First‐in‐human trial assessing the pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic profile of a novel recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin in healthy women and men of reproductive age

The purpose of this first‐in‐human trial was to examine the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of a novel recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (rhCG; FE 999302, choriogonadotropin beta) to support its clinical development for various therapeutic indications. The single and multiple dose PK of choriogonadotropin beta (CG beta) were evaluated in women and the single dose PK and PD of CG beta were compared to those of CG alfa in men. CG beta was safe and well‐tolerated in all 84 healthy subjects. In women, the area under the curve (AUC) and the peak serum concentration (C(max)) increased approximately dose proportionally following single and multiple doses of CG beta. The apparent clearance (CL/F) was ~ 0.5 L/h, the mean terminal half‐life (t(½)) ~ 45 h and the apparent distribution volume (V(z)/F) ~ 30 L. After single administration in men, the mean AUC was 1.5‐fold greater for CG beta than for CG alfa. Mean C(max) and V(z)/F were comparable for the 2 preparations. In accordance with the differences in AUC, the CL/F was lower for CG beta (CL/F 0.5 vs. 0.8 L/h), explained by a longer t(½) (47 vs. 32 h). Serum testosterone levels induced by a single dose rhCG reflected the PK profiles with a slight delay, resulting in 59% higher AUC for CG beta. The PK parameters for CG beta were comparable in men and in women. In conclusion, the PK differs between the two rhCG preparations, causing higher exposure and a higher PD response for CG beta, which may require relatively lower therapeutic doses.