Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacodynamics is the study of how drugs affect the human body at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels. It is different from pharmacokinetics, which explores how the body interacts with the drug. However, both are necessary to understand the effect of a drug on the body.

Clinical studies in pharmacodynamics evaluate how a drug affects the body by measuring certain endpoints or biomarkers, which differ based on the drug and its mechanism of action and therapeutic targets. Endpoints of pharmacodynamics may include pharmacological measures (e.g., changes in blood pressure), and biomarkers can include protein changes when a target is engaged.

Factors that can influence a drug’s pharmacodynamic response include:

• Age
• Body weight
• Gender
• Genetics
• Pregnancy
• Drug interactions
• Organ function
• Coexisting medical conditions
• Smoking

Pharmacodynamic studies can be completed in vivo (within a living organism), in vitro (outside of living organisms), or in silico (through computer simulations). Each approach provides valuable insights into the drug's mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, and potential therapeutic applications.