Omnitram Pharmacokinetic and Analgesic Study Following CY2D6 Inhibition With Paroxetine In Healthy Volunteers

This study evaluates the analgesic effect of Omnitram and tramadol during concurrent administration of paroxetine. Paroxetine administration is expected to diminish the analgesic effect of tramadol, but not Omnitram. Each participant will receive paroxetine before and during treatment with Omnitram, tramadol, and placebo.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to investigating the steady-state oral pharmacokinetics and hypoalgesic effects of overencapsulated: 20 mg Omnitram (2x10 mg tablets), 50 mg tramadol (1x50 mg Ultram tablet), and placebo in male and female subjects made CYP2D6 deficient by paroxetine coadministration.

Sixty participants in normal health, 18 to 50 years of age, who meet the entry criteria, will be randomized to one of the three treatments in treatment segment 1. Each arm will ingest three consecutive 20 mg daily doses of paroxetine. Twelve hours after the first paroxetine dose, subjects will be randomized to one of the treatment sequences to ingest a total of 9 doses of Omnitram, tramadol, or placebo (one dose every 6 hours). Immediately before the 9th dose a blood sample will be collected to quantify plasma Omnitram, tramadol, and paroxetine. After the 9th study drug dose, six blood samples will be collected (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 4.0, and 8.0 hours after the 9th dose is administered) to quantify the Omnitram and tramadol. After the 9th dose, pain tolerance will be assessed with a cold pressor test (immersion of hand in ice cold water). Participants will washout for 11-15 days after treatment 1 and treatment 2. The study will analyze treatment side effects, the pharmacokinetics, and pain tolerance.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Healthy males and females with normal vital signs: systolic blood pressure \> 90 mm Hg and \< 140 mm Hg; diastolic blood pressure \> 45 mm Hg and \< 90 mm Hg; pulse 40 to 100 beats per minute; respiratory rate 10 to 20 breathes per minute.
2. Between the ages of 18 and 50 years of age.
3. Able and willing to give informed consent
4. Able to comply with all study procedures.
5. If female, must not be of childbearing potential or must agree to use one or more of the following forms of contraception during screening and for 30 days following study drug administration: hormonal (e.g., oral, transdermal, intravaginal, implant or injection); double barrier (i.e., condom, diaphragm with spermicide); intrauterine device (IUD) or system (IUS); vasectomized partner (6 months minimum); abstinence; or bilateral tubal ligation.
6. Have adequate hematologic function as evidenced by the following screening results:

   WBC \>3,500/mm3 and \< 12,000/mm3 Platelet Count \> 150,000/mm3 and \< 540,000/mm3 Hemoglobin \> 12.0 gm/dL and \< 20.5 gm/dL

   Have adequate liver function as evidenced by the following screening results:

   AST (SGOT) ≤ 60 IU/L ALT (SGPT) men ≤ 83 IU/L women \< 60 IU/L Alkaline Phosphatase ≤ 200 IU/L Total Bilirubin ≤ 1.2 mg/dL PT and PTT \< 1.2 ULN
7. Electrocardiogram (ECG) without clinically significant findings as determined by the PI.
8. Have adequate renal function as evidenced by the following screening result:

   Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculated by Cockcroft-Gault formula \>60 ml/min.

   Urinalysis demonstrating \< +1 glucose, +1 ketones, and +1 protein.
9. Negative pregnancy test within 1 week of study day 1 (women of childbearing potential only).
10. Negative urine test for substances of abuse, including opiates, per CRU standards.
11. Negative serology tests for HIV, hepatitis B surface antigen, and hepatitis C virus antibody.
12. Body Mass Index (BMI) 18.0 to 32 kg/m.
13. Cold pressor screening results as follows: 1) pain tolerance of \> 20 seconds and \<120 seconds.
14. Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) genotype by Genelex consistent with intermediate metabolizer phenotype or normal metabolizer phenotype.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Oral temperature \> 38°C or history of current illness.
2. History of seizures, epilepsy, or recognized increase risk of seizure (e.g., head trauma, metabolic disorders, alcohol or drug withdrawal).
3. History of cirrhosis or laboratory evidence of liver disease.
4. Use of alcohol within 24 hours of day -1 until the end of the study; and grapefruit, grapefruit-related citrus fruits (e.g., Seville oranges, pomelos), or grapefruit juice or grapefruit-related juices, or other medication, within 7 days of study drug administration and until the end of the study.
5. History of previous anaphylaxis, severe allergic reaction to paroxetine, tramadol, codeine, or other opioid drugs.
6. Use of MAO Inhibitors (including linezolid), Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, and prescription or over-the counter (OTC) medications known to induce or inhibit drug metabolism, including CYP2D6, and other drugs that may affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter systems including, but not limited to, triptans, dextromethorphan, tricyclic antidepressants, bupropion, lithium, tramadol, dietary supplements such as tryptophan and St. John's Wort, and antipsychotics or other dopamine antagonists. These restrictions are to be maintained from 14 days before study day -1, until the subject completes the study.
7. Any other unstable acute or chronic disease that could interfere with the evaluation of the safety of the study drug as determined by the principal Investigator in dialogue with the Sponsor Medical Monitor.
8. Currently pregnant or breast feeding.
9. Unlikely to comply with the study protocol.
10. Known or suspected alcohol or drug abuse within the past 6 months.
11. Received another investigational agent within 4 weeks of Day 1, or receiving any other investigational agent during this study.
12. Any concurrent disease or condition that in the opinion of the investigator impairs the subject's ability to complete the trial. Psychological, familial, sociological, geographical or medical conditions which, in the Investigator's opinion, could compromise compliance with the objectives and procedures of this protocol, or obscure interpretation of the trial data.