In vitro models replicating the human intestinal epithelium for absorption and metabolism studies: A systematic review

Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) studies represent a fundamental step in the early stages of drug discovery. In particular, absorption orally administered drugs, which occurs at intestinal level, has gained attention since poor oral bioavailability often led to failures for new approval. this context, several vitro preclinical models have been recently developed optimized better resemble human physiology lab serve as an animal alternative accomplish 3Rs principles. However, numerous are ineffective recapitulating key features small intestine epithelium lack prediction potential during stage. review, we provide overview aimed mimicking barrier pharmaceutical screening. After briefly describing how works, present i) conventional 2D synthetic cell-based systems, ii) 3D replicating main architecture, iii) micro-physiological systems (MPSs) reproducing dynamic stimuli cells exposed native microenvironment. will highlight benefits drawbacks leading used studies.