USE OF THE INTESTINAL AND HEPATIC BILE-ACID TRANSPORTERS FOR DRUG-DELIVERY

There are several possible approaches that can be used to increase the oral absorption of drugs. Recently, utilization of carrier-mediated t ransport mechanisms in the intestinal tract to increase the bioavailab ility of drugs has drawn a great deal of attention. This review descri bes the potential use of this approach, using the bile acid carrier sy stem in both the intestinal tract and the Ever. The physiology; ontoge ny and molecular biology of the ileal and hepatic transporters are des cribed and an overview is presented of the compounds that are transpor ted by these carriers. Furthermore, the structural requirements for re cognition by these carrier systems is presented and the current Utiliz ation of this mechanism is reviewed. The importance of carrier-mediate d bile acid transport in drug delivery is addressed.