Pharmacokinetic modelling to estimate intracellular favipiravir ribofuranosyl-5′-triphosphate exposure to support posology for SARS-CoV-2



Pertinez, Henry, Rajoli, Rajith KR ORCID: 0000-0002-6015-5712, Khoo, Saye H ORCID: 0000-0002-2769-0967 and Owen, Andrew ORCID: 0000-0002-9819-7651
(2021) Pharmacokinetic modelling to estimate intracellular favipiravir ribofuranosyl-5′-triphosphate exposure to support posology for SARS-CoV-2. JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY, 76 (8). pp. 2121-2128.

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Abstract

<h4>Objectives</h4>Favipiravir has discrepant activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, concerns about teratogenicity and pill burden, and an unknown optimal dose. This analysis used available data to simulate the intracellular pharmacokinetics of the favipiravir active metabolite [favipiravir ribofuranosyl-5'-triphosphate (FAVI-RTP)].<h4>Methods</h4>Published in vitro data for intracellular production and elimination of FAVI-RTP in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells were fitted with a mathematical model describing the time course of intracellular FAVI-RTP as a function of favipiravir concentration. Parameter estimates were then combined with a published population pharmacokinetic model in Chinese patients to predict human intracellular FAVI-RTP. In vitro FAVI-RTP data were adequately described as a function of concentrations with an empirical model, noting simplification and consolidation of various processes and several assumptions.<h4>Results</h4>Parameter estimates from fittings to in vitro data predict a flatter dynamic range of peak to trough for intracellular FAVI-RTP (peak to trough ratio of ∼1 to 1) when driven by a predicted free plasma concentration profile, compared with the plasma profile of parent favipiravir (ratio of ∼2 to 1). This approach has important assumptions, but indicates that, despite rapid clearance of the parent from plasma, sufficient intracellular FAVI-RTP may be maintained across the dosing interval because of its long intracellular half-life.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Population mean intracellular FAVI-RTP concentrations are estimated to be maintained above the Km for the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase for 9 days with a 1200 mg twice-daily regimen (following a 1600 mg twice-daily loading dose on day 1). Further evaluation of favipiravir as part of antiviral combinations for SARS-CoV-2 is warranted.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Animals, Dogs, Humans, Polyphosphates, Amides, Pyrazines, Antiviral Agents, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology
Faculty of Science and Engineering > School of Physical Sciences
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 01 Nov 2021 08:43
Last Modified: 17 Oct 2023 20:25
DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab135
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3142152