Pharmacokinetic characteristics of telaprevir in healthy Korean male subjects and comparisons with Japanese

INTRODUCTION: Telaprevir, a reversible selective inhibitor of viral protease and a potential blocker of viral replication, is indicated for the treatment of hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection. In this study, the pharmacokinetic profile, safety, and tolerability of telaprevir and the effect of food on telaprevir exposure were evaluated in healthy Korean subjects, and compared with data from a previous study in Japanese male subjects. METHODS: The single ascending dose study was conducted in 3 dose-based groups (500, 750, and 1,250 mg, six subjects each) in a fasted state. In the multiple dose study, eight subjects in the fed state received 750 mg of telaprevir once on Day 1 and every 8 hours from Day 2 until the morning of Day 6. Serial blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were collected for up to 24 hours in the single ascending dose study and for 6 days in the multiple dose study. Individual pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a non-compartmental analysis method. Safety and tolerability profiles were evaluated throughout the study. RESULTS: Following multiple administrations of telaprevir, maximum plasma concentrations (C(max)), area under the concentration–time curve (AUC(0–8)), and C(trough) (concentration at 8 h after drug administration) increased by ~2.41-fold. Compared to fasted state values, mean C(max) and AUC(0–24) increased by 4.92- and 4.81-fold, respectively, after food intake. The C(max) and AUC(inf) of Korean subjects were 26%–34% higher than those of Japanese subjects; however, these differences were not clinically significant. All observed adverse events were mild and there was no discontinuation due to AEs. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the telaprevir’s pharmacokinetic characteristics were similar in Korean and Japanese subjects. Telaprevir was well tolerated in a single dose of up to 1,250 mg and in multiple doses of 750 mg.