Clinical Pharmacology Podcast with Nathan Teuscher

In this episode I talk about dose proportionality, which is a surrogate for determining if we have linear clearance across a range of dose levels. I discuss 3 different methods that people use to determine dose proportionality along with a recommendation to use the power model method. Links discussed in the show: Power model method You can connect with me on ⁠LinkedIn and send me a message⁠⁠ Send me a message⁠⁠ Sign up for my newsletter⁠

This episode is a discussion of covariate search methods. I give definitions of covariates and predictors, and then I describe 3 different covariate search methods. For each method I describe the pros and cons associated with each one, including bias and time limitations. Links discussed in the show: Evaluation of the Boruta method for covariate selection You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

In this episode I describe stimulatory indirect response PK-PD models. I describe how they work, how to set up the dataset for NONMEM, and how to code the model in NONMEM. This is the last of 4 episodes on different PK-PD models. Links discussed in the show: Indirect response PK-PD model equations Example NONMEM code for stimulatory indirect response PK-PD model You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

In this episode I describe inhibitory indirect response PK-PD models. I describe how they work, how to set up the dataset for NONMEM, and how to code the model in NONMEM. This is the third of 4 episodes on different PK-PD models. Links discussed in the show: Indirect response PK-PD model equations Example NONMEM code for inhibitory indirect response PK-PD model You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

In this episode I describe effect compartment PK-PD models. I describe how they work, a method of creating exploratory plots, how to set up the dataset for NONMEM, and how to code the model in NONMEM. This is the 2nd of 4 episodes on different PK-PD models. Links discussed in the show: Example NONMEM code for effect compartment model You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

In this episode I describe direct effect PK-PD models. I describe how they work, a method of creating exploratory plots to identify direct effect models, how to set up the dataset for NONMEM, and how to code the model in NONMEM. This is the first of 4 episodes on different PK-PD models. Links discussed in the show: Example NONMEM code for direct effect model You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

In this episode I discuss different methods of presenting pharmacokinetic and pharmacometrics results. I spoke about using PowerPoint and R Markdown derived HTML files. While I prefer HTML files in nearly all cases, I appreciate that sometimes PowerPoint format is required by some companies. I included multiple suggestions for both PowerPoint and HTML files that can help make the information presentation more effective. Links discussed in the show: Floating table of contents in R Markdown HTML output How to include CSS in your R Markdown Creating tabs in R Markdown Code folding in R Markdown You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

This episode covers the terminal elimination rate constant calculated using non-compartmental analysis techniques. I reviewed how the rate constant is used to estimate half-life and extrapolate AUC to infinity, reviewed the methods for calculating the terminal rate constant value, and some important points about sample selection. Finally, I gave my reasons that we should ultimately stop talking about this and fretting over the method of calculation. Instead, let’s design better PK experiments with more optimal sampling to capture decline of the drugs we are studying. Links discussed in the show: You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

This episode covered parallelization in modeling analyses. I spoke about across model parallelization and within model parallelization. I recommended some approaches for choosing how many cores to use in parallelization and also discussed different modeling computer systems you can use. Links discussed in the show: You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

Today I covered 2 different topics. First, I spoke about residual error models when modeling. I discussed additive, proportional, and power models. I also reviewed combined models and when they can be helpful. Then I spoke about modeling report submission packages. I explained what I put in those packages, how they are used, and some potential changes coming in the future. Links discussed in the show: Publication on model master file You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

This episode discusses simulations. I group simulations into 4 categories: (1) average response, (2) population, (3) individual, and (4) clinical trial simulations. I discuss details of each of these types of simulations and the different variability terms included in each one. I strongly recommend that we implement more clinical trial simulations in our work. This will help us design and execute more successful clinical trials that take advantage of our existing knowledge about a drug. Enjoy the show and connect with me using the links below if you have any questions. Links discussed in the show: You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

Today’s show is about different work environments and not scientific topics. Throughout my career I have worked in many different types of companies, and I would like to share some observations with you from those experiences. I have held positions at startup companies or small biotechnology companies, large pharmaceutical companies, contract research laboratories, consulting firms, and working for myself as a consultant, and now as a software developer. Although my work has been focused on clinical pharmacology and pharmacometrics, the jobs and work environments are very different. Links discussed in the show: You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

Today’s show discussed biosimilar development from a clinical pharmacology perspective. I describe what biosimilar products are and the necessary comparisons to the reference product. I review requirements for PK similarity, PD similarity, immunogenicity, and safety. I also touch on the idea of interchangeability between the biosimilar and reference products. Links discussed in the show: FDA Guidance on Clinical Pharmacology Data to support Biosimilarity (May 2016) FDA Guidance on Demonstrating Interchangeability (May 2019) FDA Q&A on Biosimilarity and Interchangeability (Sep 2023) You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

Today’s show discussed approaches for modeling absorption profiles. I discussed the rationale behind modeling absorption and then described some common models. These included first-order absorption, zero-order absorption, transit compartments, distributed delay, Weibull, and zero/first order absorption. I also provided my recommendations on how to model absorption. Links discussed in the show: Distributed delay modeling in PK and PD Modeling biphasic formulation of methylphenidate You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

Today’s show was an overview of Aplos Analytics and the development story for Aplos NCA. Please consider participating in the Early Access Program. Use the link below to learn more about Aplos NCA. Links discussed in the show: Aplos Analytics website Aplos Analytics Contact Us Page You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

Today’s show is about hepatic impairment clinical studies. I cover the rationale behind evaluating hepatic impairment, common study designs, and key factors in the analysis and interpretation of the study results. I also share a huge announcement about Aplos NCA, a cloud-based solution for calculating NCA PK parameters. Use the link below to learn more about Aplos NCA. Links discussed in the show: FDA guidance EMA guideline Aplos Analytics website You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC

Today’s episode was about Project Optimus, the FDA initiative to improve dose selection and optimization for oncology products. Julie Bullock was a guest on this episode and shared her expertise as a former oncology clinical pharmacology reviewer at the FDA and as a current consultant in the pharmaceutical industry. Links discussed in the show: Project Optimus FDA List of FDA guidances and publications for Project Optimus May 2022 FDA-ASCO workshop: Getting the Dose Right: Optimizing Dose Selection Strategies in Oncology Sept 2023 Second Annual FDA ASCO WORKSHOP on Getting the Dosage Right (this one focused on combinations) Feb 2024 FDA/AACR Public Workshop: Optimizing Dosages for Oncology Drugs You can connect with Julie on LinkedIn You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

Today’s show is about TMDD or target-mediated drug disposition models. I review the scientific and physiologic basis for TMDD models, how to review data and determine if a TMDD model is needed. I review the various modeling approaches along with my recommendations for specific TMDD models. I hope this information helps you understand how to recognize TMDD behaviors and the options for modeling that data. Links discussed in the show: A tutorial on target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD) models Dynamics of target-mediated drug disposition: characteristic profiles and parameter identification You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

Today’s episode is about communication for scientists. I believe that improvements in communication skills can have a greater impact on your career and work than technical skills. Michael Piperno, an expert in communication and leadership skills joins me to discuss communication challenges and solutions for clinical pharmacologists and pharmacometricians. Links discussed in the show: You can connect with Michael On his website On LinkedIn On his blog On his podcast Subscribe to Michael’s newsletter View upcoming leadership and communication workshops You can connect with me You can connect with me on ⁠LinkedIn and send me a message⁠⁠ Send me a message⁠⁠ Sign up for my newsletter⁠ Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved

Today’s episode is about cell therapies, including CAR T-cell theraphy for cancer. I give an overview of cell therapy and the challenges of clinical pharmacology in this new area of research. Links discussed in the show: CAR T-cell Therapy Image You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message Send me a message Sign up for my newsletter Copyright Teuscher Solutions LLC All Rights Reserved