The 4th edition of this successful reference book contains an updated selection of the most frequently used assays for reliably detecting the pharmacological effects of potential drugs. Effects covered include cardiovascular, analgesic, endocrine, psychotropic, respiratory, renal and immunomodulatory activities. Each of the more than 1,000 assays comprises a detailed protocol outlining the purpose and rationale of the method, a critical assessment of the results and their pharmacological and clinical relevance. In addition, animal models of rare diseases are described. For this 4th edition, all existing chapters have been revised and completely updated. A large number of assays were added. Sections that have been specifically enlarged include - Pharmacological assays in thrombosis and haemostasis, - Antidiabetic activity (includes completely new chapters such as Biochemical Methods in Diabetology), - Anti-atherosclerotic activity. New chapters are added such as Auditory Pharmacology, Oncology Activity, Stem Cells, Omics, Personalized Medicine, etc.