Background: Dexlansoprazole MR is a dual delayed release formulation of dexlansoprazole, an enantiomer of lansoprazole.
Aim: To assess safety of dexlansoprazole MR in phase 3 clinical trials.
Methods: Data from 4270 patients receiving dexlansoprazole MR 30 mg (n = 455), 60 mg (n = 2311) or 90 mg (n = 1864); lansoprazole 30 mg (n = 1363); or placebo (n = 896) in six randomized controlled trials and a 12-month safety study were pooled. Safety was assessed via adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiograms, clinical laboratory results and gastric biopsies. Adverse events were summarized per 100 patient-months of exposure to account for imbalances in study drug exposure.
Results: The number of patients with > or =1 treatment-emergent adverse event per 100 patient-months was higher in placebo (24.49) and lansoprazole (21.06) groups than in any dexlansoprazole MR (15.64-18.75) group. Fewer patients receiving dexlansoprazole MR discontinued therapy because of an adverse event (P < or = 0.05 vs. placebo). Seven patients died of events considered unrelated to study drug. Mean serum gastrin rose in all groups except placebo; increases were not dose-related. No clinically concerning trends were seen in gastric biopsy results. Endocrine cell hyperplasia, dysplasia and neoplasia were not observed.
Conclusion: Dexlansoprazole MR 30-90 mg has a safety profile comparable to that of lansoprazole.