Quantitative Systems Pharmacology: A Framework for Context.

Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) is receiving increased attention. As the momentum builds and the expectations grow it is important to (re)assess and formalize the basic concepts and approaches. In this short review, I argue that QSP, in addition to enabling the rational integration of data and development of complex models, maybe more importantly, provides the foundations for developing an integrated framework for the assessment of drugs and their impact on disease within a broader context expanding the envelope to account in great detail for physiology, environment and prior history. I articulate some of the critical enablers, major obstacles and exciting opportunities manifesting themselves along the way. Charting such overarching themes will enable practitioners to identify major and defining factors as the field progressively moves towards personalized and precision health care delivery.