The main focus of this group is the study of human drug metabolizing enzymes, specifically the cytochrome P450 family of enzymes and Phase II conjugating enzymes. The majority of these studies investigate the effect of alterations of these enzymes in patients with various disease states or malnutrition. These studies hope to elucidate factors which determine the outcome of the disease states from exposure to xenobiotics.

The group is also actively involved in establishing sensitive and reliable methods to predict in vivo drug metabolism based on in vitro experiments. These efforts involve the use of P450 expressed cell systems, human liver microsomes and other techniques combined with in vivo pharmacokinetic data. Development of a suitable in vitro model will allow prediction of drug disposition in the early development phase, prior to administration to patients.

Classical pharmacokinetic research that addresses factors controlling hepatic clearance of drugs is also conducted. These studies examine factors that may influence hepatic blood flow and thus drug metabolism by the liver. This pharmacokinetic data is also correlated with pharmacodynamic outcomes in patients and is used to develop better dosing regiments that optimize drug effects while minimizing adverse effects.

For the CV's of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism Faculty, please view:

Grazyna Szklarz, Ph.D.
Robert Haining, Ph.D.