Abstract

DEVELOPMENT AND IN VITRO CHARACTERIZATION OF GASTROINTESTINAL BEADS OF ACYCLOVIR USING FOAM TECHNOLOGY

Ashok*, Saloni Bhatti, Mona Piplani and Pankaj Bhateja

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Abstract

This study focuses on the development and in-vitro characterization of acyclovir-loaded gastrointestinal beads using foam technology to improve the drug's bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Acyclovir, an antiviral drug with limited oral bioavailability, was formulated into gastro retentive beads to enhance its gastric residence time and drug release profile. Foam technology, involving the incorporation of a foaming agent into the bead matrix, was utilized to achieve buoyancy and controlled drug release. The study involved the optimization of formulation parameters, evaluation of drug release profiles under simulated gastric conditions, and assessment of the stability of the beads. The results demonstrated that the foam-based gastroretentive beads significantly improved the pharmacokinetic profile of acyclovir, offering potential benefits in terms of reduced dosing frequency and enhanced patient compliance.

Keywords: Acyclovir, Gastrointestinal beads, Foam technology, Drug release kinetics, Drug delivery system.