Shelby Coates is the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Highlighted Trainee Author for the November 2023 issue. Currently, Shelby is a fifth-year PhD candidate at Washington State University, in the Pharmaceutical Sciences and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program at the laboratory of Dr. Philip Lazarus. The JPET article that earned her the honor of being selected as Highlighted Trainee Author is titled: “Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, and Morphine Metabolism and Drug-Drug Interactions” and is available at
https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.123.001651.  

Ms. Coates’ research projects focus primarily on assessing the pharmacokinetic drug interaction potential of major cannabinoids (cannabis phytochemicals), including THC and CBD, using in vitro to in vivo extrapolation that incorporates in vitro, pharmacokinetic modeling, and clinical data. She is currently investigating the risks associated with concomitant use of cannabis with commonly prescribed opioids. Results from this research show that cannabinoids like CBD inhibit drug-metabolizing enzymes involved in the metabolism of hydrocodone and morphine. 

The anticipated impact of her work is to provide a mechanistic understanding of the pharmacokinetic cannabis-drug interactions with commonly prescribed opioids. This information will be made available to support or counter speculation about the safety of the concomitant use of cannabis with opioids enabling clinicians and federal regulators to make informed decisions about the safe use of cannabis. 

When not in the lab, Shelby enjoys playing soccer and cooking. She also likes spending time with her family and friends.