Drug test simulator

Simcyp, the Sheffield-based developer of simulation and prediction technology for the healthcare industry, has expanded the capability of its population-based ADME simulator.

The latest version has been developed in consultation with the Simcyp Consortium, which includes pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

The feedback received highlighted the importance of creating a device that featured the effects of influx and efflux transporters.

The inclusion of the transporter feature also allows the simulator to reflect ‘real-life’ population variability in the processes of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) by conducting studies in virtual human populations.

Additional features include the modelling of drugs which are inhaled or applied to the skin.

The enhancements to trial design elements within the simulator also provide greater flexibility to assess the potential outcomes of clinical trials early in the drug development process.

Professor Amin Rostami-Hodjegan, director of scientific research and development at Simcyp, said: ‘The realisation 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 modelling and simulation strategies into drug development.

'The new version of the Simcyp simulator takes us, once again, another step towards the optimal use of routinely generated in vitro data and the integration of relevant prior knowledge to inform drug development processes.’

Dr Steve Toon, executive director at Simcyp, added: ‘The Simcyp Consortium model has been very successful for many years as it has allowed us to provide the most relevant and up-to-date tools to streamline drug development and help satisfy regulatory requirements.

'The ability to adapt quickly to industry needs, which has been the hallmark of Simcyp, is essential as Pharma increasingly adopts modelling and simulation as a strategic tool in early drug development.’