Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence of 2 Oral Formulations of Vildagliptin in Healthy Chinese Subjects

Abstract A randomized, open‐label, 2‐period, 2‐sequence crossover study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of 2 oral formulations of vildagliptin tablets under both fasting and fed conditions in healthy Chinese subjects. A total of 56 healthy subjects were randomized to receive a single 50‐mg dose of either a generic vildagliptin tablet (T) or the reference formulation (R). The washout period was 3 days. Blood samples were collected up to 24 hours postdosing during each period and analyzed for vildagliptin using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The 90% confidence intervals for the geometric mean ratios (T:R) of maximum serum concentration, area under the serum concentration‐time curve from time 0 to the last measurable concentration, and area under the serum concentration‐time curve from time 0 to infinity were all within the predefined bioequivalence range of 80%‐125%. This indicates that the generic and reference formulations are bioequivalent under both fasting and fed states. All adverse events reported were mild and transient. High‐fat meals delayed absorption and reduced the maximum peak concentration of both formulations; however, they did not affect the overall exposure. Therefore, vildagliptin can be taken without regard to meals.