Pharmacokinetics after single ascending dose, food effect, and safety of sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696), a novel angiotensin receptor and neprilysin inhibitor, in healthy Japanese subjects

LCZ696 (sacubitril/valsartan) is a novel angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) that has been developed for treatment of heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction and approved in the US, Europe, and many other countries. This randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted in healthy Japanese male subjects (N=50) to assess the pharmacokinetics and safety of single ascending oral doses (20–600 mg) of LCZ696. Food effect was also evaluated following administration of 200 mg dose. Plasma and urine samples from 40 subjects receiving LCZ696 were collected to assess pharmacokinetics of LCZ696 analytes (sacubitril, LBQ657 [sacubitrilat], and valsartan). Following single oral dose administration of LCZ696, sacubitril and valsartan rapidly appeared in systemic circulation with a dose-linear increase in the exposure to the LCZ696 analytes. Of the administered dose, approximately 0.85%, 54.0%, and 8.19% of sacubitril, sacubitrilat, and valsartan, respectively, were recovered in urine. Food reduced AUC of sacubitril, sacubitrilat, and valsartan by 21%, 10%, and 40%, respectively, and Cmax by 72%, 27%, and 51% respectively. Single oral doses of up to 600 mg of LCZ696 were safe and generally well tolerated in healthy Japanese male subjects

Effect of renal function on the pharmacokinetics of LCZ696 (sacubitril/valsartan), an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor

Purpose: LCZ696 (sacubitril/valsartan), an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor, is indicated for chronic heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for HF. Following oral administration, LCZ696 provides systemic exposure to valsartan and sacubitril (a prodrug), and its metabolite sacubitrilat (the active neprilysin inhibitor, formerly named as LBQ657), which is eliminated primarily via renal route. Since renal dysfunction is a common comorbidity in patients with HF, two open-label studies assessing the effect of mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment were conducted. Methods: Patients with mild (N = 8; creatinine clearance [CrCl] 50 to ≤80 mL/min), moderate (N = 8; CrCl 30 to 80 mL/min) for each severity group were enrolled to assess the pharmacokinetics of LCZ696 analytes following administration of LCZ696 400 mg once daily (QD) on days 1 and 5. Results: The steady-state Cmax and AUC0–24h of sacubitril and valsartan were unchanged in patients with renal impairment compared with healthy subjects. However, the steady-state Cmax of sacubitrilat was increased by ∼60 % in patients irrespective of degree of renal impairment; half-life increased from 12 h (in healthy subjects) to 21.1, 23.7, and 38.5 h, respectively; and AUC0–24h was increased 2.10-, 2.24-, and 2.70-fold, respectively, in patients with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment. Conclusion: Renal dysfunction increases exposure to sacubitrilat while not impacting sacubitril and valsartan exposure. LCZ696 was generally well tolerated in patients with renal impairment

Assessment of Drug–Drug Interaction Potential Between Atorvastatin and LCZ696, A Novel Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor, in Healthy Chinese Male Subjects

Background and Objective: LCZ696 (sacubitril/valsartan), a novel angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor has been recently approved for the treatment of patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction. As several HF patients are likely to use statins as co-medications, the potential for a pharmacokinetic drug–drug interaction between atorvastatin and LCZ696 was evaluated. Methods: This was an open-label, three-period, single-sequence study in 28 healthy Chinese male subjects wherein LCZ696 200 mg was administered twice daily for 5 days in period 1. Following a washout period, atorvastatin 80 mg was administered once daily for 4 days (period 2) and subsequently co-administered with LCZ696 200 mg for 5 days (period 3). Serial plasma samples were collected to determine pharmacokinetic parameters of LCZ696 analytes (sacubitril, LBQ657, and valsartan) and atorvastatin and its metabolites. Results: Atorvastatin co-administration had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of LBQ657, while the AUCτ,ss and Cmax,ss of sacubitril increased by 30 and 19 %, respectively, and the corresponding values for valsartan decreased by 19 and 9 %, respectively. Co-administration with LCZ696 increased Cmax,ss of atorvastatin, o-hydroxyatorvastatin, and p-hydroxyatorvastatin by 74, 68, and 108 %, respectively, and the AUCτ,ss of corresponding analytes increased by 34, 22, and 26 %, respectively. Conclusions: While atorvastatin had no significant impact on the pharmacokinetics of LCZ696 analytes upon co-administration, the Cmax of atorvastatin and its metabolites increased twofold, with a marginal increase in AUC (<1.3-fold). Multiple-dose administration of LCZ696 200 mg twice daily and atorvastatin 80 mg once daily either alone or in combination was generally safe and well tolerated in healthy subjects

Effect of food on the oral bioavailability of the angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) in healthy subjects

Objective: Sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) provides a novel therapeutic approach of neurohormonal modulation in heart failure via simultaneous inhibition of neprilysin and blockade of the angiotensin II type-1 receptor. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of food on the oral bioavailability of LCZ696 analytes. Materials and methods: This was an open-label, randomized, 3-period crossover study in healthy subjects. Eligible subjects (N = 36) were randomized to 6 treatment sequences, each comprising 3 treatment periods during which subjects received a single oral dose of 400 mg LCZ696 under fasting condition and following a low- and high-fat meal. Results: Following administration of LCZ696 after low- and high-fat meals, the mean Cmax of sacubitril and sacubitrilat (the active neprilysin inhibitor) decreased by 42-54% and 19-28%, respectively, while the tmax values increased. However, systemic exposure (AUCinf and AUClast) of sacubitril was slightly decreased (by 16% with low-fat meal) and that of sacubitrilat was unchanged in the presence of food. For valsartan, the Cmax decreased by ∼ 40% when LCZ696 was administered after low- and high-fat meals. The systemic exposure of valsartan decreased by ∼ 33% with a low-fat meal; however, it was unchanged with a high-fat meal. LCZ696 was generally safe and well tolerated in healthy subjects when administered under fasting or fed condition. Conclusion: Overall, administration of LCZ696 with meals decreased the rate and extent of absorption of sacubitril with little impact on the systemic exposure to sacubitrilat, its active metabolite. The systemic exposure to valsartan was decreased in the presence of food

Pharmacokinetics, Safety and Tolerability of Sacubitril/Valsartan (LCZ696) After Single-Dose Administration in Healthy Chinese Subjects

Background and Objective: Sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) is a first-in-class angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) and has been recently approved in several countries for the treatment of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. This was the first study conducted to characterise the pharmacokinetics of LCZ696 analytes (pro-drug sacubitril, active neprilysin inhibitor LBQ657 and valsartan) after single-dose administration of LCZ696 in healthy Chinese subjects. Methods: In this open-label, randomised, parallel-group study, following screening and baseline evaluation, eligible healthy subjects received single oral doses of LCZ696 50, 100, 200 or 400 mg. The pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of LCZ696 were assessed up to 72 h after dosing. A total of 40 healthy male subjects were enrolled, and all completed the study. Results: Following oral administration, LCZ696 delivered systemic exposure to sacubitril, LBQ657 and valsartan with a median time to reach maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) ranging from 0.50 to 1.25, 2.00 to 3.00 and 1.50 to 2.50 h, respectively, over the investigated dose range. The mean terminal elimination half-life (T1/2) ranged from 0.89 to 1.35, 8.57 to 9.24 and 5.33 to 7.91 h for sacubitril, LBQ657 and valsartan, respectively. The area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0–last), and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) for LBQ657 increased dose proportionally over the entire dose range. Dose linear increase in the exposure was observed across the dose range for sacubitril and valsartan. LCZ696 was safe and well tolerated at all doses in this study. Adverse events of only mild intensity, which required no treatment, were reported in 6 (15 %) subjects. Conclusion: The pharmacokinetic profiles of LCZ696 analytes in Chinese subjects are similar to those reported previously in Caucasian subjects

The Effect of LCZ696 on Amyloid-β Concentrations in Cerebrospinal Fluid in Healthy Subjects

ABSTRACT (Word limit=150; word count=149) LCZ696 (angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor) is a novel drug developed for the treatment of heart failure with systolic dysfunction. Neprilysin is one of multiple enzymes that degrade amyloid-β (Aβ); its inhibition may increase Aβ levels. Randomized healthy male subjects received once-daily LCZ696 (400mg; N=21) or placebo (N=22) for 14 days. LCZ696 had no significant effect on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of the aggregable Aβ species Aβ 1–42 or Aβ 1–40 compared with placebo, whereas a 42% increase in CSF AUEC0–36h of soluble Aβ 1–38 was observed. CSF levels of LBQ657 (the LCZ696 metabolite that inhibits neprilysin) and CSF Aβ 1–42, 1–40, and 1–38 were not related (R-square values: 0.022, 0.010, and 0.008, respectively). In conclusion, LCZ696 did not cause changes in CSF levels of aggregable Aβ isoforms (1–42 and 1–40). The clinical relevance of the increase in soluble CSF Aβ 1–38 is unknown

Effects of age and gender on the pharmacokinetics of LCZ696, an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor

LCZ696, a novel angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor, is in development for the treatment of heart failure. Administration of LCZ696 results in systemic exposure to sacubitril (inactive prodrug of LBQ657), LBQ657 (neprilysin inhibitor), and valsartan (angiotensin II receptor blocker). We investigated the potential effect of age and gender on the pharmacokinetics of LCZ696 analytes (LBQ657 and valsartan) in an open-label, single oral dose (400 mg), parallel group study in healthy subjects. Among 36 enrolled subjects, there were 19 male and 17 female subjects; 18 subjects were 18-45 years old (young), and 18 subjects were 65 years of age or older (elderly). Compared to young subjects, the AUCinf and T1/2 for LBQ657 were 42% and 30% greater in elderly subjects, respectively. The Cmax for LBQ657 was similar between age groups. The AUCinf, Cmax, and T1/2 for valsartan were 30%, 24% greater, and 3.35 hours longer in elderly when compared to young subjects, respectively. All pharmacokinetic parameters of LCZ696 analytes (LBQ657 and valsartan) were similar between male and female subjects, indicating no gender effect on the pharmacokinetics of LCZ696 analytes. Considering the magnitude of change and its clinical significance, dose adjustment based on age or gender is not necessary

Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Profiles of Sacubitril/Valsartan (LCZ696) in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction

Aims: Concomitant renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blockade and natriuretic peptide system enhancement may provide unique therapeutic benefits to patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This study assessed the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of LCZ696 in patients with HFrEF. Methods: This was an open-label, noncontrolled single-sequence study. After a 24-h run-in period, patients (n = 30) with HFrEF (EF ≤ 40%; NYHA class II–IV) received LCZ696 100 mg twice daily (bid) for 7 days and 200 mg bid for 14 days, along with standard treatment for heart failure (HF) (except angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEIs] or angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs]). Results: On Day 21, significant increases were observed in the plasma biomarkers indicative of neprilysin and RAAS inhibition (ratio-to-baseline: cyclic guanosine monophosphate [cGMP], 1.38; renin concentration and activity, 3.50 and 2.27, respectively; all, P < 0.05). Plasma NT-proBNP levels significantly decreased at all the time points on Days 7 and 21; plasma aldosterone and endothelin-1 levels significantly decreased on Day 21 (all, P < 0.05). Following administration of LCZ696, the Cmax of sacubitril (neprilysin inhibitor prodrug), LBQ657 (active neprilysin inhibitor), and valsartan were reached within 0.5, 2.5, and 2 h. Between 100- and 200-mg doses, the Cmax and AUC0–12 h for sacubitril and LBQ657 were approximately dose-proportional while that of valsartan was less than dose-proportional. Conclusions: Treatment with LCZ696 for 21 days was well tolerated and resulted in plasma biomarker changes indicative of neprilysin and RAAS inhibition in patients with HF. The pharmacokinetic exposure of the LCZ696 analytes in patients with HF observed in this study is comparable to that observed in the pivotal Phase III study

Pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction assessment of LCZ696 (an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor) with omeprazole, metformin or levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol in healthy subjects

LCZ696 is a novel angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor in development for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we assessed the potential for pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction of LCZ696 (400mg, single dose or once daily [q.d.]) when co-administered with omeprazole 40mg q.d. (n=28) or metformin 1000mg q.d. (n=27) or levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol 150/30μg single dose (n=24) in three separate open-label, single-sequence studies in healthy subjects. Pharmacokinetic parameters of LCZ696 analytes (sacubitril, LBQ657, and valsartan), metformin, and levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol were assessed. Omeprazole did not alter the AUCinf of sacubitril and pharmacokinetics of LBQ657; however, 7% decrease in the Cmax of sacubitril, and 11% and 13% decreases in AUCinf and Cmax of valsartan were observed. Co-administration of LCZ696 with metformin had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of LBQ657 and valsartan; however, AUCtau,ss and Cmax,ss of metformin were decreased by 23%. Co-administration of LCZ696 with levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of ethinyl estradiol and LBQ657 or AUCinf of levonorgestrel. The Cmax of levonorgestrel decreased by 15%, and AUCtau,ss and Cmax,ss of valsartan decreased by 14% and 16%, respectively. Co-administration of LCZ696 with omeprazole, metformin, or levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol was not associated with any clinically relevant pharmacokinetic drug interactions