Current Strategies For Enhancing Bioavailability

Explore current strategies to enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble drug compounds—a common challenge in modern pharmaceutical development. Many new chemical entities (NCEs) entering the pipeline suffer from low aqueous solubility, often limiting their progression to clinical trials. To address this, targeted bioavailability enhancement technologies are critical.

One major approach is spray drying, which transforms the crystalline form of an API into an amorphous state, significantly improving solubility and in-vivo performance. By rapidly evaporating solvents, the process prevents the re-formation of the API’s crystal lattice. Spray drying is scalable from gram to multi-kilogram production and can incorporate polymers for added stability.

Particle size reduction is another key method, improving solubility by increasing surface area. Technologies such as jet mill micronization and nano-wet milling allow for precise control of particle dimensions. These are paired with advanced analytical tools—like PXRD, PSD, and zeta potential analysis—to ensure solid-state integrity is maintained and to guide formulation development.

The use of lipid-based delivery systems, such as Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SEDDS), is also highlighted. These systems use medium to long-chain triglycerides to enhance API solubilization in aqueous environments. They can be formulated into capsules or granulated for tablets, depending on the drug profile.

Supported by a full suite of solid-state characterization and GMP-compliant manufacturing capabilities, these strategies collectively provide a robust platform for advancing early-stage drug candidates into successful clinical development. The integration of formulation science with analytical expertise ensures optimized exposure and stability of challenging APIs.