Multiple-dose FTY720: tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and lymphocyte responses in healthy subjects

J Clin Pharmacol. 2004 May;44(5):532-7. doi: 10.1177/0091270004264165.

Abstract

FTY720 is a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agonist being developed as an immunomodulator for acute rejection prophylaxis after organ transplantation. This study was performed to characterize the pharmacokinetics of and lymphocyte response to multiple-dose FTY720. In this randomized, double-blind study, three groups of 20 healthy subjects each received either placebo, 1.25 mg/day FTY720, or 5 mg/day FTY720 for 7 consecutive days. FTY720 blood concentrations and lymphocyte counts were assessed over the weeklong treatment phase and over a month-long washout phase. The relationship between FTY720 blood concentrations and lymphocyte counts was explored by an inhibitory E(max) model. First-dose exposure was consistent with dose proportionality between the low- and high-dose groups. Blood levels accumulated fivefold over the treatment period. Exposure on day 7 was dose proportional for C(max) (5.0 +/- 1.0 vs. 18.2 +/- 4.1 ng/mL) and for AUC (109 +/- 24 vs. 399 +/- 85 ng.h/mL). Washout pharmacokinetics after the last dose indicated an elimination half-life averaging 8 days. Lymphocyte counts decreased by 80% in subjects receiving the lower dose to a nadir of 0.4 +/- 0.1 x 10(9)/L and by 88% in subjects receiving the upper dose to a nadir of 0.2 +/- 0.1 x 10(9)/L. Descriptive exposure-response modeling estimated that the lymphocyte response at 5 mg/day is near the maximal response achievable. By the end-of-study evaluation on day 35, lymphocyte counts had recovered to within 75% and 50% of baseline in the low- and high-dose groups, respectively. In summary, systemic exposure to FTY720 was consistent with dose-proportionality after both single- and multiple-dose administration. Total lymphocyte counts decreased from baseline by 80% and 88% at regimens of 1.25 and 5 mg/day, respectively. Exposure-response modeling provided evidence that 5 mg/day FTY720 resulted in a near-maximal dynamic effect of this drug on lymphocytes.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Area Under Curve
  • Capsules
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride
  • Half-Life
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / blood
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Lymphocyte Count / methods
  • Lymphocytes / blood
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • Lymphocytes / physiology
  • Male
  • Propylene Glycols / administration & dosage*
  • Propylene Glycols / blood
  • Propylene Glycols / pharmacokinetics*
  • Sphingosine / analogs & derivatives
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Capsules
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Propylene Glycols
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride
  • Sphingosine