Organotypic Models In Drug Development

This book provides latest findings in organotypic models in drug development and provides the scientific resonance needed in an emerging field of research in disciplines, such as molecular medicine, physiology, and pathophysiology. Today the research on human-based test systems has gained major interest and funding in the EU and the US has increased over the last years. Moreover, so-called 3R (reduce, replace, refine animal experiments) centres have been established worldwide.

This one-stop reference is the first to present the complete picture -- covering all relevant organisms, from single cells to mammals, as well as all major disease areas, including neurological disorders, cancer and infectious diseases. Addressing the needs of the pharmaceutical industry, this unique handbook adopts a broad perspective on the use of animals in the early part of the drug development process, including regulatory rules and limitations, as well as numerous examples from real-life drug development projects. After a general introduction to the topic, the expert contributors from research-driven pharmaceutical companies discuss the basic considerations of using animal models, including ethical issues. The main part of the book systematically surveys the most important disease areas for current drug development, from cardiovascular to endocrine disorders, and from infectious to neurological diseases. For each area, the availability of animal models for target validation, hit finding and lead profiling is reviewed, backed by numerous examples of both successes and failures among the use of animal models. The whole is rounded off with a discussion of perspectives and challenges. Key knowledge for drug researchers in industry as well as academia.

This edited volume discusses the application of very diverse human organotypic models in major areas of biomedical research. The authors lay a main focus on infectious diseases, cancer, allergies, as well as drug/vaccine discovery and toxicology studies. Representing a valid alternative to laboratory animals, these models are relevant for most areas of translational research. As the contemporary research shows, many human tissues can today be cultivated in vitro and used for several research objectives. This book provides an unprecedented overview of recent developments in an exciting field of research methodology. It is a reference guide for scientists in both academia and industry. Readers can update their knowledge and get hands-on recommendations on how to set up an organotypic model in their lab. Chapters 'Progress on Reconstructed Human Skin Models for Allergy Research and Identifying Contact Sensitizers' and 'Human Organotypic Models for Anti-infective Research' of this book are available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license at link.springer.com.

Cancer cell biology research in general, and anti-cancer drug development specifically, still relies on standard cell culture techniques that place the cells in an unnatural environment. As a consequence, growing tumor cells in plastic dishes places a selective pressure that substantially alters their original molecular and phenotypic properties.The emerging field of regenerative medicine has developed bioengineered tissue platforms that can better mimic the structure and cellular heterogeneity of in vivo tissue, and are suitable for tumor bioengineering research. Microengineering technologies have resulted in advanced methods for creating and culturing 3-D human tissue. By encapsulating the respective cell type or combining several cell types to form tissues, these model organs can be viable for longer periods of time and are cultured to develop functional properties similar to native tissues. This approach recapitulates the dynamic role of cell–cell, cell–ECM, and mechanical interactions inside the tumor. Further incorporation of cells representative of the tumor stroma, such as endothelial cells (EC) and tumor fibroblasts, can mimic the in vivo tumor microenvironment. Collectively, bioengineered tumors create an important resource for the in vitro study of tumor growth in 3D including tumor biomechanics and the effects of anti-cancer drugs on 3D tumor tissue. These technologies have the potential to overcome current limitations to genetic and histological tumor classification and development of personalized therapies.

Dr. Davide Staedler is CEO of TIBIO Sagl, a consulting company, and chief scientific officer of Scitec Research S.A., a private analytical laboratory. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject.

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. This 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 in 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 this book to familiarize themselves and exploit the synergic effect of mucosal delivery systems and biomolecules. Summarizes the current advances in the use of permeability models in drug transport Covers the most important buccal, gastric, intestinal, pulmonary, nasal, vaginal, ocular, renal, skin, and blood–brain barrier in vitro models. Includes case studies to facilitate understanding of various concepts in computer-aided applications Updates in the second edition include organ-on-chip devices, 3D advanced models (multiple layered tissues, organoids, etc.), and multicompartmentalized tissue models

Drug Discovery in Cancer Epigenetics is a practical resource for scientists involved in the discovery, testing, and development of epigenetic cancer drugs. Epigenetic modifications can have significant implications for translational science as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis or therapy prediction. Most importantly, epigenetic modifications are reversible and epigenetic players are found mutated in different cancers; therefore, they provide attractive therapeutic targets. There has been great interest in developing and testing epigenetic drugs, which inhibit DNA methyltransferases, histone modifying enzymes or chromatin reader proteins. The first few drugs are already FDA approved and have made their way into clinical settings. This book provides a comprehensive summary of the epigenetic drugs currently available and aims to increase awareness in this area to foster more rapid translation of epigenetic drugs into the clinic. Highlights the potential of epigenetic alterations in cancer for drug development Covers the tools and methods for epigenetic drug discovery, preclinical and clinical testing, and clinical implications of epigenetic therapy Provides important information regarding putative epigenetic targets, epigenetic technologies, networks and consortia for epigenetic drug discovery and routes for translation