Pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of the novel beta-hCG derived immunomodulatory compound, EA-230

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AIMS: EA-230 is a newly developed synthetic linear tetrapeptide (AQGV) derived from the chorionic gonadotropin hormone (beta-hCG). We investigated the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of EA-230 in healthy subjects using different administration strategies. METHODS: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-escalating phase I studies in healthy subjects using intravenous administration were conducted. In the single dosage study, 32 subjects were assigned to four single dosage groups (1, 3, 10 or 30 mg/kg). In the multiple dosage study, 24 subjects were assigned to three dosage groups (10, 20 or 30 mg/kg, thrice daily for 3 days). In the continuous dosage study, 24 subjects were assigned to three dosage groups (15, 30, or 90 mg/kg/hour for 2 hours). Pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability assessments were performed up to 14 days. RESULTS: The highest dosage of EA-230 (continuous infusion of 90 mg/kg/hour for 2 hours) showed more than proportional increases in exposure (Cmax 136%; AUC0-last 137%), a large volume of distribution (geometric mean and 95% CI: 13 [3-58] L/kg), a high clearance rate (26 [15-43] L/h/kg), and a short half-life (0.35 [0.13-1.0] minutes). EA-230 was well tolerated and no safety concerns were observed. CONCLUSION: These dose-escalating phase I studies with different administration strategies reveal a pharmacokinetic profile of EA-230 with a large volume of distribution and a short half-life. Furthermore, EA-230 was well tolerated and no safety issues emerged. These results have enabled further clinical development in a phase IIa trial assessing the pharmacodynamics of this compound during systemic inflammation described elsewhere in this issue.