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PTC299 is a novel small molecule that specifically blocks the production of protein from selected mRNAs that under certain conditions use noncanonical ribosomal translational pathways. Hypoxia, oncogenic transformation, and viral infections limit normal translation and turn on these noncanonical translation pathways that are sensitive to PTC299. Vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) is an example of a transcript that is posttranscriptionally regulated. Single doses of PTC299 (0.03 to 3 mg/kg) were administered orally to healthy volunteers in a phase 1 single ascending‐dose study. In a subsequent multiple ascending‐dose study in healthy volunteers, multiple‐dose regimens (0.3 to 1.2 mg/kg twice a day or 1.6 mg/kg 3 times a day for 7 days) were evaluated. PTC299 was well tolerated in these studies. As expected in healthy volunteers, mean plasma VEGF levels did not change. Increases in Cmax and AUC of PTC299 were dose‐proportional. The target trough plasma concentration associated with preclinical efficacy was achieved within 7 days at doses of 0.6 mg/kg twice daily and above. These data demonstrate that PTC299 is orally bioavailable and well tolerated and support clinical evaluation of PTC299 in cancer, certain viral infections, or other diseases in which deregulation of translational control is a causal factor.

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PTC596 is an investigational small molecule tubulin-binding agent. Unlike other tubulin-binding agents, PTC596 is orally bioavailable and is not a P-glycoprotein substrate. So as to characterize PTC596 to position the molecule for optimal clinical development, the interactions of PTC596 with tubulin using crystallography, its spectrum of preclinical in vitro anticancer activity, and its pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationship were investigated for efficacy in multiple preclinical mouse models of leiomyosarcomas and glioblastoma. Using X-ray crystallography, it was determined that PTC596 binds to the colchicine site of tubulin with unique key interactions.PTC596 exhibited broad-spectrum anticancer activity. PTC596 showed efficacy as monotherapy and additive or synergistic efficacy in combinations in mouse models of leiomyosarcomas and glioblastoma. PTC596 demonstrated efficacy in an orthotopic model of glioblastoma under conditions where temozolomide was inactive. In a first-in human Phase 1 clinical trial in cancer patients, PTC596 monotherapy drug exposures were compared to those predicted to be efficacious based on mouse models. PTC596 is currently being tested in combination with dacarbazine in a clinical trial in adults with leiomyosarcoma and in combination with radiation in a clinical trial in children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.

Drug-excipient compatibility studies lay the foundation for designing a chemically stable formulation for clinical and commercial development. This article describes the investigation of oxidative degradation encountered with compound A (a phenylalanine-drug complex) in a capsule dosage form. Two wet- granulation capsule formulations (2.5-mg and 25-mg strengths) were developed using excipients that showed satisfactory stability from initial drug-excipient compatibility studies. Both capsule strengths were chemically stable at 50 degrees C (closed) for at least 18 weeks, but they showed discoloration. The 2.5-mg capsule exhibited degradation after four weeks at 40 degrees C/75%RH (open) besides discoloration. LC/MS analysis indicated that the degradants were oxidation products of the parent compound. Oxidation of compound A was investigated by forced degradation with peroxide, use of isotopically labeled water (H2(18)O) to study the source of oxygen, and use of different antioxidants to mitigate oxidation. Excipient(s) responsible for oxidation and discoloration were identified through extended and modified excipient compatibility studies. The discoloration was indicative of Maillard reaction occurring between a reducing sugar impurity from microcrystalline cellulose and L-phenylalanine in the drug complex. Reactive oxidative species generated by this reaction is postulated to cause oxidation of compound A.

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The shape factor for any non-isometric particle cannot be considered to be constant over the dissolution event, as is commonly assumed. This change has an appreciable effect on the dissolution behavior of crystals. This study is particularly of significance for elongated shapes like needles and platelets. By the methodology described here, it was possible to determine the initial shape factor of the crystal and the intrinsic dissolution rate constant.