Purpose: Suramin is a multifunctional molecule with a wide range of potential applications, including parasitic and viral diseases, as well as cancer.
Methods: A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled single ascending dose study was conducted to investigate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of suramin in healthy Chinese volunteers. A total of 36 healthy subjects were enrolled. All doses of suramin sodium and placebo were administered as a 30-minute infusion. Blood and urine samples were collected at the designated time points for pharmacokinetic analysis. Safety was assessed by clinical examinations and adverse events.
Results: After a single dose, suramin maximum plasma concentration (C_max) and area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to the time of the last measurable concentration (AUC_last) increased in a dose-proportional manner. The plasma half-life (t_1/2) was dose-independent, average 48 days (range 28– 105 days). The cumulative percentages of the dose excreted in urine over 7 days were less than 4%. Suramin can be detected in urine samples for longer periods (more than 140 days following infusion). Suramin was generally well tolerated. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were generally mild in severity.
Conclusion: The PK and safety profiles of suramin in Chinese subjects indicated that 10 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg could be an appropriate dose in a future multiple-dose study.
Keywords: suramin, clinical pharmacokinetics, antiviral, safety, drug repurposing