The Absorption Driven Drug Formulation (ADDF) concept refers to a drug formulation approach that aims to enhance the absorption and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. Many drugs have low solubility in the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce their effectiveness and therapeutic potential.
The ADDF concept involves designing drug formulations that leverage the body's natural mechanisms to enhance drug absorption. This can be achieved by using excipients or delivery systems that promote solubility, stability, or permeability of the drug in the gastrointestinal tract.
The key principle behind ADDF is to maximize drug absorption by optimizing drug dissolution and solubilization in the gut, facilitating its transport across the intestinal membrane, and minimizing drug degradation or metabolism.
Different strategies can be employed in ADDF, including:
1. Lipid-based drug delivery systems: These formulations utilize lipid excipients or systems to improve drug solubility, such as self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) or lipid nanoparticles.
2. Micronization and nanonization: Reducing the drug particle size to micron or nanoscale can increase its surface area and improve solubility, dissolution, and absorption.
3. Prodrug approach: Converting a poorly soluble drug into a more soluble prodrug form that can be easily absorbed and then converted back into the active drug in the body.
4. pH adjustment: Modifying the pH of the drug formulation or the surrounding environment to enhance drug solubility or stability.
5. Enhancers or permeation enhancers: Incorporating certain excipients or molecules that can improve the permeability of the drug across the intestinal membrane, such as penetration enhancers or transporter inhibitors.
By applying the ADDF concept, drug formulations can overcome the limitations imposed by poor solubility, leading to improved drug absorption and enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
