Introduction

Pediatric clinical pharmacology is the scientific study of medicines in children and is a relatively new subspecialty in pediatrics in the UK. Training encompasses both the study of the effectiveness of drugs in children (clinical trials) and aspects of drug toxicity (pharmacovigilance). Ethical issues in relation to clinical trials and also studies of the pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism in children are crucial. Pediatric patients require formulations that young children in particular are able to take. The scientific evidence generated from clinical trials, pharmacokinetic studies and studies of drug toxicity all need to be applied in order to ensure that medicines are used rationally in children.

Drug therapy is an essential component in the management of children. The scientific study of medicines in children is known as pediatric clinical pharmacology and is a relatively new subspecialty in the UK.1 It was recognized as a new subspecialty in pediatrics in 2003.2 Since then, accredited pediatric clinical pharmacologists have been appointed in Derby, Newcastle, Liverpool and the Medicines Health Regulatory Agency. There is increasing recognition that medicines used for children should be scientifically evaluated for both efficacy and toxicity.

The UK is one of the few countries in the world which has both a recognized training programme and accreditation.6 ,7 Other countries with a training programme include Australia, Canada and the USA.7 Within Europe, several countries have either trainees or a training programme (Finland, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden).6 There have been discussions internationally (through the European Society for Developmental Perinatal and Pediatric Pharmacology and the EU FP7-funded programme Global Research in Pediatrics) to share experiences and to obtain agreement on an international training programme in pediatric clinical pharmacology.

Pediatric clinical pharmacology

There have also been informal exchanges between training centres in pediatric clinical pharmacology whereby trainees have gained valuable experience in a different country. These exchanges have resulted in both benefits to the individual trainee as also to the training centres which have usually resulted in collaboration in European research projects.

In the European Union, there have been more than 30 new authorizations by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for medications for use in pediatric populations. Additionally, the Pediatric Committee of the EMA has approved over 135 new pediatric investigation plans (PIPs) for new studies. The greatest numbers of PIPs are in the areas of endocrinology and infectious disease with 20 and 19, respectively, followed by oncology and gastroenterology. Furthermore, there have been many contributions by investigator-initiated studies that have led to a greater understanding of the use and effects of medications prescribed to children. Even though it has been recognized that there is a major need for drug development for neonates, these is still a lack of information on the safety and efficacy of drugs that are being used in this population.

Pediatric pharmacists counsel children and their parents about medication and write prescriptions as needed. They track their patients' medical progress and make sure that there are no harmful drug interactions or unexpected side effects. Pediatric pharmacists often work in medical facilities like doctor's offices, pharmacies, and hospitals.

The Journal of “Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research” is using Editorial Tracking System to maintain quality and transparency to the author in the peer-review process. Review processing will be performed by the editorial board members of the Journal of “Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research” or by Reviewers (outside experts in the field). Two independent reviewer’s approval (Minimum reviewer’s approval) followed by editor approval is obligatory for acceptance of any manuscript excluding an editorial.

Regards,

Mary Wilson,

Editorial office,

Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research

E-mail: pharmatoxicol@eclinicalsci.com