Advancing Quantitative Pharmacology in Northern Uganda

Researchers, clinicians, postgraduate students, and academic scientists from Gulu University, Lira University, and Muni University gathered at Gulu University for a two-day Introductory Workshop on the Application of Mathematical Models in Quantitative Pharmacology, organized by the MILK PBPK project at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI).

The workshop was designed to build foundational knowledge in quantitative pharmacology and expose participants to mathematical modelling approaches that are transforming drug development, precision dosing, and clinical research. By strengthening local expertise in pharmacometrics, the initiative contributes to improving research quality and supporting evidence-informed healthcare across Northern Uganda.

The workshop commenced with welcome remarks and an overview delivered by Francis Williams Ojara, who highlighted the growing role of quantitative pharmacology in modern medicine. He noted that mathematical models such as the Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model are increasingly informing drug development, optimizing medicine dosing, and improving patient outcomes.

He encouraged participants to embrace the workshop as an opportunity to build new knowledge, foster collaboration, and lay the foundation for future research partnerships in pharmacometrics.

Understanding the Science Behind Medicines

The first scientific session, facilitated by MILK PhD Scholar Joshua Kiptoo, introduced participants to the fundamentals of pharmacology. His presentation covered what constitutes a drug, the principles of Pharmacokinetics (PK) and Pharmacodynamics (PD), and the importance of understanding how medicines are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body.

The session provided the scientific grounding needed to appreciate how mathematical models can be applied to optimize medicine use and improve patient care.

Building on these concepts, Francis Williams Ojara led participants through an engaging introduction to Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling. He demonstrated how PBPK models integrate anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry to predict the behaviour of medicines within the human body and discussed their applications in drug development, risk assessment, dose optimization, and extrapolation to different patient populations.

On the second day, he returned to explain how researchers evaluate the performance of pharmacometric models, emphasizing the importance of model verification and validation in ensuring reliable predictions for research and clinical decision-making.

Introducing Participants to Pharmacometric Tools

A practical session led by Davies Otieno introduced participants to software platforms commonly used in pharmacometric modelling. He provided an overview of both freely available and commercial tools, guiding participants through their interfaces and demonstrating how these applications support the development, simulation, and analysis of pharmacokinetic models.

The session offered participants their first hands-on experience with modelling software, equipping them with practical skills that complement the theoretical concepts presented throughout the workshop.

On the second day, Davies facilitated another session focusing on special populations and variability, highlighting how factors such as age, pregnancy, lactation, disease conditions, and genetic differences influence drug disposition and treatment outcomes. The discussion underscored the importance of incorporating population variability into mathematical models to support precision medicine.

Learning Through Hands-On Modelling

Theory was brought to life through interactive practical sessions facilitated by Henry Enzama, who led participants in building a basic PBPK model step by step. Participants learned how to input physiological and drug-specific parameters, develop simple models, and interpret simulation outputs.

Henry also presented a compelling case study demonstrating the application of PBPK modelling in optimizing hydroxyurea dosing. The real-world example illustrated how pharmacometric models can be used to improve dosing strategies, enhance treatment effectiveness, and reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions.

These practical sessions enabled participants to appreciate how mathematical modelling translates into meaningful solutions for clinical research and patient care.

Strengthening Collaboration Across Institutions

Beyond technical learning, the workshop created a valuable platform for networking and interdisciplinary collaboration. Researchers from pharmacy, medicine, pharmacology, mathematics, statistics, and biological sciences exchanged ideas, shared research experiences, and explored opportunities for future collaborations in quantitative pharmacology.

The interactions reinforced the importance of bringing together diverse expertise to address complex healthcare challenges and advance research excellence in Uganda.

The workshop reflects the MILK-CENTRE's commitment to strengthening scientific capacity in Uganda by introducing researchers and clinicians to innovative tools that are increasingly shaping global health research. As quantitative pharmacology becomes more central to drug development and precision medicine, building local expertise will enable Ugandan scientists to contribute more effectively to evidence-based therapeutic innovation.

Participants concluded the workshop with an enhanced understanding of pharmacometric principles, greater confidence in applying mathematical models to research, and renewed enthusiasm for pursuing advanced training in the field.

Looking Ahead

The Introductory Workshop on the Application of Mathematical Models in Quantitative Pharmacology marks an important milestone in expanding pharmacometric capacity in Northern Uganda. Through continued investment in training, mentorship, and collaborative research, the MILK-CENTRE is nurturing a growing community of scientists equipped to harness mathematical modelling to improve drug development, optimize treatment, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes in Uganda and beyond.