Dynamic Assessment of Drug Absorption by Deconvolution

Deconvolution analysis has been used to characterise the input rate and cumulative systemic availability of rosuvastatin (Crestor™), a new inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase [1]. A sustained input over 48h was identified by deconvolution and was probably due to prolonged release from the liver. It was concluded that the sustained input of rosuvastatin may help to explain its greater efficacy compared to other statins.

Another analysis was conducted to characterise the absorption kinetics of fluticasone propionate (FP) from 3 different inhalation devices [2]. A prolonged absorption of FP from the lungs was identified from each inhalation device, indicating that the drug has a long pulmonary residence time that may be related to the duration of its clinical activity.

A comprehensive review of how deconvolution can assist drug development has been written by Charlie Brindley: "Pharmacokinetics in Drug Development (Ed: Bonate PL and Howard D). AAPS Press, Alexandria, VA, 2004"

1. Short T, Martin PD, Warwick MJ and Brindley CJ. Absorption Kinetics After Oral Administration of Rosuvastatin in Healthy Volunteers. EUFEPS World Conference on Drug Absorption and Drug Delivery, Copenhagen, Denmark, June 2001. Poster.

2. Brindley C, Falcoz C Mckie A, Bye A.Absorption Kinetics after inhaled flucticasone propionate delivered via the diskhaler®, diskus® and metered-dose inhaler in healthy subjects. Clin. Pharmacokinet. 2000, 39 suppl 1, 1-8