Pharmacokinetic similarity study comparing the biosimilar candidate, LY05008, with its reference product dulaglutide in healthy Chinese male subjects

Background Dulaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, has been approved for improving glycemic control and reducing the risk of cardiovascular (CV) adverse events. This study compared the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles, safety, and immunogenicity of LY05008, a biosimilar candidate, to a licensed product dulaglutide in healthy Chinese male subjects.Research design and methods In this double-blind, open-label, parallel-group study, healthy Chinese male subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive either LY05008 or dulaglutide subcutaneously. Primary study endpoints were PK parameters such as the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to infinity (AUC0 – ∞), AUC from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0–t), and maximum serum concentration (Cmax). Safety and immunogenicity profiles were also included for data analysis.Results 82 subjects were randomized to receive LY05008 (n = 41) or dulaglutide (n = 41). The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the geometric mean ratios (GMRs) of AUC0 – ∞, AUC0–t and Cmax of LY05008 to dulaglutide were all within the bioequivalence limits of 80%-125%. Other PK parameters, safety, and immunogenicity profiles were comparable across the two treatment groups.Conclusion This study demonstrated PK similarity of LY05008, a dulaglutide biosimilar, to dulaglutide in healthy Chinese male subjects, with comparable safety and immunogenicity data.Trial registration The trial is registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Identifier No. ChiCTR2200066519).