Predicting Drug-Drug Interactions Involving the Inhibition of Intestinal CYP3A4 and P-Glycoprotein

Recently, interest has grown in drug-drug interactions (DDIs) involving the inhibition of intestinal CYP3A4, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and other drug efflux transporters. The criteria for intestinal DDIs are described in the draft guidances of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA). Substrate drugs with small fraction absorbed (Fa) and/or low intestinal availability (Fg) as a result of intestinal efflux transport and metabolism are important as “victim” drugs because these substrates are likely to show considerable interactions. The susceptibility of a victim drug to intestinal interactions can be evaluated from its FaFg. In this review, methods for estimating the FaFg of substrate drugs are discussed. The nonlinear pharmacokinetics of substrate drugs caused by the saturation of intestinal CYP3A4/P-gp is also discussed. The methods for predicting intestinal DDIs caused by inhibitor drugs are then summarized. Because the prediction accuracy of intestinal DDIs also depends on the inhibition constant (Ki) estimated in in vitro studies, these in vitro methods of estimating Ki are also discussed. Standardized methods for predicting intestinal DDIs have not yet been established. Further studies are required to establish more accurate and standardized prediction methods.