Effects of CYP3A4 Inhibitors Ketoconazole and Verapamil and the CYP3A4 Inducer Rifampicin on the Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Fostamatinib: Results from In Vitro and Phase I Clinical Studies

BACKGROUND: Fostamatinib (R788) is a spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor. The active metabolite of fostamatinib, R406, is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to characterize hepatic microsomal metabolism of R406 and confirm the role of CYP3A4 in R406 metabolism, determining whether co-administration of CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, verapamil) or inducers (rifampicin) affects R406 pharmacokinetics. METHODS: R406 stability was determined using human hepatic microsomes. The CYP450 isoforms responsible for R406 metabolism in humans were identified using expressed CYP450 isoforms and specific chemical inhibitors. The ketoconazole interaction study (double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover) involved fostamatinib administration (single 80-mg dose), alone and with ketoconazole (200 mg twice daily). The verapamil and rifampicin interaction studies (open-label, two-period, fixed-sequence) involved fostamatinib administration (single 150-mg dose), alone and with immediate-release verapamil (80 mg three times daily) or rifampicin (600 mg once daily). Standard pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated in all studies. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: Hepatic microsomes showed time-dependent loss of R406 and formation of para-O-demethylated R406. Microsomal metabolism of R406 was markedly inhibited by CYP3A4 inhibitors and, in the expressed CYP450 studies, the rate of R406 disappearance was greatest with CYP3A4. In the clinical studies, co-administration of ketoconazole caused a 2-fold (CI 1.77–2.30) increase in R406 exposure. Verapamil increased R406 exposure (39 % increase, CI 8–80), whereas rifampicin co-administration decreased exposure by 75 % (CI 68–81). Fostamatinib was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: The oxidative metabolism of R406 is predominantly catalyzed by CYP3A4. In clinical studies, exposure to R406 is affected by concomitant administration of CYP3A4 inducers/inhibitors. These findings should be taken into account when considering co-prescription of fostamatinib with such agents.