Characterization of the Effect of Renal Impairment on Upadacitinib Pharmacokinetics

Abstract

Upadacitinib is a novel selective Janus kinase 1 inhibitor developed for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics and safety of a single upadacitinib dose in subjects with normal renal function and in subjects with renal impairment. A total of 24 subjects between the ages of 18 and 75 years were assigned to 1 of 4 renal function groups based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (normal, mild, moderate, severe; N = 6/group). A single 15-mg dose of upadacitinib extended-release formulation was administered under fasting conditions. Serial plasma and urine samples were assayed to evaluate the effect of renal impairment on upadacitinib exposure through regression analysis and analysis of covariance. The primary analysis was the regression analysis of upadacitinib exposures versus estimated glomerular filtration rate. The point estimates for upadacitinib plasma exposure ratios (90% confidence interval [CI]) in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment were 1.18 (90%CI, 1.06-1.32), 1.33 (90%CI, 1.11-1.59), and 1.44 (90%CI, 1.14-1.82) for area under the plasma concentration-time curve and 1.06 (90%CI, 0.92-1.23), 1.11 (90%CI, 0.88-1.40), and 1.14 (90%CI, 0.84-1.56) for maximum observed plasma concentration, respectively, relative to subjects with normal renal function based on the regression analysis. The analysis of covariance categorical analysis provided consistent results. Upadacitinib was well tolerated by all subjects, and no safety issues were identified in subjects with renal impairment. Renal impairment has a limited effect on upadacitinib pharmacokinetics. This is in agreement with the known limited role of urinary excretion in upadacitinib elimination. Based on the limited impact on exposure, no dose adjustment is necessary for upadacitinib in subjects with impaired renal function.

Keywords: Janus kinase inhibitor; pharmacokinetics; renal impairment; upadacitinib.

Figure 1

Mean + SD upadacitinib plasma concentrations vs time profiles. Sensitivity analysis excluding subject with moderate renal impairment who had distinctively low upadacitinib exposure.

Figure 2

Point estimates and 90% confidence intervals of the effect of renal impairment on upadacitinib maximum concentration and area under the plasma concentration–time curve. Sensitivity analysis excluding subject with moderate renal impairment who had distinctively low upadacitinib exposure. ANCOVA, analysis of covariance; CI, confidence interval; CL_cr, creatinine clearance; eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate.