Pharmacokinetics of Antibiotics in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis Trated With Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (ETI)

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated with major pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alterations affecting antibiotic exposure, including changes in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. Historically, these alterations justified the use of higher antibiotic doses in CF patients in order to achieve therapeutic concentrations and improve pulmonary outcomes.

The advent of highly effective CFTR modulators, particularly the triple combination elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI), has substantially improved pulmonary function, nutritional status, inflammatory burden, and quality of life in patients with CF. ETI therapy also appears to modify respiratory microbiology and reduce the frequency of pulmonary exacerbations.

These clinical and physiological improvements may alter antibiotic pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in patients with CF, potentially making current high-dose antibiotic recommendations less appropriate for some patients. Since repeated exposure to high-dose antibiotics is associated with cumulative toxicities, particularly aminoglycoside-related ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity, reassessment of antibiotic dosing strategies is warranted.

The PKCF study is a multicenter, prospective, observational, non-interventional study designed to characterize the pharmacokinetic profiles of intravenous antibiotics administered during pulmonary exacerbations in adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis receiving ETI therapy.