Methods for enhancing drug delivery with modified saponins

摘要

Methods for enhancing the transport of pharmacologically active substances across mucous membranes of an animal by administration of pharmaceutical compositions comprising modified saponins or fractions thereof obtainable by modification of a crude Quillaja saponaria extract or by modification of purified saponins obtainable from a crude Quillaja saponaria extract. Also disclosed are modified saponins having reduced irritability wherein the fatty acid moiety is removed by hydrolysis or the aldehyde group is reduced. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the modified saponins of the invention.