Meyer KJ, Meyers DJ, Shapiro TA. Optimal kinetic exposures for classic and candidate antitrypanosomals.
J Antimicrob Chemother 2020;
74:2303-2310. [PMID:
31093674 DOI:
10.1093/jac/dkz160]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Efficacy is determined not only by size, but also by shape, of drug exposure. Here the critical importance of the temporal pattern of drug concentrations (pharmacokinetic profile) is examined for antitrypanosomals in vitro.
METHODS
An in vitro hollow-fibre cartridge system was used to study contrasting drug profiles with four clinically used agents and two experimental candidates against the deadly parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Artificial kinetics were employed intentionally to favour either high peak concentration or sustained duration of drug.
RESULTS
Changing the shape of drug exposure significantly impacted drug efficacy. Suramin, melarsoprol and pentamidine were concentration-driven and therefore more efficacious when applied as short-lived high peaks. In contrast, difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) was time-driven, and therefore maximally effective as a constant infusion. Kinetic preference was robust over a wide range of drug exposures. Promising clinical candidates SCYX-7158 (acoziborole) and fexinidazole (parent and sulfone) were concentration-driven, suggesting optimal clinical regimens would involve relatively high but intermittent dosing.
CONCLUSIONS
Antitrypanosomals have an intrinsic pharmacokinetic driver for optimal efficacy, with important implications for clinical management and future candidate development.
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