Skin is an attractive target for drug development as it is accessible and can easily be harvested for histopathological and molecular investigations. MedPharm has experience in the use of a number of in vivo models in man, including Finn chambers, suction blisters and tape stripping. MedPharm is pleased to work with clients on experimental design and offers numerous techniques for the evaluation of skin following drug exposure including the following:

• Epidermal thickness

• Epidermal differentiation markers

• MIB-1/KI-67 for proliferating cells

• Lymphocyte subsets (CD3,4,8,20,45)

• Leder stain for neutrophils

• Other inflammatory cells (macrophage, mast cells, Langerhans cells)

• Endothelial activation markers (E-selectin)

• RNA and protein extraction and purification

• Affymetrix microarray analysis

For in vitro drug testing and proof-of-concept studies, MedPharm offers experience in the isolation, culture and in vitro analysis of all major skin cell types including the following:

• Keratinocytes

• Langerhans cells

• Fibroblasts

• Endothelial cells

Numerous analysis techniques are offered, such as:

• Co-culture systems

• Flow cytometry

• All standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, RNA, DNA and protein blotting

• Affymetrix microarray analysis

MedPharm have also developed a range of skin disease models that can be used for in vitro drug testing and formulation optimisation.