BACKGROUND: Mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA) containing formulations represent a cornerstone in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. A novel formulation with an Eudragit L/S mixture coating has been developed to provide selective release of 5-ASA to the ileo-caecal region and the colon. AIM: To determine the release of 5-ASA during the gastrointestinal transit. METHODS: A single oral dose of mesalazine EC 500 mg gastroresistant tablets (Asamax) was administered to eight healthy male volunteers. Gastrointestinal transit and tablet disintegration were monitored by scintigraphy. 5-ASA release was verified by assessing plasma pharmacokinetics. RESULTS: Initial tablet disintegration was observed 5.65 +/- 0.86 h after dosing, corresponding to the detection of 5-ASA in plasma. This occurred in the ileo-caecal region in three subjects and the ascending colon in the remaining five. The relative percentage of 5-ASA absorption was more pronounced in the ascending colon (41 +/- 27.4%) than the ileo-caecal region (6.6 +/- 9.2%). CONCLUSION: This mesalazine EC gastroresistant tablets release locally active 5-ASA specifically in the ileo-caecal region and the ascending colon.
BACKGROUND:Mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA) containing formulations represent a cornerstone in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. A novel formulation with an Eudragit L/S mixture coating has been developed to provide selective release of 5-ASA to the ileo-caecal region and the colon. AIM: To determine the release of 5-ASA during the gastrointestinal transit. METHODS: A single oral dose of mesalazine EC 500 mg gastroresistant tablets (Asamax) was administered to eight healthy male volunteers. Gastrointestinal transit and tablet disintegration were monitored by scintigraphy. 5-ASA release was verified by assessing plasma pharmacokinetics. RESULTS: Initial tablet disintegration was observed 5.65 +/- 0.86 h after dosing, corresponding to the detection of 5-ASA in plasma. This occurred in the ileo-caecal region in three subjects and the ascending colon in the remaining five. The relative percentage of 5-ASA absorption was more pronounced in the ascending colon (41 +/- 27.4%) than the ileo-caecal region (6.6 +/- 9.2%). CONCLUSION: This mesalazine EC gastroresistant tablets release locally active 5-ASA specifically in the ileo-caecal region and the ascending colon.
Authors: Marina J M Maurer; Reinout C A Schellekens; Klaus D Wutzke; Gerard Dijkstra; Herman J Woerdenbag; Henderik W Frijlink; Jos G W Kosterink; Frans Stellaard Journal: Pharm Res Date: 2012-03-16 Impact factor: 4.200