Modified drug release: Current strategies and novel technologies for oral drug delivery

Modified release (MR) formulations were first invented in the 1880s (first delayed release drug product) and have since revolutionized the way that medicines are delivered for patients. Indeed, compared with conventional immediate release (IR) preparations, MR dosage forms enable a tighter spatial and temporal control over drug release, in turn prolonging and maintaining therapeutic effect to improve patient outcomes. Over the past few decades, significant technological advances have spurred development of novel and targeted MR strategies, made evident by the increasing number of research publications and patents, as well as MR products on the market. These developments demonstrate great potential for overcoming major physiological barriers that have thus far hindered the oral delivery of complex molecules. This chapter will begin by discussing the evolution of MR dosage forms and the common strategies for modifying release in orally administered products. The chapter will then explore the latest state-of-the-art developments in modifying drug release, and will summarize by providing a future perspective on the next decade of MR dosage forms.