ABSTRACT

In recent years there have been several scientific and technological advancements in the research and development of rate-controlled oral drug delivery systems by overcoming physiological adversities,such as short gastric residence time (GRT) and unpredictable gastric emptying time (GET). Several approaches are currently utilized in the prolongation of the GRT, including floating drug delivery systems (FDDS), also known as hydrodynamically balanced systems (HBS), swelling and expanding systems,polymeric bioadhesive systems, modified-shape systems, high-density systems and other delayed gastric emptying devices. In this review, the current technological developments of FDDS including patented delivery systems and marketed products, and their advantages and future potential for oral controlled drug delivery are discussed.