Major and Classification
Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor
David Z. D’Argenio, Ph.D., Department of Biomedical Engineering
Department
Viterbi School of Engineering
Research Gateway Project
“Integrated Model for Denosumab: Pharmacodynamics in Postmenopausal Women”
Project Abstract
This study aims to further explore Denosumab and its pharmacodynamics properties as a RANK ligand inhibitor for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. An integrated bone homeostasis model is used as a basis for the interaction of Denosumab with its binding to RANK ligand for postmenopausal women. Values used for the simulations results were extracted from previous literature. A computational model was implemented for the model-based drug development that might improve the evaluation of osteoporosis therapies, leading to better treatment and prevention. A specific aim is to investigate the effects of disease progression with a regimen of different doses of Denosumab, due to the up-regulation of RANKL on changes in bone mineral density. The model is used to explore dose adjustments needed to compensate for the percent decrease in bone mineral density due to changes in RANKL.