Application of Gravitational Search Algorithm on the Modified Compartmental Absorption and Transit Model for Predicting Oral Drug Absorption

The rate of oral drug absorption can be predicted using the compartmental absorption and transit (CAT) model. In this paper, the CAT model has been modified by combining the dissolution constant in seven compartments in the small intestine to define the plasma concentration of the oral drug, Atenolol. The simulations were performed using the MATLAB program and optimized by gravitational search algorithm (GSA) technique. Based on the results of the simulation the prediction of plasma concentration of Atenolol at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg, the MCAT model with GSA optimization has a better prediction as compared to the MCAT simulation only. The determination coefficient values (R²) are increased from the range of 80% to more than 90% and show that the simulation results fit very well with the experimental data. The inclusion of GSA helps to optimize the MCAT model in predicting the plasma concentration of drug in the absorption, distribution, and metabolism phase (the first 8 hours after drug administration).