BBB Toolbox

Until recently, scientists developing CNS (central nervous system) targeted therapeutics have had to depend on disparate resources to characterize the interaction of their drugs with the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). The BBB forms a physical, enzymatic and carrier-mediated transport barrier for the penetration of compounds into and out of the brain. For researchers developing CNS targeted therapeutics, a thorough understanding of the extent of unbound drug availability in the brain is of paramount importance to identify good CNS drug candidates. Likewise, CNS penetration is to be avoided for non-CNS targeted therapeutics, in order to minimize the potential of CNS side-effects and toxicity. To facilitate CNS targeted drug discovery, NoAb BioDiscoveries offers a comprehensive BBB Toolbox of in vitro assays and in vivo models aimed at understating the permeability of drugs through the BBB. NoAb also has several validated bioanalytical assays available for clients wishing to monitor biomarkers or neurotransmitters in in vivo experiments. Finally, clients working with NoAb can tap into a wealth of expertise with access to its dedicated and experienced team of scientists, all working to help shape drug discovery.

• Quantitative Intracerebral Microdialysis
  Method for determining biomarker and unbound drug concentration directly in the extracellular fluid of different regions of the brain over time.
   
• Serial CSF and Plasma Collection
  Method for determining unbound drug concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid over time, as a surrogate to brain concentrations.
   
• inCerebro™ In Vitro RBEC Permeability
  Quick and reliable test using primary rat brain endothelial cells to study the BBB-penetrability of test compounds.
   
• Brain Free Fraction Determination
  Allows for determination of unbound drug fraction in homogenized brain tissue using equilibrium dialysis and LC-MS/MS analysis.
   
• Biomarker Assays
  Validated analytical assays for several key neurotransmitters useful in studying concurrent Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic relationships in in vivo experiments.