Population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling of the anti-TNF-α polyclonal fragment antibody AZD9773 in patients with severe sepsis

AZD9773 is an ovine-derived, polyclonal, anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antibody fragment. Using data from an AZD9773 Phase IIa study in patients with severe sepsis (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00615017), a population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model was developed. The model assessed the influence of various covariates on the PK of AZD9773 and the relationship between AZD9773 exposure and serological TNF- α concentration. A linear two-compartment model was used to describe AZD9773 concentration-time data. A stepwise covariate analysis was performed on the PK parameters. Subsequently, the serological TNF- α concentrations and drug effect were captured using an indirect response model, with a variable production rate of TNF- α described by a quadratic function. Creatinine clearance (CrCL) was the only covariate with a significant effect on the PK of AZD9773. A typical patient’s drug clearance varied with CrCL; the relationship was non-linear. Diagnostic analysis of the PK/PD model showed that the fit was good, both across cohorts and in AZD9773-treated versus placebo patients. Serological TNF- α concentrations and the reduction of measurable serum TNF- α by AZD9773 were well characterized across all the cohorts evaluated in the Phase IIa study. This population PK/PD model was subsequently used to simulate alternative dosing options for a Phase IIb study (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01145560).