Pharmacology

The pharmacological concepts, methodologies and techniques are fundamental for modern drug development. As a discipline it does not fit in for one particular part of the drug development process. Instead it is applied continuously throughout the lifespan of a drug candidate. Thus, basic pharmacological knowledge is important for those who want to possess an integrated view on the effects and behaviour of the drug candidate from discovery throughout clinical development. The classical disciplines of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics are addressed separately to be familiar with the theoretical background behind these disciplines. Pharmacology also bridges the preclinical phase with clinical trials and thus is central in the translation of animal data to the human situation.

The course will teach the basic concepts of general pharmacology. Emphasis is on pharmacokinetics with hands-on calculations. It runs over two days and is computer aided. There is focus on experimental in vitro and in vivo tools and on animal experimental models for various diseases including modern experimental techniques.

The course covers the following areas:

• General pharmacology (pharmacodynamics)
• Pharmacokinetics (basic concepts, extra vascular dosing using a one-compartment model, IV administration using 1- and 2 compartment models, elimination: metabolism and excretion, hands-on calculation in an Excel spreadsheet)
• Exploratory pharmacology (measurement of pharmacological effect, safety pharmacology)
• In vitro pharmacology, concepts and methodology (ADME; biomarkers; metabolism; transporters)
• In vitro screening of cancer therapuetics
• In vivo pharmacology, methodology (animal models for cardiovascular diseases, obesity, bone and joint diseases and pain; behavioural animal models.)