Effect of gemfibrozil on the metabolism of brivaracetam in vitro and in human subjects

Drug Metab Dispos. 2012 Aug;40(8):1466-72. doi: 10.1124/dmd.112.045328. Epub 2012 Apr 26.

Abstract

Brivaracetam (BRV) is a new high-affinity synaptic vesicle protein 2A ligand in phase III for epilepsy. Initial studies suggested that the hydroxylation of BRV into BRV-OH is supported by CYP2C8. Other metabolic routes include hydrolysis into a carboxylic acid derivative (BRV-AC), which could be further oxidized into a hydroxy acid derivative (BRV-OHAC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of gemfibrozil (CYP2C9 inhibitor) and its 1-O-β-glucuronide (CYP2C8 inhibitor) on BRV disposition both in vivo (healthy participants) and in vitro (human liver microsomes and hepatocytes). In a two-period randomized crossover study, 26 healthy male participants received a single oral dose of 150 mg of BRV alone or at steady state of gemfibrozil (600 mg b.i.d). Gemfibrozil did not modify plasma and urinary excreted BRV, BRV-OH, or BRV-AC. The only observed change was a modest decrease (approximately -40%) in plasma and urinary BRV-OHAC. In human hepatocytes and/or liver microsomes, gemfibrozil potently inhibited the hydroxylation of BRV-AC into BRV-OHAC (K(I) 12 μM) while having a marginal effect on BRV-OH formation (K(I) ≥153 μM). Gemfibrozil-1-O-β-glucuronide had no relevant effect on either reaction (K(I) >200 μM). In conclusion, gemfibrozil did not influence the pharmacokinetics of BRV and its hydroxylation into BRV-OH. Overall, in vitro and in vivo data suggest that CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 are not involved in BRV hydroxylation, whereas hydroxylation of BRV-AC to BRV-OHAC is likely to be mediated by CYP2C9.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / pharmacokinetics*
  • Area Under Curve
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Drug Interactions
  • Gemfibrozil / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / pharmacology*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Male
  • Microsomes, Liver / metabolism
  • Pyrrolidinones / pharmacokinetics*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Pyrrolidinones
  • Gemfibrozil
  • brivaracetam