Drug Development

Articles

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) forms an interface between the circulating blood and the brain, and functions as a tremendously effective barrier for the delivery of potential neurotherapeutics into the brain parenchyma. Conversely, the BBB possesses various carrier-mediated transport systems for the uptake of small molecules, such as essential nutrients and vitamins. These transporters have become an attractive target for drug/prodrug design in an attempt to ferry drug molecules across the BBB. Central nervous system (CNS) drug delivery is often limited by poor brain penetration of the potential drug candidate. As a result of its unique barrier properties, the BBB poses a huge challenge for the delivery of potential neurotherapeutics into the brain parenchyma.1 It is estimated that only 2% of small-molecule drugs and ,0.1% of novel protein and peptide pharmaceuticals developed for CNS diseases reach therapeutic concentrations in the brain.2,3 Many of the pharmacologically active drugs tend to fail..

Enhanced brain drug delivery and targeting

Our company is involved in developing and manufacturing APIs that can be utilized with drug-eluting stents (DES). Despite ensuring constancy in pharmaceutical composition, we are experiencing issues with variations in drug release during in vitro studies. We are working closely with a stent manufacturer to develop the system, but could surface analysis techniques investigate the problem further?

The Problem with Stents

Spraying techniques can be used to produce powder form formulations. The concept works by the adsorption/absorption of a liquid SELF onto a neutral carrierâ€¦

Solid dosage forms from self-emulsifying lipidic formulations

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Patricia Van Arnum was executive editor of Pharmaceutical Technology.

The US market for prescription pharmaceutical grow only 3.8% in 2007, the lowest growth rate in more than 40 years, according to a recent analysis by IMS Health.

Growth in US Prescription Drug Market Hits 40-Year Low

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The US House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security approved legislation last week that mandates inherently safer technologies (IST) as part of chemical-site security standards, a move that was opposed by the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association.

Congressional Committee Passes IST Measure

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Company Notes: Crucell Makes Deal With Wyeth, Severin Schwan Becomes CEO of Roche Group, More

Merck & Co. advised AstraZeneca (London) that it will not exercise its option to sell its interest in certain AstraZeneca non-proton pump inhibitor (non-PPI) products this year.

Ingredients