Table Talk with Elizabeth de Lange

Prof Dr Elizabeth de Lange has been trained as a chemist with a specialization in Biophysical Chemistry (Groningen University, Groningen, The Netherlands). She obtained her PhD in Pharmacology (Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research (LACDR), at Leiden University, The Netherlands). She is a professor in Predictive Pharmacology at the Research Division of Systems Pharmacology and Pharmacy of the LACDR. With her team she is contributing to the unraveling the rate and extent of mechanisms that govern central nervous system (CNS) target site pharmacokinetics (PK) and related pharmacodynamics (PD), with special emphasis on physiologically-based translation between species and conditions. The ultimate aim is to have mathematical models that support CNS drug development (reducing/replacing the use of animals) and can predict the best possible treatment for CNS conditions in the individual patient ('tailor-made').

 In-house, state-of-the-art multi-level animal experimental designs and bio-analytical techniques are used to generate smart data and insights that are condensed and stored in advanced mathematical models according to her Mastermind Research Approach (De Lange, FBCNS, 2013). These models provide a good basis of translation to humans, while also they reduce further need and ultimately replace the use of animals. Specifically, the preclinical experiments have a comparative and integrative design to elucidate conditional influences on individual mechanisms. It includes the cycle of simulations – predictions – experimental testing – data modeling– simulations, etc. (Learn and confirm paradigm). This extensive, highly structured and systematic approach has proven to be the road to extrapolate between species and drugs and predict human CNS PK and PD. The physiologically-based LeiCNSPK3.0 model that adequately predicts PK in multiple locations in the CNS of mice, rat and human is an important example.

Prof de Lange has published over 140 articles and 16 book chapters (h-index=48). She has provided more than 165 invited lectures and has organized more than 90 conferences/symposia/courses/workshops. She has had multiple leadership positions in large international organizations, such as the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), but also on national and on institute level. In 2013, she received the AAPS Fellow Award as recognition of her professional excellence, for the demonstrated sustained level of superior and distinguished professional achievement and contributions in fields related to the mission of the AAPS. In 2020, she received an Honorary Doctor in Pharmacy from Uppsala University. Also, in 2020, she received the prestigious Lewis Sheiner lecture award from the International Society of Pharmacometrics.