Developing an in silico model is a process which involves generating mathematical representations of relevant micro-level biological phenomena and mechanisms. These representations can then be compiled into a macro-level description of the actual experimental situation. Once these representations are created, the algorithms can be analyzed to obtain their output.
Creating mathematical representations of relevant micro-level biological phenomena and mechanisms
Creating mathematical representations of relevant micro-level biological phenomena and mechanisms can be a powerful tool for gaining insights into the complexities of biological systems. A well-constructed model provides insights into how parts of a system work together and suggests experiments that could lead to new understandings. A good model also supports the generation and testing of hypotheses.
Biological systems are complex and usually composed of several sub-parts organized into hierarchical structures. The hierarchical structure must be able to handle different forms of information. To be able to represent these levels in a computational model, the models must be able to take into account both qualitative and quantitative information. For example, some quantities are better suited for discrete details, while others are better suited for continuous information. Furthermore, biological systems have a wide range of scales, from molecular to population, as well as time and space scales.
A multi-level hybrid model provides better insights into the complexity of biological systems by integrating information at different system levels. The model can accurately represent different organizational levels within a single model. In addition, multi-level hybrid models are valuable tools for computational systems biology. They can also expand existing knowledge about biological systems.
Analyzing algorithm output
Developing a better understanding of the quality and limitations of different types of data is an essential step towards assessing the performance of an in silico model. As in the real world, every kind of data has advantages and disadvantages. For example, the quality of the input data is one of the most critical factors determining the quality of the output. Similarly, another important consideration is the quality of the algorithm used to generate the data.
The best way to determine the quality of the input data is to conduct an experiment in which a set of relevant data points is measured empirically. To do so, a formal scoring process is necessary to ensure transparency and to allow for continuous learning. Fortunately, the advent of data-sharing hubs has led to various data-sharing initiatives that enable researchers to conduct such experiments with minimal risk of bias.
Regulatory guidance
Regulatory guidance for in silico models is essential. These tools are now critical to drug development and maintenance of drugs on the market. They can provide insight into new drugs’ clinical benefits and health consequences. However, there are several gaps within the in silico model evaluation. This can impact the interactions between sponsors and regulators. Regulatory guidance should address these gaps and describe best practices. It should also provide an assessment of the validity of the models.
Regulatory guidance for in silico models should be based on a high-level framework that can be applied to different types of models. The ASME V&V40 guidelines for medical devices can inspire this framework. This framework can also guide the evaluation process of simulations. It is compulsory to assess the credibility of a model before submitting it for approval.
To assess credibility, a model must demonstrate its clinical utility and the implications of the model on a targeted patient population. The validation process of the model is similar to that of general engineering models. This includes determining whether the model can solve the proper equations and assessing the rigour of the output comparison. Please read our other article to see how to make medical computer equipment last longer.