SNAC works by non-covalently complexing with peptide/protein drug molecules, increasing their lipophilicity and facilitating transcellular passive permeation across intestinal epithelia. This mechanism allows fragile biologics such as insulin, heparin, and GLP-1 analogs to survive gastric conditions and cross the intestinal membrane without requiring injection.
Salcaprozate sodium (SNAC) is a synthetic salicylic acid derivative that functions as an intestinal permeation enhancer, enabling oral delivery of macromolecules and peptides that would otherwise have poor bioavailability. It is best known as the excipient enabling oral semaglutide formulations.
| Chemical Name | Salcaprozate Sodium (SNAC) |
| CAS Number | 203787-91-1 |
| IUPAC Name | sodium 8-[(2-hydroxybenzoyl)amino]octanoate |
| Molecular Formula | C15H20NNaO4 |
| Molecular Weight | 301.31 g/mol g/mol |
Enables oral bioavailability of GLP-1 analogs (e.g., semaglutide) that would otherwise require injection.
Facilitates oral delivery of insulin, heparin, and vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin).
Used as a permeation enhancer/inactive ingredient in solid oral dosage formulations.
Applied in preclinical and clinical studies exploring oral routes for biologics traditionally limited to parenteral administration.
Pharmaceutics
Int. J. Pharm. X
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