Drug Absorption Studies: In Situ, In Vitro and In Silico Models

In the last 15 years, a great number of cell- or tissue-based in vitro models have been introduced into the biopharmaceutics arena. These models mimic the different biological barriers that a drug has to overcome to finally reach its target organ/cell/receptor. These in vitro models have been found very useful in not only characterising the permeability behaviour of drugs molecules in epithelial and endothelial tissues, but also studying drug delivery systems for improved delivery and enhanced absorption. Compared to the complex in vivo situation, in vitro models offer a fast, convenient approach with cost advantages most of times. Most importantly, they can be standardised and automatised to be applicable to the high-throughput screening.Starting at the molecular level of studies, continuing with cell monolayer models (both primary and cell lines) and in situ techniques as a final testing format, the book provides a practical approach to contemporary in vitro techniques for drug absorption studies. In addition, chapters on high-throughput assays, in vitro-in vivo correlation, bioinformatics and regulatory issues are covered, giving a comprehensive overview of available models and techniques. Moreover, an appendix comprised with a number of practical protocols is available online, updated as needed, should prove very helpful to apply the techniques directly to the benchside. silico models, drug permeability studies, skin toxicity testing, nasal drug absorption, drug permeation studies, pulmonary drug absorption, drug absorption studies, human ectocervical epithelial cells, buccal drug absorption, cornea construct, rat alveolar epithelial cell monolayers, human buccal absorption, cultured buccal epithelium, excised bovine nasal mucosa, bulk flow marker, vitro screening models, rabbit conjunctival epithelial cells, porcine buccal mucosa, drug transport studies, aminated gelatin, cornea equivalents, passively transported compounds, apparent membrane permeability, bioelectrical parameters, assessing drug absorption