Bioequivalence and Safety of Generic Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir Compared to a Branded Product: A Randomized, Crossover Study in Healthy Volunteers

Abstract

AbstractThis was an open‐label, randomized, single‐dose, 2‐period, crossover clinical trial with an adaptive design to evaluate the bioequivalence and comparative pharmacokinetics of generic glecaprevir/pibrentasvir versus the brand name product in healthy White male and female volunteers under fed conditions. Safety profiles were also assessed. A total of 56 healthy adult volunteers were enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive a single dose of either the generic or reference formulation. After a 7‐day washout period, subjects received the alternate product. Blood samples were collected at pre‐specified time points up to 48 hours post‐dosing. Plasma concentrations of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir were determined using a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method. The geometric mean ratios of the test to the reference formulation for maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration‐time curve from drug administration to the last measurable concentration (AUC0‐t) fell within the predefined bioequivalence range of 80%‐125%. Both formulations demonstrated comparable pharmacokinetic profiles for glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, and can be considered bioequivalent. No adverse events were reported, and both formulations were well tolerated by all participants.