Comparative pharmacokinetics of Racivir, (+/-)-beta-2',3'-dideoxy-5-fluoro-3'-thiacytidine in rats, rabbits, dogs, monkeys and HIV-infected humans. 2005

Selwyn J Hurwitz, and Michael J Otto, and Raymond F Schinazi
Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA.

Racivir is a 50:50 racemic mixture of the (-)- and (+)-beta-enantiomers of 2'-deoxy-3'-thia-5-fluorocytosine (FTC), which is being developed for the treatment of HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV). The (+)-enantiomer of FTC is approximately 10-20-fold less potent than (-)-FTC, but it selects for a different HIV mutation in human lymphocytes. Plasma concentrations from a group of 54 rats, 12 pregnant rabbits and 60 dogs enrolled in large toxicity studies using a wide variety of oral doses, were compared using non-compartment pharmacokinetic modelling versus dose, treatment duration, species and gender. The pharmacokinetics of Racivir were also compared with those of a previously published pharmacokinetic study in rhesus monkeys and with data from HIV-infected human male volunteers. The (+)-FTC, but not the (-)-enantiomer, can be deaminated to the non-toxic inactive metabolite (+)-FTU. Therefore, the plasma exposure to (+)-FTU was also determined. The order of relative plasma exposure to (+)-FTU was rhesus monkeys > humans > pregnant rabbits > dogs > rats. Allometric scaling was performed to relate systemic clearance/fraction of drug absorbed (Cl/F) and terminal phase volume of distribution (Vbeta/F) versus species body weights. No individual animal species mimicked the Cl/F values in humans. However, allometric scaling using a combination of rats, pregnant rabbits and monkeys predicted the mean human Cl/F value better than a combination of rats and rabbits only (within 0.24 and SD of mean vs 0.81 SD of the observed mean value). Similarly, human Vbeta/F values were best predicted using a combination of rat and monkey data (within 0.64 SD of mean value). Species demonstrating greater deamination to (+)-FTU tended to have greater than predicted Cl/F values. The Cmax values of dogs were the closest to humans, but were statistically different. This study highlights the importance of selecting animal species that demonstrate similar cytidine deaminase activity to humans when performing preclinical dosing studies on Racivir and other antiviral agents that are substrates for mammalian cytidine deaminases.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008253 Macaca mulatta A species of the genus MACACA inhabiting India, China, and other parts of Asia. The species is used extensively in biomedical research and adapts very well to living with humans. Chinese Rhesus Macaques,Macaca mulatta lasiota,Monkey, Rhesus,Rhesus Monkey,Rhesus Macaque,Chinese Rhesus Macaque,Macaca mulatta lasiotas,Macaque, Rhesus,Rhesus Macaque, Chinese,Rhesus Macaques,Rhesus Macaques, Chinese,Rhesus Monkeys
D008297 Male Males
D011247 Pregnancy The status during which female mammals carry their developing young (EMBRYOS or FETUSES) in utero before birth, beginning from FERTILIZATION to BIRTH. Gestation,Pregnancies
D011817 Rabbits A burrowing plant-eating mammal with hind limbs that are longer than its fore limbs. It belongs to the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha, and in contrast to hares, possesses 22 instead of 24 pairs of chromosomes. Belgian Hare,New Zealand Rabbit,New Zealand Rabbits,New Zealand White Rabbit,Rabbit,Rabbit, Domestic,Chinchilla Rabbits,NZW Rabbits,New Zealand White Rabbits,Oryctolagus cuniculus,Chinchilla Rabbit,Domestic Rabbit,Domestic Rabbits,Hare, Belgian,NZW Rabbit,Rabbit, Chinchilla,Rabbit, NZW,Rabbit, New Zealand,Rabbits, Chinchilla,Rabbits, Domestic,Rabbits, NZW,Rabbits, New Zealand,Zealand Rabbit, New,Zealand Rabbits, New,cuniculus, Oryctolagus
D004285 Dogs The domestic dog, Canis familiaris, comprising about 400 breeds, of the carnivore family CANIDAE. They are worldwide in distribution and live in association with people. (Walker's Mammals of the World, 5th ed, p1065) Canis familiaris,Dog
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000068679 Emtricitabine A deoxycytidine analog and REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE INHIBITOR with antiviral activity against HIV-1 and HEPATITIS B viruses. It is used to treat HIV INFECTIONS. Beta-L-2',3'-dideoxy-5-fluoro-3'-thiacytidine,Coviracil,Emtriva,Beta L 2',3' dideoxy 5 fluoro 3' thiacytidine
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D000998 Antiviral Agents Agents used in the prophylaxis or therapy of VIRUS DISEASES. Some of the ways they may act include preventing viral replication by inhibiting viral DNA polymerase; binding to specific cell-surface receptors and inhibiting viral penetration or uncoating; inhibiting viral protein synthesis; or blocking late stages of virus assembly. Antiviral,Antiviral Agent,Antiviral Drug,Antivirals,Antiviral Drugs,Agent, Antiviral,Agents, Antiviral,Drug, Antiviral,Drugs, Antiviral

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