Comparative bioavailability of diclofenac epolamine tablets vs. Flector® granules for oral solution in healthy volunteers, pilot study in fed conditions

ISRCTN ISRCTN50053717
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN50053717
Secondary identifying numbers Study CRO-PK-16-312 - Sponsor code 16CH-GIB04
Submission date
09/11/2017
Registration date
10/11/2017
Last edited
09/11/2017
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Other
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data
Record updated in last year

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
The aim of this study is to compare the bioavailability (blood levels) of diclofenamic acid after taking a new diclofenac epolamine 50 mg tablet formulation (65 mg of diclofenac epolamine corresponding to 50 mg of diclofenac sodium), compared with the market reference Flector® granules for oral solution, 50 mg sachets (65 mg of diclofenac epolamine corresponding to 50 mg of diclofenac sodium), taken in a single dose under fed conditions by healthy volunteers.

Who can participate?
Healthy men aged 18-55

What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated to take one of the two treatments (either a diclofenac epolamine tablet or Flector® granules) during period 1 and the other treatment during period 2, with a break of at least 5 days between the periods. The blood level of diclofenamic acid is measured pre-dose (0) and 3, 9, 15, 21, 30, 45 min, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 h after the dose.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
No specific benefits for the participants are foreseen

Where is the study run from?
CROSS Research Phase I Unit (Switzerland)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
February 2017 to May 2017

Who is funding the study?
IBSA Institut Biochimique SA (Switzerland)

Who is the main contact?
Dr Milko Radicioni

Contact information

Dr Milko Radicioni
Scientific

CROSS Research S.A. – Phase I Unit, Via F.A. Giorgioli 14
Arzo
CH-6864
Switzerland

ORCiD logoORCID ID 0000-0002-3940-8375

Study information

Study designSingle-centre single-dose open randomised two-way cross-over bioavailability pilot study
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised cross over trial
Study setting(s)Other
Study typeTreatment
Participant information sheet Not available in web format, please use the contact details to request a patient information sheet
Scientific titleComparative bioavailability of diclofenac epolamine tablets vs. Flector® granules for oral solution in healthy volunteers, pilot study in fed conditions
Study objectivesThis study aimed to obtain predictive data of the pharmacokinetic profile of the test formulation (Diclofenac epolamine [DHEP] 50 mg soluble tablets, containing 65 mg of diclofenac epolamine corresponding to 50 mg of diclofenac sodium) in comparison with the reference product (Flector® EP granulé) when administered in fed conditions before performing a pivotal bioequivalence study and, if necessary, to improve the test product composition until an optimal formulation is reached.
Although the test product was designed aiming to display a rapid release profile and similarity towards the formulation in granules was showed in the previous studies, the impact of food on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the two formulations was never investigated.
A pilot study was therefore deemed a reasonable choice in order to avoid the repetition of pivotal studies and the exposure of an excessive number of volunteers both to the test and to the reference products.
The study has been designed according to EMA guidelines on the investigation of bioavailability and bioequivalence.
Ethics approval(s)Comitato Etico Cantonale, Canton Ticino, Switzerland, 19/07/2016, ref: 3085 – Based 2016-01097. The Federal Health Authorities (Swissmedic) assigned the reference number 2016DR1177 to the study on 01/12/2016.
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedDiclofenac epolamine (DHEP) 50 mg soluble tablets containing 65 mg of diclofenac epolamine corresponding to 50 mg of diclofenac sodium
InterventionTest product (T): Diclofenac epolamine (DHEP) 50 mg soluble tablets containing 65 mg of diclofenac epolamine corresponding to 50 mg of diclofenac sodium
Reference therapy (R): Flector® granules for oral solution, 50 mg sachets containing 65 mg of diclofenac epolamine corresponding to 50 mg of diclofenac sodium

A single dose of T and R was administered to healthy male volunteers under fed conditions according to a randomised two-way cross-over design, with a wash-out interval of at least 5 days between consecutive administrations. The subjects were assigned to one sequence of treatments (TR or RT) according to the randomisation list and the cross-over design. The subjects were randomised to receive one of the two treatments (i.e. either T or R) during period 1 and the other treatment during period 2.

The concentration of diclofenamic free acid in plasma was measured at the following time-points: pre-dose (0) and 3, 9, 15, 21, 30, 45 min, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 h post-dose.
Intervention typeDrug
Pharmaceutical study type(s)
PhaseNot Applicable
Drug / device / biological / vaccine name(s)Diclofenac
Primary outcome measureRate (Cmax) and extent (AUC0-t) of absorption of diclofenamic acid: the concentration of diclofenamic free acid in plasma was measured at the following time-points: pre-dose (0) and 3, 9, 15, 21, 30, 45 min, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 h post-dose
Secondary outcome measures1. Pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of diclofenamic acid: the concentration of diclofenamic free acid in plasma was measured at the following time-points: pre-dose (0) and 3, 9, 15, 21, 30, 45 min, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 h post-dose
2. Safety and tolerability of diclofenamic acid:
2.1. Record of adverse events: AEs assessed throughout the study
2.2. Vital signs: subjects' blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) measured by the investigator or his/her deputy after 5 min at rest in sitting position at: screening visit, day 1 of each period: pre-dose (0) and 8 h post-dose, ETV. The check on day 1, 8 h post-dose of period 2, also corresponded to the final assessment
2.3. Electrocardiograms: a 12-lead resting ECG performed and interpreted by the investigator at the screening and final visit
2.4. Physical examination, performed at screening and at final visit. Body weight (BW) recorded at screening and at final visit. Subjects weighed (kg) lightly clothed without shoes
2.5. Height and Body Mass Index (BMI) recorded at screening visit. BMI calculated as weight [kg] / (height [m] squared)
2.6. Laboratory analysis: routine haematology, blood chemistry and urinalysis laboratory tests performed under fasting conditions at screening
2.7. A urine drug test performed using a urine multi-drug kit at screening. The following drugs assessed: cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, cannabinoids (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol - THC), opiates and ecstasy. The same analyses, with the exception of drug screening and virology, performed at the final visit
Overall study start date01/02/2017
Completion date15/05/2017

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Healthy volunteer
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit18 Years
Upper age limit55 Years
SexMale
Target number of participants24
Key inclusion criteria1. Informed consent: signed written informed consent before inclusion in the study
2. Sex and age: males, 18-55 year old inclusive
3. Body Mass Index (BMI): 18.5-30 kg/m2 inclusive
4. Vital signs: systolic blood pressure 100-139 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure 50-89 mmHg, heart rate 50-90 bpm, measured after 5 min at rest in the sitting position
5. Full comprehension: ability to comprehend the full nature and purpose of the study, including possible risks and side effects; ability to co-operate with the investigator and to comply with the requirements of the entire study
Key exclusion criteria1. Electrocardiogram (12-leads, supine position): clinically significant abnormalities
2. Physical findings: clinically significant abnormal physical findings which could interfere with the objectives of the study
3. Laboratory analyses: clinically significant abnormal laboratory values indicative of physical illness
4. Allergy: ascertained or presumptive hypersensitivity to the active principle and/or formulations' ingredients; history of anaphylaxis to drugs or allergic reactions in general, which the investigator considered could affect the outcome of the study
Date of first enrolment02/05/2017
Date of final enrolment02/05/2017

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • Switzerland

Study participating centre

CROSS Research Phase I Unit
Via F. A. Giorgioli 14
6864

Sponsor information

IBSA Institut Biochimique SA
Industry

Via del Piano
Pambio-Noranco
CH 6915
Switzerland

ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/051tj3a26

Funders

Funder type

Industry

IBSA Institut Biochimique SA

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date15/05/2018
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryStored in repository
Publication and dissemination planPlanned publication in a high-impact peer reviewed journal.
IPD sharing planThe datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study will be stored in a publically available repository.