In vivo target site concentrations are probably the most important determinant of drug effects. Traditionally, linking drug concentrations to drug effects has been accomplished by modelling blood-derived data, mostly because a direct quantification of tissue concentrations has been beyond technical reach. Today, a direct measurement of target site concentrations is possible by employing microdialysis or complementary approaches such as imaging technologies. Microdialysis, initially conceived in the 1970ies, has become a standard tool in drug development. This comprehensive overview of current microdialysis technology covers general and disease-specific aspects of microdialysis by international experts in the field. It provides useful information for colleagues in academia and industry who are interested PK-PD aspects of drug development.

A vast number of diagnostic and therapeutic decisions are based on measuring blood concentrations of molecules, yet most biochemical and pharmacological events actually take place in the tissues. Microdialysis is a key semi-invasive sampling technique to measure in vivo drug penetration to the target site in humans, the method being feasible in virtually every organ. Authored by international experts in this cutting edge field, this book will provide a comprehensive overview of microdialysis and its application for measuring drug distribution in drug development.