Recent approaches to investigate drug delivery systems through the lymphatic pathway using oral lipid-based formulations

Lymphatic oral drug delivery systems are considered optimal for enhancing oral drug delivery. They offer the advantage of delivering drugs directly to the immune system while bypassing first-pass metabolism. Consequently, they are actively researched in the field of pharmaceuticals. Novel drug delivery systems are employed to administer drugs through the lymphatic system via the oral route.

This review delves into the current understanding of drug delivery systems through the lymphatic pathway, with a focus on those utilizing long-chain triglycerides. We explore the mechanisms of delivery to the lymphatic pathway, characteristics of drugs used for this purpose, composition of lipid-based formulations, preparation methods, evaluation methods, and notable case studies.

With the discovery of more lipophilic drug candidates, there is a growing interest in designing formulations to maximize lymphatic transport. Stimulating intestinal lymphatic transport holds the potential for benefits such as reducing first-pass metabolism and delivering high drug concentrations to the lymphatic system. To enhance the utility of intestinal lymph as an alternative means of transport to the systemic circulation, further research is essential. This research should address the underlying mechanisms of drug binding to lipoproteins in intestinal cells, as well as the effects of lipids and formulation excipients on this process.