First Human Exposure of Org 25969, a Novel Agent to Reverse the Action of Rocuronium Bromide

Abstract

Background Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are widely used for the reversal of neuromuscular blocking agents. However, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors have several side effects and are not effective during profound block. Org 25969 is a modified gamma-cyclodextrin that encapsulates the neuromuscular blocking agent, rocuronium bromide (Esmeron/Zemuron, NV Organon, Oss, The Netherlands), forming a tightly bound complex with an association constant of approximately 10 m. Chemical encapsulation of rocuronium promotes dissociation of rocuronium from the acetylcholine receptor, thereby reversing the neuromuscular block without the side effects associated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Methods Twenty-nine healthy male volunteers were enrolled to investigate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of Org 25969. In part 1, Org 25969 or placebo was administered to 19 subjects during one to three treatment periods each. In part 2, a further 10 subjects received general anesthesia on two separate occasions, using an intubating dose of 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium. Three minutes after rocuronium administration, Org 25969 or placebo was given in random order. Six doses of 0.1-8.0 mg/kg Org 25969 were evaluated. Neuromuscular block was measured using an acceleromyograph, the TOF-Watch-SX (NV Organon, Oss, The Netherlands). Results All adverse events related to Org 25969 treatment were of limited duration and mild intensity, except for a period of paresthesia, seen in one patient receiving 8 mg/kg Org 25969, which was of moderate intensity. No adverse events required any treatment, and all subjects recovered from them. When 8 mg/kg Org 25969 was given, the train-of-four ratio returned to 0.9 within 2 min after its administration. No signs of recurarization were observed. Conclusions Org 25969 was both well tolerated and effective in reversing neuromuscular block induced by rocuronium in 29 human volunteers.