In vivo efficacy of XR9051, a potent modulator of P-glycoprotein mediated multidrug resistance

Overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a potential cause of multidrug resistance (MDR) in tumours. We have previously reported that XR9051 (N-(4-(2-(6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-isoquinolyl)ethyl)phenyl)-3-((3Z,6Z)-6-benzylidene-1-methyl-2,5-dioxo-3-piperazinylidene)methylbenzamide) is a potent and specific inhibitor of P-gp, which reverses drug resistance in several murine and human MDR cell lines. In this study we have evaluated the in vivo efficacy of this novel modulator in a panel of murine and human tumour models and examined its pharmacokinetic profile. Efficacy studies in mice bearing MDR syngeneic tumours (P388/DX Johnson, MC26) or human tumour xenografts (A2780AD, CH1/DOXr, H69/LX) demonstrated that co-administration of XR9051 significantly potentiated the anti-tumour activity of a range of cytotoxic drugs. This modulatory activity was observed following parenteral and oral co-administration of XR9051. In addition, the combination schedules were well-tolerated. Following intravenous administration in mice, XR9051 is rapidly distributed and accumulates in tumours and other tissues. In addition, the compound is well-absorbed after oral administration. These data suggest that XR9051 has the potential for reversing clinical MDR mediated by P-glycoprotien. © 1999 Cancer Research Campaig

Increased accumulation of doxorubicin and doxorubicinol in cardiac tissue of mice lacking mdr1a P-glycoprotein

To gain more insight into the pharmacological role of endogenous P-glycoprotein in the metabolism of the widely used substrate drug doxorubicin, we have studied the plasma pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of this compound in mdr1a(–/– and wild-type mice. Doxorubicin was administered as an i.v. bolus injection at a dose level of 5 mg kg−1. Drug and metabolite concentrations were determined in plasma, tissues, urine and faeces by high-performance liquid chromatography. In comparison with wild-type mice, the terminal half-life and the area under the plasma concentration–time curve of doxorubicin in it>mdr1a(–/–) mice were 1.6- and 1.2-fold higher respectively.The retention of both doxorubicin and its metabolite doxorubicinol in the hearts of mdr1a(–/–) mice was substantially prolonged. In addition, a significantly increased drug accumulation was observed in the brain and the liver of mdr1a(–/–) mice. The relative accumulation in most other tissues was not or only slightly increased. The differences in cumulative faecal and urinary excretion of doxorubicin and metabolites between both types of mice were small. These experiments demonstrate that the absence of mdr1a P-glycoprotein only slightly alters the plasma pharmacokinetics of oxorubicin. Furthermore, the substantially prolonged presence of both doxorubicin and doxorubicinol in cardiac tissue of mdr1a(–/–) mice suggests that a blockade of endogenous P-glycoprotein in patients, for example by a reversal agent, may enhance the risk of cardiotoxicity upon administration of doxorubicin. © 1999 Cancer Research Campaig

Comparative studies to determine the selective inhibitors for P-glycoprotein and cytochrome P 4503A4

It has been suggested that cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and MDR1 P-glycoprotein (P-gp) act synergistically to limit the bioavailability of orally administered agents. In order to determine the relative role of these proteins, it is essential to identify a selective inhibitor for either P-gp or CYP3A4. In the present investigation, comparative studies were performed to examine the effect of inhibitors on the function of these proteins. The IC50 of P-gp function, determined by examining the inhibition of the transcellular transport of vinblastine across Caco-2 monolayers, was in the order PSC833 ≪ ketoconazole, verapamil ≪ N-(2(R)-hydroxy-1(S)-indanyl)-5-(2(S)-(1,1-dimethylethylaminocarbonyl)-4-(furo(2,3-b)pyridin-5-yl) methyl)piperazin-1-yl)-4(S)-hydroxy-2(R)-phenylmethylpentanamide (L-754,394). In contrast, the IC50 of CYP3A4 function, determined by examining the inhibition of the metabolism of midazolam by intestinal and liver microsomes, was in the order L-754,384 ≪ketoconazole≪ PSC 833 and verapamil. The ratio of IC50 for P-gp to that for CYP3A4 was more than 200 for L-754,394,60 ∼ 150 for ketoconazole, 1.5 for verapamil, and 0.05 for PSC 833. Collectively, it was demonstrated that PSC 833 and L-754,394 can be used as selective inhibitors of P-gp and CYP3A4, respectively