A set of clinical and pharmaceutical strategies designed to increase the fraction of an administered substance, such as a hormone or nutrient, that reaches the systemic circulation unchanged and is available to exert its biological effect. These protocols are essential for maximizing the therapeutic efficacy of orally, topically, or subcutaneously delivered agents. They address challenges like first-pass metabolism, poor solubility, and intestinal absorption barriers, ensuring higher systemic delivery.
Origin
This term draws its foundation from pharmacokinetics, the branch of pharmacology concerned with the movement of drugs within the body. ‘Bioavailability’ itself is a core pharmacokinetic parameter, and ‘Enhancement Protocols’ refer to the clinical application of formulation science and physiological manipulation to optimize this parameter. The need for these protocols arose from the inherent low bioavailability of many natural and synthetic compounds when administered conventionally.
Mechanism
The enhancement operates through several routes, including altering the delivery vehicle, such as liposomal encapsulation or micellar formulations, to bypass enzymatic degradation. Other mechanisms involve co-administering absorption enhancers that temporarily modify intestinal permeability or using specific delivery routes like transdermal or subcutaneous injection to avoid hepatic first-pass metabolism. The ultimate function is to deliver a higher concentration of the active compound to the target receptors for improved therapeutic action.
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