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Clinical pharmacology studies in patients with renal impairment: past experience and regulatory perspectives.

The objective of this report is to provide a regulatory perspective on the quality of pharmacokinetic studies in renal impairment (RI) studies submitted in support of new drug applications (NDAs) or supplements to NDAs (sNDAs) submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Fifty-one NDA and 20 sNDA submissions reviewed between 1996 and 1997 by the Office of Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmaceutics were evaluated for the following: (1) whether an RI study was conducted; (2) contribution of the renal clearance to the overall clearance in subjects without renal impairment; (3) degree of plasma protein binding (%PB) in subjects without renal impairment; (4) dose proportionality of single and multiple doses; (5) study design, including dosing regimen; (6) definition of renal impairment; (7) stratification of renal functions; (8) number of subjects/group; (9) data analysis and interpretation; and (10) impact on labeling. Results of the analysis indicated that 67% of the NDAs and 30% of supplemental NDAs contained RI-studies (34/51 for NDAs and 6/20 for sNDAs). No obvious differences in the pharmacokinetic characteristics (e.g., percentage excreted unchanged in urine and %PB) were observed between drugs for which RI studies were conducted versus those not conducted. Most studies conducted were designed as single dose (70%). Seventy-five percent of the studies used doses within the therapeutic dosage range of the drug. The measured 24-hour creatinine clearance was most often used to assess the renal function. Stratification of renal function ranged from one to five groups, with 6 to 8 subjects enrolled per group. In most studies conducted (38/40), data were analyzed by point estimate using ANOVA. Results of RI studies were adequately reflected in the labeling. The survey reveals that RI study design can be improved for regulatory review purposes. In part based on this analysis, the FDA has prepared a guidance that provides recommendations on the design, analysis, and impact on dosing and labeling for RI studies to include recommendations on when RI studies do not need to be performed. The guidance proposes an equivalence approach with confidence intervals, as opposed to a point estimate approach, to assess the impact of RI on systemic exposure measures.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Pharmacokinetic strategies in deciphering atypical drug absorption profiles.

Drug absorption is a very complex process that manifests itself through potential interaction with a host of physicochemical and physiological variables. Some factors that may affect the absorption processes include presystemic metabolism/efflux, the "absorption window" along the gastrointestinal tract, disease states, demographics (gender, age, ethnicity), and biopharmaceutical classification of solid dosage forms. Despite the complexity of the absorption processes, the analysis of the absorption kinetic data is mostly empirical, and the assumption of first-order absorption is axiomatic. Nevertheless, we often encounter irregular drug absorption profiles (such as double-peak, absorption window-type absorption profiles, etc.) that cannot be satisfactorily described by a simple first-order absorption process. The selection of an inappropriate absorption model would result in the misspecification of the pharmacokinetic model and subsequent erroneous prediction of the dosing regimen. This article presents several pharmacokinetic strategies in analyzing typical and atypical absorption profiles. The atypical absorption profiles discussed in this article include parallel first-order absorption, mixed zero-order and first-order absorption, Weibull-type absorption, absorption window with or without Michaelis-Menton absorption, time-dependent absorption, and inverse Gaussian density absorption. In any event, intravenous drug concentration-time data are generally needed to avoid the ambiguousness in the absorption analyses.

Administration, Oral↗

The clinical pharmacokinetics of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction.

Differences in the clinical pharmacology of the 3 currently available oral phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil, are largely determined by their clinical pharmacokinetics as well as their PDE inhibitory activity profile. This review comparatively discusses the major characteristics of the pharmacokinetic profile of all 3 PDE5 inhibitors, including bioavailability and rate of absorption, Biopharmaceutical Classification System categorization, elimination mechanisms, and metabolic profile including active metabolites, as well as the drug-drug interaction potential and modification of pharmacokinetic properties under selected physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions. The review is aimed at providing comparative clinical pharmacology data to allow for scientifically rational, evidence-based prescribing and dosing decisions regarding the clinical use of these medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

FDA evaluations using in vitro metabolism to predict and interpret in vivo metabolic drug-drug interactions: impact on labeling.

Recent advances in in vitro metabolism methods have led to an improved ability to predict clinically relevant metabolic drug-drug interactions. To address the relationships of in vitro metabolism data and in vivo metabolism outcomes, the Office of Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmaceutics in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, evaluated a number of recently approved new drug applications. The goal of these evaluations was to determine the contribution of in vitro metabolism data in (1) predicting in vivo drug-drug interactions, (2) determining the need to conduct an in vivo drug-drug interaction study, and (3) incorporating findings into drug product labeling. Ten cases are presented in this article. They fall into two major groups: (1) in vitro data were predictive of in vivo results, and (2) in vitro data were not predictive of in vivo results. Discussion of these cases highlights factors limiting predictability of in vivo metabolic interactions from in vitro metabolism data. The integration of these findings into drug product labeling is also discussed.

Data Collection↗

A mechanistic approach to understanding the factors affecting drug absorption: a review of fundamentals.

This article provides an overview of the patient-specific and drug-specific variables that can affect drug absorption following oral product administration. The oral absorption of any chemical entity reflects a complex spectrum of events. Factors influencing product bioavailability include drug solubility, permeability, and the rate of in vivo dissolution. In this regard, the Biopharmaceutics Classification System has proven to be an important tool for predicting compounds likely to be associated with bioavailability problems. It also helps in identifying those factors that may alter the rate and extent of drug absorption. Product bioavailability can also be markedly influenced by patient attributes such as the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract, physiological status, site of drug absorption, membrane transporters, presystemic drug metabolism (intrinsic variables), and extrinsic variables such as the effect of food or concomitant medication. Through an awareness of a drug's physicochemical properties and the physiological processes affecting drug absorption, the skilled pharmaceutical scientist can develop formulations that will maximize product availability. By appreciating the potential impact of patient physiological status, phenotype, age, gender, and lifestyle, dosing regimens can be tailored to better meet the needs of the individual patient.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

The contract research organization and the commercialization of scientific research.

The early 1980s constituted a watershed in science, mainly concerning the extent and nature of globalization and commercialization of scientific research, and its impact upon the university. Considerable debate has arisen about the sources of this transition, but aside from a few lone voices, the scholarly literature has neglected the concurrent rise of the contract research organization (CRO) and its role int he commercialization of scientific research. The CRO warrants wider attention as a modern paradigm of privatized science in the biopharmaceutical sector. In discussing the CRO's technologies, the purposes they pursue, and the legal and policy initiatives that have fostered their rapid rise, we confront the wider implications of the modern regime of commercialized science for the future conduct of scientific research. We identify five areas of innovation: treatment of human subjects, control of disclosure, subjection of research tools to commercialization, redefinition of authorship, and re-engineering the goals of research.

Biomedical Research↗

Amoxapine (Asendin, Lederle Laboratories).

Amoxapine is a tricyclic antidepressant agent, which is chemically related to the antipsychotic agent loxapine, but which appears to block selectively the neuronal reuptake of norepinephrine; it is qualitatively similar to desipramine. In studies of patients with mixed depressive illnesses, amoxapine is at least as effective as amitriptyline and imipramine and probably more effective than placebo in ameliorating depressive symptoms. Claims of more rapid onset of therapeutic effects are based on group mean data obtained from small samples of depressed patients with heterogeneous and imprecisely defined diagnostic types. Amoxapine has yet to be compared with desipramine or maprotiline, the most pharmacologically similar antidepressants. Biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic data are limited, and a relationship between serum concentrations and efficacy has not yet been shown. Acute toxicity and drug interaction documentation are also lacking. At this time, amoxapine represents a chemical alternative to traditional tricyclic antidepressants. There are no consistent data indicating superiority of amoxapine over any other antidepressant agent for any specific symptom constellation, in rate or extent of improvement, or in any particular diagnostic or demographic population. Studies in which amoxapine is compared with pharmacologically similar agents at therapeutically equivalent doses in diagnostically homogeneous groups are needed to establish the drug's true place in the treatment of depressions.

Amoxapine↗

Clinical pharmacokinetics of chlorpheniramine.

The clinical pharmacokinetics of chlorpheniramine are reviewed. Recent studies have established that the half-life of chlorpheniramine is longer than previously reported. Chlorpheniramine has a serum half-life of approximately 20 hours in adults, and elimination from the body is primarily by metabolism to monodesmethyl and didesmethyl compounds. The half-life is increased in the presence of renal dysfunction and decreased in children. The exact mechanism of the presystemic first-pass elimination and the effects of dose levels on the process presently are unclear. Biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic studies after single or multiple doses in humans reveal wide interindividual variations in pharmacokinetics. Age, dialysis, urinary pH and flow influence the elimination kinetics of chlorpheniramine. Attention is brought to major issues that need further clarification to optimize drug therapy with this antihistamine. The use of pharmacokinetic parameters of chlorpheniramine for clinical application is discussed.

Aging↗

Misoprostol: a prostaglandin E1 analog with antisecretory and cytoprotective properties.

Misoprostol, a methylester analog of prostaglandin E1, with antisecretory and cytoprotective properties, has undergone extensive investigation and has received Food and Drug Administration approval for the prevention of nonsteroidal-induced ulceration. The drug represents the first synthetic, orally active prostaglandin evaluated for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Clinical studies reveal a trend toward slightly lower healing rates with misoprostol when compared with histamine (H2)-receptor antagonists in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. In addition, misoprostol was less effective than H2-blockers in reducing ulcer pain, and caused a higher incidence of adverse reactions, particularly diarrhea occurring in up to 13 percent of the patients treated. Several studies have shown misoprostol to be superior to cimetidine and sucralfate in the prevention of alcohol- and drug-induced gastritis. This report summarizes the biopharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, and clinical efficacy of misoprostol in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers and in the prevention of mucosal injury.

Alprostadil↗

Development and application of a GFP-FRET intracellular caspase assay for drug screening.

Apoptosis is a crucial biological process, and activation of caspase endoproteases is essential for proper regulation and execution of apoptosis. Because caspases also appear to be central players in several pathological states, there is a practical need within the biopharmaceutical research community for facile, noninvasive cellular assays for the discovery of compounds that modulate caspase activity. Tandem molecules of green fluorescent protein (GFP) stably expressed within cells can serve as a genetically encoded sensor of protease activity. Using this technology, we have developed a stable cellular system for the screening of agents that modulate activation of the caspase cascade. This assay technology allows for the real-time monitoring of apoptosis in situ, using conventional fluorescent plate reader detection. By applying this assay system to an actual compound screen, small-molecule inducers of cell apoptosis were reliably identified. Follow-up pharmacology confirmed that the rank-order potency of primary hits using the intracellular GFP assay corresponded to that found using a conventional, cell lysis-based assay method.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Accumulation of recombinant SARS-CoV spike protein in plant cytosol and chloroplasts indicate potential for development of plant-derived oral vaccines.

Plants are promising candidates as bioreactors for the production of oral recombinant proteins in the biopharmaceutical industry. As an initial step toward provision of an oral vaccine against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), we have expressed a partial spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV in the cytosol of nuclear-transformed plants and in the chloroplasts of plastid-transformed plants. In the construction of both nuclear and plastid transformation vectors, a 2-kilobase nucleotide sequence encoding amino acids 1-658 of the SARS-CoV spike protein (S1) was modified with nucleotide changes, but not amino acid changes, to optimize codon usage for expression in plants. To investigate the subcellular localization of S1 during transient expression in tobacco leaves, a translational fusion consisting of S1 and the green fluorescent protein (GFP) was generated. Following agroinfiltration of tobacco leaves, analysis by laser confocal scanning microscopy revealed that the S1:GFP fusion protein was localized to the cytosol. In stable transgenic tobacco plants and lettuce plants generated by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, tobacco and lettuce leaves were observed to express the S1 at high levels from the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S promoter with Northern blot analysis. When the S1 was expressed in transplastomic tobacco, S1 messenger RNA and its corresponding protein were detected on Northern and Western blot analyses, respectively. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of producing S1 in nuclear- and chloroplast-transformed plants, indicating its potential in subsequent development of a plant-derived and safe oral recombinant subunit vaccine against the SARS-CoV in edible plants.

Blotting, Northern↗

Improving recombinant protein productivity in CHO cells via multi-omics data integration.

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells represent the dominant host system for the production of recombinant therapeutic proteins. In recent decades, extensive research has focused on process/media optimization and cell line engineering to improve both the productivity and quality of biopharmaceutical proteins produced in CHO cells. Nevertheless, the inherent complexity of biological pathways and the heterogeneous cellular responses to different environmental conditions have posed substantial challenges to traditional methodologies. Recent advances in omics technologies have enabled comprehensive characterization of CHO cell physiology, providing multidimensional molecular and phenotypic insights that facilitate the enhancement of recombinant protein production. This review first summarizes the methodologies and advances in CHO omics research, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics. It then examines contemporary approaches to integrate and analyze multi-omics data in CHO cells. The review further elucidates how these multi-omics datasets can be strategically applied across various developmental stages, including cell line selection, genetic engineering, expression vector design, and bioprocess optimization. Finally, we explore the transformative potential of integrating multi-omics with artificial intelligence and discuss promising future research directions in CHO cell studies. These emerging paradigms offer novel opportunities for data-driven cell engineering and bioprocess optimization in CHO-based biomanufacturing.

Bioprocessing↗

Nonhuman primates: their role in assessing developmental effects of immunomodulatory agents.

There are close physiologic similarities between humans and macaques that make them well suited for preclinical testing of biopharmaceutics. These include menstrual cycles of similar length and hormonal control, comparable cellular and endocrine processes of implantation, and similar timetables of prenatal development. Three teratogenic agents have induced abnormal development of the macaque thymus that is a key organ in the development of the fetal immune system. Embryonic exposure to triamcinolone acetonide, a potent corticosteroid, during critical periods of thymus development caused marked hypoplasia, depletion of thymic lymphocytes, and reduction of epithelial elements. Aplasia and hypoplasia of the thymus were a distinct feature of the "retinoid syndrome" in cynomolgus macaques following exposure to 13-cis-retinoic acid (Accutane) in early pregnancy, the time of neural crest migration. Experimentally induced zinc deficiency in rhesus macaques from conception to 1-year of age caused severe alterations in immunocompetence. More recent studies have shown that the levels of IgG and IgA in cervicovaginal lavages of the rhesus macaque exhibit specific temporal patterns during the normal menstrual cycle. Taken together, theses data suggest that several macaque species are appropriate animal models for preclinical safety assessment of immunomodulatory drugs. Current teratology protocols in these models may require slight modifications to adequately assess the safety of these biologics.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Practical aspects of including functional endpoints in developmental toxicity studies. Case study: immune function in HuCD4 transgenic mice exposed to anti-CD4 MAb in utero.

Keliximab is a human-cynomolgus monkey chimeric (Primatized) monoclonal antibody with specificity for human and chimpanzee CD4. As the preclinical safety assessment of biopharmaceuticals requires evaluation in pharmacologically responsive species, comprehensive toxicology studies, including reproductive toxicity, of this antibody were conducted in a human CD4 transgenic mouse model. The reproductive toxicology studies included a pre- and postnatal development study that incorporated immunotoxicological evaluation of offspring (F1) mice. The potential effects of exposure to treating maternal mice (F0) with keliximab during pregnancy and lactation on offspring viability, physical growth, neurobehavioral development, reproductive function, lymphoid tissue morphological structure, lymphocyte subsets and host resistance to Candida albicans infection were assessed. The results showed no impairment of these functions. The use of F1 transgenic mice in study with keliximab provides an example of a novel practical approach to assess developmental immunotoxicity within a study of pre- and postnatal development designed in accordance with ICH Guidelines.

Age Factors↗

The nonhuman primate as a model of developmental immunotoxicity.

Macaques are well suited for preclinical testing of biopharmaceutics due to reproductive and developmental similarities with humans. In order to characterize ontogeny of the immune system in this model, we studied lymphocyte and antigen-presenting cell populations in developing lymphoid tissues of rhesus macaque fetuses during the second and third trimesters [gestation days (GD) 75-145, term 165 days]. Systemic lymphoid tissues (thymus, spleen and lymph nodes, and intestinal tissue) were examined for morphology and cell surface markers by immunohistochemistry. Lymphocytes were further characterized by flow cytometry for differentiation markers. Splenic tissue from early second trimester fetuses was populated mainly by CD20+ B cells while the thymus contained large numbers of CD3+ T cells. In the late second trimester (day 80), approximately equal populations of B and T cells were present in both tissues and numerous dendritic cells (p55+) were present in the intestinal lamina propria. By the second trimester, the rhesus macaque fetal lymphoid system is well developed. Analysis of lymphoid organs from retinoic acid-treated fetuses indicated that the T-cell (thymus)-dependent compartment of the spleen white pulp in specimens with thymic aplasia showed a reduction in size and proportion of CD3+ T cells compared to controls. Our findings indicate that RA-induced thymic defects result in disrupted development of the splenic T-cell-dependent compartment.

Age Factors↗

Antibodies against erythropoietin and other protein-based therapeutics: an overview.

Many factors influence the immunogenicity of protein-based therapeutics. At present, it is inconceivable to manufacture a biopharmaceutical without the risk of this adverse effect. Thus, the detection and characterization of antibodies against protein-based therapeutics is a significant task. Only clinical studies and careful monitoring of the market can be used to conclusively demonstrate rates of immunogenicity in humans for protein therapeutics. Fully validated, reliable, and robust in vitro assays, in combination with sensitive bioassays, should be used to address these topics.

Animals↗

Clinical and immune responses in advanced melanoma patients immunized with an anti-idiotype antibody mimicking disialoganglioside GD2.

PURPOSE: To determine immune responses and toxicity to the anti-idiotype vaccine, as well as clinical responses and survival, we initiated a clinical trial for patients with advanced melanoma treated with an anti-idiotype antibody (TriGem) that mimics the disialoganglioside GD2. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients with advanced melanoma received either 1-, 2-, 4-, or 8-mg doses of TriGem (Titan Pharmaceuticals Inc, South San Francisco, CA) mixed with QS-21 adjuvant (Aquila Biopharmaceuticals, Inc, Worcester, MA) 100 microg subcutaneously weekly for 4 weeks and then monthly until disease progression. Median age was 57 years, there were 32 men and 15 women, 43% of patients had undergone prior therapy for metastatic disease, 55% had disease confined to soft tissue, and 45% had visceral metastasis. RESULTS: Hyperimmune sera from 40 of 47 patients showed an anti-anti-idiotype (Ab3) response. Patient Ab3 was truly Ab1' because it specifically bound purified disialoganglioside GD2. The isotypic specificity of the Ab3 antibody consisted of predominantly immunoglobulin (Ig)G, and all IgG subclasses were represented. One patient had a complete response that persisted at 24 months, and 12 patients were stable from 14+ to 37+ months (median, 18+ months). Disease progression occurred in 32 patients on study from 1 to 17 months (median, 5.5 months), and 21 have died at 1 to 16 months (median, 6 months). The Kaplan-Meier-derived overall median survival has not been reached. Median survival has not been reached for the 26 patients with soft tissue disease only and was 13 months for 21 patients with visceral metastasis. Toxicity consisted of local reaction at the site of injection and mild fever and chills. CONCLUSION: TriGem has minimal toxicity and generates robust and specific IgG immune responses against GD2. Objective responses were minimal, but there may be a favorable impact on disease progression and survival that will require prospective randomized trials.

Adolescent↗

DNA-based therapeutics and DNA delivery systems: a comprehensive review.

The past several years have witnessed the evolution of gene medicine from an experimental technology into a viable strategy for developing therapeutics for a wide range of human disorders. Numerous prototype DNA-based biopharmaceuticals can now control disease progression by induction and/or inhibition of genes. These potent therapeutics include plasmids containing transgenes, oligonucleotides, aptamers, ribozymes, DNAzymes, and small interfering RNAs. Although only 2 DNA-based pharmaceuticals (an antisense oligonucleotide formulation, Vitravene, (USA, 1998), and an adenoviral gene therapy treatment, Gendicine (China, 2003), have received approval from regulatory agencies; numerous candidates are in advanced stages of human clinical trials. Selection of drugs on the basis of DNA sequence and structure has a reduced potential for toxicity, should result in fewer side effects, and therefore should eventually yield safer drugs than those currently available. These predictions are based on the high selectivity and specificity of such molecules for recognition of their molecular targets. However, poor cellular uptake and rapid in vivo degradation of DNA-based therapeutics necessitate the use of delivery systems to facilitate cellular internalization and preserve their activity. This review discusses the basis of structural design, mode of action, and applications of DNA-based therapeutics. The mechanisms of cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of DNA-based therapeutics are examined, and the constraints these transport processes impose on the choice of delivery systems are summarized. Finally, the development of some of the most promising currently available DNA delivery platforms is discussed, and the merits and drawbacks of each approach are evaluated.

Antisense Elements (Genetics)↗