Cutting-edge technologies in colon-targeted drug delivery systems

Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2011 Oct;8(10):1247-58. doi: 10.1517/17425247.2011.597739.

Abstract

Oral colon-targeted drug delivery systems have gained enormous attention among researchers in the last two decades. The significance of this site-specific drug delivery system can be measured by its usefulness for delivering a variety of therapeutic agents, both for the treatment of local diseases or for systemic therapies. With the arrival of newer innovations, a large number of breakthrough technologies have emerged for targeting a drug molecule to the colon. Researchers have attempted various approaches in the development of these formulation technologies, such as pH-dependent, time-dependent and microflora-activated systems. Recently, a number of approaches have been proposed that utilize a novel concept of di-dependent drug delivery systems, that is, the systems in which the drug release is controlled by two factors: pH and time, and pH and microflora of the colon. This Editorial article is not intended to offer a comprehensive review on drug delivery, but shall familiarize the readers with the formulation technologies that have been developed for attaining colon-specific drug delivery.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Colonic Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Expert Testimony
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Gastrointestinal Agents