SOLUBILIZATION OF HYDROPHILIC DRUGS IN OILY FORMULATIONS

Association of peptides with oil carriers can improve the delivery of these molecules by affording protection against intestinal proteases, improving stability in the presence of gut surfactants and altering ce ll permeability and lymphatic secretion. Intestinal delivery of calcit onin using an oil-based formulation is illustrated in the pig, and a n ew technology ('Macrosol') is described in which hydrophilic molecules are solubilised directly in oils in the absence of an aqueous phase. Presentation of macromolecules in this form can change the way in whic h they interact with cells, and give rise to new possibilities for dru g delivery via the intestine.