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Clinical Trial
. 2011 Mar;71(3):403-10.
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2010.03843.x.

Riluzole pharmacokinetics in young patients with spinal muscular atrophy

Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Riluzole pharmacokinetics in young patients with spinal muscular atrophy

Chadi Abbara et al. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2011 Mar.

Abstract

Aims: The objective of the present study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of riluzole in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Methods: Fourteen patients were enrolled in an open-label, nonrandomized and repeat-dose pharmacokinetic study. All participants were assigned to receive 50mg riluzole orally for 5 days. Riluzole plasma concentrations were determined from samples obtained at day 5.

Results: The pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated that a dose of 50mg once a day was sufficient to obtain a daily total exposure [AUC(0,24h)=2257ng ml(-1) h] which was comparable with results obtained in adult healthy volunteers or ALS patients in whom a dose of 50mg twice a day is recommended. The pharmacokinetic simulation demonstrated that the administration of 50mg twice a day could result in higher concentrations, hence reduced safety margin.

Conclusion: The dose of 50mg once a day was chosen for the clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of riluzole in SMA patients.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mean pharmacokinetic profile of riluzole at steady state
Figure 2
Figure 2
Plot of time course of riluzole plasma concentrations in a typical subject after oral administration of 50 mg once daily. Solid lines represent the pharmacokinetic curve predicted by the one compartment model with zero order absorption. Observed (formula image); Predicted (formula image)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Simulated pharmacokinetic profiles following the oral administration of 50 mg riluzole once daily and twice daily in a typical subject. once daily (formula image); twice daily (formula image)

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