AZD5634, an inhaled ENaC inhibitor, in healthy subjects and patients with cystic fibrosis

Background: Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) inhibitors may offer clinical benefit in cystic fibrosis (CF); however, data are limited. We report the outcomes of a Phase I (NCT02679729) and a Phase Ib (NCT02950805) study of AZD5634, a novel inhaled ENaC inhibitor. Methods: A Phase I, first-in-human, single-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose, sequential dose group study assessed the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of AZD5634 in healthy subjects (n=53) in part A following inhaled doses up to 1700 mu g, and, in part B, following administration of single inhaled (1700 mu g) and intravenous (65 mu g) doses. A Phase Ib, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose, 2-way cross-over study assessed the effects of a single dose (600 mu g) of inhaled AZD5634 on mucociliary clearance (MCC), pharmacokinetics and safety and tolerability in patients with CF (n=11). Nasal potential difference (NPD) was assessed as an in situ target engagement exploratory biomarker. Results: Absolute bioavailability of AZD5634 after inhalation was approximately 3%, indicating minimal distribution into the systemic circulation. Urinary excretion was a minor elimination pathway. Administration of inhaled AZD5634 did not improve MCC in CF patients, but AZD5634 inhibited ENaC in the nasal epithelium, as measured by NPD. AZD5634 was safe and well tolerated in both studies. Conclusions: AZD5634 showed favorable pharmacokinetics and safety in healthy subjects and patients with CF. However, despite achieving target engagement, proof of mechanism was not achieved after a single dose in patients with CF. Further evaluation into multiple dose studies is warranted to explore its therapeutic potential. (C) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of European Cystic Fibrosis Society.

Automated summary

AZD5634 demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetics and safety in both healthy subjects and patients with CF, although proof of mechanism was not achieved in patients with CF.