Episode 10: Drug Bioavailability Enhancement

Simulating the Journey of Oral Medications: A Leap Towards Personalized Medicine 

In this episode, we are joined by Deanna Mudie, a senior principal engineer at Lonza, and John DiBella, president of PBPK & Cheminformatics at Simulations Plus, to discuss new techniques in enhancing the bioavailability of drugs. 

When you swallow a pill, have you ever pondered the intricate journey it undertakes to deliver its therapeutic effect? This voyage, crucial for the drug's effectiveness, is at the heart of pharmaceutical R&D's quest to enhance bioavailability - the proportion of the drug that enters circulation and reaches the target area. 

By simulating how drugs interact with the body, scientists can optimize therapeutic outcomes by tailoring medications to the needs of individual patients. This approach promises a future where drugs are not only more effective but also safer, with reduced side effects. Listen as we delve into the cutting-edge world of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. These computer models integrate factors like gastrointestinal physiology and population characteristics, shedding light on how drugs behave in various body systems without the need for extensive patient testing.  

Curious to Know More? 

Join us in this conversation hosted by Martina Hestericová with Lonza's Deanna Mudie and Simulations Plus's John DiBella as they unveil the potential of PBPK modeling to revolutionize drug development and personalized medicine.  

KEY TERMS IN CONTEXT: 

In the context of pharmaceuticals, drug bioavailability refers to the proportion of a drug that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and is thereby able to have an active effect. It's a critical factor in determining the drug's effectiveness, as it measures how much of a drug in a dosage form (like a tablet or injection) becomes available at the target site of action. 

PBPK modeling is a sophisticated computational modeling technique used to predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs within animals and humans. This approach aids in understanding a drug's bioavailability and supports the design of more effective and safer drug therapies. 

Gastrointestinal Physiology refers to the study of the functions and processes of the digestive system or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In the context of PBPK modeling, understanding gastrointestinal physiology is crucial for predicting how a drug is absorbed into the body, especially for orally administered medications. It includes factors like stomach acid levels, GI transit time, and the surface area available for absorption. 

"In silico" refers to the use of computer simulations or digital analyses to conduct experiments or procedures virtually rather than in a laboratory or real-world setting. In silico tools in drug development include software and algorithms used for modeling and simulation, such as PBPK models, which allow researchers to predict how drugs interact with animals and humans, aiding in drug design, testing, and the customization of therapies for personalized medicine.