Strategies for Enhancing the Bioavailability of Hydrophobic Drugs

Abstract

Hydrophobic drugs represent a significant challenge in pharmaceutical development due to their limited aqueous solubility, which restricts their absorption and bioavailability. Enhancing the bioavailability of such drugs is critical to achieving therapeutic efficacy. Various innovative strategies have been explored, including nanoparticle-based systems, lipid formulations, solid dispersions, cyclodextrin complexes, and prodrug modifications. This paper reviews these methodologies, analyzing their mechanisms, efficacy, and limitations. Emphasis is placed on recent advances in nanotechnology and lipid-based carriers that demonstrate promising outcomes in drug solubility enhancement. Future directions for improving these strategies through hybrid technologies and targeted delivery are also discussed.