In a recent issue of Drug Metabolism and Disposition (DMD), we celebrated Dr. Yuichi Sugiyama, one of DMD's most prolific authors, for his seminal contributions to physiologically based pharmacokinetics and membrane transporters. This recognition is part of a particular section authored by Dr. Sugiyama and several former trainees, focusing on Mechanism-Based Predictive Methods in Drug Discovery and Development.

Dr. Sugiyama's prominent career spans over four decades, during which he mentored numerous students and made remarkable strides in understanding the mechanisms governing drug pharmacokinetics. His research has covered various areas, including molecular biology, pharmacogenomics, molecular imaging, in silico analysis, DDI biomarkers and metabolomics.

This special section showcases Dr. Sugiyama's pioneering work, particularly his efforts to predict human hepatic clearance through in vitro experiments using the in vitro-in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) approach. Additionally, Dr. Sugiyama's former trainees, who have also made significant contributions to the field, present their research in the special section. This includes studies on drug transporters, the impact of preincubation time-dependent inhibition on drug transport, the evaluation of biomarkers for drug-drug interactions and much more.

In essence, this special section pays tribute to Dr. Sugiyama's enduring legacy and the profound impact of his work on pharmacokinetics. It offers valuable insights that advance drug development strategies and enhance clinical practice.