Supersaturated and non-digestible dispersions in the intestinal lumen: new mechanisms to reduce variability in the rate and extent of drug absorption

The project will study the mechanisms by which inactive ingredients can influence the fate of poorly water-soluble drugs after their oral administration in liquid-filled capsule products. The project will design new polymers and new formulations which allow the drug to be maintained in solution in the intestine prior to its absorption. This approach will reduce variability in the rate and extent of drug absorption, leading to better clinical outcomes and fewer side-effects. The commercial outcomes of the project will be the discovery of valuable new polymers that are chemically optimised to maintain poorly soluble drugs in a supersaturated state, as well as new ways to incorporate polymers in capsule formulations.