This authoritative volume explores the fundamental concepts and numerous applications of targeted delivery of drugs to the body. This compilation has been divided into eight sections comprised of the basic principles of drug targeting, disease and organ/organelle-based targeting, passive and active targeting strategies, and various advanced drug delivery tools such as functionalized lipidic, polymeric and inorganic nanocarriers. Together, the twenty-three chapters cover a wide range of topics in the field, including tumor and hepatic targeting, polymer-drug conjugates, nanoemulsion, physical and biophysical characteristics of nanoparticles, and in vivo imaging techniques, among others. The book also examines advanced characterization techniques, regulatory hurdles and toxicity-related issues that are key features for successful commercialization of targeted drug delivery system products. Targeted Drug Delivery is a comprehensive reference guide for drug delivery researchers, both beginners and those already working in the field.

The advances in biotechnology and molecular biology over recent years have resulted in a large number of novel molecules with the potential to revolutionize the treatment and prevention of disease. However, such potential is severely compromised by significant obstacles to delivery of these drugs in vivo. These obstacles are often so great that effective drug delivery and targeting is now recognized as the key to effective development of many therapeutics. Advanced drug delivery and targeting can offer significant advantages to conventional drugs, such as increased efficiency, convenience, and the potential for line extensions and market expansion. An accessible and easy-to-read textbook, Drug Delivery and Targeting for Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists is the first book to provide a comprehensive introduction to the principles of advanced drug delivery and targeting, their current applications and potential future developments, including: *Methods to optimize therapeutic efficacy, and the related commercial implications *Difficulties with drug absorption, unwanted distribution and premature inactivation / elimination *Attempts to minimize toxicity or alter immunogenicity *Methods to achieve rate-controlled drug release and effective drug targeting *Novel and established routes of delivery *Use of new generation technologies such as biosensors, microchips, stimuli-sensitive hydrogels and plasmid-based gene therapy This volume is indispensable for pharmaceutical students, scientists and researchers.

Drug Targeting and Stimuli Sensitive Drug Delivery Systems covers recent advances in the area of stimuli sensitive drug delivery systems, providing an up-to-date overview of the physical, chemical, biological and multistimuli-responsive nanosystems. In addition, the book presents an analysis of clinical status for different types of nanoplatforms. Written by an internationally diverse group of researchers, it is an important reference resource for both biomaterials scientists and those working in the pharmaceutical industry who are looking to help create more effective drug delivery systems. - Shows how the use of nanomaterials can help target a drug to specific tissues and cells - Explores the development of stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems - Includes case studies to showcase how stimuli responsive nanosystems are used in a variety of therapies, including camptothecin delivery, diabetes and cancer therapy

This volume looks at the latest techniques used to enable therapeutic molecules to be targeted for site-specific delivery. The chapters in this book discuss topics such as approaches to express biologically derived and synthetic nanocarriers; strategies to assist in nanocarrier targeting to specific cells and tissues; and methods for evaluating delivery and efficiency for new classes of agents. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Targeted Drug Delivery: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the diversity of methods used in this evolving field.

Nanotechnology has the potential to change every part of our lives. Today, nanotechnology-based products are used in many areas, and one of the most important areas is drug delivery. Nanoparticulate drug delivery systems not only provide controlled delivery of drugs and improved drug solubility but also improve drug efficiency and reduce side effects via targeting mechanisms. However, compared with conventional drug delivery systems, few nanoparticle-based products are on the market and almost all are nontargeted or only passively targeted systems. In addition, obtaining targeted nanoparticle systems is quite complex and requires several evaluation mechanisms. This book discusses the production, characterization, regulation, and currently marketed targeted nanoparticle systems in a broad framework. It provides an overview of targeted nanoparticles’ (i) in vitro characterization, such as particle size, stability, ligand density, and type; (ii) in vivo behavior for different targeting areas, such as tumor, brain, and vagina; and (iii) current advances in this field, including clinical trials and regulation processes.

Brain Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: A Focus on Nanotechnology and Nanoparticulates provides a guide on nanoparticulates to both academic and industry researchers. The book discusses key points in the development of brain targeted drug delivery, summarizes available strategies, and considers the main problems and pitfalls evidenced in current studies on brain targeted drug delivery systems. As the brain is the most important organ in the human body, and disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) are the most serious threat to human life, this book highlights advances and new research in drug delivery methods to the brain. - Provides an overview of brain targeting drug delivery that is useful to both academic and industry-based researchers - Discusses key points in developing brain targeting drug delivery systems - Summarizes and presents currently available strategies for brain targeting drug delivery - Covers not only current studies and their strengths, but also gives insight into the pitfalls of current research

Nanotechnology-based Targeted Drug Delivery Systems for Lung Cancer is an indispensable resource that will help pharmaceutical scientists and clinical researchers design and develop novel drug delivery systems and devices for the treatment of lung cancer. As recent breakthroughs in nanomedicine are now making it possible to deliver drugs, genes and therapeutic agents to localized areas of disease to maximize clinical benefit, while also limiting unwanted side effects, this book explores promising approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer using cutting-edge nanomedical technologies. Topics discussed include polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, micelles and nanoemulsions. - Provides an overview of an array of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems - Examines the design, synthesis and application of different nanocarriers in drug and gene delivery - Provides an in-depth understanding of the design of targeted nanotherapeutics and technologies and its implication in various site-specific cancers