Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the mucosal and oral administration of monoterpenes and derivatives thereof. The compositions of this invention further comprise one or more surfactants and cosolvents and are in the form of self-emulsifying compositions. The compositions of the invention may further comprise water-insoluble therapeutic agents, vaccines and diagnostics. Such agents include but are not limited to taxanes, steroids, topoisomerase inhibitors such as etoposide and other water-insoluble or lipophilic drugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations and methods for the mucosal and parenteral administration of lipid particles an suspensions. The formulations of this invention are stable lipid particles useful for oral delivery of water-insoluble therapeutic agents, vaccines and diagnostics. The compositions of this invention promote the mucosal absorption of biologically active molecules across mucosal epithelial barriers. Stabilization of lipid particles is achieved by coating the hydrophobic central core with a polymer shell. The polymer shell can include bioadhesive agents, ligands, and absorption promoting agents. This invention relates to oral drug delivery systems for hydrophobic drugs, and in particular is concerned with improving the bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs from such systems. Using this system, anticancer drugs such as taxanes are orally effective.