James Swarbrick – Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology (3rd edition)

Автор: James Swarbrick
Название книги: Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology (3rd edition)
Формат: PDF
Жанр: Медицина
Страницы: 4372
Качество: Изначально компьютерное, E-book

The introductory paragraph of the preface to both the first and second editions of this
encyclopedia, published in 1988 and 2002, respectively, notes that pharmaceutical science
and technology have progressed enormously in recent years, and that significant advances
in therapeutics and an understanding of the need to optimize drug delivery in the body
have brought about an increased awareness of the valuable role played by the dosage form
in therapy. In turn, this has resulted in an increased sophistication and level of expertise in
the design, development, manufacture, testing and regulation of drugs and dosage forms.
This statement is as true today as it was back in 1988 and 2002—and perhaps more so,
given the increasing emphasis being placed on the discovery, development, and use of large
molecular entities as therapeutic and diagnostic agents. The pace at which these advances
are being made is reflected in the fact that, after only four years, it has been felt necessary
to publish this, the third edition, of the Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology. As
with the second edition, the third edition is available in print and also online.
The third edition continues the focus on the discovery, development, design, manufacture,
testing, regulation, and commercialization of drugs and dosage forms. Areas of
emphasis include pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, analytical chemistry, quality assurance,
drug safety, and manufacturing processes. Both more traditional and newer technologies
and processes are included, with an increased emphasis on biotechnology and large
molecule development. Current trends relating to solid state aspects of drug entities are
also included, reflecting again the advances made in this area.
While of primary interest to pharmaceutical scientists and management in the pharmaceutical
and related industries, including regulatory agencies, the encyclopedia will be of
value to those in academia undertaking pharmaceutical research and those responsible
for the education and training in pharmaceutical science and technology of graduate
and undergraduate students.
The print version of the third edition consists of six volumes totaling about 4400 pages,
an approximately 45% increase in content compared to the second edition. The number of
articles has increased to almost 300 titles arranged alphabetically by subject and the number
of contributors has risen by over 50% to in excess of 500 individuals. The new edition
now contains a Topical Table of Contents, whose purpose is to group article titles
into categories and subcategories, thereby making the reader aware of other related and
relevant articles.
As was the case with the second edition, the online version includes everything in the
print version and also offers the convenience of a keyword search engine as well as the
inclusion of color illustrations. New and revise articles will be digitally posted quarterly
and available to all subscribers of the electronic version.
Preparation of the third edition began under the auspices of Marcel Dekker, Inc. before
it became part of Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. last year. I would be remiss therefore if I
did not acknowledge the fantastic support received from Carolyn Hall, Managing Editor
of the Encyclopedia Department of Marcel Dekker, Inc. prior to the merger. At the same
time, it is a pleasure to acknowledge to contributions to the development of this third
edition from staff in The Encyclopedia Group of Informa Healthcare USA, Inc., in particular
Louisa Lam, Claire Miller, and Yvonne Honigsberg.
I must note the absence of Jim Boylan’s name as an editor on the third edition. Jim and
I worked closely in partnership as co-editors on both the first and second editions. After
17 years commitment to the encyclopedia Jim decided to relinquish his role as co-editor,
a move that both I and the publisher greatly regretted. And so, it is fitting that this new
edition, which relies in large part on Jim’s past contributions, is dedicated to him.
Finally, you the readers are to be thanked for your support and comments. I trust you
will find that the third edition continues the high standards set by the previous editions. As
always, I welcome your comments and suggestions for new titles.