The anti-COVID-19 drug nirmatrelvir crosses the blood‒brain barrier and exhibits herb–drug pharmacokinetic interactions with Scutellaria baicalensis formulations

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34820
• Publication Date: 2024-07-20T06:23:43Z
• Authors: Wan-Hsin Lee; Yen-Ying Kung; Chung-Kai Sun; Chun-Hao Chang; Wen-Ya Peng; Lie-Chwen Lin; Chung-Hua Hsu; Muh-Hwa Yang; Tung-Hu Tsai
• Keywords: Social sciences (General); H1-99; Q1-390; 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; Science (General); Herb–drug interaction; Microdialysis; Pharmacokinetics; NRICM101; Nirmatrelvir; Research Article

Aim of the studyOur hypothesis is that nirmatrelvir can penetrate blood‒brain barrier and reach effective concentrations in brain. Furthermore, herbal formulations help maintain levels body, suggesting potential interactions between these medications.Materials methodsTo investigate this hypothesis, an animal model combining multisite microdialysis, ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) methods was developed to monitor blood brain rats.ResultsThe pharmacokinetic results showed area under curve (AUC) 798.3 ± 58.56 187.2 23.46 min μg/mL, respectively, after administration alone (15 mg/kg, iv). When Scutellaria baicalensis were administered for five consecutive days prior drug administration, AUC increased.ConclusionsThese provide constructive preclinical information greater than concentration (EC90) more 6 h, had synergistic effects by increasing blood.