Background and objectives: Macitentan is a novel dual endothelin receptor antagonist recently approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Warfarin, an anticoagulant often prescribed to patients with PAH, has a narrow therapeutic index and is prone to potential interactions with drugs. This study assessed the effects of macitentan on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of single-dose warfarin in healthy subjects.
Methods: This was a randomised, open-label, single-centre, two-way crossover (treatment A followed by treatment B, or vice versa), phase I study in 14 healthy male subjects. Treatment A was a loading dose of macitentan 30 mg on Day 1 followed by 10 mg once daily for 8 days, with a single 25 mg dose of warfarin on Day 4. Treatment B was a single dose of warfarin on Day 1. Blood samples were assessed for warfarin pharmacokinetics (R- and S-warfarin) and pharmacodynamics [international normalised ratio (INR) and factor VII]. Plasma trough concentrations of macitentan and its active metabolite (ACT-132577) and the safety and tolerability of each treatment were also assessed.
Results: Plasma concentrations of R- and S-warfarin were similar in both treatment periods. Warfarin did not affect the mean trough plasma concentrations of macitentan or ACT-132577. Macitentan did not affect the pharmacodynamics of warfarin; the mean INR and factor VII activity versus time profiles were similar with and without macitentan.
Conclusions: The absence of effect of macitentan on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a single dose of warfarin suggests that both drugs can be concomitantly administered without need for dose adjustment.