Nanoparticulate strategies for effective delivery of poorly soluble therapeutics

The pharmacological activity of a drug molecule depends on its ability to dissolve and interact with its biological target, either through dissolution and absorption, or through dissolution and receptor interaction. The low bioavailability that characterizes poorly water-soluble drugs is usually attributed to the dissolution kinetic profile. Novel strategies to effectively deliver these drugs include nanoparticulate approaches that either increase the surface area of the drug or improve the solubility characteristics of the drug. Nanosizing approaches are based on the production of drug nanocrytals dispersed in an aqueous surfactant solution, whereas other possibilities include drug loading in nanoparticles. Promising nanoparticulate approaches include the development of lipid-based nanocarriers to increase drug solubility followed by enhanced bioavailability. To select the best approach there are, however, some critical considerations to take into account, for example the physicochemical properties of the drug, the possibility to scale-up the production process, the toxicological considerations of the use of solvents and cosolvents, the selection of an environmentally sustainable methodology and the development of a more patient-friendly dosage form. This article addresses these relevant questions and provides feasible examples of novel strategies with respect to relevant administration routes.