Expert review of clinical pharmacology
-
Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol · Oct 2017
ReviewLumacaftor/ivacaftor, a novel agent for the treatment of cystic fibrosis patients who are homozygous for the F580del CFTR mutation.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease affecting up to 90,000 people worldwide. Approximately 73% of patients are homozygous for the F508del cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator [CFTR] mutation. Traditionally treatment has only included supportive care. ⋯ Expert commentary: LUM/IVA showed modest, but significant improvements from baseline in percent predicted FEV1 (ppFEV1) as well as a reduction in pulmonary exacerbations by 35% It was shown to be safe for short- and long-term use. Currently, LUM/IVA is the only oral agent in its class available and represents a milestone the development of therapies for the management of CF. Nonetheless, pharmacoeconomic data are necessary to justify its high cost before is use becomes standard of care.
-
Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol · Aug 2017
ReviewAVP-825: a novel intranasal delivery system for low-dose sumatriptan powder in the treatment of acute migraine.
Migraine is a common, disabling disorder, and many patients remain dissatisfied with existing treatments. AVP-825 (ONZETRA® Xsail®) is a Breath Powered® exhalation delivery system for low-dose sumatriptan nasal powder (22 mg) that has been recently approved for use in the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults. AVP-825 takes advantage of unique features of nasal anatomy and physiology to avoid limitations typically seen with other types of intranasal medication delivery. ⋯ PK studies indicate a distinct advantage of AVP-825 over traditional liquid nasal sprays in terms of absorption time, which may underlie the early efficacy observed with AVP-825. It offers the benefits of non-oral medications at a comparatively low sumatriptan dose, without the limitations associated with more invasive approaches. AVP-825 is suitable for use across multiple phases of a migraine attack from use as an early intervention to use in a more advanced migraine with nausea, given the non-oral application.
-
Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol · Aug 2017
ReviewBuprenorphine implants in medical treatment of opioid addiction.
Opioid use disorder is a chronic, relapsing disease that encompasses use of both prescription opioids and heroin and is associated with a high annual rate of overdose deaths. Medical treatment has proven more successful than placebo treatment or psychosocial intervention, and the partial µ-opioid receptor agonist and κ-opioid receptor antagonist buprenorphine is similar in efficacy to methadone while offering lower risk of respiratory depression. However, frequent dosing requirements and potential for misuse and drug diversion contribute to significant complications with treatment adherence for available formulations. ⋯ Efficacy and safety data from comparative studies with other administrations of buprenorphine, including tablets and sublingual film, will be described. Key premises of the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy program for safely administering buprenorphine implants, which all prescribing physicians must complete, are also discussed. Expert commentary: Long-acting implantable drug formulations that offer consistent drug delivery and lower risk of misuse, diversion, or accidental pediatric exposure over traditional formulations represent a promising development for the effective treatment of opioid use disorder.
-
Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol · Jul 2017
ReviewA consensus statement for the clinical use of the renal sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The present review developed a clinical consensus based on a Delphi method on Dapagliflozin, a selective inhibitor of the renal sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2-I) in the treatment of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Areas covered: Panel members, using a 5-point scale, were asked to rate 9 statements on pharmakodinamic, mode of action on glycaemic and extra-glycaemic effects, and safety of dapaglifozin, Members also aimed to identify the patient most susceptible to the treatment with dapagliflozin. ⋯ Dapagliflozin can be utilized in combination with all other antihyperglycaemic agents at all stages of the disease: however, a reduced GFR limits its efficacy. As for the other drugs of the class, Dapagliflozin positively modifies other risk factors for CV disease: these effects will be tested in the so far largest cardiovascular outcome trial for the SGLT2 inhibitors so far, the DECLARE trial, which will communicate whether this class of drugs will be disease-modifier in patients with type 2 diabetes also in primary prevention.
-
Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol · Jul 2017
ReviewSelexipag, a selective prostacyclin receptor agonist in pulmonary arterial hypertension: a pharmacology review.
Pulmonary hypertension is defined by a mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mm Hg at rest. Management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) includes specific drug therapy with calcium channel blockers in vasoreactive patients, or drugs approved for PAH in non-reactive patients that target the endothelin, nitric-oxide and prostacyclin pathways. Areas covered: The review covers receptor selectivity, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and adverse effects (AEs) of intravenous (IV) epoprostenol (synthetic prostacyclin); the prostacyclin analogs iloprost, beraprost, and treprostinil administered by IV, subcutaneous, inhaled or oral routes; and the oral selective prostacyclin receptor agonist selexipag. ⋯ The high selectivity of selexipag, and its active metabolite ACT-333679, for the prostacyclin receptor, in conjunction with pharmacokinetic properties that reduce peak-trough fluctuations and the up-titration regimen used at the start of treatment, are collectively considered to minimize AEs associated with prostacyclin use. In a large phase 3 study, selexipag-associated AEs were consistent with those observed with drugs that target the prostacyclin pathway, and mainly mild to moderate in severity. The dosing flexibility afforded by oral selexipag may facilitate achieving the maximum therapeutic effect with acceptable tolerability in patients with PAH.