LOCALIZED CONTROLLED ABSORPTION OF STATINS IN THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT FOR ACHIEVING HIGH BLOOD LEVELS OF STATINS

The present invention relates to a localized controlled absorption formulation of a statin in which rapid release of the active ingredient preferentially occurs in the lower gastrointestinal tract including the colon. The formulation provides significantly higher blood level concentration and bioavailability of the active ingredient in the body of a subject as compared to the bioavailability achieved from the currently available conventional formulations The blood levels are maintained for a significantly longer period of time as compared with currently available conventional formulations. The formulation preferably includes a core, over which an outer coating is layered. The core preferably includes a burst controlling agent and optionally a disintegrant. The outer coating includes a water insoluble polymer and at least one water permeable agent allowing entry of water into said core, the water permeable agent comprising hydrophilic particulate matter. The core is preferably in the form of a tablet.