Microcapsules for the delayed, controlled release of perindopril

Microcapsules for the delayed and controlled release of perindopril or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for oral administration are described. The microcapsules are: (a) composed of microparticles of perindopril or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof each covered by at least one coating film, that coating film being formed from a composite material comprising (i) at least one hydrophilic polymer A carrying groups ionised at neutral pH, and (ii) at least one hydrophobic compound B, and representing a mass fraction (% by weight in relation to the total mass of the microcapsules) less than or equal to 40; and (b) have a diameter of less than 1200 microns. The hydrophilic polymer A is selected from cellulose compounds, copolymers of methacrylic acid and a methacrylic acid ester, copolymers of methacrylic acid and an acrylic acid ester. Compound B is selected from vegetable waxes, hydrogenated vegetable oils, hydrogenated triglycerides and mixtures thereof. Use of the microcapsules for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions preferably in the form of tablets, powders or gelatine capsules is described to be for the treatment of arterial hypertension and heart failure.