in vivo / ex vitro STUDIES

PERMEATION STUDIES

Based on results gained from permeation studies in Ussing-type chambers with intestinal, nasal, buccal or vaginal mucosal membranes from various species or permeation studies on various monolayers such as Caco-2 substantial information about drug permeability is provided. This information includes:

• the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of the drug
  
  
• the route of uptake (transcellular vs. paracellular; active and/or passive etc.)
  
  
• degree of presystemic metabolism of the drug
  
  
• membrane toxicity
  
  
• impact of well-established permeation enhancers on drug uptake

This information will be the basis for:

• first bioavailability estimations
  
  
• slight chemical modifications of the molecule in order to improve its performance from the biopharmaceutical point of view (prodrug development; the use of another salt etc.)
  
  
• any decision concerning the route of application (e.g. s.c. injection or oral dosage form)
  
  
• the design and development of highly efficient delivery systems

In vitro/ex vivo permeation studies allow the reduction of many cost-intensive and time-consuming in vivo studies. The screening of numerous drug candidates can be completed by ThioMatrix within a few weeks. The service package will be tailored exactly to the customer's specific requirements and includes the full interpretation of generated data.