Metabonomics in preclinical drug development.
Metabonomics has emerged as a key technology in preclinical drug discovery and development. The technology enables noninvasive systems assessment of untoward effects induced by candidate compounds characterising a broad spectrum of biological responses on an individual animal basis in a relatively rapid-throughput fashion, thus making it an ideal addition to early preclinical safety assessment. However, the implementation and interpretation of the technology and data it generates is not something that should be trivialised. Proper expertise in biological sciences, analytical sciences (nuclear magnetic resonance and/or mass spectrometry) and chemometrics should all be considered necessary prerequisites. If these factors are properly considered, the technology can add significant value as a tool for preclinical toxicologists.
Robertson
Donald G
DG
Pfizer Global Research and Development, Department of World Wide Safety Sciences, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA. donald.robertson@pfizer.com
Reily
Michael D
MD
Baker
J David
JD
D000818:Animals; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / Q000379:methods*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D008660:Metabolism / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D010599:Pharmacokinetics; D012107:Research Design