Use of a PK/PD Model to Select Cetagliptin Dosages for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Phase 3 Trials

Cetagliptin is a novel dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor developed for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Several phase 1 studies have been conducted in China. Modelling and simulation were used to obtain cetagliptin dose for phase 3 trials in T2D patients.

A pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) model and model-based analysis of the relationship between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and dosage was explored to guide dose selection of cetagliptin for phase 3 trials. The PK/PD data were derived from four phase 1 clinical studies, and sitagliptin 100 mg was employed as a positive control in studies 1, 3, and 4.

The PK profiles of cetagliptin were well described by a two-compartment model with first-order absorption, saturated efflux, and first-order elimination. The final PD model was a sigmoid maximum inhibitory efficacy (E_max) model with the Hill coefficient. The final model accurately captured cetagliptin PK/PD, demonstrated by goodness-of-fit plots. Based on weighted average inhibition (WAI), the relationship between HbA1c and dose was well displayed. Cetagliptin 50 mg once daily or above as monotherapy or as add-on therapy appeared more effective in HbA1c reduction than sitagliptin 100 mg. Cetagliptin 50 mg or 100 mg once daily was selected as the dose for phase 3 trials of cetagliptin in T2D patients.

The PK/PD model supports dose selection of cetagliptin for phase 3 trials. A model‑informed approach can be used to replace a dose-finding trial and accelerate cetagliptin’s development.