Drug Screening
The process of drug screening holds immense significance in drug development, serving multiple purposes that encompass evaluating drug efficacy, ensuring stringent quality control measures, complying with regulatory standards, safeguarding patient safety, and advancing the field of personalized medicine. Its pivotal role in the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare systems cannot be overstated, as it provides evidence-based information essential for the safe and effective use of medications.
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Phospholipidosis, on the other hand, represents a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by the excessive buildup of phospholipids in tissues. In some cases, certain medications, such as Amiodarone, an anti-arrhythmic drug, can act as triggers. These medications exhibit lipophilic properties, possess weak basic characteristics, and demonstrate low solubility. Consequently, they tend to have a prolonged half-life, potentially leading to their accumulation within tissues. However, the precise relationship between drug toxicity and the accumulation of drugs within tissues remains a subject of limited understanding.
By gaining a deeper understanding of the mechanisms linking drug accumulation and tissue toxicity, we aim to bridge this knowledge gap. Our research endeavors to shed light on the intricate interplay between drug properties, tissue interactions, and the development of adverse effects. Through comprehensive investigations and innovative approaches, we strive to unravel the complexities of phospholipidosis and its potential implications for drug safety and patient well-being.
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Our commitment to advancing this area of study stems from the profound impact on refining drug development processes, optimizing medication use, and enhancing overall patient care. Through rigorous research, collaboration with experts, and a dedication to scientific inquiry, we aim to unlock new knowledge and pave the way for safer, more effective drug therapies that prioritize patient well-being and promote advancements in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
Through the utilization of Raman microscopy, we have the capability to closely monitor tissue changes induced by drug administration. The incorporation of our proprietary software, Auto-QRS, enables us to quantitatively assess the precise amount of drug accumulating within the tissue. In this specific context, Auto-QRS measures the accumulation of monounsaturated lipids and glycogen. While the accumulation of lipids was anticipated, the unexpected observation of glycogen accumulation raises intriguing possibilities that may contribute to our understanding of the pathology mechanism underlying phospholipidosis.
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Moreover, our technology allows us to detect the presence of drugs themselves within tissues. Auto-QRS provides valuable insights through the analysis of the decoupled deposit signal and the generation of 3D drug deposit images. This capability provides a clear visualization of the spectral signals originating from the drug, a feature that is unattainable in conventional 2D cell culture models. Notably, the distribution pattern of fluticasone differs significantly from the punctate pattern observed with amiodarone and nilotinib. This discrepancy may potentially be linked to the formation of bile canaliculi within liver organoids. Bile canaliculi are thin tubes responsible for collecting bile secreted by hepatocytes.
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By leveraging our advanced imaging and analysis techniques, we enable drug developers to gain critical insights into drug distribution within complex tissue environments. This level of detailed information serves as a valuable resource for understanding drug behavior, optimizing drug formulations, and ultimately advancing drug development processes.
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Through ongoing research and the application of cutting-edge technologies, we are dedicated to unraveling the intricate relationships between drugs, tissues, and their impact on physiological processes. By shedding light on these mechanisms, we aim to support the development of safer and more effective medications while fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in pharmacology and toxicology.
Vernon LaLone, et al , “Quantitative chemometric phenotyping of three-dimensional liver organoids by Raman spectral imaging”, Cell Reports Methods, 3, 100440, April 24, 2023.