Improving bioavailability with a novel isotretinoin formulation (isotretinoin-Lidose).

Current practice guidelines recommend administration of oral isotretinoin with high-fat meals, which may pose issues with patient compliance. Isotretinoin-Lidose (Epuris™), approved by Health Canada in November 2012 and scheduled for commercial release June 2013, is based on novel lipid encapsulation technology (Lidose®) to enclose isotretinoin, thereby increasing drug absorption during fasted states. An open label, single dose randomized crossover study demonstrated pharmacokinetic bioequivalence of isotretinoin-Lidose to standard isotretinoin formulations during fed states, with significantly greater absorption during fasting. Isotretinoin-Lidose, may lead to more consistent plasma levels of isotretinoin during variable dietary conditions, providing the potential for enhanced patient outcomes.