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The Multistate Tuberculosis Pharmacometric (MTP) model, a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic disease model, has been used to describe the effects of rifampicin on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) in vitro. The aim of this work was to investigate if the MTP model could be used to describe the rifampicin treatment response in an acute tuberculosis mouse model. Sixty C57BL/6 mice were intratracheally infected with M. tuberculosis H37Rv strain on Day 0. Fifteen mice received no treatment and were sacrificed on Days 1, 9 and 18 (5 each day). Twenty-five mice received oral rifampicin (1, 3, 9, 26 or 98 mg·kg−1·day−1; Days 1–8; 5 each dose level) and were sacrificed on Day 9. Twenty mice received oral rifampicin (30 mg·kg−1·day−1; up to 8 days) and were sacrificed on Days 2, 3, 4 and 9 (5 each day). The MTP model was linked to a rifampicin population pharmacokinetic model to describe the change in colony forming units (CFU) in the lungs over time. The transfer rates between the different bacterial states were fixed to estimates from in vitro data. The MTP model described well the change in CFU over time after different exposure levels of rifampicin in an acute tuberculosis mouse model. Rifampicin significantly inhibited the growth of fast-multiplying bacteria and stimulated the death of fast- and slow-multiplying bacteria. The data did not support an effect of rifampicin on non-multiplying bacteria possibly due to the short duration of the study. The pharmacometric modelling framework using the MTP model can be used to perform investigations and predictions of the efficacy of anti-tubercular drugs against different bacterial states. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10928-017-9508-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Purpose To explore different allometric equations for scaling clearance across the human life-span using propofol as a model drug. Methods Data from seven previously published propofol studies ((pre)term neonates, infants, toddlers, children, adolescents and adults) were analysed using NONMEM VI. To scale clearance, a bodyweight-based exponential equation with four different structures for the exponent was used: (I) 3/4 allometric scaling model; (II) mixture model; (III) bodyweight-cut-point separated model; (IV) bodyweight-dependent exponent model. Results Model I adequately described clearance in adults and older children, but overestimated clearance of neonates and underestimated clearance of infants. Use of two different exponents in Model II and Model III showed significantly improved performance, but yielded ambiguities on the boundaries of the two subpopulations. This discontinuity was overcome in Model IV, in which the exponent changed sigmoidally from 1.35 at a hypothetical bodyweight of 0 kg to a value of 0.56 from 10 kg onwards, thereby describing clearance of all individuals best. Conclusions A model was developed for scaling clearance over the entire human life-span with a single continuous equation, in which the exponent of the bodyweight-based exponential equation varied with bodyweight.

Purpose Glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a potential therapy for stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or drug addiction. However, GDNF does not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). GDNF is re-engineered as a fusion protein with a chimeric monoclonal antibody (MAb) to the human insulin receptor (HIR), which acts as a molecular Trojan horse to deliver the GDNF across the BBB. The pharmacokinetics (PK), toxicology, and safety pharmacology of the HIRMAb-GDNF fusion protein were investigated in Rhesus monkeys. Methods The fusion protein was administered as an intravenous injection at doses up to 50 mg/kg over a 60 h period to 56 Rhesus monkeys. The plasma concentration of the HIRMAb-GDNF fusion protein was measured with a 2-site sandwich ELISA. Results No adverse events were observed in a 2-week terminal toxicology study, and no neuropathologic changes were observed. The PK analysis showed a linear relationship between plasma AUC and dose, a large systemic volume of distribution, as well as high clearance rates of 8–10 mL/kg/min. Conclusions A no-observable-adverse-effect level is established in the Rhesus monkey for the acute administration of the HIRMAb-GDNF fusion protein. The fusion protein targeting the insulin receptor has a PK profile similar to a classical small molecule.

The citalopram for Alzheimer’s disease trial evaluated citalopram for the management for agitation in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Sparse data was available from this elderly patient population. A nonlinear mixed effects population pharmacokinetic modeling approach was used to describe the pharmacokinetics of R- and S-citalopram and their primary metabolite (desmethylcitalopram). A structural model with 4 compartments (one compartment/compound) with linear oral absorption and elimination described the data adequately. Overall, the model showed that clearance of the R-enantiomer was slower than the clearance of the S-enantiomer. Without accounting for any patient-specific covariates, the population estimate of the metabolic clearance of citalopram was 8.6 (R-citalopram) and 14 L/h (S-citalopram). The population estimate of the clearance of desmethylcitalopram was 23.8 (R-Dcit) and 38.5 L/h (S-Dcit). Several patient-specific covariates were found to have a significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of R,S-citalopram and desmethylcitalopram. A significant difference in the metabolic clearance of R-citalopram between males and females (13 vs 9.05 L/h) was identified in this analysis. Both R- and S-citalopram metabolic clearance decreased with age. Additionally, consistent with literature reports S-citalopram metabolic clearance increased with increasing body weight and was significantly influenced by CYPC19 genotype, with a difference of 5.8 L/h between extensive/rapid and intermediate/poor metabolizers. R,S-desmethylcitalopram clearance increased with increasing body weight. This model may allow for the opportunity to delineate the effect of R- and S-citalopram on pharmacodynamics outcomes related to the management of agitation in Alzheimer’s disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10928-015-9457-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Micafungin is an echinocandin with potent activity against a broad range of fungal species, including Candida species. The pharmacokinetic and safety profiles of micafungin have been evaluated in individuals with mild-to-moderate hepatic dysfunction, but not in individuals with severe hepatic dysfunction. Therefore, the present study assessed the pharmacokinetics and safety of a single 100 mg dose of micafungin in healthy subjects (n = 8) and subjects with severe hepatic dysfunction (n = 8). Mean maximum plasma concentration of micafungin and mean area under the plasma micafungin concentration–time curve extrapolated to infinity were lower in subjects with severe hepatic dysfunction (7.3 ± 2.4 µg/mL and 100.1 ± 34.5 h·μg/mL, respectively) than in subjects with normal hepatic function (10.3 ± 2.5 µg/mL and 142.4 ± 28.9 h·μg/mL, respectively). Mean clearance was higher in subjects with severe hepatic dysfunction (1,098 ± 347 mL/h) than in subjects with normal hepatic function (728 ± 149 mL/h). Concentrations of albumin in subjects with severe hepatic dysfunction were lower. Assessments of micafungin plasma protein binding suggested that the higher clearance in subjects with severe hepatic dysfunction may be due to higher unbound concentrations. However, the magnitude of the differences was not considered clinically meaningful and is comparable with exposures reported elsewhere for a 100-mg dose in patients treated for invasive candidiasis. Thus, dose adjustment in subjects with severe hepatic dysfunction is not warranted. Micafungin was well tolerated in all subjects throughout the study.

Diosmin is a flavonoid often administered in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, and related affections. Diosmin is rapidly hydrolized in the intestine to its aglicone, diosmetin, which is further metabolized to conjugates. In this study, the development and validations of three new methods for the determination of diosmetin, free and after enzymatic deconjugation, and of its potential glucuronide metabolites, diosmetin-3-O-glucuronide, diosmetin-7-O-glucuronide, and diosmetin-3,7-O-glucuronide from human plasma and urine are presented. First, the quantification of diosmetin, free and after deconjugation, was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, on an Ascentis RP-Amide column (150 × 2.1 mm, 5 μm), in reversed-phase conditions, after enzymatic digestion. Then glucuronide metabolites from plasma were separated by micro-liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry on a HALO C18 (50 × 0.3 mm, 2.7 μm, 90 A) column, after solid-phase extraction. Finally, glucuronides from urine were measured using a Discovery HSF5 (100 × 2.1 mm, 5 μm) column, after simple dilution with mobile phase. The methods were validated by assessing linearity, accuracy, precision, low limit of quantification, selectivity, extraction recovery, stability, and matrix effects; results in agreement with regulatory (Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency) guidelines acceptance criteria were obtained in all cases. The methods were applied to a pharmacokinetic study with diosmin (450 mg orally administered tablets). The mean C max of diosmetin in plasma was 6,049.3 ± 5,548.6 pg/mL. A very good correlation between measured diosmetin and glucuronide metabolites concentrations was obtained. Diosmetin-3-O-glucuronide was identified as a major circulating metabolite of diosmetin in plasma and in urine, and this finding was confirmed by supplementary experiments with differential ion-mobility mass spectrometry.

Introduction A pharmacokinetic (PK) model is proposed for estimation of total and free brain concentrations of fluvoxamine. Materials and methods Rats with arterial and venous cannulas and a microdialysis probe in the frontal cortex received intravenous infusions of 1, 3.7 or 7.3 mg.kg−1 of fluvoxamine. Analysis With increasing dose a disproportional increase in brain concentrations was observed. The kinetics of brain distribution was estimated by simultaneous analysis of plasma, free brain ECF and total brain tissue concentrations. The PK model consists of three compartments for fluvoxamine concentrations in plasma in combination with a catenary two compartment model for distribution into the brain. In this catenary model, the mass exchange between a shallow perfusion-limited and a deep brain compartment is described by a passive diffusion term and a saturable active efflux term. Results The model resulted in precise estimates of the parameters describing passive influx into (kin) of 0.16 min−1 and efflux from the shallow brain compartment (kout) of 0.019 min−1 and the fluvoxamine concentration at which 50% of the maximum active efflux (C50) is reached of 710 ng.ml−1. The proposed brain distribution model constitutes a basis for precise characterization of the PK–PD correlation of fluvoxamine by taking into account the non-linearity in brain distribution.

In the development of central nervous system (CNS)-targeted drugs, the prediction of human CNS target exposure is a big challenge. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations have often been suggested as a ‘good enough’ surrogate for brain extracellular fluid (brainECF, brain target site) concentrations in humans. However, brain anatomy and physiology indicates prudence. We have applied a multiple microdialysis probe approach in rats, for continuous measurement and direct comparison of quinidine kinetics in brainECF, CSF, and plasma. The data obtained indicated important differences between brainECF and CSF kinetics, with brainECF kinetics being most sensitive to P-gp inhibition. To describe the data we developed a systems-based pharmacokinetic model. Our findings indicated that: (1) brainECF- and CSF-to-unbound plasma AUC0–360 ratios were all over 100 %; (2) P-gp also restricts brain intracellular exposure; (3) a direct transport route of quinidine from plasma to brain cells exists; (4) P-gp-mediated efflux of quinidine at the blood–brain barrier seems to result of combined efflux enhancement and influx hindrance; (5) P-gp at the blood–CSF barrier either functions as an efflux transporter or is not functioning at all. It is concluded that in parallel obtained data on unbound brainECF, CSF and plasma concentrations, under dynamic conditions, is a complex but most valid approach to reveal the mechanisms underlying the relationship between brainECF and CSF concentrations. This relationship is significantly influenced by activity of P-gp. Therefore, information on functionality of P-gp is required for the prediction of human brain target site concentrations of P-gp substrates on the basis of human CSF concentrations. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10928-013-9314-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Purpose To evaluate and model the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior in rats of FG-3019, a human monoclonal antibody targeting connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Methods FG-3019, human CTGF (rhCTGF), or the N-terminal domain of rhCTGF were administered intravenously to rats and concentrations of these proteins as well as endogenous CTGF were determined by immunoassays. FG-3019, or 125I-labeled FG-3019, and human CTGF (rhCTGF) were co-administered to assess the impact of CTGF on the elimination rate and tissue localization of FG-3019, which was further characterized by immunohistochemical analysis. A PK/PD model for target-mediated elimination of FG-3019 was developed to fit the kinetic data. Results FG-3019 exhibited non-linear pharmacokinetics in rats. Circulating concentrations of the N-terminal half of CTGF increased after dosing with FG-3019, reached maximal levels after 1–5 days, and returned toward baseline levels as FG-3019 cleared from the circulation, whereas the concentration of intact CTGF was unaffected by administration of FG-3019. Co-administration of rhCTGF dramatically enhanced the rate of FG-3019 elimination, redistributing the majority of 125I-labeled FG-3019 from the blood to the liver, kidney, spleen and adrenal gland. FG-3019 co-administered with CTGF was found along the sinusoids of the liver and adrenal glands, the capillaries of the kidney glomeruli and in the spleen. A pharmacokinetic model for target-mediated elimination of FG-3019 was used to fit the time courses of FG-3019 and endogenous CTGF plasma concentrations, as well as time courses of rhCTGF and rhCTGF N-fragment after intravenous administration of these species. Conclusions FG-3019 is subject to target mediated elimination in rats. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11095-016-1918-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Purpose Bariatric surgery is nowadays commonly applied as treatment for morbid obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m2). As information about the effects of this procedure on a drug’s pharmacokinetics is limited, we aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of CYP3A probe substrate midazolam after oral and intravenous administration in a cohort of morbidly obese patients that was studied before and 1 year post bariatric surgery. Methods Twenty morbidly obese patients (aged 26–58 years) undergoing bariatric surgery participated in the study of which 18 patients returned 1 year after surgery. At both occasions, patients received 7.5 mg oral and 5 mg intravenous midazolam separated by 160 ± 48 min. Per patient and occasion, a mean of 22 blood samples were collected. Midazolam concentrations were analyzed using population pharmacokinetic modeling. Results One year after bariatric surgery, systemic clearance of midazolam was higher [0.65 (7%) versus 0.39 (11%) L/min, mean ± RSE (P

Background The UGT1A1*28 polymorphism, although closely linked with CPT-11-related adverse effects, cannot be used alone to guide individualized treatment decisions. However, CPT-11 dosage can be adjusted according to measured SN-38 pharmacokinetics. Our study is designed to investigate whether there is a relationship between SN-38 peak or valley concentrations and efficacy or adverse effects of CPT-11-based chemotherapy. We retrospectively studied 98 patients treated with advanced colorectal cancer in various UGT1A1*28 genotype groups (mainly (TA)6/(TA)6 and (TA)6/(TA)7 genotypes) treated with CPT-11 as first-line chemotherapy in Shanghai. Methods One hundred and sixty-four advanced colorectal cancer patients were enrolled. To understand differences in genotype expression, the frequency of UGT1A1*28 thymine–adenine (TA) repeats in TATA box arrangement was assessed by PCR with genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood. For ninety-eight cases with the (TA)6/(TA)6 and (TA)6/(TA)7 genotypes treated with CPT-11 as first-line chemotherapy, the plasma concentration of SN-38 was detected by HPLC 1.5 and 49 h after CPT-11 infusion. Efficacy and adverse effects were observed subsequently, and the relationship between SN-38 plasma concentration and efficacy or adverse effects within genotype groups, as well as differences in efficacy and adverse effects between (TA)6/(TA)6 and (TA)6/(TA)7 genotypes were analyzed statistically. Results One hundred and fourteen patients (69.51 %) were identified with the (TA)6/(TA)6 genotype, forty-eight patients (29.27 %) with the (TA)6/(TA)7 genotype, and two patients (1.22 %) with the (TA)7/(TA)7 genotype. The average peak and valley concentrations of SN-38 after CPT-11 infusion and plasma bilirubin average levels before and after CPT-11 treatment in the (TA)6/(TA)7 genotype group were all higher than those in (TA)6/(TA)6 group, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.00). Stepwise regression analysis showed that SN-38 peak and valley concentration was correlated with PFS in the (TA)6/(TA)6 genotype. In the (TA)6/(TA)7 group, SN-38 peak concentration was correlated with CPT-11 starting dose and OS, valley concentration correlated with plasma bilirubin levels before CPT-11 treatment, delayed diarrhea, and OS. For the (TA)6/(TA)6 genotype, mPFS of the SN-38 peak concentration >43.2 ng/ml subgroup was significantly longer than that of ≤43.2 ng/ml subgroup (8.0 ± 0.35 vs. 6.5 ± 0.79 months, χ2 = 17.18, p = 0.00) with a relatively high incidence of Grade I/II° myelosuppression; for the (TA)6/(TA)7 genotype, there was no significant difference in mOS between the SN-38 valley concentration >16.83 ng/ml and ≤16.83 subgroups (17.3 ± 0.45 vs. 18.8 ± 0.50 months, χ2 = 1.38, p = 0.24), but the former had a higher incidence of Grade III/IV° mucositis and delayed diarrhea. For 2 (TA)7/(TA)7 cases, although 25 % dose reduction of CPT-11, which is calculated according to body surface area, Grade IV° bone marrow suppression and Grade III° delayed diarrhea still occurred after CPT-11 treatment, though both adverse effects resolved and did not recur again after a 50 % dose reduction. Conclusion The (TA)6/(TA)6 genotype and (TA)6/(TA)7 genotype accounted for the most, and (TA)7/(TA)7 genotype only account for a very small portion of advanced colorectal cancer patients in Shanghai. For the (TA)6/(TA)6 genotype, CPT-11 dosage can be increased gradually to improve efficacy for patients with SN-38 peak concentration ≤43.2 ng/ml after CPT-11 infusion; and for (TA)6/(TA)7 genotype patients, CPT-11 dosage may be lowered appropriately to reduce serious adverse effects such as bone marrow suppression and delayed diarrhea without affecting the efficacy for those with SN-38 valley concentration >16.83 ng/ml. For (TA)7/(TA)7 genotype patients, adverse effects should be closely observed after treatment even if CPT-11 dosage has been reduced.

Dose selection for "first in children" trials often relies on scaling of the pharmacokinetics from adults to children. Commonly used approaches are physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modeling (PBPK) and allometric scaling (AS) in combination with maturation of clearance for early life. In this investigation, a comparison of the two approaches was performed to provide insight into the physiological meaning of AS maturation functions and their interchangeability. The analysis focused on the AS maturation functions established using paracetamol and morphine paediatric data after intravenous administration. First, the estimated AS maturation functions were compared with the maturation functions of the liver enzymes as used in the PBPK models. Second, absolute clearance predictions using AS in combination with maturation functions were compared to PBPK predictions for hypothetical drugs with different pharmacokinetic properties. The results of this investigation showed that AS maturation functions do not solely represent ontogeny of enzyme activity, but aggregate multiple pharmacokinetic properties, as for example extraction ratio and lipophilicity (log P). Especially in children younger than 1 year, predictions using AS in combination with maturation functions and PBPK were not interchangeable. This highlights the necessity of investigating methodological uncertainty to allow a proper estimation of the "first dose in children" and assessment of its risk and benefits.

Purpose Preliminary evidence has suggested a synergistic interaction between pregabalin and sildenafil for the treatment of neuropathic pain. The focus of this study was to determine the influence of sildenafil on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of pregabalin with the objective of informing the design of a quantitative pharmacodynamic (PD) study. Methods The pharmacokinetics were determined in rats following 2-hr intravenous infusions of pregabalin at doses of 4 mg/kg/hr and 10 mg/kg/hr with and without a sildenafil bolus (2.2 mg) and steady state infusion (12 mg/kg/hr for 6 h). This PK model was utilized in a preclinical trial simulation with the aim of selecting the optimal sampling strategy to characterize the PK-PD profile in a future study. Eight logistically feasible PK sampling strategies were simulated in NONMEM and examined through trial simulation techniques. Results A two-compartment population PK model best described pregabalin pharmacokinetics. Significant model covariates included either a binary effect of sildenafil administration (30.2% decrease in clearance) or a concentration-dependent effect due to sildenafil’s active metabolite. Conclusions Analysis of simulations indicated that three post-PD samples had the best cost/benefit ratio by providing a significant increase in the precision (and minor improvement in bias) of both PK and PD parameters compared with no PK sampling.

Purpose Acotiamide, a gastroprokinetic agent used to treat functional dyspepsia, is transported to at least two compartments in rat stomach. However, the role of these stomach compartments in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of acotiamide remains unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship of the blood and stomach concentration of acotiamide with its inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Methods Concentration profiles of acotiamide and acetylcholine (ACh) were determined after intravenous administration to rats and analyzed by physiologically-based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) model containing vascular space, precursor pool and deep pool of stomach. Results Acotiamide was eliminated from the blood and stomach in a biexponential manner. Our PBPK/PD model estimated that acotiamide concentration in the precursor pool exceeded 2 μM at approximately 2 h after administration. Acotiamide inhibited AChE activity in vitro with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 1.79 μM. ACh reached the maximum concentration at 2 h after administration. Conclusions Our PBPK model well described the profile of acotiamide and ACh concentration in the stomach in the assumption that acotiamide was distributed by carrier mediated process and inhibited AChE in the precursor pool of stomach. Thus, Acotiamide in the precursor pool plays an important role for producing the pharmacological action.

Purpose To evaluate pharmacokinetic profile, biodistribution and therapeutic effect of cationic thermosensitive liposomes (CTSL) encapsulating doxorubicin (Dox) upon mild hyperthermia (HT). Methods Non-targeted thermosensitive liposomes (TSL) and CTSL were developed, loaded with Dox and characterized. Blood kinetics and biodistribution of Dox-TSL and Dox-CTSL were followed in B16BL6 tumor bearing mice upon normothermia (NT) or initial hyperthermia conditions. Efficacy study in B16BL6 tumor bearing mice was followed with Dox-TSL or Dox-CTSL upon NT or HT. Efficacy study in LLC tumor bearing mice was performed upon two HT conditions. Intravital microscopy was performed on B16BL6 tumors implanted in dorsal-skin fold window-bearing mice. Results Targeting did not cause faster blood clearance of CTSL compared to TSL. Highest uptake of liposomes was observed in spleen, kidneys and liver. Applying HT prior to CTSL administration increased drug delivery to the tumor and CTSL delivered ~1.7 fold higher Dox concentration compared to TSL. Efficacy in B16BL6 murine melanoma showed that HT had a significant effect on CTSL in tumor suppression and prolonged survival. Efficacy in LLC Lewis lung carcinoma tumor model demonstrates that two HT treatments hold promises for a successful treatment option. Conclusion CTSL have potency to increase drug efficacy in tumors due to their targeted and drug release functions.

Contains fulltext : 155326.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) involves the measurement of plasma or serum drug concentration to adapt dosages to achieve predefined target concentrations that are associated with optimal clinical response while minimizing the chance of encountering toxicity. Many papers in the field of antifungal drugs have focused on the evidence that supports the use of TDM thereby emphasizing the breakpoints or target concentrations in general literature. This review focuses on the process of TDM to inform health care workers on the fundaments and prerequisites that safeguard the good application of TDM. Knowledge on the complete process of TDM including pharmacokinetics (and relevant covariates), pharmacodynamic aspects, trials that are necessary to provide us with evidence, translation of knowledge to other populations and pathogens, and implications for the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases (the process of TDM) are discussed in relevant detail. For each individual step, recommendations are made for the readers. We believe this will be a valuable resource and to be of added value to the many papers that focus on relations between exposure and efficacy or toxicity. It will help to achieve greater benefit of TDM.

Background In this paper the interactions between paclitaxel, doxorubicin and the metabolic enzyme CYP3A4 are studied using computational models. The obtained results are compared with those of available clinical data sets. Analysis of the drug-enzyme interactions leads to a recommendation of an optimized paclitaxel-doxorubicin drug regime for chemotherapy treatment. Methods A saturable multi-compartment pharmacokinetic model for the multidrug treatment of cancer using paclitaxel and doxorubicin in a combination is developed. The model’s kinetic equations are then solved using standard numerical methods for solving systems of nonlinear differential equations. The parameters were adjusted by fitting to available clinical data. In addition, we studied the interaction of each drug with the metabolic enzyme CYP3A4 through blind docking simulations to demonstrate that these drugs compete for the same metabolic enzyme and to show their molecular mode of binding. This provides a molecular-level justification for the introduction of interaction terms in the kinetic model. Results Using docking simulations we compared the relative binding affinities for the metabolic enzyme of the two chemotherapy drugs. Since paclitaxel binds more strongly to CYP3A4 than doxorubicin, an explanation is given why doxorubicin has no apparent influence upon paclitaxel, while paclitaxel has a profound effect upon doxorubicin. Finally, we studied different time sequences of paclitaxel and doxorubicin concentrations and calculated their AUCs. Conclusions We have found excellent agreement between our model and available empirical clinical data for the drug combination studied here. To support the kinetic model at a molecular level, we built an atomistic three-dimensional model of the ligands interacting with the metabolic enzyme and elucidated the binding modes of paclitaxel and doxorubicin within CYP3A4. Blind docking simulations provided estimates of the corresponding binding energies. The paper is concluded with clinical implications for the administration of the two drugs in combination.

Background and Objectives Previous pharmacokinetic studies of the inhaled corticosteroid, fluticasone furoate (FF), and the long-acting, beta2-receptor agonist, vilanterol (VI) have been performed in relatively small populations using non-compartmental pharmacokinetic methods and censored data (due to low drug exposure relative to assay sensitivity). This paper presents a population pharmacokinetic analysis, utilizing pooled concentration–time data from clinical studies in healthy subjects and from global trials in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The objective of this analysis was to characterize the population pharmacokinetics of FF and VI following once-daily inhalation dosing of FF/VI or the individual components (FF and VI) and to identify significant covariates that impact systemic exposure to FF and VI in this population. Methods Population pharmacokinetic methods that maximize the likelihood of all data were developed to describe systemic exposure to FF and VI following once-daily FF/VI, FF, or VI, and to identify significant covariates that impact the pharmacokinetics. COPD patients (N = 1225 for the FF analysis and N = 1091 for the VI analysis; 94 and 93 % of total data, respectively) and healthy subjects contributed to the analysis. Results FF data were described by a two-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination. The population grouping “race” was a significant covariate on inhaled clearance (CL/F). The area under the curve over 24 h (AUC0–24) for FF was higher for East Asian, Japanese, and South East Asian (average 23–30 %) and Asian Central, White Arabic, American Indian/Native Alaskan, and ‘other’ (10–26 %) subjects compared with White/Caucasians. VI pharmacokinetics were described by a three-compartment model with zero-order absorption and first-order elimination. Significant demographic covariates identified to affect pharmacokinetics of VI were age [on CL/F and central volume (V 1/F)], bodyweight (on CL/F), sex and smoking (on V 1/F). Conclusions While significant effects of the covariates were observed in this study, the magnitude of these effects on systemic exposure is not large enough to warrant FF/VI dosage adjustment in patients with COPD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13318-015-0303-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Introduction Dilmapimod is a potent p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor and was investigated in a study (NCT00996840) for its anti-inflammatory effect in non-head injury trauma patients at risk for developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The purpose of this paper is to present the details of the development of a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model, an empirical population placebo response model, and the exploration of a PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) model of dilmapimod. Methods A population PK model was developed to characterise the PK profile of dilmapimod in this patient population; the potential effect of available covariates on the PK of dilmapimod was evaluated. An empirical population placebo response model was conducted, and a population PK/PD model was explored to evaluate the relationship between dilmapimod concentration and C-reactive protein (CRP) (a systemic biomarker of p38 inhibition). All analyses were performed using NONMEM software. Results Following intravenous dosing, dilmapimod was quickly distributed to peripheral compartments and then slowly eliminated. The plasma concentration of dilmapimod was adequately described by a three-compartment model. It increased approximately proportionally to the increase in dose. The population clearance (CL) parameter value was 35.87 L/h, and the steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) [sum of the volume of distribution of the central compartment (Vc) and of the peripheral compartments V2 and V3] was 160 L. The effect of body mass index (BMI) on CL and inter-compartment clearance (Q2) was found statistically significant, with an increase in BMI of 1 kg/m2 resulting in a 1.79 L/h and 0.52 L/h increase in CL and Q2, respectively. The CRP profile post injury was adequately described by an indirect response model, with a sharp increase in the CRP levels following injury, followed by them slowly diminishing. Data exploration indicated potential drug effects of dilmapimod on inhibiting the production of CRP levels; however, the current small dataset did not show a statistically significant improvement in the PK/PD modelling. Conclusion The population PK modelling adequately evaluated the dilmapimod plasma concentration–time profiles in severe trauma subjects at risk for ARDS, and BMI was found to be a significant covariate in the PK model. An indirect response model was adequate to describe the production and degradation of CRP levels in these subjects.

In this paper, we investigate the pharmacokinetics and effect of doxorubicin and cisplatin in vascularized tumors through two-dimensional simulations. We take into account especially vascular and morphological heterogeneity as well as cellular and lesion-level pharmacokinetic determinants like P-glycoprotein (Pgp) efflux and cell density. To do this we construct a multi-compartment PKPD model calibrated from published experimental data and simulate 2-h bolus administrations followed by 18-h drug washout. Our results show that lesion-scale drug and nutrient distribution may significantly impact therapeutic efficacy and should be considered as carefully as genetic determinants modulating, for example, the production of multidrug-resistance protein or topoisomerase II. We visualize and rigorously quantify distributions of nutrient, drug, and resulting cell inhibition. A main result is the existence of significant heterogeneity in all three, yielding poor inhibition in a large fraction of the lesion, and commensurately increased serum drug concentration necessary for an average 50% inhibition throughout the lesion (the IC(50) concentration). For doxorubicin the effect of hypoxia and hypoglycemia ("nutrient effect") is isolated and shown to further increase cell inhibition heterogeneity and double the IC(50), both undesirable. We also show how the therapeutic effectiveness of doxorubicin penetration therapy depends upon other determinants affecting drug distribution, such as cellular efflux and density, offering some insight into the conditions under which otherwise promising therapies may fail and, more importantly, when they will succeed. Cisplatin is used as a contrast to doxorubicin since both published experimental data and our simulations indicate its lesion distribution is more uniform than that of doxorubicin. Because of this some of the complexity in predicting its therapeutic efficacy is mitigated. Using this advantage, we show results suggesting that in vitro monolayer assays using this drug may more accurately predict in vivo performance than for drugs like doxorubicin. The nonlinear interaction among various determinants representing cell and lesion phenotype as well as therapeutic strategies is a unifying theme of our results. Throughout it can be appreciated that macroscopic environmental conditions, notably drug and nutrient distributions, give rise to considerable variation in lesion response, hence clinical resistance. Moreover, the synergy or antagonism of combined therapeutic strategies depends heavily upon this environment.

Background Deflazacort is a synthetic corticosteroid characterized by a favourable pharmacokinetic profile, peculiar pharmacodynamic properties and a good safety profile. However, to the best of our knowledge, no dose-conversion table based on direct comparison of relative potencies between deflazacort and other main corticosteroids is currently available in scientific literature. Main body This paper, while reporting a brief review of deflazacort pharmacological properties, its efficacy and tolerability in different clinical areas, has been designed with the specific aim of providing a new dose-conversion table of corticosteroids, including for the first time also deflazacort. Short conclusion We suggest that this new conversion table could be a useful tool for physicians who need to select the appropriate dose of deflazacort in their clinical practice.

Background The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have complicated and poorly characterized pharmacokinetics. There are two binding sites per ACE (high affinity "C", lower affinity "N") that have sub-nanomolar affinities and dissociation rates of hours. Most inhibitors are given orally in a prodrug form that is systemically converted to the active form. This paper describes the first human physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of this drug class. Methods The model was applied to the experimental data of van Griensven et. al for the pharmacokinetics of ramiprilat and its prodrug ramipril. It describes the time course of the inhibition of the N and C ACE sites in plasma and the different tissues. The model includes: 1) two independent ACE binding sites; 2) non-equilibrium time dependent binding; 3) liver and kidney ramipril intracellular uptake, conversion to ramiprilat and extrusion from the cell; 4) intestinal ramipril absorption. The experimental in vitro ramiprilat/ACE binding kinetics at 4°C and 300 mM NaCl were assumed for most of the PBPK calculations. The model was incorporated into the freely distributed PBPK program PKQuest. Results The PBPK model provides an accurate description of the individual variation of the plasma ramipril and ramiprilat and the ramiprilat renal clearance following IV ramiprilat and IV and oral ramipril. Summary of model features: Less than 2% of total body ACE is in plasma; 35% of the oral dose is absorbed; 75% of the ramipril metabolism is hepatic and 25% of this is converted to systemic ramiprilat; 100% of renal ramipril metabolism is converted to systemic ramiprilat. The inhibition was long lasting, with 80% of the C site and 33% of the N site inhibited 24 hours following a 2.5 mg oral ramipril dose. The plasma ACE inhibition determined by the standard assay is significantly less than the true in vivo inhibition because of assay dilution. Conclusion If the in vitro plasma binding kinetics of the ACE inhibitor for the two binding sites are known, a unique PBPK model description of the Griensven et. al. experimental data can be obtained.

Background Methylphenidate (MPH) is commonly prescribed in the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. Concerta and Metadate CD are once-daily formulations of MPH using different delivery mechanisms resulting in different pharmacokinetic profiles. A recent study (COMACS) showed that for near-milligram (mg) equivalent daily doses, Metadate CD provides greater symptom control in the morning (1.5 through 4.5 hours post-dose), while Concerta provides greater control in the early evening (12 hours post-dose). Non-inferential comparison of effects for different dose levels of the two formulations suggested that equivalent levels of morning symptom control could be obtained with lower daily doses of Metadate CD than Concerta; the situation being reversed in the evening. The current paper presents a secondary analysis that provides a statistical test of these observations. Method The COMACS study was a multi-center, double-blind crossover study of Metadate CD, Concerta and placebo with each treatment administered for 1 week. Children were assigned on the basis of their pre-trial dosage to either high (Metadate CD 60 mg; Concerta 54 mg), medium (Metadate CD 40 mg; Concerta 36 mg) or low doses (Metadate CD 20 mg; Concerta 18 mg) of MPH, and attended a laboratory school on the 7th day for assessment at 7 sessions across the day. For the post-hoc comparisons across dose levels presented here, total SKAMP scores with the active treatments (adjusted for placebo response) were analyzed using an analysis of covariance, with a combined measure modeling placebo response across all time period as the covariate. Results Symptom control from 1.5 through 6.0 hours post-dose was as good with lower doses of Metadate CD (20 and 40 mg) as with higher doses of Concerta (36 and 54 mg, respectively). Lower daily doses of Concerta (18 and 36 mg) and higher doses of Metadate CD (40 and 60 mg, respectively) gave equivalent control at 7.5 and 12 hours with Metadate CD giving better control from1.5 through 6.0 hours post-dose. Conclusions Different delivery profiles of Metadate CD and Concerta can be exploited to limit total daily exposure to MPH while at the same targeting a specific, especially clinically significant, period of the day. These results need to be confirmed in a study in which children are randomly allocated to different dose levels of the two formulations and plasma MPH concentrations are assessed simultaneously.

Background Clinicians are encouraged to take an individualized approach when treating hypertension in patients of African ancestry, but little is known about why the individual patient may respond well to calcium blockers and diuretics, but generally has an attenuated response to drugs inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system and to β-adrenergic blockers. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the factors associated with the differential drug response of patients of African ancestry to antihypertensive drug therapy. Methods Using the methodology of the systematic reviews narrative synthesis approach, we sought for published or unpublished studies that could explain the differential clinical efficacy of antihypertensive drugs in patients of African ancestry. PUBMED, EMBASE, LILACS, African Index Medicus and the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency databases were searched without language restriction from their inception through June 2012. Results We retrieved 3,763 papers, and included 72 reports that mainly considered the 4 major classes of antihypertensive drugs, calcium blockers, diuretics, drugs that interfere with the renin-angiotensin system and β-adrenergic blockers. Pharmacokinetics, plasma renin and genetic polymorphisms did not well predict the response of patients of African ancestry to antihypertensive drugs. An emerging view that low nitric oxide and high creatine kinase may explain individual responses to antihypertensive drugs unites previous observations, but currently clinical data are very limited. Conclusion Available data are inconclusive regarding why patients of African ancestry display the typical response to antihypertensive drugs. In lieu of biochemical or pharmacogenomic parameters, self-defined African ancestry seems the best available predictor of individual responses to antihypertensive drugs.

Background Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, in combination with artesunate or amodiaquine, is recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria and is being evaluated for intermittent preventive treatment. Yet, limited data is available on pharmacokinetic interactions between these drugs. Methods In a randomized controlled trial, children aged 6-59 months with uncomplicated falciparum malaria, received either one dose of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine alone (SP), one dose of SP plus three daily doses of amodiaquine (SP+AQ) or one dose of SP plus 3 daily doses of artesunate (SP+AS). Exactly 100 μl of capillary blood was collected onto filter paper before drug administration at day 0 and at days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after drug administration for analysis of sulphadoxine and pyrimethamine pharmacokinetic parameters. Results Fourty, 38 and 31 patients in the SP, SP+AQ and SP+AS arms, respectively were included in this study. The concentrations on day 7 (that are associated with therapeutic efficacy) were similar between the SP, SP+AQ and SP+AS treatment arms for sulphadoxine (median [IQR] 35.25 [27.38-41.70], 34.95 [28.60-40.85] and 33.40 [24.63-44.05] μg/mL) and for pyrimethamine (56.75 [46.40-92.95], 58.75 [43.60-98.60] and 59.60 [42.45-86.63] ng/mL). There were statistically significant differences between the pyrimethamine volumes of distribution (4.65 [3.93-6.40], 4.00 [3.03-5.43] and 5.60 [4.40-7.20] L/kg; p = 0.001) and thus elimination half-life (3.26 [2.74 -3.82], 2.78 [2.24-3.65] and 4.02 [3.05-4.85] days; p < 0.001). This study confirmed the lower SP concentrations previously reported for young children when compared with adult malaria patients. Conclusion Despite slight differences in pyrimethamine volumes of distribution and elimination half-life, these data show similar exposure to SP over the critical initial seven days of treatment and support the current use of SP in combination with either AQ or AS for uncomplicated falciparum malaria treatment in young Malian children.