Intrinsic dynamics and pharmacometric model discrimination

Comparison of two competing pharmacometric models is undertaken using graphic representations to elucidate their similarities and differences. The effect compartment model and the indirect response model are simulated and compared for a range of parameters to determine to what extent their dynamic characteristics can be matched. Visual tools such as hysteresis curves are used to examine model dynamics in a variety of ways. Differentiation is facilitated to the extent that competing models have distinctly defined dynamics. For the models studied, the degree of difference depends on the region in parameter space which in turn relates to clinical response.