News

[Newsletter] Maternal and Infant Lactation pharmacoKinetics (MILK) study newsletter (Q1 2024)

1 April 2024

This newsletter from the Uganda chapter of Pharmacometrics Africa offers unique insights into the current status of the Maternal and Infant Lactation pharmacoKinetics (MILK) project. Highlights from this issue: #PBPK2024 reportback; completion of recruitment into the TB treatment and antimalarial lactation pharmacokinetic studies; completion of the Language Matters pilot study exploring terms for female reproductive life in six Ugandan languages; and receipt of several awards to the At The EQUATOR team and Professor Catriona Waitt Read more about the program below, or view the newsletter here. About MILKAbout half of all women worldwide require medication whilst breastfeeding. Historically, breastfeeding women have been excluded from drug research, largely with the intention of protecting the mothers and their infants from harm. However, lack of data to inform safe medication use in this population itself brings risk. In low-income settings drugs are frequently used ‘off-label’ through necessity and in high-income settings the ‘safest’ recommendation may be to avoid breastfeeding. MILK strengthens existing collaborations and my existing work on HIV antiretrovirals by studying treatments for several priority infections (tuberculosis, malaria and maternal infection around the time of delivery) in breastfeeding mother-infant pairs. Carefully designed clinical studies with mathematical (pharmacometric) approaches to data analysis will elucidate drug transfer from mother to breastfed infant. Work with patient groups and policymaking stakeholders maximises impact through data sharing and prioritisation of ongoing work.

[Stellenbosch University Chapter] Brainstorming Session & Research Project Showcase

29 February 2024

Recently, Stellenbosch University hosted Samer Mouksassi and Wynand Smythe from Certara for a pharmacometrics brainstorming session. It was a day filled with great discussions addressing pertinent health care issues. Masters and PhD students showcased their current research projects and had an opportunity to brainstorm ideas with experts in the field of pharmacometrics. Participants were from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

Delegates explore a hands-on case scenario

A Catalyst for Change: PBPK Workshop in Kampala, Uganda

16 February 2024

The PBPK2024 workshop in Kampala was a catalyst for change, offering a promising avenue to optimize drug therapy for the most complex and understudied populations. The workshop which is believed to be the first of its kind in Africa sent a strong foundation for collaboration, networking and building a strong and committed team of PK modellers in the global south.

Uganda Chapter – Maternal and Infant Lactation pharmacoKinetics (MILK) study newsletter (July – December 2023)

1 January 2024

This newsletter from the Uganda chapter of Pharmacometrics Africa offers unique insights into the current status of the Maternal and Infant Lactation pharmacoKinetics (MILK) project. Highlights from this issue: The MILK study team celebrates 70% recruitment into the malaria and TB pharmacokinetic studies; presentations at several international conferences; increased engagement with communities including several new public engagement projects; and a profile of our postdoctoral pharmacokinetic modeller, Francis Williams Ojara. Read more about the program below, or view the newsletter here. About MILKAbout half of all women worldwide require medication whilst breastfeeding. Historically, breastfeeding women have been excluded from drug research, largely with the intention of protecting the mothers and their infants from harm. However, lack of data to inform safe medication use in this population itself brings risk. In low-income settings drugs are frequently used ‘off-label’ through necessity and in high-income settings the ‘safest’ recommendation may be to avoid breastfeeding. MILK strengthens existing collaborations and my existing work on HIV antiretrovirals by studying treatments for several priority infections (tuberculosis, malaria and maternal infection around the time of delivery) in breastfeeding mother-infant pairs. Carefully designed clinical studies with mathematical (pharmacometric) approaches to data analysis will elucidate drug transfer from mother to breastfed infant. Work with patient groups and policymaking stakeholders maximises impact through data sharing and prioritisation of ongoing work.

It Takes A Village; Involvement of Village Health Teams to Develop Tools and Resources to Communicate about Antiretroviral Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding at Community Level in Uganda. [Research Article]

18 December 2023

The MILK project studied transfer of antiretrovirals from mother to breastfed infant. It is essential that we communicate the results of our studies clearly at community level. This paper describes our pilot co-creation project in Hoima District, Uganda.

Reflecting on the Cross-Discipline Mathematical Modelling Symposium 2023

14 December 2023

In the ever-evolving and diverse field of mathematical modeling, the recent Cross-Discipline Mathematical Modelling Symposium 2023 provided a platform for modelers worldwide to share their experiences and delve into the relationship between mathematics and real-world applications. As we wrap up the event, let’s take a moment to appreciate the experience, express gratitude, and share what lies ahead:

[Research Paper] Pharmacokinetics and safety of twice-daily ritonavir-boosted atazanavir with rifampicin

20 November 2023

Critical drug-drug interactions (DDI) and hepatotoxicity complicate concurrent use of rifampicin and protease inhibitors. We investigated whether dose escalation of atazanavir/ritonavir could safely overcome the DDI with rifampicin. Read the full paper here This featured research paper was written in part by members of our Uganda chapter. For more information on this local chapter, visit this page.

Register for the Cross-Discipline Modeling Symposium [9 December 2023]

20 October 2023

Pharmacometrics Africa is pleased to partner with Stellenbosch University, Fundisa Academy for Medicines Development and other organizations to host the first Cross-Discipline Mathematical Modelling & Simulation Symposium! The event is 100% free to attend and will be hosted virtually. You can find out more details and register for the event by clicking the link here.

Open-Access Webinar: Building the Global Pharmacometrics Community

19 October 2023

Recently, our colleagues at the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (ASCPT) hosted a webinar, “Building the Global Pharmacometrics Community,” featuring several members of our team. We are pleased to inform you that this webinar has been featured in their Open-Access Webinar Library and is available to anyone regardless of membership or having attended their Network & Community Experience (NCE) previously. You can view the webinar in its entirety here. This is especially timely given that the 2024 Applied Pharmacometrics Training program will open to new applicants shortly – prospective applicants can view this webinar to hear first-hand experiences from three former participants in the program. In addition, the team at ASCPT is offering webinar access to any non-members located in Low- and Middle-income Countries (LMICs) for at least the month of October 2023. You can find more information about their webinar offerings at this link.

[ASCPT 2024] Travel Grant for LMICs

16 October 2023

ASCPT is now accepting applications for its newest grant program, the Low-to-Middle-Income Country (LMIC) Travel Grant. Intended to foster the participation of a LMIC clinical pharmacologist or translational scientist at the ASCPT Annual Meeting, the $7,500 LMIC Travel Grant will be awarded to one individual to cover travel associated costs to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting in Colorado Spring, CO, March 27-29. If you are a clinical pharmacologist or translational scientist who resides in a World Bank-identified LMIC who would benefit from the science and networking available during the Annual Meeting, submit your application to Elise Laffman-Johnson at elise@ascpt.org by November 24, 2023, to be considered. ASCPT’s Global Health Community leaders will assist with the review of all applications and make a recommendation to the ASCPT Officers for final recipient selection. Get more information on the LMIC travel grant > Requirements, application criteria, and additional considerations for the LMIC Travel Grant are available on the ASCPT website. The LMIC Travel Grant Program reflects ASCPT’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and supports the Society’s mission and vision to advance clinical pharmacology for the benefit of patients and society on a global level.

Categories