Concepts and Models for Drug Permeability Studies: Cell and Tissue Based in Vitro Culture Models, Second Edition summarizes the most important developments in in vitro models for predicting the permeability of drugs. The book is structured around three different approaches, summarizing the most recent achievements regarding models comprising (i) immortalized cells with an intrinsic ability to grow as monolayers when seeded in permeable supports, (ii) primary cells isolated from living organisms and directly cultured as barrier monolayers, and (iii) tissue-based models constructed with cell lines and extracellular matrix that resembles the tridimensional structure of mucosae and other biological membranes, or animal/patient-derived tissues. Each model is covered in detail, including the protocol of generation and application for specific drugs/drug delivery systems. The equivalence between in vitro cell and tissue models and in vivo conditions is discussed, highlighting how each model may provisionally resemble different drug absorption route. Chapters included in the first edition were updated with relevant data published in recent years, while four new chapters were included to reflect new emerging directions and trends in drug permeability models. Concepts and Models for Drug Permeability Studies: Cell and Tissue Based in Vitro Culture Models, Second Edition is a critical reference for drug discovery and drug formulation scientists interested on delivery systems intended for the administration of drugs through mucosal routes and other important tissue barriers (e.g. the BBB). Researchers studying mucosal biology can use the book to familiarize themselves and exploit the synergic effect of mucosal delivery systems and biomolecules.

Biopharmaceutical medicines, the newest class of therapeutics, are quite heterogeneous and include a range of molecules such as proteins, peptides, vaccines and nucleic acids, with use in virtually all therapeutic fields (e.g. cancer and infectious diseases, vaccination, metabolic dysfunctions) and diagnostics. This edited book gives a concise and up-to-date overview of the biological features justifying the use of different human mucosa as delivery routes for biopharmaceuticals, the technological strategies that have been followed so far regarding the optimization of mucosal potentialities as well as the challenges that arise with the advent of new biopharmaceutical drugs and alternative means of administration. Following a brief introduction, the first section addresses general aspects of the biology of mucosal tissues and their unique aspects toward beneficial or deleterious interaction with biopharmaceuticals and their delivery systems. The second part reviews the different delivery strategies that have recently been investigated for different mucosal sites. The third section describes the development and clinical applications of drug delivery systems and products enclosing biopharmaceuticals for mucosal delivery, with a focus on the most successful case studies of recent years. The last section briefly centers on relevant aspects of the regulatory, toxicological and market issues of mucosal delivery of biopharmaceuticals. Scientists and researchers in the fields of drug delivery, material science, biomedical science and bioengineering as well as professionals, regulators and policy makers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare industries will find in this book an important compendium of fundamental concepts and practical tools for their daily research and activities.

Biopharmaceutical medicines, the newest class of therapeutics, are quite heterogeneous and include a range of molecules such as proteins, peptides, vaccines and nucleic acids, with use in virtually all therapeutic fields (e.g. cancer and infectious diseases, vaccination, metabolic dysfunctions) and diagnostics. This edited book gives a concise and up-to-date overview of the biological features justifying the use of different human mucosa as delivery routes for biopharmaceuticals, the technological strategies that have been followed so far regarding the optimization of mucosal potentialities as well as the challenges that arise with the advent of new biopharmaceutical drugs and alternative means of administration. Following a brief introduction, the first section addresses general aspects of the biology of mucosal tissues and their unique aspects toward beneficial or deleterious interaction with biopharmaceuticals and their delivery systems. The second part reviews the different delivery strategies that have recently been investigated for different mucosal sites. The third section describes the development and clinical applications of drug delivery systems and products enclosing biopharmaceuticals for mucosal delivery, with a focus on the most successful case studies of recent years. The last section briefly centers on relevant aspects of the regulatory, toxicological and market issues of mucosal delivery of biopharmaceuticals. Scientists and researchers in the fields of drug delivery, material science, biomedical science and bioengineering as well as professionals, regulators and policy makers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare industries will find in this book an important compendium of fundamental concepts and practical tools for their daily research and activities.

The worldwide impact of HIV/AIDS is well recognized. This book provides for the first time a thorough and critical overview of current aspects, recent developments, and trends in the formulation and drug delivery concerning anti-HIV microbicides by leading scientists in the field. Additionally, pertinent regulatory aspects and socioeconomical issues related to the subject are discussed. In the absence of a cure, prophylaxis represents a cornerstone in the battle against infection. One promising strategy comprises the use around the time of sexual intercourse of vaginal/rectal products containing antiviral compounds, termed microbicides. It is now recognized that specific development of drug dosage forms and/or drug delivery systems is an indispensable aspect for the success of microbicides. Different groups strived over the last decade to optimize the biophysical and technological performance of traditional dosage forms (gels, tablets, and suppositories) to fulfill the specificities of microbicides use, without neglecting users' preferences and affordability issues. Moreover, new formulation approaches, such as vaginal rings and films, nanotechnology-based systems, stimuli-sensitive formulations, targeted drug delivery systems, among others have been proposed and are currently undergoing pre-clinical or even clinical testing.