- Information on pharmacokinetic parameters of the absorption, distribution, excretion and metabolism of a pharmaceutical or chemical test substance, can be obtained during toxicity studies from 'satellite' groups of animals.
- These studies are helpful (and mandatory in the case of pharmaceuticals) in the evaluation and interpretation of toxicological data. These studies correlate pharmacokinetic data (drug plasma levels) with the toxicities observed.
- Toxicokinetic studies may provide data useful for selecting appropriate dose levels for use in other toxicity studies.
- Toxicokinetic studies may provide information on the amount and rate of absorption of the test substance, the pattern of distribution of the test substance among tissues, organs and fluid compartments.