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
