Fractional Pharmacokinetic Models in One-compartment Systems |Chapter 7 | Mathematics and Computer Science: Research Updates Vol. 8

 

Classical models typically use integer-order (ordinary) differential equations and predict exponential-like concentration decay after administration of drugs. These classical assumptions are adequate for many compounds but fail to capture anomalous behaviours seen in numerous drugs: long tails in concentration-time curves, non-exponential elimination, or irregular accumulation after repeated dosing. The study aimed to develop fractional pharmacokinetic models in one-compartment systems to enhance drug absorption. Fractional derivatives can be inserted into compartmental networks to create fractional multi-compartment models. Recent theoretical work provides a general framework for embedding fractional orders within compartmental mass-balance systems while preserving physically meaningful constraints (mass conservation and positivity), which is important for physiological interpretability. Practical implementations often use efficient strategies to reduce the cost of history terms (e.g., short-memory approximations, nonuniform time grids, or convolution quadrature approaches). Fractional models can inform controlled-release formulation design and the prediction of long-term toxicological accumulation. However, adoption in clinical pharmacology requires standardised parameter-estimation pipelines, software, and regulatory acceptance—areas currently under development. Widespread adoption will require advances in parameter estimation, computational tools, and translational validation, but the literature over the past two decades demonstrates clear progress and growing interest in fractional approaches.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Hemlata Saxena
Career Point University, Kota, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mcsru/v8/6795