Diazepam Buccal Film (DBF) - Diastat Rectal Gel (DRG) Crossover Study

This was a multiple centers, single-dose, open-label, randomized two-sequence crossover, two-period study to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of single doses of Diazepam Buccal Film (DBF) compared with Diastat® Rectal Gel (DRG) under fed conditions in adult male and female participants on a stable concomitant regimen of anti-epileptic drugs for the treatment of epilepsy.

Period 1 was a randomized, 2-sequence, crossover study in which participants received DBF and DRG following a moderate-fat meal in a randomized sequence with a washout period of 28 days between doses. DBF dose was based on body weight according to the currently recommended dose regimen (derived by Aquestive from population PK modeling in healthy volunteers). DRG dose was based on body weight according to the current product labeling for DRG.

Period 2: Participants who completed Period 1 were asked to participate in a second period on a voluntary basis during which volunteers received a second dose of DBF administered at the same dose and in exactly the same manner as the earlier dose of DBF with the exception that DBF was administered following a high-fat meal.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female, smoker (no more than 25 cigarettes or equivalent daily) or non-smoker, ≥ 18 and ≤ 65 years of age, with body weight between 38 and 111 kg, inclusive. Potential subjects with weights in the range of 112 to 134 kg (247 - 249 pounds) may be allowed to participate in the study at the discretion of the Principal Investigator.
2. On a stable and ongoing regimen of at least one AED for treatment of epilepsy. Stable regimen is defined as no change in AED regimen for at least 30 days before the first study drug administration and no change anticipated in the prescribed AED regimen over the course of study participation.
3. Subjects must have a diagnosis of seizure disorder (any seizure type or frequency) under treatment with at least one AED.
4. Healthy (except for seizure disorder), according to the medical history, ECG, vital signs, laboratory results and physical examination as determined by the Principal Investigator/Sub- Investigator.
5. Clinical laboratory values within local laboratories acceptable ranges, unless values are deemed by the Principal Investigator/Sub-Investigator as "Not Clinically Significant".
6. Ability to comprehend and be informed of the nature of the study, as assessed by clinic staff.
7. Availability to volunteer for the entire study duration and willing to adhere to all protocol requirements.
8. Agree not to have a tattoo or tongue or body piercing until the end of the study.
9. Agree not to drive or operate heavy machinery if feeling dizzy or drowsy following drug administration until full mental alertness is regained.
10. Subjects must be able and willing to remove denture or bracing at the time of dosing.
11. Non-vasectomized male subjects must use two forms of medically accepted method of contraception with all sexual partners of childbearing potential during the study and for 111 days following the last dose of study drug. Medically accepted effective forms of contraception include:

    1. simultaneous use of a male condom and
    2. for the female partner, hormonal contraceptives (used since at least 4 weeks) or intrauterine contraceptive device (placed since at least 4 weeks) or diaphragm or cervical cap with intravaginally applied spermicide.
12. Male subjects must be willing not to donate sperm until 111 days following the last study drug administration.
13. Female subjects who are sexually active with a non-sterile male partner (sterile male partners are defined as men vasectomized since at least 6 months) must fulfill at least one of the following:

    1. Be surgically sterile for a minimum of 6 months;
    2. Post-menopausal for a minimum of 1 year;
    3. Agree to avoid pregnancy and use medically acceptable method of contraception as described below until at least 51 days after the last PK blood sample collection of the study. Medically acceptable methods of contraception include:

       * Intrauterine device (hormonal and non-hormonal) placed at least 4 weeks prior to first study drug administration,
       * Oral or transdermal hormonal contraceptives with a 28-days treatment cycle taken daily from at least 30 days prior to first study drug administration and with no expected change in dosage throughout the study, or • Double barrier method (male condom and intravaginally applied spermicide used simultaneously with diaphragm or cervical cap) starting at least 21 days prior to first study drug administration;
    4. agree to complete abstinence.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Clinically significant abnormal laboratory test results found during medical screening.
2. Positive pregnancy test at screening.
3. Known presence of any clinically significant: hepatic (e.g. hepatic impairment), renal/genitourinary (renal impairment, kidney stones), gastrointestinal (e.g. ulcerative colitis, ileus, partial or complete intestinal blockage, appendicitis), cardiovascular (e.g. uncontrolled hypertension), cerebrovascular, pulmonary, endocrine (controlled diabetes is acceptable), immunological, musculoskeletal, neurological (other than known seizure disorder), psychiatric, dermatological or hematological disease or condition unless determined as not clinically significant by the Principal Investigator/Sub-Investigator and confirmed by Sponsor via written communication prior to subject enrollment.
4. Presence of any clinically significant gastrointestinal pathology (e.g. chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease), unresolved gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. diarrhea, vomiting), or other conditions known to interfere with the absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion of the study drug experienced within 7 days prior to first study drug administration, as determined by the Principal Investigator/Sub-Investigator.
5. Any clinically significant rectal abnormality by history or physical examination, or any condition, for which, in the judgment of the Principal Investigator/Sub-Investigator, administration of rectal gel would cause a potential risk to the subject.
6. Baseline levels of concomitant AED outside of the acceptable therapeutic range at screening.
7. Presence of any clinically significant illness within 30 days prior to first study drug administration, as determined by the Principal Investigator/Sub-Investigator.
8. Presence of any clinically significant physical or organ abnormality as determined by the Principal Investigator/Sub-Investigator.
9. Presence of any clinically significant lesion of the oral cavity.
10. Clinically significant ECG abnormalities (QTcF interval \> 450 msec for males or QTcF interval \> 470 msec for females) or vital sign abnormalities (systolic blood pressure lower than 90 or over 160 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure lower than 50 or over 100 mmHg, or heart rate less than 50 or over 100 bpm) at screening, unless deemed otherwise by the Principal Investigator/Sub-Investigator.
11. A positive test result for HIV, Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis C.
12. A positive test result for any of the following: drugs of abuse (amphetamines, methamphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine, tetrahydrocannabinol,MDMA, methadone, and benzodiazepines, except where a positive test is consistent with a stable regimen of a prescribed medication) and alcohol breath test.
13. Known history or presence of:

    1. Alcohol abuse or dependence within one year prior to screening;
    2. Drug abuse or dependence;
    3. Hypersensitivity or idiosyncratic reaction to diazepam, DBF excipients, DRG excipients;
    4. Glaucoma (open or acute narrow angle);
    5. Food allergies and/or presence of any dietary restrictions that, in the judgment of the investigator or the Sponsor, would interfere with study procedures or the subject's safe participation in the study.
    6. Severe allergic reactions (e.g. anaphylactic reactions, angioedema).
14. Intolerance to and/or difficulty with blood sampling through venipuncture.
15. Individuals who have donated, in the days prior to first study drug administration:

    * 50-499 mL of blood in the previous 30 days;
    * 500 mL or more in the previous 56 days.
16. Donation of plasma by plasmapheresis within 7 days prior to first study drug administration.
17. Individuals who have participated in another clinical research study involving the administration of an investigational or marketed drug or device within 30 days prior to the first dosing, administration of a biological product in the context of a clinical research study within 90 days prior to the first dosing, or concomitant participation in an investigational study including an investigational study involving no drug or device administration.
18. Use of diazepam within 30 days prior to first study drug administration.
19. Use of strong inhibitors of CYP enzymes (e.g. cimetidine, fluoxetine, quinidine, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, fluconazole, ketoconazole, diltiazem and HIV antivirals) in the previous 30 days before first study drug administration. Use of strong inducers of CYP enzymes (e.g. barbiturates, carbamazepine, glucocorticoids, phenytoin, St. John´s Wort, and rifampicin) and AEDs known to induce CYP enzymes are permitted provided that the regimen of such drugs is stable (taken at least q.d. on a regular basis) within 30 days prior to first study drug administration and until 10 days after last study drug administration.
20. Use of any prescription medication (other than non-systemic topical products) within 30 days prior to first study drug administration. A prescription drug (other than diazepam and any benzodiazepines, phenothiazines, and strong inhibitors of CYP enzymes) that is part of a stable drug regimen (taken at least q.d. on a regular basis) is allowed if taken from at least 30 days prior to the first study drug administration and if there is no expected change in dosage throughout the study.
21. Use of any OTC medications (other than spermicidal/barrier contraceptive products and nonsystemic topical products), within 30 days prior to first study drug administration. OTC drugs that is part of a stable drug regimen (taken at least q.d. on a regular basis) is allowed if taken from at least 30 days prior to the first study drug administration and if there is no expected change in dosage throughout the study.
22. Natural health products (including oral multivitamins, herbal and/or dietary supplements and/or teas) from 30 days pre-dose until after the last PK blood sample collection of each period.
23. Use of marijuana and THC containing products within 3 months prior to screening unless such products are a part of the subject's stable antiepileptic regimen.
24. Use of any monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, tranylcypromine), phenothiazines (e.g. chlorpromazine) within 30 days prior to first study drug administration.
25. Female subjects who have taken oral or transdermal hormonal contraceptives (other than 28-days treatment cycle contraceptive products) within 30 days prior to first drug administration, or have used an implanted, injected, or intravaginal contraceptive within 6 months prior to first drug administration.
26. Individuals having undergone any major surgery within 6 months prior to the start of the study, unless deemed otherwise by Principal Investigator/Sub-Investigator.
27. Presence of mouth jewellery, dentures, braces, or piercings in the mouth or tongue that, in the opinion of the Principal Investigator, would be likely to interfere with successful completion of the dosing procedure
28. Dental procedures performed within 14 days of dosing or dental procedures scheduled to occur during study duration.
29. Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent.
30. Have had a tattoo or body/mouth piercing within 30 days prior to first study drug administration.
31. Employee or immediate relative of an employee of Aquestive Therapeutics, any of its affiliates or partners, of the CRO, or the clinical site.
32. Breast-feeding subject.