In Vitro In Vivo Correlation IVIVC links drug dissolution data with bioavailability to predict absorption and therapeutic performance.
In-Vitro-In-Vivo Correlation (IVIVC)
- IVIVC is a predictive mathematical model that links in-vitro drug dissolution with in-vivo pharmacokinetic performance.
- It helps estimate drug behavior in the body based on laboratory dissolution data, aiding in formulation development, regulatory approvals, and quality control.
Applications of IVIVC
- Formulation Development & Optimization – Predicts in-vivo drug performance using in-vitro dissolution data, reducing the need for extensive in-vivo studies.
- Scale-Up & Post-Approval Changes – Assesses the impact of manufacturing changes without requiring new in-vivo studies.
- Biowaivers – Supports bioequivalence waivers for modified-release formulations by demonstrating similar in-vitro dissolution profiles.
- Quality Control – Establishes dissolution specifications as a surrogate for in-vivo performance, ensuring consistent therapeutic efficacy.
Developing an IVIVC Model
- Obtain in-vitro dissolution data under physiologically relevant conditions.
- Collect in-vivo pharmacokinetic data (e.g., plasma drug concentration over time).
- Analyze correlations between in-vitro and in-vivo data.
- Develop a mathematical model to relate dissolution and pharmacokinetics.
- Validate the IVIVC model by comparing predictions with actual in-vivo results.
Types of IVIVC Correlations
-
Quantitative Linear IVIVC
- Establishes a linear relationship between in-vitro dissolution and in-vivo pharmacokinetic parameters (e.g., AUC, Cmax).
- Expressed as:
$\text{In-vivo parameter} = a \times \text{In-vitro dissolution} + b$- Useful for predicting drug performance but may not apply to all drugs, requiring more complex models in some cases.
-
Correlation Methods
- Plasma Level Correlation – Links in-vitro dissolution to plasma drug concentration profiles (AUC, Cmax, Tmax).
- Urinary Excretion Correlation – Compares dissolution data to cumulative drug excretion in urine, useful when plasma data is difficult to obtain.
- Pharmacological Response Correlation – Relates dissolution to therapeutic effect or biomarker levels.
Levels of IVIVC
- Level A – Point-to-point linear relationship between in-vitro dissolution and in-vivo absorption rate.
- Level B – Compares mean dissolution time to mean in-vivo residence time.
- Level C – Establishes a rank-order relationship between in-vitro dissolution and pharmacokinetic parameters.
- Multiple Level C – Uses multiple Level C correlations for different pharmacokinetic measures or time points.