The Biopharmaceutics Classification System BCS

Fig. 12 Illustration of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS), which classifies drug absorption potential on the basis of aqueous solubility or membrane permeability. (Copyright 2000 Saguaro Technical Press, Inc., used with permission.)...

Fig. 7.5. The Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) provides a scientific basis for predicting intestinal drug absorption and for identifying the rate-limiting step based on primary biopharmaceutical properties such as solubility and effective intestinal permeability (Pefr). BCS serves as a product control instrument. The BCS divides drugs into four different classes based on their solubility and...

Based on their solubility and intestinal permeability characteristics, drugs have been classified into one of four categories according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) proposed by Amidon et al. [49]. 

Fig. 15.5. The biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS). Drug-like molecules are grouped into four BCS classes based on their solubility and permeability. A drug is regarded as a highly soluble compound if the maximum dose given orally is soluble in 250 mL fluid in the...

The example of amprenavir, an HIV-1 protease inhibitor, shows that intestinal metabolism can also be used as a strategy to enhance the bioavailability of compounds. In the biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS), amprenavir can be categorized as a class II compound it is poorly soluble but highly permeable [51]. Fosamprenavir, the water-soluble phosphate salt of amprenavir, on the other hand, shows poor transepithelial transport. However, after oral administration of fosamprenavir, this compound is metabolized into amprenavir in the intestinal lumen and in the enterocytes mainly by alkaline phosphatases, resulting in an increased intestinal absorption [51, 174],... 

Moller H (2002) The biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS) and its usage. Drugs Made in Germany 45 63-65. 

Blume HH, Schug BS. The biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) class III drugs-better candidates for BA/BE waiver Eur J Pharm Sci 1999 9 117-121. 

Following oral administration, dissolution of the drug molecule in the intestinal milieu is a prerequisite for the absorption process. According to the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) [2], poor water-soluble compounds (i.e., aqueous solubility less than 100 pg/ mL) are class 2 or class 4 compounds. For class 2 compounds, the absorption level is dictated by the dissolution properties of the molecule in the gastrointestinal (GI) fluids. BCS class 4 compounds, which are characterized by both low solubility and poor intestinal wall permeability, are generally poor drug candidates (unless the dose is very low). 

It has recently been proposed that the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) can be used to predict intestinal drug disposition with regards to efflux transport and metabolism (339). Furthermore, on the basis of the key substrate BCS-related properties, permeability, and solubility, the system may be used to predict potential interactions mediated through changes in efflux and/or metabolism at the level of the intestine. 

The Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS)3 defines four classes of compounds based upon solubility and permeability. Particle size and size distribution... 

With the advent of new biotechnological techniques endogenous compounds like insulin, buserelin or octreotide have become available at affordable prices. All of these substances still have to undergo needle application. Until today the development of alternative delivery systems for the nasal, buccal, peroral, rectal and pulmonary routes for the administration of those class III drugs according to the biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) (Amidon et al. 1995) could not keep pace with this development of endogenous compounds or is not economic enough for the health care payers (e.g. insulin application via the pulmonary route). 

In 1995, the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) was devised to classify drugs based on their aqueous solubility and intestinal permeability [1], According to the BCS, drug substances are classified as follows [2] ... 

Aqueous solubility of ionizable molecules at different pH values is an important characteristic because it indicates the potential substance behavior in the stomach and intestinal tract and its potential impact on bioavailability. Moreover, it also provides important information for formulation scientists to define the class of a drug substance in the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS), a regulatory guidance for bioequivalence studies. The BCS is a scientific framework proposed by the FDA to classify drug substances based on their aqueous solubility and intestinal permeability and defines important parameters in the selection of drug candidates into development. According to the BCS, drug substances are classified as shown in Table 12-4. 

Wilding, I.R. Evolution of the biopharmaceutics classification system (bcs) to oral modified release (mr) formulations what do we need to consider Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 1999, 8, 157-159. 

---