) dose-dependently increased the uptake and accumulation of LVF in peritoneal macrophages from infected mice without drug treatment. In a model of S. aureus 25923-infected THP-1 macrophages, we showed that 20(S)-Rh2 (1, 5, 10 μM) dose-dependently enhanced the intracellular antibacterial activity of LVF. At the cellular level, 20(S)-Rh2 increased the intracellular accumulation of LVF by inhibiting P-gp and BCRP. PK-PD modeling revealed that 20(S)-Rh2 altered the properties of the cell but not LVF. At the subcellular level, 20(S)-Rh2 did not increase the distribution of LVF in lysosomes but exhibited a stronger sensitizing effect in acidic environments. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that 20(S)-Rh2 improved the stability of the DNA gyrase-LVF complex in lysosome-like acidic conditions. In conclusion, 20(S)-Rh2 promotes the cellular pharmacokinetics and intracellular antibacterial activities of LVF against S. aureus through efflux transporter inhibition and subcellular stabilization, which is beneficial for infection treatment.

Co-formulation of ketoprofen with tulathromycin alters pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of ketoprofen in cattle.

The current studies aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profile and to establish a PK-PD model for ketoprofen in a new fixed combination product containing tulathromycin (2.5mg/kg) and ketoprofen (3mg/kg) to treat bovine respiratory disease associated with pyrexia in cattle. Firstly, the effect of different ketoprofen doses as mono-substance (1, 3, and 6mg/kg subcutaneous) on lipopolysaccharide-induced fever was evaluated which indicated that rectal temperature reduction lasted longer in the calves receiving 3 and 6mg/kg ketoprofen. Secondly, the PK profile of the combination product was compared with mono-substance products (3mg/kg subcutaneous and intramuscular). The PK profile of ketoprofen in the combination product was characterized by longer t1/2 , lower Cmax and increased AUC in comparison with mono-substance products. Due to prolonged ketoprofen exposure in the combination product, the pyrexia reducing effect of the combination product lasted longer in a second lipopolysaccharide challenge study in comparison with mono-substance products. Finally, a PK-PD model for the anti-pyretic effect of ketoprofen was developed based on the data from the different studies. The PK-PD model eliminated the need for additional animal experiments and indicated that a 3mg/kg ketoprofen dose in the combination product provided optimal efficacy.

Biperiden Challenge Model in Healthy Elderly as Proof-of-Pharmacology Tool: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Selective M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) agonists are being developed as symptomatic treatment for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders that lead to cognitive dysfunction. Demonstrating cognition‐enhancing effects in early‐phase clinical development in healthy subjects is difficult. A challenge with the M1 mAChR antagonist biperiden could be used to demonstrate procognitive and pharmacological effects of selective M1 mAChR agonists. The aim of this study was to develop such a model. To this end, 12 healthy elderly subjects participated in a randomized, placebo‐controlled, 3‐way crossover study investigating tolerability, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of 2 and 4 mg biperiden. Repeated PD assessments were performed using neurocognitive tasks and electrophysiological measurements. A population PK‐PD model was developed. Four milligrams of biperiden showed significant impairment of sustained attention (−2.1 percentage point in adaptive tracking [95%CI, −3.043 to −1.148], verbal memory (2‐3 fewer words recalled [95%CI, −5.9 to −0.2]) and working memory (up to a 50‐millisecond increase in the n‐back task reaction time [95%CI, 21.854‐77.882]) compared with placebo. The PK data were best fitted by a 2‐compartment model and showed high interoccasion and intersubject variability. Population PK‐PD analysis quantified significant concentration‐effect relationships for the n‐back reaction time, n‐back accuracy, and adaptive tracking. In conclusion, biperiden caused M1 mAChR‐related dose‐ and concentration‐dependent temporary declines in cognitive functioning. Therefore a biperiden pharmacological challenge model can be used for proof‐of‐pharmacology studies and to demonstrate cognition‐enhancing effects of new cholinergic compounds that are being developed.

Distinct patterns of disease activity over time in patients with active SLE revealed using latent class trajectory models

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous systemic autoimmune condition for which there are limited licensed therapies. Clinical trial design is challenging in SLE due at least in part to imperfect outcome measures. Improved understanding of how disease activity changes over time could inform future trial design. The aim of this study was to determine whether distinct trajectories of disease activity over time occur in patients with active SLE within a clinical trial setting and to identify factors associated with these trajectories.MethodsLatent class trajectory models were fitted to a clinical trial dataset of a monoclonal antibody targeting CD22 (Epratuzumab) in patients with active SLE using the numerical BILAG-2004 score (nBILAG). The baseline characteristics of patients in each class and changes in prednisolone over time were identified. Exploratory PK-PD modelling was used to examine cumulative drug exposure in relation to latent class membership.ResultsFive trajectories of disease activity were identified, with 3 principal classes: non-responders (NR), slow responders (SR) and rapid-responders (RR). In both the SR and RR groups, significant changes in disease activity were evident within the first 90 days of the trial. The SR and RR patients had significantly higher baseline disease activity, exposure to epratuzumab and activity in specific BILAG domains, whilst NR had lower steroid use at baseline and less change in steroid dose early in the trial.ConclusionsLongitudinal nBILAG scores reveal different trajectories of disease activity and may offer advantages over fixed endpoints. Corticosteroid use however remains an important confounder in lupus trials and can influence early response. Changes in disease activity and steroid dose early in the trial were associated with the overall disease activity trajectory, supporting the feasibility of performing adaptive trial designs in SLE.

Exploration of Clinical Breakpoint of Danofloxacin for Glaesserella parasuis in Plasma and in PELF.

Background: In order to establish the clinical breakpoint (CBP) of danofloxacin against G. parasuis, three cutoff values, including epidemiological cutoff value (ECV), pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) cutoff value (COPD) and clinical cutoff value (COCL), were obtained in the present study. Methods: The ECV was calculated using ECOFFinder base on the MIC distribution of danfloxacin against 347 G. parasuis collected from disease pigs. The COPD was established based on in vivo and ex vivo PK-PD modeling of danofloxacin both in plasma and pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) using Hill formula and Monte Carlo analysis. The COCL was established based on the relationship between the possibility of cure (POC) and MIC in the clinical trials using the “WindoW” approach, nonlinear regression and CART analysis. Results: The MIC50 and MIC90 of danofloxacin against 347 G. parasuis were 2 μg/mL and 8 μg/mL, respectively. The ECV value was set to 8 μg/mL using ECOFFinder. Concentration-time curves of danofloxacin were fitted with a two-compartment PK model. The PK parameters of the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under concentration-time curves (AUC) in PELF were 3.67 ± 0.25 μg/mL and 24.28 ± 2.70 h·μg/mL, higher than those in plasma (0.67 ± 0.01 μg/mL and 4.47 ± 0.51 h·μg/mL). The peak time (Tmax) in plasma was 0.23 ± 0.07 h, shorter than that in PELF (1.61 ± 0.15 h). The COPD in plasma and PELF were 0.125 μg/mL and 0.5 μg/mL, respectively. The COCL calculated by WindoW approach, nonlinear regression and CART analysis were 0.125–4 μg/mL, 0.428 μg/mL and 0.56 μg/mL, respectively. The 0.5 μg/mL was selected as eligible COCL. The ECV is much higher than the COPD and COCL, and the clinical breakpoint based on data in plasma was largely different from that of PELF. Conclusions: Our study firstly established three cutoff values of danofloxacin against G. parasuis. It suggested that non-wild-type danofloxacin-resistant G. parasuis may lead to ineffective treatment by danofloxacin.