Challenges in SN38 drug delivery: current success and future directions

摘要

Introduction: Clinical use of SN38 is limited by its poor aqueous solubility and hydrolysis of the lactone ring at pH > 6 to inactive carboxylate form. A variety of drug delivery systems have been developed to improve the solubility and stability of SN38, and reduce its toxicity. A few noteworthy formulations with some success in initial phases of clinical trials are reported.