ABSTRACT
The objective of this article is to introduce the reader to some aspects of drug discovery where system theory can potentially play a useful role. Specifically, attention is focused on modeling the human body as a dynamical system, so that the action of a drug (both beneficial as well as unwanted) can possibly be predicted in a systematic fashion. We begin by describing the current serious, almost crisis-like, situation in drug discovery. Thenwe describe two out of themany success stories of physiologicalmodeling, namely the glucose-insulin control system in diabetics, and the control of infection amongHIV patients. Thenwe conclude with a brief description of how probabilistic methods can be used tomodel/predict toxicity. The overall message is that, given the current state of knowledge of human physiology, it is quite reasonable for control and system theorists to aspire to play a significant role in drug discovery and development.
