Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2025

A Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell PBMC Engrafted Humanized Xenograft Model for Translational Immuno-oncology I-O Research
Published on: August 15, 2019
Population pharmacokinetics of isavuconazole in hematologic patients: implications for model-informed precision
Diego Peña-Lorenzo1, José Germán Sánchez-Hernández2, Irene Conde-González3
1Pharmacy Service, University Hospital of Salamanca, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Spain.
Background:
Isavuconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent used for treating invasive fungal infections (IFIs). Its pharmacokinetics may be impacted in hematologic patients due to concomitant clinical and therapeutic factors potentially affecting drug exposure. The aim of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic (popPK) model of isavuconazole in adult hematologic patients to support model-informed precision dosing.
Materials And Method:
Prospective, non-controlled study performed in adult hematologic patients receiving isavuconazole for IFIs and followed up by a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) program. Isavuconazole plasma concentrations were quantified using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with UV detector. A popPK model was developed using NONMEM v.7.5.0. Simulations were based on the final model to evaluate the differences across physiological variables with impact on drug exposure.
Results:
A one-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination described adequately 121 isavuconazole concentrations from 52 patients. Body surface area (BSA) and serum albumin (ALB) significantly influenced drug clearance. The final popPK model showed good precision, robustness, and predictive performance, supporting its use for individualized isavuconazole dosing in this population.
Conclusions:
BSA and serum ALB were identified as covariates influencing isavuconazole clearance in adult hematologic patients. Further studies are needed to better characterize the absorption of isavuconazole and implications on dosage recommendations, especially for higher proposed doses.
Insights
Body surface area and serum albumin impact isavuconazole clearance in hematologic patients. This population pharmacokinetic model supports precision dosing for invasive fungal infections (IFIs).
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmacometrics
Background:
- Isavuconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal for invasive fungal infections (IFIs).
- Hematologic patients may experience altered isavuconazole pharmacokinetics due to clinical factors.
- Precision dosing is crucial for optimizing drug exposure in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a population pharmacokinetic (popPK) model for isavuconazole in adult hematologic patients.
- Identify factors influencing isavuconazole drug exposure.
- Support model-informed precision dosing strategies.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study with therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in adult hematologic patients.
- Isavuconazole plasma concentrations quantified using UPLC-UV.
- Population pharmacokinetic modeling performed using NONMEM v.7.5.0.
Main Results:
- A one-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination adequately described the data.
- Body surface area (BSA) and serum albumin (ALB) significantly impacted isavuconazole clearance.
- The developed popPK model demonstrated good precision, robustness, and predictive performance.
Conclusions:
- BSA and serum ALB are key covariates affecting isavuconazole clearance in hematologic patients.
- The popPK model supports individualized isavuconazole dosing.
- Further research is needed to refine absorption characterization and dosage recommendations.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacokinetic Models: Overview
There are three primary types of models: empirical, compartment, and physiological. Empirical models, with minimal...
Two-Compartment Open Model: IV Infusion
The model illustrates the decrease in plasma drug concentration from the central compartment with a specific equation. It shows that under steady-state conditions, the drug's input rate...
Pharmacokinetic Models: Comparison and Selection Criterion
Physiological models take a detailed approach by considering specific molecular processes. They can predict drug distribution, metabolism, and elimination changes, providing a comprehensive understanding of how drugs interact with the body.
One-Compartment Model: IV Infusion
The one-compartment model for IV infusion uses mathematical equations to describe the rate of change in drug quantity in the body. At steady-state or infusion equilibrium, the drug input...
Analysis of Population Pharmacokinetic Data
Model-Independent Approaches for Pharmacokinetic Data: Noncompartmental Analysis
One important characteristic of noncompartmental analyses is that drug exposure increases proportionally with increasing doses. This...

