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A Comparative Study of New Formulation and Approved Formulation for Levothyroxine in Healthy Volunteers

Prospective, Single Dose, Randomized, Open Label, Comparative, Cross-study to Establish Bioequivalence Between the New Formulation and the Approved Formulation for Levothyroxine (Eutirox® From Merck, S. A. de C. V.) Given as 3 Tablets of 200 μg p.o. in Healthy Volunteers

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 1
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03979274
Enrollment
44
Registered
2019-06-07
Start date
2019-12-06
Completion date
2020-01-25
Last updated
2021-02-05

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Healthy

Keywords

Eutirox, Levothyroxine

Brief summary

The study investigated the bioequivalence between the new and the approved formulation for levothyroxine.

Interventions

DRUGReference Eutirox®

Participants received single oral dose of Reference Eutirox® 600 microgram (3 tablets of 200 microgram) either in treatment period 1 or 2.

DRUGTest Eutirox®

Participants received single oral dose of Test Eutirox® 600 microgram (3 tablets of 200 microgram) either in treatment 1 or 2.

Sponsors

Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Participants who have provided their written consent prior to any study-related activity * Ethnic origin: Mexicans * Body mass index from 18 to 27 kilogram per meter square (kg/m\^2) * Normal vital signs (includes heart rate between 50 and 100 beats per minute, respiratory rate between 12 and 20 per minute, systolic blood pressure between 80 and 129 milimeter of mercury (mmHg) , diastolic blood pressure between 50 and 80 mmHg and temperature between 36.0 degree celsius and 37.0 degree celsius. The measurement will be made according to the instructive BE-IT-005 Medición de signos vitales) * Normal electrocardiogram \[ECG\]. No abnormalities are allowed, even though they are not relevant (PR, QRS, QT, QTcF should be within normal range; no conduction abnormalities are allowed, etcetera (etc) * All values in blood and urine tests should be within the normal range or showing no clinically relevant deviation as judged by the Investigator * Participants with thyroid panel results within normal range (T3 and T4 total and free, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) should be within the normal range) * Non-smoker at least in the last 3 months * Other protocol defined inclusion criteria could apply

Exclusion criteria

* Participation in the clinical study within 90 days prior to the first dose of the study drug * History of hypersensitivity to the study drug or its excipients * History or current asthma or any severe allergy (which requires hospitalization or prolonged therapy), allergy or intolerance to any food that, in the opinion of the investigator, poses a safety risk (allergy to iodine) * History of cardiovascular, renal, liver, metabolic, gastrointestinal, neurological, endocrine, hematopoietic (any type of anemia) conditions, mental disorder or organic abnormalities that may affect the pharmacokinetic study of the study drug * Any medical or surgical condition, including findings in the medical history or clinical assessment prior to the study, that in the opinion of the investigator poses a risk or contraindication for the participants participation in the study and may affect the study objectives, conduct or analysis * History or presence of alcohol abuse (average daily intake not higher than 3 units or weekly intake not higher than 21 units; 1 unit is equivalent to 340 mililiter (mL) of beer, 115 mL of wine or 43 mL of prepared drinks), psychoactive substances or chronic use of drugs * Participants who have been exposed to agents knows by inducing or inhibiting the liver enzymatic systems or who have taken potentially toxic drugs within the last 30 days to the study start-up * Participants who take drugs affecting the metabolism of the thyroid hormone, such as: oral contraceptives, hormonal implants, parenteral hormones, steroids, anabolic drugs, androgens, etc., or any drug affecting the levothyroxine's bioavailability such as the proton pump inhibitors or multivitamins, nutritional supplements or herbal products that may affect the study, except for the occasional use of paracetamol * Participants who have been hospitalized for any reason within the 60 days prior to the study start-up or who have been severely ill within the last 30 days prior to the study start-up * Participants who have donated or lost 450 mL of blood within the last 60 days prior to the study start-up * Participants non- smokers, who have smoked tobacco, cigarettes or consumed coffee, snuff or drinks containing xanthines such as caffeine, (tea, cocoa, chocolate, matte, cola, etc.) theobromine, theophylline, among others, affecting the pharmacokinetics of the drug in assessment, drinking alcohol, or charcoal-grilled foods consumed within twenty-four hours prior to administration the dose of medication * Screening biosafety positive tests for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) * Positive result in the abuse drugs screening tests, such as: amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methamphetamines, morphine and tetrahydrocannabinoids * Presence of alcohol in breath test * Women pregnancy positive tests (qualitative and quantitative) at the screening and inclusion in each period * Other protocol defined

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Maximum Serum Concentration in Pre Dose Corrected Data (Cmax[aj]) of Levothyroxine (T4)Pre-dose, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 24.0, 36.0 and 48.0 hours post-doseCmax was obtained from the concentration time curve. Cmax\[aj\] was the maximum serum concentration in pre dose corrected data where pre dose corrected data was obtained by subtracting pre dose level of Levothyroxine (T4) from level of Levothyroxine (T4) after administration.
Area Under Serum Concentration-Time Curve From Time Zero to The Last Sampling Time in Pre Dose Corrected Data (AUC0-t [aj]) of Levothyroxine (T4)Pre-dose, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 24.0, 36.0 and 48.0 hours post-doseAUC0-t was defined as area under the curve of the serum concentration as a function of time, from time 0 until the last sampling time by means of the trapezoidal rule. AUC0-t \[aj\] was the area under the serum concentration-time curve from time zero to the last sampling time in pre dose corrected data where pre dose corrected data was obtained by subtracting pre dose level of Levothyroxine (T4) from level of Levothyroxine (T4) after administration.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Area Under The Curve of the Serum Concentration as a Function of Time, From Time Zero to The Last Sampling Time (AUC0-t) of Levothyroxine (T4)Pre-dose, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 24.0, 36.0 and 48.0 hours post-doseArea under the serum concentration versus time curve from time zero to the last sampling time t at which the concentration was at or above the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ).
Maximum Serum Concentration (Cmax) of Levothyroxine (T4)Pre-dose, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 24.0, 36.0 and 48.0 hours post-doseCmax was obtained directly from the concentration versus time curve.
Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Physical ExaminationBaseline up to Day 37Physical examination included assessments of the general appearance, skin and mucosa, superficial lymph nodes, head and neck, chest, abdomen, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems. Number of participants with clinically significant abnormalities in physical examination findings were reported. Investigator decided clinical significance.
Time to Reach Maximum Serum Concentration (Tmax) of Levothyroxine (T4)Pre-dose, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 24.0, 36.0 and 48.0 hours post-doseTmax was obtained directly from serum concentration-time curve.
Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Laboratory ParametersBaseline up to Day 37The laboratory measurements included hematology, blood chemistry and urinalysis. Number of participants with clinically significant abnormalities in laboratory parameters were reported. Investigator decided clinical significance.
Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Electrocardiogram (ECG)Baseline up to Day 37The ECG recordings were obtained after 5 minutes of rest in a semi-supine position. ECG recordings included rhythm, ventricular rate, PR interval, QRS duration, QT and QTc intervals. Number of participants with clinically significant abnormalities in ECG were reported. Investigator decided clinical significance.
Number of Participants With Adverse Events (AEs)Baseline up to Day 51An Adverse event (AE) was defined as any unfavorable and unintended sign (including an abnormal laboratory finding), symptom, or disease associated with the use of study drug, whether or not considered related to the study drug or worsening of pre-existing medical condition, whether or not related to study drug. Number of participants with adverse events were reported.
Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Vital SignsBaseline up to Day 37Vital sign assessment included blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature and respiration. Number of participants with clinically significant abnormalities in vital signs were reported. Investigator decided clinical significance.
Elimination Half-Life (t1/2) of Levothyroxine (T4)Pre-dose, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 24.0, 36.0 and 48.0 hours post-doset1/2 was the time measured for the concentration to decrease by one half. Terminal half-life calculated by natural log 2 divided by elimination constant.

Countries

Mexico

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
All Participants
All participants who received a single oral dose of Reference Eutirox® 600 mcg (200\*3 mcg) or a single oral dose of test Eutirox® 600 mcg (200\*3 mcg) in either Treatment Period 1 or 2.
44
Total44

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Treatment Period 2Withdrawal by Subject01

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicAll Participants
Age, Continuous25.93 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.93
Race and Ethnicity Not Collected— Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
8 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
36 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 440 / 44
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 444 / 44
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 440 / 44

Outcome results

Primary

Area Under Serum Concentration-Time Curve From Time Zero to The Last Sampling Time in Pre Dose Corrected Data (AUC0-t [aj]) of Levothyroxine (T4)

AUC0-t was defined as area under the curve of the serum concentration as a function of time, from time 0 until the last sampling time by means of the trapezoidal rule. AUC0-t \[aj\] was the area under the serum concentration-time curve from time zero to the last sampling time in pre dose corrected data where pre dose corrected data was obtained by subtracting pre dose level of Levothyroxine (T4) from level of Levothyroxine (T4) after administration.

Time frame: Pre-dose, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 24.0, 36.0 and 48.0 hours post-dose

Population: PK analysis set included all randomized participants who received study medication in both treatment periods. Here, Number of Participants Analyzed signifies those participants who were evaluable for this outcome measure.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Refernece Eutirox®Area Under Serum Concentration-Time Curve From Time Zero to The Last Sampling Time in Pre Dose Corrected Data (AUC0-t [aj]) of Levothyroxine (T4)1738.65 nanogram*hour per milliliter (ng*hr/mL)Standard Deviation 438.93
Test Eutirox®Area Under Serum Concentration-Time Curve From Time Zero to The Last Sampling Time in Pre Dose Corrected Data (AUC0-t [aj]) of Levothyroxine (T4)1693.89 nanogram*hour per milliliter (ng*hr/mL)Standard Deviation 389.5
90% CI: [91.34, 104.26]
Primary

Maximum Serum Concentration in Pre Dose Corrected Data (Cmax[aj]) of Levothyroxine (T4)

Cmax was obtained from the concentration time curve. Cmax\[aj\] was the maximum serum concentration in pre dose corrected data where pre dose corrected data was obtained by subtracting pre dose level of Levothyroxine (T4) from level of Levothyroxine (T4) after administration.

Time frame: Pre-dose, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 24.0, 36.0 and 48.0 hours post-dose

Population: Pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis set included all randomized participants who received study medication in both treatment periods. Here, Number of Participants Analyzed signifies those participants who were evaluable for this outcome measure.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Refernece Eutirox®Maximum Serum Concentration in Pre Dose Corrected Data (Cmax[aj]) of Levothyroxine (T4)67.24 nanogram per milliliter (ng/mL)Standard Deviation 15.77
Test Eutirox®Maximum Serum Concentration in Pre Dose Corrected Data (Cmax[aj]) of Levothyroxine (T4)66.44 nanogram per milliliter (ng/mL)Standard Deviation 15.77
90% CI: [94.55, 102.68]
Secondary

Area Under The Curve of the Serum Concentration as a Function of Time, From Time Zero to The Last Sampling Time (AUC0-t) of Levothyroxine (T4)

Area under the serum concentration versus time curve from time zero to the last sampling time t at which the concentration was at or above the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ).

Time frame: Pre-dose, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 24.0, 36.0 and 48.0 hours post-dose

Population: PK analysis set included all randomized participants who received study medication in both treatment periods.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Refernece Eutirox®Area Under The Curve of the Serum Concentration as a Function of Time, From Time Zero to The Last Sampling Time (AUC0-t) of Levothyroxine (T4)5229.98 ng*hour/mLStandard Deviation 562.73
Test Eutirox®Area Under The Curve of the Serum Concentration as a Function of Time, From Time Zero to The Last Sampling Time (AUC0-t) of Levothyroxine (T4)5218.87 ng*hour/mLStandard Deviation 587.42
90% CI: [98.45, 101.03]
Secondary

Elimination Half-Life (t1/2) of Levothyroxine (T4)

t1/2 was the time measured for the concentration to decrease by one half. Terminal half-life calculated by natural log 2 divided by elimination constant.

Time frame: Pre-dose, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 24.0, 36.0 and 48.0 hours post-dose

Population: PK analysis set included all randomized participants who received study medication in both treatment periods.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Refernece Eutirox®Elimination Half-Life (t1/2) of Levothyroxine (T4)186.40 hourStandard Deviation 96.26
Test Eutirox®Elimination Half-Life (t1/2) of Levothyroxine (T4)189.10 hourStandard Deviation 102.07
Secondary

Maximum Serum Concentration (Cmax) of Levothyroxine (T4)

Cmax was obtained directly from the concentration versus time curve.

Time frame: Pre-dose, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 24.0, 36.0 and 48.0 hours post-dose

Population: PK analysis set included all randomized participants who received study medication in both treatment periods.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Refernece Eutirox®Maximum Serum Concentration (Cmax) of Levothyroxine (T4)139.80 ng/mLStandard Deviation 16.16
Test Eutirox®Maximum Serum Concentration (Cmax) of Levothyroxine (T4)139.17 ng/mLStandard Deviation 19.24
90% CI: [97.7, 100.85]
Secondary

Number of Participants With Adverse Events (AEs)

An Adverse event (AE) was defined as any unfavorable and unintended sign (including an abnormal laboratory finding), symptom, or disease associated with the use of study drug, whether or not considered related to the study drug or worsening of pre-existing medical condition, whether or not related to study drug. Number of participants with adverse events were reported.

Time frame: Baseline up to Day 51

Population: Safety analysis set included all randomized participants who received at least one dose of study medication.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Refernece Eutirox®Number of Participants With Adverse Events (AEs)0 Participants
Test Eutirox®Number of Participants With Adverse Events (AEs)4 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Electrocardiogram (ECG)

The ECG recordings were obtained after 5 minutes of rest in a semi-supine position. ECG recordings included rhythm, ventricular rate, PR interval, QRS duration, QT and QTc intervals. Number of participants with clinically significant abnormalities in ECG were reported. Investigator decided clinical significance.

Time frame: Baseline up to Day 37

Population: Safety analysis set included all randomized participants who received at least one dose of study medication.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Refernece Eutirox®Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Electrocardiogram (ECG)0 Participants
Test Eutirox®Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Electrocardiogram (ECG)0 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Laboratory Parameters

The laboratory measurements included hematology, blood chemistry and urinalysis. Number of participants with clinically significant abnormalities in laboratory parameters were reported. Investigator decided clinical significance.

Time frame: Baseline up to Day 37

Population: Safety analysis set included all randomized participants who received at least one dose of study medication.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Refernece Eutirox®Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Laboratory Parameters0 Participants
Test Eutirox®Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Laboratory Parameters2 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Physical Examination

Physical examination included assessments of the general appearance, skin and mucosa, superficial lymph nodes, head and neck, chest, abdomen, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems. Number of participants with clinically significant abnormalities in physical examination findings were reported. Investigator decided clinical significance.

Time frame: Baseline up to Day 37

Population: Safety analysis set included all randomized participants who received at least one dose of study medication.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Refernece Eutirox®Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Physical Examination0 Participants
Test Eutirox®Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Physical Examination0 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Vital Signs

Vital sign assessment included blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature and respiration. Number of participants with clinically significant abnormalities in vital signs were reported. Investigator decided clinical significance.

Time frame: Baseline up to Day 37

Population: Safety analysis set included all randomized participants who received at least one dose of study medication.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Refernece Eutirox®Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Vital Signs0 Participants
Test Eutirox®Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Vital Signs0 Participants
Secondary

Time to Reach Maximum Serum Concentration (Tmax) of Levothyroxine (T4)

Tmax was obtained directly from serum concentration-time curve.

Time frame: Pre-dose, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 24.0, 36.0 and 48.0 hours post-dose

Population: PK analysis set included all randomized participants who received study medication in both treatment periods.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Refernece Eutirox®Time to Reach Maximum Serum Concentration (Tmax) of Levothyroxine (T4)3.52 hourStandard Deviation 1.19
Test Eutirox®Time to Reach Maximum Serum Concentration (Tmax) of Levothyroxine (T4)3.50 hourStandard Deviation 1.14

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026