ADME
ADME — An acronym for Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion, the four key pharmacokinetic processes that determine a peptide's fate in biological systems.
What Is ADME?
ADME stands for Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion, the four processes that determine how a peptide moves through the body after administration. ADME characterization is essential for predicting peptide pharmacokinetics, optimizing dosing regimens, and identifying potential drug-drug interactions.
Peptide ADME Characteristics
- Absorption: Route-dependent. SC bioavailability 50-100%; oral < 2% for most peptides
- Distribution: Small peptides (< 5 kDa) distribute into extracellular fluid. PEGylated peptides have larger Vd
- Metabolism: Primarily by proteolytic enzymes rather than CYP450 (unlike small molecules)
- Excretion: Renal filtration for small peptides; proteolytic fragments recycled as amino acids
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ADME?
An acronym for Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion, the four key pharmacokinetic processes that determine a peptide's fate in biological systems.
Why is ADME important in peptide research?
ADME is a fundamental concept in pharmacology as it relates to peptide science. It directly influences experimental design, compound characterization, and the reliability of research outcomes across biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines.