Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of fluticasone furoate/vilanterol in healthy Chinese subjects.

STUDY

objectiveTo investigate the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles of fluticasone furoate (FF)/vilanterol (VI) - a fixed-dose combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting β2 -agonist for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - after single and repeat administration in healthy Chinese subjects.

designDouble-blind, placebo-controlled, single-site, randomized, four-way crossover study.

settingThe Clinical Pharmacological Research Centre at Peking Union Medical College Hospital [PUMCH]) in Beijing, China. SUBJECTS: Sixteen healthy, nonsmoking Chinese adults.

interventionSubjects were randomized to receive FF/VI 50/25, 100/25, or 200/25 μg, or placebo once/daily in the morning, delivered by the Ellipta dry powder inhaler, for 7 consecutive days. The subjects then received the other three treatments, with each treatment period separated by a 7-day washout period. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN

resultsThe co-primary outcome measures reflected pharmacodynamic responses relating to recognized class effects of the two drug classes: reduced serum cortisol level (ICSs), and increased Fridericia's corrected QT interval (QTcF) and reduced serum potassium level (long-acting β2 -agonists). Co-primary pharmacodynamic endpoints were 0-24-hour weighted mean serum cortisol level on day 7 (cortisol0-24 hr, Day 7 ), and 0-4-hour weighted mean and maximum QTcF and weighted mean and minimum serum potassium level on days 1 and 7. Fluticasone furoate and VI plasma concentrations, derived pharmacokinetic parameters, and safety were also assessed. Of the 16 subjects randomized, 15 completed the study. Reductions in cortisol0-24 hour, Day 7 of 15% and 25% were observed with FF/VI 100/25 and 200/25 μg, respectively, versus placebo. Minor increases (< 10 msec) in maximum QTcF on day 7 were seen with FF/VI 50/25 and 100/25 μg but not with 200/25 μg. Slight decreases in serum potassium level were only observed in subjects receiving FF/VI 50/25 μg on day 1 and FF/VI 50/25 and 200/25 μg on day 7. Fluticasone furoate accumulation (day 7 vs day 1) for FF/VI 50/25-200/25 μg ranged from 38 to 54% for maximum observed concentration and 63-71% for area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 4 hours. Fluticasone furoate pharmacokinetics were less than dose proportional. The VI pharmacokinetic profiles were similar for all three FF/VI doses. Adverse events were all mild in intensity and were reported by 13 (81%) of the 16 subjects.

conclusionIn healthy Chinese subjects, minimal and non-clinically relevant β-adrenergic pharmacodynamic effects were observed with FF/VI doses ranging from 50/25 to 200/25 μg. FF dose-dependent reductions in serum cortisol levels of 15-25% were seen after administration of FF/VI 100/25 and 200/25 μg. FF/VI was safe and well tolerated in these subjects at doses ranging from 50/25 to 200/25 μg.