The Evolution of Drug Metabolism and Disposition: A Perspective From the Editors

This article was solicited to commemorate the 50th anniversary of from five former editors spanning the years 1994 to 2020. During that time frame the journal underwent significant changes in manuscript submission and processing as well as multiple generational changes in the composition of the editorial board and associate editors. A constant, however, has been the commitment to be the premier journal for publications of articles in the areas of drug metabolism, absorption, distribution, excretion, and pharmacokinetics. Advances in some of those areas during the past 3 decades have been monumental. Two cases in point involve cytochromes P450 and drug transporters. In 1994 rigorous characterization of human cytochrome P450 enzymes was in its infancy, there were no proven selective inhibitors, and the idea of solving a human P450 X-ray crystal structure was just a fantasy. Likewise, little was known about individual drug transporters. Today, detailed knowledge of individual human P450 enzymes and drug transporters is integral in drug design and drug discovery and in avoiding drug interactions. In the face of these huge advances in knowledge, each editor has been charged with maintaining the caliber and significance of the journal and its financial solvency while serving the needs of individual authors. We present 5 individual perspectives on the challenges and rewards of serving as DMD editor and hope that, by humanizing the job, we will encourage others to assume posi-tions of responsibility in publication of society journals.

Automated summary

This article commemorates the 50th anniversary of the journal "Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics." It discusses the significant changes the journal underwent in manuscript submission and processing, as well as the advancements in the fields of drug metabolism, absorption, distribution, excretion, and pharmacokinetics. The article also highlights the challenges and rewards faced by each editor in maintaining the journal's caliber and financial stability while serving the needs of individual authors.