title: Mucoadhesive therapeutic compositions: a patent review (2011-2014).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  With the introduction of mucoadhesion in 1980, pharmaceutical researchers have gained interest in mucoadhesive compositions. This interest has led to the development of mucoadhesive drug delivery systems aiming (I) to target a specific tissue, (II) to overcome barriers to absorption as well as (III) to control drug release of the therapeutic compositions.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this review, the term mucoadhesion and a variety of targetable mucosa are described through review of the literature. Mucoadhesive drug delivery systems and mucoadhesive polymers, such as thiomers, which are reported within the patent literature or in related publications are described in detail, including their therapeutic uses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mucoadhesion is associated with benefits such as controlled, sustained release, prolonged residence time at the site of action, the ability to target specific mucosae and ease of application which leads to higher rates of patient compliance. Although many research groups are investigating in this domain, not many drug delivery systems based on mucoadhesive polymers have got from bench to market. The most promising and advanced applications seen in patent literature within the last five years seems to be for oral application.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Pharmaceutical Technology , Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria.
authors.forename: Flavia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Laffleur
mesh_terms: D000268:Adhesiveness; D000818:Animals; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D055118:Medication Adherence; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D010330:Patents as Topic; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D011108:Polymers
keywords: Mucoadhesion; mucosa; patents; polymers; thiomers