Targeted Drug Delivery System Using Methacrylic Acid Copolymer
Methacrylic acid copolymers are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for developing targeted drug delivery systems. These copolymers offer unique properties that make them suitable for controlled and site-specific drug release, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
Mechanism of Action
Methacrylic acid copolymers can be engineered to respond to specific pH levels, making them ideal for targeting drugs to particular regions of the GI tract. For instance, certain formulations dissolve at pH 7, which is typical of the colon, allowing for targeted drug release in this area.
Purpose: Protects the drug from being released in the acidic environment of the stomach, ensuring it is released in the more neutral pH of the intestines.
- Applications: Ideal for drugs that can be irritating to the stomach or are unstable in acidic conditions.
- Mechanism: The methacrylic acid copolymer dissolves at a higher pH (around 7), allowing the drug to pass through the stomach and be released in the intestines.
Products
L - Series
Purpose: Provides a gradual release of the drug over an extended period, maintaining a consistent drug concentration in the bloodstream.
- Applications: Suitable for chronic conditions requiring steady medication levels, such as hypertension or diabetes.
- Mechanism: The copolymer matrix controls the rate of drug release, reducing the frequency of dosing and improving patient compliance
Purpose: Ensures rapid disintegration and absorption of the drug, providing quick therapeutic effects.
- Applications: Useful for acute conditions where immediate relief is needed, such as pain or fever.
- Mechanism: The formulation includes super disintegrants that facilitate quick breakdown and release of the drug upon ingestion
Purpose: Allows for the release of multiple drugs at different rates or times from a single dosage form.
- Applications: Beneficial for combination therapies where different drugs need to be released at specific intervals.
- Mechanism: The copolymer can be engineered to create distinct layers or compartments within the dosage form, each with its own release profile.