title: Cutting-edge technologies in colon-targeted drug delivery systems.
abstract: Oral colon-targeted drug delivery systems have gained enormous attention among researchers in the last two decades. The significance of this site-specific drug delivery system can be measured by its usefulness for delivering a variety of therapeutic agents, both for the treatment of local diseases or for systemic therapies. With the arrival of newer innovations, a large number of breakthrough technologies have emerged for targeting a drug molecule to the colon. Researchers have attempted various approaches in the development of these formulation technologies, such as pH-dependent, time-dependent and microflora-activated systems. Recently, a number of approaches have been proposed that utilize a novel concept of di-dependent drug delivery systems, that is, the systems in which the drug release is controlled by two factors: pH and time, and pH and microflora of the colon. This Editorial article is not intended to offer a comprehensive review on drug delivery, but shall familiarize the readers with the formulation technologies that have been developed for attaining colon-specific drug delivery.
authors.forename: Mayur M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Patel
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005104:Expert Testimony; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents