Development of Dexlansoprazole Delayed-Release Capsules, a Dual Delayed-Release Proton Pump Inhibitor.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used for treating acid-related disorders. For an "ideal PPI," achieving maximal absorption and sustaining pharmacodynamic effects through the 24-h dosing cycle are critical features. Dexlansoprazole offers a relevant case study on how an improved PPI was developed capitalizing on the rational optimization of a precursor molecule-in this case, using lansoprazole as a starting point, leveraging its chemical properties on pharmacokinetics, and exploring optimized formulations. Dexlansoprazole is the R(+)-enantiomer of lansoprazole and shows stereoselective differences in absorption and metabolism compared with the racemic mixture of lansoprazole. The formulation was further refined to use pulsate-type granules with enteric coating to withstand acidic gastric conditions, while allowing prolonged absorption in the proximal and distal small intestine. As a result, the dual delayed-release formulation of dexlansoprazole has a plasma concentration-time profile characterized by 2 distinct peaks, leading to an extended duration of therapeutic plasma drug concentrations compared with the conventional delayed-release lansoprazole formulation. The dual delayed-release formulation maintains plasma drug concentrations longer than the lansoprazole delayed-release formulation at all doses.

Effects of pioglitazone on mnemonic hippocampal function: A blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging study in elderly adults.

INTRODUCTION: Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Accordingly, drugs that positively influence mitochondrial function are being evaluated in delay-of-onset clinical trials with at-risk individuals. Such ongoing clinical research can be advanced by developing a better understanding of how these drugs affect intermediate brain phenotypes associated with both AD risk and pathophysiology. METHODS: Using a randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled design in 55 healthy elderly volunteers, we explored the effects of oral, low-dose pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione with promitochondrial effects, on hippocampal activity measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging during the encoding of novel face-name pairs. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, 0.6 mg of pioglitazone (but not 2.1 mg, 3.9 mg, or 6.0 mg) administered daily for 14 days was associated with significant increases in right hippocampal activation during encoding of novel face-name pairs at day 7 and day 14, relative to baseline. DISCUSSION: Our exploratory analyses suggest that low-dose pioglitazone has measurable effects on mnemonic brain function associated with AD risk and pathophysiology.

Bioavailability of dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsule granules when administered via nasogastric tube or orally via syringe.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of route of administration on the bioavailability of dexlansoprazole 60 mg delayed-release capsule granules. METHODS: One open-label, Phase I, single-dose, 3-period crossover study was conducted in healthy adults. The bioavailability of Dexilant® (dexlansoprazole) after dexlansoprazole capsule granules were mixed with water and administered via 16 French nasogastric tube or orally via syringe was compared to administration of the intact capsule in the fasted state, swallowed with water. Blood samples were collected before and after dosing to determine dexlansoprazole pharmacokinetic parameter estimates and plasma concentrations. RESULTS: Similar values for area under the plasma concentration-time curve and observed maximum plasma concentration were achieved when the dexlansoprazole 60 mg capsule was administered as the intact capsule or when the granules were mixed with water and administered via nasogastric tube or orally via syringe. The primary endpoints of maximum plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration-time curve demonstrated bioequivalence when assessing these alternative routes of administration. Most adverse events were rated as mild and were comparable irrespective of administration route. CONCLUSION: Systemic exposure to dexlansoprazole was equivalent regardless of administration route. The dexlansoprazole capsule was well tolerated.

Bioavailability of a dexlansoprazole delayed-release orally disintegrating tablet: effects of food and mode of administration.

BACKGROUND: Dexlansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) approved for use in dual delayed-release capsule and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) formulations. AIM: To assess effects of food, water, and route of administration on the bioavailability of dexlansoprazole 30-mg ODT. METHODS: Two separate open-label, phase 1, single-dose crossover studies were conducted in healthy adults. In study 1, pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed in participants receiving dexlansoprazole ODT in a fed or fasted state with and without water. In study 2, the bioavailability of dexlansoprazole after administration via oral syringe or nasogastric (NG) tube, or after swallowing intact with water was compared to ODT administration in the fasted state, swallowed without water. Blood samples for determining dexlansoprazole plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameter estimates were collected before and after dosing. RESULTS: Equivalent values for area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) were observed in the fed and fasted states, but the maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) was 38% lower in the fed state; therefore, bioequivalence was not achieved. A water rinse following standard ODT administration decreased dexlansoprazole bioavailability, with lower Cmax and AUC values than when ODT was administered without a water rinse. Bioequivalence was demonstrated when comparing the alternative routes of administration, including via oral syringe or NG tube with standard ODT administration. Unlike with a water rinse, bioequivalence to standard ODT administration (i.e., without water) was demonstrated when swallowing the ODT intact with water. Rates of adverse events were comparable irrespective of administration route in the fasted state (6.7%-9.3%) and were 12% higher in the fed state than in the fasted state. CONCLUSION: The AUC from the dexlansoprazole ODT was equivalent when administered in the fed and fasted states. Equivalent systemic exposure to dexlansoprazole was achieved regardless of the administration route.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of an orally disintegrating tablet formulation of dexlansoprazole.

BACKGROUND: The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a novel orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) formulation of delayed-release dexlansoprazole 30 mg was evaluated versus the dexlansoprazole 30 mg capsule in this phase I, open-label, multiple-dose, randomized, two-period crossover study. METHODS: Healthy adults received daily doses of 30 mg dexlansoprazole ODT or 30 mg dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsule for 5 days during two treatment periods, separated by a 7-day washout interval. Blood samples for dexlansoprazole plasma concentrations and intragastric pH measurements were collected through 24 hours postdose on days 1 and 5 of each period. RESULTS: Bioequivalence between the 30 mg ODT and 30 mg capsule dosage forms was demonstrated by the primary endpoints of dexlansoprazole peak concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) values contained within the prespecified 90% confidence interval (CI) range of 0.80-1.25. Additional primary endpoints of intragastric mean pH values and percentage of time with pH > 4 over the 24-hour postdose interval were equivalent for dexlansoprazole ODT and dexlansoprazole capsule. Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 23% and 28% of participants receiving the ODT and capsule formulations, respectively. Headache was the most common adverse event in both treatment regimens (5.8% with ODT and 6.0% with capsule). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of dexlansoprazole 30 mg ODT or 30 mg capsule provided equivalent plasma exposure when either was administered as a single dose or as once daily doses for 5 days. Pharmacodynamic equivalence between the two formulations was demonstrated by similar intragastric pH parameters on both day 1 and day 5. No effect of day on dexlansoprazole pharmacokinetics was observed. Dexlansoprazole ODT and dexlansoprazole capsule were both well tolerated.

Bioavailability, safety, and pharmacodynamics of delayed-release dexlansoprazole administered as two 30 mg orally disintegrating tablets or one 60 mg capsule.

BACKGROUND: Dual delayed-release dexlansoprazole is approved for use in adults as a 30 mg orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) or as 30 mg and 60 mg capsules. The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety profile of two dexlansoprazole 30 mg ODTs were compared with one dexlansoprazole 60 mg capsule in this randomized, phase I, open-label, single-center, multiple-dose, two-period crossover study. METHODS: Participants were randomized in one of two treatment sequences, each comprised two 5-day treatment periods during which two dexlansoprazole 30 mg ODTs or one 60 mg capsule was administered once daily. Pharmacokinetic parameters and the mean intragastric pH profile for the 24-hour period after dosing on days 1 and 5 were described. Adverse events were monitored during study duration and followed up with a phone call 5-10 days after the last dose of study drug. RESULTS: On day 1, peak observed plasma concentration (Cmax) values were similar between two 30 mg ODTs (1047 ng/ml) and one 60 mg capsule (1164 ng/ml). Systemic exposure, measured by the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC), was approximately 25% lower after ODT administration. On day 5, mean pH after daily doses of two 30 mg ODT or one 60 mg capsule was 4.33 and 4.36, respectively; both regimens maintained intragastric pH above 4.0 for 60% of the 24-hour period. Headache was the most commonly reported adverse event (observed in 19.2% of participants); no adverse events leading to study withdrawal occurred. CONCLUSIONS: While systemic exposure (AUC) was 25% lower with ODT, peak concentrations (Cmax) after administration of two dexlansoprazole 30 mg ODTs and one 60 mg capsule were similar. The 24-hour intragastric pH control after administration of two dexlansoprazole 30 mg ODTs was equivalent to one dexlansoprazole 60 mg capsule. Both ODT and capsule were well tolerated.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of dexlansoprazole MR in pediatric patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of dexlansoprazole modified-release (MR) capsules in pediatric patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: This Phase I, open-label study enrolled male and female patients (1 to 11 years of age) with GERD. Patients received dexlansoprazole MR 15 mg, 30 mg, or 60 mg (according to weight) once daily for 7 days. Blood samples for the measurement of plasma dexlansoprazole concentrations were collected for 24 hours after the day 7 dose. Dexlansoprazole plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameters were summarized by dose group. Safety assessments included adverse events (AEs), clinical laboratory evaluations, fasting gastrin concentrations, physical examinations, electrocardiograms, and vital signs. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients received study drug (12 per dose group), and 31 had evaluable pharmacokinetic data. There was a significant effect of weight on dose-normalized area under the curve (AUC, P=0.003) and dose-normalized maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) (P=0.013), indicating that for a given dose, dexlansoprazole exposure decreases as body weight increases. After adjusting for body weight, both dexlansoprazole Cmax and AUC increased in an approximately dose-proportional manner with increasing dexlansoprazole dose. A total of ten of 36 patients reported at least one treatment-emergent AE, with most events considered mild in intensity. The most common AEs were vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. CONCLUSION: In 1- to 11-year-old patients with symptomatic GERD, weight-adjusted dexlansoprazole AUC and Cmax increased approximately dose-proportionally. However, for a given dose, dexlansoprazole exposure decreased with increasing body weight. Dexlansoprazole MR was well tolerated, and the incidence of AEs did not increase with increasing dose.

Effects of Peginesatide Injection on QTc Interval in Healthy Adults.

A single-dose, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and positive-controlled, three-period crossover study was conducted to evaluate the effect of peginesatide injection on QT interval in healthy adults. Subjects received single doses of placebo, peginesatide injection 0.1 mg/kg intravenous, or moxifloxacin 400 mg during three treatment periods, separated by 14-day washout intervals. ECG recordings and blood samples for peginesatide and moxifloxacin plasma concentrations were collected prior to dosing and through 22 hours postdose. QT intervals were measured with a high resolution manual on-screen caliper method. The study endpoint was the mean difference between peginesatide and placebo in baseline-adjusted corrected QT interval (ddQTc). The maximum upper bound of the one-sided 95% CI was 2.2 milliseconds at 0.75 hours for Fridericia-corrected ddQTc (ddQTcF) and 2.2 milliseconds at 0.25 hours for individual corrected ddQTcI. The linear relationship between ddQTcF and peginesatide concentrations was essentially flat and not statistically significant [slope = 0.001, P = 0.126, 90% CI: (<-0.0005, 0.002)]. Using this model, the projected ddQTcF effect at the observed mean peak plasma concentration is estimated to be 0.9 milliseconds, 90% CI: (-2.0, 0.3 milliseconds). There were no peginesatide-related effects on heart rate, PR interval, or QRS interval. Thus, there is no anticipated cardiovascular effect of peginesatide injection 0.1 mg/kg in patients.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of dexlansoprazole MR in adolescents with symptomatic GERD.

OBJECTIVES: Dexlansoprazole MR 30  mg once daily (QD) is approved in adults for the treatment of symptomatic nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and maintenance of healed erosive esophagitis (EE); 60  mg is approved for healing EE. The present study assesses the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile and safety of dexlansoprazole MR in adolescent patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Phase 1, open-label, parallel-group, multicenter study in male and female adolescents (12-17 years) with GERD. Patients were randomized to receive dexlansoprazole MR (30 or 60  mg, QD) for 7 days. Blood samples to determine dexlansoprazole plasma concentrations were drawn over a 24-hour period after dosing on day 7. Dexlansoprazole plasma concentrations and PK parameters were summarized by dose group. Safety assessments included monitoring of adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (mean age 14.6 years), 14 boys and 22 girls, were randomized, with PK data available for 35 patients. The overall exposure of dexlansoprazole after administration of the 60-mg capsule was slightly less than double the exposure from the 30-mg capsule. Cmax (691 and 1136  ng/mL) and area under the plasma concentration time curve (2886 and 5120  ng ·â€Šh/mL) values for the 30- and 60-mg doses, respectively, were similar to results from previous phase 1 studies in healthy adults. Twelve of 36 patients (33.3%) experienced a total of 21 treatment-emergent AEs. All of the AEs were considered to be of mild severity. CONCLUSIONS: The PK data for dexlansoprazole MR 30- and 60-mg capsules in adolescent patients with symptomatic GERD were similar to those in healthy adults. Both doses were well tolerated.

Comparator pH study to evaluate the single-dose pharmacodynamics of dual delayed-release dexlansoprazole 60 mg and delayed-release esomeprazole 40 mg.

BACKGROUND: This paper describes a Phase 1, single-center, randomized, open-label, two-period crossover study which compared the pharmacodynamic effects of single doses of dexlansoprazole modified-release 60 mg and esomeprazole 40 mg on 24-hour intragastric pH in healthy adult subjects. METHODS: Forty-four subjects aged 20-54 years were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to two sequence groups defining the order in which they received dexlansoprazole and esomeprazole in periods 1 and 2. Primary pharmacodynamic end points over 24 hours postdose were percentage of time with intragastric pH > 4 and mean pH, and secondary pharmacodynamic end points were percentage of time intragastric pH > 4, and mean pH at 0-12 hours, and at >12-24 hours postdose. Each drug was given after an overnight fast and one hour before breakfast. Continuous pH recording began immediately before dosing through to 24 hours postdose. RESULTS: At 0-24 hours postdose, the mean percentage of time with pH > 4 for dexlansoprazole and esomeprazole was 58% and 48%, respectively; the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.003). The average of mean pH values at 0-24 hours postdose for dexlansoprazole and esomeprazole were 4.3 and 3.7, respectively; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). At >12-24 hours postdose, mean percentage of time with pH > 4 and average of mean pH were greater for dexlansoprazole (60% and 4.5, respectively) compared with esomeprazole (42% and 3.5, respectively); the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001 for both intervals). At 0-12 hours postdose, the difference in dexlansoprazole and esomeprazole values for the pharmacodynamic end points was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: For the entire 24-hour postdose period, predominantly resulting from the >12-24-hour postdose interval, the average intragastric pH following a single dose of dexlansoprazole 60 mg was higher compared with that observed following a single dose of esomeprazole 40 mg, and the difference was statistically significant.

Age-dependent pharmacokinetics of lansoprazole in neonates and infants.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that age may affect the pharmacokinetics of lansoprazole in pediatric patients, but little information is available in neonates and infants. OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetics of lansoprazole in neonates and infants <1 year of age with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-associated symptoms. METHODS: Two single- and repeated-dose, randomized, open-label, multicenter studies were conducted. Studies involved a pretreatment period of 7 or 14 days, a dose administration period of 5 days, and a follow-up period of 30 days for adverse events collection. The studies were conducted in both hospital and private clinic settings. The studies were performed in 24 neonates (aged 28 days, but <1 year) with GERD-associated symptoms diagnosed by medical history and the clinical judgment of the treating physician. Participants received lansoprazole 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg/day (neonates) or 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg/day (infants) for 5 days. Plasma pharmacokinetic parameters on dose administration day 1 were calculated, and plasma concentrations on day 5 were obtained. RESULTS: The pharmacokinetics of lansoprazole were approximately dose proportional. After a single dose in neonates, the mean maximum plasma concentrations (C(max)) were 831 and 1672 ng/mL, and the mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) values were 5086 and 9372 ng . h/mL for lansoprazole doses of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg, respectively. The time to C(max) (t(max)) [3.1 hours] and harmonic mean terminal elimination half-life (t((1/2))) [2.8 hours] were slightly longer in neonates receiving 0.5 mg/kg than the t(max) (2.6 hours) and t((1/2)) (2.0 hours) values observed in neonates receiving 1.0 mg/kg. Mean oral clearance (CL/F) was identical for the two doses (0.16 L/h/kg). After a single 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg dose in infants, the lansoprazole C(max) values were 959 and 2087 ng/mL and the mean AUC values were approximately 2203 and 5794 ng . h/mL, respectively. The mean t(max) and mean t((1/2)) were 1.8 hours and 0.8 hours, respectively, for both doses (1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg), while mean CL/F was 0.71 and 0.61 L/h/kg, respectively. In both patient groups, mean plasma concentrations on day 5 were similar to day 1 concentrations. No clinically meaningful accumulation was observed following 5 days' dose administration. Plots of lansoprazole pharmacokinetics against chronologic age showed that dose-normalized C(max), t((1/2)), and AUC were two, three, and five times higher, respectively, in study participants aged 10 weeks-1 year. Lansoprazole was well tolerated in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacokinetics of lansoprazole in pediatric patients are age dependent, with those aged 10 weeks-1 year. Thus, pediatric patients aged 10 weeks to achieve similar plasma exposure.

The effect of age and gender on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of febuxostat, a novel nonpurine selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase.

Febuxostat is a novel nonpurine selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, which is currently being developed for the management of hyperuricemia in patients with gout. The effect of age and gender on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of once-daily oral febuxostat 80 mg was assessed in healthy male and female subjects after 7 days. Following multiple dosing with febuxostat, there were no statistically significant differences in the plasma or urinary pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic parameters between subjects aged 18 to 40 years and >or=65 years. Although unbound peak concentration (C(max,u)) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC(24,u)) for febuxostat were higher in women as compared with men (31.5 vs 23.6 ng/mL, P

Coadministration of lansoprazole and naproxen does not affect the pharmacokinetic profile of methotrexate in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Drugs prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis are often associated with gastrointestinal toxicity, and proton pump inhibitors may be coadministered for gastroprotection. In this open-label study, the effect of lansoprazole 30 mg qd and naproxen 500 mg bid on the pharmacokinetic profile of methotrexate was investigated. Twenty-seven adult rheumatoid arthritis patients on stable oral methotrexate doses (7.5-15 mg/week) for a minimum of 3 months were enrolled. Methotrexate pharmacokinetics were assessed on days -1 (methotrexate alone) and 7 (methotrexate with lansoprazole and naproxen). Pharmacokinetics of methotrexate and 7-hydroxymethotrexate were not altered by coadministration of methotrexate with lansoprazole and naproxen; point estimates and 90% confidence intervals for the peak plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration-time curve of methotrexate and 7-hydroxymethotrexate were within the 0.80 to 1.25 boundaries. Therefore, coadministration of naproxen and lansoprazole for 7 days does not affect the pharmacokinetic profile of low doses of methotrexate.