Mechanistic in vitro studies indicate that the clinical drug-drug interactions between protease inhibitors and rosuvastatin are driven by inhibition of intestinal BCRP and hepatic OATP1B1 with minimal contribution from OATP1B3, NTCP and OAT3

Influence of a Short Course of Ritonavir Used as Booster in Antiviral Therapies Against SARS-CoV-2 on the Exposure of Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin

PURPOSE

Early antiviral treatment with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is recommended for SARS-CoV-2-infected patients at high risk for severe courses. Such patients are usually chronically ill and susceptible to adverse drug interactions caused by ritonavir. We investigated the interactions of short-term low-dose ritonavir therapy with atorvastatin and rosuvastatin, two statins commonly used in this population.

METHOD

We assessed exposure changes (area under the concentration-time curve (AUC∞) and maximum concentration (Cmax)) of a single dose of 10 mg atorvastatin and 10 mg rosuvastatin before and on the fifth day of ritonavir treatment (2 × 100 mg/day) in healthy volunteers and developed a semi-mechanistic pharmacokinetic model to estimate dose adjustment of atorvastatin during ritonavir treatment.

RESULTS

By the fifth day of ritonavir treatment, the AUC∞ of atorvastatin increased 4.76-fold and Cmax 3.78-fold, and concurrently, the concentration of atorvastatin metabolites decreased to values below the lower limit of quantification. Pharmacokinetic modelling indicated that a stepwise reduction in atorvastatin dose during ritonavir treatment with a stepwise increase up to 4 days after ritonavir discontinuation can keep atorvastatin exposure within safe and effective margins. Rosuvastatin pharmacokinetics were only mildly modified; ritonavir significantly increased the Cmax 1.94-fold, while AUC∞ was unchanged.

CONCLUSION

Atorvastatin doses should likely be adjusted during nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment. For patients on a 20-mg dose, we recommend half of the original dose. In patients taking 40 mg or more, a quarter of the dose should be taken until 2 days after discontinuation of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Patients receiving rosuvastatin do not need to change their treatment regimen.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

EudraCT number: 2021-006634-39. DRKS00027838.

Molecular Factors and Pathways of Hepatotoxicity Associated with HIV/SARS-CoV-2 Protease Inhibitors

Antiviral protease inhibitors are peptidomimetic molecules that block the active catalytic center of viral proteases and, thereby, prevent the cleavage of viral polyprotein precursors into maturation. They continue to be a key class of antiviral drugs that can be used either as boosters for other classes of antivirals or as major components of current regimens in therapies for the treatment of infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, sustained/lifelong treatment with the drugs or drugs combined with other substance(s) often leads to severe hepatic side effects such as lipid abnormalities, insulin resistance, and hepatotoxicity. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms are not fully known and are under continuous investigation. This review focuses on the general as well as specific molecular mechanisms of the protease inhibitor-induced hepatotoxicity involving transporter proteins, apolipoprotein B, cytochrome P450 isozymes, insulin-receptor substrate 1, Akt/PKB signaling, lipogenic factors, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, pregnane X receptor, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines, off-target proteases, and small GTPase Rab proteins related to ER-Golgi trafficking, organelle stress, and liver injury. Potential pharmaceutical/therapeutic solutions to antiviral drug-induced hepatic side effects are also discussed.