General Information

Courses on the BBB in CNS Drug Development

Principles, Transport Kinetics, Methods & Translation to humans


For the 15th Course on the BBB in CNS Drug Development, the content is significantly updated.


Description

  • We address the latest insights into the mechanisms of blood-brain barrier (BBB) transport and intra-brain distribution for (CNS) drug development
  • We provide in-depth insight into the complexity of BBB transport and CNS distribution of small and large molecules, and factors underlying variability in these processes
  • We present multiple methodologies for assessing BBB transport and CNS distribution, with perspectives on which method(s) fit(s) for purpose
  • Furthermore, we address the concepts of CNS drug delivery approaches, and preclinical to clinical translation and predictions
  • The course integrates lectures with hands-on exercises and discussions to deepen the insight conveyed

Background

There is still a high unmet medical need in the treatment of CNS diseases, a huge market for new CNS drugs, and room for improvement of the use of existing drugs. The development of new CNS drugs is notoriously difficult. For a proper CNS effect, the drug should have the ability to cross the BBB and to reach the target site within the CNS. Also, drugs aimed for peripheral action may bear risks for CNS side effects. Thus, there is a strong need for in-depth knowledge. Our course is focused on how to assess and evaluate BBB transport and CNS distribution of small and large molecules.

Who should attend?

This course will benefit all stakeholders in CNS drug research and development, including researchers from Academia, Big and Small Pharma Industries, Regulatory Agencies and Contract Research Organizations. A basic understanding of physiology and minimal knowledge of differential equations is valuable.

Learning Objectives

After having taken this course, the participants will

  • have in-depth insight into the mechanisms governing BBB transport and CNS distribution of small and large molecule drugs
  • have knowledge about the driving forces that determine whether a CNS drug will be at the right place, at the right time and at the right concentration
  • be able to compare and choose between methods and parameters to assess or predict BBB transport and CNS distribution from a clinically relevant perspective
  • understand the principles of preclinical-clinical translation