In vitro stability and in vivo pharmacokinetics of the novel ketogenic ester, bis hexanoyl (R)-1,3-butanediol

This preclinical study evaluated a novel ketone ester, bis hexanoyl (R)-1,3-butanediol, using in vitro matrices and two oral gavage studies in Sprague Dawley rats and C57/BL6 mice, with (R)-3-hydroxybutyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate as the active control. In vitro results indicate it likely remains intact in the stomach and is hydrolyzed in the small intestine into hexanoate and (R)-1,3-butanediol. Plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate increased in a dose-dependent manner after oral administration, all doses were well tolerated, and at doses over 3 g/kg beta-hydroxybutyrate delivery was similar between the two esters.