Study to Decode Oral Bioavailability
Palamur Biosciences has recently completed a challenging and highly innovative Preclinical Canine PK Study to Decode Oral Bioavailability for a major pharmaceutical company. This study holds significant relevance for Drug Metabolism and Formulation Experts. Under the leadership of pharmacologists and veterinarians specializing in gastroscopy, together with radiologists, the Palamur Bio team leveraged state-of-the-art imaging modalities in a canine test system to achieve what is likely one of the first-of-its-kind studies conducted by an Indian preclinical CRO.
A key achievement of this program was the seamless integration of advanced imaging technologies with high-quality scientific execution and rigorous welfare measures. This ensured that all test systems remained physiologically stable, well-monitored, and free from distress—enabling continuous and reliable data generation.
Brief Overview
One of the major challenges in oral bioavailability studies is differentiating pre-hepatic input from systemic exposure, since low oral bioavailability may result from either poor gastrointestinal absorption or extensive first-pass metabolism. At Palamur Biosciences, this challenge was taken a step further by differentiating drug absorption across the stomach, intestine, and spleen. This was achieved through the design of a single-dose oral PK study in a canine test system with simultaneous venous sampling representing these organs, complemented by advanced fluoroscopy and gastroscopy imaging-based monitoring for accurate verification and longitudinal assessment.
Our integrated approach covered:
- Access and anaesthesia guided and validated through imaging,
- Catheterization and confirmation of drug dispersion using imaging modalities,
- Dosing and verification with real-time imaging assessment,
- Structured sampling schedules supported by imaging-assisted monitoring of test system recovery.
The incorporation of imaging not only enhanced precision in surgical access and sampling but also enabled non-invasive tracking of physiological status, ensuring data robustness while upholding CCSEA’s stringent welfare standards.
Significance of the Study
This study provides a powerful framework for:
- Quantifying hepatic extraction, clarifying whether exposure limitations are due to absorption barriers or first-pass metabolism,
- Guiding formulation strategy, such as dissolution enhancement versus first-pass mitigation,
- Informing dose-ranging decisions, and
- Facilitating translation to other large test systems, such as minipigs.
If you are working on compounds with bioavailability challenges or need mechanistic PK insights enhanced by imaging-based approaches, we would be happy to discuss how this model can be adapted to your program.
With one of the largest pools of veterinary surgeons and access to a broad spectrum of test systems including rodents, rabbits, Beagle dogs, minipigs, non-human primates (NHPs), and farm models (Sheep and Farm pigs), Palamur Biosciences is uniquely positioned to deliver tailored preclinical study solutions by integrating cutting-edge imaging technologies with robust pharmacological expertise.
For enquiries, contact us at info@palamurbio.com or WhatsApp +91-87120 14347.
