Understanding a new drug’s absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) is critical to ensure its safety for human use. That understanding is achieved through the collection and analysis of pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data, which together account for approximately 25% of the contents of a drug package insert or label.

The characterization of PK/PD effects starts with nonclinical toxicokinetic (TK) studies in animals. The purpose of TK studies is to define the chemical properties of the drug, including pharmacology and toxicology, and to assist in the development of downstream clinical protocols. The necessary nonclinical studies are conducted before submission of Investigational New Drug (IND) applications to the FDA or other global regulatory agencies, and deliver critical data used to set the parameters for future clinical trials.

In Issue 34 of The Altascientist, we discuss how the understanding of a novel drug’s PK and PD properties begins with nonclinical studies and evolves through early-phase clinical trials, including: 

• IND requirements and translation to clinical PK/PD;
• Translating nonclinical knowledge of PK/PD analyses to clinical study;
• How PK/PD scientists add value to drug development processes; and
• A scenario case study from Altasciences.