Weize Huang is the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Highlighted Trainee Author for the January 2020 issue. Mr. Huang is a pre-doctoral trainee in the Department of Pharmaceutics at the University of Washington.  His mentor is Dr. Nina Isoherranen.  The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics article that earned him selection as a Highlighted Trainee Author is titled “Sampling Site Has a Critical Impact on Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling” and is available at https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.119.262154.

Mr. Huang’s area of research is the development and verification of mechanistic physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to predict parent-metabolite disposition in specific populations such as renal impairment patients and pregnant women. His current research involves the development and verification of a physiologically-based kidney model to predict renal drug handling. Specifically, he is studying how changes in tubular fluid/urine pH, drug-drug interactions with renal transporters, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) can alter renal clearance and systemic drug disposition. In addition to establishing PBPK models for specific populations, Mr. Huang also works on developing best practice for fit-for-purpose PBPK modeling and creating appropriate statistical criteria to assess PBPK model acceptance and predictability.

The anticipated impact of Mr. Huang’s research is to improve the current practice of using PBPK models and to integrate statistical methodology with PBPK modeling practices. Further, his kidney modeling work will advance the understanding and prediction methods for renal clearance and renal drug disposition in different physiological states. This will help researchers, regulatory agencies, and healthcare providers in assessing drug toxicity/safety under the effect of co-administrated medications, different urine pH statuses, and specific kidney disease states.

When not in the lab, Weize enjoys tennis, basketball, chess, and reading.