We are in the process of preparing a manuscript for the application of a systems pharmacology model for understanding a metabolic disorder. Ideally, when publishing these models, the full model structure and parameters are disclosed/made available for download. However, in this particular instance for intellectual property reasons, the full structure of the model cannot be disclosed. I still think we have a compelling story and enough calibration and validation evidence that the model is reasonable, but I’m not sure if reviewers and editors will see it that way. In fact, I know some journals (e.g., CPT:PSP, PLoS) won’t even consider a paper based on mathematical modeling unless it is fully disclosed (for the record I support this position 99% of the time). Any advice on generally how to proceed with a manuscript with a partially black-boxed model? Does anyone have any experience with a journal that may be willing to consider this type of manuscript for review?
-Ted