PDF 16672 pages
Data Date -> Available online 8 January 2008
xPharm, a state of the art, online, comprehensive pharmacology reference work.
xPharm is comprised of four searchable and highly interlinked databases covering molecular
Targets, including receptors, enzymes, transporters and ion channels, chemical
Agents, including both drugs and endogenous compounds, clinical Disorders, and basic
pharmacological Principles.
xPharm is designed to exploit the advantages provided by online publishing in allowing
a user to customize information retrieval by quickly identifying and linking data from
a large reference work. In addition,electronic publishing permits timely updates, which
are not possible with printed material. xPharm is unique in that it was constructed from
the beginning as an online reference work, rather than trying to adapt a print product to
an online venue.
The idea for four databases was driven by the fact that Agents, including drugs, which
are the core of pharmacology, act at molecular Targets to treat Disorders. The Principles
database is included as a repository of information fundamental to the discipline but
generally independent of the chemical entity, site of action, or clinical use. Each xPharm
record is composed and reviewed by experts and the information placed within a highly
structured format consistent within each database. xPharm is rich in the numerical data
used to define pharmacological relationships, with each fact referenced so that more
detailed information can be obtained if necessary. All narratives are hyperlinked to related
records across databases to facilitate navigation within a subject area. The records are
organized in a hierarchical manner to facilitate browsing at increasing levels of specialization
depending upon the needs and the background of the user. For example, one could
begin with 7 Transmembrane Receptors, then advance to Adrenoceptors, and on to Beta
Adrenoceptors and finally to Beta-2 Adrenoceptors. Alternatively, the user can easily
navigate from record to record with a click of the mouse. Starting in the Principles record,
Intrinsic Regulation of the Vasculature, one might go to the Essential Hypertension
record, then to Altenolol and finally to the Beta-1 Adrenoceptor record. xPharm also
contains external links to related databases providing a seamless network of pharmacological
information including access to full text articles, protein and gene sequences,
suppliers, and other related web sites, including those of funding agencies.
xPharm is designed for the bench scientist working in academic, industrial or government
laboratories, although students also find it very useful.While clinical information is
provided in some records, the work is not intended as a primary source for clinicians and
should not be used in this way. Rather, clinical data, such as doses, dosage forms, side
effects, and potential drug interactions, are included as background information for those
attempting to design or develop new medications, or who are conducting research aimed
at defining the molecular mechanisms responsible for certain clinical responses. With
regard to targets, emphasis is placed on those proteins known to have pharmacological
relevance. Likewise, although information on drug toxicities is included, xPharm is not
intended to be a comprehensive toxicology reference.
Currently, xPharm consists of approximately 4000 individual records prepared by
nearly 600 authors. If printed it would total over 20,000 pages, making it the world’s
largest medical reference work. Additional records are added, and records revised, biannually.
Each new record is reviewed by authorities on the topic before it is published,
and is revised and updated as necessary. Those interested in authoring or revising records
should contact xpharm-mail@elsevier.com.
We extend our sincere thanks to the hundreds of authors, the members of the Editorial
Board, and to the staff and management at Elsevier, in particular Tim Stevenson and Zoe
Kruze, for their dedication and commitment. Thanks to their efforts, xPharm has developed
into the equivalent of an expert pharmacologist, on-call 24 hours a day, capable of
answering your questions, and providing new insights, in this dynamic and important field.
S. J. Enna
David B. Bylund
Executive Editor
October, 2008
If you find this book useful, please feel free to link to this page from your website or blog.
Leave a Reply