Development, optimization and validation of an analytical method for the determination of voriconazole in plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection: Application for comprehensive study.

Objectives: Voriconazole is a widely used antifungal agent in clinical settings. However, its use has been associated with neurological side effects in some patients. For this reason, it is crucial to monitor its plasma levels to ensure that they are within the therapeutic range.

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors closer to market launch?

Introduction: Interest in cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors was stimulated by the demonstration that their pharmacological activities could lead to therapies for numerous diseases. Until now, despite the clinical introduction of a dozen compounds belonging to other classes of kinase inhibitors, no CDK inhibitor has reached the marketplace.

Areas Covered: This review covers CDK inhibitor patents published between 2009 and September 2012.

Aftins increase amyloid-β42, lower amyloid-β38, and do not alter amyloid-β40 extracellular production in vitro: toward a chemical model of Alzheimer's disease?

Increased production of amyloid-β (Aβ)42 peptide, derived from the amyloid-β protein precursor, and its subsequent aggregation into oligomers and plaques constitutes a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We here report on a family of low molecular weight molecules, the Aftins (Amyloid-β Forty-Two Inducers), which, in cultured cells, dramatically affect the production of extracellular/secreted amyloid peptides. Aftins trigger β-secretase inhibitor and γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) sensitive, robust upregulation of Aβ42, and parallel down-regulation of Aβ38, while Aβ40 levels remain stable.