Quantitative versus qualitative data: the numerical dimensions of drug action
David B Bylund1, Myron L Toews1
1Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985800 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5800, United States.
Biochemical Pharmacology
|August 13, 2013
Summary
Quantitative analysis of drug concentration and biological response is crucial for pharmacology. Neglecting these detailed analyses hinders drug development and leads to clinical trial failures.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Drug Discovery
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Quantitative analysis of concentration-dependent biological responses has been fundamental to pharmacology.
- This approach successfully identified drug targets and elucidated mechanisms of action.
- Modern drug development sometimes overlooks quantitative methods, impacting success rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review fundamental drug/receptor concepts and mathematical relationships.
- To emphasize the importance of quantitative analysis in drug development.
- To advocate for rigorous application of these methods in pre-clinical studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of basic drug/receptor theory.
- Explanation of mathematical relationships in dose-response and concentration-effect analyses.
- Discussion of quantitative analysis for single and multiple compounds.
Main Results:
- Detailed quantitative analysis is essential for understanding biological systems.
- Lack of quantitative rigor contributes to drug candidate failures in clinical trials.
- Rigorous application of quantitative methods improves drug development outcomes.
Conclusions:
- A thorough understanding and application of quantitative analysis are vital for effective drug development.
- Reintegrating quantitative approaches can enhance the success of new chemical entities (NCEs).
- This integrated approach is key to advancing the treatment of human diseases.
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