Investigation of the Bioequivalence of Rosuvastatin 20 mg Tablets after a Single Oral Administration in Mediterranean Arabs Using a Validated LC-MS/MS Method

There is a wide inter-individual response to statin therapy including rosuvastatin calcium (RC), and it has been hypothesized that genetic differences may contribute to these variations. In fact, several studies have shown that pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters for RC are affected by race. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the interchangeability between two generic RC 20 mg film-coated tablets under fasting conditions among Mediterranean Arabs and to compare the pharmacokinetic results with Asian and Caucasian subjects from other studies. A single oral RC 20 mg dose, randomized, open-label, two-way crossover design study was conducted in 30 healthy Mediterranean Arab volunteers. Blood samples were collected prior to dosing and over a 72-h period. Concentrations in plasma were quantified using a validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. Twenty-six volunteers completed the study. Statistical comparison of the main PK parameters showed no significant difference between the generic and branded products. The point estimates (ratios of geometric mean %) were 107.73 (96.57–120.17), 103.61 (94.03–114.16), and 104.23 (94.84–114.54) for peak plasma concentration (C(max)), Area Under the Curve (AUC)(0→last), and AUC(0→∞), respectively. The 90% confidence intervals were within the pre-defined limits of 80%–125% as specified by the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency for bioequivalence studies. Both formulations were well-tolerated and no serious adverse events were reported. The PK results (AUC(0→last) and C(max)) were close to those of the Caucasian subjects. This study showed that the test and reference products met the regulatory criteria for bioequivalence following a 20 mg oral dose of RC under fasting conditions. Both formulations also showed comparable safety results. The PK results of the test and reference in the study subjects fall within the acceptable interval of 80%–125% and they were very close to the results among Caucasians. These PK results may be useful in order to determine the suitable RC dose among Arab Mediterranean patients.