What in vitro models of infection can and cannot do.

The science of pharmacodynamics analyzes the relationship between an antimicrobial's bactericidal effects and its pharmacokinetics. Ideally, randomized and well-controlled clinical trials are the best way to determine pharmacodynamic properties. However, in vitro models that recapitulate in vivo drug clearance profiles represent an increasingly important technology for carrying out pharmacodynamic studies in a more cost-effective, timely, and easily controlled fashion. Although in vitro pharmacodynamic models cannot incorporate all variables seen in vivo, they do provide valuable information for the drug development process and the determination of optimal dosing regimens.