Using lipids to improve drug delivery

Cook Ireland Ltd and the University of Limerick have used small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) at Diamond to investigate different lipid carrier systems to facilitate absorption, permeability, and retention of drugs within a cell.

In two papers, we can see how the different agents perform using these novel lipid carrier systems.

The first paper investigates the use of an antineoplastic agent, paclitaxel (PTX), a widely used and effective anti-tumour drug. The side effects of existing formulations have impeded its use. However, using lipids as a delivery system could help to extend its degradation-controlled release properties. Find out more.

The second paper investigates four commercially available antihistamine molecules, using lipid cubic phases and their dispersions to deliver and control their release. The aim is to improve retention, absorption, and subsequent bioavailability of the molecules in advanced formulations. Find out more.