Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics (PK), and Food Effect of MK-7762 in Healthy Adults

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single and then multiple doses of MK-7762 (TBD09) in healthy volunteers in the context of a first-in-human study. The effect of food on the rate and extent of absorption of a single oral dose of MK-7762 (TBD09) will also be evaluated. This is a 2-part blinded, placebo-controlled, combined single ascending dose with a food effect cohort and multiple ascending dose trial to be conducted in one trial center in the United States. Part 1 has a single ascending dose (SAD) design with up to 5 planned dose levels. Based on the interim PK results reviewed for the dose escalation decisions, a dose will be selected for administration to a sixth cohort both in fed and fasted states to evaluate the effect of food on MK-7762 (TBD09). Safety will be assessed throughout the study; cardiac monitoring/serial ECGs and serial blood samples will be collected for the safety and PK assessment of MK7762 (TBD09). Dose escalation to the next cohort (i.e., dose level) will not take place until the Sponsor, in conjunction with the Principal Investigator, has determined that adequate safety, tolerability (and PK for the later cohorts) from the previous cohort has been demonstrated to permit proceeding to the next cohort. Interim PK analyses will be performed for the dose escalation decisions (after cohorts 1 and 2 are completed), to select the intermediate dose for the food effect cohort, and to reconsider the sampling time points as the trial progresses. All samples will be sent for analysis and the bioanalytical lab will be unblinded and only run the analysis on active treatment participants. At the escalation meetings, PK analyses from active treatment participants and blinded (pooled) safety summaries will be reviewed. All participants in Part 1 will remain at the trial site from Day -1 until their end of-trial visit (approximately 8 days for Cohorts 1-5 and 16 days for Cohort 6). At the end of Part 1, pharmacokinetic and unblinded safety data along with dose rationale for Part 2 will be sent to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for review and approval. The trial will not proceed to Part 2 until the FDA provides approval. Part 2 has a multiple ascending dose (MAD) design. The dose cohorts for Part 2 will be determined based on model predictions to determine the steady-state Cmax exposure, and safety from Part 1. In this MAD part, each participant will be administered MK7762 or matching placebo for 28 days with corresponding PK measurements. Three dose cohorts are planned. After each dose cohort, the Sponsor and Investigator will review the PK and safety data before proceeding to the next dose level.