What Is Causing Limited Bioavailability

Diagnosing limited bioavailability can be challenging, as it often results from a complex interplay of factors. Poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, extensive metabolism within the gut wall, and first-pass metabolism in the liver are just a few of the potential barriers that can significantly reduce the amount of a drug reaching systemic circulation. Identifying the specific cause—or combination of causes—requires a detailed, tissue-level understanding of drug distribution and metabolism early in development.

In the case study below, Aliri leveraged its innovative label-free approach, integrating whole-body Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Imaging (QMSI) with plasma LC-MS/MS analysis, to pinpoint the underlying reason for limited bioavailability. This powerful combination provided both spatial and quantitative data, revealing critical insights into how and where the compound was being absorbed and metabolized—ultimately enabling more targeted optimization strategies and informed decision-making.