Utility of Biomarker-Informed Drug Interaction Evaluation in Drug Development and Regulatory Decision Making

The measurement of endogenous biomarkers in plasma and urine before and after administration of an investigational drug in a clinical study may provide an early indication of its drug-drug interaction (DDI) potential via a specific pathway. In the first international harmonized guideline on drug interaction studies, the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) M12, endogenous biomarkers have been recognized as an emerging approach in the transporter- and enzyme-based DDI risk assessment. Clinical Pharmacology Roundtable Conference 2024 held at Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) brought together experts from regulatory agencies, academia, and industries to discuss potential advantages and challenges of the biomarkers approach in drug development and regulatory decision making. This meeting report facilitates stakeholders involved in drug development in better understanding the utility of biomarker approaches and promotes early implementation of biomarker-informed DDI evaluation in regulatory use.