PLASMA GLYCOPROTEIN INHIBITORS AS A NEW TARGET FOR OPTIMAL DRUG DELIVERY

Plasma glycoprotein (P-gp), a transmembrane permeability glycoprotein, is a member of ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) super family that functions specifically as carrier mediated primary active efflux transporter. It is widely distributed throughout the body and has a diverse range of substrates. Several vital therapeutic agents are substrates to P-gp and their bioavailability is lowered or a resistance is induced because of protein efflux. Hence P-gp inhibitors were explored for overcoming multidrug resistance and poor bioavailability problems of the therapeutic P-gp substrates. This review represents a brief discussion on P-gp mediated drug transport and how it hinders the success of various therapies. Its main focus is on various strategies used to improve the drug delivery and targeting.