A user-friendly tool for analysis of complex in vitro experimental data in drug discovery and development

In vitro-in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) is a rapidly emerging area in drug developmentwhereby in vitro experimental pharmacokinetic / pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) data, generatedin tissue homogenates or cells, are analysed and the results incorporated into computer modelsto predict the effects of drugs in the whole body.PK-PD data analysis in whole cell systems is complex and time consuming, yet accurate dataanalysis and informed data interpretation are crucial in early drug development as thisinformation is used to select drugs to be assessed in human trials. Whilst there are manysoftware tools available for in vitro data analysis, these tools were developed for broadapplication and are not specialised for drug development use. The tools do not supportanalysis of more complex in vitro experimental systems which are increasingly being used inan attempt to overcome newer challenges in drug development, lack appropriate statisticalrigour and do not allow IVIVE.The project will provide a user-friendly software tool to analyse in vitro data describing themetabolism, transport and receptor binding of drugs in the first instance. The experimentaluncertainty arising from the data analysis will also be determined. The results derived fromthe in vitro data analysis and any associated uncertainty will be extrapolated to describe thebehaviour of the drug within the whole body. The tool will enable non-expert users todetermine the quality of the generated in vitro data, and the appropriateness of using theestimated parameters in the decision making process.The development and utilisation of this tool will allow consistency in data analysis across thepharmaceutical industry. Use of the tool will ultimately lead to improved efficiency andincrease the utility of IVIVE and pharmacokinetic / pharmacodynamic understanding in drugdevelopment. In turn, increased use of IVIVE will contribute to reducing and replacing animalexperiments within early drug development.