Does this sound familiar? You are a pharmacometric modeler facing a tight deadline. You write a code for standard PK models, debug syntax errors, and frantically “search for that elusive semicolon” throwing off your entire script. As the hours tick by, anxiety builds. Will you have enough time to actually explore multiple hypothesis and dive deeply into the modeling and interpretation of results?
This scenario plays out in pharmacometrics departments worldwide – modelers trapped in a cycle of repetitive coding and debugging, often at the expense of true scientific exploration. And now imagine that selecting and implementing models happens as quickly as you form hypotheses.
This is where built-in model libraries of MonolixSuite come into play – a wide range of pre-validated models that are ready to use and customize, and not only for standard PK. By eliminating the need to code every model from scratch, they address key challenges faced by modelers today:
- Reduced implementation time
- Minimized coding errors
- Increased capacity for hypothesis testing
- More time for in-depth scientific analysis
Result? A shift from technical implementation to model exploration.
However, even if the advantages are clear, facing a new tool often raises questions and doubts. So, let us answer the most common concerns about built-in model libraries in Monolix.
Built-in model libraries in Monolix
Is the library comprehensive enough for PK/PD modeling?
Absolutely. With over 30,000 models covering everything from standard PK, PK/PD, parent-metabolite to complex target-mediated-drug-disposition (TMDD), tumor growth inhibition (TGI) and non-continuous time-to-event (TTE) and count models, the library is designed to meet a broad range of PK/PD modeling needs. This comprehensive coverage means you spend less time writing models and more time analyzing results.
Learn about various model libraries in Monolix.
Can I combine or modify existing models to create custom ones?
Yes, and this flexibility is key to maintaining your creativity while saving time. The library is open source, allowing you to use existing models as starting points or combine them to create custom models. This approach significantly reduces coding time compared to writing everything from scratch. Plus, with built-in syntax checking and model editor directly in the Monolix interface, you can modify models easily and confidently. For example, if you need a custom hazard function for a TTE data, you can quickly adapt a library model by changing only the hazard formula, saving hours of coding, and debugging time.
Learn more about editing models from the Monolix library.
How user-friendly is the process of finding and selecting models?
The process is designed for maximum efficiency. Libraries are embedded in Monolix and organized into sections with specific filters. This intuitive system allows you to quickly find models based on criteria like absorption type, number of compartments, or TMDD approximation. The simple “click and apply” approach means you implement models almost as quickly as you conceive them, keeping up with your rapid hypothesis generation.
Imagine this scenario: you choose a PK model with the first order absorption, estimate its parameters, and check the fit in the automatically generated diagnostic plots. Cmax is not captured correctly, and it seems like a double absorption model would be better. With model libraries it is just a few clicks away, no coding needed. This speed of model selection and implementation allows your modeling process to keep pace with your scientific thinking.
Learn more about a typical modeling workflow in Monolix.
Will using pre-built models limit my creativity or understanding of the modeling process?
On the contrary, built-in libraries enhance your creativity by freeing up time for what truly matters – exploring and selecting the best model to describe your data. As a modeler, your primary role is to gain insights and test hypotheses, not to spend hours coding.
How does using built-in libraries affect model documentation and reproducibility?
Built-in libraries enhance documentation and reproducibility. The models are transparent, not black boxes, and can be easily previewed and copied into reports. They are defined in an official Monolix language – Mlxtran – ensuring consistency. Moreover, since these libraries are embedded in the Monolix, projects shared between different users will produce the same results, eliminating discrepancies that can arise from custom-coded models. This standardization reduces errors and saves time in collaborative projects.
How do built-in libraries handle different modeling scenarios?
The libraries are designed to accommodate both simple and complex models across various therapeutic areas. They use macros – special functions that take parameters as inputs to simplify equations – and ODEs for more complex scenarios. This versatility means you can quickly move between various levels of model complexity without the need for extensive recoding.
Can I use the same libraries for simulations?
Yes, and this interoperability is a significant time-saver. MonolixSuite applications are interconnected, with Monolix and Simulx sharing the same model library. This means you can seamlessly export a model built and estimated in Monolix to Simulx for simulations. This consistency across platforms eliminates the need for recoding or translation between different software, reducing potential errors and saving valuable time.
Learn more about using a Monolix project for simulations: https://monolixsuite.slp-software.com/simulx/2024R1/import-a-monolix-project
What now?
Remember that frantic “search for the elusive semicolon”? Those anxious hours spent coding instead of exploring scientific ideas? With built-in model libraries, those scenarios become a thing of the past. Now, you can select, implement, and modify models in just a few clicks, almost as quickly as you think of them.
This is not about some distant future; it is about transforming your workflow today. So go ahead, let your scientific creativity flow. With built-in libraries, your models can finally keep up with your ideas.
Interested? Request a MonolixSuite demo.