MATLAB: Systems Biology Toolbox vs. SimBiology

SimBiologysystems biology toolbox

Hi –
General question: can anyone contrast the Systems Biology Toolbox vs. SimBiology for solving Systems Biology and PK/PD problems? Looking at the features of the two tools seems to show that SimBiology is more user-friendly, whereas the Systems Biology Toolbox is more versatile and allows for SBML import. Is this about right?

Best Answer

I haven't really used the Systems Biology Toolbox, but I am a developer on the SimBiology team so I can add a few more details about the capabilities of SimBiology.
In short, we are working on making SimBiology a powerful and useful tool for Systems Biology, PK/PD, and models that bridge the two. Here are a few capabilities that might be of interest to you:
  • Import and export via SBML
  • Command-line interface that builds on top of the MATLAB language
  • Graphical desktop provides a graphical model editor, interactive model exploration, project management (of models, data, tasks), an easier introduction to the product's capabilities
  • Fast simulations (comparable to code written in C) via model "acceleration"
  • Sensitivity analysis
  • Parameter estimation and fitting
  • PK model library
  • Nonlinear mixed-effect (NLME) modeling for population data, including support for the stochastic approximation algorithm
As Ryan points out, SimBiology is a MathWorks product (while the Systems Biology Toolbox is not). So if you have more questions about SimBiology's technical capabilities or want to know about training or support options, please feel free to contact me directly. If I can't answer your questions, I will put you in touch with someone who can.
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