Pharmacokinetics of Posaconazole (Noxafil®) as Prophylaxis for Invasive Fungal Infections

In 2014, the new intravenous and solid oral formulation of posaconazole were marketed. This offers new treatment possibilities, specifically in patients previously unable to attain adequate exposure to posaconazole solution. To the opinion of the researchers, only limited data are available on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the new formulations of posaconazole, however, these use strictly selected patients or healthy volunteers, but more importantly, specific aspects related to the PK remain unsolved. Despite the fact that adequate exposure is attained using the new solid oral formulation, it is hypothesized that oral bioavailability of posaconazole may be impacted during mucositis. Whether mucosal barrier injury impacts the absorption of posaconazole or alters presystemic clearance is still unknown. Therefore, it seems prudent to conduct a trial in a group of patients that will experience a severe degree of mucositis to identify changes in absorption of posaconazole and resolving the impact of various stages of mucositis on the PK of posaconazole by linking PK of posaconazole to markers of mucositis (citrulline). This research may also serve as a model for other drugs and allows for direct translations in improving patient care. For this purpose it is needed to determine the PK using both IV and PO dosing of posaconazole.

Inclusion criteria

• Subject is able and willing to sign the Informed Consent Form prior to screening evaluations.
• Subject is at least 18 years of age on the day of providing informed consent.
• Patient receives immunosuppressive therapy for acute or chronic GVHD grade II-IV, reduced intensity conditioning regimens for allogeneic stem cell transplant, or first remission induction chemotherapy for AML/MDS.
• In case of acute GVHD grade II-IV, patient has received less than 1 week of immunosuppressive therapy.
• If a woman, is neither pregnant nor able to become pregnant and is not nursing an infant.
• Has an ALAT <200U/L, ALAT <225U/L, alkaline phosphatase <60 U/L and a bilirubin level <50 μmol/L.
• Subject is capable of receiving oral tablets.
• Subject is managed with a central venous or arterial catheter.

Exclusion criteria

• Documented history of sensitivity to medicinal products or excipients similar to those found in the posaconazole preparation.
• Relevant history or presence of cardiovascular disorders (specifically QTc-time prolongation).
• Inability to understand the nature of the trial and the procedures required
• Any signs or symptoms of invasive fungal disease or the use of antifungal drugs within the previous month.
• Has previously participated in this trial.