This reference book contains a comprehensive selection of the most frequently used assays for reliably detecting pharmacological effects of potential drugs, including tests for cardiovascular, analgesic, psychotropic, metabolic, endocrine, respiratory, renal, and immunomodulatory activities. Each of the over 700 assays comprises a detailed protocol with the purpose and rationale of the method, a description of the experimental procedure, a critical assessment of the results and their pharmacological and clinical relevance, and pertinent references. Identification of specific tests is facilitated by the enclosed CD-ROM which allows for a quick and full text research. An appendix with guidelines and legal regulations for animal experiments in various countries will help to plan these experiments properly in accordance with the welfare of laboratory animals.

The 4th edition of this successful reference book contains an updated selection of the most frequently used assays for reliably detecting the pharmacological effects of potential drugs. Effects covered include cardiovascular, analgesic, endocrine, psychotropic, respiratory, renal and immunomodulatory activities. Each of the more than 1,000 assays comprises a detailed protocol outlining the purpose and rationale of the method, a critical assessment of the results and their pharmacological and clinical relevance. In addition, animal models of rare diseases are described. For this 4th edition, all existing chapters have been revised and completely updated. A large number of assays were added. Sections that have been specifically enlarged include - Pharmacological assays in thrombosis and haemostasis, - Antidiabetic activity (includes completely new chapters such as Biochemical Methods in Diabetology), - Anti-atherosclerotic activity. New chapters are added such as Auditory Pharmacology, Oncology Activity, Stem Cells, Omics, Personalized Medicine, etc.

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".

The new edition of this successful reference offers both cutting-edge and classic pharmacological methods. Thoroughly revised and expanded to two volumes, it offers an updated selection of the most frequently used assays for reliably detecting the pharmacological effects of potential drugs. Every chapter has been updated, and numerous assays have been added. Each of the more than 1,000 assays comprises a detailed protocol outlining purpose and rationale, and a critical assessment of the results and their pharmacological and clinical relevance.

-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

Emphasizes the integration of major areas of drug discovery and their importance in candidate evaluation It is believed that selecting the "right" drug candidate for development is the key to success. In the last decade, pharmaceutical R&D departments have integrated pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism, pharmaceutics, and toxicology into early drug discovery to improve the assessment of potential drug compounds. Now, Evaluation of Drug Candidates for Preclinical Development provides a complete view and understanding of why absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion-toxicology (ADMET) plays a pivotal role in drug discovery and development. Encompassing the three major interrelated areas in which optimization and evaluation of drug developability is most critical—pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism, pharmaceutics, and safety assessment—this unique resource encourages integrated thinking in drug discovery. The contributors to this volume: Cover drug transporters, cytochrome P-450 and drug-drug interactions, plasma protein binding, stability, drug formulation, preclinical safety assessment, toxicology, and toxicokinetics Address developability issues that challenge pharma companies, moving beyond isolated experimental results Reveal connections between the key scientific areas that are critical for successful drug discovery and development Inspire forward-thinking strategies and decision-making processes in preclinical evaluation to maximize the potential of drug candidates to progress through development efficiently and meet the increasing demands of the marketplace Evaluation of Drug Candidates for Preclinical Development serves as an introductory reference for those new to the pharmaceutical industry and drug discovery in particular. It is especially well suited for scientists and management teams in small- to mid-sized pharmaceutical companies, as well as academic researchers and graduate students concerned with the practical aspects related to the evaluation of drug developability.

This book is a landmark in the continuously changing world of drugs. As such it is important reading for many groups: not only for all students of pharmacology and toxicology but also for physicians, especially those involved in clinical trials of drugs, and for pharmacists who have to know the safety requirements of drugs. The book is absolutely essential for scientists and managers in the pharmaceutical industry who are involved in drug finding, drug development and decision making in the development process. In particular, the book will be of use for government institutions and committees working on official guidelines for drug evaluation worldwide.