Pharmacology Services

BioTox Sciences (BTS) Drug Discovery provides unique collections of small molecules, peptides, and natural products against GPCRs targets. Using our compound collections, drug-like compounds can be evaluated against client's target, using Bio-Quant's high-throughput screening platforms. Upon completion, leads are licensed exclusively to the Drug Discovery partners, accelerating the drug discovery process further toward the goal of a clinically important breakthrough.

PK/PD +

Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies are usually conducted in the early stages of the drug discovery process. The data collected from these studies is used to evaluate the bio-availability and efficacy of the compound. This data helps in determining if the compound is a good candidate to move forward with larger studies. PK studies can also play a role in determining the best route of administration for the compound. BioTox Sciences has a core competency in performing these studies following established SOP's. The study can be conducted under GLP per customer request. In a typical PK study, blood samples are obtained from test animals following a single dose or a timed perfusion. Plasma or serum samples are separated and analyzed. Typically, if the drug is going to be administered orally, both an i.v. PK and an oral PK should be run. From these two studies both the bio-availability and the pharmacokinetics of the drug can be calculated. The data is also used to generate concentration vs. time curves and allows the determination of fundamental PK parameters such as Cmax, Tmax, AUC, drug clearance, terminal elimination half-life, oral bioavailability and volume of distribution.

ADME Studies +

A - Absorption:
Before a compound can exert a pharmacological effect in tissues, it has to be taken in to the bloodstream. Uptake into the target organs or cells needs to be ensured, too. Absorption critically determines the compound's bio-availability.

D - Distribution:
The compound needs to be carried to its effector site, most often via the bloodstream. From there, the compound may distribute into tissues and organs, usually to differing extents.

M - Metabolism:
Compounds begin to be broken down as soon as they enter the body. The majority of small-molecule drug metabolism is carried out in the liver by redox enzymes, termed cytochrome P450 enzymes. As metabolism occurs, the initial (parent) compound is converted to new compounds called metabolites. When metabolites are pharmacologically inert, metabolism deactivates the administered dose of parent drug and this usually reduces the effects on the body. Metabolites may also be pharmacologically active, sometimes more so than the parent drug.

E - Excretion:
Compounds and their metabolites need to be removed from the body via excretion, usually through the kidneys (urine) or in the feces. Unless excretion is complete, accumulation of foreign substances can adversely affect normal metabolism. BioTox Sciences has a core competency in performing these studies following established SOP's. The study can be conducted under GLP per customer request.

Continuous Drug Infusion +

Infusion devices are used for continuous and precise drug administration. The drug is typically released into the blood stream at a low infusion rate. These studies are typically sub-chronic toxicity studies where the compound needs to be introduced to the animal at a number of time points during a single day. BioTox Sciences has a core competency in performing these studies following established SOP's. The study can be conducted under GLP per customer request.