Training the next generation of pharmacometric modelers: a multisector perspective

Area of Science:

• Pharmacometrics
• Drug Development
• Computational Biology

Background:

• The demand for pharmacometricians significantly outstrips the supply from academic institutions.
• Existing academic programs are increasing, but the need for pharmacometricians continues to grow due to expanding applications.
• The field of pharmacometrics is rapidly evolving with new methodologies.

Discussion:

• Leading experts from academia, industry, contract research organizations, clinical medicine, and regulatory bodies shared their insights.
• Opinions were collected and synthesized to address the challenge of training future pharmacometricians.
• The rapid evolution of pharmacometrics necessitates a re-evaluation of training strategies.

Key Insights:

• No single individual can master all emerging pharmacometric methodologies, including population pharmacokinetics, physiological-based pharmacokinetics, systems pharmacology, and machine learning.
• On-the-job training and continuous professional development are crucial for pharmacometricians.
• Expert consensus highlights the need for adaptive training programs.

Outlook:

• The expanding scope of pharmacometrics, including physiological-based pharmacokinetics, systems pharmacology, and machine learning, requires innovative training approaches.
• Future pharmacometricians will need a broad understanding of diverse methodologies.
• Recommendations are provided for optimizing the training of pharmacometric scientists.