A population pharmacokinetic model to predict the individual starting dose of tacrolimus in adult renal transplant recipients

Abstract

Aims

The aims of this study were to describe the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus immediately after kidney transplantation, and to develop a clinical tool for selecting the best starting dose for each patient.

Methods

Data on tacrolimus exposure were collected for the first three months following renal transplantation. A population pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling (NONMEM). Demographic, clinical and genetic parameters were evaluated as covariates.

Results

A total of 4,527 tacrolimus blood samples collected from 337 kidney transplant recipients were available. Data were best described using a two‐compartment model. The mean absorption rate was 3.6 h^‐1, clearance was 23.0 L/h (39% IIV), central volume of distribution (Vd) was 692 L (49% IIV) and the peripheral Vd 5340 L (53% IIV). Inter‐occasion variability was added to CL (14%). Higher body surface area (BSA), lower serum creatinine, younger age, higher albumin and lower hematocrit levels were identified as covariates enhancing tacrolimus clearance. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5 expressers had a significantly higher tacrolimus clearance (160%), whereas CYP3A4*22 carriers had a significantly lower clearance (80%). From these significant covariates, age, BSA, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genotype were incorporated in a second model to individualize the tacrolimus starting dose:

Both models were successfully internally and externally validated. A clinical trial was simulated to demonstrate the added value of the starting dose model.

Conclusions

For a good prediction of tacrolimus pharmacokinetics, age, BSA, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genotype are important covariates. These covariates explained 30% of the variability in CL/F. The model proved effective in calculating the optimal tacrolimus dose based on these parameters, and can be used to individualize the tacrolimus dose in the early period after transplantation.

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