ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion): The real meaning-avoiding disaster and maintaining efficacy for preclinical candidates

Abstract

The purpose of preclinical Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity also referred to as early drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics is to reduce the risk of drug development to avoid spending scarce resources on weak lead candidates and expensive R&D programs and clinical trials. This allows drug-development resources to be focused on fewer, but more-likely-to-succeed drug candidates. This chapter provides the rationale for effective preclinical drug development using a systematic approach to limit failure.