Laure Elens, Professor at UCLouvain, is one of the two winners of the 2024 Lambertine Lacroix Prize. The title of her research project is "Importance of pharmacokinetics and individual factors to explain variability in Atorvastatin clinical response". Meet the researcher.
What research work have you been awarded this prize for?
"Our research focused on the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia, a major cardiovascular risk factor. Atorvastatin, a widely prescribed statin, shows variable efficacy from one individual to another and can cause muscular side effects in 5 to 15% of patients, with varying degrees of severity. Our work examined the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin, i.e. its absorption, distribution and elimination in the body. We have identified the role of proteins involved in the elimination of atorvastatin, impacting on the cholesterol-lowering response and regulating the accumulation of the drug in muscle, a factor predisposing to side effects. The integration of our clinical and experimental approaches has revealed that patient-specific factors can influence susceptibility to side effects and drug efficacy, by modifying the clearance and distribution of atorvastatin in the body, such as genetic polymorphisms and drug interactions. Our methodology involves using pharmacokinetic modelling methods, recombinant cell models and human muscle cells that are isolated from volunteer muscle biopsies and differentiated in vitro to provide information on the intracellular behaviour of atorvastatin. In short, this in-depth understanding may lead to personalised treatments, reducing side effects and improving compliance with treatment in the management of hypercholesterolaemia."
You have been awarded a Cardiology Prize, although your research focuses on pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics. How did you react when you found out?
"My first reaction was surprise. Not because I doubted the value of our work, but rather because, not being a cardiologist, I was surprised that our research had aroused interest among professionals in the field. Recognising pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics as tools that deserve such an award is a real source of pride for me. My second reaction was one of pride, both in the recognition of our work and in my collaborators, in particular Emilia Hoste, who will be presenting her thesis in a few days' time, and Professors Vincent Haufroid, Louise Deldicque and Jean-Luc Balligand, without whom these major advances would not have been possible".
What does this award mean for you?
"First of all, this award brings us prestigious recognition for our approaches. Pharmacokinetics is a fascinating field that offers an in-depth understanding of certain aspects of pharmacology, and this award underlines its practical usefulness. It reinforces our conviction that there is still much to discover in this field. The funds associated with the award are crucial to maintaining our momentum. Our hypotheses, formulated on the basis of our work, suggest in particular that the susceptibility of patients to side effects linked to certain drug interactions could have a genetic origin, impacting the accumulation of atorvastatin in the muscles. This funding will help us to continue these investigations and further our understanding of the mechanisms involved."
