Introduction to Pharmacokinetics: From ADME to PK/PD from edX

In this course about ADME and PK, students will learn how the PK properties of drug candidate are analyzed to guide decisions by the entire drug discovery team. The three-week course starts with the use of drug concentration-time data points to determine the key pharmacokinetic parameters of a compound. The second week focuses on the types of laboratory and animal studies that assist in the prediction of the human PK properties of a compound. In the final week, students will learn how the PK properties are used with efficacy data to predict the human efficacious dose and assist in drug formulation.

Students in the course should understand human anatomy and cell structure. Students should also be comfortable with algebraic expressions, including logarithmic and exponential functions. A fundamental understanding of the structure of organic molecules and their functional groups will also be helpful. The course is designed in modules. Each module opens with a short video on a selected topic. The module continues with a short reading or exercise with an assessment activity. Each module will require approximately 1 hour to complete, and the course includes 15 modules. Two approaches to the course are recommended. One, a student might spend an hour per day on the course and complete all 15 modules in approximately three weeks. Two, a student with additional available time may be able to work through the entire course in just a single week or over an extended weekend.

Students signed up for the Audit Track have access to the instructional video materials. Students enrolled through the Verified Track have access to the instructional videos, the readings and activities, the assessments, as well as selected additional videos related to the primary instructional videos.

What you'll learn

methods for determining the key PK properties from drug concentration-time data points
distinctions between common routes of administration of various drugs
laboratory techniques for studying ADME properties of compounds in vitro
common in vivo PK studies for early prediction of human PK properties
differences in PK properties between small molecule drugs and biologics
models for understanding how PK and efficacy together can help determine the dosing regimen of a drug

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for learners of all levels, as the difficulty can be scaled based on the amount of time available

Builds up a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, which is suitable for a wide range of careers

Covers the laboratory techniques used in studying ADME properties of compounds

Students can take as long as needed to complete the modules

Can serve as an introduction to PK or as a way to refresh knowledge

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Pharmacokinetics: From ADME to PK/PD with these activities:

Review drug terminology and concepts

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Reviewing these fundamentals will strengthen your understanding and ensure a smooth transition into the course.

Browse courses on Pharmacokinetics

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Review your notes or textbook from previous courses to refresh your memory on basic drug terminology and concepts.
Refer to online resources or videos to supplement your review and gain further clarification.

Read 'Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism' by Rowland and Tozer

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This classic textbook provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the field.

View Introduction to Pharmacokinetics and... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the chapters relevant to the course topics.

Join study groups or participate in online discussions

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Engaging in peer discussions will provide diverse perspectives and reinforce your understanding of course concepts.

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Find or create study groups with classmates.
Schedule regular meetings to discuss course material.

Four other activities

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Explore online simulations and tutorials on PK parameters

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Hands-on practice with simulations and tutorials will enhance your comprehension of these essential PK concepts.

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Identify reliable online platforms or tutorials that provide interactive simulations on PK parameters.
Work through the simulations and tutorials, experimenting with different variables to observe their impact on PK parameters.
Review the explanations and feedback provided in the simulations to solidify your understanding.

Solve practice problems and case studies on PK

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Engaging with practice problems and case studies will test your understanding and develop your problem-solving skills in PK.

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Collect practice problems and case studies from textbooks, online resources, or the course materials.
Attempt to solve the problems independently.
Compare your solutions with provided answers or consult with peers to identify areas for improvement.

Attend a workshop or conference on drug discovery

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Attending industry events will expose you to cutting-edge research and provide networking opportunities.

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Research upcoming workshops or conferences related to drug discovery.
Register for and attend the event.

Develop a poster presentation on a specific ADME or PK topic

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Creating a poster presentation will challenge you to synthesize and communicate your knowledge of a specific PK topic.

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Choose a specific PK topic of interest.
Research and gather information from credible sources.
Organize and outline your content.
Design and create your poster, ensuring clarity and visual appeal.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Pharmacokinetics: From ADME to PK/PD will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Pharmacokineticist

Pharmacokineticists study the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs in the body. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of pharmacokinetics, which are essential for understanding how drugs work and how to develop new and improved treatments. The course covers topics such as drug concentration-time data analysis, laboratory and animal studies for predicting human PK properties, and PK/PD modeling. This knowledge is essential for pharmacokineticists, who use it to design and conduct clinical trials, develop drug formulations, and ensure the safety and efficacy of new drugs.

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Toxicologist

Toxicologists assess the safety of chemicals and other substances, including drugs. This course provides a foundation in the principles of pharmacokinetics, which are essential for understanding how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. This knowledge is essential for toxicologists, who use it to evaluate the potential risks of chemicals and to develop strategies for protecting human health.

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Clinical Pharmacologist

Clinical pharmacologists study the effects of drugs in humans. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of pharmacokinetics, which are essential for understanding how drugs work and how to develop new and improved treatments. The course covers topics such as drug concentration-time data analysis, laboratory and animal studies for predicting human PK properties, and PK/PD modeling. This knowledge is essential for clinical pharmacologists, who use it to design and conduct clinical trials, develop drug formulations, and ensure the safety and efficacy of new drugs.

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Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Regulatory affairs specialists ensure that drugs and other medical products meet safety and efficacy standards. This course provides a foundation in the principles of pharmacokinetics, which are essential for understanding how drugs work and how to develop new and improved treatments. The course covers topics such as drug concentration-time data analysis, laboratory and animal studies for predicting human PK properties, and PK/PD modeling. This knowledge is essential for regulatory affairs specialists, who use it to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new drugs and to ensure that they meet regulatory requirements.

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Drug Safety Scientist

Drug safety scientists assess the safety of drugs after they have been approved for marketing. This course provides a foundation in the principles of pharmacokinetics, which are essential for understanding how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. This knowledge is essential for drug safety scientists, who use it to evaluate the potential risks of drugs and to develop strategies for protecting patient safety.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze data from clinical trials and other research studies. This course provides a foundation in the principles of pharmacokinetics, which are essential for understanding how drugs work and how to develop new and improved treatments. The course covers topics such as drug concentration-time data analysis, laboratory and animal studies for predicting human PK properties, and PK/PD modeling. This knowledge is essential for biostatisticians, who use it to design and conduct clinical trials, analyze data, and interpret results.

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Medical Writer

Medical writers create educational and marketing materials about drugs and other medical products. This course provides a foundation in the principles of pharmacokinetics, which are essential for understanding how drugs work and how to develop new and improved treatments. The course covers topics such as drug concentration-time data analysis, laboratory and animal studies for predicting human PK properties, and PK/PD modeling. This knowledge is essential for medical writers, who use it to write clear and accurate materials that help patients and healthcare professionals understand the benefits and risks of drugs.

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Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Pharmaceutical sales representatives sell drugs and other medical products to healthcare professionals. This course provides a foundation in the principles of pharmacokinetics, which are essential for understanding how drugs work and how to develop new and improved treatments. The course covers topics such as drug concentration-time data analysis, laboratory and animal studies for predicting human PK properties, and PK/PD modeling. This knowledge is essential for pharmaceutical sales representatives, who use it to educate healthcare professionals about the benefits and risks of drugs and to help them make informed decisions about which drugs to prescribe for their patients.

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Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare consultants provide advice to healthcare organizations on a variety of topics, including drug development and marketing. This course provides a foundation in the principles of pharmacokinetics, which are essential for understanding how drugs work and how to develop new and improved treatments. The course covers topics such as drug concentration-time data analysis, laboratory and animal studies for predicting human PK properties, and PK/PD modeling. This knowledge is essential for healthcare consultants, who use it to advise healthcare organizations on the development and marketing of new drugs.

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Patent Attorney

Patent attorneys help clients obtain and protect patents for new inventions. This course provides a foundation in the principles of pharmacokinetics, which are essential for understanding how drugs work and how to develop new and improved treatments. The course covers topics such as drug concentration-time data analysis, laboratory and animal studies for predicting human PK properties, and PK/PD modeling. This knowledge is essential for patent attorneys, who use it to help clients obtain patents for new drugs and to protect their intellectual property rights.

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Science Writer

Science writers write about scientific topics for a variety of audiences. This course provides a foundation in the principles of pharmacokinetics, which are essential for understanding how drugs work and how to develop new and improved treatments. The course covers topics such as drug concentration-time data analysis, laboratory and animal studies for predicting human PK properties, and PK/PD modeling. This knowledge is essential for science writers, who use it to write clear and accurate articles about drugs and other medical products.

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Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical research coordinators manage clinical trials and other research studies. This course provides a foundation in the principles of pharmacokinetics, which are essential for understanding how drugs work and how to develop new and improved treatments. The course covers topics such as drug concentration-time data analysis, laboratory and animal studies for predicting human PK properties, and PK/PD modeling. This knowledge is essential for clinical research coordinators, who use it to manage clinical trials and ensure that they are conducted safely and efficiently.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense drugs and provide advice to patients about their medications. This course provides a foundation in the principles of pharmacokinetics, which are essential for understanding how drugs work and how to develop new and improved treatments. The course covers topics such as drug concentration-time data analysis, laboratory and animal studies for predicting human PK properties, and PK/PD modeling. This knowledge is essential for pharmacists, who use it to dispense drugs safely and effectively and to provide patients with accurate information about their medications.

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Nurse

Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings. This course provides a foundation in the principles of pharmacokinetics, which are essential for understanding how drugs work and how to develop new and improved treatments. The course covers topics such as drug concentration-time data analysis, laboratory and animal studies for predicting human PK properties, and PK/PD modeling. This knowledge is essential for nurses, who use it to administer drugs safely and effectively and to monitor patients for adverse reactions.

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Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat patients with a variety of illnesses and injuries. This course provides a foundation in the principles of pharmacokinetics, which are essential for understanding how drugs work and how to develop new and improved treatments. The course covers topics such as drug concentration-time data analysis, laboratory and animal studies for predicting human PK properties, and PK/PD modeling. This knowledge is essential for physicians, who use it to prescribe drugs safely and effectively and to monitor patients for adverse reactions.

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