Clinical trials

A subcutaneous formulation of infliximab CT-P13 (Remsima, Celltrion) has been approved for clinical use in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after demonstration of pharmacokinetic (PK) non-inferiority compared to intravenous CT-P13. The added value of the subcutaneous formulation of CT-P13 has been recognized by IBD physician expert, patients and nurses. However, further investigation is needed to select the right patients and timing for switching to the new subcutaneous formulation. Before investing resources into the design and execution of a prospective clinical trial to address these remaining clinical questions and concerns, an in silica simulation study using a population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (popPK-PD) model of CT-P13 would be highly informative. While popPK models of subcutaneous infliximab CT-P13 have been developed for both IBD and RA, a popPK-PD model is still awaited. The development of a popPK-PD model would allow us to bridge infliximab exposure and response, and address clinically relevant questions by focussing on therapeutic outcomes.