Clinical translation of advanced colonic drug delivery technologies

Targeted drug delivery to the colon offers a myriad of benefits, including treatment of local diseases, direct access to unique therapeutic targets and the potential for increasing systemic drug bioavailability and efficacy. Although a range of traditional colonic delivery technologies are available, these systems exhibit inconsistent drug release due to physiological variability between and within individuals, which may be further exacerbated by underlying disease states. In recent years, significant translational and commercial advances have been made with the introduction of new technologies that incorporate independent multi-stimuli release mechanisms (pH and/or microbiota-dependent release). Harnessing these advanced technologies offers new possibilities for drug delivery via the colon, including the delivery of biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, nutrients, and microbiome therapeutics for the treatment of both local and systemic diseases. This review details the latest advances in colonic drug delivery, with an emphasis on emerging therapeutic opportunities and clinical technology translation. CO 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

Targeted drug delivery to the colon offers numerous benefits, including treatment of local diseases and direct access to specific therapeutic targets. New technologies incorporating multi-stimuli release mechanisms have advanced colonic drug delivery and expanded possibilities for delivering biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, nutrients, and microbiome therapeutics for local and systemic diseases.