Novel genomic methods for drug discovery and mechanism-based toxicological assessment

Genomics encompasses a range of powerful technologies that can be applied at all levels of gene expression, from transcription to mRNA translation. Collectively, these technologies have great potential for improving drug discovery, both target and molecule recognition, and development. In this article we review the current and potential future status of established and novel genomic methods within drug discovery.

Drug delivery strategies for photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy: From benchtop to clinical practice

Light and photosensitizer-mediated killing of many pathogens, termed photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT), has been extensively investigated in vitro. A wide range of organisms from the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus to the Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been proven to be susceptible to PACT. Multidrug-resistant strains are just as susceptible to this treatment as their naive counterparts. Both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses have demonstrated susceptibility in vitro, in addition to fungi and protozoa. Significantly, however, no clinical treatments based on PACT are currently licensed. This paper provides a comprehensive review of work carried out to date on delivery of photosensitizers for use in PACT, including topical, intranasal and oral/buccal delivery, as well as targeted delivery. We have also reviewed photo-antimicrobial surfaces. It is hoped that, through a rational approach to formulation design and subsequent success in small-scale clinical trials, more widespread use will be made of PACT in the clinic, to the benefit of patients worldwide. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.