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Shashank Rohatagi

Publications and source records attributed to Shashank Rohatagi.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

Pharmacokinetics of otamixaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor, in healthy male subjects: pharmacokinetic model development for phase 2/3 simulation of exposure.

The pharmacokinetics of otamixaban was investigated in healthy male subjects over a wide range of intravenous doses, with duration of administration varying between 1-minute infusions (bolus dose) and 24-hour infusions, using noncompartmental and multicompartmental methods. A global compartmental analysis (2 and 3 compartments) generated a single set of pharmacokinetic parameters, regardless of infusion rate and duration, and took into account the 30% decrease in clearance and volume of distribution observed over the dose range. The 2-compartment model was retained to predict bolus plus 3-hour-infusion doses of otamixaban for future phase (2/3) studies. Otamixaban exhibited in healthy subjects several interesting pharmacokinetic features in view of its potential therapeutic use in coronary thrombosis: a rapid plasma distribution and elimination, a well-described dose-exposure relationship, a low intersubject variability in plasma exposure, and a mixed renal and biliary excretion with constant renal clearance.

Adolescent↗

Effect of IVL745, a VLA-4 antagonist, on allergen-induced bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Very late antigen (VLA-4) antagonists have been proposed as potential therapies for diseases in which cell recruitment and accumulation are causative. Asthma, which is characterized by airway inflammation involving the accumulation of eosinophils and mononuclear cells, is one such disease. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the effect of IVL745, a VLA-4 antagonist, on the early and late asthmatic response (LAR) and on markers of airway inflammation after allergen inhalation. METHODS: The study was of a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, 2-way crossover design. Sixteen subjects with mild-to-moderate asthma controlled with short-acting beta2-agonists only and with a LAR to inhaled allergen participated in the study. At one treatment period they took 20 mg of IVL745 and one treatment period placebo. Both treatments were taken twice daily for 7 days, with a single dose on day 8. Treatments were separated by a washout period of at least 2 weeks. On day 7 of each treatment period, sputum was induced and collected, and exhaled nitric oxide (NO) was measured. On day 8, an inhaled bolus allergen challenge was performed, and blood was taken for pharmacokinetics. On day 9, exhaled NO was measured, and a methacholine challenge was done. On day 10, sputum was induced and collected. Adverse events, peak expiratory flow (PEF), use of short-acting beta2-agonists, and asthma symptoms were recorded daily throughout the study. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between IVL745 and placebo in the effect on the LAR after allergen challenge, as measured by the area under the curve of the percentage change in FEV1 from the prechallenge baseline (mean [SEM], -81.99 [18.80] after IVL745 and -72.58 [21.29] after placebo; 95% CI of difference, -36 to 16.8; P = .46) or by the maximum percentage change from the prechallenge baseline (mean [SEM], -23.44 [4.73] after IVL745 and -21.30 [5.17] after placebo; 95% CI of difference, -11 to 6.29; P = .60). There was a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of eosinophils in sputum on day 7 of treatment with IVL745 (mean [SEM], 7.32 [1.46]) compared with placebo (mean [SEM], 15.00 [1.92]; 95% CI of difference, -13 to -1.2; P = .02). There was no statistically significant difference between IVL745 and placebo with respect to the early asthmatic response, methacholine hyperresponsiveness, exhaled NO, postallergen sputum, symptoms, inhaled beta2-agonist use, or PEF. CONCLUSION: In patients with mild-to-moderate atopic asthma, IVL745 did not affect the early and late response to inhaled allergen or markers of airway inflammation, except for a modest reduction in sputum eosinophils.

Adult↗

Are there lessons to be learned from drug development that will accelerate the use of molecular imaging probes in the clinic?

This special issue of the journal contains contributions from participants of the third La Jolla meeting (The Magic Bullet: A Century Later). The goal of this meeting was twofold: to review approaches to validating molecular imaging agents and to review the progress in advancing the use of molecular imaging from the bench to the bedside, with a special emphasis on how molecular imaging improves patient care and management. Drug development has changed its focus over the years. The original approach depended on direct measurements in patients, whereby, in many cases, the drug was advanced to an NDA based on physiological results (e.g., lowering blood pressure) without identifying a target. Over the past decade, the focus has been on validating a target and choosing the lead compound using combinatorial chemistry and high throughput screening, often at the expense of a focus on the biology of diseases. On the other hand, molecular imaging has been target based since its beginning because of the requirements dictated by external imaging (i.e., a target-to-nontarget ratio). This article explores the possible analogies between current targeted drug development and molecular imaging-targeted probe development with the goal of better defining the path to new molecular imaging probes for the clinic.

Animals↗

Ciclesonide, a novel inhaled steroid, does not affect hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in patients with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma.

BACKGROUND: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) reduce local airway inflammation, which is an underlying cause of asthma symptoms. However, potential systemic side effects associated with ICS use are a major concern for asthmatic patients. METHODS: Adult patients (n = 60; > or = 18 years of age) with moderate-to-severe asthma were randomized to receive 4 weeks of treatment with ciclesonide (CIC), 320 microg bid (CIC 640), CIC, 640 microg bid (CIC 1280), fluticasone propionate (FP), 440 microg bid (FP 880), FP 880 microg bid (FP 1760), or placebo (PBO) [all doses expressed as ex-actuator; comparable to ex-valve doses of 800 and 1,600 microg/d for CIC and 1,000 and 2,000 microg/d for FP, respectively]. RESULTS: After 29 days of treatment, CIC 640, CIC 1280, and FP 880 had no significant effect on the mean serum cortisol area under the curve for 0 to 24 h (AUC0-24h). FP 1760 produced a statistically significant suppression in mean serum cortisol AUC0-24h compared to PBO (p = 0.0009; 95% confidence interval [CI] -117.5 [corrected] to -32.1). Results obtained with cosyntropin stimulation revealed no statistically significant differences among the groups. The CIC 640 group demonstrated a significant increase compared to the PBO group in 24-h urinary cortisol levels from baseline at week 4 (p = 0.0224; 95% CI, 0.0023 to 0.0283), while the other treatment groups revealed no change in this parameter. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was similar in all groups, and all adverse events were mild or moderate in severity. CONCLUSION: Treatment with moderate and high doses of CIC does not result in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis suppression as compared with PBO.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Risk-benefit value of inhaled glucocorticoids: a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic perspective.

Inhaled glucocorticoids induce therapeutic and adverse systemic effects via the same types of receptors. Analysis of the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters of inhaled glucocorticoids generates a risk-benefit value (RBV). Targeted efficacy with minimal adverse effects helps to quantify an appropriate RBV. High lung deposition/targeting, high receptor binding, longer pulmonary retention, and high lipid conjugation are among the pharmacokinetic parameters to be considered for improved efficacy of the compound. Low or negligible oral bioavailability, small particle size and inactive drug at the oropharynx, high plasma protein binding, rapid metabolism, high clearance, and lower systemic concentrations are associated with low risks for adverse effects. Inhaled glucocorticoid potency is enhanced by solution inhalers, which result in higher pulmonary deposition and minimize local adverse effects. These properties, among others, determine the efficacy and safety of inhaled glucocorticoids. Currently available inhaled glucocorticoids do not provide the complete pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters to optimize RBV, leaving room for improvement in the development of future agents.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Estimating mass balance for inhaled drugs in humans: an example with a VLA-4 antagonist, IVL745.

IVL745 is an inhaled VLA-4 antagonist developed for the treatment of asthma. Following inhalation (Inh), a fraction of the drug is deposited in the oropharynx, and the rest is deposited in the lungs. For inhaled drugs, it is technically and ethically difficult to formulate and administer radiolabeled drugs. Hence, if the drug is metabolically stable in the lungs, mass balance and metabolism of inhaled drugs, such as IVL745, can be determined by administering radiolabeled intravenous (IV) and oral drugs and by comparing with the data following Inh administration. The study was a three-period crossover design in 6 healthy subjects to evaluate the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination following IV and oral administration of (14)C-IVL745 (4 mg/50 microCi) and inhaled (10-mg) dose. Serial sampling of blood and excreta was performed maximally up to 168 hours postdose. Plasma IVL745 concentrations were determined using a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method with a minimum quantifiable limit of 10 pg/mL. Overall, the drug was safe and well tolerated. The recovery of the radioactive dose varied from 94.8% to 117% for both IV and oral administration. Following IV administration, 90.2% of the radioactive dose was recovered in the feces, suggesting extensive biliary excretion of the drug. After oral administration, 99.7% of the radioactivity was recovered in the feces, and no radioactivity was detected in plasma, suggesting lack of absorption of the drug. Negligible (14)C-radioactivity concentrations were observed in the red blood cell fractions. The mean t(1/2) values were 1.6, 1.5, and 4.4 hours following IV, oral, and Inh administration, respectively. The oral bioavailability of IVL745 was low (< 2%), and the inhaled bioavailability was 26%. The volume of distribution at steady state (V(ss)) was low (19.0 L). The predicted blood clearance of IVL745 was 86 L/h, which was comparable to the commonly used liver blood flow value of 90 L/h. Only a minor fraction of the dose was excreted in the urine with low to moderate renal clearance. The parent drug accounted for 77% to 89% of the dosed radioactivity in excreta. Two major metabolites observed in excreta were mono-o-desmethyl IVL745 and di-o-desmethyl IVL745. The data showed that the drug had negligible oral bioavailability, low oral absorption, 26% inhaled bioavailability, low extent of metabolism, high biliary excretion, and low renal clearance. This knowledge may aid in the prediction of potentially relevant drug-drug interactions and dosing adjustments in high-risk populations for IVL745.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Effect of food on pharmacokinetics of an inhaled drug: a case study with a VLA-4 antagonist, HMR1031.

HMR1031 is a potent and specific antagonist of the integrin VLA-4 (alpha4beta1) binding to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and fibronectin. HMR1031 is an inhaled drug being developed for the treatment of asthma using an Ultrahaler dry-powder inhalation device. A pharmacoscintigraphic study of HMR1031 suggests a lung deposition of approximately 25% and gastrointestinal tract deposition of approximately 75%. Since oral absorption may be contributing to systemic plasma concentrations, the effect of food on HMR1031 was assessed. This was a single-dose (3 mg), open-label, randomized, two-way crossover (fasted vs. fed) study in 8 healthy male subjects. Blood samples were collected at predose and up to 24 hours postdose. Plasma concentrations were determined by the LC/MS/MS method. HMR1031 was rapidly absorbed, with median tmax values of 1.0 and 0.75 hours under fasted and fed conditions, respectively. Under fasted conditions, mean AUCinfinity and Cmax values were 16.4 ng x h/mL and 4.56 ng/mL, respectively. Under fed conditions, mean AUCinfinity and Cmax values decreased to 11.7 ng x h/mL and 2.81 ng/mL, respectively. The mean terminal elimination half-life (t1/2) for both treatment groups was similar (2.7 h). HMR1031 population estimates of the apparent clearance, apparent volume of distribution, and absorption rate were 225 L/h (4.1% coefficient of variation [CV]), 44.5 L (26% CV), and 0.340 h-1 (7.0% CV), respectively. Food is a significant covariate on clearance. These data suggest that food unexpectedly decreases the systemic exposure of inhaled HMR1031 by approximately 30%, probably due to increased liver blood flow and increased biliary excretion. This decrease in systemic exposure is unlikely to affect the topical effect of the drug but may result in increased variability in plasma pharmacokinetics. The disposition and food effect of HMR1031 can be described using mixed-effect modeling.

Absorption↗

The Effect of Dosing Regimen and Food on the Bioavailability of the Extensively Metabolized, Highly Variable Drug Eldepryl(®) (Selegiline Hydrochloride).

The pharmacokinetics of oral selegiline hydrochloride were examined in two crossover studies in healthy volunteers: a 5-mg b.i.d. administration in the fed-versus-fasted state and a 5-mg b.i.d. versus 10-mg q.d. multiple-dose administration. Food increased the systemic exposure of selegiline, while metabolite levels (N-desmethylselegiline, L-amphetamine and L-methamphetamine) were unaffected. Mean selegiline C(max) and AUC(t) increased by threefold in the fed state. Following multiple doses, selegiline and metabolites accumulate from single-dose exposure. The extent of accumulation was greatest for selegiline. Trough levels of 3.3 and 6.0 ng / mL for L-amphetamine and L-methamphetamine suggest that steady state was achieved by the third dosing day for these metabolites. The mean half-life of selegiline and N-desmethylselegiline of 8.6 and 9.5 h, respectively, was substantially longer than that obtained in single-dose experiments (1.5 and 3.8 h, respectively). Once- and twice-daily regimens were not equivalent with respect to selegiline pharmacokinetics. While minor differences in N-desmethylselegiline pharmacokinetics was observed, L-amphetamine and L-methamphetamine pharmacokinetics were unaffected by dosing regimen. Pharmacokinetic parameters describing selegiline plasma levels from a single 10-mg dose did not predict the plasma concentrations obtained from 5-mg b.i.d. dosing. The effects of food and regimen on selegiline pharmacokinetics are consistent with highly extracted compounds in which absorption or metabolism is site specific. These factors contribute to the high variability in selegiline plasma levels following oral dosing. The prolonged half-lives of selegiline and N-desmethylselegiline with multiple dosing may be the result of binding to the mitochondrial monoamine oxidase type B pool. Given the lack of correlation of the selegiline plasma profile following twice-daily administration with single-dose data, the assessment of bioavailability and meaningful relationships between selegiline plasma levels and pharmacologic response is best studied in a twice-daily, multiple-dose setting.

Journal Article↗

Mass balance study of [14C]M100240, a dual angiotensin-converting enzyme/neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, in healthy male subjects.

[4S-[4alpha,7alpha(R*),12bbeta]]-7[[2-(acetylthio)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropyl]amino]-1,2,3,4,6,7,8,12b-octahydro-6-oxo-pyrido[2,1-a][2]benzazepine-4-carboxylic acid (M100240) is an acetate thioester of MDL 100,173-a dual angiotensin-converting enzyme/neutral endopeptidase inhibitor currently in phase II development. The mass balance of [(14)C]M100240 was assessed following oral administration of [(14)C]M100240. Healthy male subjects were given a single 25-mg dose of [(14)C]M100240 (50 microCi) as an oral solution under fasting conditions. Blood samples and excreta were collected postdose. (14)C-radioactivity was measured by liquid scintillation counting. Plasma concentrations of M100240 and MDL 100,173 were determined by LC/MS/MS methods. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. About 98% of the total radioactive dose was recovered within 7 days of oral administration, with most of the radioactivity recovered within 72 hours. Of the recovered radioactive dose, 49.4% and 48.5% were recovered in the urine and feces, respectively. Unchanged M100240 and MDL 100,173 were not detected in the excreta. On average, 76% of the total radioactivity in the blood was associated with the plasma fraction. M100240 accounted for less than 0.06% of the (14)C-radioactivity in plasma and MDL 100,173 accounted for 15.8% (AUC( infinity )) of (14)C-radioactivity in plasma after oral dosing. These data suggest that the drug was absorbed but rapidly converted to its metabolites either presystemically or postsystemically. Up to 78% of the total radioactivity was identified as MDL 100,173. The apparent terminal elimination half-life of MDL 100,173 was longer than that of (14)C-radioactivity, attributable to assay sensitivity and the saturable binding phenomenon commonly associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. M100240 undergoes extensive metabolism in humans, and its metabolites are excreted relatively equally in feces and urine.

Administration, Oral↗

Pharmacoscintigraphic comparison of HMR 1031, a VLA-4 antagonist, in healthy volunteers following delivery via a nebulizer and a dry powder inhaler.

A pharmacoscintigraphic study was conducted to compare the dose deposition of HMR 1031 from the existing nebulizer formulation and the new Ultrahaler device to help determine the doses for future phase 2 trials. This was a single-dose, open-label, randomized, two-way crossover study in which HMR 1031 (3 mg) was delivered by the Ultrahaler and the Pari LC Star nebulizer to 12 healthy male subjects. For both treatments, the formulations were radiolabeled with technetium-99m pertechnetate such that a maximum of 10 MBq was delivered on each study day. Scintigraphic images were acquired immediately after dosing to estimate the percentage of the dose delivered to the lungs and oropharynx. Serial plasma samples were collected up to 12 hours post-dose on each occasion and analyzed for HMR 1031 by a LC/MS/MS method with a lower limit of quantitation of 10 pg/mL (0.01 ng/mL). Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated for HMR 1031 using noncompartmental methods. No serious adverse events were reported. The systemic absorption of HMR 1031 following inhalation administration was relatively rapid, with median T(max) values of 0.5 hours and 1.0 hours post-dose after administration via Ultrahaler and nebulizer, respectively. The mean plasma AUC(0-12) (Ultrahaler, 15.8 ng*h/mL; nebulizer, 11.1 ng*h/mL) and C(max) (Ultrahaler, 4.96 ng/mL; nebulizer, 2.28 ng/mL) values were approximately 42% and 118% higher for the Ultrahaler compared with the nebulizer. The mean terminal half-life of HMR 1031 was similar after administration from both devices (2.91 and 3.18 hours). Based on the scintigraphic data, the lung deposition of HMR 1031 after administration by Ultrahaler (24.6% of the administered dose) was approximately 37% higher compared with the lung deposition from the nebulizer (18.0% of the administered dose). This observation was in agreement with the relative difference in the plasma AUC values achieved after administration of the two formulations. The in vivo results based on the scintigraphic data were also comparable with those from in vitro studies for the Ultrahaler. Based on the ratio of the dose delivered by both the formulations, the required doses for the future Ultrahaler formulation can be predicted.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of a lipid-lowering adenosine A1 agonist, RPR749, in healthy subjects.

RPR749 and its methylated metabolite are orally active and selective adenosine A(1) agonists that can inhibit lipolysis and lower plasma triglyceride levels in a variety of animal models. RPR749 also appears to lower free fatty acid (FFA) and insulin levels and may have additional lipid-modifying effects. This double-blind, single increasing-dose, placebo-controlled, parallel group, randomized study, the first done in humans, evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics (effect on FFA) after a single oral dose of up to 200 mg RPR749 or placebo. Six parallel groups of 8 healthy men (6 active and 2 placebo/group) were enrolled in the study. Plasma samples were collected for up to 72 hours post-dose. RPR749 and its metabolite RPR772 concentrations were measured by a validated LC/MS/MS method with a minimal quantifiable limit of 1 ng/mL. RPR749 was safe and well tolerated as a single oral dose up to 200 mg. The mean plasma concentrations of RPR749 were approximately 30-fold higher than the mean RPR772 plasma concentrations. The mean terminal half-life (t(1/2)) of RPR749 and RPR772 were similar (approximately 16.4 hours). Mean values for serum insulin, triglycerides, glycerol, and blood glucose remained within normal ranges. Mean FFA concentrations in serum decreased in all treatment groups with the maximal decrease in the 200-mg dose group. In conclusion, RPR749 has the ability to reduce circulating levels of FFA that can be related to plasma RPR749 concentrations and thus possesses pharmacological properties that may be beneficial in treating coronary artery diseases and hyperlipidemia.

Adenosine A1 Receptor Agonists↗

Development of a dry powder inhaler, the Ultrahaler, containing triamcinolone acetonide using in vitro-in vivo relationships.

Triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) is safe and effective corticosteroid that is marketed as an MDI (metered dose inhaler) (Azmacort) for the treatment of asthma. A novel dry powder inhaler (DPI), the Ultrahaler, has been developed to deliver Azmacort as another alternative to provide non-CFC formulation for the asthmatic patients. The Ultrahaler is breath actuated and, unlike MDI, does not require coordination of inhalation with the actuation of the device. However, with the Ultrahaler device, like any dry powder inhalation device, the challenge was the on-target and uniform delivery of the drug at the site of action (lungs) with different dose strengths. Due to the complexities of oral inhaled formulations and the topical nature of drug delivery to the lung for efficacy, the reformulation requires careful consideration and support throughout their development, using a combination of in vitro and in vivo studies. This paper describes in vitro studies and two clinical pharmacokinetic studies conducted in a sequence that helped to establish optimum doses for the Ultrahaler. In vitro data were used to guide the initial selection of doses that were then compared in vivo using a pharmacokinetic study with a charcoal block. The in vitro tests included quantifying the target-delivered dose, dose uniformity throughout the life of the device, and the particle size distribution. Particle size distribution was measured using multistage liquid impinger (MSLI) or the Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI). For in vitro testing, TAA was measured by HPLC methods. Based on the preliminary in vitro data for the respirable fraction, dose strengths with an MDI and the Ultrahaler for the first study were determined. The in vivo assessment consisted of a four-way crossover study following oral inhalation using both MDI (75 and 225 microg/actuation, reference treatment) and comparable respirable doses in the DPI (130 and 360 microg/actuation) devices in healthy volunteers in the presence (lung deposition) and absence (lung and oropharynx deposition) of the charcoal block. Plasma TAA concentrations were determined using a radioimmunoassay (RIA) method. The in vitro data also showed dose proportionality with DPI formulation, and the doses delivered were within 13% of the target doses. A measure of dose uniformity, the relative standard deviation (%RSD) of dose, was less than 15%. Plasma TAA exposure of DPI formulations was compared with that of MDI formulations. Mean ratios (DPI/MDI) of the AUCinf were close to unity for the lower dose strength. However, for the higher dose strength, plasma exposure was higher with the Ultrahaler formulation as compared with the MDI formulation (mean AUCinf DPI/MDI ratios: 1.96). These differences seem to be due to less than proportional increases in the MDI formulation. Based on these results and using the higher dose strength of the MDI as the comparator, the new dose strengths of the Ultrahaler were chosen, ie, 100, 225, and 450 mug/actuation. Plasma TAA concentrations were measured by LC/MS/MS methods. The mean TAA concentrations and AUCinf and Cmax values increased in a dose-proportional manner with an increase in dose for the DPI formulation. The pharmacokinetic parameters showed low variability (10%-33%). Fine particle mass (in vitro testing) and TAA exposure in plasma following DPI administration were compared. Fine particle performance in vitro related well with in vivo pharmacokinetic performance (R=AUCinf-0.9998, Cmax-0.9956). In conclusion, in vitro and in vivo data were in agreement and good control over the target-dose delivery and dose proportionality could be achieved in the early stages of the development of the Ultrahaler device and were critical in guiding and ensuring the success of the reformulation efforts for Azmacort.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Model-based covariate pharmacokinetic analysis and lack of cortisol suppression by the new inhaled corticosteroid ciclesonide using a novel cortisol release model.

Ciclesonide is a novel and effective inhaled corticosteroid for the treatment of asthma that is converted into the active metabolite C21-desisobutyryl-ciclesonide (des-CIC) in the lung. The objectives of this analysis were to characterize covariate effects on des-CIC pharmacokinetics (PK) and circadian cortisol release. In addition, the effect of systemic des-CIC exposure on circadian cortisol release was also evaluated. Data from 12 phase I and 3 phase III studies in adults and 2 phase III studies in children (ex-actuator dose of ciclesonide: 40-2880 microg) were pooled. There were 635 subjects in the analysis with 5238 and 4470 observations recorded for concentrations of des-CIC and cortisol, respectively. The des-CIC PK was described using a 1-compartment model with first-order absorption and no clinically relevant differences in des-CIC PK due to body weight, race, asthma severity, or gender. The mean PK parameters estimates of apparent clearance and apparent volume of distribution were 302 L/h and 1310 L, respectively. A 1-compartment model with first-order absorption, an endogenous "predose" cortisol concentration at dose interval and a lag time based on a fixed, hypothetical cortisol dosing time of 10:00 PM could adequately characterize the circadian rhythm of endogenous cortisol release. The potential effect of des-CIC on the circadian rhythm of endogenous cortisol release was evaluated using dose and AUC as covariates and applying the Emax model. Less than 1% of all observed des-CIC concentrations were higher than the EC50 for cortisol suppression, indicating negligible changes in cortisol concentrations at therapeutically relevant doses.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Ciclesonide disposition and metabolism: pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and excretion in the mouse, rat, rabbit, and dog.

The pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and excretion of ciclesonide, a novel and effective inhaled glucocorticoid for the treatment of asthma, were investigated after intravenous and oral administration of 14C-ciclesonide in the mouse, rat, rabbit, and dog. The pharmacokinetics of ciclesonide in all animal species were characterized by a low oral bioavailability (approximately 6% or less), a high clearance, and a large volume of distribution. The apparent terminal half-life of ciclesonide was short; the apparent terminal half-life of the active desisobutyryl-ciclesonide metabolite (des-CIC or M1) was longer and ranged from 2.4 to 6.9 hours in the 4 species. Metabolites derived from ciclesonide in serum (or plasma) and excreta samples from the 4 animal species were profiled and identified by LC/RAM/MS (liquid chromatography/radioactivity monitor/mass spectrometry). Ciclesonide was extensively metabolized to yield des-CIC, which was further metabolized to primarily yield hippuric acid and hydroxylated metabolites, namely, isomers of cyclohexane-monohydroxylated des-CIC and B-ring-monohydroxylated des-CIC. Greater than 90% of intravenous and oral 14C-ciclesonide doses were recovered in all species; the main elimination route was fecal/biliary. A comparison of in vitro and in vivo metabolite profiles between mice, rats, rabbits, and dogs with those from humans indicated that metabolic pathways for ciclesonide were qualitatively similar in humans and in the 4 animal species.

Administration, Oral↗

Protein binding and its potential for eliciting minimal systemic side effects with a novel inhaled corticosteroid, ciclesonide.

Freely circulating, protein unbound, active inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) can cause systemic adverse effects. Desisobutyryl-ciclesonide (des-CIC) is the active metabolite of ciclesonide, an effective, novel ICS for persistent asthma. This study examines the free fraction of ciclesonide and des-CIC and determines whether the presence of other agents or disease states affects protein binding. Protein binding of des-CIC (0.5, 5.0, 25, 100, and 500 ng/mL) was determined, using both equilibrium dialysis and ultrafiltration, in plasma from humans (healthy and either renally or hepatically impaired) and several animal species and in the presence of either salicylates or warfarin. Dialyzed samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectroscopy to determine both free and bound concentrations of des-CIC. After ultrafiltration, spiked plasma plus H-des-CIC was separated into free and bound fractions by centrifugation and quantified by scintillation counting. Additionally, in another study, protein binding of ciclesonide was determined by equilibrium dialysis. For equilibrium dialysis, the mean percentages of des-CIC (0.5-500 ng/mL) plasma protein binding across species were high, approximately 99%, and no apparent saturation of protein binding was observed. Results were similar for ultrafiltration analysis. Protein binding of des-CIC did not change in the presence of warfarin or salicylates or in the plasma of renally or hepatically impaired patients. The protein binding of ciclesonide was 99.4% in human serum. The very low fraction of unbound des-CIC in the systemic circulation suggests minimal systemic exposure of unbound des-CIC, thus suggesting a low potential for systemic adverse effects after administration of inhaled ciclesonide.

Animals↗