Modeling and Simulation to Support Phase 2 Dose Selection for RG7652, a Fully Human Monoclonal Antibody Against Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9

RG7652 is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody targeting human PCSK9, a regulator of serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) levels. RG7652 prevents degradation of the hepatic LDLc receptors by blocking PCSK9 binding and thereby resulting in efficient LDLc uptake by hepatocytes. The pharmacokinetics of RG7652 have been evaluated in healthy subjects after single and multiple subcutaneous doses. Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) models were developed to explain the antibody PK and LDLc time course data. The PK and PD models based on data from healthy subjects were used to simulate the effects of RG7652 on LDLc levels for a range of potential dose regimens in patients with coronary heart disease. A one-compartment PK model combined with an indirect PD response model was able to adequately describe the PK and LDLc data. Simulations of 400 mg every 4 weeks or 800 mg every 8 weeks regimens show significant LDLc reduction and suggest that dosing RG7652 once every month or once every 2 months is predicted to be optimal for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. The PK and PD model successfully described the PK and LDLc data from healthy subjects in a Phase 1 study, and the model-based simulations provided useful insights and quantitative understanding for the selection of Phase 2 study doses in patients with coronary heart disease. The approach used in the case study demonstrates the utility of modeling and simulation in designing dose-ranging studies.