Dendrimers are repeatedly branched and roughly spherical large molecules. They can be used in various medical applications, such as anticancer polymeric nanomedicines and nanocarriers, gene carriers and vectors in gene delivery, contrast agents for molecular imaging and vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer. The highly branched, multivalent nature and molecular architecture of dendrimers make them ideal tools for a variety of tissue engineering applications. This book describes different categories of dendrimers, their biomedical and physico-chemical applications as well as convergent and divergent syntheses, click chemistry and ligation strategies. It is a rich source of information for researchers in biochemistry and pharmacology working on drug development as well as for organic chemists who are engaged in synthesis of dendrimers.

This book is the second of two volumes that offer a comprehensive, up-to-date account of current knowledge regarding high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the changes that occur in HDL under different conditions, the clinical applications of HDL, and means of enhancing HDL functionality. In this volume, the focus is on the improvement of HDL, enhancement of its functionality, and the use of HDL for therapeutic purposes. In the first section, up-to-date information is provided on such topics as the tumor regression-promoting and antidiabetic activities of reconstituted HDL containing V156K apolipoprotein A-I, the enhancement of HDL effects by high doses of vitamin C, the benefits derived from incorporation of growth hormones 1 and 2 into rHDL, and the biological functions of omega-3 linolenic acid in rHDL. The enhancement of HDL functionality by policosanol and the resultant benefits are thoroughly examined in a separate section. Readers will also find the latest information on clinical applications of HDL. Here, specific topics include the enhancement of adenoviral gene delivery and the delivery of rapamycin. In documenting the latest knowledge in this field, this volume will be of interest to both researchers and clinicians.

Computational biology drives discovery through its use of high-throughput informatics approaches. This book provides a road map of the current drug development process and how computational biology approaches play a critical role across the entire drug discovery pipeline. Through the use of previously unpublished, real-life case studies the impact of a range of computational approaches are discussed at various phases of the pipeline. Additionally, a focus section provides innovative visualisation approaches, from both the drug discovery process as well as from other fields that utilise large datasets, recognising the increasing use of such technology. Serving the needs of early career and more experienced scientists, this up-to-date reference provides an essential introduction to the process and background of drug discovery, highlighting how computational researchers can contribute to that pipeline.

This second edition of Clinical Use of Anti-Infective Agents provides a comprehensive overview of current approaches to using drugs to treat infections, including historical perspectives, definitions, and discussion of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and their uses. It includes a detailed explanation of different classes of drugs, outlining their spectrum, pharmacokinetics, side effects, and dosing in clinical settings. This book has been designed as a reference tool for pharmacists, clinicians, nurse practitioners, and clinical microbiologists, as well as a teaching vehicle for students studying infection and patient treatment. Each section includes references allowing for in-depth study of specific agents, Q&As, and illustrative case studies accompanied by commentary on how to approach patients and organisms, optimal methods of making a diagnosis, and prescribing treatment.

Drug Delivery Trends examines a drift in the pharmaceutical field across the wide range of dosage forms, drug delivery systems (micro and nanoparticulate), at the regulatory front and on new types of therapies in the market. This volume additionally covers the challenges on drug delivery systems in terms of preclinical and current ways of determining quality and the options to solve the challenges associated with this. Most small-medium scale industries and academics struggle with initial regulatory challenges so a detailed discussion on regulatory trend covers the necessary basic understanding of regulatory procedures and provides the required guidance. The series Expectations and Realities of Multifunctional Drug Delivery Systems examines the fabrication, optimization, biological aspects, regulatory and clinical success of wide range of drug delivery carriers. This series reviews multifunctionality and applications of drug delivery systems, industrial trends, regulatory challenges and in vivo success stories. Throughout the volumes discussions on diverse aspects of drug delivery carriers, such as clinical, engineering, and regulatory, facilitate insight sharing across expertise area and form a link for collaborations between industry-academic scientists and clinical researchers. Expectations and Realities of Multifunctional Drug Delivery Systems connects formulation scientists, regulatory experts, engineers, clinical experts and regulatory stake holders. The wide scope of the book ensures it as a valuable reference resource for researchers in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry who want to learn more about drug delivery systems.

This second edition further develops the principles of applying kinetic principles to drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters. Chapters are divided into six sections detailing fundamental principles of enzyme kinetics, enzyme and transporter structures, highlighting specific oxidative and conjugative drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters, modeling approaches for drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters, understanding of variability both experimental and interindividual (pharmacogenomic), and expanded case studies that provide real life examples of applying these principles. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, in some cases step-by-step instructions with readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls with extensive cross referencing to assist in learning. Authoritative and fully updated, Enzyme Kinetics in Drug Metabolism: Fundamentals and Applications, Second Edition serves as a practical teaching tool for novice and advanced scientists interested in the fundamental concepts.

Delivery of Drugs: Expectations and Realities of Multifunctional Drug Delivery Systems, Volume Two examines the formulation of micro-nanosized drug delivery systems and recaps opportunities for using physical methods to improve efficacy via mechano-, electroporation. The book highlights innovative delivery methods like PIPAC, including discussions on the regulatory aspects of complex injectables. Written by a diverse range of international researchers from industry and academia, the chapters examine specific aspects of characterization and manufacturing for pharmaceutical applications as well as regulatory and policy aspects. This book connects formulation scientists, regulatory experts, engineers, clinical experts and regulatory stakeholders. This level of discussion makes it a valuable reference resource for researchers in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry who want to learn more about the status of drug delivery systems.

Molecular Evolutionary Models in Drug Discovery explores the application of evolutionary molecular models in drug discovery in which secondary metabolites play a fundamental role. Secondary metabolites are not produced in isolation, they are the result of the interaction of genes, metabolism and the environment. The book examines the role of secondary metabolites as leads in drug discovery and on the development of a rational bioprospecting model for new medicines based on the evolution of secondary metabolism. These evolutionary models are part of biological systems and are the most reliable expression of the functioning of living beings.

This book is a comprehensive review of thrombin, especially as regulatory protease. The ready availability of highly purified thrombin has stimulated rapid advances in the cell biology of this important macromolecule. The text focuses on research findings from the discovery of thrombin by Andrew Buchanan in 1842 to the present. A substantial amount of this work was conducted by the author and his colleagues. His work on the purification of thrombin was seminal to much subsequent work on thrombin. This volume provides a framework for future studies now made possible by the discovery of the importance of exosites in the physiology of thrombin function. The current work describes the process of the development of an oral inhibitor of thrombin used in the prevention of thrombosis. Key Features Reviews the history of Thrombin (Fibrin Ferment) Documents the relation of protein engineering and chemical modification in the study of thrombin Summarizes the interaction of thrombin with fibrinogen and fibrin Outlines the role of exosites in thrombin function Describes the development of an oral inhibitor for thrombin

Nanopharmaceuticals reviews advances in the drug delivery field via nanovehicles or nanocarriers that offer benefits like targeted therapy and serves as a single dose magic bullet for multiple drug delivery with improved drug efficiency at a lower dose, transportation of the drug across physiological barriers as well as reduced drug-related toxicity. The chapters are written by a diverse group of international researchers from industry and academia. The series Expectations and Realities of Multifunctional Drug Delivery Systems examines the fabrication, optimization, biological aspects, regulatory and clinical success of wide range of drug delivery carriers. This series reviews multifunctionality and applications of drug delivery systems, industrial trends, regulatory challenges and in vivo success stories. Throughout the volumes discussions on diverse aspects of drug delivery carriers, such as clinical, engineering, and regulatory, facilitate insight sharing across expertise area and form a link for collaborations between industry-academic scientists and clinical researchers. Expectations and Realities of Multifunctional Drug Delivery Systems connects formulation scientists, regulatory experts, engineers, clinical experts and regulatory stake holders. The wide scope of the book ensures it as a valuable reference resource for researchers in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry who want to learn more about drug delivery systems. Other volumes in the Expectations and Realities of Multifunctional Drug Delivery Systems book series: Delivery of Drugs, Volume 2, 9780128177761 Drug Delivery Trends, Volume 3, 9780128178706 Drug Delivery Aspects, Volume 4, 9780128212226

Aging is an inevitable part of life and is becoming a worldwide social, economic and health problem. This is mainly due to the fact that the increasing proportion of individuals in the advanced age category have a higher probability of developing age-related disorders, such as type II diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, sarcopenia, and neurodegenerative conditions. New therapeutic approaches are still needed to decrease or slow the effects of such diseases. Advances in -omic technologies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, have significantly advanced our understanding of disease in multiple medical areas, as the analysis of multiple molecular networks has simultaneously provided a more integrated view of disease pathways. It is hoped that emerging hits from these analyses might be prioritized for further screening as potential novel drug targets for increasing the human healthspan in line with the lifespan. In turn, this will lead to new therapeutic strategies as well as drug development projects by the pharmaceutical industry. This book presents a series of reviews describing studies that have resulted in identification of new potential drug targets for age-related disorders. Much of this information has come from -omic comparisons of healthy and disease states or from testing the effects of new therapeutic approaches. Authored by experts from around the globe, each chapter is presented in the context of specific chronic diseases or therapeutic strategies. This book is designed for researchers in the areas of aging and chronic disease, as well as clinical scientists, physicians and stakeholders in major drug companies.

This book traces the evolution of the pharmacist from compounder-dispenser to advisor counselor. It explores the impact on pharmacy of broad sociologic, demographic, and economic trends and examines controversial issues such as professional versus business objectives, managed cost care, coginitive services, pharmaceutical care, and the future roles of pharmacists. Drawing on the literature in sociology and social pathology, the book relates some theoretical constructs to the changing roles of the pharmacist. It includes coverage of pharmaceutical education, disease state management, managed care, and new technologies.

Foreseeing and planning for all of the possibilities and pitfalls involved in bringing a biotechnology innovation from inception to widespread therapeutic use takes strong managerial skills and a solid grounding in biopharmaceutical research and development procedures. Unfortunately there has been a dearth of resources for this aspect of the field. Until now. Focusing on the management of healthcare-related biotech, from conception through the product's regulatory approval and entire life cycle, Healthcare Biotechnology: A Practical Guide provides a practical, applicable resource to assist all health-care related biotech professionals in their day-to-day activities from the lab to the boardroom. Divided into six sections, the book begins with current systems and recent progress and controversy, major players and products, and a comparison with the pharmaceutical industry. It covers intellectual property protection and management, the innovation cycle, patent application, commercialization, and competition. Coverage includes funding, partnering, cash-intensive activities, financing alternatives, and the complexities of alliance implementation and management. It highlights research, development, and biomanufacturing; and examines clinical trial design and regulations; "fast-track" approvals; and patient recruitment as well as production platforms and processes, costs, strategies, and timelines. It investigates marketing including planning, promotion, pricing, supply chain management, and bio-brand lifecycle management. It concludes with tips on running the business, offering diverse biobusiness models and reasonable expectations from inception through maturity and decline. An indispensible guide, this book offers more than 40 figures, 220 tables, and 180 references as well as a list of abbreviations and a business plan outline. Each chapter contains 10 questions to reinforce the material covered and 10 exercises

This book explores technological innovation in family firms, seeking to reconstruct the links between the heterogeneous dimensions of family businesses and their innovative behaviour. Building on and examining the traditional view of family firms as conservative, this book contributes to knowledge surrounding the puzzling role of family firms in technological innovation, with particular focus on the Italian pharmaceutical industry. The authors explore technological advances within the industry in connection with various features of family governance. This thought-provoking study is divided into two parts, the first part providing an overview of current literature on the topic, and the second part analysing the findings of empirical investigation in a specific industry setting. Practitioners and academics of business strategy will find this book extremely useful as it combines both solid theoretical reasoning and robust empirical analysis.

Volume 22, entitled Metal Ions in Bio-Imaging Techniques, of the series Metal Ions in Life Sciences deals with metal ions as tools in imaging. This dates back to the first half of the past century, when barium sulfate was orally given to patients undergoing X-ray examination. The use of contrast agents has since developed into a large interdisciplinary field encompassing not only medicine, but also chemistry, material sciences, physics, biology, engineering, and computer sciences. MILS-22 provides deep and current insights in 17 stimulating chapters on the new research frontiers of this fast growing field on bio-imaging ... and beyond. For example, adding bio-sensing yields theranostic agents, meaning diagnosis and therapy linked in the same molecule; ions of Gd, Mn, Fe, Co, Ir, 99mTc, etc., are involved. Other important topics are, e.g., metal complexes in paramagnetic Chemical Exchange Transfer (paraCEST), radiometals for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, or paramagnetic metal ion probes for 19F magnetic resonance imaging. MILS-22 is written by 57 internationally recognized experts from 12 countries, that is, from the US via Europe to China. The impact of this vibrant research area is manifested by more than 2300 references and nearly 120 figures, mostly in color, and several informative tables. To conclude, Metal Ions in Bio-Imaging Techniques is an essential resource for scientists working in the wide range from material sciences, enzymology, analytic, organic, and inorganic biochemistry all the way through to medicine including the clinic ... not forgetting that also excellent information for teaching is provided.

This book elaborates on drug delivery targeting via intracellular delivery, specifically through the Receptor Mediated Endocytosis (RME) approach, due to the involvement of cellular receptors in various grave diseases. Targeted delivery relies on two basic approaches, passive and active targeting. While passive targeting approaches have shown great promise, the improved selectivity achieved with active targeting approaches has resulted in significantly higher efficacy. Interestingly there are numerous strategies for active targeting, many of which are already highlighted in , Targeted Drug Delivery: Concepts and Applications. Nevertheless an exciting and practical strategy for active targeting, which could enable high intracellular delivery, is through exploitation of RME. Cells in the body express receptors to enable various physiological and biochemical processes. As a result, many of these receptors are overexpressed in pathological conditions, or newer receptors expressed due to defective cellular functioning. RME is based on exploitation of such receptors to achieve intracellular delivery. While targeted delivery can have manifold applications, in this book we focus on two major and challenging therapeutic areas; i) Cancer and ii) Infectious Diseases. Targeted Intracellular Drug Delivery by Receptor Medicated Endocytosis discusses the major receptors that are useful for targeted delivery for these afflictions. A major section of this book is dedicated to details regarding their occurrence and location, the recognition domain of the receptor, structure activity relationship of substrate /ligand for selective binding, ligands explored, antagonists for ligand binding and relevance of these aspects for therapy of cancer and infectious diseases. These facets are elucidated with the help of specific examples from academic research and also emphasize commercial products, wherever relevant. In vitro cellular models relied on for assessing receptor mediated cellular targeting and in vivo models depicting clinical efficacy are focused on in a separate section. Finally, we briefly discuss the regulatory and toxicity issues that may be associated specifically with the RME approach of intracellular drug delivery.

This book offers a fresh look on a variety of issues concerning herbal medicine - the methods of growing and harvesting various medicinal plants; their phytochemical content; medicinal usage; regulatory issues; and mechanism of action against myriad of human and animal ailments. 'Medicinal Plants: From Farm to Pharmacy' comprises chapters authored by renowned experts from academics and industry from all over the world. It provides timely, in-depth study/analysis of medicinal plants that are already available in the market as supplements or drug components, while also introducing several traditional herbs with potential medicinal applications from various regions of the world. The book caters to the needs of a diverse group of readers: plant growers, who are looking for ways to enhance the value of their crops by increasing phytochemical content of plant products; biomedical scientists who are studying newer applications for crude herbal extracts or isolated phytochemicals; clinicians and pharmacologists who are studying interactions of herbal compounds with conventional treatment modalities; entrepreneurs who are navigating ways to bring novel herbal supplements to the market; and finally, natural medicine enthusiasts and end-users who want to learn how herbal compounds are produced in nature, how do they work and how are they used in traditional or modern medicine for various disease indications.

This book explains theoretical and technological aspects of amorphous drug formulations. It is intended for all those wishing to increase their knowledge in the field of amorphous pharmaceuticals. Conversion of crystalline material into the amorphous state, as described in this book, is a way to overcome limited water solubility of drug formulations, in this way enhancing the chemical activity and bioavailability inside the body. Written by experts from various fields and backgrounds, the book introduces to fundamental physical aspects (explaining differences between the ordered and the disordered solid states, the enhancement of solubility resulting from drugs amorphization, physical instability and how it can be overcome) as well as preparation and formulation procedures to produce and stabilize amorphous pharmaceuticals. Readers will thus gain a well-funded understanding and find a multi-faceted discussion of the properties and advantages of amorphous drugs and of the challenges in producing and stabilizing them. The book is an ideal source of information for researchers and students as well as professionals engaged in research and development of amorphous pharmaceutical products.

This book explores the possible development of neurokinin-3 receptor (NK3R) antagonists with reduced environmental impact. Pharmaceuticals are used to cure diseases and to alleviate symptoms in humans and animals. However, the stable, bioactive substances excreted by patients have unfavorable effects on non-target species. To overcome these disadvantages of these highly stable, potent substances, drug design to turn off bioactivity after release into the environment is needed. The book describes the development of eco-friendly NK3R antagonists by introducing a labile functional moiety and substituting a scaffold. This resulted in a novel NK3R antagonist that oxidized into its inactive form when exposed to air. Further, the book presents an efficient and easily achievable synthetic method of creating triazolopiperazine scaffolds, as well as a structure-activity relationship study involving scaffold hopping for decomposable motifs, which led to a novel photodegradable NK3R antagonist. Demonstrating that it is possible to develop compounds that convert into their inactive forms under environmental conditions, this book is useful for anyone interested in therapeutic agents with reduced environmental impact.

Thanks to their unique properties, chitosan and chitosan-based materials have numerous applications in the field of biomedicine, especially in drug delivery. This book examines biomedical applications of functional chitosan, exploring the various functions and applications in the development of chitosan-based biomaterials. It also describes the chemical structure of chitosan and discusses the relationship between their structure and functions, providing a theoretical basis for the design of biomaterials. Lastly, it reviews chemically modified and composite materials of chitin and chitosan derivatives for biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, nanomedicine, drug delivery, and gene delivery.

This book aims to address the major aspects of future drug product development and therapy for older adults, giving practical guidance for the rational product and clinical development and prescribing of drug products to this ever growing segment of the population. With authors coming from key "aging" markets such as Europe, the USA, China and Japan, the book will provide valuable information for students, scientists, regulators, practitioners, and other healthcare professionals from academia, industry and regulatory bodies.

This book covers a wide range of topics concerning human tear based science, starting from basics such as the normal composition of tears and moving up to novel disease detection platforms. The entire approach is pioneering, as tears are beginning to be recognized as the most invaluable non-invasive tool in diagnostics. Interestingly, the concept is not restricted to ocular diseases: In recent years, tear diagnostics is increasingly being tapped even for cancer detection. Hopefully, non-invasive tear diagnostics will eventually replace today's invasive disease detection and monitoring techniques. Previous literature on tear diagnostics has been restricted to scientific journal articles, most of which dealt with a single tear constituent, such as a protein. This book offers a far more comprehensive and handy 'reference guide,' presenting both basic and advanced information and data. Accordingly, it will be useful for researchers in academia and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as healthcare professionals and diagnostic kit developers.

This book focuses on how to appropriately plan and develop a Phase II program, and how to design Phase II clinical trials and analyze their data. It provides a comprehensive overview of the entire drug development process and highlights key questions that need to be addressed for the successful execution of Phase II, so as to increase its success in Phase III and for drug approval. Lastly it warns project team members of the common potential pitfalls and offers tips on how to avoid them.

Numerous phenomenal advances have been made towards understanding the role of neurotransmitters in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders, and these have resulted in a large number of novel molecules with the potential to revolutionize the treatment and prevention of such disorders. This book provides a comprehensive and detailed explanation of brain neurotransmitters and their receptors and associated channels. It includes a basic introduction, and also discusses the functions and recent advances and their pharmacology, highlighting the role of various computer aided drug design (CADD) strategies for the development of therapeutic ligands to modulate these receptors/ion channels. Written in an easy-to-read style, it is intended for neuroscience and pharmaceutical students and researchers working in the area of brain neurotransmitters.

Leading researchers are specially invited to provide a complete understanding of a key topic within the multidisciplinary fields of physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology. In a form immediately useful to scientists, this periodical aims to filter, highlight and review the latest developments in these rapidly advancing fields.