Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modelling of long-acting
injectable cabotegravir and rilpivirine in pregnancy
Abstract
Aim Long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine have been approved to
manage HIV in adults, but data regarding safe use in pregnancy are
limited. Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modelling (PBPK) can
predict drug disposition in complex populations. Approved dosing
regimens were simulated in pregnancy to explore if Ctrough was
maintained above target concentrations (664 ng/ml and 50 ng/ml
respectively). Methods An adult PBPK model was developed and validated
using clinical data of cabotegravir and rilpivirine in non-pregnant
adults. This was modified by incorporating pregnancy-induced metabolic
and physiological changes. The pregnancy PBPK model was validated with
data on oral rilpivirine and raltegravir (UGT1A1 probe substrate) in
pregnancy. Acceptance criteria for both adult and pregnancy models was
absolute average-fold error (AAFE) < 2 between clinical and
simulated values. The pregnancy PBPK model was used to simulate 12
weeks’ disposition of monthly and bimonthly dosing of long-acting
cabotegravir and rilpivirine, initiated at different trimesters. Results
Models were successfully qualified with all AAFE values below 2.
Predicted Ctrough at week 12 for both monthly and bimonthly long-acting
cabotegravir was above 664 ng/ml throughout pregnancy. Similarly,
predicted Ctrough at week 12 for monthly long-acting rilpivirine was
above 50 ng/ml throughout pregnancy. However, for bimonthly rilpivirine
administration, predicted Ctrough at week 12 were <50 ng/ml in
1, 0.5, and 2.3% of the pregnant population when initiated in first,
second, and third trimester respectively. Conclusion Model predictions
suggest monthly and bimonthly long-acting cabotegravir is likely to
maintain antiviral efficacy throughout pregnancy. However, bimonthly
long-acting rilpivirine requires careful clinical evaluation in
pregnancy.