The Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Tolerability of Liraglutide, a Once-Daily Human GLP-1 Analogue, After Multiple Subcutaneous Administration in Healthy Chinese Male Subjects

In this single-center, randomized, double-blind, within dose group, placebo-controlled, dose escalation trial, the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, tolerability, and safety of liraglutide were evaluated in 37 healthy Chinese subjects. Subjects were randomized to 1 of 3 dose groups (0.6, 1.2, or 1.8 mg), and within each group, randomized to liraglutide or placebo (3:1). All subjects started at 0.6 mg liraglutide (or placebo) once daily for 1 week, and the dose was increased for dose groups 1.2 mg and 1.8 mg in weekly steps of 0.6 mg to the predefined dose targets. Liraglutide or placebo was administered once daily by subcutaneous injection for 21 consecutive days. The dose relationships of AUC0–24h, Cmax, and Ctrough at steady state do not deviate in a relevant way from dose proportionality. tmax and t1/2 were 8 hours (median) and 11.2 to 12.2 hours (geometric mean), respectively. The plasma glucose levels in all liraglutide groups were decreased, while reduced serum insulin level was observed in the 1.2- and 1.8-mg groups after liraglutide treatment. The most common adverse events were of gastrointestinal origin. Other adverse events were comparable between the liraglutide and placebo groups. Liraglutide was well tolerated in healthy Chinese subjects. No major safety concerns were identified.