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Extrapolation of enalapril efficacy from adults to children using pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling
Irene-Ariadne Kechagia1, Lida Kalantzi2, Aristides Dokoumetzidis1
1School of Pharmacy, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Insights
Mathematical modeling successfully predicted enalapril efficacy in children aged 0-6 years. This pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PKPD) model supports pediatric drug development for enalapril.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Mathematical Modeling
Background:
- Enalapril efficacy data in young children (0-6 years) is limited.
- Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PKPD) modeling can predict drug efficacy across age groups.
- Accurate dosing in pediatric populations is crucial for treatment effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a PKPD model for enalapril.
- To extrapolate enalapril efficacy to children aged 0-6 years.
- To support a pediatric investigation plan for enalapril.
Main Methods:
- A two-compartment PK model was developed using pediatric data up to 16 years.
- An indirect link PD model was fitted to adult data.
- The PKPD model was validated using efficacy data in children aged 6 years and older.
Main Results:
- The PK model incorporated weight as a covariate for clearance and central volume.
- The PKPD model successfully predicted enalapril efficacy in children.
- Extrapolated mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) drop was 11.2 mmHg for infants (1-11 months) and 11.79 mmHg for children (1-6 years).
Conclusions:
- Mathematical modeling provides a reliable method for extrapolating enalapril efficacy to young children.
- The validated PKPD model supports the pediatric investigation plan for enalapril.
- Findings aid in pursuing a pediatric-use marketing authorization application.
Objectives:
To extrapolate enalapril efficacy to children 0-6 years old, a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PKPD) model was built using literature data, with blood pressure as the PD endpoint.
Methods:
A PK model of enalapril was developed from literature paediatric data up to 16 years old. A PD model of enalapril was fitted to adult literature response vs time data with various doses. The final PKPD model was validated with literature paediatric efficacy observations (diastolic blood pressure (DBP) drop after 2 weeks of treatment) in children of age 6 years and higher. The model was used to predict enalapril efficacy for ages 0-6 years.
Key Findings:
A two-compartment PK model was chosen with weight, reflecting indirectly age as a covariate on clearance and central volume. An indirect link PD model was chosen to describe drug effect. External validation of the model's capability to predict efficacy in children was successful. Enalapril efficacy was extrapolated to ages 1-11 months and 1-6 years finding the mean DBP drop 11.2 and 11.79 mmHg, respectively.
Conclusions:
Mathematical modelling was used to extrapolate enalapril efficacy to young children to support a paediatric investigation plan targeting a paediatric-use marketing authorization application.
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