A unique holistic approach covering all functions and phases of pharmaceutical research and development Although there is some text that is dedicated to individual aspects of pharmaceutical research and development, this work provides a unique contribution to take a holistic and integrative approach to the use of computers in all phases of drug discovery, development, and marketing. By providing a comprehensive view, this book offers readers a unique framework and systems perspective from which they can design a strategy to fully exploit the use of computers in their organizations during all phases of discovery and development process. Chapter set out in the following sections: * Computers in pharmaceutical research and development: overview * Understanding diseases: mining complex systems for knowledge * Scientific information handling and enhancing productivity * Computers in drug discovery * Computers in preclinical development * Computers in development decision-making, economic and market analysis * Computers in clinical development * Future applications and future development Each chapter is written by one or more leading experts in the field and carefully edited to ensure a consistent structure and approach in this book. cross-functional, all-stage approach this book provides a unique opportunity for a holistic analysis and assessment of computer applications in pharmacy.