Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Dabigatran-idarucizumab pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics in sheep undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass

Research article published in Perfusion (2025)

Última actualización: June 18, 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportDesarrollo de fármacosEnsayos clínicosFarmacología salivalEaton MP et al. · Perfusion, 2025

Abstract

BackgroundThe effect of the anticoagulant, dabigatran, and its antagonist, idarucizumab, on coagulation remains poorly quantified. There are few pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic data available to describe the interaction in humans or animals undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.MethodsSix sheep were given intravenous dabigatran infusion while undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Blood samples were collected for thromboelastographic reaction time (R-time) and drug assay at 1. 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after starting dabigatran. Further reaction times were measured at 1 min, 5 min, 15 min, 60 min, 4 h and 24 h after initiation of idarucizumab infusion. Plasma dabigatran concentrations, the dabigatran- idarucizumab interaction and R-times were analyzed using an integrated pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model with non-linear mixed effects.ResultsA 2-compartment model described dabigatran pharmacokinetics with a clearance (CL 0.0509 L/min/70 kg), intercompartment clearance (Q 0.229 L/min/70 kg), central volume of distribution (V1 3.89 L/70 kg), peripheral volume of distribution (V2 11.4 L/70 kg). The peripheral volume was 2.25 times larger during bypass. The effect compartment model estimates for an EMAX model using reaction time had an effect site concentration (Ce50 40.8 mg/L) eliciting half of the maximal effect (EMAX 180 min). A potency factor for the antagonist, idarucizumab (EA50 29.9 mg/L), moved the dabigatran response relationship to the left.ConclusionsDabigatran reversibly binds to the active site on the thrombin molecule, preventing activation of coagulation factors. Expansion of peripheral volume of distribution of dabigatran was observed during cardiopulmonary bypass, contributing to observed concentrations lower than predicted. A competitive interaction model adequately described dabigatran reversal by idarucizumab. These data and consequent parameter estimates inform future clinical studies in both animals and humans.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal Article

Resumen

BackgroundThe effect of the anticoagulant, dabigatran, and its antagonist, idarucizumab, on coagulation remains poorly quantified.

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

This study examined the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic interaction between dabigatran and its antagonist idarucizumab in six sheep undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass, developing an integrated model to describe dabigatran concentrations, the dabigatran-idarucizumab interaction, and thromboelastographic reaction times. The abstract describes dabigatran as reversibly binding to the active site on the thrombin molecule but makes no mention of leeches, hirudin, hirudotherapy, or any leech-derived agent. Consequently, this study has no stated connection to the leech secretome or hirudotherapy, and its relevance to the American Society of Hirudotherapy is negligible beyond the general pharmacological topic of anticoagulation reversal.

Citación

Dabigatran-idarucizumab pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics in sheep undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass

Eaton MP et al. · Perfusion, 2025

Contexto clínico relacionado

Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026

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