title: Pharmacokinetic properties and tolerability of low-dose SoluMatrix diclofenac.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study compared the pharmacokinetic properties and safety profile of low-dose (18- and 35-mg) diclofenac capsules manufactured using SoluMatrix Fine Particle Technology (Trademark of iCeutica Inc. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), and the technology is licensed to Iroko Pharmaceuticals, LLC (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) for exclusive use in NSAIDs), which produces submicron-sized drug particles with enhanced dissolution properties, to those of diclofenac potassium immediate-release (IR) 50-mg tablets.
  
  
  METHODS
  This Phase 1, single-center, randomized, open-label, single-dose crossover study was conducted in 40 healthy volunteers. Subjects received, in randomized order, SoluMatrix diclofenac 18- or 35-mg capsules in the fasting condition, SoluMatrix diclofenac 35-mg capsules under fed conditions, and diclofenac potassium IR 50-mg tablets under fasting and fed conditions. Pharmacokinetic parameters (T(max), C(max), AUC(0-t), AUC(0-∞)) were calculated from the concentrations of diclofenac in the plasma. Absorption, food effect, and dose proportionality were determined using a mixed-model ANOVA for C(max), AUC(0-t), AUC(0-∞). Tolerability was assessed by recording adverse events, physical examination findings, vital sign measurements: clinical laboratory test results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 35 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 52 years completed the study. The mean age of the subjects was 33.4 years, and approximately half were men (47.5%). Median T(max) values were similar between the low-dose SoluMatrix diclofenac 35-mg capsules and the diclofenac potassium IR 50-mg tablets (both, ~1.0 hour). The mean maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) after the administration of low-dose SoluMatrix diclofenac 35-mg capsules was 26% lower than that with diclofenac potassium IR 50-mg tablets under fasting conditions (868.72 vs 1194.21 ng/mL). The administration of low-dose SoluMatrix diclofenac 35-mg capsules was associated with a 23% lower overall systemic exposure compared with that of diclofenac potassium IR 50-mg tablets under fasting conditions. Food decreased the rate but not the overall extent of absorption of SoluMatrix diclofenac. No serious AEs and no clinically significant abnormalities in physical examination findings, including vital sign measurements, or clinical laboratory test results, were noted during this study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The pharmacokinetic properties of low-dose SoluMatrix diclofenac capsules in the healthy volunteers in this study suggest rapid diclofenac absorption as measured by T(max). Low-dose SoluMatrix diclofenac capsules represent a potential option for the management of acute and osteoarthritis-related pain.
authors.affiliation: Desjardins Associates, LLC, Maplewood, New Jersey.
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Desjardins
authors.affiliation: Parexel International Corporation, Baltimore, Maryland.
authors.forename: Kemi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Olugemo
authors.affiliation: Iroko Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Solorio
authors.affiliation: Iroko Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Electronic address: cyoung@iroko.com.
authors.forename: Clarence L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Young
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D019540:Area Under Curve; D001682:Biological Availability; D002214:Capsules; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005215:Fasting; D005260:Female; D018565:Food-Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010414:Pennsylvania; D013607:Tablets; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D002214:Capsules; D013607:Tablets; D004008:Diclofenac
keywords: SoluMatrix; diclofenac; pain; pharmacokinetics; submicron