Abstract: A diffusion cell is described that includes a receiver compartment and a tightening ring intended to be positioned above the receiver compartment in such a way that a membrane sample, such as a sample of a skin, can be arranged between the receiver compartment and the tightening ring. The cell further includes means for tightening by rotation of the tightening ring on the receiver compartment. Uses of such a diffusion cell, in particular for evaluating the penetration capacity of a compound of interest contained in an aerosol formulation, are also described. These uses can be applicable in an occlusive patch or semi-occlusive patch or in a formulation under occlusive or semi-occlusive conditions in the skin. The uses can also be implemented to evaluate the capacity of an aerosol formulation, an occlusive or semi-occlusive patch or a formulation under occlusive or semi-occlusive conditions to deliver a compound of interest through the skin.

Abstract: A diffusion cell is described that includes a receiver compartment and a tightening ring intended to be positioned above the receiver compartment in such a way that a membrane sample can be arranged between the receiver compartment and the tightening ring. The cell further includes means for tightening by rotation of the tightening ring on the receiver compartment. Uses of such a diffusion cell, in particular for evaluating the penetration capacity of a compound of interest contained in an aerosol formulation, are also described. These uses can be applicable in an occlusive patch or semi-occlusive patch or in a formulation under occlusive or semi-occlusive conditions in the skin. The uses can also be implemented to evaluate the capacity of an aerosol formulation, an occlusive or semi-occlusive patch or a formulation under occlusive or semi-occlusive conditions to deliver a compound of interest through the skin.

Abstract: A skin organ culture model system is provided having a perfusion plate (1), a peristaltic pump (2), and a culture reservoir (3). The skin organ culture model system combines both the dynamic perfusion of culture medium with the use of plasma as culture medium in order to provide, in the model system, culture conditions that are similar to in vivo conditions.

Abstract: An in vitro method is described that uses full-thickness human skin for evaluating the influence of ABC transporters (such as MDR1, MRP1, MRP2 or BCRP) on the absorption and distribution of topically applied medicinal substances.

Abstract: A method of using a Solute Carrier (SLC) mammalian skin transporter is described for evaluating the penetration of topical drug. Also described, are methods of using the transporter to diagnose skin diseases and to treat skin diseases. The described methods may be useful for identifying topically applied drugs for treatment of skin diseases or as biomarkers for skin diseases. The described methods are intended to assist in characterizing and analyzing the regulation of the expression of solute carrier transporters in mammalian skin.

Abstract: A method is described for optimizing ungual treatment. The method can include (a) providing a nail having at least two spaced apart holes formed from a surface thereof and extending into the nail, and (b) topically applying a radiolabeled pharmaceutical composition to the nail. At least a portion of the composition is received in the at least two holes. The method also includes (c) sectioning a portion of the nail proximate the at least two holes into a plurality of sections, (d) determining, for each of the plurality of sections, a concentration of radioactivity in the section as a function of position with respect to the at least two holes, and (e) optimizing a spacing between the at least two holes based at least partially on the determinations in step (d). A method of ungual treatment using the optimized spacing is also described.

Abstract: An in vitro method is described that uses full-thickness human skin for evaluating the influence of ABC transporters (such as MDR1, MRP1, MRP2 or BCRP) on the absorption and distribution of topically applied medicinal substances.