Phase 1 Evaluation of the Bioequivalence and Drug-Drug Interaction Potential of a Novel Fixed-Dose Combination of Ezetimibe, Atorvastatin, and Amlodipine

A fixed-dose combination (FDC) of ezetimibe, atorvastatin, and amlodipine has been developed to improve medication adherence among patients with cardiovascular diseases. In a randomized, open-label, multiple-dose, fixed-sequence study involving 34 participants (Study 1), the potential drug-drug interaction between ezetimibe/atorvastatin FDC and amlodipine was evaluated. Additionally, a randomized, open-label, crossover study with 60 participants (Study 2) compared the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of ezetimibe/atorvastatin/amlodipine FDC to those of individual formulations. Co-administration of the ezetimibe/atorvastatin FDC and amlodipine did not significantly alter the PKs of either drug. However, amlodipine resulted in a slight increase in systemic exposure to atorvastatin by approximately 23%. Geometric mean ratios (FDC to individual formulations) and 90% confidence intervals of area under the time-concentration curve at steady state during dosing interval (AUC tau, ss) and maximum concentration at steady state (Cmax, ss) or amlodipine, atorvastatin, and ezetimibe were all within the bioequivalent range (0.8-1.25), confirming bioequivalence. Moreover, the FDC of ezetimibe, atorvastatin, and amlodipine exhibited comparable tolerability to corresponding individual formulations.