PD Study to Assess Phosphate Binding Characteristics of K2CG Chewing Gum

Previous studies have demonstrated that salivary phosphate levels are elevated in patients with CKD and that there is a direct and linear correlation between serum phosphorus and salivary phosphorus. K2CG chewing gum may provide an alternative approach to treating patients with elevated phosphate levels. However, data regarding the pharmacodynamic effect of the K2CG chewing gum on salivary phosphorus is lacking; as such, this study seeks to examine the phosphate binding characteristics of K2CG chewing gum with 2 different amounts of chitosan and varying exposure time in the fasting and fed condition. A precise knowledge of the pharmacodynamic effect of the K2CG chewing gum on salivary phosphorus is expected to provide information necessary to plan and conduct a subsequent interventional trial with K2CG chewing gum in patients with both Chronic Kidney Disease and ESRD. Specifically, quantification of the amount of salivary phosphorus that binds to 3 formulations of chitosan loaded chewing gum (20 mg, 40 mg and 60 mg) with varying exposure times will inform the optimal duration of exposure relative to gum size. The effect of gum size will be further explored via the use of two different sizes of placebo chewing gum (1.7 g and 2.0 g sizes). Additionally it is a specific aim of this study to assess whether chewing gum in the fasted vs. fed state affects the binding characteristics of chitosan loaded chewing gum. This study is a pharmacodynamic study to characterize the phosphate binding capabilities of three different doses of K2CG chewing gum (20mg, 40mg, 60mg) and one placebo chewing gum (1.7 g). Thirty-six subjects will be enrolled across three renal function group based on estimated glomerular filtration rate. Study assessments will occur over four study visit days (Visit 2, Visit 3, Visit 4, and Visit 5). Fasting study procedures will occur in the morning of each visit day, and non-fasting procedures will occur following the administration of a standardized meal on the same day. All subjects will receive three doses of K2CG chewing gum and one placebo: 20 mg dose at Visit 2, 1.7 g placebo at Visit 3, 40 mg dose at Visit 4, and 60 mg dose at Visit 5. Subjects will not be aware of the specific gum dose or size at any study visit (single blind). The duration of gum chewing and timing of salivary collections will vary within each group. Saliva will be collected at specified time points throughout the trial. Fasting salivary phosphorus must be collected with nothing to eat or drink for at least 2 hours.