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Flocel Inc. provides 3D cell culture testing on a contractual basis. Our fee structure is based on the number of tested compounds and the experimental complexity. Using the DIV-BBB 3.0, we can perform a wide range of in vitro studies, including investigations on the effect of shear stress in arteries and veins, metastatic tumor migration from peripheral organs to the brain, drug delivery via nanocarriers or viral vectors, prediction of anti-tumor drug toxicity, characterization of drug transporters in human or rodent brain, and much more!

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Short-term Exclusion Assessment:

1

The experiment mimics acute permeability after an IV injection. Plasma vs. brain levels are compared, and the "P" value is calculated. The values are compared with those for known permeant or non-permeant compounds. A simultaneous injection of 14C sucrose or 3H-theophylline is usually employed.

2

The results are compared to published "P" values for a variety of compounds.

3

The compounds are injected intra-luminally, and concentrations are detected intra-/extra-luminally for 60 min. at 5–10 min. intervals.

Acute Determination of Active Exclusion:

1

The experiment evaluates if low permeability detected in Short-term Exclusion Assessment is due to active extrusion or poor octanol-water partition.

2

The compounds (three observations per compound) are injected extra-luminally, and concentrations detected intra-/extra-luminally for 60 min. at 5–10 min. intervals.

3

If requested, the experiments can be repeated in the presence of putative extrusion (e.g., PgP) blockers for the same fee.

Long-term Determination of Active Exclusion:

1

The experiment evaluates whether the low permeability detected in the Short-term Exclusion Assessment is due to active extrusion or poor octanol-water partition.

2

The experimental design mimics an "IV drip" with constant plasma concentrations for 24–48 h.

3

The compounds (three observations per compound) are injected intra-luminally, and the concentrations are detected intra-/extra-luminally at 1–2 h intervals for up to 2 days.

4

If requested, the experiments may be repeated in the presence of putative extrusion (e.g., PgP) blockers for the same fee.

Chronic Exposure/Assessment of Long-term Toxicity and Pharmacokinetic Properties:

1

The experiment analyzes the effects of a given compound on blood-brain barrier integrity.

2

Trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) or sucrose are measured.