Chromogen-substrate assay--as a tool for monitoring a new thrombin inhibitor

The N-methyl-D-phenylalanyl-L-prolyl-arginine-aldehyde sulfate tripeptide-aldehyde (GYKI-14766) is an anticoagulant with specific thrombin inhibitor action. The molecule proved to be effective in rabbits, rats and dogs upon i.v. administration. Chromogen-substrate assay was developed for monitoring of biologically active tripeptide-inhibitor GYKI-14766 in plasma. The assay based on the inhibition of the active center of the thrombin enzyme, so it is suitable also for the assay of all those active metabolites which inhibit thrombin by a mechanism similar to the active parent compound. The chromogen substrate assay was performed in a range of 0.625-10 micrograms/ml GYKI-14766 in dog plasma. The assay was employed in pharmacokinetic study in dogs after i.v. administration. The data obtained in the chromogen-substrate assay were analyzed according to a one-compartment model. The major parameters of the plasma level studies were: D/V = 8.6 microEqv/ml t1/2 = 30.8 min AUC = 380 min microEqv/ml.