Moment analysis in vivo and in vitro.

Moments are quantities that can be calculated either directly from empiric observations or from model equations that describe observed time-dependent events. The analysis of empirically obtained moments provides insight into the mean duration and into the time profile of the underlying processes. The rules of their assessment and analysis are the same for pharmacokinetic and for pharmaceutical observations. Examples are given that show the power of moment analysis in pharmacokinetic experiments in vivo and in pharmaceutical dissolution testing in vitro. The method can be used for evaluation of in vivo/in vitro correlations in biopharmaceutics.