Bahler, Cindy K.

Purpose: To evaluate pharmacokinetic parameters and ocular hypotensive effects of cromakalim prodrug 1 (CKLP1) in normotensive large animal models. Methods: Optimal CKLP1 concentration was determined by dose response and utilized in short- (5–8 days) and long-term (60 days) evaluation in hound dogs ( n = 5) and African Green Monkeys ( n = 5). Blood pressure was recorded 3–5 times per week with a tail cuff. Concentrations of CKLP1 and the parent compound levcromakalim were assessed in hound dog plasma and select tissues by LC-MS/MS after bilateral ocular treatment with CKLP1 for 8 days. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from days 1, 4, and 8 data. After necropsy, histology was assessed in 43 tissue samples from each animal. Results: In hound dogs and African Green monkeys, 10 mM CKLP1 (optimal concentration) significantly lowered intraocular pressure (IOP) by 18.9% ± 1.1% and 16.7% ± 6.7%, respectively, compared with control eyes ( P < 0.05). During treatment, no significant change in systolic or diastolic blood pressure was observed in either species ( P > 0.1). Average values for half-life of CKLP1 was 295.3 ± 140.4 min, C max, 10.5 ± 1.6 ng/mL, and area under the concentration vs. time curve (AUC last ) 5261.4 ± 918.9 ng·min/mL. For levcromakalim, average values of half-life were 96.2 ± 27 min, C max 1.2 ± 0.2 ng/mL, and AUC last 281.2 ± 110.8 ng·min/mL. No significant pathology was identified. Conclusions: CKLP1 lowered IOP in hound dogs and African green monkeys with no effect on systemic blood pressure. Ocular topical treatment of CKLP1 showed excellent tolerability even after extended treatment periods.