Tolerability and pharmacokinetics of L-648,051. A leukotriene D₄-receptor antagonist, in healthy volunteers

Summary

Two formulations of L-648,051 (L) were studied [intravenous (i.v.) and aerosol (A)] in two separate trials. Study I (i.v.) involved 4 normal male subjects in a single blind dose ranging study where good systemic tolerability and safety was shown. However, dose dependent local irritation at the injection site was observed at all dose levels (35, 52.5 and 70 mg/5 min infusion). L has a high systemic clearance rate (1.2 l/min), a small volume of distribution (4.4 l) and a short plasma half-life (2.4 min).

Study II (A) involved 16 normal male volunteers who received incremental aerosolized doses of L from 0.1 to 1.6 mg in a double-blind, placebo controlled, dose ranging study. Complaints of mild local irritation or discomfort in the upper respiratory tract were the only significant findings. No dose relationship of these complaints could be shown.

In conclusion, L is a safe and well tolerated drug when administered by aerosol. It causes dose related local, but not systemic, adverse experiences when administered i.v. In view of this tolerability and of its demonstrated activity against LTD₄-challenge in animals, clinical efficacy studies with the aerosol formulation are warranted.