An open-label, single-dose study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of cinacalcet in pediatric subjects aged 28 days to < 6 years with chronic kidney disease receiving dialysis

Abstract

Abstract Background Calcimimetics, shown to control biochemical parameters of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), have well-established safety and pharmacokinetic profiles in adult end-stage renal disease subjects treated with dialysis; however, such studies are limited in pediatric subjects. Methods In this study, the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of cinacalcet were evaluated in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and SHPT receiving dialysis. Twelve subjects received a single dose of cinacalcet (0.25 mg/kg) orally or by nasogastric or gastric tube. Subjects were randomized to one of two parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum calcium sampling sequences: [(1) 2, 8, 48 h; or (2) 2, 12, 48 h] and assessed for 72 h after dosing. Results Median plasma cinacalcet t max was 1 h (range 0.5–4.0 h); mean (SD) C max and AUClast were 2.83 (1.98) ng/mL and 11.8 (8.74) h*ng/mL, respectively; mean (SD) half-life (t 1/2) was 3.70 (2.57) h. Dose adjustments, based upon body weight (mg/kg), minimized the effects of age, body weight, body surface area, and body mass index on cinacalcet PK. Reductions in serum PTH levels from baseline were observed at 2 to 8 h post-dose (median 10.8 and 29.6%, respectively), returned towards baseline by 12–72 h and were inversely related to changes in the plasma cinacalcet PK profile. Single-dose cinacalcet was well-tolerated with no unexpected safety findings and a PK/PD, safety profile similar to adults. Conclusions In conclusion, a single 0.25 mg/kg dose of cinacalcet was evaluated to be a safe starting dose in these children aged < 6 years.