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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Implementation of In Vitro Drug Resistance Assays: Maximizing the Potential for Uncovering Clinically Relevant Resistance Mechanisms
08:46

Implementation of In Vitro Drug Resistance Assays: Maximizing the Potential for Uncovering Clinically Relevant Resistance Mechanisms

Published on: December 9, 2015

Prevention of resistance: a goal for dose selection for antimicrobial agents

G L Drusano1

  • 1Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Research Institute, Albany Medical College and New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, USA. gldrusano@aol.com

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|January 8, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Optimizing drug dosing and combinations can significantly reduce the emergence of drug resistance in bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Understanding pharmacodynamics is key to developing effective treatment strategies and preserving antimicrobial utility.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Drug-resistant microorganisms pose a significant global health threat across various settings.
  • Resistance is a growing problem not only in bacteria but also in viral and fungal pathogens.
  • The impact of dosing strategies on the emergence of drug resistance remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of dosing on the probability of drug resistance emergence.
  • To explore methods for optimizing drug regimens to minimize resistance.
  • To enhance the long-term efficacy of antimicrobial and antiviral therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Delineation of pharmacodynamically linked variables.
  • Generation of optimized dosing regimens.
  • Analysis of drug interactions in combination therapy.

Main Results:

  • Pharmacodynamic understanding enables the creation of dosing strategies that lower resistance probability.
  • Optimized combination therapies can be designed to prevent resistance, as seen in HIV and tuberculosis treatment.
  • Improved choices in drug dose, schedule, and combinations are feasible.

Conclusions:

  • Strategic adjustments in drug dosing, scheduling, and combinations can effectively mitigate resistance.
  • A deeper understanding of pharmacodynamics is crucial for preserving the utility of existing therapeutics.
  • Proactive measures are needed to combat the rising challenge of antimicrobial and antiviral resistance.

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