Application of data mining approach to identify drug subclasses based on solubility and permeability.

Solubility and permeability are recognized as key parameters governing drug intestinal absorption and represent the basis for biopharmaceutics drug classification. The Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) is widely accepted and adopted by regulatory agencies. However, currently established low/high permeability and solubility boundaries are subject of the ongoing scientific discussion. The aim of the present study is to apply data mining analysis on the selected drugs data set in order to develop human permeability predictive model based on selected molecular descriptors, and perform data clustering and classification to identify drug subclasses with respect to dose/solubility ratio (D/S) and effective permeability (Peff ). Peff values predicted for 30 model drugs for which experimental human permeability data are not available were in good agreement with the reported fraction drug absorbed. The results of clustering and classification analysis indicate predominant influence of Peff over D/S. Two Peff cutoff values (1 x 10-4 and 2.7 x 10-4 cm/s) have been identified indicating existence of intermediate group of drugs with moderate permeability. Advanced computational analysis employed in the present study enabled recognition of complex relationships and patterns within physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties associated with drug bioperformance.