Influence of intra- and extracellular free drug concentrations in the human colon on local and systemic drug exposure

Research scientist: Rebekkah Hammar, MSc
Principal Investigator: Professor Per Artursson, Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University

Scientific and industrial context: Colonic disorders are on the rise globally, but treatment options are limited due to poor predictability of colonic drug behavior. For generating useful predictive parameters such as intracellular bioavailability, representative in vitro models are needed. Though gut microbiota models have long been in use, it was not until recently that representative epithelial models became available. With the rise of organoid technology, native-like human colonic epithelium can now be generated in vitro.

Aim: Determine drug distribution in a) human colonoids and b) microbiota models to then create a PBPK model of the colonic environment.

Outcome: A PBPK model of the colonic environment will allow for better estimation of colonic drug efficacy and reduce the need for animal models.