Drug Targeting Technology

Demonstrates how substitution of a variety of ligands can render albumin a versatile targeting tool for selective drug accumulation in various cell populations of the liver! This book discusses physical, chemical, and biological approaches to drug targeting technology, focusing on oral, dispersed system, topical, dermal, transdermal, and inhalation delivery, and the development of original formulations that are matched by innovative device design. Considers the efforts in biotechnology and molecular biology to produce intelligent drug delivery devices by exploiting biological pathways! Containing over 1100 references to facilitate further study, Drug Targeting Technology 7updates recent progress in oral and colonic targeting technology using pH- and enzyme-sensitive coating materials and novel polymer systems 7shows how the systemic distribution of drugs can be modulated by lipid-based carriers taking alternative routes of transport, particularly lymph flow 7details soft drugs that are rapidly metabolized to inactive and nontoxic metabolites and removed efficiently from the body 7includes successful designs of virus-like liposomal delivery systems that offer the advantages of viral carriers 7supplies examples of how viral delivery systems can be directed to cancer sites 7and more! Suggesting harnessing biological processes as the ultimate approach to the delivery or expression of pharmacologically active agents, Drug Targeting Technology is a top-shelf reference for pharmacists, pharmacologists, and pharmaceutical scientists; analytical, surface, physical, and colloid chemists and biochemists; and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.