Novel formulation approaches for gastrointestinal targeting: characterization and animal model considerations

The oral route is considered the most common route of drug delivery because of patient acceptability, economical, convenience and there is no need for sterile equipment for manufacture. The main disadvantage associated with this route is that dosage forms are subjected to the variable physiological conditions (pH, fluid, transit, and erosive forces) within the GI tract that may affect performance. To clearly understand the in vivo environment to which these dosage forms are subjected, GI tract anatomy and physiology must be considered.