Published in:
01-12-2014 | Original Research Article
A Phase I Dose-Escalation and Bioequivalence Study of a Trastuzumab Biosimilar in Healthy Male Volunteers
Authors:
Liselijn A. B. Wisman, Eduard P. M. De Cock, Joannes A. A. Reijers, Ingrid M. C. Kamerling, Sandra H. G. Van Os, Marieke L. de Kam, Jacobus Burggraaf, Gerrit Voortman
Published in:
Clinical Drug Investigation
|
Issue 12/2014
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Abstract
Background
Trastuzumab (Herceptin®) is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and is used in the treatment of HER2-overexpressing breast and gastric cancer. FTMB is being developed as a biosimilar of trastuzumab.
Objective
In this combined dose-escalation and bioequivalence study of parallel design, the pharmacokinetic profile of FTMB was compared with Herceptin®.
Methods
Healthy male volunteers received single doses of 0.5, 1.5, 3.0 or 6.0 mg/kg FTMB, or placebo, in consecutive dose-escalation cohorts to assess the safety profile. Thereafter, the 6 mg/kg cohort was expanded to establish bioequivalence between FTMB (Test) and Herceptin® (Reference) based on an acceptance interval of 80.0–125.0 %. In total, 118 subjects were enrolled in the study.
Result
The mean area under the concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC∞) was 1,609 µg·day/mL (Test) and 1,330 µg·day/mL (Reference). The log-transformed geometric mean Test/Reference (T/R) ratio for AUC∞ was 89.6 % (90 % confidence interval [CI] 85.1–94.4), demonstrating bioequivalence. For the secondary endpoint, the maximum concentration observed (C
max), the geometric mean T/R ratio was 89.4 % (90 % CI 83.4–95.9). Non-linear, target-mediated pharmacokinetics were also observed. Adverse events other than the documented side effects of Herceptin® (fever, influenza-like illness, and fatigue) did not occur. No signs of cardiotoxicity were observed.
Conclusions
This bioequivalence study with a trastuzumab biosimilar in healthy male volunteers demonstrated bioequivalence of FTMB with Herceptin®. FTMB was well tolerated in doses up to 6 mg/kg. Non-linear target elimination was also observed in the pharmacokinetic profile of trastuzumab.