Mathematical Model Calculates Correct Dosage of TB Drug

Researchers in a recent study created a new mathematical model that calculates the optimal dosing for the drug Rifapentine, which is used to treat pulmonary tuberculosis.

In the study, published by Microbiology's Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, researchers developed a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model that predicts time-course, tissue-specific concentrations of the drug and its metabolites.

Researchers first verified the accuracy of their model in rats first and then extrapolated it into human data, including comparative concentrations of the drug in humans from other studies.

This model outlines how the drug acts within different areas of the body.

"Our model essentially breaks the body up into discrete, physiologically recognizable compartments," said researcher Brad Reisfeld, PhD.

The researchers were also able to find changes in metabolism and kidney function. The researchers used previous literature for the basis of their model.

The investigators previously created a model that shows how Capreomycin, another tuberculosis drug, distributes throughout the body and hope to continue building on these studies.

"Our model could provide a useful basis for seeing how these drugs work in combination, and also, potentially serve as a screening tool for new drugs in the development pipeline,” Dr Reisfeld concluded.