Introduction

M8891 is a selective and reversible inhibitor of methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAP2). We describe translational research to define the target pharmacokinetics (PK) of M8891 and associated pharmacodynamic (PD) levels, which were used to support efficacious dose selection in humans.

Methods

In vitro and in vivo PK characteristics were investigated in animal species, and data integrated using in vitro–in vivo correlation and allometric methods to predict the clearance, volume of distribution, and absorption parameters of M8891 in humans. In parallel, inhibition of MetAP2 activity by M8891 was studied in renal cancer xenografts in mice by measuring accumulation of Met-EF1α, a substrate of MetAP2. The corresponding PD effect was described by a turnover and effect compartment model. This model was used to simulate PD at the M8891 dose showing in vivo efficacy, i.e. significant tumor growth inhibition. Simulations of M8891 PK and associated PD in humans were conducted by integrating predicted human PK parameters into the preclinical PK/PD model.

Results

The target minimum PD level associated with efficacy was determined to be 125 µg Met-EF1α per mg protein. Integrating predicted human PK parameters into the preclinical PK/PD model defined a minimal M8891 concentration at steady-state (C_trough) of 1500 ng/mL (3.9 µM) in humans as being required to produce the corresponding minimum target Met-EF1a level (125 µg per mg protein).

Conclusion

The defined target PK and PD levels supported the design of the clinical Phase Ia dose escalation study of M8891 (NCT03138538) and selection of the recommended Phase II dose.

By Floriane Lignet, Manja Friese-Hamim, Frank Jaehrling, Samer El Bawab & Felix Rohdich