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Devine JW, Tadrous M, Hernandez I, Mukhopadhyay N, Rothenberger SD, Callaway Kim K, Gellad WF, Suda KJ. Effects of the valsartan recall on heart failure patients: A nationwide analysis. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2024; 33:e5777. [PMID: 38511239 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Valsartan is commonly used for cardiac conditions. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration recalled generic valsartan due to the detection of impurities. Our objective was to determine if heart failure patients receiving valsartan at the recall date had a greater likelihood of unfavorable outcomes than patients using comparable antihypertensives. METHODS We conducted a cohort study of Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Datamart (July 2017-January 2019). Heart failure patients with commercial or Medicare Advantage insurance who received valsartan were compared to persons who received non-recalled angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitors (ACE-Is) for 1 year prior and including the recall date. Outcomes included a composite for all-cause hospitalization, emergency department (ED), and urgent care (UC) use and a measure of cardiac events which included hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction and hospitalizations/ED/UC visits for stroke/transient ischemic attack, heart failure or hypertension at 6-months post-recall. Cox proportional hazard models with propensity score weighting compared the risk of outcomes between groups. RESULTS Of the 87 130 adherent patients, 15% were valsartan users and 85% were users of non-recalled ARBs/ACE-Is. Valsartan use was not associated with an increased risk of all-cause hospitalization/ED/UC use six-months post-recall (HR 1.00; 95% CI 0.96-1.03), compared with individuals taking non-recalled ARBs/ACE-Is. Similarly, cardiac events 6-months post-recall did not differ between individuals on valsartan and non-recalled ARBs/ACE-Is (HR 1.04; 95% CI 0.97-1.12). CONCLUSIONS The valsartan recall did not affect short-term outcomes of heart failure patients. However, the recall potentially disrupted the medication regimens of patients, possibly straining the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua W Devine
- Department of Public Health, Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa, USA
| | - Mina Tadrous
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Inmaculada Hernandez
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Nandita Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Craniofacial and Oral Sciences, Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scott D Rothenberger
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katherine Callaway Kim
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Walid F Gellad
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katie J Suda
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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2
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Devine JW, Tadrous M, Hernandez I, Callaway Kim K, Rothenberger SD, Mukhopadhyay N, Gellad WF, Suda KJ. A Retrospective Cohort Study of the 2018 Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Recalls and Subsequent Drug Shortages in Patients With Hypertension. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e032266. [PMID: 38156554 PMCID: PMC10863811 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.032266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Valsartan was recalled by the US Food and Drug Administration in July 2018 for carcinogenic impurities, resulting in a drug shortage and management challenges for valsartan users. The influence of the valsartan recall on clinical outcomes is unknown. We compared the risk of adverse events between hypertensive patients using valsartan and a propensity score-matched group using nonrecalled angiotensin receptor blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. METHODS AND RESULTS We used Optum's deidentified Clinformatics Datamart (July 2017-January 2019). Hypertensive patients who received valsartan or nonrecalled angiotensin receptor blockers/angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for 1 year before and on the recall date were compared. Primary outcomes were measured in the 6 months following the recall and included: (1) a composite measure of all-cause hospitalization, all-cause emergency department visit, and all-cause urgent care visit, and (2) a composite cardiac event measure of hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction and hospitalizations/emergency department visits/urgent care visits for stroke/transient ischemic attack, heart failure, or hypertension. We compared the risk of outcomes between treatment groups using Cox proportional hazard models. Of the hypertensive patients, 76 934 received valsartan, and 509 472 received a nonrecalled angiotensin receptor blocker/angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Valsartan use at the time of recall was associated with a higher risk of all-cause hospitalization, emergency department use, or urgent care use (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02 [95% CI, 1.00-1.04]) and the composite of cardiac events (HR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.15-1.29]) within 6 months after the recall. CONCLUSIONS The valsartan recall and shortage affected hypertensive patients. Local- and national-level systems need to be enhanced to protect patients from drug shortages by providing safe and reliable medication alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mina Tadrous
- Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of TorontoOntarioCanada
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual CareWomen’s College HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Inmaculada Hernandez
- University of California San DiegoSchool of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Katherine Callaway Kim
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Public HealthPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Scott D. Rothenberger
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Nandita Mukhopadhyay
- University of Pittsburgh School of Dental MedicineDepartment of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Center for Craniofacial and Dental GeneticsPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Walid F. Gellad
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Center for Health Equity Research and PromotionVA Pittsburgh Healthcare SystemPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Katie J. Suda
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Center for Health Equity Research and PromotionVA Pittsburgh Healthcare SystemPittsburghPAUSA
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Öncü T, Yüksel B, Binay E, Şen N. LC-MS/MS Investigation of nitrosamine impurities in certain Sartan group medicinal products available in Istanbul, Türkiye. ANNALES PHARMACEUTIQUES FRANÇAISES 2024; 82:72-83. [PMID: 37567559 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharma.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Nitrosamines (NAs) are molecules that include the nitroso functional group. In 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received its first report of NAs in pharmaceuticals. The fact that NA impurities are likely human carcinogens is relevant to these compounds. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to NA contaminants above safe limits may raise the risk of cancer. The goal of this article was to assess the amounts of six different NAs in Sartan group medicines purchased from formal pharmacies in Istanbul, Türkiye, using a validated LC-MS/MS assay. An LC-MS/MS-based analytical assay was undertaken. The separation was performed with a HR ODS 150mm×3.0mm and 5-analytical columns, providing effective separation of major peaks from NA impurities. In mobile phase A, formic acid was 0.10% in water, while in mobile phase B, formic acid was 0.10% in methanol. The flow rate was 0.4mL/minute, and the total runtime was 18minutes with the gradient elution mode. The validation was conducted in line with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. Up to 100μg/L, linearity was determined using correlation coefficients (r2>0.995) for all NAs. The limit of quantification values for all NAs analyses were below 1.0μg/L. The mean recovery value obtained during the spike experiment was 95.18%, demonstrating the accuracy of the procedure. In addition, the accuracy was shown by a certified reference analysis, which yielded relative standard deviation and relative error values of 1.82% and 3.34%, respectively. During the intermediate precision testing, bias and relative standard deviation were 0.96 and 2.87%, respectively. Of the 75 study samples involving Sartan group medical products, no nitrosamine impurities were detected, demonstrating that pharmaceutical companies have adequate medication safety precautions in place in accordance with FDA and European Medicines Agency (EMA) regulations published to prevent NA contaminants in human medicinal products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuna Öncü
- Shimadzu Middle East Africa, Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Emrullah Binay
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nilgün Şen
- Turkish National Police Academy, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
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Wichitnithad W, Nantaphol S, Noppakhunsomboon K, Thitikornpong W, Rojsitthisak P. Current status and prospects of development of analytical methods for determining nitrosamine and N-nitroso impurities in pharmaceuticals. Talanta 2023; 254:124102. [PMID: 36470020 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.124102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Nitrosamine impurities in pharmaceuticals have recently been concerned for several national regulatory agencies to avoid carcinogenic and mutagenic effects in patients. The demand for highly sensitive and specific analytical methods with LOQs in the ppb and sub-ppb ranges is among the most significant challenges facing analytical scientists. In addition, artifactual nitrosamine formation during sample preparation and injection leading to overestimation of nitrosamines has received considerable attention. Numerous analytical methodologies have been reported for quantifying nitrosamine impurities in active pharmaceutical ingredients and medicinal products at the interim limit criteria as preventive measures. In this review, we meticulously discuss those reported gas and liquid chromatographic methods for nitrosamine determination in pharmaceuticals in aspects of chromatographic conditions and sensitivity of detection. We also introduce the potential of novel fluorescence-based methods recently developed to rapidly screen nitrosamine impurities. In addition, the review assesses the nitrosation assay procedure (NAP test), which is expected to be a future preventive measure for screening potential nitrosation and identifying suspected contamination with N-nitroso or other potential mutagenic impurities during the drug development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wisut Wichitnithad
- Department of Analytical Development, Pharma Nueva Co., Ltd., Bangkok, 10900, Thailand; Department of Clinical Development, Pharma Nueva Co., Ltd., Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Siriwan Nantaphol
- Department of Clinical Development, Pharma Nueva Co., Ltd., Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | | | - Worathat Thitikornpong
- Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Pornchai Rojsitthisak
- Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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5
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Wichitnithad W, Nantaphol S, Noppakhunsomboon K, Rojsitthisak P. An update on the current status and prospects of nitrosation pathways and possible root causes of nitrosamine formation in various pharmaceuticals. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:295-311. [PMID: 36942272 PMCID: PMC10023554 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two years, global regulatory authorities have raised safety concerns on nitrosamine contamination in several drug classes, including angiotensin II receptor antagonists, histamine-2 receptor antagonists, antimicrobial agents, and antidiabetic drugs. To avoid carcinogenic and mutagenic effects in patients relying on these medications, authorities have established specific guidelines in risk assessment scenarios and proposed control limits for nitrosamine impurities in pharmaceuticals. In this review, nitrosation pathways and possible root causes of nitrosamine formation in pharmaceuticals are discussed. The control limits of nitrosamine impurities in pharmaceuticals proposed by national regulatory authorities are presented. Additionally, a practical and science-based strategy for implementing the well-established control limits is notably reviewed in terms of an alternative approach for drug product N-nitrosamines without published AI information from animal carcinogenicity testing. Finally, a novel risk evaluation strategy for predicting and investigating the possible nitrosation of amine precursors and amine pharmaceuticals as powerful prevention of nitrosamine contamination is addressed.
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Key Words
- AI, acceptable intake
- APIs, active pharmaceutical ingredients
- ARBs, angiotensin II receptor blockers
- AZBC, 4′-(azidomethyl)-[1.1′-biphenyl]-2-carbonitile
- AZBT, 5-(4′-(azidomethyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-yl)-1H-tetrazole
- AZTT, 5-(4′-((5-(azidomethyl)-2-butyl-4-chloro-1H-imidazol-1-yl) methyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-yl)-1H-tetrazole
- CDER, center for drug evaluation and research
- CPNP, 1-cyclopentyl-4-nitrosopiperazine
- Control limits
- DBA, N,N-dibutylamine
- DEA, N,N-diethylamine
- DIPEA, N,N-diisopropylethylamine
- DMA, dimethylamine
- DMF, N,N-dimethyl formamide
- DPA, N,N-dipropylamine
- EMA, European Medicines Agency
- EPA, Environmental Protection Agency
- FDA, Food and Drug Administration
- HSA, Health Sciences Authority
- IARC, International Agency for Research on Cancer
- ICH, International Council for Harmonisation
- LD50, median lethal dose
- MBA, N-methylamino-N-butyric acid
- MDD, maximum daily dose
- MNP, 1-methyl-4-nitrosopiperazine
- NAP, nitrosation assay procedure
- NDBA, N-nitrosodibutylamine
- NDEA, N-nitrosodiethylamine
- NDIPA, N-nitrosodiisopropylamine
- NDMA, N-nitrosodimethylamine
- NDSRIs, Nitrosamine drug substance-related impurities
- NEIPA, N-nitroso ethylisopropylamine
- NMBA, N-nitroso-N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid
- NMP, N-methyl pyrrolidinone
- NOCs, N-nitroso compounds
- Nitrosamines
- Nitrosation
- PPRs, proportionate reporting ratios
- Ranitidine
- SARs, structure–activity relationships
- Sartans
- TD50, median toxic dose
- TEA, triethylamine
- TMA, trimethylamine
- TTC, threshold of toxicological concern
- USFDA, United States Food Drug and Administration
- USP, United States Pharmacopoeia
- WHO, World Health Organization
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Affiliation(s)
- Wisut Wichitnithad
- Department of Analytical Development, Pharma Nueva Co., Ltd, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Development, Pharma Nueva Co., Ltd, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Siriwan Nantaphol
- Department of Clinical Development, Pharma Nueva Co., Ltd, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | | | - Pornchai Rojsitthisak
- Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Corresponding author at: Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand.
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Trampuž M, Žnidarič M, Gallou F, Časar Z. Does the Red Shift in UV-Vis Spectra Really Provide a Sensing Option for Detection of N-Nitrosamines Using Metalloporphyrins? ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:1154-1167. [PMID: 36643536 PMCID: PMC9835193 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
N-nitrosamines are widespread cancerogenic compounds in human environment, including water, tobacco products, food, and medicinal products. Their presence in pharmaceuticals has recently led to several recalls of important medicines from the market, and strict controls and tight limits of N-nitrosamines are now required. Analytical determination of N-nitrosamines is expensive, laborious, and time-inefficient making development of simpler and faster techniques for their detection crucial. Several reports published in the previous decade have demonstrated that cobalt porphyrin-based chemosensors selectively bind N-nitrosamines, which produces a red shift of characteristic Soret band in UV-Vis spectra. In this study, a thorough re-evaluation of metalloporphyrin/N-nitrosamine adducts was performed using various characterization methods. Herein, we demonstrate that while N-nitrosamines can interact directly with cobalt-based porphyrin complexes, the red shift in UV-Vis spectra is not selectively assured and might also result from the interaction between impurities in N-nitrosamines and porphyrin skeleton or interaction of other functional groups within the N-nitrosamine structure and the metal ion within the porphyrin. We show that pyridine nitrogen is the interacting atom in tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNAs), as pyridine itself is an active ligand and not the N-nitrosamine moiety. When using Co(II) porphyrins as chemosensors, acidic and basic impurities in dialkyl N-nitrosamines (e.g., formic acid, dimethylamine) are also UV-Vis spectra red shift-producing species. Treatment of these N-nitrosamines with K2CO3 prevents the observed UV-Vis phenomena. These results imply that cobalt-based metalloporphyrins cannot be considered as selective chemosensors for UV-Vis detection of N-nitrosamine moiety-containing species. Therefore, special caution in interpretation of UV-Vis red shift for chemical sensors is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Trampuž
- Lek
Pharmaceuticals d.d., Sandoz Development
Center Slovenia, Kolodvorska
27, 1234 Mengeš, Slovenia
| | - Mateja Žnidarič
- Lek
Pharmaceuticals d.d., Sandoz Development
Center Slovenia, Kolodvorska
27, 1234 Mengeš, Slovenia
| | - Fabrice Gallou
- Chemical
and Analytical Development, Novartis Pharma
AG, Basel 4056, Switzerland
| | - Zdenko Časar
- Lek
Pharmaceuticals d.d., Sandoz Development
Center Slovenia, Kolodvorska
27, 1234 Mengeš, Slovenia
- Chair
of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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7
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Concentrations of Transition Metal Ions in Rat Lungs after Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Treatment with His-Leu Dipeptide. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28020628. [PMID: 36677686 PMCID: PMC9862342 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is deleterious to the lungs because it exposes them to many toxic substances. These include transition metal ions, such as cadmium. However, there is a lack of information about the influence of endogenous metal-binding peptides, such as His-Leu (HL), on the lung distribution of transition metals in smokers. To address this, we administered HL subcutaneously to rats exposed to tobacco smoke for six weeks, then we measured the concentrations of transition metal ions in the lungs. We found that exposure to tobacco smoke elevates the concentrations of Cd(II) and Cu(II). Administration of the HL peptide, whose elevation is a consequence of angiotensin receptor blocker anti-hypertension therapy, increases the concentration of Fe in the lungs of rats exposed to smoke. These findings suggest that smoking is a risk factor for patients receiving angiotensin receptor blockers to treat hypertension.
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8
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Assessment of a Diverse Array of Nitrite Scavengers in Solution and Solid State: A Study of Inhibitory Effect on the Formation of Alkyl-Aryl and Dialkyl N-Nitrosamine Derivatives. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10112428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitous presence of mutagenic and potentially carcinogenic N-nitrosamine impurities in medicines has become a major issue in the pharmaceutical industry in recent years. Rigorous mitigation strategies to limit their amount in drug products are, therefore, needed. The removal of nitrite, which is a prerequisite reagent for the N-nitrosation of amines, has been acknowledged as one of the most promising strategies. We have conducted an extensive literature search to identify nineteen structurally diverse nitrite scavengers and screened their activity experimentally under pharmaceutically relevant conditions. In the screening phase, we have identified six compounds that proved to have the best nitrite scavenging properties: ascorbic acid (vitamin C), sodium ascorbate, maltol, propyl gallate, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), and l-cysteine. These were selected for investigation as inhibitors of the formation of N-methyl-N-nitrosoaniline (NMA) from N-methylaniline and N-nitroso-N’-phenylpiperazine (NPP) from N-phenylpiperazine in both solution and model tablets. Much faster kinetics of NMA formation compared to NPP was observed, but the former was less stable at high temperatures. Vitamin C, PABA, and l-cysteine were recognized as the most effective inhibitors under most studied conditions. The nitrite scavenging activity does not directly translate into N-nitrosation inhibitory effectiveness, indicating other reaction pathways may take place. The study presents an important contribution to identifying physiologically acceptable chemicals that could be added to drugs to prevent N-nitrosation during manufacture and storage.
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9
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Salim H, Jones AM. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and manufacturing contamination: A retrospective National Register Study into suspected associated adverse drug reactions. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2022; 88:4812-4827. [PMID: 35585835 PMCID: PMC9796460 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to determine if any suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) observed with the use of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) could be linked to either (a) their unique respective physicochemical and pharmacological profiles and (b) the recently disclosed suspected carcinogenic manufacturing contaminants found in certain sartan drug class batches. METHODS The pharmacology profiles of ARBs were data-mined from the Chemical Database of bioactive molecules with drug-like properties, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (ChEMBL). Suspected ADR data (from 01/2016-10/2022, inclusive) and prescribing rates of ARBs over a 5-year prescribing window (from 09/2016 to 08/2021, inclusive) were obtained via analysis of the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) Yellow Card drug analysis profile and Open prescribing databases, respectively. RESULTS The overall suspected ADRs and fatalities per 100 000 prescriptions identified across the ARBs studied were found to be different between the sartan drug class members (chi-squared test, P < .05). There is a greater relative rate of reports for valsartan across all investigated organ classes of ADRs, than other ARBs, despite valsartan's more limited pharmacological profile and similar physicochemical properties to other sartans. The disparity in ADR reporting rates with valsartan vs other ARBs could be due to the dissimilarity in formulation excipients, patient factors and publicity surrounding batch contaminations, amongst others. Cancer-related ADRs and fatalities per 100 000 prescriptions identified across the ARBs studied are not statistically significant (chi-squared test, P > .05) based on the datasets used over the 5-year period. CONCLUSION No connection between ARB pharmacology and their suspected ADRs could be found. No conclusion between sartan batch contaminations and increased suspected cancer-related ADRs was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamisha Salim
- Medicines Safety Research Group (MSRG), School of PharmacyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Alan M. Jones
- Medicines Safety Research Group (MSRG), School of PharmacyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
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10
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Sims K, Zhu W, Zaiken K. Impact of clinical pharmacy guidance on valsartan recall management: a retrospective review. DRUGS & THERAPY PERSPECTIVES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40267-022-00918-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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11
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Keire DA, Bream R, Wollein U, Schmaler-Ripcke J, Burchardt A, Conti M, Zmysłowski A, Keizers P, Morin J, Poh J, George M, Wierer M. International Regulatory Collaboration on the Analysis of Nitrosamines in Metformin-Containing Medicines. AAPS J 2022; 24:56. [PMID: 35449372 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-022-00702-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recalls of some batches of metformin have occurred due to the detection of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in amounts above the acceptable intake (AI) of 96 ng per day. Prior to the recalls, an international regulatory laboratory network had been monitoring drugs for nitrosamine impurities with each laboratory independently developing and validating multiple analytical procedures to detect and measure nitrosamines in metformin drugs used in their jurisdictions. Here, we provide an overview of the analysis of metformin active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug products with 1090 samples (875 finished dosage forms (FDFs) and 215 API samples) tested beginning in November of 2019 through July of 2020. Samples were obtained internationally by a variety of approaches, including purchased, received from firms via information requests or selected by regional regulatory authorities (either at wholesalers or during GMP inspections). Only one nitrosamine (NDMA) was detected and was only present in some batches of metformin products. For API samples, 213 out of 215 lots tested had no measurable level of NDMA. For FDF samples tested, the number of batches with NDMA above the AI amount for patient safety was 17.8% (156/875). Based on these data, although the presence of NDMA was of concern, 82.2% of the samples of metformin drug products tested met quality and safety standards for patients. Regulatory agencies continue to collaborate extensively and work with marketing authorization holders to understand root causes of nitrosamine formation and agree on corrective actions to mitigate the presence of NDMA in future metformin batches.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Keire
- Office of Testing and Research, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Food and Drug Administration, 645 S. Newstead Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Robert Bream
- European Medicines Agency, Domenico Scarlattilaan 6, 1083 HS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Uwe Wollein
- Bayerisches Landesamt Für Gesundheit Und Lebensmittelsicherheit, LGL, Veterinärstr. 2, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Jeannette Schmaler-Ripcke
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Karlsruhe, CVUA Karlsruhe, Weißenburger Str. 3, 76187, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Annette Burchardt
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Applied Analytics - InphA GmbH, Emil-Sommer-Strasse 7, 28329, Bremen, Germany
| | - Massimiliano Conti
- Schweizerisches Heilmittelinstitut (Biol. & Pharm.), OMCL Swissmedic, Hallerstrasse 7, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adam Zmysłowski
- National Medicines Institute, NIL, 30/34 Chelmska Street, 00-725, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Peter Keizers
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Justin Morin
- Health Canada, 2301 Midland Avenue, Room 200-59, Toronto, M1P 4R7, Canada
| | - Jalene Poh
- Health Sciences Authority, 11 Outram Road, Bukit Merah, 169078, Singapore
| | - Mark George
- TGA Laboratories, 136 Narrabundah Lane, Symonston, A.C.T, 2606, Australia
| | - Michael Wierer
- European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare, 7 Allée Kastner CS 30026, 67081, Strasbourg, France
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12
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Rando HM, Wellhausen N, Ghosh S, Lee AJ, Dattoli AA, Hu F, Byrd JB, Rafizadeh DN, Lordan R, Qi Y, Sun Y, Brueffer C, Field JM, Ben Guebila M, Jadavji NM, Skelly AN, Ramsundar B, Wang J, Goel RR, Park Y, Boca SM, Gitter A, Greene CS. Identification and Development of Therapeutics for COVID-19. mSystems 2021; 6:e0023321. [PMID: 34726496 PMCID: PMC8562484 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00233-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
After emerging in China in late 2019, the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread worldwide, and as of mid-2021, it remains a significant threat globally. Only a few coronaviruses are known to infect humans, and only two cause infections similar in severity to SARS-CoV-2: Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, a species closely related to SARS-CoV-2 that emerged in 2002, and Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, which emerged in 2012. Unlike the current pandemic, previous epidemics were controlled rapidly through public health measures, but the body of research investigating severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome has proven valuable for identifying approaches to treating and preventing novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Building on this research, the medical and scientific communities have responded rapidly to the COVID-19 crisis and identified many candidate therapeutics. The approaches used to identify candidates fall into four main categories: adaptation of clinical approaches to diseases with related pathologies, adaptation based on virological properties, adaptation based on host response, and data-driven identification (ID) of candidates based on physical properties or on pharmacological compendia. To date, a small number of therapeutics have already been authorized by regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while most remain under investigation. The scale of the COVID-19 crisis offers a rare opportunity to collect data on the effects of candidate therapeutics. This information provides insight not only into the management of coronavirus diseases but also into the relative success of different approaches to identifying candidate therapeutics against an emerging disease. IMPORTANCE The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving crisis. With the worldwide scientific community shifting focus onto the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19, a large number of possible pharmaceutical approaches for treatment and prevention have been proposed. What was known about each of these potential interventions evolved rapidly throughout 2020 and 2021. This fast-paced area of research provides important insight into how the ongoing pandemic can be managed and also demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary collaboration to rapidly understand a virus and match its characteristics with existing or novel pharmaceuticals. As illustrated by the continued threat of viral epidemics during the current millennium, a rapid and strategic response to emerging viral threats can save lives. In this review, we explore how different modes of identifying candidate therapeutics have borne out during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halie M. Rando
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Center for Health AI, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Nils Wellhausen
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Soumita Ghosh
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alexandra J. Lee
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anna Ada Dattoli
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Fengling Hu
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James Brian Byrd
- University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Diane N. Rafizadeh
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ronan Lordan
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yanjun Qi
- Department of Computer Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Yuchen Sun
- Department of Computer Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey M. Field
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marouen Ben Guebila
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nafisa M. Jadavji
- Biomedical Science, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ashwin N. Skelly
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Jinhui Wang
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rishi Raj Goel
- Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - YoSon Park
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - COVID-19 Review Consortium
BansalVikasBartonJohn P.BocaSimina M.BoerckelJoel D.BruefferChristianByrdJames BrianCaponeStephenDasShiktaDattoliAnna AdaDziakJohn J.FieldJeffrey M.GhoshSoumitaGitterAnthonyGoelRishi RajGreeneCasey S.GuebilaMarouen BenHimmelsteinDaniel S.HuFenglingJadavjiNafisa M.KamilJeremy P.KnyazevSergeyKollaLikhithaLeeAlexandra J.LordanRonanLubianaTiagoLukanTemitayoMacLeanAdam L.MaiDavidMangulSergheiManheimDavidMcGowanLucy D’AgostinoNaikAmrutaParkYoSonPerrinDimitriQiYanjunRafizadehDiane N.RamsundarBharathRandoHalie M.RaySandipanRobsonMichael P.RubinettiVincentSellElizabethShinholsterLamonicaSkellyAshwin N.SunYuchenSunYushaSzetoGregory L.VelazquezRyanWangJinhuiWellhausenNils
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Center for Health AI, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Biomedical Science, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- The DeepChem Project
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Innovation Center for Biomedical Informatics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Early Biometrics & Statistical Innovation, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, R & D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Childhood Cancer Data Lab, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Simina M. Boca
- Innovation Center for Biomedical Informatics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Early Biometrics & Statistical Innovation, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, R & D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Anthony Gitter
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Casey S. Greene
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Center for Health AI, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Childhood Cancer Data Lab, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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13
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Ma I, Tisdale RL, Vail D, Heidenreich PA, Sandhu AT. Utilization of Generic Cardiovascular Drugs in Medicare's Part D Program. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2021; 14:e007559. [PMID: 34879702 PMCID: PMC9070108 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.120.007559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generic medications cost less than brand-name medications and are similarly effective, but brand-name medications are still prescribed. We evaluated patterns in generic cardiovascular medication fills and estimated the potential cost savings with increased substitution of generic for brand-name medications. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of cardiovascular therapies using the Medicare Part D database of prescription medications in 2017. We evaluated drug fill patterns for therapies with available brand-name and generic options. We determined the generic substitution ratio and estimated the potential savings with increased generic substitution at the national, state, and clinician level. We compared states with laws related to mandatory pharmacist generic substitution and patient consent for substitution. RESULTS Of ≈$22.9 billion spent on cardiovascular drugs in Medicare Part D prescription programs in 2017, ≈$11.0 billion was spent on medications with both brand-name and generic options. Although only 2.4% of medication fills were for the brand-name choice, they made up 21.2% of total spending. Accounting for estimated brand-name rebates, generic substitution for these medications would save $641 million, including $135 million in costs shouldered by patients. Furthermore, the minority of clinicians with the lowest generic utilization was responsible for a large proportion of the potential cost savings. CONCLUSIONS There are substantial potential cost savings from substituting brand-name medications with generic medications. These savings would be primarily driven by lower use of brand-name therapies by the minority of clinicians who prescribe them at increased rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Ma
- California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA (I.M.)
| | - Rebecca L Tisdale
- Department of Health Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA (R.L.T.)
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, CA (R.L.T., P.A.H., A.T.S.)
| | - Daniel Vail
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University, CA (D.V.)
| | - Paul A Heidenreich
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, CA (R.L.T., P.A.H., A.T.S.)
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Stanford, CA (P.A.H., A.T.S.)
| | - Alexander T Sandhu
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, CA (R.L.T., P.A.H., A.T.S.)
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Stanford, CA (P.A.H., A.T.S.)
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14
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Fenna J, Chu C, Hassan R, Gomes T, Tadrous M. Extent of a valsartan drug shortage and its effect on antihypertensive drug use in the Canadian population: a national cross-sectional study. CMAJ Open 2021; 9:E1128-E1133. [PMID: 34876414 PMCID: PMC8673482 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20200232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug shortages represent a growing global problem, with potentially serious consequences to patients and the health care system. Our study investigates the impacts of a major recall and shortage of valsartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), in July 2018 in Canada. METHODS We conducted a time-series analysis of antihypertensive drugs dispensed in Canada between 2015 and 2019 using commercially available retail prescription data. Using autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) modelling, we evaluated the change in valsartan use after the recall. We also measured the overall use of ARBs, angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and other antihypertensive drug classes for the same period. RESULTS After the recall in July 2018, valsartan use decreased 57.8%, from 362 231 prescriptions dispensed in June 2018 to 152 892 in September 2018 (difference = 209 339, p < 0.0001). Overall use of the ARB drug class decreased 2.0%, from 1 577 509 prescriptions dispensed in June 2018 to 1 545 591 in September 2018 (difference = 31 918, p = 0.0003), but use of non-valsartan ARBs increased 14.6%, from 1 215 278 to 1 392 699 prescriptions dispensed (difference = 177 421, p < 0.0001) in the same time frame. Although use of ACE inhibitors initially declined, this reduction was not sustained. The valsartan recall was not associated with a significant impact on use of other antihypertensive drug classes. INTERPRETATION Our findings illustrate the impact of a major drug shortage, with the immediate and substantial reduction of valsartan dispensed and cascading effects on other ARBs, though future research is warranted to understand the consequences of such extensive shortages on clinical outcomes and health system costs. Improved policy strategies are needed to address the underlying causes of drug shortages and to mitigate their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Fenna
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Fenna, Hassan, Gomes, Tadrous), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Pharmacy Services (Fenna), Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alta.; Institute of Health System Solutions and Virtual Care (Chu, Tadrous), Women's College Hospital; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Gomes), Unity Health Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Gomes), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Cherry Chu
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Fenna, Hassan, Gomes, Tadrous), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Pharmacy Services (Fenna), Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alta.; Institute of Health System Solutions and Virtual Care (Chu, Tadrous), Women's College Hospital; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Gomes), Unity Health Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Gomes), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Rola Hassan
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Fenna, Hassan, Gomes, Tadrous), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Pharmacy Services (Fenna), Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alta.; Institute of Health System Solutions and Virtual Care (Chu, Tadrous), Women's College Hospital; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Gomes), Unity Health Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Gomes), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Tara Gomes
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Fenna, Hassan, Gomes, Tadrous), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Pharmacy Services (Fenna), Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alta.; Institute of Health System Solutions and Virtual Care (Chu, Tadrous), Women's College Hospital; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Gomes), Unity Health Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Gomes), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Mina Tadrous
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Fenna, Hassan, Gomes, Tadrous), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Pharmacy Services (Fenna), Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alta.; Institute of Health System Solutions and Virtual Care (Chu, Tadrous), Women's College Hospital; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Gomes), Unity Health Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Gomes), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
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15
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Gudsoorkar P, Ruf R, Adnani H, Safdar K, Sparks MA. Onco-hypertension: An Emerging Specialty. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis 2021; 28:477-489.e1. [PMID: 35190114 DOI: 10.1053/j.ackd.2021.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. With the introduction of newer chemotherapeutic agents, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, the prognosis and survival of patients with cancer has remarkably improved. As a result, patients are living longer and experiencing long-term cardiovascular complications. Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Patients with malignancy have multiple etiologies of hypertension development, worsening, or association. This is because of the complex interplay between cancer type, chemotherapeutic agent, patient age, antihypertensive agent, and preexisting comorbidities in the etiology and pathogenesis of hypertension. Management of hypertension in patients with cancer requires accurate blood pressure measurement and considering factors such as adjuvant therapy and cancer-related pain. There are no set guidelines for management of hypertension in this unique cohort, and the therapy should be individualized based on the treatment guidelines for the general population. Onco-hypertension is an emerging subspeciality and entails a multidisciplinary approach between oncology, primary care physicians, nephrology, and cardiology.
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16
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Morizio PL, Britnell SR, Ottman AA. Impact of national valsartan recalls on Veterans' outcomes. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2021; 12:20420986211016173. [PMID: 34249328 PMCID: PMC8239958 DOI: 10.1177/20420986211016173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Chemical impurities discovered in angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) products in late 2018–2019 resulted in recalls of various products and has likely had downstream effects for patients and prescribers. The purpose of this study is to determine how the valsartan recall impacted clinical endpoints and prescribing of antihypertensives. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center, cohort study including patients receiving recalled valsartan with essential hypertension who were mailed a recall letter on 12 March 2019. Mean blood pressure endpoints were collected 6 months before (pre-recall) and after the recall letter was mailed (post-recall). Antihypertensive medication changes and titrations were also characterized post-recall. Results: A total of 300 patients meeting eligibility criteria were included. There was no statistically significant difference in mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) when pre- and post-recall blood pressures were compared (SBP: 137.2 mmHg versus 135.8 mmHg, p = 0.125; DBP: 78.6 mmHg versus 78.5 mmHg, p = 0.900). In addition, the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure readings was similar in the pre- and post-recall timeframes (28% versus 27%, p = 0.72). A total of 33 medication changes involving valsartan occurred, with approximately one-third being changed to another ARB (n = 11) or drug class (n = 12). In total, 11 valsartan medication changes were specifically documented to be related to the valsartan recall. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the valsartan recalls that occurred in 2019 did not significantly impact the clinical outcomes of the studied population. Plain Language Summary Impact of a medication recall on Veterans’ outcomes
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige L Morizio
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 508 Fulton St, Durham, NC 27705-3875, USA
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17
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Wichitnithad W, Sudtanon O, Srisunak P, Cheewatanakornkool K, Nantaphol S, Rojsitthisak P. Development of a Sensitive Headspace Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Nitrosamines in Losartan Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:11048-11058. [PMID: 34056258 PMCID: PMC8153937 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c00982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Nitrosamine impurities in angiotensin II receptor antagonists (sartans) containing a tetrazole group represent an urgent concern for active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturers and global regulators. Regarding safety, API manufacturers must develop methods to monitor the levels of each nitrosamine impurity before individual batch release. In this study, we developed and validated a sensitive, selective, and high-throughput method based on headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) for the simultaneous determination of four nitrosamines in losartan potassium API with simple sample preparation. N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA, m/z 74), N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA, m/z 102), N-nitrosoethylisopropylamine (EIPNA, m/z 116), and N-nitrosodiisopropylamine (DIPNA, m/z 130) levels were quantified using an electron impact, single quadrupole mass spectrometer under a selected-ion-monitoring acquisition method. The method was validated according to the Q2(R1) ICH guidelines. The calibration curves of the assay ranged from 25 to 5000 ng/mL with limits of quantitation of 25 ppb for NDMA and NDEA and 50 ppb for DIPNA and EIPNA. The accuracy of the developed method ranged from -7.04% to 7.25%, and the precision %CV was ≤11.5. Other validation parameters, including specificity, stability, carryover, and robustness, met the validation criteria. In conclusion, the developed method was successfully applied for the determination of nitrosamines in losartan potassium APIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wisut Wichitnithad
- Department
of Analytical Development, Pharma Nueva
Co., Ltd., Vibhavadi
Rangsit Road, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Department
of Clinical Development, Pharma Nueva Co.,
Ltd., Vibhavadi Rangsit
Road, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Orawan Sudtanon
- Department
of Analytical Development, Pharma Nueva
Co., Ltd., Vibhavadi
Rangsit Road, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Pawadee Srisunak
- Department
of Analytical Development, Pharma Nueva
Co., Ltd., Vibhavadi
Rangsit Road, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Kamonrak Cheewatanakornkool
- Department
of Analytical Development, Pharma Nueva
Co., Ltd., Vibhavadi
Rangsit Road, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Siriwan Nantaphol
- Department
of Clinical Development, Pharma Nueva Co.,
Ltd., Vibhavadi Rangsit
Road, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Pornchai Rojsitthisak
- Department
of Food and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Natural
Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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18
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Rando HM, Wellhausen N, Ghosh S, Lee AJ, Dattoli AA, Hu F, Byrd JB, Rafizadeh DN, Lordan R, Qi Y, Sun Y, Brueffer C, Field JM, Guebila MB, Jadavji NM, Skelly AN, Ramsundar B, Wang J, Goel RR, Park Y, Boca SM, Gitter A, Greene CS. Identification and Development of Therapeutics for COVID-19. ARXIV 2021:arXiv:2103.02723v3. [PMID: 33688554 PMCID: PMC7941644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
After emerging in China in late 2019, the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spread worldwide and as of mid-2021 remains a significant threat globally. Only a few coronaviruses are known to infect humans, and only two cause infections similar in severity to SARS-CoV-2: Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, a closely related species of SARS-CoV-2 that emerged in 2002, and Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, which emerged in 2012. Unlike the current pandemic, previous epidemics were controlled rapidly through public health measures, but the body of research investigating severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome has proven valuable for identifying approaches to treating and preventing novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Building on this research, the medical and scientific communities have responded rapidly to the COVID-19 crisis to identify many candidate therapeutics. The approaches used to identify candidates fall into four main categories: adaptation of clinical approaches to diseases with related pathologies, adaptation based on virological properties, adaptation based on host response, and data-driven identification of candidates based on physical properties or on pharmacological compendia. To date, a small number of therapeutics have already been authorized by regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while most remain under investigation. The scale of the COVID-19 crisis offers a rare opportunity to collect data on the effects of candidate therapeutics. This information provides insight not only into the management of coronavirus diseases, but also into the relative success of different approaches to identifying candidate therapeutics against an emerging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halie M Rando
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America; Center for Health AI, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America · Funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (GBMF 4552)
| | - Nils Wellhausen
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Soumita Ghosh
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Alexandra J Lee
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America · Funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (GBMF 4552)
| | - Anna Ada Dattoli
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Fengling Hu
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - James Brian Byrd
- University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America · Funded by NIH K23HL128909; FastGrants
| | - Diane N Rafizadeh
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America; Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of AmericaFunded by NIH Medical Scientist Training Program T32 GM07170
| | - Ronan Lordan
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158, USA
| | - Yanjun Qi
- Department of Computer Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Yuchen Sun
- Department of Computer Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | | | - Jeffrey M Field
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marouen Ben Guebila
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nafisa M Jadavji
- Biomedical Science, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, United States of America; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada · Funded by the American Heart Association (20AIREA35050015)
| | - Ashwin N Skelly
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America; Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, United States of America · Funded by NIH Medical Scientist Training Program T32 GM07170
| | | | - Jinhui Wang
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Rishi Raj Goel
- Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - YoSon Park
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America · Funded by NHGRI R01 HG10067
| | - Simina M Boca
- Innovation Center for Biomedical Informatics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America; Early Biometrics & Statistical Innovation, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, R & D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anthony Gitter
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America; Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America · Funded by John W. and Jeanne M. Rowe Center for Research in Virology
| | - Casey S Greene
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America; Childhood Cancer Data Lab, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America; Center for Health AI, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America · Funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (GBMF 4552); the National Human Genome Research Institute (R01 HG010067)
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19
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Bhalla V, Blish CA, South AM. A historical perspective on ACE2 in the COVID-19 era. J Hum Hypertens 2020; 35:935-939. [PMID: 33318644 PMCID: PMC7735396 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-020-00459-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Bhalla
- Stanford Hypertension Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Division of Nephrology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Catherine A Blish
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographical Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrew M South
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Brenner Children's Hospital, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Surgery-Hypertension and Vascular Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
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20
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Campbell NRC, Ordunez P, Giraldo G, Rodriguez Morales YA, Lombardi C, Khan T, Padwal R, Tsuyuki RT, Varghese C. WHO HEARTS: A Global Program to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Burden: Experience Implementing in the Americas and Opportunities in Canada. Can J Cardiol 2020; 37:744-755. [PMID: 33310142 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death. Viewed as a threat to the global economy, the United Nations included reducing noncommunicable diseases, including CVDs, in the 2030 sustainable development goals, and the World Health Assembly agreed to a target to reduce noncommunicable diseases 25% by the year 2025. In response, the World Health Organisation led the development of HEARTS, a technical package to guide governments in strengthening primary care to reduce CVDs. HEARTS recommends a public health and health system approach to introduce highly simplified interventions done systematically at a primary health care level and has a focus on hypertension as a clinical entry point. The HEARTS modules include healthy lifestyle counselling, evidence-based treatment protocols, access to essential medicines and technology, CVD risk-based management, team-based care, systems for monitoring, and an implementation guide. There are early positive global experiences in implementing HEARTS. Led by the Pan American Health Organisation, many national governments in the Americas are adopting HEARTS and have shown early success. Unfortunately, in Canada hypertension control is declining in women since 2010-2011 and the dramatic reductions in rates of CVD seen before 2010 have flattened when age adjusted and increased for rates that are not age adjusted, and there are marked increases in absolute numbers of Canadians with adverse CVD outcomes. Several steps that Canada could take to enhance hypertension control are outlined, the core of which is to implement a strong governmental nongovernmental collaborative strategy to prevent and control CVDs, focusing on HEARTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norm R C Campbell
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Pedro Ordunez
- Department of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health, Pan American Health Organisation, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Gloria Giraldo
- Department of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health, Pan American Health Organisation, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yenny A Rodriguez Morales
- Department of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health, Pan American Health Organisation, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Cintia Lombardi
- Department of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health, Pan American Health Organisation, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Taskeen Khan
- Department of Non-Communicable Diseases, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Raj Padwal
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ross T Tsuyuki
- Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine (Cardiology) and EPICORE Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Cherian Varghese
- Department of Non-Communicable Diseases, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
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21
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Siddiqi N, Shatat IF. Antihypertensive agents: a long way to safe drug prescribing in children. Pediatr Nephrol 2020; 35:2049-2065. [PMID: 31676933 PMCID: PMC7515858 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-019-04314-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently updated clinical guidelines have highlighted the gaps in our understanding and management of pediatric hypertension. With increased recognition and diagnosis of pediatric hypertension, the use of antihypertensive agents is also likely to increase. Drug selection to treat hypertension in the pediatric patient population remains challenging. This is primarily due to a lack of large, well-designed pediatric safety and efficacy trials, limited understanding of pharmacokinetics in children, and unknown risk of prolonged exposure to antihypertensive therapies. With newer legislation providing financial incentives for conducting clinical trials in children, along with publication of pediatric-focused guidelines, literature available for antihypertensive agents in pediatrics has increased over the last 20 years. The objective of this article is to review the literature for safety and efficacy of commonly prescribed antihypertensive agents in pediatrics. Thus far, the most data to support use in children was found for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), and calcium channel blockers (CCB). Several gaps were noted in the literature, particularly for beta blockers, vasodilators, and the long-term safety profile of antihypertensive agents in children. Further clinical trials are needed to guide safe and effective prescribing in the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nida Siddiqi
- Department of Pharmacy, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ibrahim F Shatat
- Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension, Sidra Medicine, HB. 7A. 106A, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar.
- Weill Cornell College of Medicine-Qatar, Ar-Rayyan, Qatar.
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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22
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Rudolph UM, Enners S, Kieble M, Mahfoud F, Böhm M, Laufs U, Schulz M. Impact of angiotensin receptor blocker product recalls on antihypertensive prescribing in Germany. J Hum Hypertens 2020; 35:903-911. [PMID: 33057175 PMCID: PMC8502678 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-020-00425-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In Germany, ~8 million patients take angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and 2.25 million of them valsartan. In 2018, contamination of generic ARBs with probable carcinogenic nitrosamines resulted in more than 30 recalls. The impact of such a huge recall has never been explored in Europe. We analyzed the utilization of valsartan, all ARBs, and other alternative antihypertensive drugs in Germany. We used our database of anonymized dispensing data from >80% of community pharmacies at the expense of the statutory health insurance (SHI) funds from January 2017 to December 2019. We analyzed 290.8 million prescriptions, including all oral mono- and fixed-dose combinations of ARBs and plausible alternatives, i.e. ACE inhibitors (ACEi), beta-blockers (BB), and calcium channel blockers (CCB). Utilization was calculated by defined daily doses per 1000 SHI-insured persons per day (DID). Valsartan use decreased substantially after the recalls in July 2018 from 39.0 to 14.2 DID (−64%) in the second quarter of 2019 and to 16.9 DID (−57%) in the fourth quarter of 2019. Simultaneously, the use of alternative ARBs increased from 77.7 DID in the second quarter of 2018 to 121.9 DID (+57%) in the fourth quarter of 2019, mainly due to an increase of candesartan dispensing to 99.8 DID (+73%). There were no changes in the utilization of ACEi, BB, or CCB. The majority of recalled generic valsartan products were replaced by other ARBs, predominantly candesartan, despite documented drug shortages. In contrast to previous safety warnings/recalls, our data do not suggest an under-prescription of antihypertensives during this period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salka Enners
- German Institute for Drug Use Evaluation, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marita Kieble
- German Institute for Drug Use Evaluation, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Mahfoud
- Department of Internal Medicine III-Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Michael Böhm
- Department of Internal Medicine III-Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Laufs
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Schulz
- German Institute for Drug Use Evaluation, Berlin, Germany.,Drug Commission of German Pharmacists, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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23
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers are commonly used anti-hypertensive medications in a number of clinical settings. They are often used interchangeably, but we pose the provocative question as to whether they should be. We review the literature to evaluate for any differences in efficacy between the two classes in order to determine if the greater side effects associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are offset by any advantageous effects on outcomes to warrant their use over angiotensin receptor blockers. Recent Findings In many clinical scenarios, the data supports similar efficacy between ACE inhibitors and ARBs, while in a minority of others, there are murky signals from previous trials that suggest ACE inhibitors may be better. However, when reviewing the literature in its entirety, and taking into account recently published pooled analysis and head to head trials, it is reasonable to conclude that ACE inhibitors and ARBs have similar efficacy. This is in contrast to data on adverse effects, which consistently favors the use of ARBs. Summary From the available data, it is reasonable to conclude that ACE inhibitors and ARBs have equal efficacy yet unequal adverse effects. It is in this context that we take the provocative stance that ACE inhibitors should not be used to treat hypertension.
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24
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Tamargo J, Rosano G. Low quality of some generic cardiovascular medicinal products represents a matter for growing concern. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOTHERAPY 2020; 6:176-187. [PMID: 31501855 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcvp/pvz037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Generic medicinal products (GMPs) are low-priced copies of off-patent medicines that reduce healthcare costs and broaden access to healthcare. Thus, healthcare authorities, professionals, and providers recommend their use. In recent years, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved hundreds of GMPs based on specific bioequivalent trials. The question is whether the brand name drugs and GMPs or the different GMPs similar in purity, efficacy, and safety. METHODS AND RESULTS We have reviewed the progressive increasing recalls and warning letters of cardiovascular GMPs issued recently by the FDA/EMA. Both Agencies found numerous irregularities in the purity, safety, effectiveness, and current good manufacturing practices in some GMPs widely used in cardiovascular therapy. This evidence and the recent identification of nitrosamine impurities classified as probable human carcinogens in several angiotensin receptor blockers confirm that the presence of low-quality/substandard GMPs represents a serious public health problem with significant impact on national clinical and economic burden. CONCLUSION A global strategy that unifies the efforts of all the stakeholders, including drug manufacturers, healthcare providers, governments, health professionals, patients, and judicial systems are needed to protect the drug chain supply and ensure that only high-quality GMPs are available for use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Tamargo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, CIBERCV, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Rosano
- Division of Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Institute, St. George's Hospital, Blackshaw Rd, London, UK.,IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
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25
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26
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Bottino LG, Fuchs FD. The role of angiotensin receptor blockers in CVD risk management. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2020; 18:181-185. [DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2020.1750369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Flávio Danni Fuchs
- School of Medicine, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Division of Cardiology, Hospital De Clínicas De Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
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27
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Pace J, Laba TL, Nisingizwe MP, Lipworth W. Formulating an Ethics of Pharmaceutical Disinvestment. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2020; 17:75-86. [PMID: 32130652 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-020-09964-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
There is growing interest among pharmaceutical policymakers in how to "disinvest" from subsidized medicines. This is due to both the rapidly rising costs of healthcare and the increasing use of accelerated and conditional reimbursement pathways which mean that medicines are being subsidized on the basis of less robust evidence of safety and efficacy. It is crucial that disinvestment decisions are morally sound and socially legitimate, but there is currently no framework to facilitate this. We therefore reviewed the bioethics literature in order to identify ethical principles and concepts that might be relevant to pharmaceutical disinvestment decisions. This revealed a number of key ethical considerations-both procedural and substantive-that need to be considered when making pharmaceutical disinvestment decisions. These principles do not, however, provide practical guidance so we present a framework outlining how they might be applied to different types of disinvestment decisions. We also argue that, in this context, even the most rigorous ethical reasoning is likely to be overridden by moral intuitions and psychological biases and that disinvestment decisions will need to strike the right balance between respecting justifiable moral intuitions and overriding unjustifiable psychological impulses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Pace
- Sydney Health Ethics, Level 1, Medical Foundation Building, K25, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Tracey-Lea Laba
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE), University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Marie-Paul Nisingizwe
- Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 170-6371 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1ZT, Canada
| | - Wendy Lipworth
- Sydney Health Ethics, Level 1, Medical Foundation Building, K25, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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28
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Angiotensin Receptor Blockers and the Risk of Cancer: Insights from Clinical Trials and Recent Drug Recalls. Curr Hypertens Rep 2020; 22:20. [PMID: 32114653 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-020-1021-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to familiarize readers with issues surrounding angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and the risk of cancer, both from the perspective of clinical trial data and the more recent concerns about impurities in certain ARB products. RECENT FINDINGS Approximately 45.6% of adults in the USA have hypertension. ARB-containing medications are widely used in the USA, with tens of millions of prescriptions written yearly. Whether exposure to certain ARB drug products contributes to the development of cancer has been the topic of a series of publications. Nonetheless, ARBs' link to cancer, if any, remains inconclusive. Any mechanistic link between ARBs and cancer is poorly understood, with a variety of basic science studies suggesting that ARBs should exert a protective effect. Due to the presence of potentially carcinogenic nitrosamine impurities in certain ARB products, a series of large recalls in the USA and in countries around the world has occurred since 2018. These recalls have occurred in the context of two recent trends affecting antihypertensive drugs: nearly ubiquitous reliance on generic drugs and increased use of manufacturing facilities in China and India to supply the USA. Despite substantial efforts directed toward understanding whether ARBs have the potential to cause cancer, the available studies do not provide a consistent answer, and a causal link remains speculative. The principal conclusion must be that there is not a definitive signal for cancer associated with ARB exposure, although the possibility has not been fully excluded. The problem of nitrosamine impurities in certain ARB products (and some other drug products) is in need of further investigation, so that the risks can be mitigated by eliminating these impurities from the drug supply chain.
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29
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Desai RJ, Sarpatwari A, Gautam N, Lii J, Fischer MA, Gagne JJ. Changes in Utilization of Generic Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Following Product Recalls in the United States. JAMA 2020; 323:87-89. [PMID: 31910271 PMCID: PMC6990815 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2019.17521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
This pharmacoepidemiology study uses claims data to characterize angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) prescription trends to evaluate whether recalls of ARBs prompted by discovery of potentially carcinogenic impurities shifted utilization of ARBs individually and as a drug class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi J. Desai
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ameet Sarpatwari
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nileesa Gautam
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joyce Lii
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael A. Fischer
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joshua J. Gagne
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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30
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Buckley LF, Vaduganathan M, Lauffenburger JC, Machado SR, Fanikos J. Unintended Impact of US Food and Drug Administration Recalls on the Use of Contaminated and Non-Contaminated Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Among Medicaid Beneficiaries. Ann Pharmacother 2019; 54:615-616. [DOI: 10.1177/1060028019897388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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31
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Gunasekaran PM, Chertow GM, Bhalla V, Byrd JB. Current Status of Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Recalls. Hypertension 2019; 74:1275-1278. [PMID: 31630573 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.13955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Losartan was the ninth most prescribed drug in the United States in 2016, and several other angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely prescribed. Since July 2018, >2 dozen specific ARB products have been recalled owing to the presence of potentially carcinogenic nitrosamine impurities in selected lots. As is the case with all U.S. drug recalls, the ARB recalls have been voluntary on the part of the companies involved. In April 2019, the Food and Drug Administration categorized marketed ARB products with respect to nitrosamine impurities: (1) not present, (2) to be determined with no prior lots removed from the market (TBD), or (3) to be determined in the context of prior lots having been removed from the market (TBD*). The data were structured as hundreds of rows of products. Owing to the complexity of these data, more than a year into the recalls, it remains difficult for clinicians to understand which ARB products are free of impurities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Moon Gunasekaran
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine (P.M.G., J.B.B.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Glenn M Chertow
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (G.M.C., V.B.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA.,Stanford Hypertension Center (G.M.C., V.B.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - Vivek Bhalla
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (G.M.C., V.B.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA.,Stanford Hypertension Center (G.M.C., V.B.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - James Brian Byrd
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine (P.M.G., J.B.B.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,University of Michigan Hypertension Center (J.B.B.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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