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 |
| Protocol serial number | Study CRO-PK-16-312 - Sponsor code 16CH-GIB04 |
| Sponsor | IBSA Institut Biochimique SA |
| Funder | IBSA Institut Biochimique SA |
- 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
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
Scientific
CROSS Research S.A. – Phase I Unit, Via F.A. Giorgioli 14
Arzo
CH-6864
Switzerland
 ORCID ID |
0000-0002-3940-8375 |
|---|
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Single-centre single-dose open randomised two-way cross-over bioavailability pilot study |
| Secondary study design | Randomised cross over trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | Comparative bioavailability of diclofenac epolamine tablets vs. Flector® granules for oral solution in healthy volunteers, pilot study in fed conditions |
| Study objectives | This 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) studied | Diclofenac epolamine (DHEP) 50 mg soluble tablets containing 65 mg of diclofenac epolamine corresponding to 50 mg of diclofenac sodium |
| Intervention | Test 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 type | Drug |
| Phase | Not Applicable |
| Drug / device / biological / vaccine name(s) | Diclofenac |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
Rate (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 |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
1. 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 |
| Completion date | 15/05/2017 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Healthy volunteer |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Upper age limit | 55 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Target sample size at registration | 24 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. 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 criteria | 1. 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 enrolment | 02/05/2017 |
| Date of final enrolment | 02/05/2017 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Switzerland
Study participating centre
6864
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | Yes |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Stored in repository |
| IPD sharing plan | The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study will be stored in a publically available repository. |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
