Preclinical Research
Case Study: Two Examples of Successful Automation Integration at Altasciences for Pharmacokinetic Studies
By Martin Rougée, Optimization Scientist, Bioanalytical Operations
Automation offers several advantages to any industry. For a contract research organization (CRO), it can play an integral role in increasing the quality and speed of drug development while reducing costs, repetitive manual tasks, and human error. For biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, automation can decrease their drug-to-market development time and remain financially competitive in an evolving market.
Highlights From the 17th Minipig Research Forum, by Shanté Jackson
I recently had the chance to attend the 17th Minipig Research Forum (MRF) in Amsterdam—and what an experience! This was my first time attending the forum, and visiting the Netherlands!
Consultant’s Corner—Reflections from a Study Monitor and Director: A Career in Toxicology, by Bill Brock
Some might say a reflective piece like this could come across as sounding “preachy”. Maybe it is. But it is reflective of a long and rewarding career built on the belief that we as scientists need to give back to the field of toxicology, supporting the growth of future leaders.
Highlights From the 2025 Society of Toxicology 64th Annual Meeting With Dr. Marianna Bacellar-Galdino, DVM, MSc, PhD
I had a fantastic time connecting with colleagues, clients, and peers at the Society of Toxicology (SOT) 64th Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. As my first SOT experience, I truly enjoyed the vibrant, enthusiastic atmosphere.
Case Study: How Altasciences Overcame Pharmacological Challenges in a GLP-1 IND-Enabling Study
For emerging therapies with pronounced pharmacological effects, thoughtful study design is critical to ensuring reliable and interpretable data.
Hybridization LC-MS/MS for Sensitive Quantitation of Antisense Oligonucleotides in Plasma and Dried Blood Microsamples
Best Practices for Preclinical Dose Range Finding Studies
Dose range finding (DRF) studies are the foundation of preclinical drug development, providing crucial information on safety data to assist in the dose level selection before advancing into to
Inside Preclinical Ocular Research: With Dr. Simone Iwabe, DVM, PhD, DACVO, and Randy Wheeland, BS
Altasciences has been at the forefront of ophthalmic drug development for over 30 years, having completed more than 100 ocular studies to assess the safety of new drug products intended for human use.
ISSUE NO. 43 — Advancing Vision Care With Formulation and Manufacture of Ocular Therapeutics
According to the WHO, at least a billion people are currently living with vision impairment from a preventable or treatable source. Precedence Research reports
that the global ophthalmic drug market size is estimated to double in 10 years, from $34.6 billion in 2021 to an estimated $68.93 billion by 2030.
The development of pharmacological interventions for many of these conditions has been accelerating, supported by new delivery methods and formulation approaches. For conditions that require surgery or corrective devices, eye drops are an important part of diagnosis, and pre- and post-surgery treatment plans.
In Issue 43 of The Altascientist, we explore key considerations for ophthalmic product manufacturing, including formulation, scalability, regulatory compliance, and quality control:
- Recent developments in ophthalmic medications
- Unique barriers for drug delivery to the eye
- Common types of ocular formulations
- Formulation for effective ocular drug delivery
- Systemic exposure of topical ophthalmic preparations
- Ocular gene therapy
- Manufacturing ocular drugs for clinical trials and commercialization
- A case study
THE CHALLENGES OF OCULAR DRUG DELIVERY
The eye has natural anatomical barriers that restrict the amount of medication reaching its intended target. These include the cornea’s outer layer, the conjunctiva, and the blood-aqueous and blood-retinal barriers. These structures resist water-based drugs, limit absorption, and tightly regulate what enters the inner eye. Additionally, the eye's rapid tear film turnover continuously flushes out medication. These barriers pose challenges for effective treatment—challenges that formulation specialists are striving to address with different formulation options.
SYSTEMIC EXPOSURE OF TOPICAL OPHTHALMIC PREPARATIONS
Ophthalmic topical medications are highly concentrated and can be absorbed systemically due to the passage of medication through the nasolacrimal duct into the highly vascular nasal mucosa. Systemic exposure to eye drops occurs when the active ingredients in the drops are absorbed into the bloodstream.
This can happen through the tear duct, the conjunctiva, or the skin around the eyes. Systemic exposure can produce side effects, which formulation scientists work to minimize. Systemic exposure to ophthalmic medications is influenced by several factors, including the high concentration of active ingredients in eye drops, administration techniques that impact absorption, and patient populations, such as infants, pregnant or nursing women, and the elderly are more susceptible to systemic side effects.
HOW CAN ALTASCIENCES HELP
With a deep understanding of regulatory requirements for ophthalmic formulations and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, Altasciences provides comprehensive services tailored to meet the highest industry standards for your ophthalmic drug development program. We offer customized solutions that align with your specific needs, delivering an optimized suite of services to deliver high-quality ophthalmic drugs for clinical trials or commercial use.
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