• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.193-199
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• 2005

Gabapentin is an antiepileptic drug that is structurally similar to ${\gamma}-aminobutyric$ acid (GABA), but does not interact with the GABA receptor. It does not bind significantly to plasma proteins, and is excreted to unchanged form in the urine. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two gabapentin capsules, $Neurontin^{TM}$ capsule 300 mg (Pfizer Pharm. Co., Ltd.) and Kuhnil $Gabapentin^{TM}$ capsule 300 mg (Kuhnil Pharm. Co., Ltd), according to the guidelines of the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The release of gabapentin from the two gabapentin formulations in vitro was tested using KP VIII Apparatus II method with various dissolution media (pH 1.2, 4.0, 6.8 buffer solution and water). Twenty six healthy male subjects, $22.46{\pm}1.86$ years in age and $67.64{\pm}7.24$ kg in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After a single capsule containing 300 mg as gabapentin was orally administered, blood samples were taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of gabapentin in serum were determined using HPLC with fluorescence detector. The dissolution profiles of two formulations were similar at all dissolution media. In addition, the pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences between two formulations based on the reference drug, $Neurontin^{TM}$ capsule 300 mg, were -2.03, -0.43 and 4.29% for $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log 0.8 to log 1.25 $(e.g.,\;log\;0.89{\sim}log\;1.09\;and\;log\;0.91{\sim}log\;1.09$ for $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$, respectively). Thus, the criteria of the KFDA bioequivalence guideline were satisfied, indicating Kuhnil $Gabapentin^{TM}$ capsule 300 mg was bioequivalent to $Neurontin^{TM}$ capsule 300 mg.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.295-301
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• 2005

Famciclovir is an oral prodrug of the antiherpesvirus nucleoside analogue, penciclovir. In human, famciclovir is orally well absorbed and then undergoes extensive first pass metabolism to penciclovir and essentially no parent compound is recovered from plasma or urine. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two famciclovir tablets, $Famvir^{TM}$ tablet 250 mg (Novartis Korea Ltd.) and Famcivir (Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The release of famciclovir from the two famciclovir formulations in vitro was tested using KP VIII Apparatus II method with water. Twenty six healthy male subjects, $24.19{\pm}2.08$ years in age and $71.55{\pm}6.89$ kg in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After a single tablet containing 250 mg as famciclovir was orally administered, blood samples were taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of penciclovir in serum were determined using HPLC with UV detector. The dissolution profiles of two formulations were similar at water. In addition, the pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences between two formulations based on the reference drug, $Famvir^{TM}$ tablet 250 mg, were -2.93, -8.02 and 10.47% for $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log0.8 to log1.25 (e.g., $log0.92{\sim}log1.01$ and $log0.85{\sim}log1.00$ for $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$, respectively). Thus, the criteria of the KFDA bioequivalence guideline were satisfied, indicating Famcivir was bioequivalent to $Famvir^{TM}$ tablet 250 mg.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.135-140
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• 2003

Fluconazole is an orally active bis-triazole antifungal agent, which is used in the treatment of superficial and systemic candidiasis and in the treatment of cryptococcal infections in patients with the acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two fluconazole capsules, Diflucan (Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Korea Inc.) and Flucona (Korean Drug Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The fluconazole release from the two fluconazole capsules in vitro was tested using KP VII Apparatus II method at 0.1 M hydrochloride dissolution media. Twenty normal male volunteers, $23.60{\pm}1.88$ years in age and $63.57{\pm}6.17\;kg$ in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After three capsules containing 50 mg as fluconazole was orally administered, blood was taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of fluconazole in serum were determined using HPLC method with UV detector. The dissolution profiles of two fluconazole capsules were very similar at 0.1 M hydrochloride dissolution media. Besides, the pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t,\;C_{max}\;and\;T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences in $AUC_t,\;C_{max}\;and\;T_{max}$ between two capsules based on the Diflucan were 4.96%, 5.65% and -13.76%, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two capsules in these parameter. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log(0.8) to log(1.25) $(e.g.,\;log(1.01){\sim}log(1.08)\;and\;log(1.00){\sim}log(1.12)\;for\;AUC_t\;and\;C_{max},\;respectively)$, indicating that Flucona capsule is bioequivalent to Diflucan capsule.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.405-411
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• 2006

Epinastine is an antiallergic drug effective for bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, urticaria and dermatitis. Epinastine is topically active, direct H1-receptor antagonist and an inhibitor of the release of histamine from the mast cell. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two epinastine hydrochloride tablets, Alesion Tablet (Boehringer Ingelheim Korea Ltd.) and S-napine tablet 10 mg(Sam Chun Dang Pharm. Co., Ltd), according to the guidelines of the Korea Food and Drug Administration(KFDA). The release of epinastine from the two epinastine formulations in vitro was tested using KP VIII Apparatus II method with various dissolution media(pH 1.2, 4.0, 6.8 buffer solution and water). Twenty six healthy male subjects, $23.35{\pm}1.57$ years in age and $66.29{\pm}10.61kg$ in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After two tablets containing 20 mg as epinastine hydrochloride was orally administered, blood was taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of epinastine in serum were determined using HPLC with UV detector. The dissolution profiles of two formulations were similar at all dissolution media. In addition, the pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t,\;C_{max}\;and\;T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t.\;C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences between two formulations based on the reference drug, Alesion tablet, were 1.50, 1.46 and -13.48% for $AUC_t,\;C_{max}\;and\;T_{max}$, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log 0.8 to log 1.25(e.g., log 0.95$\sim$log 1.12 and log 0.93$\sim$log 1.10 for $AUC_t\;and\;C_{max}$, respectively). Thus, the criteria of the KFDA bioequivalence guideline were satisfied, indicating S-napine tablet 10 mg was bioequivalent to Alesion tablet.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.199-205
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• 2008

Famciclovir, 9-(4-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethylbut-1-yl) guanine, is an oral prodrug of the antiherpesvirus nucleoside analogue, penciclovir. In human, famciclovir is orally well absorbed and then undergoes extensive first pass metabolism to penciclovir and essentially no parent compound is recovered from plasma or urine. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two famciclovir tablets, Famvir tablet 750 mg (Novartis Korea Ltd.) and Famcivir tablet 750 mg (Hanmi Pharmaceutical. Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The release of famciclovir from the two famciclovir formulations in vitro was tested using KP VIII Apparatus II method with water. Twenty six healthy male subjects, $23.38{\pm}1.72$ years in age and $68.59{\pm}7.84\;kg$ in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After a single tablet containing 750 mg as famciclovir was orally administered, blood samples were taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of penciclovir in serum were determined using HPLC with UV detector. The dissolution profiles of two formulations ere similar at water. The pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences between two formulations based on the reference drug, $Famvir^{(R)}$ tablet 750 mg, were -0.53%, 1.12% and -24.82% for $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log 0.8 to log 1.25 (e.g., $log\;0.9569{\sim}log\;1.0423$ and $log\;0.8763{\sim}log\;1.2136$ for $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$, respectively). Thus, the criteria of the KFDA bioequivalence guideline were satisfied, indicating Famcivir tablet 750 mg was bioequivalent to Famvir tablet 750 mg.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.131-136
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• 2006

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two losartan tablets, $Cozaar^{TM}$ tablet (MSD Korea. Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea, reference drug) and $Losartan^{TM}$ tablet (DaeWon Pharm. Co., Ltd., Korea, test drug), according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Twenty-four healthy male Korean volunteers received two tablets at the losartan kalium dose of 100 mg in a $2\;{\time}\;2$ crossover study. There was a one-week washout period between the doses. Plasma concentrations of losartan were monitored by an LC-MS/MS for over a period of 12 hr after the administration. $AUC_t$ (the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to 12 hr) was calculated by the linear trapezoidal rule method. $C_{max}$ (maximum plasma drug concentration) and $T_{max}$ (time to reach $C_{max}$) were compiled from the plasma concentration-time data. Analysis of variance was carried out using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$. No significant sequence effect was found for all of the bioavailability parameters indicating that the crossover design was properly performed. The 90% confidence intervals of the $AUC_t$ ratio and the $C_{max}$ ratio for $Cozaar^{TM}/Losartan^{TM}$ were $log\;0.97{\sim}log\;1.12\;and\;log\;0.93{\sim}log\;1.23$, respectively. These values were within the acceptable bioequivalence intervals of $log\;0.80{\sim}log\;1.25$. Taken together, our study demonstrated the bioequivalence of $Cozaar^{TM}$ and $Losartan^TM$ with respect to the rate and extent of absorption.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.127-133
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• 2002

Levosulpiride is the 1evo-enantiomer form of racemic sulpiride, a benzamide derivative selectively inhibiting dopaminergic $D_2$ receptors at the trigger zone both in the central nervous system and in the gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequiva1ence of two levosulpiride tablets, Levopride (SK Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and Levopid (Dae Won Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The levosulpiride release from the two levosulpiride tablets in vitro was tested using KP VII Apparatus II method with various different kinds of dissolution media (pH 1.2, 4.0, 6.8 buffer solution and water). Twenty eight normal male volunteers, $23.82{\pm}3.26$ years in age and $69.13{\pm}8.58$ kg in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After one tablet containing 25 mg of levosulpiride was orally administered, blood was taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of levosulpiride in serum were determined using HPLC method with fluorescence detector. The dissolution profiles of two levosulpiride tablets were very similar at all dissolution media. Besides, the pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t,\;C_{max}\;and\;T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t\;and\;C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences in $AUC_t,\;C_{max}\;and\;T_{max}$ between two tablets based on the Levopride were -1.17%, 1.20% and -1.09%, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two tablets in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log(0.8) to log(1.25) $(e.g.,\;log(0.93){\sim}log(1.07)\;and\;log(0.90){\sim}log(1.14)\;for\;AUC_t\;and\;C_{max}$, respectively). The 90% confidence interval using untransformed data was within ${\pm}20%$ $(e.g.,\;-19.47{\sim}16.20\;for\;T_{max})$. All parameters met the criteria of KFDA guideline for bioequivalence, indicating that Levopid tablet is bioequivalent to Levopride tablet.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.135-140
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• 2002

Cefadroxil is a semi-synthetic cephalosporin active against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The drug has been used for the treatment of the urinary and respiratory tract infections when caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganism. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two cefadroxil capsules, Duricef (Bo Ryung Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.) and Hanacef (Korean Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.), according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The cefadroxil release from the two cefadroxil capsules in vitro was tested using KP VII Apparatus II method with various different kinds of dissolution media (pH 1.2, 4.0, 6.8 buffer solution and water). Twenty four normal male volunteers, $21.58{\pm}2.43$ years in age and $70.74{\pm}10.29$ kg in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After one capsule containing 500 mg as cefadroxil was orally administered, blood was taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of cefadroxil in serum were determined using HPLC with UV detector. The dissolution profiles of two cefadroxil capsules were very similar at all dissolution media. The pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t,\;C_{max}\;and\;T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t\;and\;C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences in $AUC_t,\;C_{max}\;and\;T_{max}$ between two capsules based on the Duricef were 0.05%, -5.29% and 4.53%. There were no sequence effects between two capsules in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log(0.8) to log(1.25) $(e.g.,\;log(0.95){\sim}log(1.05)\;and\;log(0.87){\sim}log(1.02)$ for $AUC_t\;and\;C_{max}$, respectively). The 90% confidence interval using untransformed data was within ${pm}20%$ $(e.g.,\;-6.75{\sim}15.74\;for\;T_{max})$. All parameters met the criteria of KFDA guideline for bioequivalence, indicating that Hanacef capsule is bioequivalent to Duricef capsule.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.143-148
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• 2006

Finasteride $[N-(1, 1-dimethylethyl)-3-oxo-4-aza-5{\alpha}-androst-1-ene-17{\beta}-carboxamide]$ is a 4-aza-3-oxosteroidal inhibitor of human $5{\alpha}-reductase$. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two finasteride tablets, $Proscar^{\circledR}$ (MSD Korea Ltd.) and Procare (Hana Pharm. Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The release of finasteride from the two finasteride formulations in vitro was tested using KP VIII Apparatus II method with various dissolution media (pH 1.2, 4.0, 6.8 buffer solution and water). Twenty six healthy male subjects, $23.7\;{\pm}\;2.24$ years in age and $67.2\;{\pm}\;8.55\;kg$ in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2\;{\time}\;2$ cross-over study was employed. After two tablets containing 5 mg as finasteride was orally administered, blood samples were taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of finasteride in serum were determined using HPLC with UV detector. The dissolution profiles of two formulations were similar in all tested dissolution media. The pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t,\;C_{max},\;and\;T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t,\;C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences between two formulations based on the reference drug, $Proscar^{\circledR}$, were 6.39, 4.65 and -13.9% for $AUC_t,\;C_{max},\;and\;T_{max},$ respectively. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log 0.800 to log 1.25 $(e.g.,\;log\;0.990{\sim}log\;1.14\;and\;log\;0.977{\sim}log\;1.13 for\;AUC_t\;and\;C_{max},\;respectively)$. Thus, the criteria of the KFDA bioequivalence guideline were satisfied, indicating Procare tablet was bioequivalent to $Proscar^{\circledR}$ tablet.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.177-181
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• 2003

Eleven bacterial strains which are able to utilize terephthalic acid as a carbon and an energy source for growth were isolated from the soil of 7 water quality evaluation points in Kyonggi area of Korea. Phthalic acid isomer degrading activity of the isolates from the 4 contaminated points was higher than those from the 3 clean points. Among 11 isolates, 4 isolates which have high terephthalic acid degrading activity and degrade two phthalic acid isomers were identified by partal 16S rDNA sequence determination. One of them was identified as Pseudomonas putida, and the others as Comamonas testosteroni. Thus a large number of phthalic acid isomer degrading bacteria in domestic soil were inferred as C. testosteroni. On the basis of these results, the PCR detection of C. testosteroni in soil was applied to monitor soil contamination by phthalic acid isomers. The DNA of C. test-osteroni extracted from 4 g soil was directly detected by PCR with C. testosteroni specific primer pair. The amount of PCR products was different according to sampling sites and more PCR products were obtained from contaminated sites than those from clean sites (Gulpo-chun＞Anyang-chun＞Hwangguji-chun>Shin-chun＞Huk-chun＞Pukhan-river>Kapyeong-chun). This result was coincided with that of the viable cell counts for terephthalic acid degrading bacteria.