Formulation Strategies To Optimize Drug Pharmacokinetics And Improve Therapeutic Outcomes

Abstract

Poorly water-soluble drug candidates are becoming more prevalent. It has been estimated that approximately 60–70% of the drug molecules are insufficiently soluble in aqueous media and/or have very low permeability to allow for their adequate and reproducible absorption from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) following oral administration. The molecules are withdrawn at various stages of discovery and development process for reasons such as poor ADME properties, lack of efficacy, and safety reasons. Formulation scientists have to adopt various strategies to enhance their absorption. Over the years, a wide range of compounds have been investigated for their permeation-enhancing effect in order to circumvent these challenges. There is also a growing interest in developing nanocarrier-based formulation strategies to enhance drug absorption.