Special Issue "Biologics"

Guest Editor
Dr. Christine Brezden-Masley
St. Michael’s Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Room 2046, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
E-Mail: brezdenc@smh.ca
Interests: cytotoxic chemotherapeutics; molecular-targeted biologics; breast cancer pathophysiology; diagnostic imaging; patient safety

Submission

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. Papers will be published continuously (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are refereed through a peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmaceuticals is an international peer-reviewed Open Access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 500 CHF (Swiss Francs). English correction and/or formatting fees of 250 CHF (Swiss Francs) will be charged in certain cases for those articles accepted for publication that require extensive additional formatting and/or English corrections.

• novel molecular targets of cancer pathogenesist
• tumour biomarkers
• novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors
• molecular targeted monoclonal antibodies
• targets of tumorigenesis
• pathways of inhibition of tumorigenesis

Type of Paper: Review
Title: Molecularly Based Approach to Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Therapy: State of the Art.
Authors: Giulia M Stella, Simona Inghilleri, Maurizio Luisetti, Francesca Cemmi, Laura Saracino and Michele Zorzetto
Affiliation: Department of Hematological, Pneumological and Cardiovascular Sciences - Section of Pneumology, University and Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; E-Mail: g.stella@smatteo.pv.it
Abstract: Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is an ominous disease with a severe prognosis still lacking of effective therapeutic regimens. MPM is increasing as a consequence to the worldwide exposure to asbestos fibres. Little is known about the molecular biology which drives MPM onset. Somatic genetic lesions affecting the oncogenes known to have a causative role in epithelial cancers, are rarely found in MPM. This is most likely an implication of the histological origin of mesothelial cells as well as of asbestos mechanism of transformation. A better understanding of MPM biology and identification of MPM specific targettable markers is a clear priority of both scientist and clinicians. This reviewed is aimed to evaluate the state of the art MPM most recent molecular findings, which will lead to successful tailored therapeutic options.

Type of Paper: Review
Title: Trends in Biologics Manufacturing in India
Author: Karen Politis Virk
Affiliation: Director of Biotech & Pharmaceutical Research, Language Connections - A Language Service Provider; E-Mail: karen@languageconnections.com
Abstract: Due to the high cost of drug development, there has been a growing interest in offshoring manufacturing to emerging countries where the cost is significantly less. However, this has been somewhat hindered by the limited ability of companies to ensure biologic equivalence in the molecules produced at offshoring sites. In addition, inconsistent compliance with established regulatory procedures, inadequate IP protection, differences in regulatory approval requirements for biologics and linguistic and cultural barriers all create significant hurdles. Despite the challenges, many companies are increasingly considering transferring manufacturing to emerging countries, particularly those with experience in drug manufacturing. As a result, India is emerging as one of the most dominant offshoring locations. Among the reasons for this is the country's well-established generics manufacturing sector and the high rate of English proficiency among Indian scientists. In addition to improved oversight and regulatory reforms, however, India's regional linguistic and cultural diversity must be addressed. As Western pharmaceutical companies increasingly choose to collaborate with Indian companies in an effort to produce more affordable biogenerics, they are discovering the importance of addressing communication barriers.