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Open Access 01-08-2022 | Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia | Original Research Article

Bioavailability Evaluation of Venetoclax Lower-Strength Tablets and Oral Powder Formulations to Establish Interchangeability with the 100 mg Tablet

Authors: Mohamed Badawi, Xin Chen, Patrick Marroum, Ahmed A. Suleiman, Sven Mensing, Anette Koenigsdorfer, Julia Teresa Schiele, Tammy Palenski, Divya Samineni, David Hoffman, Rajeev Menon, Ahmed Hamed Salem

Published in: Clinical Drug Investigation | Issue 8/2022

Abstract

Background and Objective

Venetoclax is an approved BCL-2 inhibitor, currently under evaluation in different hematological malignancies in adult and pediatric populations. Venetoclax is available as 10, 50, and 100 mg tablets. To provide an alternative to patients who find taking the commonly prescribed 100 mg tablet a challenge, the interchangeability of lower-strength tablets with the 100 mg tablet was investigated. Additionally, newly developed oral suspension powder formulations to facilitate dosing in pediatrics were evaluated.

Methods

Pharmacokinetic data from 80 healthy female participants from three phase I studies were utilized to evaluate the bioavailability of (1) 10 and 50 mg tablets relative to a 100 mg tablet; (2) 0.72 and 7.2% (drug to total weight) oral powder formulations relative to the 100 mg tablet; and (3) oral powder formulations administered using different vehicles (apple juice, apple sauce, and yogurt) relative to water under fed conditions.

Results

Bioavailability assessments at a 100 mg dose of venetoclax demonstrated bioequivalence across the 10, 50, and 100 mg tablet strengths. Oral powder formulations met the bioequivalence criteria (0.80–1.25) with respect to area under the concentration–time curve to time of the last measurable concentration (AUC_t) and to infinite time (AUC_∞) but exhibited a slightly lower maximum plasma concentration (C_max). Exposure–response analyses were utilized to demonstrate that the lower C_max observed with the powder formulations is not clinically meaningful. The delivery vehicles tested did not affect the bioavailability of venetoclax oral powder formulations.

Conclusions

The smaller-sized tablets (10 and 50 mg) and the newly developed oral powder formulations of venetoclax can be used interchangeably with the 100 mg tablets to improve the patients’ experience, while maintaining adequate exposure.

Clinical Trials Identifiers

NCT01682616, 11 September 2012; NCT02005471, 9 December 2013; NCT02242942, 17 September 2014; NCT02203773, 30 July 2014; NCT02287233, 10 November 2014; NCT02993523, 15 December 2016; NCT03069352, 3 March 2017.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Bioavailability Evaluation of Venetoclax Lower-Strength Tablets and Oral Powder Formulations to Establish Interchangeability with the 100 mg Tablet
Authors: Mohamed Badawi
Xin Chen
Patrick Marroum
Ahmed A. Suleiman
Sven Mensing
Anette Koenigsdorfer
Julia Teresa Schiele
Tammy Palenski
Divya Samineni
David Hoffman
Rajeev Menon
Ahmed Hamed Salem
Publication date: 01-08-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Published in: Clinical Drug Investigation / Issue 8/2022
Print ISSN: 1173-2563
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1918
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40261-022-01172-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Bioavailability Evaluation of Venetoclax Lower-Strength Tablets and Oral Powder Formulations to Establish Interchangeability with the 100 mg Tablet

Abstract

Background and Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Clinical Trials Identifiers

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background and Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Clinical Trials Identifiers

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