Neuropharmaceutics
The central nervous system (CNS) is
highly enriched in therapeutic targets (e.g., protein
receptors, enzymes, ion channels), the activation
or inhibition of which provides therapeutic benefit
for many neurological diseases. Delivery of drugs
that act at those targets can be challenging due to
unique anatomical and physiological properties of
the CNS environment, such as the blood-brain barrier.
Features of the blood-brain barrier can either diminish
entry from the systemic circulation to the CNS or
prevent retention of neuroactive drugs in the CNS.
Although the vast majority of drugs are delivered
by systemic routes of administration, delivery of
neuroactive compounds directly to the CNS can sometimes
be a more efficient therapeutic approach. The faculty
of the Neuropharmaceutics group has an internationally
recognized expertise in the areas of neuropharmacokinetics,
blood-brain barrier transport proteins, direct CNS
delivery techniques (intrathecal and intranasal delivery
of neuroactive agents) and neuropharmacology.
Through formal coursework, seminars, and laboratory
training, the Neuropharmaceutics faculty seek to offer
students an understanding of the issues specific to
the delivery of drugs to the CNS, the process of distribution
of the drug in the CNS environment, and the drug activity
at the target site within the CNS.
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