CYP2C19*2 Polymorphism Is Associated with Impaired Oral Clearance of Gliclazide in Healthy Chinese

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest gliclazide is metabolised primarily by CYP2C19 rather than CYP2C9, unlike other sulphonylureas. CYP2C19 *2 and *3 polymorphisms are more common in Asians. METHODS: We investigated the effect of CYP2C19 polymorphisms on gliclazide pharmacokinetics in 15 healthy male Chinese subjects after a single 80mg oral dose. RESULTS: In CYP2C19 poor metabolisers (*2/*2, n=4), plasma area-under-the-curve was higher by nearly two-fold compared with intermediate metabolisers (*2 and *3 heterozygotes, n=7) and extensive metabolisers (*1/*1, n=4) (p<0.001). Apparent oral clearance was mean (SD) 0.70 (0.12), 1.22 (0.22) and 1.52 (0.47) mL/min/kg in poor, intermediate and extensive metabolisers, respectively (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: CYP2C19*2 polymorphism is associated with increased total gliclazide concentration and reduced oral clearance. Pharmacogenetic studies are warranted on the impact of CYP2C19 polymorphisms on treatment response and hypoglycaemia.