Recent developments in buccal and sublingual delivery systems

Abstract

The future potential of buccal and sublingual delivery systems looks favorable. It is envisaged that in the future, buccal and sublingual delivery technologies will provide a platform for the successful delivery of vaccines and antigens. It is also foreseen that physical means of enhancing drug uptake (e.g., sonophoresis, iontophoresis and electroporation) will be commercialized for buccal delivery, thereby expanding the current drug candidate list for this area. The formulation of delivery systems for photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy is a potential emerging area, while buccal and sublingual delivery, in general, is attractive for the development of intellectual property.

Overview of Oral Mucosal Delivery

“…There are many advantages and disadvantages associated with the oral cavity as a site for drug delivery. Overall, however, it remains a viable option as a route for drug administration and has been extensively studied for that purpose [1][2][3][4][5][6][7].In this chapter, the rationale behind companies pursuing the goal of developing oral mucosal drug delivery systems as well as the key considerations in the design and development of a drug delivery system intended for use in the oral cavity will be discussed. Finally, this chapter will briefly describe some of the formulation aspects of delivery systems that have been successfully developed to deliver drugs via this route.…”

Anatomy and Physiology of the Oral Mucosa

“…An alternative route of drug administration, which provides several distinct advantages relative to the oral route of drug administration, is by diffusion into and through oral mucosae located in the oral cavity. Specifically, two mucosae located in the oral cavity, namely the sublingual and buccal mucosa, have been the most widely studied [1,2]. Drug delivery through either mucosa presents several distinct advantages.…”

Buccal Transmucosal Delivery System of Enalapril for Improved Cardiac Drug Delivery: Preparation and Characterization

“…Out of these transmucosal buccal films have been reported to be more flexible, comfortable with relatively longer residence time (than that of oral gels) on the mucosa. These films also show more protectant effect on the local wound surface for oral diseases [21][22][23].…”