ISAMPLE in SAEM algorithm with ETASAMPLES=1

Dear all, I'm using SAEM algorithm with option ETASAMPLES=1 ISAMPLE=10 EONLY=1 to draw random eta samples from individual posteriors, according to the NONMEM user guide. However, I realized that ISAMPLE can not be larger than 10 otherwise NONMEM will generate only two samples per individual as if ISAMPLE=2. I was wondering if there's way if I wish to have for instance 50 ISAMPLES? Additionally, in the example from the NONMEM user guide of using ETASAMPLES=1 EONLY=1, NBURN is set to 200. From my understanding, for such purpose, SAEM uses parameter estimates from previous $EST step and only draws random samples around them and there's no maximization step. I guess NBURN=1 would be sufficient? Any comment is appreciated! Warm regards, Tingjie Guo

Tingjie: The ETASAMPLES method is better developed in NONMEM 7.5.0, along with the description of it in nm750.pdf Maximal ISAMPLE can be increased with $SIZES ISAMPLEMAX=250 for example. Robert J. Bauer, Ph.D. Senior Director Pharmacometrics R&D ICON Early Phase 820 W. Diamond Avenue Suite 100 Gaithersburg, MD 20878 Office: (215) 616-6428 Mobile: (925) 286-0769 [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> http://www.iconplc.com

Dear Robert, Thanks! Do you also agree with NBURN=1? Warm regards, Tingjie