PK/PD and Biomarkers

As part of PK studies, we can determine the biomarkers (following oral, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, topical/epicutaneous delivery) of small molecules as well as their tissue distribution. We accomplish this by using a deuterated standard and an LC-MS/MS approach to identify compounds with oral bioavailability and BBB penetration potential.

Gut / Blood Brain Barrier

The most convenient route of drug administration is peroral and requires drug molecules to be absorbed from the gastroinstestinal tract and enter the systemic circulation. As a precursor to in vivo PK studies, we offer several in vitro cellular models to predict gastrointestinal absorption and blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrability for small molecules as well as assays to identify potential interactions with drug transporters.

Pathology (CNS)

We are equipped for processing pathological specimens, performing various histological stains, immunostaining, producing image analysis/quantification of various histological markers in pathological specimen following light, and fluorescence and laser scanning confocal microscopy for colocalization studies.

Example of studies include:

• In Vivo Models of Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Detection and quantification of:
    • Amyloid plaques
    • Degenerating neurites
    • Microgliosis/astrogliosis
    • Tau hyperphosphorylation / oligomerization / aggregation
• In Vivo Models of Multiple Sclerosis
  • Analysis of demyelination/immune cell infiltration in the spinal cord

In Vivo & In Vitro Assays

Utilize our collection of validated in-house models, including: