Targeting drugs with controlled release characteristics to the colon is gaining importance for localized action as well as to improve the systemic availability of peptides and proteins.
The present manuscript aims to describe the various approaches and model studies for colon targeted drug delivery.
Drugs that have low absorption windows are targeted to the colonic regions using different novel technologies such as microparticulate systems, prodrugs, pH and time-dependent polymeric, effervescent and non-effervescent systems, etc. Along with this, this manuscript also describes the model study for colon targeting.
Colon targeted drug delivery system offers the potential therapeutic benefits to patients in terms of both local and systemic treatment. These drugs can be directly targeted to the colon, which helps in reducing the systemic side effects.
Keywords: colon targeting, drug targeting, drug delivery, model study, colon, microparticulate systems.