Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of 0.5 mg lobeglitazone tablets in healthy male subjects

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of two formulations of Duvie™ (0.5-mg lobeglitazone sulfate). Materials and methods: This study was designed as an open-label, randomized, single-dose, crossover bioequivalence study in healthy male subjects. A total of 28 subjects were randomized into two groups: one group received the test drug, 0.5-mg Duvie™ tablets, which have formulations available on the global market; and the other group received the reference drug, the initially-approved 0.5-mg Duvie™ tablets. Plasma samples were collected for up to 48 hours after drug treatment and were analyzed for lobeglitazone using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Individual pharmacokinetic properties were determined by noncompartmental methods. Safety assessments were performed. Results: 28 subjects completed the study and were included in the pharmacokinetic analysis. The mean (standard deviation) values of AUC _{last for} the test and reference formulations were 367.49 (157.92) and 362.40 (140.05) ng×h/mL, respectively. The mean (standard deviation) values of C _max for the test and reference formulations were 50.35 (6.94) and 49.29 (6.71) ng/mL, respectively. The 90% confidence intervals for AUC _last and C _max were 0.9150-1.1088 and 0.9879-1.0561, respectively. All adverse events were mild, and there were no serious adverse events. Conclusion: This study suggests that the two lobeglitazone tablet formulations have similar exposure and absorption rates. Therefore, the newly-developed formulation of the 0.5-mg Duvie™ tablet is expected to contribute to the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.