Abstract
AIMS: This bioequivalence study was conducted to assess the bioequivalence of two formulations, test and reference, of pregabalin 300 mg hard capsules, under fasting conditions. METHODS: This was a single-center, randomized, single-dose, open-label, laboratory-blinded, two-way crossover study, with a minimum washout period of 7 days. Plasma samples were collected prior to and up to 36 h after dosing. Pregabalin plasma concentrations were determined, using a validated method, by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a tandem mass spectrometry detector (LC-MS-MS). Pharmacokinetic metrics used for bioequivalence assessment were the AUC(0-t) (area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time of last observed non-zero plasma concentration) and the C max (maximum observed plasma concentration). These parameters were determined from the pregabalin plasma concentration data using noncompartmental analysis. RESULTS: Forty healthy subjects, age ranging from 18 to 43 years old, were enrolled and randomized, of whom 39 completed the study. The ratio of geometric least square means for C max was 99.29 % (90 % confidence interval [CI] 93.29-105.67). The ratio of geometric least square means for AUC(0-t) was 101.54 % (90 % CI 100.13-102.98). The 90 % CIs were within the predefined range (80.00-125.00). CONCLUSIONS: Bioequivalence between test and reference formulations, under fasting conditions, was concluded both in terms of rate and extent of absorption.