Oral lipid-based formulations.

Poor drug solubility remains a significant and frequently encountered problem for pharmaceutical scientists. The ability of lipid-based formulations to facilitate gastrointestinal absorption of many poorly soluble drug candidates has been thoroughly documented in the published literature. However, a considerable gap exists between our knowledge of this technology and the know-how required for its application. This commentary provides a comprehensive summary of the development, characterization, and utilization of oral lipid-based formulations, from both physicochemical and biopharmaceutical perspectives. The characteristics of currently available lipid excipients are reviewed in context of their application to the basic lipid-based formulation modalities. The fundamental concepts of in vitro and in vivo evaluation of lipid-based formulations are summarized followed by a forward-looking summary of unrealized opportunities and potential limitations to more widespread use of this technology.