Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the tolerability and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of Trocade in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Methods: Forty-eight patients entered this double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple ascending dose study. Patients received Trocade (25, 50, 100 or 150 mg) or placebo once daily for 28 days. Tolerability was assessed daily. Plasma pharmacokinetics was assessed on days 1 and 28. Trough blood samples were collected weekly.
Results: Trocade was well tolerated, with no differences in the adverse event profile compared with placebo. There were no relevant changes in laboratory parameters, vital signs or 12-lead ECG recordings. Plasma concentration profiles showed that Trocade was rapidly absorbed and most was eliminated within 24 h. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve and the maximum plasma concentration reached increased with dose, but this increase was not proportional to dose. No relevant accumulation was seen.
Conclusions: Trocade was well tolerated for the 28-day study period. From exposure data, doses of 100 and 150 mg were expected to yield plasma levels associated with efficacy, and from trough concentrations the doses of 25 and 50 mg were also expected to be efficacious.