Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Dabigatran Etexilate after Single and Multiple Oral Doses in Healthy Chinese Subjects

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Dabigatran etexilate is a non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) that is used to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in adults with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and one or more risk factors. Pharmacokinetic data on this anticoagulant in Chinese subjects are limited. This study aimed to provide further information on the pharmacokinetic profile of dabigatran in healthy Chinese subjects, together with its safety profile. METHODS: This was an open-label, single-centre, phase I study. Subjects were randomized into 110 and 150 mg dabigatran etexilate treatment groups. Each subject received 7 days of treatment: a single dose on day 1, no dose on days 2–3, and then multiple doses on days 4–10. Blood samples were collected to analyze the pharmacokinetic profile of dabigatran. All adverse events (AEs) were recorded. Routine clinical laboratory tests, a physical examination, vital signs, and 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements were performed. RESULTS: A total of 28 subjects (14 males and 14 females) were randomized in this trial. The plasma concentration of total dabigatran reached its maximum measured concentration at a median time of 3–4 h from the dose of interest (either the initial single dose on day 1 or the final dose on day 10) under fed conditions, and declined with an elimination half-life of 10.7–10.9 h following the dose of interest. There was a modest difference in pharmacokinetic profile between male and female subjects. None of the subjects experienced a serious adverse event (SAE) or an AE of moderate or severe intensity. The investigator reported that 17 of the 28 subjects had mild treatment-emergent AEs that resolved without any concomitant treatment or intervention. No clinically significant changes in vital signs or ECG parameters were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the pharmacokinetic characteristics and good safety profile of dabigatran in healthy Chinese subjects. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s13318-020-00626-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.