F.A.T. Laboratories pioneers the Finite Absorption Time concept — a paradigm shift in how oral drug absorption is modeled, measured, and applied across drug development, generics, and clinical studies.
• For 70 years, drug absorption was modeled as an infinite process — a foundational assumption that has since been shown to be physically untenable.
• No existing population PK software was capable of analysing both anomalous and classical kinetics data simultaneously — until now.
According to the established view since 1953, drug absorption and elimination operate concurrently from zero time to infinity. This assumption is both unphysical and non-physiological for the absorption process, leading to systematic errors in drug and generics development.
In reality, drug absorption and elimination operate concurrently from zero to F.A.T. (τ) — a finite time — while only elimination continues to operate until infinity. This insight, introduced by Macheras & Chryssafidis (2020), redefines how we model, develop and assess oral drug products.
Classical kinetics (first- or zero-order) can only be applied in well-mixed, homogeneous spaces where Fick's diffusion laws are valid. In media with topological constraints, Fick's laws of diffusion are not valid. (Modeling in Biopharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics — Interdisciplinary Applied Mathematics, Vol. 30)
In under-stirred media where reactions and processes take place in a low-dimensional space, the rate "constant" is time-dependent at all times. This is expressed by the rate coefficient k which governs the so-called fractal reaction kinetics: k = k₁ · th, where k₁ is a constant and the exponent h ≠ 0. (Fractal Reaction Kinetics — Science)
From early-phase studies to regulatory submissions, we apply the F.A.T. framework at every stage. In all stages of drug & generics development we analyze the data utilizing the Finite Time Pharmacokinetics (FTPK) Software. Population PK studies are analyzed with NONMEM as well as using the FractaLPK software. The estimate of the exponent h indicates whether anomalous kinetics is present: if h ≠ 0, anomalous kinetics is observed, whereas if h = 0, the system follows normal (classical) kinetics.
We do not follow the classical development based on bottom-up PBPK models (see rationale & PBFTPK models — PubMed). We perform an oral study with a small number of volunteers and analyze data with the FTPK Software, obtaining the detailed PK profile: number of drug input stages, their duration and input rates, and elimination/disposition rate constants. Most importantly, we estimate — uniquely from an oral study alone — a lower boundary of absolute bioavailability.
An estimate of absolute bioavailability can be obtained if drug and metabolite measurements in urine are included in the oral study. Thus, micro dosing (phase zero) studies are not needed.
FTPK Software · BioavailabilityWe provide model-informed design and analysis of Phase I, II, and III clinical studies using the FTPK software platform. In addition, we conduct population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) analyses through two complementary approaches:
1. Implementation of our Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBFTPK) models as structural models within NONMEM
2. Use of the Population PK module in FractaLPK software
For each approach, we deliver two comprehensive reports, along with an integrated summary that highlights and explains any similarities or differences between the results.
Clinical · PK/PDPrior to any in vitro study for the development of a generic formulation, we analyze the in vivo data of the Reference formulation using the FTPK software. We then construct the % Absorbed versus time curve following our novel methodology. We then follow our revised IVIVC strategy based on dissolution results of the reference formulation carried out under sink conditions (e.g. USP 4). This approach reveals the IVIVs, if any, for the Reference formulation and guides the rational development of the generic formulation. Our approach aligns with the latest EMA/FDA guidance and F.A.T.-informed science.
IVIVC · DevelopmentPrior to the study, innovator and generic products are examined in the spirit delineated in the "Development of Generics" section. Rigorous BE studies are performed to deliver accurate, FDA and EMA regulatory-compliant assessments. Apart from the classical BE report, we provide an additional analysis based on F.A.T. model-dependent and model-independent methodologies using meaningful parameters for the extent and rate of absorption for both formulations. In addition, the lower boundary of absolute bioavailability will be provided for both formulations.
Generics · RegulatoryWe utilize FTPK software for the analysis of pharmacokinetic data. Six PBFTPK models are currently employed, comprising one- and two-compartment disposition models with one, two, or three input stages. In all cases, the number of input stages is determined, and parameter estimates — along with their associated uncertainties — are obtained for the duration and input rates of each stage, as well as for the elimination rate constant or disposition constants. Most importantly, an estimate of the concentration corresponding to the fraction of dose absorbed is derived, allowing the estimation of a lower bound of absolute bioavailability based solely on oral data, through comparison with the observed maximum concentration.
We conduct population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis using NONMEM. Population analysis is also applied using FractaLPK, a novel platform developed by Carlos A. Pérez Aparicio (F.A.T. Laboratories, Population Modeling Director). This platform integrates fractional calculus with population PK methodologies, enabling advanced characterisation of drug kinetics. FractaLPK is built around a proprietary high-precision computational engine for evaluating the Mittag-Leffler function (Eα), which allows for the detection and quantification of anomalous (non-Fickian) drug behaviour directly from standard concentration–time data.
FTPK Software · Population Analysis · Fractal PKThe analytical power of FTPK software enhances the rational design of modified-release formulations. This is because sustained-release formulations are typically designed to exhibit an initial immediate-release phase followed by a prolonged sustained-release phase. Consider a company aiming to develop a 20 mg once-daily formulation to replace an existing 10 mg tablet administered twice daily. Analysis of the in vivo published data for the 10 mg tablet using FTPK software can reveal not only the two absorption phases but also the duration of each phase and their corresponding input rates.
PK · DevelopmentWe perform clinical studies involving human volunteers to explore new ways to diagnose, treat, prevent or understand diseases and health conditions. We carry i) Phase I studies to test safety and dosage, ii) Phase II studies to explore efficacy and side effects in a larger group, iii) Phase III studies to confirm effectiveness and monitor side effects, and iv) Phase IV post-marketing studies to gather additional information on long-term effects. We participate in clinical trials approved in the European Union or Internationally. We collaborate with NKUA's hospitals and private hospitals and local CROs for the registration aspects of the study, monitoring of the patients etc of the clinical trial.
Clinical · PK-PDAnalytical characterization of drug substances and products, supporting formulation development and quality assessment for regulatory filings. The analytical work is also extended to identification of drug metabolites using mass spectrometry. The organic synthesis laboratory can carry the synthesis of metabolites. Also, this laboratory utilizes advanced techniques and methodologies to design and execute synthetic routes for a wide range of organic compounds.
Analysis · QA · SynthesisIn a GLP-certified animal laboratory, studies on skin pharmacology, skin toxicity, oxidative stress, antioxidants, and topical preparations are conducted. Examples of studies carried out in the past include the assessment of the healing potential of various compounds, the evaluation of dermatological effects of acute and long-term UV-C exposure, and the in vitro assessment of the effects of portable, domestic UV-C disinfection devices on skin fibroblasts.
Skin · RegulatoryOur interdisciplinary team brings together pharmacokinetics, chemistry, physics, informatics and clinical medicine.
Emeritus Professor, School of Pharmacy, NKUA. Pioneer of the Finite Absorption Time concept. Over 40 years of research in pharmacokinetics and drug development.
Professor, Department of Informatics, NKUA. He is the current president of the Association for Computing Machinery.
Leads the Drug–Generics–Super Generics Laboratory. Expert in pharmaceutical sciences and the application of F.A.T. models to generic drug development.
Directs the Pharmaceutical Analysis Laboratory. Specializes in analytical chemistry methods for drug substance and product characterization.
Emeritus Professor, School of Medicine, University of Crete. He currently serves as Chief Strategy Officer of the European Heart Agency/ESC.
Pavlos Chryssafidis is a Dental Surgeon, Physicist and holds a master's degree in Computational Mechanics from NTUA.
Pharmacist and regulatory specialist with expertise in EMA/FDA submissions. Leads the Regulatory Affairs Unit, ensuring compliance across all service lines.
Evita graduated from the Department of Mathematics, University of Patras. She holds an MSc in Computer Science from NKUA.
Studied Industrial Chemical Engineering, Escuela Politécnica, Universidad de Murcia. Holds a diploma in Mathematics and a BSc (Hons) Mathematics from The Open University, UK, and an MSc in Advanced Mathematics from Universidad de Murcia.
Our peer-reviewed work underpins every service we offer.
European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences · Vol. 176 · doi: 10.1016/j.ejps.2022.106265
Available via RDCU · rdcu.be/epESG
Pharmaceutical Research · doi: 10.1007/s11095-024-03653-x
NKUA Physical Chemistry Laboratory · jupiter.chem.uoa.gr
F.A.T. Laboratories collaborates with pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, hospitals and regulatory bodies to bring the F.A.T. paradigm into real-world drug development.
F.A.T. Laboratories was established in October 2025 as an official spinoff of NKUA, building on over a decade of research conducted at the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Chemistry. We are committed to the European Commission's Gender Equality Roadmap (March 2025).
Whether you are a pharmaceutical company, a research institution, or a clinical team, we would love to discuss how the F.A.T. framework can improve your drug development pipeline.
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