Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026
08:22
Delivery of Antibodies into the Murine Brain via Convection-enhanced Delivery
Published on: July 18, 2019
9.1K
Transmucosal Absorption Enhancers in the Drug Delivery Field
Sam Maher1, Luca Casettari2, Lisbeth Illum3
1School of Pharmacy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland. sammaher@rcsi.com.
Pharmaceutics
|July 18, 2019
Summary
Chemical permeation enhancers offer a simple method to improve drug transport across epithelial barriers for various routes. Despite their potential, few have reached clinical trials, highlighting a gap in drug delivery system development.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Chemical permeation enhancers are crucial for improving the transmucosal delivery of poorly absorbed drugs.
- Enhancing drug absorption across oral, nasal, buccal, ocular, and pulmonary epithelia is a significant challenge in pharmaceutical development.
- Current progress shows limited clinical translation, with only one marketed product containing a permeation enhancer.
Discussion:
- This editorial introduces a special issue focusing on transmucosal absorption enhancers.
- It synthesizes findings from 19 articles, evaluating the efficacy and challenges of permeation enhancers.
- The discussion highlights the need for further research and development in this area.
Key Insights:
- Permeation enhancers represent a promising strategy for overcoming drug absorption limitations.
- The limited clinical success underscores the need for robust safety and efficacy data.
- Successful development requires a deeper understanding of enhancer-epithelial interactions.
Outlook:
- Future research should focus on developing novel, safe, and effective permeation enhancers.
- Clinical translation requires overcoming regulatory hurdles and demonstrating consistent therapeutic benefits.
- Advancements in drug delivery systems incorporating enhancers could expand treatment options for various diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Drug Absorption: Factors Affecting GI Absorption
6.1K
The process of oral drug absorption can be influenced by several factors. Weakly acidic drugs tend to be absorbed more readily from the stomach due to their nonionized state. However, absorption may be less efficient in the upper intestine, where drugs are often ionized. Interestingly, despite the stomach's apparent advantage for drug absorption, its mucous layer can hinder diffusion. Its surface area is also smaller than the intestine's, which can further slow down the absorption rate.
6.1K
01:17Drug Absorption: Overview
1.7K
The process of drug absorption signifies the transition of a drug from its site of administration into the plasma. This process is influenced by various factors, including the route of administration, the anatomy of the absorption site, the mechanism of absorption, gut motility, and the drug's physicochemical properties.
When drugs are injected intravenously, they directly enter the systemic circulation. Alternatively, orally administered drugs navigate through the gastrointestinal (GI)...
When drugs are injected intravenously, they directly enter the systemic circulation. Alternatively, orally administered drugs navigate through the gastrointestinal (GI)...
1.7K
01:27Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Drug Dissolution
1.1K
The pharmacokinetic journey of drugs from solid oral dosage forms into systemic circulation is multifaceted. It begins with disintegration, a prerequisite ensuring a solid dosage form's subdivision into minute particles. Dissolution occurs next as these granulated entities solubilize in gastrointestinal fluids. This solubilization is crucial for the succeeding stage, permeation, which describes the traversal of the drug across the intestinal membrane and its subsequent entry into the blood...
1.1K
01:16Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Solubility Enhancement
229
Body:Bioavailability is a critical factor in determining a drug's effectiveness. It refers to the proportion of a drug that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and is, as a result, able to have an active effect. Enhancing bioavailability is essential for drugs with poor solubility, as it can significantly impact their therapeutic efficacy. Various methods are employed to increase the solubility of drugs, thereby enhancing their bioavailability.Micronization and nanonization are...
229
01:27Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
194
Body:After oral administration, poor permeability often limits the rate at which drugs are absorbed through the intestinal epithelium. Enhancing drug permeability is crucial for effective therapy, and several strategies have been developed to overcome this challenge.One effective strategy involves the use of lipid-based formulations. These formulations enhance dissolution and solubility, targeting physiological mechanisms to increase drug absorption. This includes stimulating bile salt...
194
01:09Methods for Studying Drug Absorption: In situ
647
In situ experiments, such as the Doluisio method and Single-Pass Perfusion technique, provide critical insights into drug uptake by simulating in vivo conditions for drug absorption.
The Doluisio method involves perfusing a prepared segment of a rat's small intestine with a solution of radiolabeled drug and a non-absorbable marker. This helps to differentiate between absorbed and non-absorbed drug concentrations. The intestinal segment is connected at both ends using tubing and syringes,...
The Doluisio method involves perfusing a prepared segment of a rat's small intestine with a solution of radiolabeled drug and a non-absorbable marker. This helps to differentiate between absorbed and non-absorbed drug concentrations. The intestinal segment is connected at both ends using tubing and syringes,...
647