Relevance and Utility of Transporters to Drug Discovery and Development

Richard B. Kim, M.D.
Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology
Division of Clinical Pharmacology
Vanderbilt University

Drug transporters are now increasingly recognized to be important to the disposition as well as tissue-specific targeting of drugs in discovery and development. In this presentation, key drug transporters that mediate the uptake and efflux of drugs will be outlined. In addition, model systems for intestinal, hepatic, as well as blood-brain barrier transporters will be discussed. The clinical relevance of drug transporters will also be reviewed.

Dr. Kim received his medical degree from University of Saskatchewan, Canada in 1987. Currently he is Professor in the Division of Clinical Pharmacology at Vanderbilt University. His research interest is that of understanding the molecular basis of interindividual differences in drug disposition.