Optimal serial dilutions designs for drug discovery experiments.

Dose-response studies are an essential part of the drug discovery process. They are typically carried out on a large number of chemical compounds using serial dilution experimental designs. This paper proposes a method of selecting the key parameters of these designs (maximum dose, dilution factor, number of concentrations and number of replicated observations for each concentration) depending on the stage of the drug discovery process where the study takes place. This is achieved by employing and extending results from optimal design theory. Population D- and D(S)-optimality are defined and used to evaluate the precision of estimating the potency of the tested compounds. The proposed methodology is easy to use and creates opportunities to reduce the cost of the experiments without compromising the quality of the data obtained in them.

Comparison of methods for statistical analysis of combination studies.

This paper is concerned with the statistical analysis of data obtained in studies of the joint action of drugs. The three methods that are compared are illustrated on real data (1), using the statistical package SAS. It is argued that while the results obtained using these methods do not differ substantially, the method allowing for estimating simultaneously all required parameters is to be preferred. It allows for a statistical test for the significance of the joint action of the drug combinations to be carried out.

Observational study on variability between biobanks in the estimation of DNA concentration.

BACKGROUND: There is little confidence in the consistency of estimation of DNA concentrations when samples move between laboratories. Evidence on this consistency is largely anecdotal. Therefore there is a need first to measure this consistency among different laboratories and then identify and implement remedies. A pilot experiment to test logistics and provide initial data on consistency was therefore conceived. METHODS: DNA aliquots at nominal concentrations between 10 and 300 ng/mul were dispensed into the wells of 96-well plates by one participant - the coordinating centre. Participants estimated the concentration in each well and returned estimates to the coordinating centre. RESULTS: Considerable overall variability was observed among estimates. There were statistically significant differences between participants' measurements and between fluorescence emission and absorption spectroscopy. CONCLUSION: Anecdotal evidence of variability in DNA concentration estimation has been substantiated. Reduction in variability between participants will require the identification of major sources of variation, specification of effective remedies and their implementation.