Exposure-clinical response analysis of paricalcitol in patients with chronic kidney disease (stage 5) on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Paricalcitol injection and capsules are approved for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Exposure-response analyses were performed to describe paricalcitol pharmacokinetics and the relationship to clinical responses (intact parathyroid hormone [iPTH], serum calcium, and phosphorus) following administration of paricalcitol capsules or injection to patients with chronic kidney disease (stage 5). Paricalcitol pharmacokinetics were similar following intravenous and oral administration with mean oral clearance of 1.75 L/h and bioavailability of 75.1%. Exposure-clinical response was best described by an indirect effects model where serum iPTH, calcium, and phosphorus production rates were directly affected by paricalcitol. Significant covariates in the response model included screening iPTH, calcium, and phosphorus on their corresponding synthesis rates; age on iPTH EC(50); and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase on calcium EC(50) (CRIT). This exposure-response model was used in extensive clinical trial simulations to assess alternative dose regimens for CKD stage 5 patients.