Case Study: Novartis achieves accelerated PBPK model development and faster dosing simulations with MathWorks

Novartis Accelerates Model Development Process

Novartis’ Modeling and Simulation group faced the challenge of predicting drug efficacy and selecting dosing regimens for humans before clinical trials, which required accurate physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models, robust ODE solvers, and tools for optimization and uncertainty analysis. To meet these needs they adopted MathWorks products, including MATLAB and Simulink plus toolboxes for global optimization, optimization, and statistics/machine learning.

MathWorks’ MATLAB, Simulink, Global Optimization Toolbox, Optimization Toolbox, and Statistics and Machine Learning Toolbox were used to build PBPK models (ODE-based), fit unknown parameters to experimental data, and run sensitivity/uncertainty analyses. The result: model development time dropped to about one-third compared with an advanced Fortran workflow, typical optimization runs take under a minute, compound-specific models can be completed and optimized within 2–3 weeks, and productivity and collaboration improved through model reuse and graphical model organization.

Novartis

Anna Georgieva

Senior Scientist