Experimental Research

Experimental research at the Pharmaceutical Research Institute focuses on identifying novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for unmet medical needs, with the initial focus on advancing the development of key concepts for vascular and cardiovascular diseases. In this area, initial research is concentrated on in vitro and in vivo models of angiogenesis, thrombosis and vascular biology. Investigation includes a search for new approaches to modulate angiogenesis in oncology, dermatology and ophthalmology.

Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, the formation of new capillary blood vessels, is dependent upon coordinate production of angiogenesis promoters and suppressors. In pathology, angiogenesis can last for years and be somewhat out of control due to an imbalance between angiogenic and angiostatic factors (overproduction of angiogenic factors and/or deficiency of angiostatic factors).

Regulation of blood vessel growth underlies a wide spectrum of biological processes, including physiological processes such as reproduction, development, repair, wound healing and collateral and pathological processes such as cancer (tumor growth and metastasis), ocular (diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration), inflammatory arthritis and cardiovascular disorders (ischemic heart disease and artherosclerotic plaque).

To establish angiogenesis balance, the switch to the angiogenic phenotype involves a change in the local equilibrium between positive and negative regulators of the growth of microvessels. Research at PRI-Albany investigates how this imbalance relates to the cause of, and treatment for, these disease states.

Thrombosis

Thrombosis remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, effective antithrombotic stragegies remain a critical therapeutic objective.

The past decade has witnessed distinct progress in the development of newer anti-coagulant, anti-platelet and thrombolytics for the prevention and treatment of various thromboembolic disorders. Understanding of the pathogenesis of thrombotic and vascular disorders has greatly facilitated these developments to target blood vessels, platelets and the protease network involving the coagulation, thrombolytic and the fibrinolytic systems.

Improved processing from natural sources, biotechnology and organic chemistry strategies played a major role in the development of such drugs as low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), oral heparin and anti-thrombin agents. Many of the important drugs, such as LMWH, pentasaccharide, direct antithrombin, direct anti-Xa agents and biotechnology-derived therapeutic agents are advancing rapidly.

The need for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic optimization that PRI-Albany provides will be critical for the success of these strategies. Additionally, high throughput screening, drug-drug interactions and clinical monitoring that the Institute provides will be essential to advance the clinical development of these agents.

Vascular and Metabolic Disorders

The search for novel mechanisms that act at the vascular endothelial cell levels in providing vascular protection and, hence, improved vascular patency in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and vascular disorders represent a key focus for the next generation medicines.

Experimental research at PRI-Albany will establish in vivo animal models of acute arterial and venous thrombosis, and pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacokinetic (PK) readouts for various anti-coagulants and anti-platelet agents, and in various combinations with commonly used drugs. PRI-Albany also seeks to define novel strategies to improve PD and PK of existing anti-coagulants and anti-platelet agents.

Pharmaceutical Research Institute at Albany College of Pharmacy
1 Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144 518-694-7575, fax 518-694-7567