In order to reach its intended site of action, the drug molecules in every pill that we swallow must first be absorbed, transported via the bloodstream and evade various mechanisms that eliminate drugs from the body. Those drug properties that determine, for example, its stability in the gut or its ease of uptake into the bloodstream, are therefore of central importance in drug development. In fact, many potentially useful drugs fail because of insufficient availability at the biological target site.

This second edition of the gold standard for industrial research is thoroughly revised in line with current trends in the field, with all contributions extensively updated or rewritten. No other publication offers the same level of treatment on this crucial topic.

In 22 chapters readers can benefit from the key working knowledge of today's leading pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Roche. Drug developers from industry and academia present all the factors governing drug bioavailability, complete with practical examples and real-life data.

Part I focuses on solubility and gastrointestinal absorption, while the second discusses in vitro and in vivo measurements of physicochemical properties, such as membrane permeability and solubility. Part III is devoted to metabolism and excretory mechanisms. The much revised and expanded Part IV surveys current in silico approaches to predict drug properties needed to estimate the bioavailability of any new drug candidate. The final part shows new drug development approaches as well as delivery strategies.

Indispensable for all those working in the pharmaceutical industry, pharmaceutical and medicinal chemists, and toxicologists.