Pharmacokinetic modelling wins cardiology prize

Laure Elens, Professor at UCLouvain and researcher at LDRI, is one of the two winners of the 2024 Lambertine Lacroix Prize.

Her research project is entitled "Importance of pharmacokinetics and individual factors to explain variability in Atorvastatin clinical response".

“Meet the researcher” is an interview produced by the FNRS, from which the following are selected extracts.

What research work have you been awarded this prize for?

Our research focused on the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia, a major cardiovascular risk factor. Atorvastatin, a widely prescribed statin, shows variable efficacy from one individual to another and can cause muscular side effects in 5 to 15% of patients, with varying degrees of severity. Our work examined the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin, i.e. its absorption, distribution and elimination in the body. This deeper understanding may lead to personalised treatments, reducing side effects and improving compliance in the management of hypercholesterolaemia.

You have been awarded a prize for cardiology, even though your research focuses on pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics. How did you react when you found out?

My first reaction was surprise. Not because I doubted the value of our work, but rather because, not being a cardiologist, I was surprised that our research had aroused the interest of professionals in the field. Recognising pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics as tools that deserve such an award is a real source of pride for me. My second reaction was one of pride, both in the recognition of our work and in my collaborators, in particular Emilia Hoste who will be presenting her thesis in a few days' time, as well as Professors Vincent Haufroid, Louise Deldicque and Jean-Luc Balligand, without whom these major advances would not have been possible.

What will this reward bring you?

First of all, this award brings us prestigious recognition for our approaches. Pharmacokinetics is a fascinating field that offers an in-depth understanding of certain aspects of pharmacology, and this award underlines its practical usefulness. It reinforces our conviction that there is still much to discover in this field. The funds associated with the award will help us to continue our investigations and deepen our understanding of the mechanisms involved.