Hyaluronidase Assisted Subcutaneous Infusion

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an acidic mucopolysaccharide widely found in connective tissues such as the intercellular matrix of human tissues, the vitreous humour of the eye and the synovial fluid of the joints, and is a component of the tissue matrix that acts to restrict the diffusion of water and other extracellular substances. Its gel-like nature makes it a barrier to subcutaneous fluid diffusion and is an important limitation to subcutaneous infusion. It has also been reported in the literature that lymph nodes, liver and skin are the major metabolic sites of HA, with a metabolic half-life in the skin of approximately 15-20 h. This means that the structure of HA destroyed by enzymatic cleavage can be autonomously rebuilt within 24-48 h. The rapid metabolism characteristics of HA make it an ideal target for action. Hyaluronidase is an endoglycosidase capable of degrading and oligomerising HA. HAase hydrolyses the β-1,4 glycosidic linkage in the HA chain to yield small molecules of HA or oligosaccharides, thereby increasing tissue permeability and improving the permeability of tissues to fluids. HAase has been used in the medical field for many years as a drug diffusing agent, which can promote the diffusion of locally stored drugs, exudate or blood, accelerate the absorption of drugs, reduce local tissue tension and pain, and facilitate the absorption and drainage of oedema and inflammatory exudate. Clinically, HAase is used clinically as an adjunct to subcutaneous infusion.

Inclusion criteria

• Must be willing to participate in this study and sign a written informed consent form.
• Male or female, 18 to 60 years of age.
• Male subjects weighing at least 50 kg, female subjects weighing at least 45 kg. Body mass index in the range of 18-28 kg/m2 (including threshold values).

Exclusion criteria

• Positive for HBsAg, HCV antibody, HIV antibody and syphilis antibody at screening.
• Definite hypersensitivity to recombinant human hyaluronidase for injection or any of the components of its preparation. Severe allergic reaction (e.g. angioedema) to any medication. Special dietary requirements or inability to follow the standard diet required by the clinical trial site.
• Prescription medicines taken within 14 days or 5 half-lives prior to dosing, or over-the-counter medicines (including proprietary Chinese medicines and herbal remedies) taken within 7 days or 5 half-lives prior to dosing. Regular vitamin supplementation was excluded, but special cases of medication that, in the opinion of the investigator, did not interfere with the evaluation of the study could be included.
• Blood donation or blood loss of 400 mL or more in the 3 months prior to screening.
• Heavy smoking (25 or more cigarettes per day).
• Alcohol abuse or a positive breath test result for alcohol.
• Positive urine drug screen (including morphine, methamphetamine, ketamine).
• Received another investigational drug (or investigational device) within 28 days or at least 5 half-lives prior to screening, whichever is longer.
• The subject or partner is planning to have a child or is unwilling to use effective contraception during the trial or for 6 months after the end of the trial.
• Nursing or pregnant women.
• Inflammation, tattoos, skin lesions, and scarring on both limbs may interfere with observation and assessment.
• Extremities oedema and limb pathology that may affect test results (e.g. cellulitis, lymphatic disorders or history of surgery, history of mastectomy, history of pre-existing pain syndrome or axillary lymph node dissection).
• Sensorimotor and voluntary movement disorders.
• Circumstances such as the investigator's opinion that participation in the trial is inappropriate or that the subject is unable to participate in the trial.