Development and Evaluation of Mucoadhesive Buccal Films for Systemic Delivery of Anti-Diabetic Drugs

The present study focuses on the formulation, development, and evaluation of mucoadhesive buccal films for the systemic delivery of an anti-diabetic drug, Metformin Hydrochloride. Buccal delivery offers an effective alternative to oral administration by bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism and improving patient compliance. Mucoadhesive buccal films were prepared using the solvent casting technique with polymers such as Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC), and Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The films were evaluated for physicochemical parameters, in vitro drug release, ex vivo mucoadhesive strength, and permeability studies. The optimized formulation exhibited excellent mechanical properties, a uniform drug content, sustained release over 6 hours, and strong mucoadhesion. This study suggests that mucoadhesive buccal films represent a promising approach for the systemic delivery of anti-diabetic drugs.