In Vitro and In Vivo Models for Cancer and Infectious Diseases

Abstract

Preclinical evaluation of therapeutic molecules and their formulations is vital during drug discovery and development. These are also obligatory as a regulatory requirement. In vitro and in vivo studies serve as a powerful tool to obtain preliminary data regarding preclinical safety and efficacy of novel drugs and formulations as a precursor to clinical studies. The first step in preclinical evaluation includes in vitro tests, wherein novel drugs and formulations are evaluated through cell-based assays or using specific microorganisms. These are used for high-throughput screening of several entities to identify and shortlist candidates with promising efficacy and safety. Inhibitors to block specific endocytic pathways and methods to elucidate the endocytic pathway are also described. Such potential candidates are further evaluated in vivo using animal models closely resembling the human physiology and pathogenesis of the disease. This chapter reviews various in vitro and in vivo models for the analysis of drugs and formulations targeting two diseases which are leading causes of death globally, namely, cancer and infectious diseases which are the major focus of this book.