Brunner J, Ragupathy S, Borchard G. Target specific tight junction modulators.
Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021;
171:266-288. [PMID:
33617902 DOI:
10.1016/j.addr.2021.02.008]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intercellular tight junctions represent a formidable barrier against paracellular drug absorption at epithelia (e.g., nasal, intestinal) and the endothelium (e.g., blood-brain barrier). In order to enhance paracellular transport of drugs and increase their bioavailability and organ deposition, active excipients modulating tight junctions have been applied. First-generation of permeation enhancers (PEs) acted by unspecific interactions, while recently developed PEs address specific physiological mechanisms. Such target specific tight junction modulators (TJMs) have the advantage of a defined specific mechanism of action. To date, merely a few of these novel active excipients has entered into clinical trials, as their lack in safety and efficiency in vivo often impedes their commercialisation. A stronger focus on the development of such active excipients would result in an economic and therapeutic improvement of current and future drugs.
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