Enzyme- and Transporter-Based Drug-Drug Interactions

Enzyme- and Transporter-Based Drug-Drug Interactions

Author: K. Sandy Pang

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2009-12-17

Total Pages: 742

ISBN-13: 1441908404

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Germination of the thought of "Enzymatic- and Transporter-Based Drug-Drug Interactions: Progress and Future Challenges" Proceedings came about as part of the annual meeting of The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) that was held in San Diego in November of 2007. The attendance of workshop by more than 250 pharmaceutical scientists reflected the increased interest in the area of drug-drug interactions (DDIs), the greater focus of PhRMA, academia, and regulatory agencies, and the rapid pace of growth in knowledge. One of the aims of the workshop was to address the progress made in quantitatively predicting enzyme- and transporter-based DDIs as well as highlighted areas where such predictions are poor or areas that remain challenging for the future. Because of the serious clinical implications, initiatives have arisen from the FDA (http://www.fda.gov/cber/gdlns/interactstud.htm) to highlight the importance of enzyme- and transporter-based DDIs. During the past ten to fifteen years, we have come to realize that transporters, in addition to enzymes, play a vital role in drug elimination. Such insight has been possible because of the continued growth in PK-ADME (pharmacokinetics-absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion) knowledge, fueled by further advances in molecular biology, greater availability of human tissues, and the development of additional and sophisticated model systems and sensitive assay methods for studying drug metabolism and transport in vitro and in vivo. This has sparked an in-depth probing into mechanisms surrounding DDIs, resulting from ligand-induced changes in nuclear receptors, as well as alterations in transporter and enzyme expression and function. Despite such advances, the in vitro and in vivo study of drug interactions and the integration of various data sets remain challenging. Therefore, it has become apparent that a proceeding that serves to encapsulate current strategies, approaches, methods and applications is necessary. As Editors, we have assembled a number of opinion leaders and asked them to contribute chapters surrounding these issues. Many of these are the original Workshop speakers whereas others had been selected specially to contribute on topics related to basic and applied information that had not been covered in other reference texts on DDI. The resulting tome, entitled Enzyme- and Transporter-Based Drug Interactions: Progress and Future Challenges, comprises of four sections. Twenty-eight chapters covering various topics and perspectives related to the subject of metabolic and transporter-based drug-drug interactions are presented.


Book Synopsis Enzyme- and Transporter-Based Drug-Drug Interactions by : K. Sandy Pang

Download or read book Enzyme- and Transporter-Based Drug-Drug Interactions written by K. Sandy Pang and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2009-12-17 with total page 742 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Germination of the thought of "Enzymatic- and Transporter-Based Drug-Drug Interactions: Progress and Future Challenges" Proceedings came about as part of the annual meeting of The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) that was held in San Diego in November of 2007. The attendance of workshop by more than 250 pharmaceutical scientists reflected the increased interest in the area of drug-drug interactions (DDIs), the greater focus of PhRMA, academia, and regulatory agencies, and the rapid pace of growth in knowledge. One of the aims of the workshop was to address the progress made in quantitatively predicting enzyme- and transporter-based DDIs as well as highlighted areas where such predictions are poor or areas that remain challenging for the future. Because of the serious clinical implications, initiatives have arisen from the FDA (http://www.fda.gov/cber/gdlns/interactstud.htm) to highlight the importance of enzyme- and transporter-based DDIs. During the past ten to fifteen years, we have come to realize that transporters, in addition to enzymes, play a vital role in drug elimination. Such insight has been possible because of the continued growth in PK-ADME (pharmacokinetics-absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion) knowledge, fueled by further advances in molecular biology, greater availability of human tissues, and the development of additional and sophisticated model systems and sensitive assay methods for studying drug metabolism and transport in vitro and in vivo. This has sparked an in-depth probing into mechanisms surrounding DDIs, resulting from ligand-induced changes in nuclear receptors, as well as alterations in transporter and enzyme expression and function. Despite such advances, the in vitro and in vivo study of drug interactions and the integration of various data sets remain challenging. Therefore, it has become apparent that a proceeding that serves to encapsulate current strategies, approaches, methods and applications is necessary. As Editors, we have assembled a number of opinion leaders and asked them to contribute chapters surrounding these issues. Many of these are the original Workshop speakers whereas others had been selected specially to contribute on topics related to basic and applied information that had not been covered in other reference texts on DDI. The resulting tome, entitled Enzyme- and Transporter-Based Drug Interactions: Progress and Future Challenges, comprises of four sections. Twenty-eight chapters covering various topics and perspectives related to the subject of metabolic and transporter-based drug-drug interactions are presented.


Transporters and Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes in Drug Toxicity

Transporters and Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes in Drug Toxicity

Author: Albert P. Li

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2021-07-27

Total Pages: 530

ISBN-13: 1119170842

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TRANSPORTERS AND DRUG-METABOLIZING ENZYMES IN DRUG TOXICITY Explore up-to-date coverage on the interaction between drug metabolism enzymes, transporters, and drug toxicity with this leading resources Transporters and Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes in Drug Toxicity delivers a comprehensive and updated review of the relationship between drug metabolism, transporters, and toxicity, providing insights into a major challenge in drug development – accurate assessment of human drug toxicity. Combining two disciplines frequently considered independently of one another, the book combines drug metabolism and toxicology with a focus on the role of biotransformation on drug toxicity and as a major factor for species and individual differences. Mechanism and species differences in drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters are discussed, as are the methods used to investigate the role of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters in drug toxicity. Finally, the distinguished authors describe promising new experimental approaches to accurately assessing human drug toxicity via the consideration of human-specific drug metabolism in toxicity assays. In addition to topics as diverse as extended clearance models, experimental approaches for the estimation of DILI potential of drug candidates and roles of transporters in renal drug toxicity, readers will also enjoy the inclusion of such subjects as: A thorough overview of and introduction to drug metabolism and transporters and drug toxicity An exploration of drug metabolism enzymes and transporter activities as risk factors of marketed drugs associated with drug-induced fatalities A discussion of human-based in vitro experimental models for the evaluation of metabolism-dependent drug toxicity A treatment of mechanism-based experimental models for the evaluation of BSEP inhibition and DILI An examination of transporters and cochlea toxicity Perfect for scientists, students, and practitioners with interests in metabolism, toxicology, and drug development in the pharmaceutical industry, Transporters and Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes in Drug Toxicity will also earn a place in the libraries of medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, biochemists, toxicologists, and regulators in the pharmaceutical and health industries.


Book Synopsis Transporters and Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes in Drug Toxicity by : Albert P. Li

Download or read book Transporters and Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes in Drug Toxicity written by Albert P. Li and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2021-07-27 with total page 530 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: TRANSPORTERS AND DRUG-METABOLIZING ENZYMES IN DRUG TOXICITY Explore up-to-date coverage on the interaction between drug metabolism enzymes, transporters, and drug toxicity with this leading resources Transporters and Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes in Drug Toxicity delivers a comprehensive and updated review of the relationship between drug metabolism, transporters, and toxicity, providing insights into a major challenge in drug development – accurate assessment of human drug toxicity. Combining two disciplines frequently considered independently of one another, the book combines drug metabolism and toxicology with a focus on the role of biotransformation on drug toxicity and as a major factor for species and individual differences. Mechanism and species differences in drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters are discussed, as are the methods used to investigate the role of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters in drug toxicity. Finally, the distinguished authors describe promising new experimental approaches to accurately assessing human drug toxicity via the consideration of human-specific drug metabolism in toxicity assays. In addition to topics as diverse as extended clearance models, experimental approaches for the estimation of DILI potential of drug candidates and roles of transporters in renal drug toxicity, readers will also enjoy the inclusion of such subjects as: A thorough overview of and introduction to drug metabolism and transporters and drug toxicity An exploration of drug metabolism enzymes and transporter activities as risk factors of marketed drugs associated with drug-induced fatalities A discussion of human-based in vitro experimental models for the evaluation of metabolism-dependent drug toxicity A treatment of mechanism-based experimental models for the evaluation of BSEP inhibition and DILI An examination of transporters and cochlea toxicity Perfect for scientists, students, and practitioners with interests in metabolism, toxicology, and drug development in the pharmaceutical industry, Transporters and Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes in Drug Toxicity will also earn a place in the libraries of medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, biochemists, toxicologists, and regulators in the pharmaceutical and health industries.


Drug Transporters in Drug Disposition, Effects and Toxicity

Drug Transporters in Drug Disposition, Effects and Toxicity

Author: Xiaodong Liu

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2019-09-30

Total Pages: 580

ISBN-13: 9811376476

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This book provides with a comprehensive overview of the role of drug transporters in drug disposition and efficacy/toxicity, as well as drug-drug interactions and recent advances in the field. Transporters are known determinants of drug disposition and efficacy/toxicity. In general, they are divided into solute carrier (SLC) and ATP binding cassette (ABC) families, and are located along cell membranes, where they mediate drug uptake into cells and export out of cells. Drug transporters are essential in maintaining cell homeostasis, and their gene mutations may cause or contribute to severe human genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, neurological disease, retinal degeneration, anemia, and cholesterol and bile transport defects. Conversely, some diseases may also alter transporter functions and expressions, in turn aggravating disease process. Further, since over-expression of some ABC transporters is a potential contributor to multidrug-resistance (MDR), the book presents a number of strategies to overcome MDR, including ABC transporter inhibitors and applying epigenetic methods to modulate transporter expressions and functions. This book is useful for graduate students and professionals who are looking to refresh or expand their knowledge of this exciting field.


Book Synopsis Drug Transporters in Drug Disposition, Effects and Toxicity by : Xiaodong Liu

Download or read book Drug Transporters in Drug Disposition, Effects and Toxicity written by Xiaodong Liu and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2019-09-30 with total page 580 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides with a comprehensive overview of the role of drug transporters in drug disposition and efficacy/toxicity, as well as drug-drug interactions and recent advances in the field. Transporters are known determinants of drug disposition and efficacy/toxicity. In general, they are divided into solute carrier (SLC) and ATP binding cassette (ABC) families, and are located along cell membranes, where they mediate drug uptake into cells and export out of cells. Drug transporters are essential in maintaining cell homeostasis, and their gene mutations may cause or contribute to severe human genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, neurological disease, retinal degeneration, anemia, and cholesterol and bile transport defects. Conversely, some diseases may also alter transporter functions and expressions, in turn aggravating disease process. Further, since over-expression of some ABC transporters is a potential contributor to multidrug-resistance (MDR), the book presents a number of strategies to overcome MDR, including ABC transporter inhibitors and applying epigenetic methods to modulate transporter expressions and functions. This book is useful for graduate students and professionals who are looking to refresh or expand their knowledge of this exciting field.


Drug-Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interactions

Author: A. David Rodrigues

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2019-01-03

Total Pages: 769

ISBN-13: 0849375940

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Authored by renowned leaders in the field, this comprehensive volume covers all aspects of drug-drug interactions, including preclinical, clinical, toxicological, and regulatory perspectives.Thoroughly updated, this second edition reflects the significant advances and includes extensive new material on:key interplay between transporters and enzymes


Book Synopsis Drug-Drug Interactions by : A. David Rodrigues

Download or read book Drug-Drug Interactions written by A. David Rodrigues and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2019-01-03 with total page 769 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Authored by renowned leaders in the field, this comprehensive volume covers all aspects of drug-drug interactions, including preclinical, clinical, toxicological, and regulatory perspectives.Thoroughly updated, this second edition reflects the significant advances and includes extensive new material on:key interplay between transporters and enzymes


Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Quick Guide

Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Quick Guide

Author: Siamak Cyrus Khojasteh

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2011-04-07

Total Pages: 222

ISBN-13: 1441956298

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Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Quick Guide covers a number of aspects of drug assessment at drug discovery and development stages, topics such as pharmacokinetics, absorption, metabolism, enzyme kinetics, drug transporters, drug interactions, drug-like properties, assays and in silico calculations. It covers key concepts, with useful tables on physiological parameters (eg. blood flow to organs in x-species, expression and localization of enzymes and transporters), chemical structure, nomenclature, and moieties leading to bioactivation (with examples). Overall it includes a number of key topics useful at the drug discovery stage, which would serve as a quick reference with several examples from the literature to illustrate the concept.


Book Synopsis Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Quick Guide by : Siamak Cyrus Khojasteh

Download or read book Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Quick Guide written by Siamak Cyrus Khojasteh and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2011-04-07 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Quick Guide covers a number of aspects of drug assessment at drug discovery and development stages, topics such as pharmacokinetics, absorption, metabolism, enzyme kinetics, drug transporters, drug interactions, drug-like properties, assays and in silico calculations. It covers key concepts, with useful tables on physiological parameters (eg. blood flow to organs in x-species, expression and localization of enzymes and transporters), chemical structure, nomenclature, and moieties leading to bioactivation (with examples). Overall it includes a number of key topics useful at the drug discovery stage, which would serve as a quick reference with several examples from the literature to illustrate the concept.


Drug Transporters

Drug Transporters

Author: Glynis Nicholls

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 494

ISBN-13: 1782620699

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Understanding and quantifying the effects of membrane transporters within the human body is essential for modulating drug safety and drug efficacy. In this first volume on Drug Transporters, the current knowledge and techniques in the transporter sciences and their relations to drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics are comprehensively reviewed. The second volume of the book is specifically dedicated to emerging science and technologies, highlighting potential areas for future advances within the drug transporter field. The topics covered in both volumes ensure that all relevant aspects of transporters are described across the drug development process, from in silico models and preclinical tools through to the potential impact of transporters in the clinic. Contributions are included from expert leaders in the field, at-the-bench industrial scientists, renowned academics and international regulators. Case studies and emerging developments are highlighted, together with the merits and limitations of the available methods and tools, and extensive references to reviews on specific in-depth topics are also included for those wishing to pursue their knowledge further. As such, this text serves as an essential handbook of information for postgraduate students, academics, industrial scientists and regulators who wish to understand the role of transporters in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion processes. In addition, it is also a useful reference tool on the models and calculations necessary to predict their effect on human pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.


Book Synopsis Drug Transporters by : Glynis Nicholls

Download or read book Drug Transporters written by Glynis Nicholls and published by Royal Society of Chemistry. This book was released on 2016 with total page 494 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Understanding and quantifying the effects of membrane transporters within the human body is essential for modulating drug safety and drug efficacy. In this first volume on Drug Transporters, the current knowledge and techniques in the transporter sciences and their relations to drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics are comprehensively reviewed. The second volume of the book is specifically dedicated to emerging science and technologies, highlighting potential areas for future advances within the drug transporter field. The topics covered in both volumes ensure that all relevant aspects of transporters are described across the drug development process, from in silico models and preclinical tools through to the potential impact of transporters in the clinic. Contributions are included from expert leaders in the field, at-the-bench industrial scientists, renowned academics and international regulators. Case studies and emerging developments are highlighted, together with the merits and limitations of the available methods and tools, and extensive references to reviews on specific in-depth topics are also included for those wishing to pursue their knowledge further. As such, this text serves as an essential handbook of information for postgraduate students, academics, industrial scientists and regulators who wish to understand the role of transporters in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion processes. In addition, it is also a useful reference tool on the models and calculations necessary to predict their effect on human pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.


Drug Discovery and Evaluation: Safety and Pharmacokinetic Assays

Drug Discovery and Evaluation: Safety and Pharmacokinetic Assays

Author: H. Gerhard Vogel

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2013-02-27

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9783642252396

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-A landmark in the continuously changing world of drugs -Essential reading for scientists and managers in the pharmaceutical industry involved in drug finding, drug development and decision making in the development process -Of use for government institutions and committees working on official guidelines for drug evaluation worldwide


Book Synopsis Drug Discovery and Evaluation: Safety and Pharmacokinetic Assays by : H. Gerhard Vogel

Download or read book Drug Discovery and Evaluation: Safety and Pharmacokinetic Assays written by H. Gerhard Vogel and published by Springer. This book was released on 2013-02-27 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: -A landmark in the continuously changing world of drugs -Essential reading for scientists and managers in the pharmaceutical industry involved in drug finding, drug development and decision making in the development process -Of use for government institutions and committees working on official guidelines for drug evaluation worldwide


Transporters in Drug Development

Transporters in Drug Development

Author: Yuichi Sugiyama

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-09-16

Total Pages: 322

ISBN-13: 1461482291

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Transporters in Drug Development examines how membrane transporters can be dealt with in academic–industrial drug discovery and pharmaceutical development as well as from a regulatory perspective. The book describes methods and examples of in vitro characterization of single transporters in the intestines, liver and kidneys as well as characterization of substrate overlap between various transporters. Furthermore, probes and biomarkers are suggested for studies of the transporters’ impact on the pharmacokinetics of drug substrates/candidates interacting on transporters. The challenges of translating in vitro observed interaction of transporters into in vivo relevance are explored, and the book highlights perspectives of applying targeted proteomics and mechanistic modeling in this process.


Book Synopsis Transporters in Drug Development by : Yuichi Sugiyama

Download or read book Transporters in Drug Development written by Yuichi Sugiyama and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-09-16 with total page 322 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Transporters in Drug Development examines how membrane transporters can be dealt with in academic–industrial drug discovery and pharmaceutical development as well as from a regulatory perspective. The book describes methods and examples of in vitro characterization of single transporters in the intestines, liver and kidneys as well as characterization of substrate overlap between various transporters. Furthermore, probes and biomarkers are suggested for studies of the transporters’ impact on the pharmacokinetics of drug substrates/candidates interacting on transporters. The challenges of translating in vitro observed interaction of transporters into in vivo relevance are explored, and the book highlights perspectives of applying targeted proteomics and mechanistic modeling in this process.


Enzyme Inhibition in Drug Discovery and Development

Enzyme Inhibition in Drug Discovery and Development

Author: Chuang Lu

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2010-01-26

Total Pages: 878

ISBN-13: 0470538945

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The science and applied approaches of enzyme inhibition in drug discovery and development Offering a unique approach that includes both the pharmacologic and pharmaco-kinetic aspects of enzyme inhibition, Enzyme Inhibition in Drug Discovery and Development examines the scientific concepts and experimental approaches related to enzyme inhibition as applied in drug discovery and drug development. With chapters written by over fifty leading experts in their fields, Enzyme Inhibition in Drug Discovery and Development fosters a cross-fertilization of pharmacology, drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology by understanding the "good" inhibitions—desirable pharmacological effects—and "bad" inhibitions—drug–drug interactions and toxicity. The book discusses: The drug discovery process, including drug discovery strategy, medicinal chemistry, analytical chemistry, drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and safety biomarker assessment The manipulations of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters as well as the negative consequences, such as drug–drug interactions The inhibition of several major drug target pathways, such as the GPCR pathway, the NFkB pathway, and the ion channel pathway Through this focused, single-source reference on the fundamentals of drug discovery and development, researchers in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) will learn and appreciate target biology in drug discovery; discovery biologists and medicinal chemists will also broaden their understanding of DMPK.


Book Synopsis Enzyme Inhibition in Drug Discovery and Development by : Chuang Lu

Download or read book Enzyme Inhibition in Drug Discovery and Development written by Chuang Lu and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2010-01-26 with total page 878 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The science and applied approaches of enzyme inhibition in drug discovery and development Offering a unique approach that includes both the pharmacologic and pharmaco-kinetic aspects of enzyme inhibition, Enzyme Inhibition in Drug Discovery and Development examines the scientific concepts and experimental approaches related to enzyme inhibition as applied in drug discovery and drug development. With chapters written by over fifty leading experts in their fields, Enzyme Inhibition in Drug Discovery and Development fosters a cross-fertilization of pharmacology, drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology by understanding the "good" inhibitions—desirable pharmacological effects—and "bad" inhibitions—drug–drug interactions and toxicity. The book discusses: The drug discovery process, including drug discovery strategy, medicinal chemistry, analytical chemistry, drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and safety biomarker assessment The manipulations of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters as well as the negative consequences, such as drug–drug interactions The inhibition of several major drug target pathways, such as the GPCR pathway, the NFkB pathway, and the ion channel pathway Through this focused, single-source reference on the fundamentals of drug discovery and development, researchers in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) will learn and appreciate target biology in drug discovery; discovery biologists and medicinal chemists will also broaden their understanding of DMPK.


Drug Discovery and Evaluation: Methods in Clinical Pharmacology

Drug Discovery and Evaluation: Methods in Clinical Pharmacology

Author: H.Gerhard Vogel

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2010-12-15

Total Pages: 576

ISBN-13: 3540898905

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Drug Discovery and Evaluation has become a more and more difficult, expensive and time-consuming process. The effect of a new compound has to be detected by in vitro and in vivo methods of pharmacology. The activity spectrum and the potency compared to existing drugs have to be determined. As these processes can be divided up stepwise we have designed a book series "Drug Discovery and Evaluation" in the form of a recommendation document. The methods to detect drug targets are described in the first volume of this series "Pharmacological Assays" comprising classical methods as well as new technologies. Before going to man, the most suitable compound has to be selected by pharmacokinetic studies and experiments in toxicology. These preclinical methods are described in the second volume „Safety and Pharmacokinetic Assays". Only then are first studies in human beings allowed. Special rules are established for Phase I studies. Clinical pharmacokinetics are performed in parallel with human studies on tolerability and therapeutic effects. Special studies according to various populations and different therapeutic indications are necessary. These items are covered in the third volume: „Methods in Clinical Pharmacology".


Book Synopsis Drug Discovery and Evaluation: Methods in Clinical Pharmacology by : H.Gerhard Vogel

Download or read book Drug Discovery and Evaluation: Methods in Clinical Pharmacology written by H.Gerhard Vogel and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2010-12-15 with total page 576 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Drug Discovery and Evaluation has become a more and more difficult, expensive and time-consuming process. The effect of a new compound has to be detected by in vitro and in vivo methods of pharmacology. The activity spectrum and the potency compared to existing drugs have to be determined. As these processes can be divided up stepwise we have designed a book series "Drug Discovery and Evaluation" in the form of a recommendation document. The methods to detect drug targets are described in the first volume of this series "Pharmacological Assays" comprising classical methods as well as new technologies. Before going to man, the most suitable compound has to be selected by pharmacokinetic studies and experiments in toxicology. These preclinical methods are described in the second volume „Safety and Pharmacokinetic Assays". Only then are first studies in human beings allowed. Special rules are established for Phase I studies. Clinical pharmacokinetics are performed in parallel with human studies on tolerability and therapeutic effects. Special studies according to various populations and different therapeutic indications are necessary. These items are covered in the third volume: „Methods in Clinical Pharmacology".