Aim: Protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs) may displace drugs from the plasma proteins and render them more liable to clearance. This study aims to investigate the possible interplay between PBUTs and directly acting antivirals (DAAs). Methods: PBUT plasma protein binding was compared to those of paritaprevir (PRT), ombitasivir (OMB) and ritonavir (RTV) in silico to assess the possible competitive displacement. The three drugs were LC-MS/MS determined in seven patients across dialysis and non-dialysis days and results were compared. Results & conclusion: Results showed that the PBUT exhibited a lower binding than DAA reducing the liability of their competitive displacement. This was echoed by an unaltered plasma concentration across dialysis days. Results may indicate that PBUT accumulation may have limited effect on disposition of DAA.
Keywords: antivirals; drug disposition; hemodialysis; protein-bound uremic toxins.