LAUSR

BACKGROUND A fixed-dose combination (FDC) of candesartan cilexetil, hydrochlorothiazide and rosuvastatin (CC/HCTZ/RSV) has been developed to enhance patient compliance in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE To evaluate if the combination of the product components in the new FDC capsule formulation affects their respective pharmacokinetic and in vitro dissolution patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vitro dissolution profiles were compared in USP-43 and in biorelevant dissolution media. In vivo comparisons were obtained in a randomized, open-label, single-dose, two-treatment, two-way crossover study in 24 healthy subjects. During each treatment period, subjects received the test formulation (FDC hard capsule containing CC/HCTZ/RSV) or the reference formulation (co-administration of a FDC CC/HCTZ tablet and a RSV tablet). Plasma samples were collected periodically over 48 hours post-dose. Safety and tolerability were assessed. RESULTS Dissolution profiles of all active drugs in the Test (capsule) and Reference Products (as tablets) were within the tolerance dissolution criteria of USP-43 conditions. HCTZ dissolution profiles were closely similar whereas those for RSV and CC did not match at specific pHs. In the pharmacokinetic study, the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for the geometric least-square mean ratios of Cmax, AUC0-last, and AUC0-inf were 0.95 - 1.18, 0.95 - 1.15 and 0.95 - 1.13 (CC); 0.91 - 1.10, 0.96 - 1.08, and 0.96 - 1.09 (HCTZ) and 0.82 - 1.23, 0.81 - 1.13, and 0.82 - 1.12 (RSV), respectively. All adverse events were mild. CONCLUSION The new FDC product (Sinlip Prevent), a stable FDC hard capsule, was bioequivalent (similar pharmacokinetics) when compared to the co-administration of the components and may be considered as a suitable and simplified medication for cardiovascular disease management.