Abstract: There is provided an ex-vivo insect screening model to accurately determine blood-brain barrier penetration of different nanoparticles in order to improve the compound screening procedures/processes in the early drug discovery process. This object offers many advantages relative to prior technologies since insect models are more reliable tools for the decision-making process than the existing in vitro models, and will speed up the drug screening process and reduce the late phase attrition rate. Moreover, it will reduce the number of mammals sacrificed during the drug discovery phase.

Abstract: There is provided insect screening models to determine gastrointestinal absorption of different chemical compounds in vertebrates, and in particular humans, in order to improve the compound screening procedures/processes in the early drug discovery process. This offers many advantages relative to prior technologies since insect models are more reliable tools for the decision-making process than the existing in vitro models, and will speed up the drug screening process and reduce the late phase attrition rate. Moreover, it will reduce the number of mammals sacrificed during the drug discovery phase.

Abstract: There is provided an ex-vivo insect screening model to accurately determine blood-brain barrier penetration of different chemical compounds in order to improve the compound screening procedures/processes in the early drug discovery process. This object offers many advantages relative to prior technologies since insect models are more reliable tools for the decision-making process than the existing in vitro models, and will speed up the drug screening process and reduce the late phase attrition rate. Moreover, it will reduce the number of mammals sacrificed during the drug discovery phase.

Abstract: There is provided a method and model insects for screening the effects of nanoparticles on brain barrier function and integrity. The method involves exposing the insect brain-barrier to the nanoparticle(s) of interest and exposing the nanoparticle treated insect brain barrier to one or more suitable marker(s) of the function and integrity of the brain barrier.

Abstract: There is provided an ex-vivo insect screening model to determine blood-brain barrier penetration of different chemical compounds. The method comprises the steps: • Optionally anesthetizing the insect • Fixing the head of the insect • Dissecting out the brain of the insect head thereby removing the brain from its cuticle • Optinally removing the neural lamella of the brain • Treating the brain with a solution of the chemical compound • Washing anf homogenising or ultra sound disintegrating the brain • Determining the concentration of the chemical compound in the homogenised brain material and • Calculating the penetration of the chemical compound through the blood-brain barrier The concentration of the chemical compound is determined by LC/MS and the chemical compound can be a CNS drug.

Abstract: There is provided an ex-vivo insect screening model to accurately determine blood-brain barrier penetration of different nanoparticles in order to improve the compound screening procedures/processes in the early drug discovery process. This object offers many advantages relative to prior technologies since insect models are more reliable tools for the decision-making process than the existing in vitro models, and will speed up the drug screening process and reduce the late phase attrition rate. Moreover, it will reduce the number of mammals sacrificed during the drug discovery phase.

Abstract: There is provided a new methodology for initial assessment of compound PK. The invention is generally particular useful for efficient screening of and assessment of PK profiles of newly synthesized compounds in the early phase of drug discovery.

Abstract: There is provided an ex-vivo insect screening model to accurately determine blood-brain barrier penetration of different chemical compounds in order to improve the compound screening procedures/processes in the early drug discovery process. This object offers many advantages relative to prior technologies since insect models are more reliable tools for the decision-making process than the existing in vitro models, and will speed up the drug screening process and reduce the late phase attrition rate. Moreover, it will reduce the number of mammals sacrificed during the drug discovery phase.

Abstract: There is provided insect screening models to determine gastrointestinal absorption of different chemical compounds in vertebrates, and in particular humans, in order to improve the compound screening procedures/processes in the early drug discovery process. This offers many advantages relative to prior technologies since insect models are more reliable tools for the decision-making process than the existing in vitro models, and will speed up the drug screening process and reduce the late phase attrition rate. Moreover, it will reduce the number of mammals sacrificed during the drug discovery phase.

Abstract: There is provided an insect model for determining the penetration of nanoparticles through the BBB. The model is also directed to the use of insects for studying the environmental safety of nanoparticles. The particles are administered into the hemolymf of an insect having a BBB, such as the locust, and the uptake into the brain is analysed. Thus, in this model it is possible to investigate the potential up-take into the brain of nanoparticles circulating in the blood.