Why are Lipid Formulations Commonly Used to Enhance Bioavailability?

Enabling formulations becomes more and more necessary to obtain adequate exposure of APIs during (pre)-clinical research. Currently, most registered formulations to improve bioavailability are based on lipidic systems, which make use of intrinsic digestion processes within the GI tract, facilitating the absorption of APIs. Aside from a general absorption mechanism, lipidic systems can also promote lymphatic transport of poorly soluble drugs, such as hormones. In addition, many different indications, such as HIV therapy, oncology, immunosuppressant and even arising therapies related to medicinal cannabis (e.g. CBD) can benefit from lipid formulations. These formulations create multiple possibilities for oral administration because they can be manufactured as solutions, suspensions, emulsions, and self-(micro)emulsifying systems.