A convenient method for local drug administration at predefined sites in the entire gastrointestinal tract: experiences from 13 phase I studies.

For local administration of drugs or enzyme inhibitors in the human gut, a small-bore, smooth tube was introduced through the nose, retrieved from the pharynx, equipped with a firm radio-opaque capsule, and swallowed. Peristalsis moves the capsule to the desired location in the gut where it is anchored before administration via the tube. Drug uptake is followed by plasma sampling. One capsule type is used for solutions, another for solid formulations. With solutions, repeated administrations could be done with the capsule being anchored for 24h or longer or, alternatively, at several locations along the gut. This communication presents the method and an overview of 13 uptake and enzyme/transporter localization studies. Altogether, 268 intubations were undertaken in a total of 128 subjects. Plasma concentrations found with terbutaline and metoprolol are presented showing that terbutaline has its best uptake in the upper small intestine, whereas metoprolol shows the same bioavailability along the whole gut. Subjects could undertake most of their normal activities while carrying the equipment. No serious adverse events (AEs) occurred. Possibly intubation-related AEs were abdominal pain (n=8) and constipation (n=5). In conclusion, the method has been found to be safe, convenient and multifunctional for studies of drug uptake at predetermined gut locations in healthy subjects.