Jianzhong Shentu

Determination of amlodipine in human plasma using automated online solid-phase extraction HPLC–tandem mass spectrometry: Application to a bioequivalence study of Chinese volunteers

An automated method (XLC-MS/MS) that uses online solid-phase extraction coupled with HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry was reported here for the first time to quantify amlodipine in human plasma. Automated pre-purification of plasma was performed using 10 mm × 2 mm HySphere C8 EC-SE online solid-phase extraction cartridges. After being eluted from the cartridge, the analyte and the internal standard were separated by HPLC and detected by tandem mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometric detection was achieved in the multiple reaction monitoring mode using a quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer in the positive electrospray ionization mode. The XLC-MS/MS method was validated and yielded excellent specificity. The calibration curve ranged from 0.10 to 10.22 ng/mL, and both the intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy values were within 8%. This method proved to be less laborious and was faster per analysis (high-throughput) than offline sample preparation methods. This method has been successfully applied in clinical pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence analyses.

Bioequivalence of Generic and Branded Subcutaneous Enoxaparin: A Single-Dose, Randomized-Sequence, Open-Label, Two-Period Crossover Study in Healthy Chinese Male Subjects

BACKGROUND Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) indicated for antithrombosis. A branded formulation of subcutaneously administered enoxaparin has been available in China since 2000, and a generic formulation is being developed. In a literature search of the key term enoxaparin (publication years not restricted), no published data were identified regarding the pharmacokinetic profile of generic enoxaparin in Chinese subjects. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the bioequivalence of generic (test) and branded (reference) formulations of enoxaparin 60 mg (6000 IU anti-Xa) SC in healthy subjects for the purpose of meeting regulatory requirements for marketing the generic formulation in China. METHODS Healthy Chinese male volunteers were eligible for this single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label, 2-period crossover study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive the test and reference formulations of enoxaparin 60 mg SC injection (fasting state) in randomized order, with the 2 study periods separated by a 1-week washout period. For the assessment of anti-Xa and anti-IIa activities (surrogates used to describe the pharmacokinetic properties and bioavailability of LMWH), heparin clotting assay, and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), blood samples were obtained before (hour 0; baseline) and at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 24 hours after study drug administration. The 2 formulations were to be considered bioequivalent if the 90% CIs for the logarithm-transformed values of C(max), T(max), AUC(0-t), and AUC(0-infinity) fell within the predetermined range of 80% to 125%. Tolerability was assessed by questioning subjects about symptoms of possible adverse events and using laboratory analysis (hematology, biochemistry, hepatic function tests, and urinalysis). RESULTS Twenty-two subjects participated in the study (mean [SD] age, 21.10 [1.02] years [range, 19-23 years]; weight, 64.07 [5.93] kg [range, 54-75 kg]; and height, 173 [5] cm [range, 163-187 cm]). For anti-Xa activity, the 90% CIs of C(max), AUC(0-t), and AUC(0-infinity) were 100.4% to 106.7%, 100.7% to 105.8%, and 100.7% to 106.1%, respectively. Corresponding values for anti-IIa activity were 85.0% to 102.4%, 80.4% to 94.8%, and 80.1% to 96.0%. For the hepa-rin clotting assay, the values were 97.4% to 102.4%, 98.2% to 102.4%, and 96.0% to 102.7%; and for aPTT, values were 98.2% to 104.3%, 97.4% to 101.6%, and 93.4% to 117.4%. No adverse events were reported during the study. CONCLUSIONS Based on the 90% CIs of anti-Xa and anti-IIa activities, heparin clotting assay results, and aPTT in these healthy Chinese male subjects, the test and reference formulations of enoxaparin 60 mg SC met the regulatory requirements for bio-equivalence. Both formulations were well tolerated.

Determination of lansoprazole in human plasma by rapid resolution liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry: Application to a bioequivalence study on Chinese volunteers

A simple, sensitive and rapid LC/MS/MS method was developed for the quantification of lansoprazole in human plasma. After a simple sample preparation procedure by one-step protein precipitation with acetonitrile, lansoprazole and the internal standard bicalutamide were chromatographed on a Zorbax SB-C(18) (3.0 mm x 150 mm, 3.5 microm, Agilent) column with the mobile phase consisted of methanol-water (70:30, v/v, containing 5 mM ammonium formate, pH was adjusted to 7.85 by 1% ammonia solution). Detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode via negative eletrospray ionization source (ESI(-)). The lower limit of quantification was 5.5 ng/mL, and the assay exhibited a linear range of 5.5-2200.0 ng/mL. The validated method was successfully applied to investigate the bioequivalence between two kinds of preparation (test vs. reference product) in twenty-eight healthy male Chinese volunteers.

Comparative fasting bioavailability of dispersible and conventional tablets of risperidone: a single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label, two-period crossover study in healthy male Chinese volunteers.

BACKGROUND Risperidone (RIS), an atypical antipsychotic drug, is used for the treatment of psychoses associated with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders in adult and pediatric populations. An oral dispersible tablet formulation of risperidone has been developed. This study was conducted to provide support for marketing authorization of this drug in China. OBJECTIVE This study was designed to compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties and bioavailability of 2 RIS formulations-the dispersible formulation (test) and a branded formulation (reference) in healthy male Chinese volunteers. METHODS This single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label, 2-period crossover study involved 22 healthy male Chinese volunteers. Equal numbers of eligible participants were randomly assigned to receive either the test drug (2 mg) or the same dose of the reference formulation, followed by a 2-week washout period and administration of the alternate formulation. The study drugs were administered after a 10-hour overnight fast. Blood samples were collected before dosing and at 0.33, 0.67, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 hours after dosing. Plasma concentrations of RIS and its active metabolite, 9-hydroxyrisperidone (9-OH-RIS), were measured using LC-MS/MS. The safety profile was evaluated by recording adverse events (AEs), assessed using physical examination including vital signs, spontaneous reporting, and clinical laboratory results. The 2 formulations were considered to have met the requirements for bioequivalence if the 90% CIs for the log-transformed C(max) and AUC values were within the predetermined ranges of 75% to 133% and 80% to 125%, respectively, according to the guidelines of the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) of China. RESULTS All 22 volunteers (mean [SD] age, 22.2 [1.98] years; weight, 64.07 [5.93] kg; height, 173 [5] cm; and body mass index, 21.2 [1.67] kg/m(2)) that were enrolled completed the study. For RIS, the 90% CIs for the ratios of C(max), AUC(0-t), and AUC(0-∞) were 93.2% to 116.7%, 97.9% to 111.3%, and 98.0% to 111.6%, respectively. For 9-OH-RIS, the 90% CIs were 95.8% to 113.9%, 100.2% to 109.7%, and 100.5% to 110.3%, respectively. All values were within the predetermined bioequivalence range. Seven AEs were reported somnolence (4 subjects [9.1%]) and dizziness (3 subjects [6.8%]). All AEs were transient and considered mild by physicians. CONCLUSIONS The test (dispersible) and reference tablets met the regulatory criteria for bioequivalence as defined by the SFDA. Both formulations were well tolerated. Chinese Clinical Trials registration number: ChiCTR-TRC-12001996.

Open-label phase I clinical trial of Ad5-EBOV in Africans in China

ABSTRACT Background: To determine the safety and immunogenicity of a novel recombinant adenovirus type 5 vector based Ebola virus disease vaccine (Ad5-EBOV) in Africans in China. Methods: A phase 1, dose-escalation, open-label trial was conducted. 61 healthy Africans were sequentially enrolled, with 31 participants receiving one shot intramuscular injection and 30 participants receiving a double-shot regimen. Primary and secondary end points related to safety and immunogenicity were assessed within 28 d after vaccination. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02401373). Results: Ad5-EBOV is well tolerated and no adverse reaction of grade 3 or above was observed. 53 (86.89%) participants reported at least one adverse reaction within 28 d of vaccination. The most common reaction was fever and the mild pain at injection site, and there were no significant difference between these 2 groups. Ebola glycoprotein-specific antibodies appeared in all 61 participants and antibodies titers peaked after 28 d of vaccination. The geometric mean titres (GMTs) were similar between these 2 groups (1919.01 vs 1684.70 P = 0.5562). The glycoprotein-specific T-cell responses rapidly peaked after 14 d of vaccination and then decreased, however, the percentage of subjects with responses were much higher in the high-dose group (60.00% vs 9.68%, P = 0.0014). Pre-existing Ad5 neutralizing antibodies could significantly dampen the specific humoral immune response and cellular response to the vaccine. Conclusion: The application of Ad5-EBOV demonstrated safe in Africans in China and a specific GP antibody and T-cell response could occur 14 d after the first immunization. This acceptable safety profile provides a reliable basis to proceed with trials in Africa.

Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution study of camellianin A and its major metabolite in rats by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

Camellianin A is a major active constituent of Adinandra nitida. A LC-MS/MS method for the determination of camellianin A and its metabolite (camellianin B) in rat plasma and tissues was developed and applied to a pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution study. Samples were separated on a Waters HSS T3 column with a mobile phase consisted of methanol and water (containing 0.1% formic acid). MS/MS detection was carried out on a triple-quadruple mass spectrometer under negative ESI mode. Pharmacokinetics study showed that camellianin A was rapidly eliminated with a t1/2 of 92.6±41.4h and CL of 3.19±0.471L/min/kg. Additionally, camellianin A showed a low oral bioavailability of 2.99% and a narrow tissue distribution; however, camellianin B was proved to have a wide tissue distribution with brain penetration. The data presented in this study provides useful information for the further applications of A. nitida and camellianin A.

Development and validation of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for quantification of a potential anticancer triterpene saponin from seeds of Nigella glandulifera in rat plasma: application to a pharmacokinetic study.

Nigella glandulifera Freyn et Sit is a folk medicinal plant, whose seeds show significant anticancer activities attributed to triterpene saponins and volatile oil. In this study, an in vitro cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that Nigella A, the major component of triterpene saponins extracted from N. glandulifera, exhibited growth inhibition in the human lung carcinoma A-549 cell line. Due to this potential activity, a reliable liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to quantify Nigella A in rat plasma for a pharmacokinetic study was developed. Nigella A and pravastatin, as internal standard (IS), were extracted from rat plasma using acetonitrile to precipitate protein. Separation was performed on an Agilent Zorbax SB-Aq (3.0 × 150 mm, 3.5 μm) column using a gradient elution method with acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid in water at a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. Detection was performed using an electrospray ionization in a negative ion multiple reaction monitoring mode. The deprotonated precursor to product ion transitions monitored for Nigella A and IS was at m/z 1352.7→882.6 and m/z 423.1→321.0, respectively. The linear range was 0.240-120 μg/mL with a square regression coefficient (r=0.9996). The intra-day and inter-day precision was less than 6.93%. The simple extraction procedure provided recovery ranged from 92.32 to 95.44% for both analyte and IS. The method was proved to be reliable, precise, and accurate, and was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of Nigella A in rats after i.v. administration via the tail vein at doses of 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg.

Relative bioavailability and pharmacokinetic comparison of two different enteric formulations of omeprazole

In order to comply with the requirements for a drug listed in China, the study was developed to compare the pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of two different enteric formulations of omeprazole (OPZ) in healthy Chinese subjects. A total of 32 volunteers participated in the study. Plasma concentrations were analyzed by nonstereospecific liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method. After administration of a single 40-mg dose of the two OPZ formulations, the comparative bioavailability was assessed by calculating individual AUC0−t (the area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to the last measurable concentration), AUC0−∞ (the area under the concentration-time curve extrapolated to infinity), Cmax (the maximum observed concentration), and Tpeak (the time to Cmax) values of OPZ, 5-hydroxyomeprazole (OH-OPZ), and omeprazole sulfone (OPZ-SFN), respectively. The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of AUC0−t, AUC0−∞, and Cmax were 85.4%–99.0%/88.8%–98.6%/87.6%–99.4%, 85.5%–99.2%/89.0%–98.6%/88.5%–101.3%, and 72.3%–87.6%/79.6%–91.1%/88.4%–99.1% for OPZ/OH-OPZ/OPZ-SFN, respectively, and Tpeak values did not differ significantly. In this study, the test formulation of OPZ in fasting healthy Chinese male volunteers met the Chinese bioequivalance standard to the reference formulation based on AUC, Cmax, and Tpeak.

A Phase I Study of the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Higher-Dose Icotinib in Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lessons Learned This phase I study evaluated the maximum tolerated dose, dose-limiting toxicities, safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of icotinib with a starting dose of 250 mg in pretreated, advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients. We observed a maximum tolerated dose of 500 mg with a favorable pharmacokinetics profile and antitumor activity. These findings provide clinicians with evidence for application of higher-dose icotinib. Background. Icotinib, an oral epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has shown favorable tolerability and antitumor activity at 100–200 mg in previous studies without reaching the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). In July 2011, icotinib was approved by the China Food and Drug Administration at a dose of 125 mg three times daily for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after failure of at least one platinum-based chemotherapy regimen. This study investigated the MTD, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of higher-dose icotinib in patients with advanced NSCLC. Methods. Twenty-six patients with advanced NSCLC were treated at doses of 250–625 mg three times daily The EGFR mutation test was not mandatory in this study. Results. Twenty-four (92.3%) of 26 patients experienced at least one adverse event (AE); rash (61.5%), diarrhea (23.1%), and oral ulceration (11.5%) were most frequent AEs. Dose-limiting toxicities were seen in 2 of 6 patients in the 625-mg group, and the MTD was established at 500 mg. Icotinib was rapidly absorbed and eliminated. The amount of time that the drug was present at the maximum concentration in serum (Tmax) ranged from 1 to 3 hours (1.5–4 hours) after multiple doses. The t1/2 was similar after single- and multiple-dose administration (7.11 and 6.39 hours, respectively). A nonlinear relationship was observed between dose and drug exposure. Responses were seen in 6 (23.1%) patients, and 8 (30.8%) patients had stable disease. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that higher-dose icotinib was well-tolerated, with a MTD of 500 mg. Favorable antitumor activity and pharmacokinetic profile were observed in patients with heavily pretreated, advanced NSCLC.

An Economical Online Solid-Phase Extraction LC-MS/MS Method for Quantifying Methylprednisolone

An economical, reproducible and automated online solid-phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to quantify methylprednisolone in human plasma. The method was validated in terms of selectivity, precision/accuracy, process efficiency, stability, cartridge reproducibility and carryover studies. Sample pretreatment was performed by protein precipitation and elimination using methanol followed by water dilution. Then, the mixture was passed onto the HySphere C8 EC-SE online solid-phase extraction cartridge followed by the separation of the analytes on an Agilent Eclipse XDB column. Electrospray ionization in positive ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring were used to monitor the ion transitions at m/z 375.4/160.8 for methylprednisolone, and m/z 361.2/147.0 for prednisolone. The calibration curve ranged from 5.25 to 525 ng/mL. Meanwhile both the intra-day and inter-day precision values (relative standard deviation) were within 4.45%. The method which turns out to be less laborious, faster and lower consumable cost per sample has already been successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in which the oral administration of 16 mg methylprednisolone was conducted in Chinese volunteers.