Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Henagliflozin, a Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitor, in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background and Objective Henagliflozin, a selective inhibitor of the renal sodium glucose cotransporter-2, was developed for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study characterized single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of henagliflozin in Chinese patients with T2DM. Methods Thirty T2DM patients were randomized in a 4:1 ratio to orally receive either henagliflozin 5, 10, 20 mg/day or placebo for 10 days, except on day 2 and day 3. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles were measured on day 1 and day 10. Results Henagliflozin exhibited dose-proportional plasma concentrations with a half-life ranging from 9.1 to 14 h. Steady-state plasma henagliflozin concentration was reached by day 7 in all active treatment groups. Henagliflozin decreased the 24-h mean plasma glucose by -0.3, -1.0 and -1.0 mmol/L with doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg on day 1, respectively. The corresponding values on day 10 were -0.8, -0.9 and -1.2 mmol/L. Twenty-four-hour urinary glucose excretion increased by 11, 65 and 82 times with doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg on day 1, respectively, with a similar trend on day 10. No treatment-related serious adverse events or discontinuations due to adverse events occurred. Conclusions The observed pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of henagliflozin support a once-daily dosing regimen in Chinese T2DM patients.