Delivery of Didanosine from Enteric-Coated, Sustained-Release Bioadhesive Formulation

The aim of our study is to assess the release characteristics, in vitro permeation, and stability of an enteric-coated, bioadhesive, sustained-release formulation of didanosine (ddI). Enteric-coated tablets of ddI, containing Polyox® WSRN-303 and Methocel K4M, were prepared using hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP 5.5). The enteric-coated formulation was resistant to dissolution in 0.1 N HCl solution but dissolved within 10 min (±2 min) in pH 7.4 phosphate buffered saline. The release profiles were linear with square root time. Stability studies indicate that the formulations were stable at 4°C, room temperature, and 40°C upon storage for 6 months. Polyox® WSRN-303 tablets exhibited a higher ddI permeation ratio across live intestinal tissue compared with conventional tablets. Enteric-coated, sustained-release, bioadhesive tablets deliver ddI in small doses and at the same time prevent acid-induced degradation and hence hold a potential to improve ddI's oral bioavailability.