Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of GSK961081 (Batefenterol), a Muscarinic Antagonist and β(2)-Agonist, in Moderate-to-Severe COPD Patients: Substudy of a Randomized Trial

GSK961081 (batefenterol) is a novel bifunctional molecule composed of a muscarinic antagonist and a β(2)‐agonist. The aims of this substudy were (1) to characterize the population pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of GSK961081 in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); and (2) to investigate the relationship between systemic exposure to GSK961081 and key cardiac-related safety parameters. Three once-daily doses (100, 400, and 800 μg) and three twice-daily doses (100, 200, and 400 μg) of GSK961081 DISKUS were investigated. A two-compartment disposition PK model with first-order absorption adequately described the plasma GSK961081 concentration–time data. An empirical maximum-effects PD model adequately described the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) response relationship with the covariate baseline FEV(1) on day 1. No clear relationships between GSK961081 plasma drug levels and cardiac-related safety parameters were apparent. The PK and PD models will be used to guide the dose selection and development of GSK961081 in patients with COPD.