Determination of compound binding to plasma proteins.

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of a compound are profoundly affected by the extent of its binding to plasma proteins. Consequently, the determination of the plasma protein binding properties of a compound is essential during drug development and is increasingly required during lead prioritization. The protocols described in this unit detail the techniques of ultrafiltration and equilibrium dialysis for determination of plasma protein binding. Equilibrium dialysis is the more robust of the two techniques, whereas ultrafiltration is the more rapid. Two versions of the equilibrium dialysis technique are provided: the traditional approach and a higher-throughput 96-well plate version.