Comparative Fasting Bioavailability of 2 Bepotastine Formulations in Healthy Male Chinese Volunteers: An Open-Label,Randomized, Single-Dose, 2-Way Crossover Study

Background

Bepotastine is a second-generation histamine₁ receptor antagonist that is used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and pruritus associated with skin disease. A new generic formulation of bepotastine has been developed in China, and information concerning bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties in the Chinese population has not been reported.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to compare the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties of 2 tablet formulations of bepotastine, the 10-mg generic formulation (test) and a branded formulation (reference), in healthy male Chinese volunteers to obtain registration approval of the test formulation.

Methods

A single-center, open-label, randomized, 2-way crossover study with a 1-week washout period was conducted in 24 healthy male volunteers. Blood samples were collected for 16 hours after a single dose of the 10-mg bepotastine test formulation or the reference formulation. Plasma bepotastine concentrations were determined using a validated LC-MS/MS method. C_max, T_max, AUC_0–t, AUC_0–∞, and t_½ were determined using noncompartmental analysis. The formulations were considered bioequivalent if the 90% CIs for the log-transformed C_max and AUC values were within the predetermined interval of 75% to 133% and 80% to 125%, respectively, according to the guidelines of the China Food and Drug Administration.

Results

No significant differences were found in mean (SD) pharmacokinetic parameters between the test and reference drugs, including C_max (74.81 [9.91] ng/mL vs 78.60 [29.58] ng/mL), AUC_0–t (295.55[115.29] ng·h/mL vs 299.17[109.29] ng·h/mL), and AUC_0-∞ (305.28 [118.50] ng·h/mL vs 310.90 [112.20] ng·h/mL). The mean (SD) t_½ values of the test and reference formulations were 2.53 (0.50) hours and 2.62 (0.41) hours, respectively. The 90% CIs of the treatment ratios for the logarithmic transformed values of C_max, AUC_0–t, and AUC_0–∞ were 86.96% to 101.80%, 93.22% to 104.13%, and 92.66% to 103.30%, respectively. All values were within the predetermined bioequivalence range. Two adverse events were reported as neutropenia (1 volunteer [4.2%]) and neutrophilia (1 volunteer [4.2%]). Both adverse events were transient and considered mild by physicians.

Conclusion

The test and reference tablets met the regulatory criteria for bioequivalence as defined by the China Food and Drug Administration. Both formulations were well tolerated. Chinese Clinical Trials Registry identifier: ChiCTR-TTRCC-13003723.