Bioanalysis publishes antibody–drug conjugates special focus issue

Bioanalysis has published a special focus issue dedicated to antibody–drug conjugates (ADC) as they become an emerging and promising treatment against cancer.

The issue is guest edited by Surinder Kaur (Genentech), and includes a range of contributions from experts in ADC bioanalysis and development.

“Bioanalysis of ADCs is challenging compared to small-molecule drugs and protein therapeutics because ADCs have complex molecular structures, combining the molecular characteristics of small-molecule drugs with those of protein therapeutics,” Kaur explains. “Therefore, ADC bioanalysis requires strategies to understand the species in circulation and a variety of quantitative assays appropriate for dynamically changing mixtures.”

Since the US FDA recently approved ADCs such as Adcetris® (brentuximab vedotin) in 2011 to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Kadcyla® (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) in 2013 to treat women with advanced breast cancers, there has been a stir in industry in the development of ADCs. ADCs have the ability to treat cancer patients without the debilitating side-effects of conventional chemotherapies by delivering highly potent cytotoxic agents specifically to tumors with minimal impact on normal tissues. Exemplified by recent developments, and with a robust pipeline of ADCs in preclinical and clinical development, the demand for bioanalytical testing has never been more under the spotlight.

This special focus issue dedicated to ADCs features a range of absorbing articles from Research to Reviews, Special Reports and Editorials, which cover the analytical approaches for nonclinical and clinical phases of ADC development. The issue also includes a White Paper from the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists discussing factors to be considered for PK and immunogenicity assessment of ADCs and the need to align bioanalytical approaches to facilitate consistent interpretation of data.

As Kaur states in her Foreword, “This is an opportune time for Bioanalysis to publish a special issue focusing on ADCs. This issue includes examples of analytical approaches as well as presenting data from research, nonclinical and clinical phases of ADC development… As knowledge emerges from the breadth of ADCs currently in development within industry, [this issue] will help to shape best practices for bioanalysis of ADCs.”


A full list of all the articles included in this issue can be found at: http://www.future-science.com/toc/bio/5/9

If you are interested in receiving a free 30-day online trial to evaluate the journal’s content please contact info@future-science.com, quoting BIO0612.

For further information on Bioanalysis, please contact the Editor, Isaac Bruce (i.bruce@future-science.com).

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ABOUT BIOANALYSIS

Bioanalysis addresses the sensitive analytical techniques used for the study of drugs, metabolites and biomarkers in the development of (bio)pharmaceuticals, as well as allied fields including forensics, toxicology and anti-doping. The journal, published by Future Science Ltd and launched in April 2009, is published on a fortnightly basis (24 issues per year) and indexed by Medline® and ISI, with an impact factor of 3.223 (2011). The journal also forms the hub of the interactive community website – Bioanalysis Zone – providing principle content plus an online forum and wider access to news, research, jobs, webinars, events and more.


ABOUT FUTURE SCIENCE GROUP
The Future Science Group (www.future-science-group.com) is an expanding group of independent publishing companies active in the field of scientific information and endeavor, including Expert Reviews Ltd (formerly known as Future Drugs Ltd) Future Medicine Ltd and Future Science Ltd. As a leading provider of products and services for the medical, science and business communities, we present the most important scientific breakthroughs in an accessible and evaluated format, while at the same time providing the scientific community with unique vehicles for disseminating forward-thinking research information and data. Complete listings of titles under each imprint are available at www.expert-reviews.com, www.futuremedicine.com and www.future-science.com.

Future Medicinal Chemistry publishes special focus issue on boron chemistry

Future Medicinal Chemistry has published a special focus issue dedicated to boron chemistry, with contributions from academic experts based in Europe, North America and Asia.

This special focus issue is guest edited by PV Ramachandran (Purdue University), a Herbert Brown Professor and a leading expert in organoborane research.

A growing interest in boron chemistry has recently been evidenced by the recent US FDA approval of a boron-containing peptidic proteosome inhibitor, bortezomib (Velcade®) for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. Currently, several boron-containing molecules are in preclinical and clinical stages of development to treat multiple disease conditions, such as inflammation, diabetes and cancer. This special focus issue is dedicated to the discussion of boron-containing molecules that can aid or act as stand alone therapies in the treatment of diseases. Particular attention has been given to boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), an area of active research for boron chemists for several decades. This special issue provides a forward-looking overview of current efforts, new insights and significant advances in the evaluation and future outlook on this emerging area of medicinal chemistry.

As Prof. Ramachandran explains, “This issue focuses on the application of boron chemicals in detection and therapy. Particular spotlight has been given to BNCT as a therapeutic tool. The history and the current status of BNCT are discussed from every angle.”

With a selection of absorbing articles including Reviews, Editorials and Preliminary Communications, this issue discusses bioconjugates for imaging and therapy, boron-containing drug-delivery vehicles, as well as BNCT. In addition, an interview with Fred Hawthorne, one of the pioneers in BNCT research, provides a detailed insight to his research to date. Other additions include the use of antibacterial glycopeptide antibiotics conjugated with benzoxaboroles by Maria Preobrazhenskaya et al. (Gause Institute of New Antibiotics. B.), while an Editorial by Steve Westcott discusses the use of boron-containing capsaicin derivatives for the treatment of cancer.

“I would like to gratefully acknowledge Future Medicinal Chemistry in bringing out this special issue,” Ramachandran continues. “It is my hope that this focus issue will attract the attention of medicinal chemists and aid in the development of boron-containing molecules, which can serve as drug candidates for the treatment of a variety of diseases.”


A full list of all the articles included in this issue can be found at: http://www.future-science.com/toc/fmc/5/6

If you are interested in receiving a free 30-day online trial to evaluate the journal’s content please contact info@futuremedicine.com , quoting FMC0612.

For further information on Future Medicinal Chemistry, please contact the Editor Isaac Bruce (i.bruce@future-science.com).


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ABOUT FUTURE MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY

Future Medicinal Chemistry provides a monthly platform (18 issues annually) for reviews and original research for the ever-expanding and diversifying pharmaceutical chemistry community, by showcasing milestones in R&D and featuring expert analysis of emerging developments. The journal is supported by an international Editorial Board headed by Professor Iwao Ojima (State University of New York at Stony Brook, USA) and Professor David Thurston (King’s College London, UK). The journal is indexed by Medline®/Pubmed, ISI and other major services, and was granted its second impact factor of 2.522 in June 2012 The full Aims & Scope, along with the editorial structure, can be found on the journal’s web page.

ABOUT FUTURE SCIENCE GROUP

The Future Science Group (www.future-science-group.com) is a leading provider of products and services for the medical, science and business communities. The group is comprised by three independent publishing companies active at the forefront of scientific information, including Expert Reviews Ltd, Future Medicine Ltd and Future Science Ltd. Complete listings of titles available under each imprint are available at www.expert-reviews.com, www.futuremedicine.com and www.future-science.com.

The April issue of Bioanalysis will feature a three-part article on calibration strategies, written by John Burrows (Anastats, UK). The discussion provides the reader with a practical and comprehensive introduction to – and evaluation of – the use of Monte Carlo Mathematics in the assessment of calibration strategies.

“Most bioanalysts state they are interested in applying statistical tests to help identify the correct fitting algorithm for their standard curve data, but indicate that they do not have the appropriate tools to make such assessments,” explains Jeff Sailstad (Sailstad and Associates, NC, USA) in his foreword to the articles. “The software uses Excel® to tabulate the numbers used in the computations and should allow non-statisticians the opportunity to test drive the proposed approach.”

Burrows states his drive to publish these papers: “Good calibration is a cornerstone requirement for accurate analytical results and yet, because it is a mathematical discipline, remains a Cinderella topic within bioanalysis … My hope is that the results presented in the papers will encourage many bioanalytical laboratories to review their procedures with a view to reducing these calibration errors.”

The three papers introduce Monte Carlo mathematics, comment on the design of a software package (CalEval) and evaluate linear calibration. It is hoped these will expose some common myths held by the bioanalytical community surrounding calibration curves, while providing the field with a useful resource.

Bioanalysis Senior Editor Howard Hill (Huntingdon Life Sciences, UK) explains that the statistical evaluations and Monte Carlo simulations presented in the papers question long-established perceptions regarding standard curves. “To the bioanalysts, some of the conclusions may seem counterintuitive. The reader should not be overawed by the mathematics – push on – it is the conclusions that are important and by digesting these papers, the rationale should be clear”. In conclusion, he adds that the technique, “will allow analysts to introduce a higher degree of objectivity into what is, after all, one of if not the most important tool in the analyst’s tool chest.”

All three articles by John Burrows and the foreword by Jeff Sailstad can be found at: www.future-science.com/toc/bio/5/8

If you are interested in receiving a free 30-day online trial to evaluate the journal’s content please contact info@future-science.com, quoting BIO0612.

For further information on Bioanalysis, please contact the Commissioning Editor, Isaac Bruce
(i.bruce@future-science.com).

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ABOUT BIOANALYSIS

Bioanalysis addresses the sensitive analytical techniques used for the study of drugs,
metabolites and biomarkers in the development of (bio)pharmaceuticals, as well as allied
fields including forensics, toxicology and anti-doping. The journal, published by Future
Science Ltd and launched in April 2009, is published on a fortnightly basis (24 issues per
year) and indexed by Medline® and ISI, with an impact factor of 3.223 (2011). The journal
also forms the hub of the interactive community website – Bioanalysis Zone – providing
principle content plus an online forum and wider access to news, research, jobs, webinars,
events and more.

ABOUT FUTURE SCIENCE GROUP

The Future Science Group (www.future-science-group.com) is an expanding group of
independent publishing companies active in the field of scientific information and endeavor,
including Expert Reviews Ltd (formerly known as Future Drugs Ltd), Future Medicine Ltd
and Future Science Ltd. As a leading provider of products and services for the medical,
science and business communities, we present the most important scientific breakthroughs in
an accessible and evaluated format, while at the same time providing the scientific community
with unique vehicles for disseminating forward-thinking research information and data.
Complete listings of titles under each imprint are available at www.expert-reviews.com,
www.futuremedicine.com and www.future-science.com.

A focus on the diagnosis of melanoma

Expert Review of Dermatology releases a Special Focus Issue this April on ‘The Diagnosis of Melanoma’. Committed to addressing the important issues facing Dermatologists today, Expert Review of Dermatology puts the spotlight on melanoma as the annual incidence of this lethal cancer continues to rise. Led by Guest Editor Jane M. Grant-Kels, this issue brings together opinion leaders from across the globe to discuss the current challenges, controversies and advances in the field of melanoma diagnosis.

“Despite the recent exciting advances in newer therapies, melanoma remains a killer of patients at a younger age than most other cancers. Although new technology has enhanced our diagnostic acumen, our ability to diagnose melanoma early enough to cure every case remains elusive. Therefore in this issue of Expert Review of Dermatology we cover clinical aspects of melanoma diagnosis and assessment of disease stage via laboratory and imaging tests as well as the role of sentinel lymph node biopsies. Experts from around the world review the current and developing role of biomarkers in melanoma diagnosis and prognostication,” Explains Jane M. Grant-Kels.

The issue features a range of article types including reviews, perspectives, editorials and key paper evaluations to provide a rounded view of the field at present. Highlights include an interview with Jeffrey S Weber (Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, FL, USA) and editorials from George F. Murphy and colleagues (Harvard Medical School, MA, USA) and Vernon K. Sondak (Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute) and colleagues.

Elisa Manzotti, Publisher for Future Science Group comments “It is an honour for Expert Review of Dermatology to be able to host this special issue on melanoma diagnosis and we thank our Guest Editor, Jane M. Grant-Kels, for convening such an excellent team of contributors in this timely work. Melanoma is a deadly disease that tragically affects a relatively young age group, and it is doubly tragic that disease incidence is rising. We hope that this spotlight on the important issue of diagnosis will take us one step closer to earlier detection of disease.”

A full listing of the articles in this Special Focus Issue can be found at: http://www.expert-reviews.com/toc/edm/8/2

The editorial office is now actively soliciting contributions of review, perspectives and editorial articles for Expert Review of Dermatology. For a full range of article types included in Expert Review of Dermatology please see our Author Guidelines. If you are interested in contributing any of the article types listed then please contact the Commissioning Editor, Jenaid Rees at j.rees@expert-reviews.com.

ABOUT EXPERT REVIEW OF DERMATOLOGY
Expert Review of Dermatology is a bimonthly, peer-reviewed journal, in print and web formats. The journal provides rapid publication of commentary and analysis on the latest research and clinical advances in all areas of dermatology, highlighting the challenges for the specialty in a new medical era. Key areas covered within Expert Review of Dermatology include understanding of dermatologic disease processes, diagnostic techniques and preventative strategies, ethical considerations for clinical and experimental research, and performance and comparison of existing and novel therapeutic indications. The journal is featured on indexing sites including Chemical Abstracts, EMBASE/ExcerptaMedica and Scopus, more information on the journal, including our current content, the Aims & Scope and Editorial Board listing on our website.

ABOUT FUTURE SCIENCE GROUP
The Future Science Group (www.future-science-group.com) is an expanding group of independent publishing companies active in the field of scientific information and endeavor, including Expert Reviews Ltd (formerly known as Future Drugs Ltd) Future Medicine Ltd and Future Science Ltd. As a leading provider of products and services for the medical, science and business communities, we present the most important scientific breakthroughs in an accessible and evaluated format, while at the same time providing the scientific community with unique vehicles for disseminating forward thinking research information and data. Complete listings of titles under each imprint are available at www.expert-reviews.com, www.futuremedicine.com and www.future-science.com.

Nanomedicine publishes regenerative medicine and tissue engineering special focus issue

Nanomedicine, the international peer-reviewed monthly journal published by Future Medicine Ltd, has published a special focus issue on the topic ‘Advanced nanobiomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine’, guest edited by leading researchers in the field from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

The special issue contains cutting-edge research on the design and application of micro-/nano-biomaterials for tissue engineering, as well as reviewing some of the most recent advances in the field. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have the potential to solve the problem of the vast shortage of organ transplants, as well being promising strategies for effectively treating a variety of presently incurable diseases.

Guest editors Chee Kai Chua, Lay Poh Tan and Jia An highlighted the relevance and importance of this issue, “Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have come a long way. The scaffold and material component of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have evolved with time, from acting merely as a supporting scaffold to smart, responsive components of tissue engineering. This advancement is realized with the development of enabling technologies, especially in the field of micro-/nano-technology. This special issue of Nanomedicine will provide readers with information on the application of nanobiomaterials and nanotechnologies in the field of tissue engineering, from aspects of design considerations for fundamental manipulation of cell–material interaction to material synthesis and full fabrication of tissues.”

The issue features contributions from renowned leaders in the field, including a number of comprehensive review articles. The review articles highlight the broad range of functional biomaterials and strategies used to advance the field including nanocomposites for bone tissue regeneration, biofabrication for skin repair, mechanoregulation of stem cell fate via micro-/nano-scale manipulation and bioresponsive hydrogel scaffolds.

In addition to the review and research articles, there is a selection of opinion-based editorial pieces on topics including nanofibrous scaffolds for tissue engineering of orthopedic tissues, the potential of electrospun core/shell nanofibers for cartilage engineering and the prospects of combining photobiology and nanobiotechnology.

The articles can be accessed from the Nanomedicine website: http://www.futuremedicine.com/toc/nnm/8/4


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ABOUT NANOMEDICINE

Following its launch in June 2006, Nanomedicine (Impact Factor: 5.055) has gone from strength to strength and is now listed by Medline/PubMed, Science Citation Index Expanded, Journal Citation Reports/Science Edition, Current Contents/Life Sciences and the Biotechnology Citation Index. The journal has increased in frequency from 6 to 12 issues per year and each carefully crafted issue contains peer-reviewed reviews, primary research articles, perspectives, editorials and additional added-value content. For complimentary access to selected articles or more information on this uniquely medicine-focused, international journal and its expert editorial advisory board please visit our website.

ABOUT FUTURE SCIENCE GROUP

The Future Science Group (www.future-science-group.com) is a leading provider of products and services for the medical, science and business communities. The group is comprised by three independent publishing companies active at the forefront of scientific information, including Expert Reviews Ltd, Future Medicine Ltd and Future Science Ltd. Complete listings of titles available under each imprint are available at www.expert-reviews.com, www.futuremedicine.com and www.future-science.com.