Population pharmacokinetics and enterohepatic recirculation of hyzetimibe and its main metabolite in Chinese healthy subjects

• Published in: British journal of clinical pharmacology Vol. 88; no. 7; pp. 3153 - 3161
• Main Authors: Chen, Wenjun, Ruan, Zourong, Chen, Jinliang, Yang, Dandan, Shao, Rong, Lou, Honggang, Jiang, Bo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.07.2022
• Subjects: enterohepatic recirculation; hyzetimibe; population pharmacokinetics; enterohepatic recirculation; hyzetimibe; population pharmacokinetics
• ISSN: 0306-5251; 1365-2125; 1365-2125
• DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15187

Aims Hyzetimibe (HS‐25), a new drug approved for hypercholesterolaemia, exhibits obvious enterohepatic recirculation (EHC) after oral administration. Up to now, little is known about the kinetics of HS‐25. Therefore, we performed this population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) analysis aiming to describe the PK behaviour of HS‐25 and its main metabolite (M1), and to identify significant covariates contributing to the variability. Methods The plasma concentration data used for modelling were obtained from an open‐label, single‐dose, randomized, 2‐period crossover bioequivalence study. PopPK modelling was performed with NONMEM 7.4.1 using nonlinear mixed effect modelling approach. Goodness of fit plots, bootstrap and visual predictive check were used for model internal validation. Data from another study were used for external validation. Results Data from 16 male and 8 female subjects were used in the PopPK analysis. HS‐25 and M1 concentrations in the modelling cohort were well described by a 1‐compartment model incorporating first‐pass metabolism and a gallbladder compartment, accounting for the EHC process. The release kinetic of gall was mimicked by a first‐order constant plus a switch on/off effect. Body weight was identified as a significant covariate effecting on the clearance and apparent distribution volume of HS‐25, as well as kmg, the transfer rate from metabolite compartment to gallbladder compartment. Internal and external validation demonstrated an acceptable predictive ability of the final model. Conclusion We present the first PopPK model describing HS‐25 and M1 concentrations simultaneously, with the EHC process considered. The modelling and simulation results could provide reference for the clinical use of HS‐25.