Technology
High-throughput Screening to
Determine Aqueous Drug Solubility
By Aldo Pitt
The author describes an aqueous solubility screening
assay methodology that uses 96-well plates, and compares
its performance to the conventional shake-flask method.
Cover Story
A Biochemical Approach to In
Vitro Toxicity Testing
By James M. McKim, Jr. , Paul C. Wilga , Jeffrey F.
Pregenzer , Diane K. Petrella
The authors describe a new approach to in vitro toxicity
testing that is based upon cellular biochemical
processes that are essential for survival. The platform
combones cell-based assays, multiple endpoint analysis,
concentration-response data and a database of
non-proprietary drugs and chemicals that ensures a high
degree of in vivo predictability.
A Biochemical Approach to In
Vitro Toxicity Testing
By James M. McKim, Jr. , Paul C. Wilga , Jeffrey F.
Pregenzer , Diane K. Petrella
The development of a new drug from concept to market
requires from 12 to 15 years of research and
development, at an estimated cost of nearly $1 billion
(1, 2). The development costs increase significantly
during preclinical animal testing for safety and in
clinical trials. The loss of a new drug candidate in
these late-stage tests due to unanticipated toxicity
represents a major problem for the pharmaceutical
industry.
Microarrays on the Spot
Harnessing the Potential of
Genomic Data
By Steve McPhail
In the first installment of our new column dedicated to
microarray technology, editor Steve Casey presents a
discussion on the technology's promise for improving
human health through pharmacogenomics, and introduces
current theories on incorporating microarray technology
into clinical trial protocols.
Data Links
Using Workflows to ease the
Burden of LIMS Customization
By Don W. Crossett
A number of laboratory information management systems
now have the functionality to handle workflows to
reduce, or even eliminate, the need for LIMS
customization. Our columnist discusses some significant
benefits of this advancement.
News Hits
News Hits
By Jennifer Gonzalez
Since the inception of the Human Genome Project, the
healthcare and life science industries have been buzzing
with the promise of personalized medicine
innovative therapy that matches drugs to an individual's
genetic makeup, rendering treatment for various diseases
essentially customizable. The idea of using an
individual's genotype as a factor in deciding treatment
known as pharmacogenomics exploits genetic
variance to stratify patients for their predisposition
toward particular compounds. Such genetic markers are
being found in the form of single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNPs), which are small deviations in DNA
sequence among individuals, and are helping researchers
uncover a genetic link to various illnesses,
accelerating the delivery of tailor-made cures.
