The objective of the study is to compare the pharmacokinetic profile of riluzole after replicate single dose of the novel orodispersible film test formulation and of the marketed reference Rilutek® tablets and to evaluate their bioequivalence.
The new formulation riluzole orodispersible film is expected to fill an important medical need, since the medication can be easily administered without water and may improve patient care. Riluzole orodispersible film is easily administered, because the patient or caregiver needs only to place the film on the tongue, where it can immediately dissolve into the saliva and be ingested with intentional swallowing or during the normal reflex of swallowing, thus eliminating the need for swallowing a tablet with liquid or crushing it into soft food. Zambon S.p.A., Italy, is sponsoring the present bioequivalence study in order to investigate the bioequivalence of the novel unit-dose product versus Rilutek® tablets, commercially available in Europe as 50 mg tablets. The dose strength for the test formulation is 50 mg, matching the 50 mg strength of the reference formulation. The subjects will receive single oral doses of 50 mg of riluzole, as test orodispersible film and reference film-coated tablets, under fasting conditions, in each of 4 subsequent periods separated by wash-out intervals of at least 7 days between consecutive administrations, according to a 2-treatment, 4-period, replicate cross-over design.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
54
Before each administration, the subjects will drink 20 mL of still mineral water in order to wet their mouth. Afterwards, using gloves, the investigator or deputy will take the orodispersible film (32.0x22.0 mm) out of the provided pouch and place the product directly on the top surface (dorsal aspect) of the subjects' tongue.
One film-coated tablet will be swallowed (without chewing) with 150 mL of still mineral water.
CROSS Research SA Phase 1 Unit
Arzo, Canton Ticino, Switzerland
Evaluation of the Bioequivalent Rate of Absorption (Cmax) of Riluzole After Replicate Single Dose Administration of Test and Reference
For each individual, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of riluzole after replicate single dose administration of Test and Reference was measured. The Cmax 90% confidence interval of the ratio Test/Reference of the population means was calculated. The bioequivalence is demonstrated when the 90% confidence Interval of this ratio lies within the range 80.00-125.00% (acceptance interval).
Time frame: 0 h (pre-dose) and 15, 30, 45 min, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 36 h after the drug administration
Evaluation of the Bioequivalent Extent of Absorption (AUC0-t) of Riluzole After Replicate Single Dose Administration of Test and Reference.
For each individual, the area under the concentration-time curve from single dose Test and Reference administration to the last observed concentration time t (AUC0-t) of riluzole was measured. The AUC0-t 90% confidence interval of the ratio Test/Reference of the population means was calculated. The bioequivalence is demonstrated when the 90% confidence Interval of this ratio lies within the range 80.00-125.00% (acceptance interval).
Time frame: 0 h (pre-dose), 15, 30, 45 min, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 36 h after drug administration
To Describe the t1/2 (Half-life) of Riluzole After Replicate Single Dose Administration of Test and Reference
To Describe the half-life of riluzole, calculated, if feasible, as ln2/λz, After Replicate Single Dose Administration of Test and Reference.
Time frame: 0 h (pre-dose), 15, 30, 45 min, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 36 h after drug administration
To Describe the AUC0-∞ of Riluzole After Replicate Single Dose Administration of Test and Reference
For each individual, the area under the concentration-time curve extrapolated to infinity after single dose administration of Test and Reference (AUC0-∞) was measured. The AUC0-∞ 90% confidence interval of the ratio Test/Reference of the population means was calculated. The bioequivalence is demonstrated when the 90% confidence Interval of this ratio lies within the range 80.00-125.00% (acceptance interval).
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Time frame: 0 h (pre-dose), 15, 30, 45 min, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 36 h after drug administration
Description Tmax: Time to Achieve Cmax Reference
The results will be displayed and summarised in tables and figures.
Time frame: 0 h (pre-dose), 15, 30, 45 min, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 36 h after drug administration
Evaluation of the Test Product Palatability
Palatability was scored according to the following scale. Palatability evaluation description and scores (between brackets): Very unpleasant (0), Unpleasant (1), Acceptable (2), Good (3), Very good (4). Minimun value is 0, maximum value is 4. An higher score mean a better outcome.
Time frame: Immediately after 1st Test product administration, approximately within 5 minutes after administration
Evaluation of the Test Product Palatability
Palatability was scored according to the following scale. Palatability evaluation description and scores (between brackets): Very unpleasant (0), Unpleasant (1), Acceptable (2), Good (3), Very good (4). Minimun value is 0, maximum value is 4. An higher score mean a better outcome.
Time frame: Immediately after 2nd Test product administration, approximately within 5 minutes after administration
Number of Participants With Mucosal Irritation
Mouth inspections were performed before the Test administration and 30 min and 1 h after administrations of Test, to check the mucosal irritation at the application site. The outcome number shows the overall number of subjects with mucosal irritation.
Time frame: pre-dose (0), 0.5 and 1 h after the drug administration
Haematology, Blood Chemistry and Urinalysis Laboratory Tests Interpretation
Overall investigator's interpretation (as normal or abnormal and, if abnormal, clinically significant or not clinically significant). The following analyses were performed at screening: Leukocytes, erythrocytes, haemoglobin, haematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, thrombocytes, electrolytes, enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, γ-GT, AST, ALT), total bilirubin, creatinine, glucose, urea, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglycerides, cotinine, total proteins. Serum pregnancy test (women). Urine analysis: pH, specific weight, appearance, colour, nitrites, proteins, glucose, urobilinogen, bilirubin, ketones, haematic pigments, leukocytes. Urine sediment (analysis performed only if positive): leukocytes, erythrocytes, flat cells, round cells, crystals, cylinders, mucus, bacteria. Hepatitis B (HBs antigen), Hepatitis C (HCV antibodies), HIV 1/2 (HIV Ag/Ab combo). The same analyses, with the exception of cotinine, urine drug test, virology and pregnancy test, were performed at the final visit
Time frame: At screening (initial visit) and at final visit (approximately 1 month)