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Drug targeting strategies for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: a mechanistic update

2010; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 6; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1586/eci.10.30

1744-8409

Arik Dahan, Gordon L. Amidon, Ellen M. Zimmermann,

Immunodeficiency and Autoimmune Disorders

The therapeutic management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents the perfect scenario for drug targeting to the site(s) of action. While existing formulation-based targeting strategies include rectal dosage forms and oral systems that target the colon by pH-, time-, microflora- and pressure-triggered drug release, novel approaches for site-specific delivery in IBD therapy will target the inflamed intestine per se rather than intestinal region. The purpose of this article is to present a mechanistic update on the strategies employed to achieve minimal systemic exposure accompanied by maximal drug levels in the inflamed intestinal tissue. The introduction of biological agents, micro/nanoparticulate carriers including liposomes, transgenic bacteria, and gene therapy opportunities are discussed, as well as the challenges remaining to be achieved in the targeted treatment of IBD.