The Drug Metabolism Discussion Group
Abstract
XENOBIOTICA, 1981, VOL. 11, NO. 12, 801 The Drug Metabolism Discussion Group The idea of an industrial Drug Metabolism Discussion Group (DMDG) was first considered during the Second European Workshop on Drug Metabolism at the University of Surrey. Following these informal discussions, Alastair Monro (Pfizer) arranged a meeting in December 1971, to establish the D M D G . Representatives of nine drug companies attended and a committee was formed, consisting of Alastair Monro, David Foulkes (ICI), Bob Long (Roche) and Torben Hesselbo (SKF). The group planned to meet twice a year to discuss techniques used to study drug metabolism in industry. It was decided, therefore, to restrict membership to those working in the pharmaceutical industry. T o encourage informality, the proceedings would not be recorded and only two representatives from each company would be allowed to attend. The first scientific session was held at ICI Pharmaceuticals in May 1972, and considered topics such as the detection and measurement of labelled material in tissues, the use of radioisotopes in man and the role of g.1.c.-mass spectrometry. These limited-attendance meetings are still held on a regular basis. In 1975, however, the group expanded its activities. So that more people