Role of the ABCB1 Drug Transporter Polymorphisms in the Pharmacokinetics of Oseltamivir in Humans: a Preliminary Report

Oseltamivir is a substrate of P-glycoprotein, an efflux drug transporter encoded by ABCB1. The objective of this study was to assess the role of ABCB1 (c.1236C>T, c.2677G>T/A, and c.3435C>T) polymorphisms in the pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir and its active metabolite, oseltamivir carboxylate in humans. Nineteen healthy male subjects were enrolled, and their ABCB1 polymorphisms were evaluated. After the oral administration of 75 mg oseltamivir, the plasma concentrations of oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate were measured. Pharmacokinetic analysis was carried out. Systemic exposure to oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate was higher in the mutant group than in the wild-type and heterozygous groups. We suggest that ABCB1 polymorphisms affect the pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir in humans. Further studies in a large population are necessary to validate the results of this preliminary study (Clinical Trial Registration Information [CRIS] registry: http://cris.nih.go.kr, No. KCT0001903).