Simulate SubQ: The Methods and the Media

Abstract

For decades, there has been a growing interest in injectable subcutaneous formulations to improve the absorption of drugs into the systemic circulation and to prolong their release over a longer period. However, fluctuations in the blood plasma levels together with bioavailability issues often limit their clinical success. This warrants a closer look at the performance of long-acting depots, for example, and their dependence on the complex interplay between the dosage form and the physiological microenvironment. For this, biopredictive performance testing is used for a thorough understanding of the biophysical processes affecting the absorption of compounds from the injection site in vivo and their simulation in vitro. In the present work, we discuss in vitro methodologies including methods and media developed for the subcutaneous route of administration on the background of the most relevant absorption mechanisms. Also, we highlight some important knowledge gaps and shortcomings of the existing methodologies to provide the reader with a better understanding of the scientific evidence underlying these models.

Keywords: ADME; Absorption; Biopredictive; Biorelevant; Depot formulation; Dissolution testing; Drug absorption; Drug delivery; Drug release; In vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC); Long-acting injectables; Lymphatic uptake; Non-oral complex drugs; Parenterals; Performance testing; Subcutaneous (SC).