Pharmacodynamic Studies

Origin

The term combines “pharmaco,” meaning drug, and “dynamic,” meaning power or force, encapsulating the study of the drug’s effect. Pharmacodynamics is one of the two main branches of pharmacology, complementing pharmacokinetics to provide a complete picture of a drug’s action.

Mechanism

PD studies typically measure a relevant biological marker or surrogate endpoint that correlates with the drug’s intended action, such as changes in specific hormone levels or receptor occupancy. For hormonal therapies, the mechanism involves assessing the drug’s binding affinity to endocrine receptors and quantifying the downstream cellular signaling cascade. This scientific investigation is crucial for demonstrating that the administered hormone or modulator achieves the intended physiological correction or modulation within the endocrine system.