# Population Pharmacokinetics and Model-Informed Precision Dosing of Clobazam Based on the Developmental and Genetic Characteristics of Children with Epilepsy

## TL;DR

This study models how children with epilepsy metabolize clobazam and its metabolite to suggest personalized dosing based on weight and genetic factors.

## Contribution

The study introduces a population pharmacokinetic model for clobazam in children, incorporating genetic and developmental factors for precision dosing.

## Key findings

- Body weight and CYP2C19 genotype significantly affect clobazam and N-desmethylclobazam clearance in children.
- Poor metabolizers fail to reach target drug concentrations due to N-desmethylclobazam accumulation.
- N-desmethylclobazam concentration should guide dosing adjustments in poor metabolizers.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to characterize the pharmacokinetic profiles of clobazam (CLB) and its active metabolite, N-desmethylclobazam (N-CLB), by establishing a population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model in Chinese children with epilepsy to propose individualized dosing regimens that achieve better clinical outcomes. Methods: This study examined plasma samples collected from 103 pediatric patients with refractory epilepsy undergoing CLB treatment. The plasma concentrations of CLB and its active metabolite N-CLB were measured. The developmental characteristics, CYP2C19 genotype, concomitant medications, and liver and kidney function indicators of the children with epilepsy were considered potential factors affecting the pharmacokinetic characteristics of CLB and N-CLB and analyzed using a PPK modeling approach. Results: A total of 156 samples were attained for PPK model development. The pharmacokinetic profiles of CLB and N-CLB were described using a tandem one-compartment model with first-order elimination. Body weight and CYP2C19 genotype showed statistical significance for CLB and/or N-CLB clearance. The N-CLB/CLB metabolic ratios of AUC24h, Cmin, and Cmax in a steady state were as follows: normal metabolizers (NMs) < intermediated metabolizers (IMs) < poor metabolizers (PMs). The final model achieved good prediction performance and stability. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrated that the trough concentrations of CLB and N-CLB in children with epilepsy could reach satisfactory target values under varying dose regimens in CYP2C19 NMs and IMs, whereas there was a failure to achieve the desired trough concentrations of CLB and N-CLB simultaneously in CYP2C19 PMs due to the accumulation of N-CLB. Conclusions: Body weight and CYP2C19 genotype had an impact on CLB and/or N-CLB clearance in children with epilepsy. To ensure safe treatment, it is recommended to use the concentration of N-CLB as the target indicator for therapeutic drug monitoring and dose adjustments in CYP2C19 PMs. These results provide evidence for guiding the precise use of CLB.