Combination of time-dependent and pH-dependent polymethacrylates as a single coating formulation for colonic delivery of indomethacin pellets

The objective of this study was to evaluate the combination of pH-dependent and time-dependent polymers as a single coating for design of colon delivery system of indomethacin pellets. Eudragit S100 and Eudragit L100 were used as pH-dependent polymers and Eudragit RS was used as a time-dependent polymer. A statistical full factorial design was used in order to optimize formulations. Factors studied in design were percent of Eudragit RS in combination with Eudragit S and L and coating level. Dissolution studies of pellets in the media with different pH (1.2, 6.5, 6.8 and 7.2) showed that drug release in colon could be controlled by addition of Eudragit RS to the pH-dependent polymers. The lag time prior to drug release was highly affected by coating level. With combination of two factors, i.e. the percent of Eudragit RS and coating level, the optimum formulation was found to be the one containing 20% Eudragit RS, 64% Eudragit S and 16% Eudragit L, and a coating level of 10%. This formulation was reproduced and tested in continuous condition of dissolution, and also separately at pH 7.5. The results of in vitro experiments indicate that the proposed combined time-dependent and pH-dependent polymethacrylate polymer coating may provide a colonic delivery system for indomethacin.     

Novel time and site specific “tablets in capsule” system for nocturnal asthma treatment

The objective of present work was to develop a “tablets in capsule” system for facilitating both immediate and pulsatile drug deliveries of theophylline to mimic the circadian rhythm of nocturnal asthma. The system comprised of capsule filled with two tablets, first pulse and second pulse tablet prepared by wet granulation method. First pulse tablet was not coated and was responsible for providing loading dose whereas; second pulse tablet was coated with Eudragit L100 and Eudragit S100 to release drug in colon after specific lag time. Two independent variables, amount of polymers and coating thickness, were optimized by 3² full factorial design. The optimum formulation consisted of Eudragit L100: Eudragit S100 in 1:1.5 ratio and coating thickness of 20 % (w/w). In vitro drug release of “tablets in capsule” system in three different media (pH 1.2, pH 6.8, and pH 7.4) revealed immediate and pulsatile release patterns.     

不同载体对缬沙坦纳米骨架载药系统溶出行为和生物利用度影响的研究

目的 通过调节纳米骨架载药系统（NDDS）中载体类型和比例实现对缬沙坦体外溶出和体内生物利用度的调控。方法 以缬沙坦作为模型药物,分别选取酸性敏感材料Eudragit E100（E100）、碱性敏感材料Eudragit L100-55（L100-55）作为载体材料,介孔二氧化硅Sylysia 350（S350）、Aerosil 200（A200）作为纳米骨架,通过调节载体和骨架材料的类型和比例筛选出具有pH 1.2、6.8敏感释放行为的纳米骨架载体处方,考察缬沙坦在pH 1.2、6.8环境中释放和在大鼠体内的药动学行为特征。结果 筛选的pH 1.2敏感释放缬沙坦NDDS处方缬沙坦、S350、E100比例为1∶3∶1,pH 6.8敏感释放缬沙坦NDDS处方为缬沙坦、A200、L100-55比例为1∶1∶3。pH 6.8敏感释放处方可调控缬沙坦在肠道pH 6.8条件下特异性溶出;pH 1.2敏感释放处方在保持缬沙坦在pH 6.8高溶出特性的同时可特异性地提高胃部酸性条件下的药物释放。pH 1.2、6.8敏感释放缬沙坦NDDS均一定程度上改善了缬沙坦的生物利用度,其中pH 6.8敏感释放缬沙坦NDDS提高生物利用度的幅度更高,血药浓度变化比较平缓。结论 NDDS可以调控缬沙坦的体外溶出和生物利用度,有望应用于pH值敏感性难溶药物的递送。     

In vitro evaluation and pharmacokinetics in dogs of guar gum and Eudragit FS30D-coated colon-targeted pellets of indomethacin

A pH- and enzyme-dependent colon-targeted multi-unit delivery system of indomethacin was developed by coating guar gum and Eudragit FS30D sequentially onto drug-loaded pellets in a fluidized bed coater. In vitro studies showed that smaller coating weight gain of guar gum resulted in reduced release lag time t10 (10% release time), but favored degradation by enzymes (galactomannanase). A cumulative weight gain (CWG) of 44% provided sufficient enzymatic sensitivity and protection of the core. Under gradient pH conditions (pH = 1.2, 6.8, 7.4 and 6.5 for 2, 2, 1 and 15 h, respectively), indomethacin was released from Eudragit FS30D-coated pellets quickly after changing pH to 7.4. For guar gum/Eudragit FS30D double-coated pellets, only about 5% of the drug was released after another 1 h, showing retarding effect by guar gum coating. After changing pH to 6.5 and addition of galactomannanase, enzyme-dependent drug release was observed. Pharmacokinetic study in beagle dogs showed that fastest absorption with the smallest Tmax and Tlag was observed for uncoated pellets. The Tmax and Tlag of Eudragit FS30D-coated pellets were postponed to about 2.5 and 1 h, respectively. After a further guar gum coating, Tlag was further postponed to about 2.8 h, about 2 h of additional lag time on the basis of Eudragit FS30D coating. It is indicated that the guar gum/Eudragit FS30D-coated system has potential to be used to deliver drugs to the colon.     

In vitro release and in vivo absorption in beagle dogs of meloxicam from Eudragit FS 30 D-coated pellets

The objective of this study was to develop meloxicam-loaded colon-specific pellets coated with Eudragit FS 30 D and further evaluate their in vitro release and in vivo absorption in beagle dogs. Meloxicam-loaded cores (drug loading, 4.8%, w/w) were prepared by layering drug-binder (HPMC)-solubilizer (beta-cyclodextrin) solution onto nonpareils (710-850 microm) and then coated with a copolymer of methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid (Eudragit FS 30 D). The obtained pellets with 15% (w/w) coating level had a spherical form and a smooth surface with coating thickness approximately 28 microm. The in vitro drug release from the pellets was pH-dependent with sufficient gastric resistance (pH 1.2: no release; pH 6.8: 6%; pH 7.0: 52%; pH 7.2: 100%; pH 7.4: 100%, after 3 h incubation). In vivo study was carried out using pentagastrin-pretreated beagle dogs. The onset of meloxicam absorption from the coated pellets with 15% (w/w) Eudragit FS 30 D (3.0+/-0.8 h) was significantly delayed (p<0.05) compared to that from the uncoated drug-layered cores (0.6+/-0.3 h). The area under the meloxicam plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(0-->96)(h) was not significantly different between the two preparations (p>0.05), although AUC(0-->96)(h) obtained after oral administration of coated pellets (142.5+/-59.6 microg h/ml) was lower than that obtained after administration of uncoated drug-layered cores (180.8+/-61.9 microg h/ml). These results suggested that meloxicam could be delivered to the colon with 15% (w/w) coating level of Eudragit FS 30 D and this polymer coating had no significant influence on the relative bioavailability of meloxicam of the pellets.     

pH依赖—缓释型美沙拉秦结肠靶向小丸的制备与体外评价

以肠溶型和渗透型丙烯酸树脂为包衣材料制备ｐＨ依赖－缓释型美沙拉秦结肠靶向小丸,评价其体外释放特性。结果表明,包衣小丸在０．１ｍｏｌ／ＬＨＣｌ中２ｈ几乎不释放药物,在ｐＨ７．５缓冲液中具有较好的缓释作用。在模拟胃肠道各区段最高的和最低的ｐ变化的释放度试验中,均在对应小肠区段时开始缓慢释药。分别有４０％和７０％的药物进入结肠后释放。优于单独的肠溶或缓释制剂。     

Design and evaluation of pH modulated controlled release matrix systems for colon specific delivery of indomethacin

Indomethacin, a potent non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is indicated for the local treatment of colorectal carcinoma. The aim of the present study was to design and investigate various matrix systems for controlled and site specific delivery of indomethacin to the colon. Various pH sensitive and hydrophobic polymers were investigated for their effect on drug release and site specificity. Effect of proportion of Eudragit L100 and Eudragit S100 in matrix either alone or in combination was evaluated. Effect of hydrophobic non-swellable polymer ethyl cellulose on the release pattern of drug from the Eudragit bases was also investigated. Matrix tablets prepared with Eudragit showed pH dependent release profile with the formulations of Eudragit L100 showing faster rate of drug release than Eudragit S100 in alkaline pH. The release profile from matrix tablets containing Eudragit L100 and Eudragit S100 in combination or with ethyl cellulose correlated well with the relative proportion of the two polymer types in the matrix base. Selected formulations when evaluated in simulated gastric fluid pH without enzymes showed negligible to low drug release (less than 10%) in the first 4-6 h followed with controlled release for 14-16 h. It was concluded that pH sensitive matrix bases in combination with a hydrophobic polymer like ethyl cellulose canbe ideal for site specific delivery of drugs to colon with controlled release profile.     

Development and in vitro Evaluation of Enteric Coated Multiparticulate System for Resistant Tuberculosis

The multiparticulate formulation of sodium para aminosalicylate for oral administration was developed by extrusion spheronization technique. Microcrystalline cellulose was used as filler in concentration of 14.4% w/w. Pellets were coated with Eudragit L 30 D-55 using fluidized bed processor. Different weight gains of acrylic polymer were applied onto the pellets and evaluated for in vitro dissolution behavior in 0.1 N HCl for two hours and then media was changed to phosphate buffer pH 6.8. A 60% w/w coating level of Eudragit L30 D 55 has produced the most acceptable results against the gastric attack. 3% Seal coat of HPMC E5 was also applied in order to protect the drug from migration into the Eudragit coat and film coat was applied in order to prevent aggregation of pellets in the dissolution media. Morphological characteristics of developed pellets were also investigated by scanning electron microscopy and found to be smooth and spherical. Developed system was found to be suitable for the delivery of Sod PAS in to intestinal region.     

In vitro evaluation of coating polymers for enteric coating and human ileal targeting

Recombinant interleukin-10 producing Lactococcus lactis is an alternative therapy for Crohn's disease. For in vivo interleukin-10 production, thymidine, the essential feed component of these recombinant bacteria should be coadministered. Different coating polymers were evaluated in vitro for enteric properties and targeting suitability to the ileum, the major site of inflammation in Crohn's disease. To guarantee ileal delivery, the polymer must dissolve from pH 6.8 and allow complete release within 40 min. Aqoat AS-HF coated pellets (15%) showed poor enteric properties and thymidine was released below pH 6.8. Eudragit FS30D coated pellets (15%) showed good enteric properties, but no thymidine was released within 40 min at pH 6.8. Eudragit S coated pellets (15%) showed good enteric properties after curing at elevated temperature while no thymidine was released within 40 min at pH 6.8. In another approach to pass the proximal small intestine intact, pellets were coated with 30% Eudragit L30D-55. At pH 6.0, they showed a lag-phase of 20 min. No influence of layer thickness was seen above pH 6.5. Alternatively, pellets were coated with a mixture of Eudragit FS30D/L30D-55 but they showed poor enteric properties and thymidine was released below pH 6.8. In conclusion, none of the tested polymers/mixtures ensured enteric properties and ileal targeting.     

Enteric microsphere formulations of papain for oral delivery

Enteric microspheres formulations of papain were prepared by w/o/w emulsion solvent evaporation using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP), Eudragit L 100 and Eudragit S 100, to avoid gastric inactivation of papain. Smaller internal and external aqueous phase volume provided maximum encapsulation efficiency (74.49-79.76%), least particle size (52.4-60.2 μm) and 21-26% loss of enzyme activity. Release studies in 0.1 N HCl confirmed the gastro-resistance of formulations. The anionic microspheres, zeta potential between -18.21 and -20.06 mV, aggregated in 0.1 N HCl (i.e., gastric pH 1.2), due to protonation of carboxylic groups of enteric polymer and loss of surface charge with subsequent change in zeta potential. The aggregates being <500 μm size would not impede gastric emptying. However, at pH>5.0 (duodenal pH) the microspheres showed de-aggregation due to restoration of surface charge. HPMCP and Eudragit L 100 microspheres facilitated almost complete release of papain within an hour at pH 6.0 and 6.8, respectively while Eudragit S 100 microspheres released 84.56% papain at pH 7.4, following Higuchi kinetics. FTIR spectroscopy revealed entrapment of enzyme; PXRD & DSC indicated amorphous character and SEM showed spherical shape of microspheres. In simulated gastro-intestinal pH condition, HPMCP, Eudragit L 100 and Eudragit S 100 microspheres showed good digestion of paneer and milk protein. Thus, enteric microspheres formulations could serve as potential carrier for oral enzyme delivery. Stability studies indicated the formulations with around 5% overage would ensure 2 years shelf life at room temperature.     

Relationship between drug dissolution and leaching of plasticizer for pellets coated with an aqueous Eudragit S100:L100 dispersion

In order to investigate the relationship between drug dissolution and leaching of plasticizer, theophylline pellets coated with 30% (w/w) Eudragit S100:L100 (1:1) plasticized with different levels of triethyl citrate (TEC) were prepared. The influence of storage conditions on the dissolution profile of theophylline and leaching of TEC was determined. Theophylline was found to dissolve completely from pellets coated with Eudragit S100:L100 (1:1) plasticized with 50% TEC at pH 6.0 after 2h. The shape of the pellets was maintained during dissolution testing. Cracks due to the leaching of TEC were observed in the scanning electron micrographs (SEMs) following dissolution testing at pH 6.0. Both the dissolution of theophylline and the leaching of TEC decreased during storage due to further coalescence of the acrylic polymers. The dissolution profiles of theophylline showed a biphasic pattern and the lag times were estimated as the time points at which a second, rapid release of theophylline was initiated. Subsequently, the percent of TEC leached at the lag time was calculated. While the lag time was increased by storage time and humidity, the percent of TEC leached at the lag time was unchanged as a function of storage condition and was dependent on the initial TEC levels in the films. In conclusion, the plasticizer content in the film coating influenced the dissolution profile of theophylline from pellets coated with Eudragit S100:L100 (1:1). A large amount of the TEC was leached from the enteric films before drug release was initiated and a TEC level of approximately 30% in the films, based on the polymer weight, was the critical amount of TEC for initiating drug release during dissolution testing at pH 6.0. While enteric films are more soluble and dissolve faster at higher pH values, the kinetics of plasticizer release was one of the important factors controlling the dissolution of drugs at pH 6.0, at which pH the enteric polymers were insoluble.     

Design and optimization of colon-targeted system of theophylline for chronotherapy of nocturnal asthma

The objective of the present work was to develop a delayed-onset controlled-release colon-targeted system of theophylline, and to achieve the chronotherapy of nocturnal asthma. The formulation consisted of a core tablet containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose used for achieving controlled release of drug, and a Eudragit S100:ethyl cellulose (EC) coating capable of delaying the drug release. The system was optimized using a 3(2) full factorial design, wherein two factors [ratio of Eudragit S100:EC and the coating level (% w/w)] were evaluated for lag time, t(50) and t(80) . The optimum formulation consisted of Eudragit S100:EC in a 60:40 ratio and a coating level of 7.5% (w/w). Results showed that the tablets prepared according to the optimized values released no drug in the upper part of gastrointestinal tract; drug release was initiated at pH 6.4 (colon) after a lag time of 5 h. In vivo evaluation (pharmacokinetic studies and roentgenography) in rabbits revealed that the tablet remained intact until it reaches the colon and the drug release was initiated after a lag time of 5 h. Thus, it can be concluded that the developed system exhibited a promising colonic targeting and hence may be used for chronotherapy of nocturnal asthma.     

Microspheres with pH modulated release: design and characterization of formulation variables for colonic delivery

The aim of this study was to design and develop microspheres of indomethacin with pH and transit time dependent release properties for achieving targeted delivery to the colon. Microspheres containing varying proportions of ethyl cellulose and Eudragit (L100 or S100) either alone or in combination were prepared using an oil-in-oil emulsion-based solvent evaporation technique. System comprising of acetone (internal phase) and liquid paraffin (external phase) in the ratio of 1 : 1 and 1 : 9 yielded microspheres with good physical properties (spherical and discrete), high drug loading (70-80%) and entrapment efficiency (70-85%). The lag time in the initial release depended on the proportion of pH-sensitive polymer Eudragit, while the duration of indomethacin release from microspheres was found to be directly proportional to proportion of the total polymer. Thus, a pH- and time-modulated sigmoidal release pattern could be observed in optimized formulations with less than 10% drug release in 4-6 h followed by controlled release extending up to 14-16 h.     

Preparation and evaluation of Vinpocetine self-emulsifying pH gradient release pellets

The main objective of this study was to develop a pH gradient release pellet with self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS), which could not only improve the oral bioavailability of Vinpocetine (VIN), a poor soluble drug, but reduce the fluctuation of plasma concentration. First, the liquid VIN SEDDS formulation was prepared. Then the self-emulsifying pH gradient release pellets were prepared by extrusion spheronization technique, and formulation consisted by the liquid SEDDS, absorbent (colloidal silicon dioxide), penetration enhancer (sodium chloride), microcrystalline cellulose, ethyl alcohol, and three coating materials (HPMC, Eudragit L30D55, Eudragit FS30D) were eventually selected. Three kinds of coated pellets were mixed in capsules with the mass ratio of 1:1:1. The release curves of capsules were investigated in vitro under the simulated gastrointestinal conditions. In addition, the oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of VIN self-emulsifying pH gradient release pellets, commercial tablets and liquid VIN SEDDS were evaluated in Beagle dogs. The oral bioavailability of self-emulsifying pH gradient release pellets was about 149.8% of commercial VIN tablets, and it was about 86% of liquid VIN SEDDS, but there were no significant difference between liquid SEDDS and self-emulsifying pH gradient release pellets. In conclusion, the self-emulsifying pH gradient release pellets could significantly enhance the absorption of VIN and effectively achieve a pH gradient release. And the self-emulsifying pH gradient release pellet was a promising method to improve bioavailability of insoluble drugs.     

Preparation and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of sustained-release metformin hydrochloride pellets.

In this study, metformin hydrochloride (MH) sustained-release pellets were successfully prepared by centrifugal granulation. Seed cores preparation, drug layering, talc modification and coating of polymeric suspensions were carried out in a centrifugal granulator. Talc modification was performed before coating in order to overcome the high water solubility of metformin. The influence of surface modification by talc, the effects of Eudragit types and ratios, as well as the correlation between in vitro release and in vivo absorption were investigated in detail. Experimental results indicated that talc modification made a decisive contribution to controlling the drug release by avoiding drug dumping. Three dissolution media: 0.1 M HCl, distilled water and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer were employed to determine the in vitro release behaviors of the above metformin hydrochloride pellets. The relative bioavailability of the sustained-release pellets was studied in 12 healthy volunteers after oral administration in a fast state using a commercially available immediate release tablet (Glucophage) as a reference. Following coating with a blend of Eudragit L30D-55 and Eudragit NE30D (1:20), at 7% or 10% coating level, respectively (referred to as F-2, F-3), the pellets acquired perfect sustained-release properties and good relative bioavailability. The Cmax, Tmax and relative bioavailability for F-2 and F-3 coated pellets were 1.21 microg/ml, 6 h, 97.6% and 1.65 microg/ml, 8 h, 165%, respectively. Combined use of two Eudragit polymers with different features as coating materials produced the desired results. Restricted delivery of metformin hydrochloride to the small intestine from differently coated pellets resulted in increased relative bioavailability and a sustained release effect. The adoption of several different pH dissolution media established a better relationship between the in vitro release and in vivo absorption of the sustained-release pellets.     

Development of novel budesonide pellets based on CODES(TM) technology: In vitro/in vivo evaluation in induced colitis in rats

Background and the purpose of the study

Budesonide is the drug of choice for treatment of active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to develop budesonide pellets based on a novel colon drug delivery system (CODES).

Methods

Pellet cores containing lactulose or mannitol were prepared by extrusion/spheronization and coated with an acid soluble polymer (Eudragit E100), hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) and an enteric coat (Eudragit FS 30D) sequentially. In vitro drug release of coated pellets was studied using USP dissolution apparatus type II in buffers of pH 1.2 (2 hrs), pH of 7.4 (4 hrs) and pH of 6.8 containing 8% rat cecal contents (RCC) (18 hrs). The efficacy of the optimized formulation (containing 50% lactulose coated with Eudragit E (30% w/w) and Eudragit FS 30D (12% w/w)) was evaluated against 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats.

Results

The results of the kind of bacteria in vitro dissolution tests indicated absence of drug release in pHs of 1.2 and 7.4 and controlled release in buffer of pH 6.8 containing RCC. It was found that release rate was controlled by the type and amount of polysaccharide and the thickness of the acid soluble layer. The prepared formulation showed promising results in alleviating the conditions of experimental model of colitis.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that pellets based on CODES technology could be useful for colonic delivery of budesonide.     

泛昔洛韦缓释微丸的研制

以Eudragit RSPO和RLPO为缓释材料,采用流化床包衣技术制备了泛昔洛韦缓释微丸.采用单因素试验筛选了增塑剂种类及用量、抗黏剂粒度、Eudragit RSPO和RLPO的配比及老化时间.所得优化参数为两种包衣材料配比19∶1,增塑剂为10％聚乙二醇6000,抗黏剂为20％滑石粉(1250目),包衣增重25％,老化12h.所制缓释微丸在1.5 h(0.1 mol/L盐酸)、3h和8 h(pH 6.8磷酸盐缓冲液)的累积释放度分别为10％～30％、30％～70％和70％以上.药动学研究表明,本品与泛昔洛韦普通片相比具有明显的缓释特征.     

Design,optimization and evaluation of mesalamine matrix tablet for colon drug delivery system

The aim of the present investigation was to develop and evaluate matrix tablet of mesalamine for colonic delivery by using Eudragit RSPO, RLPO and combination of both. The tablets were further coated with different concentration of pH-dependent methacrylic acid copolymers (Eudragit S100), by dip immerse method. The physicochemical parameters of all the formulations were found to be in compliance with the pharmacopoeial standards. The in vitro drug release study was conducted using sequential dissolution technique at pH 1.2 (0.1N) HCl, phosphate buffers pH 6.8 and 7.4, with or without rat cecal content mimicking different regions of gastro intestinal tract. The result demonstrated that the tablet containing Eudragit RLPO coated with Eudragit S100 (1 %) showed a release of 94.91 % for 24 h whereas in the presence of rat cecal content the drug release increases to about 98.55 % for 24 h. The uncoated tablets released the drug within 6 h. The in vitro release of selected formulation was compared with marketed formulation (Octasa MR). In vitro dissolution kinetics followed the Higuchi model via non-Fickian diffusion controlled release mechanism. The stability studies of tablets showed less degradation during accelerated and room temperature storage conditions. The enteric coated Eudragit S100 coated matrix of mesalamine showing promising site specific drug delivery in the colon region.     

5-氟尿嘧啶结肠定位释药微丸的研制及释药特性

采用流化床喷雾包衣法,研制了2种5-氟尿嘧啶结肠定位释药微丸.以羟丙甲纤维素为溶胀层,乙基纤维素水分散体为控制层,制备时间依赖型包衣微丸;另以肠溶型丙烯酸树脂Eudragit S100为包衣材料,制备pH依赖型微丸.测定了2种微丸在模拟胃肠道各区段pH环境下的释放度.结果表明,时间依赖型包衣微丸体外持续、缓慢释放;pH依赖型包衣微丸在模拟胃和小肠中上部pH的介质中基本不释药,在模拟回盲部区段pH介质中脉冲释药,即后者在体外显示出较好的结肠定位释药特性.     

Development of enzyme-controlled colonic drug delivery using amylose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose: optimization by factorial design

The aim of the present study is to develop colon-targeted drug delivery systems for diclofenac sodium which release the drug specifically and instantly at target site using amylose as a carrier. Coating formulations were designed based on the full factorial design. The evaluated responses were lag time prior to drug release and T90. Compression-coated tablets of diclofenac sodium containing various proportions of amylose and HPMC were prepared. In vitro drug release studies were done by changing pH method with enzyme. In vivo studies were done to confirm the potential of formulation to release the drug at target site. The dissolution data revealed that the ratio of polymers is very important to achieve optimum formulation. Results showed that the tablet prepared according to the above formulation released drug instantly at pH 6.8 (simulating colonic pH). An in vivo study shows that optimized formulation disintegrated in the target region. The results of this study revealed that factorial design is a suitable tool for optimization of coating formulations to achieve colon delivery. It was shown that coating formulation consisting of amylose 285 mg and HPMC 150 mg coating has the potential for colonic delivery of diclofenac sodium irrespective of change in pH in a patient with IBD.