Computational pharmacokinetics at a crossroads

Molecular Modeling Approaches for the Prediction of Selected Pharmacokinetic Properties

Poor profiles of potential drug candidates, including pharmacokinetic properties, have been acknowledged as a significant hindrance to the development of modern therapeutics. Contemporary drug discovery and development would be incomplete without the aid of molecular modeling (in-silico) techniques, allowing the prediction of pharmacokinetic properties such as clearance, unbound fraction, volume of distribution and bioavailability. As with all models, in-silico approaches are subject to their interpretability, a trait that must be balanced with accuracy when considering the development of new methods. The best models will always require reliable data to inform them, presenting significant challenges, particularly when appropriate in-vitro or in-vivo data may be difficult or time-consuming to obtain. This article seeks to review some of the key in-silico techniques used to predict key pharmacokinetic properties and give commentary on the current and future directions of the field.

Computational pharmacokinetics and in vitro-in vivo correlation of anti-diabetic synergistic phyto-composite blend

Despite tremendous strides in modern medicine stringent control over insulin resistance or restoration of normoglycemia has not yet been achieved. With the growth of molecular biology, omics technologies, docking studies, and in silico pharmacology, modulators of enzymes and receptors affecting the molecular pathogenesis of the disease are being considered as the latest targets for anti-diabetic therapy. Therapeutic molecular targets are now being developed basing on the up or down regulation of different signaling pathways affecting the disease. Phytosynergistic anti-diabetic therapy is in vogue both with classical and non-classical medicinal systems. However its chemo-profiling, structural and pharmacokinetic validation awaits providing recognition to such formulations for international acceptance. Translational health research with its focus on benchside product development and its sequential transition to patient bedside puts the pharma RDs to a challenge to develop bio-waiver protocols. Pharmacokinetic simulation models and establishment of in vitro-in vivo correlation can help to replace in vivo bioavailability studies and provide means of quality control for scale up and post approval modification. This review attempts to bring different shades highlighting phyto-synergy, molecular targeting of antidiabetic agents via different signaling pathways and bio-waiver studies under a single umbrella.

A systems medicine research approach for studying alcohol addiction

According to the World Health Organization, about 2 billion people drink alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption can result in alcohol addiction, which is one of the most prevalent neuropsychiatric diseases afflicting our society today. Prevention and intervention of alcohol binging in adolescents and treatment of alcoholism are major unmet challenges affecting our health-care system and society alike. Our newly formed German SysMedAlcoholism consortium is using a new systems medicine approach and intends (1) to define individual neurobehavioral risk profiles in adolescents that are predictive of alcohol use disorders later in life and (2) to identify new pharmacological targets and molecules for the treatment of alcoholism. To achieve these goals, we will use omics-information from epigenomics, genetics transcriptomics, neurodynamics, global neurochemical connectomes and neuroimaging (IMAGEN; Schumann et al. ) to feed mathematical prediction modules provided by two Bernstein Centers for Computational Neurosciences (Berlin and Heidelberg/Mannheim), the results of which will subsequently be functionally validated in independent clinical samples and appropriate animal models. This approach will lead to new early intervention strategies and identify innovative molecules for relapse prevention that will be tested in experimental human studies. This research program will ultimately help in consolidating addiction research clusters in Germany that can effectively conduct large clinical trials, implement early intervention strategies and impact political and healthcare decision makers.