Pharmacokinetics of Fentanyl Sublingual Spray in Opioid-Naïve Participants: Results of a Phase 1, Multiple Ascending Dose Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fentanyl sublingual spray may be a viable alternative to intravenous (IV) opioids for the treatment of acute pain. As patients with acute pain may include those who have limited prior exposure to opioids, this phase 1, open-label, randomized, multiple ascending-dose study was conducted to assess the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability of multiple doses of fentanyl sublingual spray in opioid-naïve participants. This article primarily reports the pharmacokinetics results.
METHODS: Study drugs were administered in four dosing cohorts: every 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 h for a maximum of three doses per cohort. Eight fasted individuals per cohort were randomized to either fentanyl sublingual spray (100, 200, or 400 µg) or fentanyl citrate IV 50 µg (6:2 ratio). Blood samples were collected pre-dose through 24 h post first dose.
RESULTS: A total of 98 healthy adults were enrolled and 96 completed the study. Mean plasma fentanyl concentrations increased with increasing doses of fentanyl sublingual spray administered every 0.5-4 h. With multiple doses, systemic exposure increased relative to the first dose; shorter dosing intervals resulted in higher concentrations. Analysis of dose proportionality suggested that systemic exposure increased in a linear but slightly greater than dose-proportional manner. Accumulation between the first and last doses of fentanyl sublingual spray was more pronounced with shorter dosing intervals.
CONCLUSION: Dose-dependent fentanyl pharmacokinetics following multiple doses of fentanyl sublingual spray were well characterized in an opioid-naïve population. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02641340.

Key Points

Introduction

Fentanyl is a well-known opioid that was synthesized as a replacement of morphine in 1960. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine [1, 2]. Since the approval of fentanyl as an intravenous (IV) injection in 1968 [3], other delivery forms of fentanyl have been studied and approved for use in patients with a variety of painful conditions [4, 5].

Fentanyl sublingual spray (SUBSYS®; Insys Development Company, Inc.; Chandler, AZ, USA) is a potent, short-acting opioid agonist delivered sublingually as a spray that is indicated for the management of breakthrough pain in opioid-tolerant, adult cancer patients. It has demonstrated its efficacy, showing significant pain relief compared to placebo in as early as 5 min and through 60 min [4], as well as pharmacokinetic parameters similar to those of IV fentanyl, with a rapid increase in plasma concentrations [6].

Because of its pharmacokinetic profile and rapid onset for pain relief, fentanyl sublingual spray may provide a less invasive, viable alternative to IV opioids for the treatment of acute pain such as postoperative pain, burn dressing change, or initial fracture-related pain in the emergency room. As patients in these settings will likely include those who are opioid naïve or who have limited prior exposure to opioids, it is important to understand the pharmacokinetic characteristics of fentanyl sublingual spray and their impact on safety in an opioid-naïve population. Single-dose pharmacokinetics following fentanyl sublingual spray in healthy opioid-naïve volunteers have been reported previously [7]. This study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability following multiple doses of fentanyl sublingual spray in an opioid-naïve population. Pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability results are reported in a separate publication [8]. Detailed pharmacokinetic results are reported in this article.

Methods

This was a phase 1, open-label, randomized, multiple ascending-dose study in an opioid-naïve population (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02641340). A valid Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviewed and approved the protocol before study initiation. Written informed consent was obtained prior to study participation. Detailed methodology for the treatment period has been previously reported in a separate publication concerning the safety of multiple doses of fentanyl sublingual spray [8].

Participants

Healthy males and non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding females between the ages of 18 and 55 years, with a body mass index (BMI) < 32 kg/m2, and classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I (a normal healthy person) or ASA II (a patient with mild systemic disease) were eligible for inclusion in the study. Exclusion criteria included hypersensitivity to opioids or naloxone, or severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., angioedema) to any drugs; use of opioids or enzyme-altering drugs within 30 days prior to the start of the study; use of any medication that could interfere with respiratory effects within 14 days prior to the first dose of study medication; and positive urine drug screen for drugs of abuse. Participants were also excluded if they had mucositis, cold sores, or periodontal disease of the oral cavity; or piercings of the tongue or anywhere in the oral cavity.

Study Design and Treatment

This was a phase 1, open-label, randomized, multiple ascending-dose study in opioid-naïve participants. This study included a 28-day screening period and a treatment period, with a follow-up phone contact on Day 7. Study drugs were administered in four dosing cohorts: every 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 h for a maximum of three doses per cohort. Eight fasted individuals per cohort were randomized to either fentanyl sublingual spray (100, 200, or 400 µg) or fentanyl citrate IV 50 µg in a 6:2 ratio. Blood samples were collected pre-dose through 24 h post first dose. Participants fasted for 10 h prior to the first dose and through 4 h post-first dose. To ensure participant safety, participants were closely monitored in an in-clinic setting for up to 24 h post-first dose.

Pharmacokinetic Analysis

Venous blood samples (6 ml) for the determination of fentanyl plasma concentrations were collected in vacutainer tubes containing K2-EDTA as a preservative, according to the prespecified schedules, dependent on the dosing regimen in each cohort. Human plasma containing fentanyl and the internal standard, fentanyl D5, was extracted with an organic solvent mixture after the addition of sodium carbonate solution (liquid-liquid extraction). Following centrifugation, the organic layer was transferred and evaporated to dryness. An aliquot of the reconstituted extract was injected onto a Sciex API 4000 LC MS equipped with an HPLC column (AB Sciex, Concord, Ontario, Canada). The peak area of the m/z 337 → 188 fentanyl production was measured against the m/z 342 → 188 fentanyl D5 internal standard product ion. Quantitation was performed using a weighted linear least-squares regression. The quantification range was validated from 0.0250 to 5.00 ng/ml of plasma fentanyl concentration.

The appropriate pharmacokinetic parameters were derived by noncompartmental analysis using Phoenix® WinNonlin (Version 6.3; Pharsight Corporation, Cary, NC, USA), including maximum plasma concentrations after first or last dose, determined directly from individual concentration–time data (Cmax1, Cmax); time of the maximum plasma concentration after first or last dose (Tmax1 and Tmax); area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time–zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule (AUC0–); area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time–zero extrapolated to infinity (AUC0–inf); area under the plasma concentration-time curve during the first and last dosing interval, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule (AUC0–tau1 or AUC0-tau, respectively); apparent elimination half-life in the terminal phase by non-compartmental analysis (t1/2); accumulation ratio of Cmax (); accumulation ratio of AUCtau (); total body clearance of drug (CL); and volume of distribution during terminal phase (VZ) for fentanyl following IV administration.

During the pharmacokinetic analysis, plasma drug concentrations that were below the limit of quantitation (BLQ) were treated as zero from time–zero up to the time at which the first quantifiable concentration was observed; embedded and terminal BLQ were treated as “missing.” Actual sample times were used in the pharmacokinetic analysis. The AUC0–inf, Vz, CL, and t1/2 parameters were reported only for concentration-time profiles that exhibited a clear terminal log-linear phase and prespecified criteria outline in the statistical analysis plan.

Safety and Pharmacodynamic Analyses

Safety variables included physical examinations, vital signs, pulse-oximetry, capnography, clinical laboratory testing, electrocardiogram, concomitant medications, and adverse event (AE) assessments. All AEs were coded using Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA, version 17.0).

Pharmacodynamic data relevant to respiratory function from capnography, pulse oximetry, and respiration rate measurements were further analyzed. The incidence rates for the primary and additional pharmacodynamic safety endpoints in each of the fentanyl spray groups were compared, within dosing regimen cohort, to the incidence rates in the fentanyl IV group. Detailed safety and pharmacodynamic results are presented in a separate publication [8].

Statistical Analysis

The overall study sample size of 96 participants (eight participants per cohort) was included in the analysis.

Data processing, tabulation of descriptive statistics, and calculation of inferential statistics were performed using SAS® (release 9.2 or higher, SAS Institute Inc.; Cary, NC, USA) for Windows. Unless otherwise indicated, tabulations were by the treatment groups, including the three fentanyl sublingual spray groups and the fentanyl citrate IV group. The fentanyl citrate IV group consisted of all participants treated in the fentanyl citrate IV groups combined over the dosing cohorts. Pharmacokinetic results for the individual treatment groups were summarized using descriptive statistics including arithmetic mean and standard deviation (SD).

The pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, AUC0–, and AUC0–inf for fentanyl after administration of fentanyl sublingual spray across each sublingual dose level (Cycles 1, 2, and 3) were evaluated for each cohort separately in order to assess dose proportionality. Statistical analyses were performed using a power model with mixed effects of the following general form [9]:where

PK is the pharmacokinetic parameter tested (e.g. Cmax or AUC)

ln(β0) is the y-intercept,

β1 is the slope (a value of β1 approximately equal to 1 indicates linearity), and

ε is an error term (Subject was used as the random effects term).

The estimate of β1 was reported along with the p-value for the deviation of β1 from unity (β1 = 1).

In addition, natural logarithmic-transformed scatter plots of Cmax, AUC0–, and AUC0–inf for fentanyl after administration of fentanyl sublingual spray by dose were generated (each cohort separately) and the data analyzed using linear regression. The intercept and slope describing the regression line and the goodness of fit (R2) were also reported within each scatter plot.

Results

Participant Demographics

A total of 98 opioid-naïve volunteer participants were enrolled in the study, and 96 participants completed treatment.

Overall, the mean (SD) age of study participants was 36.4 (9.87) years and ranged from 20 to 55 years. The majority of participants were male [72 (75.0%)], white [55 (57.3%)], and non-Hispanic/non-Latino [73 (76.0%)] [8]. There were no remarkable differences in demographic characteristics among participants treated with fentanyl sublingual spray 100, 200, and 400 µg, or fentanyl citrate IV 50 µg.

The demographic and baseline characteristics of the safety population for participants treated with fentanyl sublingual spray 100, 200, and 400 µg, and fentanyl citrate IV 50 µg across the four dosing frequency cohorts are summarized in Supplemental Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

Table 1

Mean fentanyl pharmacokinetic parameters after administration of fentanyl sublingual spray (100 µg)

Parameter	Cohort 1q4 h				Cohort 2q2 h				Cohort 3q1 h				Cohort 4q0.5 h
	n	Mean	SD	CV%	n	Mean	SD	CV%	n	Mean	SD	CV%	n	Mean	SD	CV%
Cmax1 (ng/ml)	6	0.172	0.0337	19.62	6	0.187	0.0397	21.25	6	0.160	0.0864	53.94	5	0.159	0.0971	60.91
Cmax1/D (ng/ml/µg)	6	0.00172	0.000337	19.62	6	0.00187	0.000397	21.25	6	0.00160	0.000864	53.94	5	0.00159	0.000971	60.91
Tmax1 (h)	6	0.58	0.34	58.55	6	0.75	0.66	87.77	6	0.66	0.19	28.59	5	0.41	0.08	20.04
Cmaxn (ng/ml)	6	0.225	0.0312	13.88	6	0.396	0.0994	25.11	6	0.406	0.121	29.79	6	0.479	0.233	48.58
Cmaxn/D (ng/ml/µg)	6	0.00225	0.000312	13.88	6	0.00396	0.000994	25.11	6	0.00406	0.00121	29.79	6	0.00479	0.00233	48.58
Tmaxn (h)	6	0.88	0.63	71.28	6	0.63	0.30	48.57	6	0.66	0.22	33.02	6	0.49	0.35	71.34
AUC0–tau1 (h·ng/ml)	6	0.4177	0.05081	12.16	6	0.2487	0.04661	18.74	6	0.1119	0.07198	64.32	5	0.05979	0.04672	78.14
AUC0–tau1/D (h·ng/ml/µg)	6	0.00418	0.000508	12.16	6	0.00249	0.000466	18.74	6	0.00112	0.000720	64.32	5	0.000598	0.000467	78.14
AUC0-taun (h·ng/ml)	6	0.6125	0.1972	32.20	6	0.6276	0.1897	30.22	6	0.3511	0.1122	31.95	6	0.2076	0.1121	54.00
AUC0-taun/D (h·ng/ml/µg)	6	0.00612	0.00197	32.20	6	0.00628	0.00190	30.22	6	0.00351	0.00112	31.95	6	0.00208	0.00112	54.00
AUC0–t (h·ng/ml)	6	2.130	0.8173	38.38	6	2.736	1.032	37.74	6	3.025	1.076	35.55	6	2.627	0.7565	28.80
AUC0-t/D (h·ng/ml/µg)	6	0.00710	0.00272	38.38	6	0.00912	0.00344	37.74	6	0.0101	0.00359	35.55	6	0.00876	0.00252	28.80
AUC0–inf (h·ng/ml)	2	2.172	0.9409	43.33	3	2.419	1.147	47.40	5	3.427	1.333	38.90	5	3.055	0.8191	26.81
AUC0–inf/D (h·ng/ml/µg)	2	0.00724	0.00314	43.33	3	0.00806	0.00382	47.40	5	0.0114	0.00444	38.90	5	0.0102	0.00273	26.81
t1/2 (h)	2	4.60	2.02	43.90	3	4.70	2.18	46.48	5	6.06	1.94	32.03	5	5.36	1.03	19.14
AR_C_max	6	1.35	0.33	24.22	6	2.14	0.46	21.35	6	3.04	1.36	44.63	5	3.62	0.77	21.27
AR_AUC_tau	6	1.45	0.39	26.66	6	2.51	0.52	20.65	6	4.15	2.19	52.81	5	4.75	1.56	32.75

q every, SD standard deviation, CV coefficient of variation, C maximum plasma concentrations after first dose, D dose, T time of the maximum plasma concentration after first dose, C maximum plasma concentrations after last dose, T time of the maximum plasma concentration after last dose, AUC area under the plasma concentration time curve during the first dosing interval, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule, AUC area under the plasma concentration time curve during the last dosing interval, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule, AUC area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time–zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule, AUC area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time–zero extrapolated to infinity, t apparent elimination half-life in the terminal phase by noncompartmental analysis, accumulation ratio of Cmax, accumulation ratio of AUCtau

Table 2

Mean fentanyl pharmacokinetic parameters after administration of fentanyl sublingual spray (200 µg)

Parameter	Cohort 1q4 h				Cohort 2q2 h				Cohort 3q1 h				Cohort 4q0.5 h
	n	Mean	SD	CV%	n	Mean	SD	CV%	n	Mean	SD	CV%	n	Mean	SD	CV%
Cmax1 (ng/ml)	6	0.461	0.111	24.17	5	0.522	0.256	49.15	6	0.458	0.122	26.65	6	0.379	0.181	47.83
Cmax1/D (ng/ml/µg)	6	0.00231	0.000557	24.17	5	0.00261	0.00128	49.15	6	0.00229	0.000610	26.65	6	0.00190	0.000907	47.83
Tmax1 (h)	6	0.38	0.14	36.51	5	0.40	0.14	34.23	6	0.41	0.20	49.02	6	0.39	0.11	27.86
Cmaxn (ng/ml)	6	0.548	0.129	23.56	6	0.890	0.156	17.48	6	1.06	0.263	24.68	6	1.24	0.366	29.47
Cmaxn/D (ng/ml/µg)	6	0.00274	0.000645	23.56	6	0.00445	0.000778	17.48	6	0.00532	0.00131	24.68	6	0.00621	0.00183	29.47
Tmaxn (h)	6	0.80	0.65	81.94	6	0.63	0.30	48.57	6	0.67	0.30	45.41	6	0.54	0.37	67.94
AUC0–tau1 (h·ng/ml)	6	0.9599	0.1527	15.91	5	0.6534	0.2154	32.97	6	0.3354	0.1075	32.06	6	0.1199	0.06199	51.72
AUC0–tau1/D (h·ng/ml/µg)	6	0.00480	0.000763	15.91	5	0.00327	0.00108	32.97	6	0.00168	0.000538	32.06	6	0.000599	0.000310	51.72
AUC0–taun (h·ng/ml)	6	1.336	0.1144	8.57	6	1.406	0.2473	17.58	6	0.9189	0.2537	27.60	6	0.5297	0.1987	37.52
AUC0–taun/D (h·ng/ml/µg)	6	0.00668	0.000572	8.57	6	0.00703	0.00124	17.58	6	0.00459	0.00127	27.60	6	0.00265	0.000994	37.52
AUC0–t (h·ng/ml)	6	4.820	0.3538	7.34	6	5.909	1.329	22.49	6	6.911	1.908	27.60	6	7.538	1.023	13.57
AUC0–t/D (h·ng/ml/µg)	6	0.00803	0.000590	7.34	6	0.00985	0.00221	22.49	6	0.0115	0.00318	27.60	6	0.0126	0.00170	13.57
AUC0–inf (h·ng/ml)	4	5.190	0.5484	10.57	6	6.507	1.476	22.68	6	7.580	2.143	28.27	5	8.305	1.014	12.21
AUC0–inf/D (h·ng/ml/µg)	4	0.00865	0.000914	10.57	6	0.0108	0.00246	22.68	6	0.0126	0.00357	28.27	5	0.0138	0.00169	12.21
t1/2 (h)	4	5.55	0.79	14.17	6	6.68	1.07	16.00	6	6.61	0.86	13.00	5	5.48	0.88	15.99
AR_C_max	6	1.22	0.27	22.31	5	1.87	0.60	32.16	6	2.46	0.90	36.51	6	3.56	0.81	22.79
AR_AUC_tau	6	1.43	0.28	19.30	5	2.29	0.64	27.92	6	3.00	1.40	46.65	6	4.86	1.40	28.84

q every, SD standard deviation, CV coefficient of variation, C maximum plasma concentrations after first dose, D dose, T time of the maximum plasma concentration after first dose, C maximum plasma concentrations after last dose, T time of the maximum plasma concentration after last dose, AUC area under the plasma concentration time curve during the first dosing interval, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule, AUC area under the plasma concentration time curve during the last dosing interval, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule, AUC area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time–zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule, AUC area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time–zero extrapolated to infinity, t apparent elimination half-life in the terminal phase by noncompartmental analysis, accumulation ratio of Cmax, accumulation ratio of AUCtau

Table 3

Mean fentanyl pharmacokinetic parameters after administration of fentanyl sublingual spray (400 µg)

Parameter	Cohort 1q4 h			Cohort 2q2 h			Cohort 3q1 h			Cohort 4q0.5 h
	n	Mean	CV%	n	Mean	CV%	n	Mean	CV%	n	Mean	CV%
Cmax1 (ng/ml)	6	1.14	35.15	6	0.610	53.68	6	0.808	41.84	6	0.704	68.29
Cmax1/D (ng/ml/µg)	6	0.00285	35.15	6	0.00152	53.68	6	0.00202	41.84	6	0.00176	68.29
Tmax1 (h)	6	0.38	36.51	6	0.54	67.94	6	0.65	43.24	6	0.32	33.72
Cmaxn (ng/ml)	5	1.74	39.48	5	1.88	36.70	6	2.77	32.91	6	2.41	34.19
Cmaxn/D (ng/ml/µg)	5	0.00435	39.48	5	0.00469	36.70	6	0.00693	32.91	6	0.00603	34.19
Tmaxn (h)	5	0.51	63.13	5	1.00	60.70	6	0.58	51.90	6	0.71	46.91
AUC0–tau1 (h·ng/ml)	6	2.535	34.16	6	0.8455	53.33	6	0.6263	41.74	6	0.2277	74.31
AUC0–tau1/D (h·ng/ml/µg)	6	0.00634	34.16	6	0.00211	53.33	6	0.00157	41.74	6	0.000569	74.31
AUC0–taun (h·ng/ml)	5	4.259	54.53	5	2.872	35.94	6	2.450	32.33	6	0.8782	35.65
AUC0–taun/D (h·ng/ml/µg)	5	0.0106	54.53	5	0.00718	35.94	6	0.00612	32.33	6	0.00220	35.65
AUC0–t (h·ng/ml)	5	14.77	40.80	5	12.69	38.30	6	15.55	28.09	6	15.34	41.71
AUC0–t/D (h·ng/ml/µg)	6	0.0132	37.86	6	0.00945	48.04	6	0.0130	28.09	6	0.0128	41.71
AUC0–inf (h·ng/ml)	2	17.93	68.68	4	13.43	47.37	5	17.22	32.49	5	14.96	44.00
AUC0–inf/D (h·ng/ml/µg)	3	0.0163	46.79	5	0.00979	56.86	5	0.0144	32.49	5	0.0125	44.00
t1/2 (h)	3	5.67	14.86	5	5.31	45.66	5	7.04	19.52	5	5.68	19.00
AR_C_max	5	1.64	28.47	5	3.11	17.79	6	3.54	10.55	6	4.22	54.81
AR_AUC_tau	5	1.76	26.86	5	3.37	13.53	6	4.08	18.93	6	4.87	52.91

q every, CV coefficient of variation, C maximum plasma concentrations after first dose, D dose, T time of the maximum plasma concentration after first dose, C maximum plasma concentrations after last dose, T time of the maximum plasma concentration after last dose, AUC area under the plasma concentration time curve during the first dosing interval, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule, AUC area under the plasma concentration time curve during the last dosing interval, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule, AUC area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time–zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule, AUC area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time–zero extrapolated to infinity, t apparent elimina half-life in the terminal phase by noncompartmental analysis, accumulation ratio of Cmax, accumulation ratio of AUCtau

Table 4

Mean fentanyl pharmacokinetic parameters after administration of fentanyl citrate IV (50 µg)

Parameter	Cohort 1q4 h			Cohort 2q2 h			Cohort 3q1 h			Cohort 4q0.5 h
	n	Mean	CV%	n	Mean	CV%	n	Mean	CV%	n	Mean	CV%
Cmax1 (ng/ml)	6	0.337	62.84	6	0.549	40.59	6	0.477	35.25	6	0.369	54.09
Cmax1/D (ng/ml/µg)	6	0.00673	62.84	6	0.0110	40.59	6	0.00955	35.25	6	0.00738	54.09
Tmax1 (h)	6	0.16	101.80	6	0.08	0.00	6	0.08	0.00	6	0.13	50.02
Cmaxn (ng/ml)	6	0.633	14.36	6	0.731	26.84	5	0.893	26.94	6	0.815	18.78
Cmaxn/D (ng/ml/µg)	6	0.0127	14.36	6	0.0146	26.84	5	0.0179	26.94	6	0.0163	18.78
Tmaxn (h)	6	0.08	0.00	6	0.09	7.92	5	0.09	8.62	6	0.09	18.26
AUC0–tau1 (h·ng/ml)	6	0.3298	25.40	6	0.3020	11.27	6	0.2182	25.41	6	0.1093	34.27
AUC0–tau1/D (h·ng/ml/µg)	6	0.00660	25.40	6	0.00604	11.27	6	0.00436	25.41	6	0.00219	34.27
AUC0–taun (h·ng/ml)	6	0.6133	21.55	6	0.6106	18.59	5	0.3964	21.95	6	0.2578	10.19
AUC0–taun/D (h·ng/ml/µg)	6	0.0123	21.55	6	0.0122	18.59	5	0.00793	21.95	6	0.00516	10.19
AUC0–t (h·ng/ml)	6	2.139	26.38	6	2.400	24.23	5	2.211	34.50	6	2.286	17.34
AUC0–t/D (h·ng/ml/µg)	6	0.0143	26.38	6	0.0160	24.23	6	0.0146	31.32	6	0.0152	17.34
AUC0–inf (h·ng/ml)	1	2.882	0.00	5	2.628	28.25	4	2.358	40.07	6	2.517	17.65
AUC0–inf/D (h·ng/ml/µg)	1	0.0192	0.00	5	0.0175	28.25	4	0.0157	40.07	6	0.0168	17.65
t1/2 (h)	1	6.90	0.00	5	5.13	43.75	4	4.69	34.84	6	5.42	17.33
CL (L/h)	1	52.05	0.00	5	61.48	32.25	4	72.29	40.05	6	61.22	18.02
Vz (L)	1	518.2	0.00	5	413.3	28.35	4	439.7	10.99	6	468.4	11.08
AR_C_max	6	3.08	79.40	6	1.57	49.04	5	2.19	57.13	6	2.72	50.85
AR_AUC_tau	6	1.90	18.15	6	2.04	18.10	5	1.89	17.72	6	2.57	33.14

IV intravenous, q every, CV coefficient of variation, C maximum plasma concentrations after first dose, D dose, T time of the maximum plasma concentration after first dose, C maximum plasma concentrations after last dose, T time of the maximum plasma concentration after last dose, AUC area under the plasma concentration time curve during the first dosing interval, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule, AUC area under the plasma concentration time curve during the last dosing interval, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule, AUC area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time–zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule, AUC area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time–zero extrapolated to infinity, t apparent elimination half-life in the terminal phase by noncompartmental analysis, accumulation ratio of Cmax, accumulation ratio of AUCtau

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetic analysis population consisted of all randomized participants who received at least one dose of fentanyl and had sufficient plasma data to facilitate the calculation of pharmacokinetic parameters.

Mean plasma fentanyl concentration-time profiles after the administration of multiple doses of fentanyl sublingual spray (100, 200, 400 µg) and fentanyl citrate IV (50 µg) are displayed in Fig. 1. Mean plasma fentanyl concentrations increased with an increase in dose of fentanyl sublingual spray between 100 and 400 µg (Fig. 1a-c). As expected, higher concentrations were observed for the shorter dosing intervals of 1 h (Cohort 3) and 0.5 h (Cohort 4) at each dose level. A similar trend was observed after administration of fentanyl citrate IV 50 µg, with the highest concentrations observed for dosing every 1 h or 0.5 h, as shown in Fig. 1d.

Fig. 1

Mean fentanyl concentration-time profiles after administration of a fentanyl sublingual spray 100 µg, b fentanyl sublingual spray 200 µg, c fentanyl sublingual spray 400 µg, or d fentanyl citrate IV 50 µg. Cohort 1, every 4 h; Cohort 2, every 2 h; Cohort 3, every 1 h; Cohort 4, every 0.5 h

Mean fentanyl pharmacokinetic parameters after the administration of multiple doses of fentanyl sublingual spray (100, 200, 400 µg) and fentanyl citrate IV (50 µg) are summarized by cohort in Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

The mean Cmax1 after the first dose of fentanyl sublingual spray 100 µg (Cycle 1, Table 1) was similar across cohorts, ranging from 0.159 ng/ml (Cohort 4) to 0.187 ng/ml (Cohort 2). After the last dose, the mean Cmax increased relative to the first dose, ranging from 0.225 ng/ml (Cohort 1) to 0.479 ng/ml (Cohort 4), and shorter dosing intervals resulted in higher concentrations. Similar trends were observed for AUC0–tau1 and AUC0–tau, with an increase in exposure between the first and last doses that was most apparent for the shorter dosing intervals of 1 h (Cohort 3) and 0.5 h (Cohort 4). Overall systemic exposure to fentanyl after three consecutive doses of fentanyl sublingual spray 100 µg, based on AUC0-inf, varied across cohorts, ranging from 2.172 h·ng/ml (Cohort 1) to 3.427 h·ng/ml (Cohort 3). The mean t1/2 after the last dose of fentanyl sublingual spray 100 µg was relatively consistent across cohorts, ranging from 4.60 h (Cohort 1) to 6.06 h (Cohort 3). The accumulation between the first and last doses of fentanyl sublingual spray 100 µg ranged from 1.35 (; Cohort 1) to 4.75 (; Cohort 4), with more pronounced accumulation for shorter dosing intervals (Table 1).

The mean Cmax1 after the first dose of fentanyl sublingual spray 200 µg (Cycle 2, Table 2) varied across cohorts, ranging from 0.379 ng/ml (Cohort 4) to 0.522 ng/ml (Cohort 2), with slightly higher variabilities. After the last dose, the mean Cmax increased relative to the first dose, ranging from 0.548 ng/ml (Cohort 1) to 1.24 ng/ml (Cohort 4), and shorter dosing intervals resulted in higher concentrations. Similar trends were observed for AUC0–tau1 and AUC0–tau, with an increase in exposure between the first and last doses that was most apparent for the shorter dosing intervals of 1 h (Cohort 3) and 0.5 h (Cohort 4). Overall systemic exposure to fentanyl after three consecutive doses of fentanyl sublingual spray 200 µg, based on AUC0–inf, varied across cohorts, ranging from 5.190 h·ng/ml (Cohort 1) to 8.305 h·ng/ml (Cohort 4). The mean t1/2 after the last dose of fentanyl sublingual spray 200 µg was relatively consistent across cohorts, ranging from 5.48 h (Cohort 4) to 6.68 h (Cohort 2). The accumulation between the first and last doses of fentanyl sublingual spray 200 µg ranged from 1.22 (; Cohort 1) to 4.86 (; Cohort 4), with more pronounced accumulation for shorter dosing intervals (Table 2).

The mean Cmax1 after the first dose of fentanyl sublingual spray 400 µg (Cycle 3, Table 3) varied across cohorts, ranging from 0.610 ng/ml (Cohort 2) to 1.14 ng/ml (Cohort 1). After the last dose, the mean Cmax increased relative to the first dose, ranging from 1.74 ng/ml (Cohort 1) to 2.77 ng/ml (Cohort 3), and shorter dosing intervals resulted in higher concentrations. Similar trends were observed for AUC0–tau1 and AUC0–tau, with an increase in exposure between the first and last doses that was most apparent for the shorter dosing intervals of 1 h (Cohort 3) and 0.5 h (Cohort 4). Overall systemic exposure to fentanyl after three consecutive doses of fentanyl sublingual spray 400 µg, based on AUC0–inf, varied across cohorts, ranging from 13.43 h·ng/ml (Cohort 2) to 17.93 h·ng/ml (Cohort 1). It should be noted, however, that the variability in AUC0–inf at the 400-µg dose level was larger than those at the two lower dose levels. The mean t1/2 after the last dose of fentanyl sublingual spray 400 µg was relatively consistent across cohorts, ranging from 5.31 h (Cohort 2) to 7.04 h (Cohort 3). The accumulation between the first and last doses of fentanyl sublingual spray 400 µg ranged from 1.64 (; Cohort 1) to 4.87 (; Cohort 4), with more pronounced accumulation for shorter dosing intervals (Table 3).

The mean Cmax1 after the first dose of fentanyl citrate IV 50 µg (Cycles 1, 2, and 3 combined; Table 4) varied similarly across cohorts, ranging from 0.337 ng/ml (Cohort 1) to 0.549 ng/ml (Cohort 2). This variability is partly due to the difficulty in capturing peak concentrations after IV administration, as illustrated by the intra-participant variability within each cohort, which ranged from 35.25 to 62.84%. After the last dose, the mean Cmax increased relative to the first dose, ranging from 0.633 ng/ml (Cohort 1) to 0.893 ng/ml (Cohort 3), and there was less variability [based on coefficient of variation (CV)% within cohort]; although shorter dosing intervals resulted in higher concentrations, this trend for IV administration was not as apparent as that observed for fentanyl sublingual spray. For AUC0–tau1 and AUC0–tau, there was an increase in exposure between the first and last doses that was most apparent for the shortest dosing interval of 0.5 h (Cohort 4). Overall systemic exposure to fentanyl after three consecutive doses of fentanyl citrate IV 50 µg, based on AUC0–inf, was consistent across cohorts and ranged from 2.358 h·ng/ml (Cohort 3) to 2.882 h·ng/ml (Cohort 1). The mean t1/2 after the last dose of fentanyl citrate IV 50 µg was similar across cohorts, ranging from 4.69 h (Cohort 3) to 6.90 h (Cohort 1). The accumulation between the first and last doses of fentanyl citrate IV 50 µg ranged from 1.57 (, Cohort 2) to 3.08 (, Cohort 1) (Table 4).

In general, pharmacokinetics after three consecutive doses of fentanyl sublingual spray behaved similarly to that after fentanyl citrate IV 50 µg, as follows: (1) after the last dose, the peak and extent of fentanyl exposures increased relative to the first dose and shorter dosing intervals resulted in higher exposures; (2) the mean t1/2 after the last dose of fentanyl was similar across cohorts; (3) the accumulation between the first and last doses of fentanyl was observed for all dosing intervals, with more pronounced accumulation for shorter dosing intervals.

The statistical analysis of dose proportionality of fentanyl sublingual spray (100–400 µg) is summarized in Table 5. The results of the dose proportionality assessments by the power model showed that dose proportionality could not be statistically established over the full dose range of 100–400 µg fentanyl sublingual spray. The slope (β1) estimates for pharmacokinetic exposure parameters were within 0.80 and 1.25 for Cohorts 2 and 4, but greater than 1 (ranging from 1.1764 to 1.4615) for Cohorts 1 and 3, with variable 90% confidence intervals. The dose proportionality results are shown with a linear slope and correlation coefficient by cohort for fentanyl Cmax in Fig. 2a, fentanyl AUC0–inf in Fig. 2b, and fentanyl AUC0– in Fig. 2c, showing linear dose-dependent increases of the pharmacokinetic parameters tested. In summary, systemic exposure following multiple doses of fentanyl sublingual spray appeared to increase in a slightly greater than dose-proportional manner over the range of 100–400 µg.

Table 5

Assessment of dose proportionality of fentanyl sublingual spray (100–400 µg)

Cohort	Dependent variable	Model variable	Estimate (β1)	Lower CLa	Upper CLa	p valueb
Cohort 1 (q4 h)	ln(Cmaxn)	ln(Dose)	1.4336	1.2382	1.6290	< 0.0001
	ln(AUC0–t)	ln(Dose)	1.3945	1.1581	1.6309	< 0.0001
	ln(AUC0–inf)	ln(Dose)	1.4615	0.9447	1.9783	0.0015
Cohort 2 (q2 h)	ln(Cmaxn)	ln(Dose)	1.0993	0.8803	1.3183	< 0.0001
	ln(AUC0–t)	ln(Dose)	1.0989	0.8057	1.3921	< 0.0001
	ln(AUC0–inf)	ln(Dose)	1.1925	0.7927	1.5924	0.0002
Cohort 3 (q1 h)	ln(Cmaxn)	ln(Dose)	1.3800	1.1637	1.5962	< 0.0001
	ln(AUC0–t)	ln(Dose)	1.1932	NE	NE	NE
	ln(AUC0–inf)	ln(Dose)	1.1764	0.9237	1.4291	< 0.0001
Cohort 4 (q0.5 h)	ln(Cmaxn)	ln(Dose)	1.2031	0.9227	1.4836	< 0.0001
	ln(AUC0–t)	ln(Dose)	1.2463	1.0037	1.4888	< 0.0001
	ln(AUC0–inf)	ln(Dose)	1.1190	0.8516	1.3864	< 0.0001

q every, C maximum plasma concentrations after last dose, AUC area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time–zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule, AUC area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time–zero to infinity, NE not estimable

a90% confidence intervals (lower and upper)

bSignificant difference from unity (1.0000), defined a priori as p < 0.05

Fig. 2

Dose proportionality of fentanyl a Cmax, b AUC0–inf, and c AUC0– after administration of fentanyl sublingual spray 100 µg (Cycle 1), 200 µg (Cycle 2), and 400 µg (Cycle 3) every 4 h (Cohort 1), 2 h (Cohort 2), 1 h (Cohort 3), or 0.5 h (Cohort 4). AUC area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time–zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule, AUC area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time–zero extrapolated to infinity, calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule, C maximum plasma concentrations after last dose

Safety and Pharmacodynamics Analyses

There were no deaths or serious AEs reported during the conduct of this clinical trial. Safety results and pharmacodynamic analysis relevant to respiratory function are presented in a separate publication [8].

Discussion

Fentanyl sublingual spray was designed to provide rapid onset of analgesia and has demonstrated pharmacokinetic parameters similar to those of IV fentanyl, showing a rapid increase in plasma concentrations after quantifiable mean plasma concentrations of fentanyl observed at the first blood collection timepoint (5 min) after administration [6, 10]. Because of these advantages, it has been postulated that fentanyl sublingual spray might be appropriately used for acute needs (e.g., procedurally or in emergency departments) or for post-operative pain. However, patients likely to receive opioids in these settings will include those who are opioid naïve or who have limited prior exposure to opioids. Consequently, it is important to understand the relationship between systemic exposure of fentanyl following administration of fentanyl sublingual spray and its effects on respiratory function in an opioid-naïve or nontolerant population. Therefore, a phase 1, single ascending-dose study was conducted in an opioid-naïve population to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability of fentanyl sublingual spray prior to entering clinical trials within acute pain and related settings [7]. Overall, a single-dose administration of fentanyl sublingual spray at doses ranging from 100 to 800 µg was generally well tolerated. Results suggested that doses up to 200 µg may be safely administered to a healthy opioid-naïve population with routine monitoring and that doses of 400–800 µg may be administered in a monitored setting where nasal cannula oxygenation is available [7]. Furthermore, mean plasma concentrations and mean exposure parameters of fentanyl following fentanyl sublingual spray were comparable to results in previous studies [6, 10] over the dose range from 100 to 800 µg [7].

In the present study, the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability of multiple doses of fentanyl sublingual spray were further investigated in opioid-naïve participants at one clinical site, and compared with those of multiple doses of IV fentanyl citrate.

In general, multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of fentanyl were consistent with previously reported single-dose pharmacokinetic profiles following fentanyl sublingual spray or fentanyl citrate IV. Mean plasma fentanyl concentrations increased with an increase in dose of fentanyl sublingual spray between 100 µg (Cycle 1) and 400 µg (Cycle 3). As expected, higher concentrations were observed for the shortest dosing intervals of 1 h (Cohort 3) and 0.5 h (Cohort 4). A similar trend was observed after administration of fentanyl citrate IV 50 µg, with the highest concentrations observed for more frequent dosing, every 1 h (Cohort 3) or 0.5 h (Cohort 4). The t1/2 was approximately 5–7 h for both fentanyl sublingual spray and fentanyl citrate IV administration. During multiple doses of fentanyl sublingual spray, Cmax increased relative to the first dose, and shorter dosing intervals resulted in higher concentrations. Similar trends were observed for AUC0–tau, with an increase in exposure between the first and last doses, which was most apparent for the shorter dosing intervals of 1 h (Cohort 3) and 0.5 h (Cohort 4). The accumulation ratios between the first and last doses of fentanyl sublingual spray ranged from approximately 1.2 to 1.8 (every 4 h), 1.9 to 3.4 (every 2 h), 2.5 to 4.2 (every 1 h), to 3.6 to 4.9 (every 0.5 h), with more pronounced accumulation for shorter dosing intervals. Similarly, accumulation ratios between the first and last doses of fentanyl citrate IV ranged from approximately 1.9 to 3.1 (every 4 h), 1.6 to 2.0 (every 2 h) and 1.9 to 2.2 (every 1 h) to 2.6 to 2.7 (every 0.5 h), with comparable accumulation across all dosing intervals but slightly less than with sublingual sprays.

Analysis of dose proportionality using the power model [9] suggested that maximum fentanyl exposure (Cmax) and total fentanyl exposure (AUC0– and AUC0–inf) increased in a linear manner, with an increase in dose following multiple-dose administrations of fentanyl sublingual spray at all dosing intervals ranging from 0.5 to 4 h. From the linear regression through log-transformed parameter values versus log-dose using all dose levels within each dosing interval, the slope of the regression line ranged from 1.099 (AUC0–, every 2 h) to 1.462 (AUC0–inf, every 4 h), suggesting that the increase in exposure was slightly greater than dose proportional. This may be due to some accumulation at the higher dose following short dosing frequency, small number of subjects, and inter-subject variability.

There were no appreciable differences in safety-related pharmacodynamic changes following fentanyl sublingual spray administration for capnography, pulse oximetry, hypoxia, nausea, and vomiting compared with fentanyl citrate IV 50 µg [8].

Conclusions

Dose-dependent fentanyl pharmacokinetics following multiple doses of fentanyl sublingual spray were well characterized in healthy opioid-naïve adults. During multiple doses of fentanyl sublingual spray, Cmax increased relative to the first dose, and shorter dosing intervals resulted in higher concentrations. Similar trends were observed for AUC0–tau, with an increase in exposure between the first and last doses, which was most apparent at shorter dosing intervals. The accumulation ratios between the first and last doses of fentanyl sublingual spray ranged from approximately 1.2 to 4.9, with more pronounced accumulation for shorter dosing intervals. Systemic exposure following multiple doses of fentanyl sublingual spray appeared to increase in a slightly greater than dose-proportional manner over the range of 100–400 µg. Three repeated doses of fentanyl sublingual spray administered at doses of 100, 200, and 400 µg and at dosing intervals ranging from every 0.5 to 4 h were generally well tolerated in a healthy opioid-naïve population.

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary material 1 (PDF 145 kb)

In an opioid-naïve population, pharmacokinetics of fentanyl sublingual spray from 100–400 µg administered every 0.5–4 h were characterized with a generally well tolerated safety profile comparable to fentanyl citrate IV 50 µg.

The fentanyl plasma concentration increased with dose after repeated administration of fentanyl sublingual spray.