Single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of apixaban in healthy Chinese subjects

• Published in: Clinical pharmacology: advances and applications 2013-01, Vol.5 (Issue 1), p.177-184
• Main Authors: Cui, Yimin, Song, Yan, Wang, Jessie, Yu, Zhigang, Schuster, Alan, Barrett, Yu Chen, Frost, Charles
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anticoagulants; Apixaban; Chinese; Dosage and administration; Health aspects; Original Research; Pharmacodynamics; Pharmacokinetics
• ISSN: 1179-1438; 1179-1438
• DOI: 10.2147/CPAA.S51981

The pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety of apixaban were assessed in healthy Chinese subjects in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, single-sequence, single- and multiple-dose study. Eighteen subjects 18-45 years of age were randomly assigned (2:1 ratio) to receive apixaban or matched placebo. Subjects received a single 10 mg dose of apixaban or placebo on day 1, followed by 10 mg apixaban or placebo twice daily for 6 days (days 4-9). The PK and PD of apixaban were assessed by collecting plasma samples for 72 hours following the dose on day 1 and the morning dose on day 9, and measuring apixaban concentration and anti-Xa activity. Safety was assessed via physical examinations, vital sign measurements, electrocardiograms, and clinical laboratory evaluations. PK analysis showed similar characteristics of apixaban after single and multiple doses, including a median time to maximum concentration of ~3 hours, mean elimination half-life of ~11 hours, and renal clearance of ~1.2 L/hour. The accumulation index was 1.7, consistent with twice-daily dosing and the observed elimination half-life. Single-dose data predict multiple-dose PK, therefore apixaban PK are time-independent. The relationship between anti-Xa activity and plasma apixaban concentrations appears to be linear. Apixaban was safe and well tolerated, with no bleeding-related adverse events reported. Apixaban was safe and well tolerated in healthy Chinese subjects. Apixaban PK and PD were predictable and consistent with findings from previous studies in Asian and non-Asian subjects. The administration of apixaban does not require any dose modification based on race.