SKIN-CAD

SKIN-CAD is a simulation software for skin-body pharmacokinetics, developed on the basis of a percutaneous absorption model. It is intended for researchers and formulators working on transdermal and topical drug delivery systems, and can predict skin permeation amounts and blood concentration profiles by accepting a range of model parameters as input.

The software supports optimization of transdermal drug delivery system design, including prediction of clinical performance and setup of administration schedules. It can also evaluate the effects of various factors on skin permeation and blood concentration profiles. Model parameters can be derived from in vitro or in vivo experiments, or estimated from correlation equations. SKIN-CAD generates graphical outputs including blood concentration–time profiles for systemic application, drug distribution in the skin for topical application, and skin permeability data for skin-care products. The software also supports analysis of metabolism and binding effects in the skin, enhancement via iontophoretic application, and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling.

Simulation Models

• Skin permeation model (2-layer or 1-layer)
• Drug-dissolved matrix system / skin permeation model
• Drug-dispersed matrix system / skin permeation model
• Vehicle compartment / skin permeation model

Input Parameters

• System application period and applied area
• Release characteristics from formulation
• Skin structure, including thickness of each layer
• Diffusion and partition coefficients in skin
• Body pharmacokinetic parameters using 1-, 2-, or 3-compartment models

Optional Input Parameters

• Skin binding parameters (Langmuir type or Freundlich type)
• Skin metabolism parameters (Michaelis-Menten type or first-order kinetics)
• Conditions of iontophoretic application, covering electrorepulsion via the Nernst-Planck equation and/or electroosmosis
• Pharmacodynamic parameters, including direct response, effect compartment, or indirect response models

Output Data

• Cumulative amount permeated
• Blood concentration over time
• Drug distribution in matrix and skin
• Pharmacologic effect

Available Resources

• SKIN-CAD Brochure (PDF)
• SKIN-CAD Presentation (PDF)
• SKIN-CAD Publications (PDF)
• SKIN-CAD Patents (PDF)
• SKIN-CAD Release Notes (PDF)

SKIN-CAD is distributed in Poland through FQS Poland, a subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited. A trial version of the software is available for download. The tool is relevant to application areas including drug design, pharmacokinetics, topical and transdermal drug delivery, and animal testing alternatives.