Phase 1 Single Ascending and Multiple Ascending Dose Studies of Phosphodiesterase-9 Inhibitor E2027: Confirmation of Target Engagement and Selection of Phase 2 Dose in Dementia With Lewy Bodies Trial

Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 2022 Jul-Sep;36(3):200-207. doi: 10.1097/WAD.0000000000000515. Epub 2022 Jun 9.

Abstract

Background: E2027 is a novel, highly selective and potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterase9 (PDE9) being evaluated as a treatment for dementia with Lewy bodies.

Methods: Phase 1, randomized, double-blind, single ascending dose (SAD, n=96) and multiple ascending dose (MAD, n=68) studies evaluated E2027 doses (5 to 1200 mg) in healthy subjects. The impact of age, race (Japanese/non-Japanese), and food on pharmacokinetics (PK)/pharmacodynamics were evaluated. Serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected to assess the target engagement.

Results: E2027 PK profiles were biphasic (elimination half-life: ~30 hours. Approximately 3-fold accumulation was observed following multiple once-daily dosing. E2027 single doses of 50 to 400 mg resulted in mean maximum increases in CSF cyclic guanosine monophosphate ranging from 293% to 461% within 5.37 to 12.9 hours after dose administration to assess target engagement. Dose-response modelling of steady-state predose CSF cyclic guanosine monophosphate concentrations showed ≥200% increase from baseline is maintained with doses of ≥50 mg QD. The most common adverse events with E2027 were post-LP syndrome and back pain. PK profiles were similar between Japanese and non-Japanese. Higher exposure observed in fed versus fasted state was not considered clinically significant. PK exposure was higher in elderly subjects.

Conclusions: S.E2027 was well-tolerated following single and multiple administration. E2027 achieved maximal and sustained target engagement at 50 mg QD, the dose selected for the phase 2 clinical trial.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase I
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Area Under Curve
  • Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Guanosine Monophosphate
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • Lewy Body Disease* / drug therapy
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases

Substances

  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
  • Guanosine Monophosphate
  • Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases