The Development of Lipid-Based Sorafenib Granules to Enhance the Oral Absorption of Sorafenib

Sorafenib (SFN) is an anticancer multi-kinase inhibitor with great therapeutic potential. However, SFN has low aqueous solubility, which limits its oral absorption. Lipids and surfactants have the potential to improve the solubility of water-insoluble drugs. The aim of this study is thus to develop novel lipid-based SFN granules that can improve the oral absorption of SFN. SFN powder was coated with a stable binary lipid mixture and then absorbed on Aeroperl 300 to form dry SFN granules with 10% drug loading. SFN granules were stable at room temperature for at least three months. Compared to SFN powder, SFN granules significantly increased SFN release in simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid with pancreatin. Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of SFN granules and SFN powder were measured following oral administration to Sprague Dawley rats. SFN granules significantly increased SFN absorption compared to SFN powder. Overall, the lipid-based SFN granules provide a promising approach to enhancing the oral absorption of SFN.