Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are effectively used to treat acid-related diseases, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, many unmet medical needs still exist. As a new treatment option, potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs), such as tegoprazan, have been developed. This study was performed to compare the pharmacokinetics (PKs) between two formulations (test and reference drugs) of tegoprazan 100 mg tablets. A randomized, single oral dose, two-treatment, two-period, two-sequence study was conducted with 12 healthy subjects. Each subject received the test drug or reference drug in the first period and the alternative treatment in the second period. For PK evaluation, blood samples were collected up to 48 hours post-dose in each period. The plasma concentrations of tegoprazan and its active metabolite (M1) were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. PK parameters, including maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve from zero to the last measurable time (AUClast), were estimated using a non-compartmental method. The plasma concentration-time profiles of the two formulations were comparable. The geometric mean ratios [90% confidence intervals (CIs)] of the test drug to the reference drug for Cmax and AUClast were 0.98 (0.85-1.12) and 1.03 (0.93-1.13), respectively. The corresponding values of M1 were 0.99 (0.89-1.11) and 1.01 (0.93-1.09), respectively. The two formulations of tegoprazan exhibited comparable PK profiles, fulfilling the regulatory criteria for bioequivalence.

Keywords: Bioequivalence; Clinical trial; Pharmacokinetics; Phase 1.