Optimal dosing regimen of biapenem in Chinese patients with lower respiratory tract infections based on population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling and Monte Carlo simulation

Current trend of biapenem susceptibility and disc diffusion breakpoints in Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

INTRODUCTION

Biapenem has been recently approved by the Drug Controller General of India for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI). However, there are no assessment studies that evaluate the in-vitro activity of biapenem against contemporary ESBL-producing Indian Enterobacterales isolates. To determine the activity of biapenem against contemporary ESBLs and/or OXA-1/ampC producing Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates.

METHODOLOGY

Isolates were tested for susceptibility to biapenem and its comparators using the broth microdilution method. Presence of ESBLs (SHV, TEM, CTX-M) genes, OXA-1, and ampC genes (ACC, ACT, DHA, CIT/CMY, FOX) using multiplex PCR.

RESULTS

Against ESBL with OXA-1 and/or ampC-producing E. coli, ESBL-K. pneumoniae, and cephalosporin-resistant P. aeruginosa, biapenem showed in-vitro activity similar to that of meropenem. Overall, a biapenem disc concentration of 10 μg provided no error rates for testing E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa isolates.

CONCLUSION

It is more accurate to test biapenem at a 10 μg disc concentration and apply more stringent disc diffusion breakpoints for interpretation.

In vitro activity, pharmacodynamic profile and dose optimization of biapenem against NDM and OXA-48-like carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: A multicentre study in Thailand

BACKGROUND

Biapenem (BIPM) exhibited a less efficient substrate for various metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) than other carbapenems.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate in vitro susceptibility data of BIPM and optimal dose based on Monte Carlo simulation to extend treatment options.

METHODS

We collected 192 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) clinical isolates from unique patients among multicentres in Thailand, from June 2019 to March 2023. BIPM disk diffusion and broth-microdilution testing were performed to obtain minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Each BIPM regimen was simulated using the Monte Carlo technique to calculate the probability of target attainment (PTA) and the cumulative fraction of response (CFR).

RESULTS

The most common genotypes among 192 CRKP isolates were blaOXA-48 (62.3%), blaOXA-48+blaNDM (22.6%) and blaNDM (15.1%). BIPM showed 22.4 and 28.6% susceptible rate when interpreted at clinical breakpoints of 1 and 2 mg/L. The MIC50 and MIC90 of BIPM against CRKP were 8 and 32 mg/L. The BIPM dosing regimens of 300 mg q 6 h infused 6 h and 600 mg q 8 h infused 8 h met the PTA target of %fTime >MIC at 50%, 75% and 100% against isolates MICs of ≤2 mg/L. Based on CFR ≥90%, no BIPM regimens were effective against all the studied CRKP isolates.

CONCLUSION

BIPM exhibited a partially susceptible rate among the CRKP isolates in Thailand. The current suggested dose of BIPM with prolonged infusion appears appropriate regimen against CRKP MICs of ≤2 mg/L. However, the empirical use of BIPM for severe CRE infection is not recommended unless the susceptibility has been confirmed.

Remedial Dosing Recommendations for Sirolimus Delayed or Missed Dosages Caused by Poor Medication Compliance in Pediatric Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Patients

BACKGROUND

Delayed or missed dosages caused by poor medication compliance significantly affected the treatment of diseases in children.

AIMS

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of delayed or missed dosages on sirolimus pharmacokinetics (PK) in pediatric tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) patients and to recommend remedial dosages for nonadherent patients.

METHODS

A published sirolimus population PK model in pediatric TSC patients was used to assess the influence of different nonadherence scenarios and recommend optimally remedial dosages based on Monte Carlo simulation. Thirteen nonadherent scenarios were simulated in this study, including delayed 2h, 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, 10 h, 12 h, 14 h, 16 h, 18 h, 20 h, 22 h, 23.5 h, and missed one dosage. Remedial dosing strategies contained 10-200% of scheduled dosages. The optimal remedial dosage was that with the maximum probability of returning the individual therapeutic range.

RESULTS

For delayed or missed sirolimus dosages in pediatric TSC patients, when the delayed time was 0-8 h, 8-10 h, 10-18 h, 18-22.7 h, 22.7-24 h, 70%, 60%, 40%, 30%, 20% scheduled dosages were recommended to take immediately. When one dosage was missed, 120% of scheduled dosages were recommended at the next dose.

CONCLUSION

It was the first time to recommend remedial dosages for delayed or missed sirolimus therapy caused by poor medication compliance in pediatric TSC patients based on Monte Carlo simulation. Meanwhile, the present study provided a potential solution for delayed or missed dosages in clinical practice.

Role of organic anion transporter 3 in the renal excretion of biapenem and potential drug-drug interactions

Biapenem is a carbapenem antibiotic. It is excreted predominantly through the kidney as unchanged forms. However, the molecular mechanism of renal excretion of biapenem and potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) were still unknown. In the present study, the role of organic anion transporters (OAT) 1/3 and organic cation transporters (OCT) 2 in the renal excretion of biapenem, and the potential DDIs between biapenem and six clinical commonly prescribed antibiotics and antiviral drugs that acted as substrates or inhibitors of OAT3 were evaluated in vitro. Further, the effect of probenecid on the pharmacokinetics of biapenem was explored in the rats. We observed that biapenem could not inhibit the transport activities of OAT1 or OCT2, while mildly inhibited OAT3 (IC₅₀ >500 μM). Among the tested antibiotics and antiviral drugs, the relatively high DDI index values (maximal unbound plasma concentration over IC₅₀, I_max,u/IC₅₀) were found for piperacillin, linezolid and benzylpenicillin, which were 2.84, 1.7 and 0.62, respectively. Although probenecid had the highest DDI index (27.1) in vitro, no significant impact of it on the pharmacokinetics of biapenem was observed in the rats. Our results indicated that biapenem was primarily eliminated by the glomerular filtration, while OAT3-mediated renal tubular secretion was a minor route. Biapenem is not a clinically relevant substrate or inhibitor because of its low affinity to OAT3. According to current results, it would be safe to use biapenem with other antibiotics and antiviral drugs that acted as substrates or inhibitors of OAT3.

A Phase 1 Study of the Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Biapenem in Healthy Adult Subjects

The pharmacokinetics and safety of biapenem were studied in 36 healthy adult subjects in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, sequential single and multiple-ascending dose study using doses from 250 to 1250 mg administered three times a day using 3-hour infusions. Maximum concentrations for biapenem were achieved at the end of the 3-hour infusion. Biapenem exposure (AUC) increased in a slightly greater than dose-proportional manner following single and multiple doses with no evidence of accumulation with multiple doses. Plasma AUCs increased from 18 mg*h/L at 250 mg to 150 mg*h/L at 1250 mg. Urinary recovery ranged from 14.2% at 250 mg to 42.3% at 1250 mg. Biapenem was well tolerated up to 1000 mg administered every 8 hours by 3-hour infusion for 7 days; however, a higher incidence of nausea, vomiting, and rash was reported at 1250 mg. There were no serious adverse events (SAEs) reported following either single or multiple doses of biapenem and all AEs were mild or moderate in severity.

Technologies to address antimicrobial resistance

Bacterial infections have been traditionally controlled by antibiotics and vaccines, and these approaches have greatly improved health and longevity. However, multiple stakeholders are declaring that the lack of new interventions is putting our ability to prevent and treat bacterial infections at risk. Vaccine and antibiotic approaches still have the potential to address this threat. Innovative vaccine technologies, such as reverse vaccinology, novel adjuvants, and rationally designed bacterial outer membrane vesicles, together with progress in polysaccharide conjugation and antigen design, have the potential to boost the development of vaccines targeting several classes of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, new approaches to deliver small-molecule antibacterials into bacteria, such as hijacking active uptake pathways and potentiator approaches, along with a focus on alternative modalities, such as targeting host factors, blocking bacterial virulence factors, monoclonal antibodies, and microbiome interventions, all have potential. Both vaccines and antibacterial approaches are needed to tackle the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and both areas have the underpinning science to address this need. However, a concerted research agenda and rethinking of the value society puts on interventions that save lives, by preventing or treating life-threatening bacterial infections, are needed to bring these ideas to fruition.

Optimal infusion rate in antimicrobial therapy explosion of evidence in the last five years

Background

Sporadic studies in antimicrobial therapy have evaluated the effects of infusion rates on therapeutic and economic outcomes, and new findings may challenge the regular infusion regimen.

Methods

Focusing on studies comparing the outcomes of different infusion regimens, the relevant literature was identified by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from January 1, 2013 to March 1, 2018. Papers were finally chosen using a PRISMA flowchart.

Results

Antimicrobials with the superiority of prolonged infusion to standard infusion in terms of efficacy and safety include meropenem, doripenem, imipenem, cefepime, ceftazidime, piperacillin/tazobactam, linezolid, and vancomycin. The strategy of concomitantly reducing total daily dose and prolonging infusion time may cause treatment failure (eg, imipenem). Extended infusion of piperacillin/tazobactam has pharmacoeconomic advantage over standard infusion. Prolonged infusion of voriconazole is inferior to standard infusion because of lower efficacy caused by pharmacokinetic changes. Comparable outcomes following standard infusion and continuous infusion were observed with norvancomycin and nafcillin. Factors determining whether prolonged infusion has a benefit over standard infusion include MIC of bacterial pathogens, bacterial density, diagnosis, disease severity, total daily dose, and renal function.

Conclusion

To maximally preserve the effectiveness of current antimicrobials, effective interventions should be implemented to enhance the application of optimal infusion strategies. For reducing nephrotoxicity, prolonged infusion of meropenem is better than conventional infusion in neonates with Gram-negative late-onset sepsis, and continuous infusion of vancomycin is superior to intermittent infusion. For increasing efficacy, prolonged or continuous infusion of time-dependent antimicrobials (eg, meropenem, doripenem, imipenem, cefepime, ceftazidime, piperacillin/tazobactam, linezolid, and vancomycin) is an optimal choice. Nevertheless, such advantages may only be demonstrated in special clinical circumstances and special populations (eg, patients with a sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score≥9, respiratory tract infections, urinary or intra-abdominal infections, or infections caused by less susceptible pathogens would benefit from prolonged infusion of piperacillin/tazobactam).

In vitro and in vivo activity of biapenem against drug-susceptible and rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Background

Biapenem, a carbapenem antibiotic, has been shown to have synergistic bactericidal anti-TB activity when combined with rifampicin both in vitro and in the mouse model of TB chemotherapy. We hypothesized that this synergy would result in biapenem/rifampicin activity against rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis .

Objectives

Our objective was to evaluate the synergy of biapenem/rifampicin against both low- and high-level rifampicin-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis , in vitro and in the mouse model.

Methods

Biapenem/rifampicin activity was evaluated using three strains of M. tuberculosis : strain 115R (low-level rifampicin resistance); strain 124R (high-level rifampicin resistance); and the drug-susceptible H37Rv parent strain. Biapenem/rifampicin synergy was evaluated in vitro by chequerboard titration. In vivo , we first conducted a dose-ranging experiment with biapenem against H37Rv in the mouse model. We then evaluated biapenem/rifampicin activity in mice infected with each M. tuberculosis strain.

Results

In vitro , synergy was observed between biapenem and rifampicin against H37Rv and strain 115R. In vivo , biapenem exhibited clear dose-dependent activity against H37Rv, with all biapenem doses as active or more active than rifampicin alone. Biapenem and rifampicin had synergistic bactericidal activity against H37Rv in the mouse model; no synergy was observed in mice infected with either of the rifampicin-resistant strains. Biapenem alone was active against all three strains.

Conclusions

Our preclinical experiments indicate that biapenem has potential for use as an anti-TB drug, including for use against rifampicin-resistant TB. Thus, biapenem has promise for repurposing as a 'new' - and desperately needed - drug for the treatment of drug-resistant TB.

Evaluating biapenem dosage regimens in intensive care unit patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections: a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis using Monte Carlo simulation

This study was conducted to identify optimal dosage regimens and estimate pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) characteristics of short-infusion (SI) versus extended-infusion (EI) biapenem against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in Chinese intensive care unit (ICU) patients. A total of 85 strains of P. aeruginosa were collected, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of biapenem was measured by the serial two-fold agar dilution method. We designed four frequently used clinical regimens: biapenem 300 mg I.V. q12h, q8h, and q6h, and 600 mg q12h. The Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) was performed using previously published pharmacokinetic data to calculate the probability of target attainment (PTA) and the cumulative fraction of response (CFR) of these regimens as an SI (0.5 h) and an EI (1 h, 2 h, 3 h, and 4 h). For a target of 40%fT_>MIC (serum drug concentration remains above the MIC for a dosing period), none of the regimens achieved any CFRs>90% for P. aeruginosa, multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa (MDR-PA) and even non-MDR-PA. The traditional biapenem SI regimens most commonly seen in clinical practice were insufficient in treating both MDR and non-MDR P. aeruginosa in ICU patients. However, biapenem 600 mg q12h over 2-4 h EI regimens could achieve CFR>90% with 20%fT_>MIC. Clinical trials should aim to validate the potentially greater PK/PD index with higher, more frequent doses and longer extended infusions.