VIGAB-STAT—A Phase IIa Feasibility Trial of Irreversible GABA-transaminase Inhibition as Adjunct Treatment of Status Epilepticus After Cardiac Arrest
Bakhtawar Ahmad1, Nicole Maranchick1, Daniela Pomar-Forero1, Katharina Busl1, Lawrence Hirsch2, Maria Bruzzone1, Stephan Eisenschenk3, Charles Peloquin1, Carolina Maciel1
1University of Florida, 2Yale University, 3Univ of Florida- Brain Institute
Objective:
Prove feasibility and study pharmacokinetics of a single enteric VGB load within 48 hours of PASE onset. 
Background:

Effective therapeutic interventions for post-anoxic status epilepticus (PASE) are lacking. Vigabatrin (VGB) could be an attractive adjunct drug in PASE by increasing GABA availability in inhibitory synapses; however, enteral malabsorption in the post-cardiac arrest (CA) period and difficulty enrolling in the FDA mandatory registry could hinder its use in this setting.  We hypothesize that CA survivors absorb VGB despite vasopressor use, concurrent enteral feeding, and regardless of gastric or post-pyloric drug delivery.  

 

Design/Methods:

We administered a single load 1125-4500 mg VGB (based on creatinine clearance; CrCl) in adults with non-traumatic CA, with electrographic SE and gastric or duodenal access. Plasma samples were collected at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours.   

 

Results:

Interim results from a cohort of 6 subjects comprised of 67% male (4 of 6), 83% White (5 of 6), with a median age 62 years (22-68), median BMI 30 Kg/m2 (20-53), and median CrCl 44cc/min (22-186) are presented.  

All subjects received VGB within 48h window; median VGB dose was 2250 mg (1125-4500). The median time to peak (Tmax) was 2 h (1-3); median peak concentration (Cmax) was 38.1 mcg/ml (16.7 -91.8). Median 24h VGB concentration (C24) was 9.4 mcg/ml (3.4-14.2) and half-life (T1/2) was 16 h (10-24). The AUC 0-24 value was 318 mcg*h/ml (262-1012). No significant association was found between sex or BMI and Cmax. Three out of six patients achieved EEG response following VGB load; no association with dose or concentration was noted.  

Conclusions:
All patients achieved detectable VGB levels with peak occurring between 1-3 hours post-administration. Enteric administration of VGB does not preclude phase IIb clinical trials of VGB in PASE. 
10.1212/WNL.0000000000205180