Challenges of Oral Protein Administration

Therapeutic proteins are important in the treatment of several diseases due to their specificity and bioactivity. These proteins and peptides are usually delivered by invasive routes such as subcutaneous route because of their low oral bioavailability [1]. However, oral administration would be better because of its higher patient acceptance and compliance [2]. Therefore, huge efforts have been made over the last decades to develop oral formulation of proteins and peptides [3]. Many advantages can be mentioned, for example patients are able to avoid pain and possible infections associated with injections. Special techniques and modification are required during formulation to improve oral bioavailability as proteins and peptides have several unfavorable properties. The aim of this short discussion is to summarize the possibilities of pharmaceutical formulation procedures.