PK/PD relationship

The aim of this phase is to optimize the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters for the clinical development of an anticancer drug, which may help reduce the risks and costs of subsequent human trials.

In a single experiment, we can study the pharmacokinetic relationship between the circulating concentration, biodistribution, toxicity (body weight & histology), mechanistic effects and efficacy of the therapeutic agent. This type of study could be performed for monotherapy or in combination with other novel drugs or standard-of-care agents.

Pharmacodynamic parameters that can be studied include tumor growth, survival and the development of metastases, as well as molecular and imaging biomarkers.

• Our molecular biology and immunohistochemistry capabilities enable us to monitor a panel of molecular biomarkers and to optimize new techniques.
• Our MRI and µPET imaging technologies allow us to mimic human clinical trials by following imaging parameters already used in the clinic.
• The Nude rat is particularly suitable for PK/PD relationship studies. The table below compares the utility of the Nude rat to the Nude mouse.