Pharmacokinetics and dose proportionality of fentanyl sublingual spray: a single-dose 5-way crossover study

Prophylactic Fentanyl Sublingual Spray for Episodic Exertional Dyspnea in Cancer Patients: A Pilot Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

CONTEXT

The optimal dose of fentanyl sublingual spray (FSS) for exertional dyspnea has not been determined.

OBJECTIVES

We examined the effect of two doses of prophylactic FSS on exertional dyspnea.

METHODS

In this parallel, dose-finding, double-blind randomized clinical trial, opioid-tolerant cancer patients completed a shuttle walk test at baseline. Patients completed a second shuttle walk test 10 minutes after a single dose of FSS equivalent to either 35%-45% (high dose) or 15%-25% (low dose) of the total daily opioid dose. The primary outcome was change in modified dyspnea Borg scale (0-10) between the first and second shuttle walk tests. Secondary outcomes included adverse events as well as changes in walk distance, vital signs, and neurocognitive function.

RESULTS

Thirty of the 50 enrolled patients completed the study. High-dose FSS (n = 13) resulted in significantly lower dyspnea (mean change -1.42; 95% CI -2.37, -0.48; P = 0.007) and greater walk distance (mean change 44 m; P = 0.001) compared to baseline. Low-dose FSS (n = 17) resulted in a nonsignificant reduction in dyspnea (mean change -0.47; 95% CI -1.26, 0.32; P = 0.24) and significant increase in walk distance (mean change 24 m; P = 0.01) compared to baseline. Global evaluation showed high-dose group was more likely to report at least somewhat better improvement (64% vs. 24%; P = 0.06). No significant adverse events or detriment to vital signs or neurocognitive function was detected.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic FSS was well tolerated and demonstrated a dose-response relationship in improving both dyspnea and walk distance. High-dose FSS should be tested in confirmatory trials.

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.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40261-018-0658-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of fentanyl sublingual spray and fentanyl citrate intravenous: a single ascending dose study in opioid-naïve healthy volunteers

OBJECTIVE

Fentanyl sublingual spray offers rapid pain relief in opioid-tolerant cancer patients, and may be useful in acute or post-operative pain. Both opioid-naïve and non-tolerant patients are likely to receive opioids in these settings. Understanding the relationship between systemic exposure of fentanyl sublingual spray and effects on respiratory function in opioid-naïve or non-tolerant populations is important to ensure patient safety. This study evaluated single-dose fentanyl sublingual spray in opioid-naïve participants.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Participants were randomized to receive single-dose fentanyl sublingual spray (100, 200, 400, 600, 800 mcg) or fentanyl citrate IV in one of five cohorts. Dosing occurred following a 10-h fast, with fasting continuing for 4 h post-dose. Dose proportionality was assessed using analysis of variance and linear regression techniques. PK assessments and safety monitoring were performed through 24 h post-dose. Safety assessments, including adverse event (AE) monitoring, occurred from dosing through Day 7.

RESULTS

Fifty participants (19-53 years) received fentanyl sublingual spray or fentanyl citrate IV. Mean maximum plasma concentrations were reached between 0.27-0.60 h post-dose for fentanyl sublingual spray. Peak (C_max) and total (AUC_0-t, AUC_0-∞) fentanyl exposures increased in a linear, but more than dose-proportional manner, with higher doses. The most common AEs were somnolence, nausea, and vomiting. All AEs were mild or moderate in severity. Doses at 400, 600, and 800 mcg were associated with nausea and vomiting, requiring pharmacologic intervention. Hypoxia episodes requiring nasal cannula oxygenation were observed with 600mcg and 800mcg doses.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, single-dose fentanyl sublingual spray (100-800 mcg) was generally well tolerated, with greater incidences of AEs (e.g. nausea, vomiting, hypoxia) at higher doses. Doses up to 200 mcg may be safely administered to healthy opioid-naïve individuals with routine monitoring; doses between 400-800 mcg may be administered in settings with nasal cannula oxygenation.

A review of factors explaining variability in fentanyl pharmacokinetics; focus on implications for cancer patients

Fentanyl is a strong opioid that is available for various administration routes, and which is widely used to treat cancer-related pain. Many factors influence the fentanyl pharmacokinetics leading to a wide inter- and intrapatient variability. This systematic review summarizes multiple studied factors that potentially influence fentanyl pharmacokinetics with a focus on implications for cancer patients. The use of CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers, impaired liver function, and heating of the patch potentially influence fentanyl pharmacokinetics in a clinically relevant way. In elderly patients, current data suggest that we should carefully dose fentanyl due to alterations in absorption and metabolism. The influence of BMI and gender on fentanyl pharmacokinetics is questionable, most probably due to a large heterogeneity in the published studies. Pharmacogenetics, e.g. the CYP3A5*3 gene polymorphism, may influence fentanyl pharmacokinetics as well, although further study is warranted. Several other factors have been studied but did not show significant and clinically relevant effects on fentanyl pharmacokinetics. Unfortunately, most of the published papers that studied factors influencing fentanyl pharmacokinetics describe healthy volunteers instead of cancer patients. Results from the studies in volunteers may not be simply extrapolated to cancer patients because of multiple confounding factors. To handle fentanyl treatment in a population of cancer patients, it is essential that physicians recognize factors that influence fentanyl pharmacokinetics, thereby preventing potential side-effects and increasing its efficacy.

Impact of Prophylactic Fentanyl Pectin Nasal Spray on Exercise-Induced Episodic Dyspnea in Cancer Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

CONTEXT

Episodic breathlessness is common and debilitating in cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES

In this pilot study, we examined the effect of prophylactic fentanyl pectin nasal spray (FPNS) on exercise-induced dyspnea, physiologic function, and adverse events.

METHODS

In this parallel, double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial, opioid-tolerant patients performed three six-minute walk tests (6MWTs) to induce dyspnea. They were randomized to receive either FPNS (15%-25% of total daily opioid dose each time) or placebo 20 minutes before the second and third 6MWTs. We compared dyspnea Numeric Rating Scale (NRS, 0-10, primary outcome), walk distance, vital signs, neurocognitive function, and adverse events between the first and second 6MWTs (T2-T1) and between the first and third 6MWTs (T3-T1).

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients enrolled, with 96% completion. FPNS was associated with significant within-arm reduction in dyspnea NRS at rest (T2-T1: -0.9 [95% CI -1.7, -0.1]; T3-T1: -1.3 [95% CI -2.0, -0.5]) and at the end of a 6MWT (T2-T1: -2.0 [95% CI -3.5, -0.6]; T3-T1: -2.3 [95% CI -4.0, -0.7]), and longer walk distance (T2-T1 +23.8 m [95% CI +1.3, +46.2 m]; T3-T1: +23.3 m [95% CI -1.7, +48.2]). In the placebo arm, we observed no significant change in walk distance nor dyspnea NRS at rest, but significant reduction in dyspnea NRS at six minutes (T2-T1: -1.7 [95% CI -3.3, -0.1]; T3-T1: -2.5 [95% CI -4.2, -0.9]). Vital signs, neurocognitive function, and adverse effects did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSION

FPNS was safe, reduced dyspnea at rest, and increased walk distance in before-after comparison. The placebo effect was substantial, which needs to be factored in future study designs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.govNCT01832402.

Fentanyl sublingual spray for breakthrough cancer pain in patients receiving transdermal fentanyl

AIM

To investigate the relationship between effective fentanyl sublingual spray (FSS) doses for breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) and around-the-clock (ATC) transdermal fentanyl patch (TFP).

METHODS

Adults tolerating ATC opioids received open-label FSS for 26 days, followed by a 26-day double-blind phase for patients achieving an effective dose (100-1600 µg).

RESULTS

Out of 50 patients on ATC TFP at baseline, 32 (64%) achieved an effective dose. FSS effective dose moderately correlated with mean TFP dose (r = 0.4; p = 0.03). Patient satisfaction increased during the study. Common adverse event included nausea (9%) and peripheral edema (9%).

CONCLUSION

FSS can be safely titrated to an effective dose for BTCP in patients receiving ATC TFP as chronic cancer pain medication. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00538850.

Effective Dose Titration of Fentanyl Sublingual Spray in Patients With Breakthrough Cancer Pain

OBJECTIVE

To further describe effective dose titration of fentanyl sublingual spray to treat breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) during the 26-day open-label titration phase of a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

METHODS

Opioid-tolerant patients with 1 to 4 episodes of BTCP per day were enrolled. For randomization into double-blind treatment, patients must have titrated to a dose (100 to 1,600 mcg) providing effective analgesia for 2 consecutive BTCP episodes. The Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication was administered at baseline and at titration end and included a Global Satisfaction domain.

RESULTS

Of 130 patients undergoing titration, 98 (75%) achieved pain relief (median dose = 800 mcg). The most common doses that allowed for adequate pain relief were 800 mcg (24.5%) and 1,200 mcg (20.4%). Of 32 (25%) patients who withdrew from the study, only 3 (2.3%) did not achieve an effective dose. In patients attaining an effective dose, mean Global Satisfaction increased from 54.9 ± 2.1 at baseline to 75.3 ± 1.7 at the end of the titration phase. Seventy-eight patients (60%) reported ≥ 1 adverse event (AE). Thirty-three AEs (25.4%) were considered probably related to treatment, with nausea (6.2%) and somnolence (4.6%) most commonly reported.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with BTCP, fentanyl sublingual spray can be rapidly and safely titrated to an effective dose, resulting in greater satisfaction with fentanyl sublingual spray than previous BTCP medications.

Transmucosal Immediate-Release Fentanyl for Breakthrough Cancer Pain: Opportunities and Challenges for Use in Palliative Care

Opioids are used to treat breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) and can be classified by relative duration and onset of action. Regulatory approvals of numerous transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl (TIRF) formulations provide alternative options to palliative care-trained providers in the management of BTCP. TIRFs have been formulated as a sublingual tablet, sublingual spray, intranasal spray, pectin-based nasal spray, buccal tablet, and buccal soluble film. Differences exist between TIRFs regarding formulation design and dosing to treat BTCP. Opportunities for use include palliation of BTCP in head and neck cancer and/or radiation-induced mucositis. The purpose of this review is to discuss TIRF formulation and dosing, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, patient acceptability, and safety/tolerability. In addition, barriers to TIRF utilization will be discussed.

Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2013

This paper is the thirty-sixth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2013 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia; stress and social status; tolerance and dependence; learning and memory; eating and drinking; alcohol and drugs of abuse; sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology; mental illness and mood; seizures and neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity and neurophysiology; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.

Clinical and pharmacokinetic considerations of novel formulations of fentanyl for breakthrough cancer pain

SUMMARY 

This review will provide an overview of pharmacokinetics and clinical practice considerations of the novel formulations of fentanyl for the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain. First, we provide a brief description of the physicochemical properties of fentanyl. Second, we describe the basic pharmacokinetics of fentanyl, the specifics of various formulations and how they affect pharmacokinetics of fentanyl. Finally, we offer the perspectives on clinical practices in the proper uses of these products. Advancements in the formulations and delivery of fentanyl have provided a safer and more effective treatment for breakthrough cancer pain. These dosage forms offer overlapping yet distinct pharmacokinetic advantages to allow more choices for physicians and patients in the management of breakthrough cancer pain.

Single-dose fentanyl sublingual spray for breakthrough cancer pain

Breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) is defined as a transient exacerbation of pain that arises in patients with otherwise controlled persistent pain. BTCP typically has a rapid onset and relatively short duration, but it causes a significant amount of physical and psychological distress for patients. Several rapid-onset fentanyl formulations have been introduced in the USA to replace traditional oral opioids for the treatment of BTCP: a transmucosal lozenge, a sublingual orally disintegrating tablet, a buccal tablet, a buccal soluble film, a pectin nasal spray and, the newest formulation to enter the market, a sublingual spray. This article reviews the six rapid-onset formulations of fentanyl approved in the USA for the management of BTCP with emphasis on describing the published literature on fentanyl sublingual spray. The different fentanyl formulations vary in pharmacokinetic properties and ease of use, but all have a rapid onset and a relatively short duration of analgesia. Fentanyl sublingual spray has demonstrated absorption within 5 minutes of administration, with fentanyl plasma concentrations increasing over the first 30 minutes and remaining elevated for 60–90 minutes in pharmacokinetic studies in healthy subjects. Fentanyl sublingual spray shows linear dose proportionality, and changes in the temperature or acidity of the oral cavity do not alter its pharmacokinetic properties. In patients with BTCP, statistically significant pain relief is measurable at 5 minutes after administration of fentanyl sublingual spray, when compared with placebo, with significant pain relief lasting at least 60 minutes after administration. Adverse events are typical of opioid treatment and are considered mild to moderate in intensity. In summary, fentanyl sublingual spray provides rapid onset of analgesia and is a tolerable and effective treatment for BTCP.