Genetic Determinants of ACEI Prodrug Activation

NCT03051282 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: PHASE4 · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 21

Last updated 2026-02-18

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are among the most frequently prescribed medications worldwide for the treatment of essential hypertension, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, acute myocardial infarction, and prevention of the progression of diabetic nephropathy. However, the outcome of ACEI treatment varies significantly between individuals and selected populations. Suboptimal response, therapeutic failure, and significant side effects are commonly documented in patients receiving ACEI therapy. Approximately 80% of the ACEIs available for use in the US are synthesized as esterified prodrugs in order to improve otherwise poor oral bioavailability of the active molecule. The activation of ACEI prodrugs primarily occurs in the liver via metabolic de-esterification of the parent drug. The critical activation step is essential in delivering a successful therapeutic outcome since the active metabolites are approximately 10-1000 times more potent relative to their respective parent compounds. Carboxylesterase 1 (CES1), the most abundant hydrolase in the liver, is responsible for the activation of ACEI prodrugs in humans. Marked interindividual variability in CES1 expression and activity has been documented, which results in varied therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of many drugs serving as substrates of CES1. Genetic variation of CES1 is considered to be a major factor contributing to variability in CES1 function. The study team proposes to conduct a multiple-dose healthy volunteer study to evaluate the impact of CES1 genetic variation on the activation, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of enalapril, a model ACEI prodrug activated by CES1. The completion of this study will represent a major step towards the establishment of an evidence base from which a more individualized use of ACEI prodrugs can emerge.

Conditions

  • Healthy Volunteers

Interventions

DRUG

Enalapril

Study participants in both arms will be treated with 10 mg enalapril orally once daily for seven consecutive days

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Design

Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SCREENING
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
55 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2017-04-01
Primary Completion
2026-01-01
Completion
2026-01-01
FDA Drug
Yes

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Entities

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT03051282 on ClinicalTrials.gov