Next Generation Oral Drug Delivery Solutions – Smart Pills that overcome GIT barriers

The oral drug delivery systems have evolved from simple pills to engineered systems.

The modified drug systems are able to navigate the GIT hindrances.

The conventional tablets and capsules often operate on a trial-and-error mechanism.

The advanced oral drug delivery consists of targeted delivery systems, which offer fewer side effects and better compliance.

Aprazer Healthcare – The Gastroenterology Drug Manufacturer 

Focused on new drug delivery systems, Aprazer Healthcare manufactures advanced formulations.

From controlled release formulations to gastro-retentive medications, Aprazer Healthcare is a name in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

We manufacture the advanced formulations-

Gastroprotective acid reducers – Proton pump inhibitors

Gastroselective antibiotic – Rifaxigem 400 tablets

How do medicines travel in the GIT tract? Understanding the hostile environment

The drug is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract at multiple sites.

The GIT tract consists of the stomach, intestine, and colon. Each has a different pH and microbiota.

The absorption of the drug in the GIT is hindered by various factors –

 PH conditions – 

The acidic PH degrades many drugs, leading to irritation or sometimes low solubility.

• Stomach PH is acidic
• Intestinal PH is neutral
• Colon PH is alkaline

Digestive enzymes –The proteolytic enzymes degrade the drug.

It reduces systemic absorption.

Thick mucus – the mucosal layer traps the drug particles. It inhibits the drug from reaching the internal layer for absorption.

Tight epithelial junctions – The tight junctions between the cells prevent the passage of large molecules or hydrophilic drugs.

What are the targeted Systems for increased Oral Drug Absorption in the Gastrointestinal Tract? 

PH responsive systems – 

It is the coating of the drug molecule to dissolve at specific pH levels.

Polymers like Eudragit, etc.

It is widely used for targeted drug delivery in the intestine, the ileum, or the colon.

These bypass the low acid in the stomach.

Mucus penetrating/mucoadhesives – 

Mucosadhesive polymers like chitosan/ carbopol adhere to the mucus layer.

It increases stay time and drug release.

Mucus-penetrating nanoparticles cross the mucosal barrier.

These reach the underlying epithelial layer for absorption.

Microbiome-activated systems- 

They are microbial-triggered systems; the coating layer disintegrates when targeted by a specific enzyme or the colon bacteria.

Nano-carriers- The drug coating consists of lipid-soluble carriers or polymeric carriers for controlled drug release.

These are used to increase –

• Drug loading capacity
• To increase solubility
• Prevent PH degradation

Gastroretentive systems – 

In order to prolong the gastric stay of the drugs, gastro-retentive drug delivery systems are adopted.

These are widely used for drugs that have –

• Narrow- absorption in the upper GIT tract
• Local action
• To increase the solubility of the drug in the stomach

It includes –

• Floating systems – they float in the stomach, increasing the stay in the stomach.
• High-density systems- they sink in the gastric fluid, prolong its stay.
• Swelling systems – they swell up, preventing them from rapidly passing through the pyloric sphincter.

Conclusion – 

The modern drug delivery system has shifted from merely releasing the API to better absorption, targeted action, and fewer side effects.

Aprazer Healthcare is the leading drug manufacturer, investing in research and drug development.

We aim to improve patient outcomes by manufacturing advanced treatment drugs and dosage forms.