Interspecies differences in plasma protein binding of MS-275, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor

Milin R Acharya1, Alex Sparreboom, Edward A Sausville

  • 1Clinical Pharmacology Research Core, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Insights

MS-275, an anticancer drug, shows low protein binding in humans, with minimal changes due to other drugs. This binding behavior differs significantly across animal species, potentially explaining pharmacokinetic variations.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Development
  • Oncology

Background:

  • MS-275 is a histone deacetylase inhibitor investigated as an anticancer therapeutic.
  • Understanding protein binding is crucial for predicting drug pharmacokinetics and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of protein binding in determining the pharmacokinetic behavior of MS-275.
  • To quantify the unbound fraction of MS-275 in human and animal plasma.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro equilibrium dialysis using [G-(3)H]MS-275 and 96-well microdialysis plates.
  • Ex vivo analysis in five cancer patients receiving oral MS-275 (10 mg/m(2)).
  • Assessment of drug-drug interactions and species-specific protein binding.

Main Results:

  • The mean unbound fraction (f(u)) of MS-275 in healthy human plasma was 0.188 ± 0.0075, and 0.168 ± 0.0144 in cancer patients.
  • Binding was concentration-independent, indicating low affinity, and occurred primarily with plasma, followed by alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein and albumin.
  • Ibuprofen and metoclopramide caused slight increases in f(u), suggesting weak competitive displacement. Human f(u) was significantly lower than in mouse, rat, rabbit, dog, and pig plasma.

Conclusions:

  • MS-275 exhibits low, non-specific protein binding in humans.
  • Species-dependent differences in MS-275 protein binding may contribute to observed pharmacokinetic variations.
  • Further studies are warranted to fully elucidate the clinical implications of MS-275's protein binding profile.