Pharmacokinetic effects of influx and efflux transporters are at the core of version 9.0 of Simcyp's population-based ADME simulator. Simcyp tapped its consortium of global pharmaceutical companies and discerned that a model accommodating such effects was the top priority, according to an announcement.
The influx/efflux transporter feature enhances the simulator's ability to reflect real-life population variability in the processes of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) through the conduct of studies in virtual human populations, the company says.
"The realization that there is virtually no end to the number of various studies which would be required to cover all possible permutations of clinical scenarios and patient populations in real life, has encouraged implementation of more modeling and simulation strategies into drug development," says Professor Amin Rostami-Hodjegan, director for scientific research and development, in the announcement. The new version takes us a step towards the optimal use of routinely generated in vitro data and the integration of relevant prior knowledge to inform drug development processes."
Researchers using version 9.0 can model the absorption of drugs that are inhaled or applied to the skin. In addition, enhancements to trial design elements within the simulator help researchers project clinical trial outcomes early in the drug development process, according to the announcement. Examining complex and potentially dangerous scenarios and assessing the likelihood of such cases in the safety of a computer allows clinical studies to be optimized, prioritized or even abandoned.
The Simcyp consortium meets annually to steer the company's R&D effort. "The consortium model has allowed us to provide the most relevant and up-to-date tools to streamline drug development and help satisfy regulatory requirements," says Steve Toon, executive director, in the announcement.
- read the Simcyp release