An ontogenic pig model as human pediatric surrogate for preclinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug testing.

Drug study designs adapted to the pediatric population are lacking up until now. The primary reason is the absence of representative preclinical methods and animal models that accurately reflect the age-based changes observed in infants. Because of the striking similarities in anatomy and physiology between humans and pigs, the suitability of pigs as a pediatric animal model will be evaluated.