Trends in floating drug delivery systems

Abstract

Among novel drug delivery systems, rate controlled oral drug delivery system forms an important area. Research is directed towards overcoming physiological problems, such as short gastric residence times (GRT) and unpredictable gastric emptying times. Prolonged GRT may widen the stomach potential as a drug-absorbing organ. Several approaches are currently utilized in the prolongation of the GRT, including floating drug delivery systems (FDDS), swelling and expanding systems, polymeric bioadhesive systems, modified-shape systems, high-density systems and other delayed gastric emptying devices. Narrow absorption window drugs compounded in such systems have improved <i style="">in vivo</i> absorption properties. These findings are an important step towards the implementation of FDDS in the clinical setting. In this review, the current technological developments of FDDS including patented delivery systems and marketed products have been discussed. In addition, the pharmaceutical basis of their design, their advantages and future potential for oral controlled drug delivery are discussed.