Innovations and Applications in Bioadhesive-Based Pulsatile Drug Delivery Systems

Recent technological advancements have significantly increased the demand for Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) in the pharmaceutical industry. Controlled Drug Delivery Systems (CDDS) are a notable example, maintaining consistent drug levels and enhancing bioavailability. However, oral dosage forms can face challenges with fluctuating plasma levels and bioavailability due to variable gastric emptying rates, particularly affecting drugs absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract. To address this, Gastroretentive Formulations (GRDFs) have been created to extend gastric retention and improve drug absorption. These include high-density, floating, swelling, expandable, mucoadhesive, and magnetic systems. Among these, the Bioadhesive Drug Delivery System (BDDS) stands out by adhering to the stomach's mucous membrane, thereby improving retention and bioavailability. Pulsatile Drug Delivery Systems (PDDS), releases drugs quickly after a set lag time aligned with the body's circadian rhythm, can face absorption issues in the small intestine. Combining BDDS with PDDS, resulting in Bioadhesive Pulsatile Drug Delivery Systems (BPDDS), addresses these challenges by ensuring prolonged gastric retention and precise drug release. This approach offers numerous benefits, such as extended drug distribution, enhanced bioavailability, reduction in dosing frequency, minimized side effects, making it particularly effective for drugs that need chrono-pharmacological delivery, nighttime dosing, or have high first-pass metabolism. BPDDS is a promising strategy for improving patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes.