Sublingual vs IV Atropine Bioavailability Study

A Randomized, Three-Sequence, Three-Period Crossover Study to Assess the Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics of a Single Dose of Atropine Administered Sublingually in Healthy Adult Volunteers

This randomized, three-sequence, three-period, phase 1 study is designed to assess the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics (PK) of sublingually administered atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution 1% USP (at 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg; test) compared to atropine sulfate injection administered IV (1.0 mg; reference).

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Toxic Effect of Organophosphate and Carbamate Insecticides
• Intervention / Treatment: Drug: Atropine Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution; Drug: Atropine Sulphate Injection

Detailed Description

This is a randomized, three-sequence, three-period crossover study to assess the bioavailability and PK of a single dose of atropine administered sublingually in healthy adult volunteers. At least 15 healthy male and female volunteers will be enrolled to obtain approximately 12 evaluable subjects in the per protocol population. Eligible subjects will be randomized at a 1:1:1 ratio to receive one of three treatment dosing sequences (A, B, or C).

Subjects assigned to treatment dosing sequence A will receive a low dose sublingually at Visit 1; Day 1 (Period 1), a high dose sublingually at Visit 2; Day 8 (Period 2) and an IV dose at Visit 3; Day 15 (Period 3).

Subjects assigned to treatment dosing sequence B will receive a high dose sublingually at Visit 1; Day 1 (Period 1), an IV dose at Visit 2; Day 8 (Period 2) and a low dose sublingually at Visit 3; Day 15 (Period 3).

Subjects assigned to treatment dosing sequence C will receive an IV dose at Visit 1; Day 1 (Period 1), a low dose sublingually at Visit 2; Day 8 (Period 2), and a high dose sublingually at Visit 3; Day 15 (Period 3).

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 15
• Phase: Phase 1

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • North Carolina
    • High Point, North Carolina, United States, 27265
      • High Point Clinical Trials Center

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years to 55 years (Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Healthy male and nonpregnant female volunteers between the ages of 18 and 55 years at time of randomization
2. Willing and able to provide written informed consent

3. Females who are of childbearing potential and are sexually active with a male partner must have used an acceptable method of birth control for at least 2 months prior to Screening, and must agree to continue using an acceptable method of birth control from Screening to Follow-up (Day 21).

   A female of childbearing potential is defined as postonset menarche and premenopausal female capable of becoming pregnant. This does not include females who meet any of the following conditions: menopausal > 2 years, tubal ligation > 1 year, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, or hysterectomy.

   Adequate contraception is defined as a contraceptive method with a failure rate of less than 1% per year when used consistently and correctly and when applicable, in accordance with the product label. Examples include oral contraceptives, injectable progestogen, implants of etonogestrel or levonorgestrel, estrogenic vaginal ring, percutaneous contraceptive patches, intrauterine device or intrauterine system, or male partner sterilization at least 6 months prior to the female subject's Screening Visit.

4. In the judgment of the investigator, the subject is in good health, based on review of medical history and the results of screening evaluation (including vital signs, physical examination, 12-lead ECG, and routine clinical laboratory testing, performed no more than 14 days prior to randomization into the study)
5. Able to comply with the dosing instructions and available to complete the study Schedule of Events

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Females who have a positive pregnancy test or who are breastfeeding
2. Subjects with thyroid disease as evidenced by a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) < 0.9 × lower limit of normal (LLN) or > 1.2 × upper limit of normal (ULN) at screening. (This test will not be repeated prior to subsequent dosing.)
3. Subjects with aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), or serum creatinine > 1.5 × ULN at screening. (These tests will not be repeated prior to subsequent dosing.)
4. Have known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or acute or chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection based on medical history; or test positive for any of these at Screening. Subjects who have been effectively treated for hepatitis C, as evidenced by a negative hepatitis C ribonucleic acid (RNA) confirmation test and who no longer require antiviral therapy, are eligible for participation. (Screening tests will not be repeated prior to subsequent dosing.)
5. Subjects who took any prescription medications (with the exception of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy) within 30 days of screening. Prior to each dose, the investigator will review prohibited medication use and determine whether the subject should be terminated from further dosing.
6. Subjects who took any over-the-counter medication/vitamins/herbal supplements in the last 72 hours prior to screening. Prior to each dose, the investigator will review prohibited medication use and determine whether the subject should be terminated from further dosing.
7. Subjects with glaucoma and/or history of ocular surgery (including Lasik), ocular trauma, or congenital ocular disorder
8. Subjects with any history of heart disease including but not limited to coronary artery disease, arrhythmia (treated or untreated), congestive heart failure, pacemaker, history of vasovagal syncope, peripheral vascular disease, or claudication
9. Subjects with clinically significant arrhythmias or abnormal conduction; abnormal conduction is defined as a prolonged PR or QRS, or a QTc ≥ 450 msec for males or ≥ 470 msec for females
10. Subjects with a history of partial organic pyloric stenosis, chronic constipation, or other gastrointestinal motility issue
11. Subjects with a history of xerostomia due to an underlying disease or previous radiation therapy to the head and neck
12. Males with history of symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy; males or females with a history of hesitancy or retention
13. Subjects with a blood pressure > 140/90 mm Hg taken after the subject has been seated and resting for at least five minutes
14. Subjects with a history or current diagnosis of myasthenia gravis
15. Subjects with a history of drug or alcohol abuse in the last two years or evidence of a positive urine drug test at screening. (This screening test will not be repeated prior to subsequent dosing.)
16. Subjects with a known sensitivity or prior adverse reaction to atropine

Subjects cannot be rescreened for exclusionary laboratory test results. Potentially exclusionary vital sign results may be repeated once. If a subject's repeat vitals remain exclusionary or the investigator determines that the repeat vital signs could pose a risk to the subject participating in the study, then the subject will be excluded.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Crossover Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

3

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: Low Dose Sublingual; Atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution, USP 1% is a sterile topical anti-muscarinic indicated for cyclopegia, mydriasis, and penalization of the healthy eye in the treatment of amblyopia. Each mL of Atropine Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution USP, 1% contains active ingredient: atropine sulfate 10 mg equivalent to 8.3 mg of atropine. Inactive ingredients include benzalkonium chloride 0.1 mg (0.01%), dibasic sodium phosphate, edetate disodium, hypromellose (2910), monobasic sodium phosphate, hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH (3.5 to 6.0), and water for injection, USP. Atropine Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution, USP 1% will be supplied in dropper bottles containing 2 mL. Each bottle will only be used to administer a single dose, to a single subject.	Drug: Atropine Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution; Atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution, USP 1% is a sterile topical anti-muscarinic indicated for cyclopegia, mydriasis, and penalization of the healthy eye in the treatment of amblyopia. Each mL of Atropine Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution USP, 1% contains active ingredient: atropine sulfate 10 mg equivalent to 8.3 mg of atropine. Inactive ingredients include benzalkonium chloride 0.1 mg (0.01%), dibasic sodium phosphate, edetate disodium, hypromellose (2910), monobasic sodium phosphate, hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH (3.5 to 6.0), and water for injection, USP.
Active Comparator: High Dose Sublingual; Atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution, USP 1% is a sterile topical anti-muscarinic indicated for cyclopegia, mydriasis, and penalization of the healthy eye in the treatment of amblyopia. Each mL of Atropine Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution USP, 1% contains active ingredient: atropine sulfate 10 mg equivalent to 8.3 mg of atropine. Inactive ingredients include benzalkonium chloride 0.1 mg (0.01%), dibasic sodium phosphate, edetate disodium, hypromellose (2910), monobasic sodium phosphate, hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH (3.5 to 6.0), and water for injection, USP. Atropine Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution, USP 1% will be supplied in dropper bottles containing 2 mL. Each bottle will only be used to administer a single dose, to a single subject.	Drug: Atropine Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution; Atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution, USP 1% is a sterile topical anti-muscarinic indicated for cyclopegia, mydriasis, and penalization of the healthy eye in the treatment of amblyopia. Each mL of Atropine Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution USP, 1% contains active ingredient: atropine sulfate 10 mg equivalent to 8.3 mg of atropine. Inactive ingredients include benzalkonium chloride 0.1 mg (0.01%), dibasic sodium phosphate, edetate disodium, hypromellose (2910), monobasic sodium phosphate, hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH (3.5 to 6.0), and water for injection, USP.
Active Comparator: Intravenous (IV); Atropine sulfate injection is indicated for temporary blockade of severe or life-threatening muscarinic effects, e.g., as an antisialagogue, an antivagal agent, an antidote for organophosphorus, carbamate, or muscarinic mushroom poisoning, and to treat symptomatic bradycardia. Atropine sulfate injection, USP,8mg/20mL (0.4 mg per mL) is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, isotonic, clear solution of atropine sulfate in water for injection with sodium chloride sufficient to render the solution isotonic. Each mL contains atropine sulfate, 0.4 mg; benzyl alcohol, 9 mg; sodium chloride 9 mg; and may contain sulfuric acid for pH adjustment, pH 3.5 (3.0 to 3.8). Atropine sulfate injection will be supplied in multidose vials containing 20 mL. Each vial will only be used to administer a single dose, to a single subject.	Drug: Atropine Sulphate Injection; Atropine sulfate injection, USP, 8mg/20mL (0.4 mg per mL) is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, isotonic, clear solution of atropine sulfate in water for injection with sodium chloride sufficient to render the solution isotonic. Each mL contains atropine sulfate, 0.4 mg; benzyl alcohol, 9 mg; sodium chloride 9 mg; and may contain sulfuric acid for pH adjustment, pH 3.5 (3.0 to 3.8).

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Area Under the Curve to From Time Zero to Infinity (AUC_∞)	Blood samples to measure atropine plasma concentrations were collected during each dosing visit at the following time points: time 0 (predose), and postdose at 2, 4, 6, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, and 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours. PK parameters were estimated for each subject and period using the noncompartmental method for extravascular (for sublingual doses) or IV infusion routes of administration. AUC_∞ is summarized by study dosage as the geometric mean and coefficient of variation of the geometric mean for all evaluable participants and expressed as min*ng/mL. Geometric ratios of least-square means and associated 90% confidence intervals are reported from a linear mixed model.	Pre-dose through 8 hours post-dose at Days 1, 8 and 15
Area Under the Curve From Time Zero to Last Quantifiable Timepoint (AUC_t)	Blood samples to measure atropine plasma concentrations were collected during each dosing visit at the following time points: time 0 (predose), and postdose at 2, 4, 6, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, and 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours. PK parameters were estimated for each subject and period using the noncompartmental method for extravascular (for sublingual doses) or IV infusion routes of administration. AUC_t is summarized by study dosage as the geometric mean and coefficient of variation of the geometric mean for all evaluable participants and expressed as min*ng/mL. Geometric ratios of least-square means and associated 90% confidence intervals are reported from a linear mixed model.	Pre-dose through 8 hours post-dose at Days 1, 8 and 15
Maximum Concentration (C_max)	Blood samples to measure atropine plasma concentrations were collected during each dosing visit at the following time points: time 0 (predose), and postdose at 2, 4, 6, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, and 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours. PK parameters were estimated for each subject and period using the noncompartmental method for extravascular (for sublingual doses) or IV infusion routes of administration. C_max is summarized by study dosage as the geometric mean and coefficient of variation of the geometric mean for all evaluable participants and expressed as ng/mL. Geometric ratios of least-square means and associated 90% confidence intervals are reported from a linear mixed model.	Pre-dose through 8 hours post-dose at Days 1, 8 and 15
Time to Maximum Concentration (t_max)	Blood samples to measure atropine plasma concentrations were collected during each dosing visit at the following time points: time 0 (predose), and postdose at 2, 4, 6, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, and 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours. PK parameters were estimated for each subject and sublingual dosing period using the noncompartmental method. This outcome is not applicable for the intravenous dosing period. t_max is summarized by study dosage as the mean and standard deviation for all evaluable participants and expressed as minutes.	Pre-dose through 8 hours post-dose at Days 1, 8 and 15
Terminal Elimination Half-Life (t_1/2)	Blood samples to measure atropine plasma concentrations were collected during each dosing visit at the following time points: time 0 (predose), and postdose at 2, 4, 6, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, and 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours. PK parameters were estimated for each subject and period using the noncompartmental method for extravascular (for sublingual doses) or IV infusion routes of administration. t_1/2 is summarized by study dosage as the mean and standard deviation for all evaluable participants and expressed as minutes.	Pre-dose through 8 hours post-dose at Days 1, 8 and 15
Volume of Distribution (V_d/F)	Blood samples to measure atropine plasma concentrations were collected during each dosing visit at the following time points: time 0 (predose), and postdose at 2, 4, 6, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, and 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours. PK parameters were estimated for each subject and sublingual dosing period using the noncompartmental method. This outcome is not applicable for the intravenous dosing period. V_d/F is summarized by study dosage as the mean and standard deviation for all evaluable participants and expressed as liters.	Pre-dose through 8 hours post-dose at Days 1, 8 and 15
Clearance (CL/F)	Blood samples to measure atropine plasma concentrations were collected during each dosing visit at the following time points: time 0 (predose), and postdose at 2, 4, 6, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, and 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours. PK parameters were estimated for each subject and sublingual dosing period using the noncompartmental method. This outcome is not applicable for the intravenous dosing period. CL/F is summarized by study dosage as the mean and standard deviation for all evaluable participants and expressed as mL/min.	Pre-dose through 8 hours post-dose at Days 1, 8 and 15

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events	Number of patients with treatment-emergent adverse events	Day 1 through Day 21
Treatment-Emergent Serious Adverse Events	Number of patients with treatment-emergent serious adverse events	Day 1 through Day 21
Xerostomia Assessment - Difficulty Swallowing Due to Mouth Dryness	Subject reported xerostomia scores were collected during each dosing visit at the following time points: time 0 (predose), and postdose at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes. Scores were assessed by questionnaire (0-10 point scale, with 0 being not difficult at all and 10 being very difficult) previously validated for measurement of salivary gland dysfunction. The maximum xerostomia score representing difficulty swallowing due to mouth dryness was calculated for each subject and dose. Maximum xerostomia scores were summarized by study dosage as the mean and standard deviation.	Pre-dose through 1 hour post-dose at Days 1, 8 and 15
Xerostomia Assessment - Dryness of Lips	Subject reported xerostomia scores were collected during each dosing visit at the following time points: time 0 (predose), and postdose at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes. Scores were assessed by questionnaire (0-10 point scale, with 0 being not dry at all and 10 being very dry) previously validated for measurement of salivary gland dysfunction. The maximum xerostomia score representing dryness of lips was calculated for each subject and dose. Maximum xerostomia scores were summarized by study dosage as the mean and standard deviation.	Pre-dose through 1 hour post-dose at Days 1, 8 and 15
Xerostomia Assessment - Dryness of Tongue	Subject reported xerostomia scores were collected during each dosing visit at the following time points: time 0 (predose), and postdose at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes. Scores were assessed by questionnaire (0-10 point scale, with 0 being not dry at all and 10 being very dry) previously validated for measurement of salivary gland dysfunction. The maximum xerostomia score representing dryness of tongue was calculated for each subject and dose. Maximum xerostomia scores were summarized by study dosage as the mean and standard deviation.	Pre-dose through 1 hour post-dose at Days 1, 8 and 15

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority
• Collaborators: Rho, Inc.
• Investigators: Study Chair: Michael Schwartz, MD MPH, Department of Health and Human Services

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Rajpal S, Ali R, Bhatnagar A, Bhandari SK, Mittal G. Clinical and bioavailability studies of sublingually administered atropine sulfate. Am J Emerg Med. 2010 Feb;28(2):143-50. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2008.10.025.
• Pai S, Ghezzi EM, Ship JA. Development of a Visual Analogue Scale questionnaire for subjective assessment of salivary dysfunction. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2001 Mar;91(3):311-6. doi: 10.1067/moe.2001.111551.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): January 4, 2020
• Primary Completion (Actual): February 2, 2020
• Study Completion (Actual): February 8, 2020

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 27, 2020
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 26, 2020
• First Posted (Actual): February 28, 2020

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): June 22, 2023
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 15, 2023
• Last Verified: June 1, 2023

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Physiological Effects of Drugs; Neurotransmitter Agents; Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Parasympatholytics; Autonomic Agents; Peripheral Nervous System Agents; Muscarinic Antagonists; Cholinergic Antagonists; Cholinergic Agents; Adjuvants, Anesthesia; Bronchodilator Agents; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Respiratory System Agents; Pharmaceutical Solutions; Mydriatics; Ophthalmic Solutions; Atropine
• Other Study ID Numbers: BP-C-19010

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: Yes
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No