Pharmacokinetics of a novel anticancer ruthenium complex (KP1019, FFC14A) in a phase I dose-escalation study

A phase I and pharmacokinetic study was carried out with the new ruthenium complex indazolium trans-[tetrachlorobis(1H-indazole)ruthenate(III)] (KP1019, FFC14A). Seven patients with various types of solid tumours refractory to standard therapy were treated with escalating doses of KP1019 (25-600 mg) twice weekly for 3 weeks. No dose-limiting toxicity occurred. Ruthenium plasma concentration-time profiles after the first dose and under multiple-dose conditions were analysed using a compartmental approach. The pharmacokinetic disposition was characterised by a small volume of distribution, low clearance and long half-life. Only a small fraction of ruthenium was excreted renally. The area under the curve values increased proportionally with dose indicating linear pharmacokinetics.