European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics最新文献

Background and objective: In vitro glucuronidation of 17β-estradiol (estradiol) is often performed to assess the role of uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) in xenobiotic/drug metabolism. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of four commonly used organic solvents [i.e., dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), methanol, ethanol, and acetonitrile] on the glucuronidation kinetics of estradiol, which can be glucuronidated at C3 and C17 positions.

Methods: The impacts of organic solvents on estradiol glucuronidation were determined by using expressed UGT enzymes and liver microsomes from both human and animals.

Results: In human liver microsomes (HLM), methanol, ethanol, and acetonitrile significantly altered estradiol glucuronidation kinetics with increased V_max (up to 2.6-fold) and CL_max (up to 2.8-fold) values. Altered estradiol glucuronidation in HLM was deduced to be attributed to the enhanced metabolic activities of UGT1A1 and UGT2B7, whose activities differ at the two glucuronidation positions. The effects of organic solvents on estradiol glucuronidation were glucuronidation position-, isozyme-, and solvent-specific. Furthermore, both ethanol and acetonitrile have a greater tendency to modify the glucuronidation activity of estradiol in animal liver microsomes.

Conclusion: Organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, and acetonitrile showed great potential in adjusting the glucuronidation of estradiol. DMSO is the most suitable solvent due to its minimal influence on estradiol glucuronidation. Researchers should be cautious in selecting appropriate solvents to get accurate results when assessing the metabolism of a new chemical entity.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide neurotransmission was the target for recent development of monoclonal antibodies that effectively prevent attacks of both episodic and chronic migraine. The aim of this narrative review was to offer deeper insight into drug-drug, drug-food and drug-disease interactions of monoclonal antibodies approved for prevention of migraine attacks. For this narrative review, relevant literature was searched for in MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases, covering the 1966-2023 and 2006-2023 periods, respectively. The ClinicalTrials.gov database was also searched for relevant clinical studies whose results had not been published previously in medical journals, covering 2000-2023. Monoclonal antibodies (erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab and eptinezumab) augment prophylactic action of gepants and onabotulinumtoxin A and somewhat increase efficacy of triptans used to abort migraine attacks; however, their adverse reactions may also be augmented. Pharmacokinetic interactions and interactions in general with drugs used for other indications except migraine are negligible, as are drug-food interactions. However, monoclonal antibodies may worsen diseases with already weakened CGRP neurotransmission, Raynaud phenomenon and constipation. Monoclonal antibodies used for prevention of migraine do not engage in significant pharmacokinetic interactions with other drugs; however, they do engage in pharmacodynamic interactions with other anti-migraine drugs, additively augmenting their prophylactic action, but also increasing frequency and severity of adverse reactions, which are a consequence of the CGRP neurotransmission interruption.

The calcitonin gene-related peptide transmission was the target for recent development of drugs that effectively prevent attacks of both episodic and chronic migraine. The aim of this narrative review was to offer deeper insight into pharmacokinetics of monoclonal antibodies approved for prevention of migraine attacks. For this narrative review, relevant literature was searched for in MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases, covering periods 1966-2023 and 2006-2023, respectively. The ClinicalTrials.gov database was also searched for relevant clinical studies whose results had not been published previously in medical journals, covering the period 2000-2023. The monoclonal antibodies from this group are distributed mainly in the plasma and part of the extracellular space; they are neither metabolized in the liver nor excreted via the kidneys. The elimination of galcanezumab, eptinezumab and fremanezumab takes place only by a non-specific linear process via the reticuloendothelial system in the liver, while erenumab is eliminated by a non-specific process and by a specific, saturable process because of binding to receptors located on the cell membrane. Since the elimination processes do not have a large capacity, the half-life is about 2 weeks for erenumab and about 4 weeks for other monoclonal antibodies. Variability in the pharmacokinetics of these monoclonal antibodies is small in different subpopulations, and body weight is the only parameter to consider when choosing the dose of these drugs.

Background and objective: Abrocitinib is an oral small-molecule Janus kinase (JAK)-1 inhibitor approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. In vitro studies indicated that abrocitinib is a weak time-dependent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19/3A and a weak inducer of CYP1A2/2B6/2C19/3A. To assess the potential effect of abrocitinib on concomitant medications, drug-drug interaction (DDI) studies were conducted for abrocitinib with sensitive probe substrates of these CYP enzymes. The impact of abrocitinib on hormonal oral contraceptives (ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel), as substrates of CYP3A and important concomitant medications for female patients, was also evaluated.

Methods: Three Phase 1 DDI studies were performed to assess the impact of abrocitinib 200 mg once daily (QD) on the probe substrates of: (1) 1A2 (caffeine), 2B6 (efavirenz) and 2C19 (omeprazole) in a cocktail study; (2) 3A (midazolam); and (3) 3A (oral contraceptives).

Results: After multiple doses of abrocitinib 200 mg QD, there is a lack of effect on the pharmacokinetics of midazolam, efavirenz and contraceptives. Abrocitinib increased the area under the concentration time curve from 0 to infinity (AUC_inf) and the maximum concentration (C_max) of omeprazole by approximately 189 and 134%, respectively. Abrocitinib increased the AUC_inf of caffeine by 40% with lack of effect on C_max.

Conclusions: Based on the study results, abrocitinib is a moderate inhibitor of CYP2C19. Caution should be exercised when using abrocitinib concomitantly with narrow therapeutic index medicines that are primarily metabolized by CYP2C19 enzyme. Abrocitinib is a mild inhibitor of CYP1A2; however, the impact is not clinically relevant, and no general dose adjustment is recommended for CYP1A2 substrates. Abrocitinib does not inhibit CYP3A or induce CYP1A2/2B6/2C19/3A and does not affect the pharmacokinetics of contraceptives.

Clinical trials registration: ClinicalTrials.gov registration IDs: NCT03647670, NCT05067439, NCT03662516.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes play a central role in the elimination of approximately 80% of all clinically used drugs. Differences in CYP enzyme activity between individuals can contribute to interindividual variability in exposure and, therefore, treatment outcome. In vivo CYP enzyme activity could be determined with phenotyping. Currently, (sub)therapeutic doses are used for in vivo phenotyping, which can lead to side effects. The use of microdoses (100 µg) for in vivo phenotyping for CYP enzymes could overcome the limitations associated with the use of (sub)therapeutic doses of substrates. The aim of this review is to provide a critical overview of the application of microdosing for in vivo phenotyping of CYP enzymes. A literature search was performed to find drug–drug interaction studies of CYP enzyme substrates that used microdoses of the respective substrates. A substrate was deemed sensitive to changes in CYP enzyme activity when the pharmacokinetics of the substrate significantly changed during inhibition and induction of the enzyme. On the basis of the currently available evidence, the use of microdosing for in vivo phenotyping for subtypes CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP2E1 is not recommended. Microdosing can be used for the in vivo phenotyping of CYP2C19 and CYP3A. The recommended microdose phenotyping test for CYP2C19 is measuring the omeprazole area-under-the-concentration-time curve over 24 h (AUC_0–24) after administration of a single 100 µg dose. CYP3A activity could be best determined with a 0.1–75 µg dose of midazolam, and subsequently measuring AUC extrapolated to infinity (AUC_∞) or clearance. Moreover, there are two metrics available for midazolam using a limited sampling strategy: AUC over 10 h (AUC_0–10) and AUC from 2 to 4 h (AUC_2–4).

Background and Objective

The prediction of pharmacokinetic parameters for drugs metabolised by cytochrome P450 enzymes has been the subject of active research for many years, while the application of in vitro–in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) techniques for non-cytochrome P450 enzymes has not been thoroughly evaluated. There is still no established quantitative method for predicting hepatic clearance of drugs metabolised by uridine 5′-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), not to mention those which undergo hepatic uptake. The objective of the study was to predict the human hepatic clearance for telmisartan based on in vitro metabolic stability and hepatic uptake results.

Methods

Telmisartan was examined in liver systems, allowing to estimate intrinsic clearance (CL_{int, in vitro}) based on the substrate disappearance rate with the use of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique. Obtained CL_{int, in vitro} values were corrected for corresponding unbound fractions. Prediction of human hepatic clearance was made from scaled unbound CL_{int, in vitro} data with the use of the well-stirred model, and finally referenced to the literature value of observed clearance in humans, allowing determination of the essential scaling factors.

Results

The in vitro scaled CL_{int, in vitro} by UGT1A3 was assessed using three systems, human hepatocytes, liver microsomes, and recombinant enzymes. Obtained values were scaled and hepatic metabolism clearance was predicted, resulting in significant clearance underprediction. Utilization of the extended clearance concept (ECC) and hepatic uptake improved prediction of hepatic metabolism clearance. The scaling factors for hepatocytes, assessing the in vitro–in vivo difference, changed from sixfold difference to only twofold difference with the application of the ECC.

Conclusions

The study showed that taking into consideration hepatic uptake of a drug allows us to obtain satisfactory scaling factors, hence enabling the prediction of in vivo hepatic glucuronidation from in vitro data.

Because of their high specificity, high affinity, and targeting, antibody drugs have been widely used in the treatment of many diseases and have become the most favored new drugs for research in the world. However, some antibody drugs (such as small-molecule antibody fragments) have a short half-life and need to be administered frequently, and are often associated with injection-site reactions and local toxicities during use. Increasing attention has been paid to the development of antibody drugs that are long-acting and have fewer side effects. This paper reviews existing strategies to achieve long-acting antibody drugs, including modification of the drug structure, the application of drug delivery systems, and changing their administration route. Among these, microspheres have been studied extensively regarding their excellent tolerance at the injection site, controllable loading and release of drugs, and good material safety. Subcutaneous injection is favored by most patients because it can be quickly self-administered. Subcutaneous injection of microspheres is expected to become the focus of developing long-lasting antibody drug strategies in the near future.

Background and objectives: Ocedurenone (KBP-5074) is a novel nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist that has demonstrated safety and efficacy in clinical trials in patients with uncontrolled hypertension and stage 3b/4 chronic kidney disease. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of ocedurenone in individuals with moderate hepatic impairment.

Methods: This study was an open-label, nonrandomized, multi-center study investigating the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of a single dose of 0.5 mg ocedurenone administered orally in male and female subjects with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B, score 7-9) compared with subjects with normal hepatic function. Serial blood samples were obtained from predose through 264 h postdose for analysis of ocedurenone concentrations using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Free ocedurenone concentrations in plasma were determined ex vivo using equilibrium dialysis.

Results: Following a single oral dose of 0.5 mg ocedurenone administered to subjects with moderate hepatic impairment and subjects with normal hepatic function, ocedurenone was steadily absorbed with median time to peak drug concentration (T_max) values of 4 and 3 h, respectively. After reaching maximum plasma concentration (C_max), the disposition of ocedurenone appeared to be biphasic. The geometric mean t_1/2 values for the moderate hepatic impairment group and normal hepatic function group were 75.6 and 65.7 h, respectively. Ocedurenone systemic exposure, as assessed by area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) was 23.5-26.6% lower in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment versus subjects with normal hepatic function, whereas C_max was 41.2% lower. Ocedurenone was determined to be > 99.7% bound to total protein in plasma. Hepatic impairment appeared not to change plasma protein binding or the unbound free fraction. Ocedurenone was safe and well-tolerated in all participants.

Conclusions: Considering the long half-life of ocedurenone and previously completed clinical studies using 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg doses demonstrating efficacy and safety, the observed decreases in AUC and C_max do not warrant a dose adjustment in patients with moderate hepatic impairment. A single 0.5 mg dose of ocedurenone was safe and well-tolerated when administered to subjects with moderate hepatic impairment and subjects with normal hepatic function. CLINICAL TRIAL IDENTIFIER ( WWW.

Clinicaltrials: GOV ): NCT04534699.

The gut microbiota, known as the second human genome, plays a vital role in modulating drug metabolism, significantly impacting therapeutic outcomes and adverse effects. Emerging research has elucidated that the microbiota mediates a range of modifications of drugs, leading to their activation, inactivation, or even toxication. In diverse individuals, variations in the gut microbiota can result in differences in microbe-drug interactions, underscoring the importance of personalized approaches in pharmacotherapy. However, previous studies on drug metabolism in the gut microbiota have been hampered by technical limitations. Nowadays, advances in biotechnological tools, such as microbially derived metabolism screening and microbial gene editing, have provided a deeper insight into the mechanism of drug metabolism by gut microbiota, moving us toward personalized therapeutic interventions. Given this situation, our review summarizes recent advances in the study of gut-microbiota-mediated drug metabolism and showcases techniques and models developed to navigate the challenges posed by the microbial involvement in drug action. Therefore, we not only aim at understanding the complex interaction between the gut microbiota and drugs and outline the development of research techniques and models, but we also summarize the specific applications of new techniques and models in researching gut-microbiota-mediated drug metabolism, with the expectation of providing new insights on how to study drug metabolism by gut microbiota.

Background and objectives: Tetramethylpyrazine nitrone (TBN) is a novel tetramethylpyrazine derivative armed with a strong free radical scavenging nitrone moiety. This study aims to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety profile, and tolerability of TBN tablets after a single ascending dose (SAD) and multiple ascending doses (MAD) in healthy Chinese volunteers.

Methods: This phase I, single-center, open-label study was conducted in China. The SAD portion consisted of four cohorts with dose levels of 400-1800 mg. The MAD portion included three cohorts in which subjects received doses of 600-1800 mg twice daily for 7 days (13 consecutive doses). The third portion was a randomized, two-period, crossover design to assess the influence of food with a single dose of TBN tablets (1200 mg). The safety profile was evaluated by monitoring adverse events (AEs), vital signs, electrocardiograms, physical examinations, and laboratory test results.

Results: Fifty-two healthy subjects aged 18 to 45 years with a body mass index between 19.0 and 26.0 kg/m² were enrolled. After a single dose of TBN, the median time to maximum plasma concentration (T_max) was 2.48-3.24 h and the mean half-life (t_1/2) was 1.28 to 2.10 h across all doses. In the MAD study, the median T_max was 2.48 to 3.48 h. In the 400-1800 mg dose range, there was a tendency for less than proportional increases in the maximum plasma concentration (C_max), the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to time of last measurable concentration (AUC_0-t), and the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to infinity (AUC_0-inf) in both single- and multiple-dose periods. A significantly higher TBN exposure was observed in females than males in both a single and multiple doses of the 600 mg and 1200 mg groups, with a geometric mean female-to-male ratio of 138.69-203.18%. Food decreased the C_max and AUC_0-t of TBN to 45.19% and 59.73%, respectively. Each dose group reached a steady state after 4 days. No drug accumulation was observed. Two subjects had drug-related AEs. A decreased neutrophil count and drug eruption in the SAD portion (1200 mg group) and an increased alanine aminotransferase level in the food effect group were found. All AEs were mild and tolerable (CTCAE grade 1) and resolved without any medical intervention.

Conclusion: TBN tablets had a good safety profile and were well tolerated in healthy Chinese volunteers. Steady-state concentrations were reached after 4 consecutive days of oral administration. The results of this phase I study will provide guidance for the design of future TBN clinical studies.

Chinese clinical trial registry: ChiCTR1900022092.