SNAC for Enhanced Oral Bioavailability: An Updated Review

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Oral administration of proteins and peptides is hindered by low bioavailability and poor patient compliance.
• Existing strategies involve chemical enhancers like surfactants, fatty acids (e.g., sodium caprate), bile salts, pH modifiers, and chelating agents.
• Sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl) amino] caprylate (SNAC) and its derivatives are prominent examples with clinical validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the challenges associated with oral protein and peptide delivery.
• To elucidate the chemistry, toxicity, and mechanisms of SNAC and its derivatives.
• To discuss strategies for enhancing oral delivery of peptides and proteins, including clinically relevant molecules like semaglutide.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications and clinical studies.
• Analysis of chemical properties and biological mechanisms of permeation enhancers.
• Examination of data on the efficacy and safety of oral peptide/protein delivery systems.

Main Results:

• Oral delivery of proteins and peptides presents significant bioavailability and intestinal permeation hurdles.
• SNAC and related compounds demonstrate potential as effective enhancers for oral peptide delivery.
• Various chemical enhancers and formulation strategies can improve the absorption of therapeutic peptides and small molecules.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming challenges in oral protein and peptide delivery requires innovative chemical enhancers and formulation approaches.
• SNAC represents a key advancement in enabling oral administration of peptides and proteins.
• Further research into permeation enhancers holds promise for non-invasive therapeutic delivery.