Comparative pharmacokinetics in non-human primates

Several studies in the literature suggest that the biotransformation of foreign compounds in man is more similar to that in the non-human primate than to that in other laboratory animal species. However, published information about the pharmacokinetics of foreign compounds in non-human primates is limited and usually derived from one species, the rhesus monkey. In view of the often limited availability of this species for use in the development and safety evaluation of new drugs, pesticides, etc., it is necessary to search for potential replacement species for future use. This thesis compares the pharmacokinetics of seven well-known or commonly used drugs, i.e. antipyrine, diazepam, frusemide, ibuprofen, isosorbide dinitrate, paracetamol and pentobarbitone in the rhesus monkey, cynomolgus monkey and baboon with a view to defining further the suitability of these species for the study of newer substances. These three non-human primate species are those that are most frequently used in pharmacology and toxicology studies. The drugs were chosen for study because they are extensively used clinically and related human pharmacokinetic data are available for comparison. [Continues.]